Episodes

2 hours ago
2 hours ago
Join us for an other incredible conversation with actress and vibrant women over 50, Annette O'Toole.
At a very young age, she started her career as a dancer, then theatre actress and has now appeared in over 40 series. Her most recent role is Mayor Hope McCrea on Nextflix's longest running drama Virgin River.
We also talk about her personal life including her wonderful marriage to actor and musician Michael McKeon.
Annette is loving her 70's and she has no intention of stopping anytime soon. She believes that one of the benefits of aging includes: "I think just being able to speak my mind and not feel like I’m taking up too much space or that I don’t have the right to say how I feel."
If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to give us a 5 start rating and review. We would really appreciate it!
Show Notes/Links: www.hotflashescooltopics.com
Video: https://www.youtube.com/@HotFlashesCoolTopics
Find Us Here!
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Want to Leave a Review for Hot Flashes and Cool Topics? Here’s How:
For Apple Podcasts on an iPhone or iOS device:
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For Apple Podcasts on a computer:
- On the Apple Podcasts website, go to the search bar and type “Hot Flashes and Cool Topics”
- After clicking on the show, find the “Listen on Apple Podcasts” button and click on it
- The “Hot Flashes and Cool Topics” podcast should open on the Apple Podcasts application
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Wednesday Jun 18, 2025
Say Goodbye to People Pleasing: Cool Topics YouTube Series
Wednesday Jun 18, 2025
Wednesday Jun 18, 2025
"It's Not Your Job to Like Me, It's Mine." Byron Katie
The need to people please is our discussion for this week's Cool Topics Series. Are you a people pleaser?
Most of us will answer yes. We say yes before thinking about our own needs. We put everyone else above us on our list of priorities. We often seek acceptance in people we shouldn't and we worry about hurting the feeling of others who do not reciprocate that.
We are looking for acceptance, love and safety. Yet, all those things we can find within ourselves. We don't need to seek outside approval. We should also be able to set healthy boundaries without guilt. Your time and energy are invaluable, especially in midlife and beyond. Don't you agree?
Show Notes: www.hotflashescooltopics.com
YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/@HotFlashesCoolTopics
Find Us Here!
Website I [http://hotflashescooltopics.com/]
Mail I [hotflashescooltopics@gmail.com]
Instagram I [https://www.instagram.com/hotflashesandcooltopics/]
Facebook : [www.facebook.com/hotflashescooltopics]
Twitter I [https://twitter.com/CoolFlashes]
YouTube I [https://www.youtube.com/@HotFlashesCoolTopics]
Pinterest I [https://www.pinterest.com/hcooltopics/]
Want to Leave a Review for Hot Flashes and Cool Topics? Here’s How:
For Apple Podcasts on an iPhone or iOS device:
- Open the Apple Podcast App on your device.
- Click on the “search” icon
- Type into the search bar “Hot Flashes and Cool Topics” and click on the show
- Towards the bottom, look for “Ratings and Reviews”
- Click on “Write a Review” and leave us your thoughts and comments!
For Apple Podcasts on a computer:
- On the Apple Podcasts website, go to the search bar and type “Hot Flashes and Cool Topics”
- After clicking on the show, find the “Listen on Apple Podcasts” button and click on it
- The “Hot Flashes and Cool Topics” podcast should open on the Apple Podcasts application
- Keep scrolling on the page until you see “Ratings and Reviews”
- Click on “See All”
- If you want to give us a five-star rating, hover over the empty stars!
- If you want to leave your thoughts and comments, click on “Write a Review”!

