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The podcast voice for women 50+. We talk about everything to do with this time of life from relationships and careers, women’s health and wellness to celebrity interviews. New episode every Wednesday.
Episodes
18 minutes ago
18 minutes ago
43 min
What if menopause could be viewed not as the end of something, but as the beginning of a new chapter?
In this episode, Dr. Ian Smith joins us for an in-depth conversation about menopause nutrition, perimenopause, healthy aging, weight management, inflammation, muscle loss, and the role of food in managing midlife health.
Dr. Ian wrote The New Menopause Kitchen to help women navigate the physical and nutritional changes that occur during perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause. His approach focuses on making nutrition simple, actionable, and accessible rather than overwhelming.
Menopause is not a period of resignation—it can be an opportunity to rethink nutrition, movement, strength, and long-term health. By prioritizing protein, fiber, calcium, vitamin D, nutrient-dense whole foods, muscle-building exercise, and an anti-inflammatory lifestyle, women can build a practical foundation for health throughout midlife and beyond.
Sep 23, 2026
Sep 23, 2026
50 min
SHE'S BACK!!
We are thrilled that our friend and celebrity baker, Carla Hall returns for a wide ranging conversation about reinvention, creativity, aging, baking, self confidence, and the importance of refusing to let other people underestimate you.
Carla opens up about her one woman show, “Please Underestimate Me,” a biographical theatrical production inspired by the many twists, turns, starts, and restarts throughout her life. From working as an accountant and modeling in Europe to becoming a caterer, television personality, cookbook author, and celebrated chef, Carla reflects on what it means to follow the road wherever it leads instead of boxing yourself into a predetermined idea of what comes next.
We talk more about reinvention after 50. Carla shares her desire to inspire women, particularly women 50 and older, to “unbox” themselves and rediscover who they are beyond traditional roles and expectations. She discusses the Me Menu, a personal-development concept she created with executive coach Deb Regal, designed to help people turn some of their attention back toward themselves and explore what they want from the next chapter of life.
The conversation also explores Carla's latest cookbook, Carla Hall's Carla Bakes: Sweet and Savory Recipes from the Heart, including the stories, techniques, and lessons behind the recipes.
The episode goes beyond food, touching on the value of admitting what you don't know, asking for help, staying curious, and continuing to learn at every age. Carla's story demonstrates how embracing uncertainty can open the door to unexpected opportunities. She also shares a particularly emotional story about her lifelong admiration for Carol Burnett and the extraordinary moment when Burnett contributed a voiceover to Carla's One Woman show. For Carla, the experience represented a full circle moment between the 12-year-old girl who dreamed of becoming the “Black Carol Burnett” and the accomplished woman she became decades later.
Listeners will also hear about Carla's continued creative projects, including her work with The Chew alumni on YouTube, her ongoing television appearances, and much more.
As always, she is excited for the next adventure!
Sep 16, 2026
Sep 16, 2026
40 min
What happens when a relationship becomes emotionally draining? In this insightful conversation with therapist, Jessica Miller, we explore the importance of recognizing unhealthy relationships, setting necessary boundaries, and giving yourself permission to walk away from friendships or relationships that no longer support your emotional well-being.
Jessica shares valuable insight into why people often feel obligated to stay in draining friendships and relationships and why ending a friendship can sometimes be the healthiest choice. The conversation offers practical perspective on navigating difficult relationships, protecting your peace, and building connections that are supportive, fulfilling, and mutually healthy. We also discuss when it is necessary to go no contact.
Whether you're struggling with a toxic friendship, questioning whether a relationship is still serving you, or simply looking for ways to create healthier connections, this episode provides thoughtful advice and encouragement.
Show Notes/Links: www.hotflashescooltopics.com
Jessica Miller Website: Mind Your Boundaries
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Sep 9, 2026
Sep 9, 2026
41 min
You are not born with style, you learn it. And when it comes to personal style after 50, it’s never too late to figure out what makes you feel comfortable, confident, and completely yourself.
