What If Your Annual Physical Is Missing the Most Important Clues About Your Future Health?

In this episode of Asking for a Friend, I sit down with Dr. Dave DeMarco—primary care physician and owner of DexaFit Cincinnati—to uncover what most standard medical exams are failing to tell us, especially for adults in their 40s, 50s, and 60s.

Dr. DeMarco is reshaping the landscape of preventative healthcare by using advanced diagnostics to detect early warning signs of metabolic dysfunction, muscle loss, and other hidden health risks—long before they show up in traditional bloodwork or physicals.

We explore:

• Why DEXA scans are a game-changer for understanding body composition, especially visceral fat and lean muscle
• How muscle mass acts as your “401k for aging”—and why it’s critical to build and protect it now
• The role of VO2 max, metabolic rate testing, and continuous glucose monitoring in predicting long-term health and vitality
• What you need to know about GLP-1 medications like Ozempic—and how to use them without sacrificing muscle

Dr. DeMarco explains how the right data can help you delay or even avoid the “marginal decade”—those final 10 years marked by physical decline, mobility issues, and dependency—and instead create a longer, healthier, more vibrant life.

Whether you're trying to lose weight, maintain your independence, or outsmart a poor family health history, this conversation is packed with insights you can act on now.

Midlife isn’t too late—it’s the perfect time to take charge of your health.

Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an empowering conversation about midlife wellness.

You can find Dr. Dave DeMarco and DexaFit Cincinnati at https://www.cincinnati.dexafit.com/

DexaFit locations are popping up all over the U.S. - go to https://www.dexafit.com/ for more information

Get 10% off your first month of therapy at Better Help. Go to https://betterhelp.com/askingforafriend

_________________________________________
Are you ready to reclaim your midlife body and health? I went through my own personal journey through menopause, the struggle with midsection weight gain, and feeling run-down. Faster Way, a transformative six-week group program, set me on the path to sustainable change. I'd love to work with you! Let me help you reach your health and fitness goals.
https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/?aid=MicheleFolan

Have questions about Faster Way? Please email me at:
mfolanfasterway@gmail.com

After trying countless products that overpromised and underdelivered, RIMAN skincare finally gave me real, visible results—restoring my glow, firmness, and confidence in my skin at 61. RIMAN Korea's #1 Skincare Line - https://michelefolan.riman.com

*Transcripts are done with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

**This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.

When life knocks the wind out of you, how do you find your way back to yourself?

In this episode of Asking for a Friend, we sit down with Cristina Simmons—a mother, occupational therapist, Faster Way coach, and now author of Eat Your Feelings. Her journey reads like a survival manual for the modern woman: deep grief, childhood trauma, infidelity, chronic stress, raising adopted twins with prenatal drug exposure, and navigating the complexities of raising a child with autism.

But Cristina didn’t just survive—she rebuilt. Piece by piece.

After years of numbing pain with food, ignoring the signals from her body, and losing her sense of self, Cristina hit a breaking point. What followed was a radical shift toward healing—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. She discovered the transformative power of functional fitness, nervous system regulation, and true community support.

This episode is a lifeline for women stuck in survival mode—especially in midlife, when the emotional backlog can no longer be ignored. Cristina offers practical tools rooted in her EAT method (Educate, Accept, Transform) to help you move through grief, overwhelm, and identity loss with compassion and clarity.

If you’ve ever wondered, “Is this all there is?” or felt like you’re disappearing under the weight of caregiving, trauma, or unmet expectations, Cristina’s story will meet you where you are—and light the way forward.

🎧 Tune in and take the first step toward reclaiming your health, your power, and your peace.

Her book, Eat Your Feelings, is being released in July 2025.

You can find Cristina Simmons at https://cristinapsimmons.com

https://www.instagram.com/cristinapsimmons/

This episode of Asking for a Friend is sponsored by Better Help. Get 10% off your first month of therapy at https://betterhelp.com/askingforafriend

_________________________________________
Are you ready to reclaim your midlife body and health? I went through my own personal journey through menopause, the struggle with midsection weight gain, and feeling run-down. Faster Way, a transformative six-week group program, set me on the path to sustainable change. I'd love to work with you! Let me help you reach your health and fitness goals.
https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/?aid=MicheleFolan

Have questions about Faster Way? Please email me at:
mfolanfasterway@gmail.com

After trying countless products that overpromised and underdelivered, RIMAN skincare finally gave me real, visible results—restoring my glow, firmness, and confidence in my skin at 61. RIMAN Korea's #1 Skincare Line - https://michelefolan.riman.com

*Transcripts are done with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

**This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.

What if the real glow-up in midlife has nothing to do with wrinkle creams—and everything to do with finally showing up unapologetically as yourself?

