Senator Lori Urso of Rhode Island takes us behind the scenes of America's first-ever workplace menopause legislation in this powerful conversation about leadership, advocacy, and breaking barriers. Drawing from her personal journey through menopause that nearly derailed her career, Senator Erso reveals how she transformed her struggles into groundbreaking policy change that's now serving as a model for other states.

The conversation moves seamlessly between deeply personal revelations and strategic policy insights. Senator Urso candidly shares how seven years of unmanaged menopause symptoms led her to actually resign from her position before finally finding proper treatment. "I almost quit my job," she reveals, highlighting the real-world consequences when menopausal women lack proper support. This vulnerability becomes the foundation for understanding why workplace accommodations aren't just compassionate—they're economically essential.

What makes this episode particularly valuable is the practical roadmap Senator Urso provides for creating change. Rather than crafting entirely new legislation, she strategically amended existing fair employment practices law to include menopause protections alongside pregnancy and breastfeeding accommodations. This smart approach positions menopause as a normal life transition rather than a disability and offers a template that other states can easily adopt.

Beyond the legislation itself, Senator Urso addresses the cultural shifts needed to truly support women in midlife. "We have to stop the narrative of 'she's crazy,'" she emphasizes, calling for greater compassion and understanding between women. Her wisdom on leadership—from trusting your instincts to considering others' perspectives in negotiations—provides valuable guidance for women navigating their own leadership journeys through the menopause transition and beyond.

Tune in to discover how this landmark legislation is sparking conversations nationwide and learn why supporting women through menopause isn't just the right thing to do—it's smart business practice in our evolving workforce. Whether you're experiencing menopause, supporting someone who is, or making workplace policy, this episode offers essential insights on creating more inclusive, productive environments for all.

Senator Lori Urso is a Democrat representing District 8 (Pawtucket) in the Rhode Island Senate. She was elected in November 2024.

Senator Urso serves as secretary of the Senate Committee on Health & Human Services, and serves as a member of both the Senate Committee on Environment & Agriculture, and the Senate Committee on Artificial Intelligence & Emerging Technologies.

Senator Urso brings a record of leadership and accomplishment in local government and the nonprofit sector. Since 2014, she has served as president and CEO of the Old Slater Mill Association, helping to preserve a valued national landmark. She operates the Slater Industrial Archives, a repository for Pawtucket history, where she facilitates historic research on the history of the textile industry in Rhode Island.

Among numerous community service activities, Senator Urso served on the Rhode Island Historical Records Advisory Board from 2015 to 2025, and has been a founding co-chair of Pawtucket International Women's Day since 2015. She served nine years on the board of the Pawtucket Foundation, and two terms on Pawtucket’s Charter Review Commission. She currently serves on the Pawtucket Riverfront Commission.

Previously, Senator Urso worked in river and watershed conversation in Rhode Island, receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 1 in 2008.

Senator Urso holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Rhode Island and a Bachelor of Arts from Rutgers University. She was a 2013 Rhode Island Foundation Leadership Fellow, and she served as a me

Have you ever found yourself staring into the mirror wondering "Who am I now?" Michele Heffron, transformational life and divorce coach, joins us for a profound conversation about the identity shifts that occur during midlife transitions.

Michele shares how menopause often becomes a catalyst for deeper questioning about relationships, purpose, and fulfillment. "We get to this certain point in time and there's all these shifts taking place not only in our bodies but in who and how we're showing up in the world," she explains. This awakening frequently coincides with major life decisions around relationships, empty nesting, and career paths.

Fear emerges as the primary barrier preventing women from making necessary changes. Financial insecurity, loneliness, and social judgment create powerful resistance. Michele's perspective challenges conventional wisdom: "Life is not short, life is long, and if you are miserable or unhappy, it's a long time to be unhappy." This reframing gives women permission to prioritize their remaining years rather than endure continued dissatisfaction.

The path to rediscovery requires consistent, small efforts. Michele recommends starting with what you don't want, then inverting those points to clarify what you do want. Daily practices like journaling, meditation, and intentional stillness help women reconnect with their authentic selves after years of external focus. "If we don't start safeguarding our own time, we're going to fill it with things that are more important than ourselves—and what could be more important than ourselves?"