This week, we’re joined by stylist Chellie Carlson to talk about creating a wardrobe and personal style that actually works for women over 50. And her first piece of advice? Stop shopping and start with your closet. Take a peek inside your wardrobe and ask yourself: Do you actually wear more than 20% of what you own? If the answer is no, it may be time for a serious closet reset.
Chellie believes the first step to discovering your personal style is removing the clutter. That might mean donating more than 50% of your wardrobe, and yes, that can sound painful! But clearing out the clothes you don't wear creates space to see what you truly love, what feels comfortable, and what you want to wear more of now.
We’re talking about why you should size up when something doesn’t fit, let go of clothes that no longer serve you, and stop feeling guilty about wearing the same pieces again and again. You don’t need 10 white T-shirts, 3great ones might be plenty. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with repeating an outfit or styling one quality garment multiple ways.
We also discuss the temptation to buy something simply because it’s on sale. A bargain isn't a bargain if you don't love it, wear it, or feel great in it.
Chellie shares practical, budget-friendly styling tips to help women over 50 define their personal style, simplify their wardrobe, dress with confidence, and shop with intention without breaking the bank.
Because great style isn't about having more clothes. It’s about having the right clothes for the woman you are today.
Show Notes/Links: www.hotflashescooltopics.com
Chellie Carlson: Website
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Sep 2, 2026
Sep 2, 2026
52 min
Next week is the 25th Anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
This week, we are reliving some of those critical moments from the view of former CNN anchor, Carol Lin. Carol was one of the first news anchors to report that morning. Carol shares her experience and how her team carried many of us through that horrible day.
Carole also discusses her fascinating and deeply personal book, When News Breaks, her career experiences, and the unexpected connections she has made throughout her life.
When News Breaks is more than a memoir about being a journalist on 9/11. It's a powerful story about the duality of womanhood and the impossible pressure many women feel to succeed at work while simultaneously being present for their families, partners, and children.
Show Notes/Links: www.hotflashescooltopics.com
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Aug 26, 2026
Aug 26, 2026
45 min
Goodnight John Boy! Goodnight Mary Ellen!
In this week's episode, Judy Norton (best known as Mary Ellen Walton from the iconic television series The Waltons) shares her personal story of overcoming fear, building confidence, and embracing life’s next chapters.
With a career spanning more than five decades, Judy has continually reinvented herself as an actress, writer, director, producer, singer, and performer. She opens up about the fear and anxiety she experienced as a young actress, the challenges of Hollywood, and how learning to trust herself helped her move beyond self doubt and step confidently outside her comfort zone.
Beyond acting, she has pursued extraordinary challenges, including earning two world records in skydiving, competing in horse shows, and completing marathons and triathlons. Judy also shares why some of our most rewarding and meaningful chapters can come later in life and why it’s never too late to try something new.
Show Notes/LInks: www.hotflashescooltopics.com
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Aug 19, 2026
Aug 19, 2026
40 min
WELCOME TO SEASON 8!
If you are joining our community for the first time. we are thrilled to have you join us. Hot Flashes & Cool Topics podcast talks about everything for women over 50.
In the heartfelt first episode of this season, we welcome Diane Shiffer, the beloved social media creator known as “Your Chubby Vintage Nana,” to discuss finding joy, embracing authenticity, aging with confidence, kindness, and creating a meaningful life through everyday moments.
Diane shares the unexpected story of how she became a social media sensation during the early days of the pandemic. What began with a simple video of a lavender lemonade and an accidentally time lapsed hair tutorial quickly grew into a massive online community. Today, Diane’s storytelling, vintage aesthetic, soothing voice, and messages of kindness resonate with millions of followers.
The conversation also explores Diane’s book, The Smallest of Joys: How to Create Your Own Magic, Let Your Best Be Enough, and Find Contentment Exactly as You Are, which encourages readers to recognize and savor the everyday moments that bring meaning and happiness.
Diane discusses her approach to dealing with negativity online, including assuming positive intent while maintaining firm personal boundaries. She explains why kindness does not mean allowing unkindness into your life and how setting boundaries can create a safer, more welcoming community.
