Hit Play Not Pause
Health, Fitness & Longevity
About
Perimenopause and menopause hit active women differently. We have a different lifestyle and different goals. And we know our bodies. Whether you run and hike or do CrossFit and ski (or a little of everything!), you’ve had a way of eating and exercising that worked…until the menopause transition, when it all goes out the window as body composition changes, fatigue, body aches, sleepless nights, hot flashes, brain fog, mood swings, and low mojo blindside you out of the blue—despite doing everything right. Your doctor may (or may not) help with hormone replacement therapy. But what about all the active stuff you love? You’re already exercising and eating well. What you want is to feel and perform like you used to. That doesn’t mean fasting, swearing off carbs for life, or just slowing down. It means adjusting your nutrition, training, recovery, and mindset to work with your changing physiology as you hit this phase of life. And we’re here for it. At Hit Play Not Pause, we know the potential of women in their 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond, because we talk to elite athletes and everyday active women who are still hitting personal bests along with world-renowned sports dietitians, researchers, medical and menopause specialists to help you understand what’s happening under the hood during the menopause transition and more importantly, what you can do about it—from hormone therapy to heavy lifting and everything in between—to feel and perform your best. Host Selene Yeager is a health and science journalist with 30 years’ experience and more than two dozen books to her name. She also lives an active life as a former Ironman triathlete and professional mountain bike racer who still rides, runs, paddles, hikes, lifts, and through her work at Feisty Menopause helps others do the same.
Episodes
- Hormone Therapy Real Talk: Testing, Trial and Error & Finding Your Way with Dr. Heather Hirsch (Episode 273)
In this episode, Dr. Heather Hirsch joins to discuss hormone therapy during the menopause transition. The conversation covers the pros and cons of hormone testing, dosing nuances, progesterone intolerance, breakthrough bleeding, and recept…
- Perimenopause, Powerlifting, and Angels with Jenny Smith (Episode 272)
On this episode of Hit Play Not Pause, Jenny Smith shares her experiences with perimenopause, powerlifting, and Angelic Reiki. She discusses the unexpected challenges she faced and the solutions that helped her navigate this phase of life.
- The Hardest Finish Line: Grieving and Growing Beyond Your Running Years with Dimity McDowell (Episode 271)
Dimity McDowell, co-founder of Another Mother Runner and author, joins the podcast to discuss the emotional impact for women in midlife and menopause who are no longer able to run. She shares insights on processing the loss and finding new…
- Body Breaking Down in Midlife? A Performance PT Explains How to Build It Back Up with Casey Francis, DPT (Episode 270)
This episode features Casey Francis, DPT, a performance physical therapist who specializes in helping active women in perimenopause and menopause. She discusses how to address new injuries, recurring pain, and changes in workout effectiven…
- BONUS: Another Mother Runner - Menopause + Active Women with Selene Yeager
Selene Yeager, host of Hit Play Not Pause, joins Another Mother Runner to discuss menopause and active women. The episode covers topics such as hormone therapy, dietary strategies for menopausal symptoms, strength training, and managing ni…
- Harden the F Up No More: Bioharmony for Midlife Athletes with Dr. Tamsin Lewis (Episode 269)
Former Ironman champion and lifestyle medicine practitioner Dr. Tamsin Lewis joins the show to discuss bioharmony. She explains how it offers a compassionate, context-driven alternative to rigid biohacking for midlife and menopausal athlet…
- The Core Truth: Incontinence, Intimacy, Pain, and Performance: Healing from the Inside Out with Leah Keller (Episode 268)
Leah Keller discusses deep core dysfunction and its effects on incontinence, intimacy, pain, and athletic performance. She explains how healing the core can resolve these issues.
- Running into Your Best Midlife with Anna Troup (Episode 267)
Anna Troup, a 56-year-old ultrarunner, discusses her achievements in the sport, including winning the 268-mile Montane Summer Spine race. She shares insights into her training, racing, and recovery, as well as her experiences with menopaus…
- Perimenopause and the New Midlife Playbook with Dr. Alyssa Dweck (Episode 266)
Dr. Alyssa Dweck returns to discuss perimenopause care, the state of hormone therapy, and new non-hormonal drugs. The episode explores how perimenopause is variable and what hot flashes may reveal about heart health.
