Archives

The Mediterranean Lifestyle Isn’t About Food (And That’s the Point)

You can do everything “right” and still feel like something is… off. That’s where this conversation begins. Anita Heidema and Dario Tomaselli share what happens when midlife success stops feeling like a win—when the kids leave, the schedule opens up, and suddenly you’re faced with the bigger question: now what? …

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How a Plant-Forward Diet Changed Everything for Alisia Essig

Alisia Essig

What would you do if your 37-year-old husband had a stroke out of the blue—while raising six kids, including twin babies? That’s the moment Allie’s world turned upside down and became the start of a total shift in how her family approached food, health, and healing. Frustrated by vague advice …

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The Pizza That Built a Family: Erica D’Arcangelo’s Real Food Story

What if a humble pizza shop could hold the history of an entire family? In this heartwarming episode, Erica D’Arcangelo shares the extraordinary legacy of her Italian immigrant grandfather, who began working in Pennsylvania coal mines at just nine years old—and went on to found a beloved pizzeria that became …

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Peri, Post & Everything in Between with Erika Shannon

Erika Shannon

From dreaded adversary to unexpected ally, menopause transforms from something women merely survive into a doorway to authentic living. This candid conversation between two menopause specialists—one navigating perimenopause in her 40’s, the other firmly in menopause at 57—delivers the straight talk about hormones, fitness, nutrition, and identity that’s missing from …

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How to Reimagine Your Next Chapter with Camille Wolsonovich

CAMILLE

What does the next chapter of your life really look like? Whether you’re dreaming of a slower pace, planning a big adventure, or simply craving clarity about your future, this conversation with Camille Walsonovich offers a fresh perspective on reimagining what comes next. After 35 magical years at Disney, Camille …

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Eating Well Without Starting Over (Again)

Elizabeth Dall

When did you first learn your body was “wrong”? For nutrition coach Elizabeth Dahl, it started with a comment about her legs—and from there, years of restriction, shame, and disconnection followed. In this honest and hopeful conversation, Elizabeth shares how she broke free from diet culture and found food freedom …

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The Messy, Honest Truth About Change After 40

Change is a part of life—but in your 40s and beyond, it can feel messier, more emotional, and a lot harder to navigate. In this episode, I’m digging into why change often hits differently in midlife, the feelings it stirs up (spoiler: you’re not alone!), and how to move through …

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Blindness Didn’t Stop Her: A Chef’s Story of Courage & Cooking

What if your biggest challenge became your greatest calling? That’s exactly what happened to Debra Erickson, who lost her vision to retinitis pigmentosa. At age 59, she did something extraordinary: she enrolled in culinary school — and became the only blind graduate in her class. Today, Debra is the founder …

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The Reluctant Gardener’s Guide to the Homesteader Mindset

Elizabeth Bruckner

What does homesteading look like when you live in suburban Los Angeles? Elizabeth Bruckner never imagined she’d become a passionate advocate for self-sufficient living – especially after years of killing every houseplant that crossed her threshold. However, a long-term chronic illness that left her bedridden forced her to reimagine her …

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Yep, We’re Talking About Peeing When You Laugh

NIGEL

Beyond Kegels: Real Solutions for Incontinence in Midlife This week, we’re talking about something so many women deal with — but almost no one talks about: urinary incontinence. After having twins, I thought leaking was just something I’d have to live with. I was told to do kegels and move …

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The Period Problem No One’s Talking About with Allison Yamamoto

Allison Yamamoto

Discipline, perfectionism, and “healthy habits” can sometimes mask a dangerous relationship with food and exercise. Allison Yamamoto opens up about her journey from NCAA cheerleader to marathon runner, revealing how her pursuit of athletic excellence led her down a path of restrictive eating, overtraining, and eventually losing her period for …

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Breaking Free From Wine Mom Culture

Emily Allen

Emily Allen transformed her relationship with alcohol while raising her children, and now guides women in creating an exciting next chapter filled with clarity, authentic connections, and true freedom as they transition to their empty nest years. • Daily wine had become a numbing ritual, especially during COVID lockdowns • …

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Beyond Boundaries: Rediscovering Yourself After 40

Elizabeth Cush

Elizabeth Kush, licensed clinical counselor and women’s life coach, explores the complex challenges of midlife and menopause for women who feel overwhelmed by physical changes, shifting family dynamics, and societal expectations. • Menopause brings significant physical and emotional changes that can make women feel disconnected from their former selves • …

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Good Habits For Great Skin After 40 with Lisa Duffy

The topic of good habits for great skin over 40 is alive and well! If there is one thing that women in midlife women contend with it is our ageing skin. Today I am talking with skincare expert and the owner of Magnolia Skin Essentials Lisa Duffy. Lisa inspires women …