Wednesday Jun 11, 2025
Why We Need Healthy Stress to Live Longer with Dr. Sharon Horesh Bergquist
Wednesday Jun 11, 2025
Wednesday Jun 11, 2025
Are you familiar with the term Hormesis?
Simply put, Hormesis is a when you body responds in a positive way to low and quick bursts of stress.
This week, we are speaking with Harvard Trained Internal Medicine Physician and Researcher, Dr. Sharon Horesh Bergquist. In her new book, THE STRESS PARADOX: Why You Need Stress to Live Longer, Healthier and Happier, Dr. Horesh reveals how to optimize five key stressors to maximize mental, emotional, and physical resilience and reap a host of health benefits, from staving off dementia to increasing the years of your life.
Show Notes/Links: www.hotflashescooltopics.com
The Stress Paradox: Book
Find Us Here!
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Mail I [hotflashescooltopics@gmail.com]
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Twitter I [https://twitter.com/CoolFlashes]
YouTube I [https://www.youtube.com/@HotFlashesCoolTopics]
Pinterest I [https://www.pinterest.com/hcooltopics/]
Want to Leave a Review for Hot Flashes and Cool Topics? Here’s How:
For Apple Podcasts on an iPhone or iOS device:
- Open the Apple Podcast App on your device.
- Click on the “search” icon
- Type into the search bar “Hot Flashes and Cool Topics” and click on the show
- Towards the bottom, look for “Ratings and Reviews”
- Click on “Write a Review” and leave us your thoughts and comments!

Wednesday Jun 04, 2025
How to Foster Creativity in Midlife with Author Maggie Smith
Wednesday Jun 04, 2025
Wednesday Jun 04, 2025
"Creativity is our birthright." Author/Poet Maggie Smith
Do you notice in midlife that you have stories and wisdom to share but maybe you don't know how to express them on paper?
Our guest this week is NYT Best Selling Author and Poet, Maggie Smith. Maggie's new book, DEAR WRITER: Pep Talks & Practical Advice for the Creative Life, explains how to do it.
We discuss important ways to foster your creativity with the first one being, attention. Do you stop and pay attention to the "beauty emergencies" around you?
Learn ways to start or enhance your creativity in midlife.
Show Notes/Links: www.hotflashescooltopics.com
Book Link: DEAR MAGGIE
Find Us Here!
Website I [http://hotflashescooltopics.com/]
Mail I [hotflashescooltopics@gmail.com]
Instagram I [https://www.instagram.com/hotflashesandcooltopics/]
Facebook : [www.facebook.com/hotflashescooltopics]
Twitter I [https://twitter.com/CoolFlashes]
YouTube I [https://www.youtube.com/@HotFlashesCoolTopics]
Pinterest I [https://www.pinterest.com/hcooltopics/]
Want to Leave a Review for Hot Flashes and Cool Topics? Here’s How:
For Apple Podcasts on an iPhone or iOS device:
- Open the Apple Podcast App on your device.
- Click on the “search” icon
- Type into the search bar “Hot Flashes and Cool Topics” and click on the show
- Towards the bottom, look for “Ratings and Reviews”
- Click on “Write a Review” and leave us your thoughts and comments!
For Apple Podcasts on a computer:
- On the Apple Podcasts website, go to the search bar and type “Hot Flashes and Cool Topics”
- After clicking on the show, find the “Listen on Apple Podcasts” button and click on it
- The “Hot Flashes and Cool Topics” podcast should open on the Apple Podcasts application
- Keep scrolling on the page until you see “Ratings and Reviews”
- Click on “See All”
- If you want to give us a five-star rating, hover over the empty stars!
- If you want to leave your thoughts and comments, click on “Write a Review”!

