Welcome to Midlife Mavens, the podcast where we celebrate and explore the rich tapestry of life for women in midlife—those in their 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond. Tune in for candid conversations about sex, love, relationships, and the unique challenges that come with this transformative stage of life, including perimenopause and menopause. At Midlife Mavens, we strive to create a welcoming space for women and their loved ones. Each episode brings inspiring stories and practical advice to help you navigate your journey with confidence and joy. Join us as we help listeners feel validated, uplifted, and empowered. Expect to hear from experts and relatable guests who share invaluable insights and experiences that will inspire you to thrive in midlife.
Season 2: Episode 10: Pink Zones-Creating Conditions for Women to Thrive in Midlife
Midlife Mavens hosts Marci Burroughs and Carol O’Saben interview Heidi Lescanec, a naturopathic physician in Vancouver, about her “Pink Zones” concept, inspired by Blue Zones but focused on where women live the fullest and why. Heidi defines Pink Zones as supportive environments—places, communities, or self-created conditions—where women thrive because external conditions support wellbeing, not because they optimize harder. Drawing on clinical experience with midlife women, she outlines seven pillars: cultural self-worth, systemic support, nervous system regulation, rooted nourishment (including how we eat), community and connection, ritual and meaning, and creative vitality. She offers practical ideas such as standing social commitments, bookend rituals (morning writing and evening dry skin brushing), and slowing meals, with adaptations for busy schedules. She also challenges myths that midlife is only decline or invisibility, emphasizing agency, boundaries, and growing power.
5 May 2026
Season 2: Episode 9: Candid Conversations: Navigating Women’s Health in Midlife
Midlife Mavens hosts Marci Burroughs and Carol O’Saben interview women’s health nurse practitioner Mary Katherine Roberts (MK) about overlooked midlife gynecologic issues, especially pelvic floor dysfunction after childbirth and also after hysterectomy, including cystocele and rectocele. They discuss common symptoms, practical strategies and options such as pessaries and urogynecology referral for specialized repair. They note many patients aren’t counseled on prolapse risks or post-surgical recovery limits. MK also covers hormone replacement therapy, emphasizing individualized approaches, testosterone decline starting in the late 20s, libido’s multifactorial nature (including SSRI effects), and the role of estrogen/testosterone in bone health and osteopenia, disputing that HRT is always off-limits years after menopause. The episode encourages women to speak up, seek informed providers, and not suffer in silence.
21 Apr 2026
Season 2: Episode 8: Finance and Freedom: Navigating Midlife Money Matters
On the Midlife Mavens podcast, psychologists Marci Burroughs and Carol O’Saben interview financial planner Mary Huntley of Cambium Wealth Partners about why money is a top source of conflict for couples and a major stressor for single midlife women, largely because finances are both emotional and “simple math.” Mary explains a values-based financial planning process that turns hopes and fears into concrete numbers—using a “fulfillment generator,” retirement spending assumptions, and probability projections—to help women move from saving to spending with confidence and make clearer decisions about relationships, divorce, and caregiving. They share practical guidance on finding a CFP, interviewing advisors, common fee models, and affordable options like hourly planning or financial coaching. Key midlife tips include spending less than you earn, being mindful about eating out and health-related choices, reframing travel goals to fit budgets, and addressing guilt, scarcity, and legacy planning when women have accumulated significant wealth.
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