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Navigating Menopause in the Workforce: The Conversations We Need to Have

menopause legal

Navigating Menopause in the Workforce: The Conversations We Need to Have. Menopause is not just a personal issue, it’s also a workplace issue—but too often, it’s ignored, misunderstood, or left out of corporate wellness conversations. In this episode, I sit down with employment attorney Mark Carey to break down the …

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It’s Time to Talk About Menopause in the Workplace

meno

Have you ever considered how menopause might be affecting your career or your workplace wellbeing? Many women, despite making up half of the workforce, grapple with challenges during menopause that often remain unspoken, from brain fog and fatigue to anxiety. In this episode of Real Food Stories, I address a …

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Unraveling the Confusion Around Menopause Hormones

hormones

This episode dives deep into the confusion surrounding menopause hormone therapy, discussing the historical stigma, outdated research, and contradictory medical advice women face. By understanding these complexities and advocating for themselves, women can navigate their menopause journeys with more confidence and clarity. • Examination of outdated beliefs about hormone replacement …

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Embracing Possibilities: Designing a Year You Want to Live

What if you could throw away the burden of New Year’s resolutions and instead embrace a mindset brimming with exciting possibilities? Join me as I share a personal journey of transforming the post-holiday pressure into an opportunity for joy and curiosity. This episode of Real Food Stories is all about …

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Menopause Had a Good Year! The Best of 2024

meno

This has been a big year for menopause! I know that there has been some big moments in awareness and education. Here are some of the highlights that I talk about in the episode. Discover the 2024 Menopause Breakthroughs A New Understanding of Hormone Therapy: Recent studies have shed new …

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Perimenopause Demystified: The Truth About Women’s Health with Stacy Brix

Stacey Brix

Stacy Brix, a board-certified family nurse practitioner with a passion for perimenopause, joins Heather to challenge outdated misconceptions and bring clarity to a critical phase in women’s health. Discover how her professional journey and personal experiences have led her to focus on hormone replacement therapy (HRT), shedding light on the …

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Real Menopause Talk: A Conversation With My Husband

Mark Carey

If you didn’t listen to last week’s episode (#100) where I talk to the men out there about menopause, take a listen! Today, I went a bit rogue and decided to bring on my husband (and real-life man!) Mark Carey, to get his side of the menopause story. Menopause isn’t …

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Confused About Menopause? Try Your Husband!

meno

For my 100TH EPISODE(!!) I am talking to the men out there :) Menopause has proven to be confusing enough for women, what with the total lack of information from their doctors or their mothers. If you are confused, try your husband or partner. They are even more in the …

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Transform Your Diet Through Genetic Insights with Tamar Lawful

TAMAR

Unlock the secrets of nutrigenomics with my guest, Dr. Tamar Lawful. Discover how your genetic blueprint may be the key to mastering your health, especially in the realm of women’s wellness. Through Dr. Lawful’s expertise in pharmacy, nutrition, and genomics, learn how a simple saliva swab can provide personalized insights …

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Self-Care When the Caregiver is You

Women in midlife are often found in the Sandwich Generation – caught between the responsibilities with children and taking care of aging parents. Join me as I talk with Jeanette Yates, founder of The Self-Care Giver, a space to understand and empower yourself during this sometimes overwhelming time of our …

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Empower Your Menopause! Foodie Tips and Course News

menopause food

Is menopause leaving you confused and overwhelmed? Unlock the secrets to managing this life phase with confidence in today’s episode. Today I dive into the powerful role of whole foods and share top nutrition tips tailored specifically for those navigating menopause. Learn how small shifts in your diet can make …

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Debunking a Few Menopause Myths

menopause 3

What if everything you thought you knew about menopause was wrong? Discover the truths about the menopause transition and how nutrition can play a crucial role in managing its symptoms. Join Heather Carey on the Real Food Stories podcast as she unpacks the bewildering journey through menopause, breaking down the …

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Healing Your Inner Eater with Jessica Setnick

Jessica Setnick

Join me as I dive into an enlightening conversation with Jessica Setnick, a renowned registered dietitian specializing in eating disorders. In this episode, we unravel the complexities of eating issues among midlife women, exploring the societal pressures and fear marketing that contribute to these struggles, starting from childhood and often …

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Setting Healthy Boundaries for Ultimate Self-Care with Susie Pettit

SUSIE PETIT

Asserting your needs without feeling selfish? Join us as we sit down with Susie Pettit, life coach and host of the Love Your Life Show, who opens up about her journey from a codependent upbringing to mastering the art of setting healthy boundaries. Susie provides invaluable insights into how prioritizing …

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Eating the Mediterranean Way with Stavros Mastrogiannis

Stavros

What if the secret to a longer, healthier life was hidden in the past? Join me as I uncover the wisdom of the Mediterranean diet with our guest, Stavros Mastrogiannis, a 29-year veteran in the weight loss field and founder of the Stavros Method. With his rich upbringing in Greece …

