Episodes

  • Challenging Beauty Standards with Andrea Claire: Women’s Health, Perimenopause and Menopause Journey

    Challenging Beauty Standards with Andrea Claire: Women’s Health, Perimenopause and Menopause Journey
    Jul 23 2025
    We refuse to play by rules written by an industry that sees dollar signs in our self-doubt. We're breaking up with the lie that our worth diminishes with each birthday candle, and we're here for the rebellion. In today's episode we're flipping the script on society's ridiculous beauty standards.Meet Andrea Claire, makeup artist and licensed hairstylist with 35+ years in the beauty industry. She's our beauty industry insider turned rebel, boldly declaring what we've all been thinking: the beauty "rules" for women over 40 are complete bullshit.Through her bold podcast "The F*ck You 50s," Andrea's dismantling the beauty myths that have kept us small, challenging society's bullshit beauty standards, and empowering women to age unapologetically.In This Episode Why beauty "rules" for women over 40 are designed to keep us insecure and spendingThe double standard that crowns men "distinguished" while women are "letting themselves go"How to trust your instincts and stop following beauty trends that don't serve youWhy anti-aging makeup is a scamThe one moisturizer she swears by for mature skinWhy most influencer beauty advice is "full of shit"Why she's sharing her age (54!) as an act of rebellionWhether you're rocking your gray hair, white-knuckling your youth, or somewhere in between, this conversation will help you redefine what it means to age powerfully and beautifully - on YOUR terms.This podcast is brought to you by IRIS. Daily care products made with clean ingredients for hydrated vulva and vaginas. Use code TIP20 for 20% off at lovemyIRIS.com. Connect with Mikelle & Michelle at This is PerimenopauseEmail us and let us know what you think of the podcast and what topic you want us to cover next.Sign up for our weekly newsletterFollow This Is Perimenopause on InstagramFollow This Is Perimenopause on FacebookAndrea Claire BioAndrea Claire is a hair and makeup artist who has recently said FxCK this… being exhausted by the constant sexism and patriarchy drivel; the OMG - how are YOU in your 50s - you don’t look it! (because how the FxCK does one look in their 50s?!) - the pushing upstream against the ageism downstream while walking to and from set - uphill both ways in the snow… enough she says! Thus the birth of her podcast The FxCK YOU 50s! Aside from getting a little feisty… Andrea’s talent and hard work has presented her with opportunities to work in Toronto, L.A., Paris, Laos, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore and New York. Andrea has many years of experience both on-camera and behind the scenes in television. She has also co-starred on seven seasons of the makeover shows Canada’s Stylin’ Gypsies and So Chic and has led hair teams for Canadian Idol where she was featured on-air as the Idols’ hairstylist. She has also been seen on Asia's Next Top Model [cycle one] and Cash Cab Asia [celebrity episode]. Andrea has extensive advertising, beauty and editorial portfolios which include campaigns for L’Oreal Paris, Revlon, Lancôme, Neutrogena, Unilever, P & G and editorials in Solstice, Shape, Bazaar, ELLE, L’Officiel, Lucy’s, HUF, Beauty Archive and more.Her celebrity clients include Liv Lo Golding, Henry Golding, Romee Strijd, The Bond Quartet, Sarah Slean, Alanis Morissette, Bill Nighy, Jon Lovitz, Patrick J Adams, Russell Peters, Victoria Loke and Seal to name a few. Andrea’s drive for success and lively, easy-going nature is what makes her so popular among top clientele. Links for this episodeAndrea on InstagramAndrea on TiktokAndrea Claire BeautyThe Fxck You 50s PodcastFxck You 50s on Instagram
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    43 mins
  • Breaking Patterns That Keep You Small: Women’s Health, Perimenopause and Menopause Journey