Friday May 30, 2025
Friday May 30, 2025
We continue our conversation with the amazing actress Elizabeth Perkins.
From her start in theater to her iconic roles in Big, Miracle on 34th Street and Weeds, she shares how these characters changed the trajectory of her career. She also talks who was the original lead in Big, and it wasn't Tom Hanks.
Elizabeth has no intent on slowing down her career (even with her adult onset Type 1 Diabetes) and she looks forward to more in depth roles for women over 50.
Show Notes/Links: www.hotflashescooltopics.com
Find Us Here!
Website I [http://hotflashescooltopics.com/]
Mail I [hotflashescooltopics@gmail.com]
Instagram I [https://www.instagram.com/hotflashesandcooltopics/]
Facebook : [www.facebook.com/hotflashescooltopics]
Twitter I [https://twitter.com/CoolFlashes]
YouTube I [https://www.youtube.com/@HotFlashesCoolTopics]
Pinterest I [https://www.pinterest.com/hcooltopics/]
Want to Leave a Review for Hot Flashes and Cool Topics? Here’s How:
For Apple Podcasts on an iPhone or iOS device:
- Open the Apple Podcast App on your device.
- Click on the “search” icon
- Type into the search bar “Hot Flashes and Cool Topics” and click on the show
- Towards the bottom, look for “Ratings and Reviews”
- Click on “Write a Review” and leave us your thoughts and comments!
For Apple Podcasts on a computer:
- On the Apple Podcasts website, go to the search bar and type “Hot Flashes and Cool Topics”
- After clicking on the show, find the “Listen on Apple Podcasts” button and click on it
- The “Hot Flashes and Cool Topics” podcast should open on the Apple Podcasts application
- Keep scrolling on the page until you see “Ratings and Reviews”
- Click on “See All”
- If you want to give us a five-star rating, hover over the empty stars!
- If you want to leave your thoughts and comments, click on “Write a Review”!

Wednesday May 28, 2025
Elizabeth Perkins Shares the "Big" Changes in Her Life and Career, Part 1
Wednesday May 28, 2025
Wednesday May 28, 2025
Elizabeth Perkins is an iconic actress and producer that we are thrilled to have join us this week for a two part episode. (Wednesday and Friday).
Elizabeth Perkins has entertained the world through her roles in movies, tv and stage. From Big to Weeds, her talent is boundless. At this stage of life, she is now calling the shots to make herself a priority. That decision has resulted in some big changes in her life.
Elizabeth has moved to the East Coast to create a closer sense of community, to spend time on her mixed media art and to define this next chapter of life. Don't worry, it still includes acting!
Show Notes/Links: www.hotflashescooltopics.com
Find Us Here!
Website I [http://hotflashescooltopics.com/]
Mail I [hotflashescooltopics@gmail.com]
Instagram I [https://www.instagram.com/hotflashesandcooltopics/]
Facebook : [www.facebook.com/hotflashescooltopics]
YouTube I [https://www.youtube.com/@HotFlashesCoolTopics]
Pinterest I [https://www.pinterest.com/hcooltopics/]
Want to Leave a Review for Hot Flashes and Cool Topics? Here’s How:
For Apple Podcasts on an iPhone or iOS device:
- Open the Apple Podcast App on your device.
- Click on the “search” icon
- Type into the search bar “Hot Flashes and Cool Topics” and click on the show
- Towards the bottom, look for “Ratings and Reviews”
- Click on “Write a Review” and leave us your thoughts and comments!
For Apple Podcasts on a computer:
- On the Apple Podcasts website, go to the search bar and type “Hot Flashes and Cool Topics”
- After clicking on the show, find the “Listen on Apple Podcasts” button and click on it
- The “Hot Flashes and Cool Topics” podcast should open on the Apple Podcasts application
- Keep scrolling on the page until you see “Ratings and Reviews”
- Click on “See All”
- If you want to give us a five-star rating, hover over the empty stars!
- If you want to leave your thoughts and comments, click on “Write a Review”!