Living an aligned life means finding balance between different energies within yourself rather than swinging between compliance and defiance. This alignment allows women to make choices based on their own needs rather than constantly accommodating others' expectations. As Michele reminds us, "We have the right to be, do and have anything we want and desire."

Ready to stop arguing for your limitations? Listen now to gain practical wisdom for navigating midlife transitions with confidence and clarity. Subscribe to the MiDOViA Menopause Podcast for more conversations that help you reclaim your power during this transformative life stage.

Michèle Heffron is a ICF certified transformational life, relationship and divorce coach who supports individuals through some of life’s most defining moments. From navigating the complexities of divorce to rediscovering identity after long-term partnerships, empty nesting, or career shifts, Michèle offers compassionate, strategic guidance through every phase of relationship transition.

Website: www.micheleheffron.com

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MiDOViA is dedicated to changing the narrative about menopause by educating, raising awareness & supporting women in this stage of life, both at home and in the workplace. Visit midovia.com to learn more.

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Testosterone isn't just a male hormone—it's a vital life force that gradually declines with age, affecting everything from muscle mass to mood. This eye-opening conversation with Lisa Lounsbury, founder of New Day Wellness, explores the reality of male menopause (andropause) and its profound impact on men's health and relationships.

Unlike female menopause, andropause sneaks in gradually, making it easy to mistake hormonal changes for normal aging. "Men might confuse this loss of hormone with regular aging," Lounsbury explains, "but there is a difference, and we need to educate men so we can have cross-lateral empathy as we transition into aging."

The episode unpacks the five key symptoms men should watch for: mood swings, sleep disturbances, loss of muscle mass, decreased libido, and fatigue. When these symptoms compound, they signal more than just getting older—they represent a biological shift that deserves attention. Lounsbury shares her personal experience testing testosterone levels with her husband, revealing how blood work confirmed what lifestyle changes had suggested.

For men navigating these changes, the message is clear—you don't have to suffer or accept decline as inevitable. Through intentional movement, thoughtful nutrition, and open communication, men can maintain vitality well into their later years. As Lounsbury puts it, "There's so much life to live in your 50s, 60s, and 70s," and watching someone who's given up compared to someone thriving reveals the power of these choices.

Perhaps most importantly, the episode highlights how hormonal changes affect relationships when both partners are experiencing their own versions of menopause. The solution? "When we're open with the biology of what's happening with our bodies, we realize it's not a choice—we're not waking up choosing to be miserable," Lounsbury says. This understanding creates space for empathy, vulnerability, and deeper connection.

Whether you're experiencing these changes yourself or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers practical wisdom for turning a challenging transition into an opportunity for greater health and connection. Listen, learn, and discover why curiosity rather than judgment leads to better aging for everyone.

Lisa Lounsbury is a globally respected Resilience and Well-Being Expert,
Certified Lifestyle, Wellness & Menopause Coach, National Mental Health
Trainer, International Speaker and Founder of New Day Wellness Inc., with
over 30 years of experience empowering leaders and teams to make wellness
a non-negotiable. From competing in a triathlon at the 1992 Pre-Olympic
Games to completing a 350-km solo pilgrimage across Spain’s Camino de
Santiago in 2024, Lisa embodies the resilience she teaches. A trusted speaker
and coach to professionals in mining, healthcare, finance, and government,
she helps organizations strengthen their culture, navigate transitions like
menopause and andropause, and lead with compassion through change.
Author of Making Wellness a Priority, host of the Your Wellness podcast, and a
member of the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers, Lisa delivers
more than motivation—she delivers momentum.

Website: newdaywellness.ca

MiDOViA LINKS:

Website: https://www.midovia.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mymidovia
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/midovia
Email Us: info@midovia.com

MiDOViA is dedicated to changing the narrative about menopause by educating, raising awareness & supporting women in this stage of life, both at home and in the workplace. Visit midovia.com to learn more.

The information, including but not limited to,