    Breaking Patterns That Keep You Small: Women’s Health, Perimenopause and Menopause Journey
    Jul 9 2025
    Ever wonder why you keep repeating the same relationship patterns? Why you apologize for everything, even when it's not your fault? Or why you logically understand what needs to change but emotionally can't get there?Dr. Justine Corry, trauma-informed relationship coach and former clinical psychologist, explains why this happens - and how to break free from these patterns for good.In this powerful conversation, Dr. Corry introduces schema therapy, a game-changing approach that looks at patterns rather than symptoms. She explains how childhood experiences create mental frameworks (schemas) that influence how we show up in relationships, and why perimenopause triggers these patterns in overwhelming ways.Each episode will share life stories and expert insight into women's health and your perimenopause and menopause journey.In this episodeWhat schema therapy is and why understanding patterns is more powerful than managing symptomsThe six common schemas plaguing high-achieving women: abandonment, emotional deprivation, defectiveness, self-sacrifice, subjugation, and unrelenting standardsWhy perimenopause acts as a schema trigger, making it harder to power through life while ignoring your needsHow to recognize when you're having a "schema trigger" vs. a rational responseWhy self-trust and self-respect are the best antidepressants you've never triedThe difference between being "self-led" vs. constantly seeking external validationHow long real pattern change takes (spoiler: it's not quick, but it's worth it)Practical tools like the SIFT exercise to understand your emotional responses in real timeThere's always a "why" behind your emotions, even when you can't see it. Let Dr. Corry help you uncover yours.This podcast is brought to you by IRIS. Daily care products made with clean ingredients for hydrated vulvas and vaginas. Use code TIP20 for 20% off at lovemyIRIS.com. Connect with Mikelle & Michelle at This is PerimenopauseEmail us and let us know what you think of the podcast and what topic you want us to cover next.Sign up for our weekly newsletterFollow This Is Perimenopause on InstagramFollow This Is Perimenopause on FacebookDr. Justine CorryDr. Justine Corry is a trauma-informed relationship coach and former clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience guiding women through deep emotional healing. Her superpower? Helping high-achieving, deeply giving women break the patterns that keep them small, silent, and stuck in relationships that no longer fit. Through a powerful blend of schema therapy, nervous system wisdom, and sharp emotional insight, Dr. Corry helps women rebuild self-trust, reclaim their voice, and step into lives where they no longer have to shrink to belong.Her signature 5-step Relationship Reinvention Method guides women to understand their self-sabotaging patterns, prioritise their emotional needs, and create relationships that feel balanced, respectful, and real. What sets Justine apart is her ability to help smart, self-aware women who’ve already done the work bridge the gap between knowing what’s wrong and finally doing something different. Whether they’re navigating the aftermath of divorce or separation or leading in business and life while secretly battling patterns like over-functioning, perfectionism, and people-pleasing, Justine helps women unravel the emotional blueprints that kept them stuck, so they can thrive in love, leadership, and self-trust from the inside out.Dr. Corry’s Signature Program: Your Relationship Reinvention is a 6-month group experience for women navigating life after divorce, separation, or a significant breakup. It’s designed to help you break the patterns that no longer serve you (like people-pleasing, poor boundaries, and over-functioning) so you can rebuild self-trust and create a life that feels grounded, honest, and fully yours. Because the version of you that was in that relationship isn’t the one who’s going to create what comes next, and this next chapter can be your best one yet. Links for this episodeDr. Justine CorryYour Relationship ReinventionInner Success Leadership CoachingDr. Justine Corry on InstagramDr. Justine Corry’s BlogsResource Dr. Corry mentioned in episode: Reinventing Your Life: the bestselling breakthrough program to end negative behaviour and feel great
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    55 mins
  • Getting Fired Up with Shirley Weir: Women’s Health, Perimenopause and Menopause Journey

    Getting Fired Up with Shirley Weir: Women’s Health, Perimenopause and Menopause Journey
    Jun 25 2025

    The OG menopause trailblazer is back on The TIP Podcast to share what she’s been up to. And she’s been busy. In the last year Shirley Weir has launched a new platform called The Nest, a soft place for Menopause Chicks to land and her Facebook group hit 59,0000 members.


    Shirley worked with the Women’s Health Research Network in BC to support the HER-BC study, investigating the health experiences of midlife women and the impacts of menopause. She created Speak Menopause, to help us focus on the agency we each have when it comes to decisions about our own health.


    And never one to rest on her laurels, on her birthday she crafted a list of the 58 things she wants to see change in women’s health in the next 42 years, before she turns 100. Today she’s giving us a sneak peek and inspiring us to help make her list a reality.


    In This Episode

    • Less than 7% of all health research dollars are allocated to women’s research, and that number has not changed in 13 years
    • Why our medical providers need at least as much information, direction, and input as we provide to our hairdressers
    • Why Shirley is done with the pervasive gatekeeping in women’s health
    • Why we all need to take recurring UTIs more seriously, and
    • The alarming numbers involved in Pad Math: incontinence pads are meant to be temporary, not a solution.