Wednesday May 21, 2025
Creating New Friendships with AARP's Shelley Emling
Wednesday May 21, 2025
Wednesday May 21, 2025
Last week's episode shared how to break up with friends.
This week, we are talking about making new ones.
Our guest this week is AARP's Executive Editor of The Girlfriend and The Ethel, Shelley Emling. The Ethel's new Gathering Groups are a modern and easy way for women 55+ to make new female friends and build a supportive community. The Girlfriend's platform offers the same for the 40+ group.
Think "Bumble BFF" for midlife and beyond.
From online to in person connections, these platforms are offering creative ways to combat loneliness and create new adventures.
Show Notes/Links: www.hotflashescooltopics.com
The Ethel: www.aarpethel.com
Find Us Here!
Website I [http://hotflashescooltopics.com/]
Mail I [hotflashescooltopics@gmail.com]
Instagram I [https://www.instagram.com/hotflashesandcooltopics/]
Facebook : [www.facebook.com/hotflashescooltopics]
Twitter I [https://twitter.com/CoolFlashes]
YouTube I [https://www.youtube.com/@HotFlashesCoolTopics]
Pinterest I [https://www.pinterest.com/hcooltopics/]
Want to Leave a Review for Hot Flashes and Cool Topics? Here’s How:
For Apple Podcasts on an iPhone or iOS device:
- Open the Apple Podcast App on your device.
- Click on the “search” icon
- Type into the search bar “Hot Flashes and Cool Topics” and click on the show
- Towards the bottom, look for “Ratings and Reviews”
- Click on “Write a Review” and leave us your thoughts and comments!
For Apple Podcasts on a computer:
- On the Apple Podcasts website, go to the search bar and type “Hot Flashes and Cool Topics”
- After clicking on the show, find the “Listen on Apple Podcasts” button and click on it
- The “Hot Flashes and Cool Topics” podcast should open on the Apple Podcasts application
- Keep scrolling on the page until you see “Ratings and Reviews”
- Click on “See All”
- If you want to give us a five-star rating, hover over the empty stars!
- If you want to leave your thoughts and comments, click on “Write a Review”!

Wednesday May 14, 2025
How to Break Up with a Friend: Cool Topics YouTube Series
Wednesday May 14, 2025
Wednesday May 14, 2025
Breaking Up is hard to do, especially when it is with a friend.
On this Cool Topics YouTube Episode, we discuss the best ways to break up with a friends that honor the friendship you had while standing firm in the boundaries you need.
People come into our lives for a reason, a season or a lifetime. It is ok to say that this friendship is no longer healthy for me and we explain the best ways to do that. Please remember, ghosting is not a good option!
YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/@HotFlashesCoolTopics
Show Notes & Links: www.hotflashescooltopics.com
Find Us Here!
Website I [http://hotflashescooltopics.com/]
Mail I [hotflashescooltopics@gmail.com]
Instagram I [https://www.instagram.com/hotflashesandcooltopics/]
Facebook : [www.facebook.com/hotflashescooltopics]
Twitter I [https://twitter.com/CoolFlashes]
YouTube I [https://www.youtube.com/@HotFlashesCoolTopics]
Pinterest I [https://www.pinterest.com/hcooltopics/]
Want to Leave a Review for Hot Flashes and Cool Topics? Here’s How:
For Apple Podcasts on an iPhone or iOS device:
- Open the Apple Podcast App on your device.
- Click on the “search” icon
- Type into the search bar “Hot Flashes and Cool Topics” and click on the show
- Towards the bottom, look for “Ratings and Reviews”
- Click on “Write a Review” and leave us your thoughts and comments!
For Apple Podcasts on a computer:
- On the Apple Podcasts website, go to the search bar and type “Hot Flashes and Cool Topics”
- After clicking on the show, find the “Listen on Apple Podcasts” button and click on it
- The “Hot Flashes and Cool Topics” podcast should open on the Apple Podcasts application
- Keep scrolling on the page until you see “Ratings and Reviews”
- Click on “See All”
- If you want t

