The Bedtime Edit

About The Bedtime Edit

What's keeping you up at night? Certified Sleep Consultant and Stress Management Educator Alanna McGinn is here to help! As a mom of three teenagers navigating her own messy mid-life, she knows firsthand that a good night's sleep is a fundamental piece of the puzzle. Midlife can bring on major life transitions like career shifts, relationship changes, and don't get us started on menopause. What if you suddenly became a full-time caregiver to a parent? What if you found yourself single after a twenty year marriage? What if you're forced to reinvent yourself because you lost a job, a loved one, or an investment? Any midlife event CAN disrupt your sleep. But, it doesn't have to be a time of crisis. Let's think of midlife as a time of self-discovery, growth, and empowerment all while striving towards better sleep. This podcast will cover all and any topics that keep you up at night. Let this be your midlife safe space; we'll share personal stories, speak to experts, and reroute this rollercoaster together. Let's develop a better understanding of our emotional, physical, spiritual, and mental health needs. Through these conversations and teachable moments, we can rewrite our midlife stories and give our sleep a full edit. It's never too late to hit backspace on the bad habits, and command a more peaceful midlife chapter. Don't sleep on this podcast! Find new episodes of The Bedtime Edit every other Monday. Follow and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts. About the Host: Alanna McGinn is the creator of the Messy Middle Sleep Solution Program, and a media Sleep Expert with the following qualifications: Certified Sleep Consultant by Family Sleep Institute Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Insomnia Certification, CCCLS Good Night Sleeper Educator Faculty Member of the Family Sleep Institute Parent Prep Educator Through her years of training, education, and experience she’s passionate about helping women struggling with midlife demands like raising teens, caring for aging parents, managing careers, and navigating perimenopause - all of which she too is navigating. She’s been there too, her messy middle involves a divorce and starting over as a single mom at 45 years old. Like so many, her sleep and well-being took a hit and she is committed to making changes to better her sleep and stress. https://alannamcginn.com/

Publisher

Alanna McGinn

Category

education · health & fitness · kids & family

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

9 Jan 2025

Latest episode

25 Aug 2025

Latest episodes

15 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   25 Aug 2025

   Gina Livy: The Livy Method and Midlife Weight Loss

   Host Alanna McGinn and guest Gina Livy discuss the challenges faced by midlife women, particularly around weight loss and menopause. They explore the creation of The Livy Method, a weight loss program designed to empower women through community support and realistic lifestyle changes. Gina shares her personal journey which lead to her curiosity surrounding weight loss while discussing the significance of community, and the hope that her program offers to those navigating similar struggles. More About Gina Livy: Gina Livy, founder and CEO of The Livy Method, is a best-selling author and keynote speaker who is transforming the way the world approaches weight loss. With her fun, honest, and engaging style, Gina has redefined weight loss as a healthy, sustainable journey—one that has restored hope among those who had given up, and empowers people to live their best lives. Over her 30-year career, Gina has helped more than 147,000 people not just lose weight but completely transform their relationship with food and their bodies. Her impact spans 55+ countries, a vibrant and growing community, and over 6.4 million podcast downloads. Discover why Gina’s unique method is resonating across the globe at https://livymethod.com/ Join the Fall Weight Loss Program: https://livymethod.com/products/weight-loss-program-fall-2025 Connect with Alanna: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.thebedtimeedit.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thebedtimeedit/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://alannamcginn.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://goodnightsleepsite.com/⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2. 

   23 Jun 2025

   Dr. Deena Kara Shaffer's Guide for For First Year Students (and Parents)

   Host Alanna McGinn interviews learning strategist Dr. Deena Kara Shaffer about the academic and emotional challenges first-year students face, providing strategies for time management, studying, and parental support during the transition to university.

3. 

   9 Jun 2025

   Kyle Buchanan: Unlocking the Secrets of Gut Health

   Nutritional practitioner Kyle Buchanan joins host Alanna McGinn in an interview to explore the impact of lifestyle factors on gut health, offering practical tips for improved digestion and overall well-being.

4. 