Meet Sherri Dindal, better known as The Real Slim Sherri—the blue-haired, tattooed, profanity-positive powerhouse who's become a viral voice for women over 40. With over 5 million followers, Sherri’s raw, hilarious, and brutally honest takes on menopause, midlife identity shifts, and societal invisibility have struck a nerve—and built a movement.

After 26 years in a male-dominated investigative career, Sherri walked away with no backup plan. What followed? A wildly successful boutique, a clean skincare brand tailored for menopausal skin (Wholesome Hippie), and an accidental TikTok empire born out of a post-COVID haze. Oh—and now she’s headlining sold-out comedy shows across the country on her Gen X Takeover Tour.

She never planned this life. She never thought she was funny. And she definitely never expected midlife to be the beginning of everything.

From parenting through “second puberty” (ahem, menopause), to the sacred ritual of quiet mornings with coffee, Sherri's message is refreshingly clear:
👉 Stop shrinking. Start taking up space.
👉 Midlife is not a crisis—it’s your power source.

🎧 Tune in to hear how she built a brand, a tour, and a loyal following by simply telling the truth.
💥 Want in on the midlife revolution? Visit TheRealSlimSherri.com, check out WholesomeHippie.com, and grab tickets to the Gen X Takeover Tour before they sell out.

This episode of Asking for a Friend is sponsored by Better Help. Get 10% off your first month of therapy at https://betterhelp.com/askingforafriend.

_________________________________________
Are you ready to reclaim your midlife body and health? I went through my own personal journey through menopause, the struggle with midsection weight gain, and feeling run-down. Faster Way, a transformative six-week group program, set me on the path to sustainable change. I'd love to work with you! Let me help you reach your health and fitness goals.
https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/?aid=MicheleFolan

Have questions about Faster Way? Please email me at:
mfolanfasterway@gmail.com

After trying countless products that overpromised and underdelivered, RIMAN skincare finally gave me real, visible results—restoring my glow, firmness, and confidence in my skin at 61. RIMAN Korea's #1 Skincare Line - https://michelefolan.riman.com

*Transcripts are done with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

**This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.

What If Sober Was the New Cool? Breaking the Wine Culture Narrative with Kim Bellas

This episode of Asking for a Friend is sponsored by Better Help. https://betterhelp.com/askingforafriend

Is wine really the answer to midlife stress—or have we just been sold that story?

In this episode of Asking for a Friend, I sit down with Kim Bellas, founder of the global movement Sober is the New Cool, to talk about what happens when midlife women challenge the “mommy juice” narrative and rethink their relationship with alcohol.

At 52, Kim gave up wine—not because she had to, but because her son’s epilepsy meds meant he couldn’t drink. In a moment of clarity (wine glass in hand), she realized the message she was sending and committed to going sober for 3 months in solidarity.

That was 12 years ago.

What started as a short-term decision became a full-blown transformation—one that led to better sleep, stronger confidence, Fashion Week appearances (yes, really!), and a worldwide community of women just like her.

This conversation will speak to any woman who’s ever thought:

• “I don’t have a problem, but maybe I drink more than I want to.”
• “I’m curious what life would be like without wine.”
• “I want to feel better, sleep better, and show up better—but without feeling judged.”

✨ Whether you’re sober-curious, alcohol-free, or simply sick of feeling like you need a drink to relax, this episode is your permission slip to explore something different.

🎧 Listen in—and let’s redefine what cool looks like in midlife.

You can find Sober is the New Cool at https://soberisthenewcool.ca/

Follow Kim Bellas at https://www.instagram.com/sober.is.the.new.cool/

Kim's favorite alcohol-free wines:
Leitz Eins Zwei Sparkling Rose
Prima Pave Sparkling

This episode is sponsored by Better Help. Get 10% off your first month of therapy at https://betterhelp.com/askingforafriend

#SoberIsTheNewCool #MidlifeSobriety #SoberCurious #WomenOver50 #QuitDrinkingJourney #AlcoholFreeLife #MidlifeWellness

_________________________________________
Are you ready to reclaim your midlife body and health? I went through my own personal journey through menopause, the struggle with midsection weight gain, and feeling run-down. Faster Way, a transformative six-week group program, set me on the path to sustainable change. I'd love to work with you! Let me help you reach your health and fitness goals.
https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/?aid=MicheleFolan