- When Perimenopause Gets Personal: Training Through the Chaos with Shawna Norton (Episode 265)
Shawna Norton, a kinesiology specialist, strength coach, and nutrition coach, shares her personal experience with perimenopause. She discusses rapid weight gain, joint pain, and brain fog, as well as topics such as cortisol, stress resilie…
- Understanding Midlife Weight Gain, Menopause, and GLP-1s with Diana Reid, MPH, RDN (Episode 264)
This episode features dietitian Diana Reid discussing midlife weight gain, menopause, and GLP-1s. The conversation covers body composition changes, health implications, and various approaches to women's health during midlife.
- Stop Spinning Your Wheels: Fueling for Real Midlife Gains with Meghann Featherstun, MS, RD, CSSD (Episode 263)
Meghann Featherstun, a sports dietitian and endurance athlete, joins the podcast to discuss sports nutrition for midlife female endurance athletes. She addresses common fueling challenges such as iron status, energy availability, carbohydr…
- The Menopause Sleep Syndrome: Why You’re Up at 3 a.m.—and What Helps with Andrea Matsumura, MD, MS, FACP, FAASM (Episode 262)
This episode of Hit Play Not Pause features Dr. Andrea Matsumura, a sleep medicine physician and menopause expert. She discusses common midlife sleep problems experienced by women, including the impact of menopause, and introduces her DREA…
- Why So Many Midlife Women Stop Wanting Sex—and What Helps with Cindy Scharkey, RN, BSN, PHN (Episode 261)
This episode of Hit Play Not Pause features registered nurse Cindy Scharkey, who discusses midlife women, libido, and sex. She explains why many women stop wanting sex in midlife and the factors that contribute to this change.
- Hard Conversations in the Menopause Transition: Hormones, Testing, GLP-1s & What’s “Ideal” Now with Carla DiGirolamo, MD, PhD (Episode 260)
Dr. Carla DiGirolamo shares her personal menopause journey and discusses hormone therapy, GLP-1 medications, testosterone, and hormone testing. She offers insights shaped by her work with active midlife women, focusing on strategies that a…
- The Science of Your Nervous System and How to Respond to Stress, Trauma, and the State of the World
This episode of Hit Play Not Pause features experts discussing the science and psychology of stress and collective trauma. They explore how these experiences shape mental health and performance and offer ways to respond to stress and traum…
- Why Rest Feels Hard: Midlife Training, Anxiety & Identity with Erin Ayala, PhD, LP, CMPC (Episode 259)
This episode features Dr. Erin Ayala, a sports psychologist, who discusses the complexities of exercise and why rest can be difficult, especially for midlife women involved in endurance sports. The conversation covers the overlap of exerci…
- What the Largest Menopause Fitness Survey Reveals About Hormones, Calories, and Fat Loss with Bill Campbell, PhD (Episode 258)
Dr. Bill Campbell shares early findings from a menopause fitness survey. The discussion includes insights on calorie and protein intake, hormone therapy, and weight-loss resistance during peri- and postmenopause.
- Building Your Personalized Peri/Menopause Plan with Sarah Gray (Episode 257)
This episode of Hit Play Not Pause features Sarah Gray, a pharmacist and nutritionist, who specializes in personalized perimenopause and menopause plans. She advocates for incremental and sustainable changes tailored to individual needs an…
- Carbohydrates: The Key to Midlife Health & Performance with Kristen Arnold, MS, RDN, CSSD (Episode 256)
This episode features sports dietitian Kristen Arnold, who dispels misconceptions about carbohydrates and discusses their benefits for midlife health and athletic performance. The discussion includes carbohydrate timing, types, blood sugar…
- Building Strength & Pushing Limits after 40 with Steph Gaudreau (Replay)
This episode features Steph Gaudreau, a trainer and nutrition coach, who shares insights on building strength and pushing limits, particularly for women over 40. She emphasizes the importance of strength training for better energy, perform…
- Hormones & Heavy Lifts: The Menopause Blueprint with Holly Rilinger (Replay)
This episode features Holly Rilinger, Nike Master Trainer and midlife fitness advocate, discussing her LIFTED Method. She shares her personal journey through perimenopause and how her training plan and hormone therapy regimen helped her re…
- Why Now is the Time to Go Big with Paula Ralph (Episode 255)
Ultracyclist Paula Ralph shares her experience undertaking a 12,290 km cycling journey across 17 countries in 126 days. She discusses overcoming challenges and the importance of pursuing goals, even if they evolve from the original plan.