   26 May 2025

   Don't Lose Sleep Over Your Finances with Daniela Degasperis & Erica Ehm

   Host Alanna McGinn interviews Daniela Degasperis, CEO of DDM Group, and Erica Ehm, Director of Culture and Communication at DDM, about financial literacy and wealth management for women in midlife, emphasizing open communication and proactive planning.

5. 

   12 May 2025

   Menopause Expert Dr. Jennifer Zelovitzky

   Host Alanna McGinn welcomes Dr. Jennifer Zelovitzky to delve into the complexities of menopause and how it impacts sleep for women during this stage of life. They discuss the various stages of menopause, common symptoms, and the emotional changes women experience during this transition. They also discuss hormone replacement therapy (HRT), the importance of communication in relationships, cognitive changes such as brain fog, shifts in life priorities, changes in libido, and the significance of creating a comfortable sleep environment. They also highlight practical strategies for navigating these changes together. More About Dr. Jennifer Zelovitzky: Dr. Jennifer Zelovitzky is a certified Menopause Specialist and the Clinical Director of Women’s Health at Medcan Toronto.  She is the host and co-producer of Medsplaining, a podcast and social media platform designed to help women better understand their bodies and advocate for their needs in the Canadian Healthcare system.  She is also the mom of 2 amazing daughters and 3 fur babies. Dr. Jennifer Zelovitzky's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/medsplaining/ Resources: Study Mentioned: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10487384/ More about Dr. Mary Claire Haver and her work: https://thepauselife.com/ https://thepauselife.com/pages/the-new-menopause-book Connect with Alanna below: ⁠⁠https://www.thebedtimeedit.com/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thebedtimeedit/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://alannamcginn.com/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://goodnightsleepsite.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

6. 

   28 Apr 2025

   Happiness Expert Kathie Donovan: Letting Go of Control

   Host Alanna McGinn invites happiness expert Kathie Donovan to help her audience explore the concept of sustainable happiness, particularly for women in midlife. They discuss the importance of embracing all emotions, the role of control and fear in women's lives, and the significance of personal growth through challenges. They also discuss boundaries, gratitude, the role of social media in shaping self-perception, and the acceptance of imperfection in finding happiness. Kathie also provides practical strategies for letting go of control and asking for help including mindfulness and breathing techniques. More About Kathie Donovan: Happiness expert Kathie Donovan is a celebrated author, speaker, coach and broadcaster. She is the former co-host and co-producer of CTV Ottawa’s Regional Contact. She is the author of two self-published books:  Inspiration in Action: A Woman’s Guide to Happiness and Unconform: Harnessing the Radical Power of Courage. She is also an ambassador for The Wellings and a petite model for Shepherd’s Fashions in Ottawa. Kathie’s work is a call to action to unlearn what we think we know to be true, to stretch what’s possible, so that we can see our true potential and live a beautiful life of our own design. Website: www.kathiedonovan.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/kathie_donovan Facebook: www.facebook.com/kathie.donovan Resources: My Stroke of Insight: A Brain Scientist's Personal Journey https://g.co/kgs/uHRXKg3 Find out more about Alanna's Teen Sleep Program: ⁠https://goodnightsleepsite.com/programs/kid-to-teen-sleep-program/ ⁠ Connect with Alanna below: ⁠https://www.thebedtimeedit.com/⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thebedtimeedit/⁠ ⁠https://alannamcginn.com/⁠ ⁠https://goodnightsleepsite.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

7. 

   14 Apr 2025

   Sleep Tips for Teens

   Host and sleep expert Alanna McGinn discusses how critical sleep is for our teenagers, explaining the biological factors that affect their sleep patterns, the impact of screen time, and the importance of establishing a calming bedtime routine. She reviews the pros and cons of potential changes to school start times to later in the day concluding it’s a positive idea. She reminds parents to recognize their role in their child's sleep health and to implement strategies that promote better sleep hygiene. Takeaways: Teens need 8 to 10 hours of sleep per night. Melatonin is a sleep regulator, not a sleep initiator. Napping can be beneficial for teens if managed properly. A calming bedtime routine is essential for better sleep. Screen time before bed can disrupt sleep patterns. Keeping devices out of the bedroom promotes better sleep. Creating a shared journal can enhance communication about sleep concerns. Find out more about Alanna's Teen Sleep Program: https://goodnightsleepsite.com/programs/kid-to-teen-sleep-program/ Find out more about Alanna's free course mentioned in this episode: https://goodnightsleepsite.thrivecart.com/stop-3am-wakings-course/ Connect with Alanna below: https://www.thebedtimeedit.com/ https://www.instagram.com/thebedtimeedit/ https://alannamcginn.com/ https://goodnightsleepsite.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

8. 