    We all deserve to feel amazing. Thank you, Shirley, for your dedication to helping us figure out how to make that happen.


    Connect with Mikelle & Michelle at This is Perimenopause

    • Email us and let us know what you think of the podcast and what topic you want us to cover next.
    • Sign up for our weekly newsletter
    • Follow This Is Perimenopause on Instagram
    • Follow This Is Perimenopause on Facebook


    Shirley Weir Bio

    Shirley Weir is a women's health advocate, author, and the founder of MenopauseChicks.com. With over a decade of experience in menopause education, Shirley has become a trusted voice in the field, empowering women to take charge of their midlife health journey.


    Launched in 2012, MenopauseChicks.com has grown into a thriving online community with over 300,000 members, providing evidence-based information and support for women navigating perimenopause and beyond. Shirley's work addresses critical gaps in women's health education, particularly in areas like vaginal health, where her research shows 77% of women have questions but struggle to find reliable answers.


    A three-time author and TEDx speaker, Shirley has been featured in various media outlets and has even tweeted for Oprah. She hosts a popular podcast and regularly speaks at conferences and corporate events, advocating for menopause-inclusive workplaces.


    Shirley's mission extends beyond education to developing thoroughly-researched products that address common menopausal concerns. Her ultimate goal? To ensure that every woman has the resources and support to feel amazing during this transformative life stage.


    Links for this episode

    Menopause Chicks Website

    Shirley Weir on Instagram

    Shirley Weir on Facebook

    The HER-BC Report
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    46 mins
  • Better Sex in Perimenopause: Women’s Health, Perimenopause and Menopause Journey

    Better Sex in Perimenopause: Women’s Health, Perimenopause and Menopause Journey
    Jun 11 2025
    Sex used to be fun. Now it's either painful, non-existent, or something you do because you feel like you should. Your body doesn't feel like yours anymore, and you're honestly starting to wonder if this is just what happens when you hit midlife.Dr. Arielle Buch-Frohlich hears this exact story all the time in her Toronto practice. She's a clinical psychologist who specializes in sex and couples therapy, and women show up to her office feeling broken, ashamed, and pretty convinced that their sexual life is basically over. But after years of working with women going through perimenopause and menopause, she's got a totally different take on things.Each episode will share life stories and expert insight into women's health and your perimenopause and menopause journey.In This Episode Why most women experience decreased libido during menopause (and why that's totally normal)How hormones, stress, and body changes create the perfect storm for sexual challengesThe psychosocial approach to understanding your sexual health - it's not just physical!Why "good enough sex" might be exactly what you need right nowThe biggest sexual myths that are sabotaging your intimacy Treatment options beyond just "use more lube" - from pelvic floor therapy to hormone therapyHow to navigate mismatched libidos without destroying your relationshipPlus, Dr. Arielle gives us the inside scoop on:Anna & Solomon - Toronto's first comprehensive sexual health clinic Why multidisciplinary care is the future of sexual wellnessThe changes you're experiencing? They're real, but they don't have to be permanent. And the solutions are way more comprehensive than most people realize.This podcast is brought to you by IRIS. Daily care products made with clean ingredients for hydrated vulvas and vaginas. Use code TIP20 for 20% off at lovemyIRIS.com. Connect with Mikelle & Michelle at This is PerimenopauseEmail us and let us know what you think of the podcast and what topic you want us to cover next.Sign up for our weekly newsletterFollow This Is Perimenopause on InstagramFollow This Is Perimenopause on FacebookDr. Arielle Buch-Frohlich Dr. Arielle Buch-Frohlich is a Clinical Psychologist licensed with the College of Psychologists of Ontario and Quebec. She studied psychology in Montreal, where she completed a doctorate in Clinical Psychology (Psy.D) from the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM). Additionally, she completed clinical training at the Sex and Couple Therapy Service at the Allen Memorial Institute.She is the Founder Clinical Director of Anna & Salomon: Sex and Couples Health, a comprehensive care clinic for individuals and couples navigating the complexities of sexual and relational health.In her practice, she provides inclusive Sex and Couples Therapy using a combination of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). She offers specialized services to address communication challenges, infidelity, and transitions into parenthood, from fertility to perinatal and postpartum care. Additionally, she offers dedicated support for those experiencing intimacy-related challenges during or after oncology treatments. She strives to foster connection, healing, and resilience for every stage of life.Her virtual practice services clients located across Ontario and Quebec, including Toronto (GTA), Montreal and Ottawa. Therapy can be provided in English and in French.  Links for this episodeDr. Arielle Buch-FrohlichAnna & Salomon: Sex and Couples HealthDr. Arielle on Instagram
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    42 mins
  • Lume Minute: Are There Other Reasons to Take Hormone Therapy Besides the Approved List?