- Is It Burnout or Perimenopause? How to Tell (and What to Do About It) with Erin Ayala, PhD (Episode 254)
This episode features Dr. Erin Ayala, who discusses athletic burnout in midlife women. She explains how to differentiate it from perimenopause and offers practical advice for managing these challenges.
- Muscle, Hormones & the Menopause Transition with Carla DiGirolamo, MD, PhD (Episode 253)
This episode discusses muscle, hormones, and the menopause transition with Dr. Carla DiGirolamo. It covers the multifactorial causes of muscle and strength loss during menopause, including hormonal changes, inflammation, and aging. The con…
- The Bone-Building Blueprint with Lisa Moore, DPT (Episode 252)
Dr. Lisa Moore discusses her bone-building blueprint. She aims to help women improve bone density, especially those in menopause or with osteopenia.
- Rethinking the Rules: Peak Performance in a Menopausal Body with Becky Croft (Episode 251)
This episode features coach Becky Croft discussing peak performance for athletes during the menopause transition. She covers topics such as hormones, nutrition, hydration, strength, and load management, along with strategies for periodizat…
- Active Release Techniques, Massage & Musculoskeletal Health in Menopause with Jan Wanklyn, LMT (Episode 250)
Jan Wanklyn, LMT, discusses how menopause affects the musculoskeletal system, leading to more frequent injuries and slower recovery. She explains how soft tissue therapies like Active Release Techniques and specific exercise strategies can…
- Smart Glucose Management for Active Midlife Women with Liz McKinney, CNS, LDN (Episode 249)
This episode of Hit Play Not Pause features Liz McKinney, CNS, LDN, discussing smart glucose management for active midlife women. The conversation covers the impact of stress, sleep, and meal timing on blood sugar, as well as strategies fo…
- Precision Menopause Care: The Right Hormones for the Right Goals with Lauren Streicher, MD (Episode 248)
In this episode of Hit Play Not Pause, Dr. Lauren Streicher provides an overview of hormone therapy. She discusses current research, the importance of personalized care, and considerations for perimenopause and postmenopause.
- The Secrets to Going Further Than You Think You Can with Serena Bishop Gordon (Episode 247)
In this episode, professional off-road cyclist and coach Serena Bishop Gordon shares insights on how she has redefined her physical, mental, and emotional limits. She discusses mental shifts that improved her performance, how underfueling…
- Get in the Ring with Perimenopause with Jessica D’Abrosca (Episode 246)
Jessica D’Abrosca, an amateur boxer and fitness professional, discusses her personal journey through perimenopause. She shares how she adapted her training, diet, and lifestyle to manage symptoms and continue her involvement in sports, inc…
- Make Stress Your Superpower in Midlife and Menopause with Sharon Horesh Bergquist, MD (Episode 245)
This episode of Hit Play Not Pause features Dr. Sharon Horesh Bergquist, who explains how stress can be leveraged as a tool for resilience and strength in midlife and menopause. She discusses the concept of hormesis, where controlled expos…
- What Millennials Need to Know About Menopause with Lauren Tetenbaum, LCSW (Episode 244)
This episode of Hit Play Not Pause features Lauren Tetenbaum, LCSW, discussing what millennials need to know about menopause. The conversation covers the unique challenges faced by this generation, including poor care, confusion about horm…
- No Ego, All Engine: The Midlife Advantage in Multi-Day Racing with Kim Beckinsale & Alina McMaster (Episode 243)
In this episode, Kim Beckinsale and Alina McMaster discuss their experiences in multi-day racing. They talk about the advantages of all-female teams, how their training has adapted with age, and managing the effects of menopause during rac…
- The Overlooked Epidemic: Fibroids in Women’s Health with Taraneh Shirazian, MD (Episode 242)
This episode of Hit Play Not Pause features Dr. Taraneh Shirazian, who discusses fibroids in women’s health. Topics include common symptoms, how fibroids intersect with perimenopause, menopause, and hormone therapy, and available treatment…
- Psychedelics 101 for Menopause: Myths, Mechanisms, Must-Knows Grace Blest-Hopley, PhD (Episode 241)
This episode discusses psychedelics and menopause with neuroscientist Dr. Grace Blest-Hopley. It covers the connection between cannabinoids, psychedelics, trauma, and menopause, including the mechanisms of CBD/THC and psilocybin, and consi…
- Breaking the Skinny Spell: Body Image, Building Muscle, and Midlife Resilience with Anne Marie Chaker (Episode 240)
Anne Marie Chaker, a veteran journalist and professional bodybuilder, discusses her journey with body image, building muscle, and finding resilience in midlife. She shares how she overcame societal pressures and embraced strength training,…
- You're Never Too Old to Be Young Again: Chasing 100 Miles at Age 65 with Diane Grim (Episode 239)
Diane Grim, at 65, competed in the Western States 100, her first 100-miler, after beginning trail running in her 50s. She shares her experiences, including training during menopause and her approach to endurance running.