   31 Mar 2025

   The Bedtime Edit x Not That Mom LIVE on International Women's Day

   Alanna McGinn and fellow Women in Media Network host Pina Crispo go live in celebration of International Women's Day! Pina discusses the origin of her podcast and her new unfiltered approach. Alanna shares her journey as a sleep coach and the focus of her podcast. Both hosts open up about their personal experiences with divorce, co-parenting, and finding new relationships. They emphasized the importance of self-care, support from loved ones, and the challenges of balancing personal and professional lives post-divorce. They end their conversation with some love for the women in their lives with appreciation for family, friends, and colleagues. Connect with Alanna below: https://www.thebedtimeedit.com/ https://www.instagram.com/thebedtimeedit/ https://alannamcginn.com/ https://goodnightsleepsite.com/ Find out more about Alanna's Teen Sleep Program: https://goodnightsleepsite.com/programs/kid-to-teen-sleep-program/ Connect With Pina: https://www.womeninmedia.network/show/not-that-mom/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

9. 

   17 Mar 2025

   Caroline Barrett: Sleep & Sobriety

   Host Alanna McGinn and recovery coach Caroline Barrett discuss the complex relationship between midlife, sleep, alcohol consumption, and recovery. They explore how alcohol affects women differently as they age and delve into the growing Sober Curious' trend. Caroline shares her personal journey with alcohol, the importance of seeking support, and practical steps for women looking to change their relationship with drinking. Connect with Caroline Barrett: https://www.soberme.ca/ https://www.instagram.com/soberme.ca/ https://www.youtube.com/@soberme11 Connect with Alanna below: https://www.thebedtimeedit.com/ https://www.instagram.com/thebedtimeedit/ https://alannamcginn.com/ https://goodnightsleepsite.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

10. 

    3 Mar 2025

    Daylight Savings: Tips, Tricks & the Time Change Debate

    Host Alanna McGinn discusses the upcoming daylight saving time change, its impact on sleep, and the ongoing debate about whether to keep the time change permanent. She dives into the science that would benefit us, or have a negative effect on us. She offers practical tips for adjusting to the time change, especially for children. She also highlights some things we should be doing to improve our sleep when we’re moving into any new season. She emphasizes how maintaining consistent sleep patterns, sticking to natural solar cycles, and exploring the benefits of connecting with nature can also improve our quality of sleep. Takeaways The spring time change is often harder to adjust to. Studies show increased health risks after the time change. Permanent standard time may be better for health. Gradual adjustment can help kids adapt to time changes. Nature can positively impact sleep patterns. Regularly auditing sleep health is beneficial, especially when the seasons change. Consistent sleep routines help maintain good sleep quality. Connect with Alanna below: https://www.thebedtimeedit.com/ https://www.instagram.com/thebedtimeedit/ https://alannamcginn.com/ https://goodnightsleepsite.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

11. 

    17 Feb 2025

    Divorce & Sleep with Family Mediators Amanda Silver and Alex Howard

    In this episode of the Bedtime Edit podcast, host Alanna McGinn discusses the emotional and practical aspects of divorce with professional family mediators and fellow podcasters, Amanda Silver and Alex Howard. They explore the statistics surrounding divorce, the emotional journey individuals face, and the importance of mediation versus litigation. The conversation also highlights the financial pitfalls women may encounter post-divorce and emphasizes the need for financial education and support during this challenging time. Alanna and her guests discuss the journey of self-discovery and emotional healing that follows a divorce exploring the importance of finding joy and even new hobbies. More about Amanda Silver and Alex Howard: Professional Family Mediators, hosts Amanda Silver and Alex Howard are cutting through the bull and sharing what they have learned along the way. Listen to the Dirty Laundry Podcast: https://dirtylaundry.buzzsprout.com/2122857/episodes/16523981-s3-e18-this-week-on-the-dl-can-you-co-parent-with-a-toxic-ex https://www.youtube.com/@DirtyLaundryPodcast https://www.instagram.com/dirty.laundry.podcast/ More Information about Divorce: https://justice.gc.ca/eng/rp-pr/fl-lf/divorce/jf-pf/ecds-cfds.html#:~:text=After%20divorce%20or%20separation%2C%20women's,income%20decreased%20by%20only%206%25. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

12. 