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Reimagining Midlife and Menopause Wellness with Amita Sharma

Amita

Amita Sharma is the founder of Nourish Doc,  an online platform for menopause wellness resources. Amita shared her story and struggles of perimenopause and menopause amidst a corporate world that barely acknowledges its existence. She created her platform out of what she saw as an unmet need. Amita’s mission with …

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Navigating the Supplement Maze

Do you ever wonder if you’re getting the right nutrients from your diet or if you need all those supplements? Join me in this episode of Real Food Stories into the complex world of dietary supplements. I’ll share what supplements I take (it’s not a lot!), emphasizing the importance of …

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Micronutrients: More is Not Better

It might surprise you to learn that one of the secrets to good health lies in the tiny but mighty micronutrients—vitamins and minerals—that we often overlook or don’t take the time to think about when we are making everyday food choices. Join me as I unpack the essential roles of …

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The Crazy Fads of Fat

Just like carbs and protein, there have been plenty of crazy fads when it comes to fats. In this episode I talk I highlight the latest and greatest debate – seed oils. Are they harmful for you? Should we continue to use them, and has social media simply hijacked another …

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Why Fats Matter: Separating Fats from Fiction

What if everything you thought you knew about fats was wrong? Get ready to rethink your dietary habits as we unravel the myths surrounding dietary fats and reveal the truth behind the fat-free craze of the 1980s. Discover how the move to eliminate fats led to an unexpected rise in …

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Do Carbs Really Have a Dark Side?

Ever found yourself questioning the true impact of carbohydrates on your health, or weight gain? Do you blame carbs and feel that you are addicted to them? In this episode I help to debunk some of the biggest myths around carbs, the questions that I get asked the most from …

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Here’s What to Love About Carbs

Ever feel like carbohydrates are the dietary villain you just can’t escape? Let me shatter the myths and shine a light on the truth about these vital nutrients in our latest Real Food Stories podcast episode. As we dissect the world of carbs, you’ll come away understanding their crucial role …

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The Thing About Protein in Midlife

protein

The thing about protein in midlife is that we are so confused about protein! How much, when, where, and the types of protein are questions that leave us confused. Today’s episode strips down the jargon of nutrition to its bare bones, offering a way out of diet myths. As we …

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Your Body is Meant to Move with DK Ciccone

DK Ciccione

Dana Karen Ciccone is the founder of Movement Remedies, a Boston-based pilates studio, and the author of the book You Were Meant to Move. In our interview, Dana Karen shares her beginnings of the intertwining of chronic pain with the complex world of dieting and body image, which is a …

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How, and Why, to Start a Garden Wherever You Live

greg Peterson

Greg Peterson, the owner of Urban Farm, talks to me about getting started in gardening, and the season is now! The simple act of growing your vegetables is not only a benefit to your nourishment, it’s a benefit to the environment and your health. This episode will transform your view …

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Fix Your Sleep with Dr. Bijoy John

bijoy John

Dr. Bijoy John, a sleep specialist, joins us for a thought-provoking session that might just be the key to unlocking the rest you’ve been yearning for. Through Dr. John’s expertise and personal narrative, we veer into the intricacies of sleep and its profound impact on our health, mood, and even …

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Five Reasons Why You Need a Reset

spring salad

Break free from the winter blues and find joy in a plate full of vibrant, seasonal goodness. That’s exactly what awaits you with my Spring Healthy Eating Reset, tailored for women in the prime of midlife. Starting April 5th, 2024, I invite you on this exciting journey, not through the …

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All About Magic Mushrooms with Bijou Finney

BIJOU

Are you mushroom-curious? “Magic mushrooms” are the new medical marijuana and there is a lot of mystery and unanswered questions surrounding them. Tune in to discover the transformative powers of mushroom therapy from Bijou Finney, a microdose coach, to the show. With Bijou’s guidance, we traverse the healing landscape of …

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Finding Your Joy and Purpose in Midlife

REINA BACH

Rediscover the joy of life’s second act alongside executive coach Reina Bach, whose expertise in leadership development and coaching shines through our discussion about overcoming the stereotypes of midlife. As we peel back the layers of personal narratives that often lead to what some women might call a ‘midlife crisis’, …

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Come On, Get Happy! With Happiness Coach Tamara Zoner

Tamara Zoner

Embark on a journey to contentment with Tamara Zoner, the happiness expert, as she unpacks the habits of a joy-infused life. By the end of the episode, you’ll have a treasure chest of strategies to foster an enduring sense of peace and well-being. Tamara doesn’t just hand over the keys …

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Embracing Love Languages for Personal Transformation and Healing