- Own Your Mountain: Menopause, Resilience & Summiting Mount Everest with Jeannette McGill (Episode 238)
Jeannette McGill, at 52, successfully summited Mount Everest after navigating numerous personal and physical challenges, including menopause symptoms. She shares her journey of resilience, persistence, and the importance of community suppo…
- Why the Calories In/Calories Out Equation Can Fail Women with Jody Dushay, MD (Episode 237)
This episode of Hit Play Not Pause features endocrinologist Dr. Jody Dushay, who explains why the "calories in, calories out" concept for weight management is often insufficient, particularly for women experiencing menopause. The discussio…
- Why Hybrid Training Rules for Peri & Menopausal Women with Alyssa Olenick, PhD (Replay)
This episode features exercise physiologist Dr. Alyssa Olenick discussing hybrid training for peri- and menopausal women. She explains how hormones impact muscles, metabolism, and physiology, and how hybrid training can support strength an…
- Menopause and Fat Loss with Bill Campbell, PhD (Replay)
Dr. Bill Campbell, a fat loss researcher, shares his insights on menopause and its impact on body composition. He discusses his research into how menopause affects active women and his work on a Female Fitness Menopause Survey.
- It's Tour de France Femmes Time!
This episode of The Feist, shared on Hit Play Not Pause, provides a preview of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift. Kate Veronneau discusses the event's growth and potential winners.
- Outrunning Assumptions: How to Get Faster in Midlife and Menopause with Jen Temperley (Episode 236)
Jen Temperley, a lifelong triathlete and coach, shares her experience challenging assumptions about aging and performance. She discusses how she optimized her health and training to compete faster in her 50s, despite facing midlife challen…
- Mistakes, Menopause, & Second Winds with Marion Jones (Episode 235)
Marion Jones, former Olympic champion, discusses her past, moving forward from mistakes, and her experiences with perimenopause. She also shares her journey into triathlon as she approaches her 50th birthday.
- Brave Enough to Be Real: Honest Talk About Menopause, Midlife, and Athletics with Christine D'Ercole (Episode 234)
Christine D’Ercole, a Peloton Instructor, discusses managing a high-profile athletic career during perimenopause. She shares her experiences with pelvic floor dysfunction and introduces her new Sprint Interval Training (SIT) Collection at…
- Running, Resilience, and Reinvention with Dena Lewis (Episode 233)
Dena Lewis, a lifelong runner and breast cancer survivor, shares her menopause and health journey. She also discusses her experiences with assaults while running, which led her to create Running Mate, a safety-focused app for runners.
- Welcome to The Feist - Your Favorite Sports with Your Feistiest Friends
The Feist is a new podcast hosted by Sara Gross and Kelly O’Mara, focusing on women's sports, athlete stories, and expert interviews. This episode covers the future of women's sports with guests Scott Lake, Hilary Stellingwerff, and Krista…
- Pelvic Floor Facts Every Active Menopausal Woman Should Know with Ingrid Harm-Ernandes, PT (Episode 232)
This episode of Hit Play Not Pause features Ingrid Harm-Ernandes, PT, discussing pelvic floor health. She addresses common dysfunctions in active menopausal women and emphasizes that these issues are not simply a part of normal aging.