    Lume Minute: Are There Other Reasons to Take Hormone Therapy Besides the Approved List?
    Jun 4 2025

    Today’s question for Dr. Sarah Shaw is:


    Are there other reasons to take hormone therapy besides the approved list?


    In this episode, you'll discover:

    • Hormone therapy is not a panacea and requires a nuanced approach
    • The appropriate off-label uses for hormone therapy
    • What is the Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause
    • The importance of HT when menopause happens before the age of 40


    Lume Women + Health is now open! They understand the unique challenges women face during perimenopause and beyond. Be sure to check out their dedicated menopause program that provides personalized support, medical guidance, and lifestyle optimization education to help you manage symptoms, improve your well-being, and thrive during this life stage.


    Every week, the team at Lume Women + Health will be dropping into our podcast to answer one of your questions. Be sure to follow our podcast so that you never miss these Lume Minutes. Find ‘This Is Perimenopause, the podcast’ wherever you listen to your favorites.


    Episode Links

    • Dr. Sarah Shaw Bio
    • Lume Women + Health


    Connect with Mikelle & Michelle at This is Perimenopause


    • Email us and let us know what you think of the podcast and what topic you want us to cover next.
    • Sign up for our weekly newsletter
    • Follow This Is Perimenopause on Instagram
    • Follow This Is Perimenopause on Facebook
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    6 mins
  • Suffering Is Optional: Women's Health, Perimenopause and Menopause Journey

    Suffering Is Optional: Women's Health, Perimenopause and Menopause Journey
    May 28 2025
    Each episode will share life stories and expert insight into women's health and your perimenopause and menopause journey.**Correction** Dr. Jen mentions a breast cancer risk of 8/1,000 in this episode; she meant 8/10,000. "Vaginal estrogen should just be over the counter at this point," says Dr. Jennifer Zelovitzky. This is just one of the many facts she shares that'll change how you think about menopause care. As the clinical director of women's health at MedCan Toronto, Dr. Jen isn't just pushing back against outdated medical beliefs—she's showing us how women are suffering needlessly because doctors are treating menopause based on fear instead of facts.With incredible clarity and genuine compassion, Dr. Jen connects the dots between your hot flashes, middle-of-the-night wake-ups, and anxiety attacks, giving you the evidence-based insights to get better care from a medical system that has let women down. "Hormone therapy is held to a higher standard than literally any other treatment out there," she points out, and her breakdown of the double standards will leave you nodding along and ready to take action.In This Episode Why most doctors miss perimenopause symptoms and how to get them to listenThe truth about hormone therapy safety that wasn't covered in your doctor's half-day of menopause trainingHow micronized progesterone is different from the progestins used in the WHI studyWhy guidelines are called "guidelines" not "rules," and why this matters for your careThe truth about vaginal estrogen safety and why warning labels are misleadingThe connection between estrogen and serotonin that explains your shifting mental healthHow to stand your ground when your family doctor tries to take you off hormone therapy that's workingWhat makes the MedCan six-month program different from standard menopause careA preview of Dr. Jen's new educational course that puts expert knowledge within everyone's reachWhether you're just starting to notice changes or you've achieved menopause, Dr. Jen's holistic approach and straight-talk will help you advocate for the care you deserve. Because as she puts it, "Menopause is inevitable, but suffering is completely optional."This podcast is brought to you by IRIS. Daily care products made with clean ingredients for hydrated vulva and vaginas. Use code TIP20 for 20% off at lovemyIRIS.com. Connect with Mikelle & Michelle at This is PerimenopauseEmail us and let us know what you think of the podcast and what topic you want us to cover nextSign up for our weekly newsletterFollow This Is Perimenopause on InstagramFollow This Is Perimenopause on FacebookDr. Jennifer ZelovitzkyDr. 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. Links for this episodeMedsplaining InstagramMedsplaining podcastMedcan Women’s HealthProfessor Susan Davis InstagramSinai Health Menopause ClinicBetter with Bria
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    46 mins
  • Lume Minute: Testosterone Replacement for Perimenopausal Women

    Lume Minute: Testosterone Replacement for Perimenopausal Women
    May 21 2025

    Today’s question for Dr. Amy Louis Bayliss is: I have heard about testosterone replacement for women. What is it for?