Wednesday May 07, 2025
Learn Ways to Avoid Toxins in Your Everyday Life with Dr. Aly Cohen
Wednesday May 07, 2025
Wednesday May 07, 2025
We can easily get overwhelmed with the conversations around toxins in the environment, our food, and skincare.
What to avoid? What is safe?
This week, we invited Dr. Aly Cohen to explain what is happening when we re exposed to these chemicals. In her new book, DETOXIFY: The Everyday Toxins Harming Your Immune System and How to Defend Against Them, she explains what chemicals may be hiding in our food or exposed in our environment and clear ways to minimize their health impact.
Dr. Cohen also explains how to make small, practical shifts that can substantially increase our quality of life and help to avoid future health risks.
Thanks for listening!
Show Notes: www.hotflashescooltopics.com
Book: DETOXIFY
Find Us Here!
Website I [http://hotflashescooltopics.com/]
Mail I [hotflashescooltopics@gmail.com]
Instagram I [https://www.instagram.com/hotflashesandcooltopics/]
Facebook : [www.facebook.com/hotflashescooltopics]
Twitter I [https://twitter.com/CoolFlashes]
YouTube I [https://www.youtube.com/@HotFlashesCoolTopics]
Pinterest I [https://www.pinterest.com/hcooltopics/]
Want to Leave a Review for Hot Flashes and Cool Topics? Here’s How:
For Apple Podcasts on an iPhone or iOS device:
- Open the Apple Podcast App on your device.
- Click on the “search” icon
- Type into the search bar “Hot Flashes and Cool Topics” and click on the show
- Towards the bottom, look for “Ratings and Reviews”
- Click on “Write a Review” and leave us your thoughts and comments!
For Apple Podcasts on a computer:
- On the Apple Podcasts website, go to the search bar and type “Hot Flashes and Cool Topics”
- After clicking on the show, find the “Listen on Apple Podcasts” button and click on it
- The “Hot Flashes and Cool Topics” podcast should open on the Apple Podcasts application
- Keep scrolling on the page until you see “Ratings and Reviews”
- Click on “See All”
- If you want to give us a five-star rating, hover over the empty stars!
- If you want to leave your thoughts and comments, click on “Write a Review”!

Wednesday Apr 30, 2025
Alison Arngrim: From Little House's Mean Girl to International Comedy Star
Wednesday Apr 30, 2025
Wednesday Apr 30, 2025
We all remember Alison Arngrim as the mean bully Nellie Oleson on Little House on the Prairie. However, we didn't know the rest of her story.
Join us this week as we have a light hearted conversation with Alison Arngrim. From stories of her Hollywood family upbringing, her time on Little House, her book and her successful One-Women Comedy Show, she showcases how she is so much more than the mean girl.
Get ready to laugh out loud during this funny episode!
Show Notes/Links: www.hotflashescooltopics.com
Alison's Confessions of a Prairie B*tch Tour:
http://spincyclenyc.com/index.php/theater/58-nellie-tour
Find Us Here!
Website I [http://hotflashescooltopics.com/]
Mail I [hotflashescooltopics@gmail.com]
Instagram I [https://www.instagram.com/hotflashesandcooltopics/]
Facebook : [www.facebook.com/hotflashescooltopics]
Twitter I [https://twitter.com/CoolFlashes]
YouTube I [https://www.youtube.com/@HotFlashesCoolTopics]
Pinterest I [https://www.pinterest.com/hcooltopics/]
Want to Leave a Review for Hot Flashes and Cool Topics? Here’s How:
For Apple Podcasts on an iPhone or iOS device:
- Open the Apple Podcast App on your device.
- Click on the “search” icon
- Type into the search bar “Hot Flashes and Cool Topics” and click on the show
- Towards the bottom, look for “Ratings and Reviews”
- Click on “Write a Review” and leave us your thoughts and comments!
For Apple Podcasts on a computer:
- On the Apple Podcasts website, go to the search bar and type “Hot Flashes and Cool Topics”
- After clicking on the show, find the “Listen on Apple Podcasts” button and click on it
- The “Hot Flashes and Cool Topics” podcast should open on the Apple Podcasts application
- Keep scrolling on the page until you see “Ratings and Reviews”
- Click on “See All”
- If you want to give us a five-star rating, hover over the empty stars!
- If you want to leave your thoughts and comments, click on “Write a Review”!