Have questions about Faster Way? Please email me at:
mfolanfasterway@gmail.com

After trying countless products that overpromised and underdelivered, RIMAN skincare finally gave me real, visible results—restoring my glow, firmness, and confidence in my skin at 61. RIMAN Korea's #1 Skincare Line - https://michelefolan.riman.com

*Transcripts are done with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

**This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.

How Understanding Death Can Help You Live More Fully — with Hospice Nurse Julie

This episode of Asking for a Friend is sponsored by Better Help. https://betterhelp.com/askingforafriend

What if facing the realities of death could actually help you live with more intention, gratitude, and peace—right now?

In this powerful episode of Asking for a Friend, I sit down with Julie McFadden, better known as Hospice Nurse Julie, a former ICU nurse turned nationally recognized hospice educator with over 15 years of experience and millions of followers online. Julie’s mission? To normalize conversations around death and provide comfort, clarity, and dignity at the end of life.

We explore:

• The most common experiences people have at the end of life—many of which are rarely talked about
• How Julie transitioned from ICU to hospice, and what she learned about life in the process
• Practical advice for midlife women navigating aging parents and caregiving responsibilities
• How to prepare emotionally and logistically for end-of-life situations—with grace and self-compassion
• Why contemplating our mortality might be the greatest gift for living more meaningfully

Julie’s new Nothing to Fear Journal offers a compassionate guide for reflection, planning, and healing—and this episode delivers the heart and honesty that midlife listeners crave.

✨ If you’re supporting aging parents, feeling overwhelmed, or simply curious about what a peaceful end-of-life journey can look like—this episode is a must-listen.

📘 Find Julie at https://www.hospicenursejulie.com/ and grab the Nothing to Fear Journal, available mid-June.

This episode of Asking for a Friend is sponsored by Better Help. Get 10% off your first month of therapy. https://betterhelp.com/askingforafriend

_________________________________________
Are you ready to reclaim your midlife body and health? I went through my own personal journey through menopause, the struggle with midsection weight gain, and feeling run-down. Faster Way, a transformative six-week group program, set me on the path to sustainable change. I'd love to work with you! Let me help you reach your health and fitness goals.
https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/?aid=MicheleFolan

Have questions about Faster Way? Please email me at:
mfolanfasterway@gmail.com

After trying countless products that overpromised and underdelivered, RIMAN skincare finally gave me real, visible results—restoring my glow, firmness, and confidence in my skin at 61. RIMAN Korea's #1 Skincare Line - https://michelefolan.riman.com

*Transcripts are done with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

**This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.

Feeling like you’re doing everything right—but still not feeling like yourself?

This episode of Asking for a Friend is sponsored by Better Help - https://betterhelp.com/askingforafriend

In this powerful episode of Asking for a Friend, I’m joined by Courtney Townley—health coach, creator of the Grace & Grit podcast, and a fierce advocate for midlife women ready to ditch diet culture and reclaim their power.

Courtney breaks down why the outdated “eat less, move more” advice is failing women over 40—and what to do instead. With a background as a professional dancer turned wellness expert, she shares how true health in midlife has less to do with restriction and more to do with self-leadership, resilience, and rewriting the rules that were never made with us in mind.

We dive into:
💥 Why your hormones and stress response are shifting (and how to adapt)
💥 What self-leadership really means—and how it changes everything
💥 How to stop outsourcing your health and start leading from within

This isn’t another plan to follow. It’s a mindset shift—and it’s exactly what you’ve been craving.

🎧 Hit play to hear the conversation that just might change how you think about health—for good.

You can find Courtney Townley at https://graceandgrit.com/

Look for her book launching in November 2025! The Consistency Code: A Midlife Woman's Guide to Deep Health and Happiness

This episode of Asking for a Friend is sponsored by Better Help. Get 10% off your first month of therapy at https://betterhelp.com/askingforafriend

_________________________________________
Are you ready to reclaim your midlife body and health? I went through my own personal journey through menopause, the struggle with midsection weight gain, and feeling run-down. Faster Way, a transformative six-week group program, set me on the path to sustainable change. I'd love to work with you! Let me help you reach your health and fitness goals.
https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/?aid=MicheleFolan

Have questions about Faster Way? Please email me at:
mfolanfasterway@gmail.com

After trying countless products that overpromised and underdelivered, RIMAN skincare finally gave me real, visible results—restoring my glow, firmness, and confidence in my skin at 61. RIMAN Korea's #1 Skincare Line - https://michelefolan.riman.com

*Transcripts are done with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

**This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.

Think Bone Loss Is Just a Part of Aging? Think Again.