    3 Feb 2025

    The Dreaded 3 AM Waking

    Host Alanna McGinn discusses the common issue of waking up at 3 a.m., particularly in midlife. She explores the reasons behind this phenomenon, including low blood sugar, the need to urinate, temperature regulation, stress management, and potentially going to bed too early. Alanna provides practical tips for managing these issues and emphasizes the importance of understanding sleep cycles and the body's natural rhythms. The episode aims to alleviate the anxiety surrounding 3 a.m. awakenings and offers strategies to improve sleep quality. Connect with Alanna below: https://www.thebedtimeedit.com/ https://www.instagram.com/thebedtimeedit/ https://alannamcginn.com/ https://goodnightsleepsite.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

13. 

    20 Jan 2025

    Dr. Carlen Costa: Mental Health and Midlife Sleep Changes

    Host Alanna McGinn welcomes her first guest to the Bedtime Edit Podcast, psychotherapist Dr. Carlen Costa. They discuss the intricate relationship between sleep and mental health, particularly for women in midlife. Carlen highlights the unique challenges faced by women during this life stage, including hormonal changes and societal pressures. The conversation delves into the consequences of poor sleep on mental health and the impact of neurodivergence with practical tips for improving sleep hygiene. They touch on the importance of a bedtime routine and mindfulness with kindness to oneself. They also debunk some common misconceptions surrounding midlife sleep. More About Carlen Costa: Carlen Costa is a dynamic OCSWSSW psychotherapist, clinical sexologist, psychedelic-assisted psychotherapist and cannabis educator based in London, Ontario, Canada. Carlen teaches you how to love yourself and others better through her content and in her mental wealth center Mothership London, connecting with people heart to heart daily. As author of the bestseller, ‘Love: The Women’s Guide to Not Fucking Settling’, her continued passion for empowering others extends to her role as host of The Spicy Fat Podcast, where she dives deep into topics ranging from ADHD, weight loss, positive body image, mental health, love, relationships, cannabis and psychedelics. Spicy Fat reflects Carlen's mission to guide women entering their 40s in understanding their bodies, brains, and hearts while fostering radical self-love. Find out more about Carlen Costa and her practice: https://www.carlencosta.com/ https://www.spicyfat.com/ Connect with Alanna below: https://www.thebedtimeedit.com/ https://www.instagram.com/thebedtimeedit/ https://alannamcginn.com/ https://goodnightsleepsite.com/

14. 

    20 Jan 2025

    The Messy Midlife Sleep Problem

    Get to know the host of The Bedtime Edit Podcast! Alanna McGinn introduces her work as a certified sleep consultant and stress management educator with a new focus on the unique challenges faced by midlife women. Alanna will explore everything from hormonal changes to mid-life transitions like divorce. Alanna emphasizes the importance of community conversations and creating a safe space for women to share their experiences. She will provide practical sleep tips in every episode and encourages listeners to engage with her by sharing their stories and questions! Connect with Alanna below: https://www.thebedtimeedit.com/ https://www.instagram.com/thebedtimeedit/ https://alannamcginn.com/ https://goodnightsleepsite.com/

15. 

    9 Jan 2025

    The Bedtime Edit Trailer

    Certified Sleep Consultant Alanna McGinn shares her expertise on navigating midlife transitions and stress management to help you get a better night's sleep and improve your overall well-being.

Who has been a guest on The Bedtime Edit

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Dr Deena Kara Shaffer
• Kyle Buchanan
• Daniela Degasperis
• Erica Ehm

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

756,752

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Spotify

5.0 / 5

4 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 51 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

34

Social presence

91

YouTube

93

Engagement

32