    In this Lume Minute, you'll discover:

    • The truth about testosterone research
    • Testosterone's role in libido
    • Why female desire is complex
    • Current prescription options
    • Key safety considerations
    • The need for more research


    Lume Women + Health is now open! They understand the unique challenges women face during perimenopause and beyond. Be sure to check out their dedicated menopause program that provides personalized support, medical guidance, and lifestyle optimization education to help you manage symptoms, improve your well-being, and thrive during this life stage.


    Every other week, the team at Lume Women + Health will be dropping into our podcast to answer one of your questions. Be sure to follow our podcast so that you never miss these Lume Minutes. Find ‘This Is Perimenopause, the podcast’ wherever you listen to your favorites.


    Episode Links

    • Dr. Amy Louis-Bayliss
    • Lume Women + Health


    Connect with Mikelle & Michelle at This is Perimenopause


    • Email us and let us know what you think of the podcast and what topic you want us to cover next.
    • Sign up for our weekly newsletter
    • Follow This Is Perimenopause on Instagram
    • Follow This Is Perimenopause on Facebook
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    4 mins
  • Better Poop: Women's Health, Perimenopause and Menopause Journey

    Better Poop: Women's Health, Perimenopause and Menopause Journey
    May 14 2025
    Each episode will share life stories and expert insight into women's health and your perimenopause and menopause journey. Today we’re talking about something we all do but rarely discuss: pooping. In this episode, pelvic floor physiotherapist Aliya Dhalla helps us unclench and get real about bowel health.From constipation confessions to hemorrhoid horror stories, we're flushing away the taboos and getting down to business. Got insufferable hemorrhoids? Are you a twice-a-day pooper, or someone who struggles to go more than once a week? Or are you just wondering if your pooping habits are normal. This episode has all the bowel health insights you need. In this episode:The ideal pooping frequency How to establish a morning poop routine that worksWhy your poop should resemble a "ripe banana" in consistencyWhat a squatty potty is and why everyone needs oneThe truth about hemorrhoids, and how to manage flare-ups and reduce discomfortThe connection between constipation and bladder leaksWhy you should pay attention to your pelvic floor healthEven a breathing technique to help you poopSo, stop holding it in and join us for a conversation about bathroom anxiety, hemorrhoids, squatty potties, and optimizing your output. Because everybody poops. And with Aliya's practical advice, you'll learn how to work with your body's natural rhythms for smoother, more satisfying bathroom visits.This podcast is brought to you by IRIS. Daily care products made with clean ingredients for hydrated vulva and vaginas. Use code TIP20 for 20% off at lovemyIRIS.com. Connect with Mikelle & Michelle at This is PerimenopauseEmail us and let us know what you think of the podcast and what topic you want us to cover next.Sign up for our weekly newsletterFollow This Is Perimenopause on InstagramFollow This Is Perimenopause on FacebookAliya Dhalla (B.Sc, MPT) BioAliya Dhalla (B.Sc, MPT) is a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist and the host of The Not Your Mother's Pelvic Floor Podcast. She has a clinical practice in Toronto, Canada and spends her non-clinical time educating women, both on and offline, about the changes that occur in their bodies throughout their lifetimes. From puberty, pregnancy, postpartum + perimenopause, Aliya loves talking about the things we don't talk about, but should - like our sexual, bowel, bladder, and reproductive health. You can learn from her on Instagram @boxwellnessco, through her podcast, at community events, or through her online courses + programs.When not changing the face of women’s health one pelvic floor at a time, you can find her lifting heavy things in the gym, running, cooking up her favourite high-protein + high-fibre recipes, reading a book, building LEGO with her son, or eating popcorn. Links for this episodeAliya on InstagramNot Your Mother’s Pelvic Floor PodcastBox Wellness CoBox Wellness Online Courses
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    44 mins