This episode of Asking for a Friend is sponsored by Better Help. https://betterhelp.com/askingforafriend

If your doctor’s only advice for bone health is “take calcium, vitamin D, and wait,” this episode is your wake-up call. I’m joined by Dr. Doug Lucas—former orthopedic surgeon turned bone health specialist—who’s on a mission to help women prevent and reverse osteoporosis with science-backed strategies that actually work.

In this powerful conversation, we dive into the root causes of bone loss in midlife, why waiting until 65 for a DEXA scan is far too late, and why hormone therapy outperforms traditional bone medications in head-to-head studies. Dr. Lucas breaks down the real risks of GLP-1 medications on bone density, what the research says about weighted vests, and how to exercise safely with low bone mass or an osteoporosis diagnosis.

We even cover what every mom should be telling her daughter now to lay the foundation for lifelong bone strength. If you want to stay strong, independent, and fracture-free well into your 70s, 80s, and beyond, this episode is a must-listen.

👉 Don’t wait until a fracture forces you to take action. Hit play now and learn how to protect your bones—and your future—starting today.

You can find Dr. Doug Lucas at:

https://www.osteocollective.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@Dr_DougLucas or on any podcast platform

https://www.instagram.com/dr_douglucas/

This episode of Asking for a Friend is sponsored by Better Help https://betterhelp.com/askingforafriend

_________________________________________
Are you ready to reclaim your midlife body and health? I went through my own personal journey through menopause, the struggle with midsection weight gain, and feeling run-down. Faster Way, a transformative six-week group program, set me on the path to sustainable change. I'd love to work with you! Let me help you reach your health and fitness goals.
https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/?aid=MicheleFolan

Have questions about Faster Way? Please email me at:
mfolanfasterway@gmail.com

After trying countless products that overpromised and underdelivered, RIMAN skincare finally gave me real, visible results—restoring my glow, firmness, and confidence in my skin at 61. RIMAN Korea's #1 Skincare Line - https://michelefolan.riman.com

*Transcripts are done with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

**This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.

Still Cutting Calories After 40? Here’s What You Should Do Instead

This episode of Asking for a Friend is sponsored by Better Help. https://betterhelp.com/askingforafriend

Lisa Holtan, Faster Way coach and personal trainer with 17 years of experience, joins me this week to flip everything you thought you knew about midlife weight loss on its head. Spoiler alert: it’s not about eating less and doing more cardio.

Lisa shares why most women over 40 are drastically under-eating—especially protein—and how that’s wrecking their metabolism and holding them back from feeling strong, energized, and confident. We get into why strength training is non-negotiable (especially if your goal is independence later in life), how balance and mobility exercises can be done in your bathroom, and why your golf game might just depend on what you’re doing in the gym.

This episode is equal parts science, strategy, and sass—with plenty of real-life tips for eating out without guilt, staying consistent, and finally ditching the diet culture lies we’ve all been sold. Plus, Lisa shares the story of one client who lost 60 pounds with small, sustainable shifts over time—and how you can do the same.

Whether you’re a beginner, getting back on track, or ready to level up—this conversation will make you rethink everything and inspire you to take action.

💪 Hit play, and let’s build the strong, capable, joyful life you deserve.

You can find Lisa Holtan at https://www.instagram.com/lisaholtan/

The High Vibe Life Podcast can be found on any podcast platform

Lisa's favorite powered protein is made by Shaklee

Visit https://betterHelp.com/askingforafriend to get started with therapy today and receive 10% off your first month.

_________________________________________
Are you ready to reclaim your midlife body and health? I went through my own personal journey through menopause, the struggle with midsection weight gain, and feeling run-down. Faster Way, a transformative six-week group program, set me on the path to sustainable change. I'd love to work with you! Let me help you reach your health and fitness goals.
https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/?aid=MicheleFolan

Have questions about Faster Way? Please email me at:
mfolanfasterway@gmail.com

After trying countless products that overpromised and underdelivered, RIMAN skincare finally gave me real, visible results—restoring my glow, firmness, and confidence in my skin at 61. RIMAN Korea's #1 Skincare Line - https://michelefolan.riman.com

*Transcripts are done with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

**This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.