Paul Zolman

From the ashes of a turbulent childhood, blossoms a story of redemption and self-discovery. Join us as Paul Zulman, the author of “The Role of Love,” opens up about his transformative journey and the role love languages have played in his life. In a heart-to-heart that promises both enlightenment and …

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Laura Broome Unveils The Keys to a Resilient Life

Laura Broome

Laura Broom, a resilience coach with a remarkable story of transformation, joins us to reveal her secrets to bouncing back stronger than ever. Having faced breast cancer, the death of a child, a heart transplant, and an unexpected divorce, Laura’s resilience isn’t just theoretical – it’s a lived reality. She’s …

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How To Anti-Diet with Joanne Edinberg

Joanne Edinburg

Imagine feeling at peace with every morsel you eat and loving your body just the way it is. In my heartfelt conversation with Joanne Edinburgh, a certified eating psychology coach, we unravel the intricate ties that bind us to our food and self-image. Joanne’s own story moves from battling food …

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Navigating the Hidden Struggles of Midlife Eating with Nicole Christina

Nicole Christina

When you think of eating disorders, do teenagers immediately come to mind? You might be surprised to learn that midlife women are equally, if not more, vulnerable to these struggles. Psychotherapist Nicole Cristina joins me to unravel the complexity of eating challenges in midlife, addressing the life transitions that often …

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It’s Going to Be the Year of Ozempic

Hello and welcome back to season 3 of the Real Food Stories Podcast! I am looking forward to a new year and 2o24. I always love the start of a new year because I love setting intentions and creating some vision for myself. It doesn’t always go as planned but …

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Embracing Weight Neutrality with Stephanie Lueras

Stephanie

Embark on a transformative journey with Stephanie Lueras, an inspiration in the ever-evolving world of the body positivity movement. Stephanie share her personal odyssey – a remarkable 200-pound weight loss that reshaped not just her body but her entire life. In our conversation, Stephanie and I navigate the waters of …

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Healthy Holiday Eating is Easy! with Shelley Loving

Shelley Loving

Join me as I chat with healthy cooking instructor Shelly Loving about eating well through the holidays! Following her husband’s almost fatal heart attack Shelley went from a kitchen novice to a health food maestro. Shelley decided to take charge of her kitchen to help her husband, which not only …

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How to Redefine Your Abundance with Rebecca Whitman

Rebecca Whitman

When we think of abundance, what comes to mind? Is it monetary wealth, a fulfilling career, or perhaps healthy relationships? Get ready to redefine abundance with our inspiring guest Rebecca Whitman, a magnetic abundance mentor. Rebecca graciously takes us on a journey from her Hollywood days, wrestling with body image …

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Emotional Resilience and Life Transformation with Andrea Johnston

Andrea Johnson

Transformational Leadership Coach Andrea Johnson shares her deeply personal story about a  life that begins with bulimia, struggles with obesity, complicated family dynamics, and pauses at a decision to undergo gastric bypass surgery. Andrea and I dive deep into what it was like to make that decision and the emotional …

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Mindful Drinking Might Be the Answer with Maria Mayes

Maria mayes

Have you ever been curious about your own drinking habits, especially those times when you automatically reach for a glass of wine (hello Friday happy hour!), no thought required? Reaching for that glass of wine might be almost an unconscious routine and less of a mindful enjoyment. Today on the …

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The One Question to Ask Yourself This Holiday Season

What do the holidays mean for you? Everyone has their own experience with these coming months. For some, they are a happy time, for many a sad and nostalgic time. The bottom line is the holidays are typically loaded with emotion. And typically tangled up in food. The dishes we …

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Conquering Eating Disorders in Midlife with Jen Hardy

Do you ever feel like midlife equates to a war with your body and food? Join me as I dive into this sensitive conversation with the remarkable Jen Hardy. She’s not just a podcaster, speaker, and mom of seven, but also a brave survivor of eating disorders, and body image …

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Overcoming Alcohol Misconceptions and Embracing Joyful Living in Midlife

Have you ever wondered how alcohol can impact your health, especially as you navigate the complexities of midlife? In this enlightening episode of Real Food Stories, host Heather Carey sits down with Lily Weiss, an alcohol freedom coach, to unravel the intricate web of alcohol consumption and its misconceptions. Lily …

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Make Meal Planning Easy with Amy Lawrence

Amy Lawrence

Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed by meal planning and cooking? You’re not alone! In this enlightening episode of Real Food Stories, host Heather Carey sits down with Amy Lawrence, the inspiring author of “The Power of Food Prep” and CEO of Gourmet Done Skinny. Together, they dive deep into …

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Welcome to Real Food Stories with Heather Carey, MS

Real Food Stories

What if the food on your plate could tell a story that resonates deeply with your journey? Welcome to this episode of Real Food Stories, where host Heather Carey, a dedicated clinical nutritionist and health supportive chef, invites you to explore the intricate emotional, physical, and spiritual connections we share …

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