A major theme of the episode is finding joy in difficult circumstances. Diane also introduces listeners to her concept of “happy traps”: small, intentional pleasures designed to give yourself something comforting to anticipate during stressful periods. From saving a favorite video to discovering a surprise note or treat, these simple practices can help interrupt an anxiety spiral and create moments of peace.
We also talk about the importance of noticing beauty in everyday life, whether it is rain on a windshield, a warm cup of coffee, a favorite vintage object, or a kitten curled up on a pillow. Diane describes these fleeting moments as links in a “joy chain,” reminding us that a fulfilling life is often built from countless ordinary moments rather than a handful of major milestones.
Ultimately, Diane’s message is simple but powerful: you do not have to change who you are to create a joyful life. By embracing your authentic self, setting healthy boundaries, practicing kindness, noticing beauty, celebrating everyday moments, and allowing yourself to rest, you can find contentment exactly where you are.
Find all Show Notes/Links: www.hotflashescooltopics.com
Book: Link
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Aug 12, 2026
Aug 12, 2026
40 min
SEASON 8 STARTS NEXT WEEK!
In our final replay episode of Season 7, we revisit our conversation with actress and advocate Elizabeth Perkins.
Elizabeth shares her personal experiences with reinvention, motherhood, menopause, women’s health, and the freedom that comes from finally putting yourself first.
After four decades as an actress and nearly four decades as a mother and caretaker, Elizabeth explains why she ultimately left Los Angeles and moved across the country to Western Massachusetts. She describes the liberating experience of driving cross-country alone, building a close-knit community, reconnecting with creativity, and creating a dedicated art studio for her mixed-media collage work.
Elizabeth also speaks candidly about what it means to enter a new chapter of life after raising children and caring for aging parents. She reflects on the pressure women face to remain caretakers, the guilt that can accompany putting yourself first, and why the years after 60 can become an opportunity for profound reinvention rather than a period of slowing down.
Elizabeth recounts years of being dismissed while experiencing severe symptoms, ultimately discovering dangerously high blood glucose and being diagnosed with late-onset autoimmune diabetes shortly before undergoing a full hysterectomy. She also discusses the challenges of navigating menopause and surgical menopause, the importance of listening to women's symptoms, and the need for better research, education, and individualized healthcare.
This episode is ultimately about finding your voice, reclaiming your identity, embracing creativity, building community, and giving yourself permission to dream again.
Aug 5, 2026
Aug 5, 2026
42 min
One more replay to go until Season 8 starts!
On this replay episode, we talk with DeeDee Moore, founder of More Than Grand. DeeDee explains that being a successful parent does not automatically prepare someone to be a successful grandparent.
DeeDee encourages grandparents to view boundaries not as barriers but as acts of love designed to protect children and support family relationships. Another major topic we discuss is grandparent babysitting burnout, an increasingly common challenge facing many families.
Listeners will come away with practical advice on first-time grandparent tips, grandparent boundaries, daughters-in-law relationships, babysitting burnout, holiday family traditions, grandparent names, postpartum support, multigenerational family communication, and modern parenting dynamics.
Show Notes/Links: www.hotflashescooltopics.com
More Than Grand: Link
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Jul 29, 2026
Jul 29, 2026
46 min
In this replay episode, we interview obesity medicine specialist Dr. Alexandra Sowa, author of The Ozempic Revolution.
The discussion demystifies GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, semaglutide, and tirzepatide, explaining how they work, who they are designed for, and why they represent a major shift in the treatment of obesity and metabolic disease. Dr. Sowa emphasizes that obesity is not a failure of willpower, but a complex chronic disease driven by genetics, hormones, metabolism, and environmental factors.
Our discussion moves beyond the basics of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound, and semaglutide to explore practical questions many patients have:
*How much do these medications cost?
* Will insurance cover them?
* What are the side effects?
* How long do you need to stay on treatment?
* And what lifestyle changes are essential for lasting success?
Dr. Sowa explains that GLP-1 medications are powerful tool, but they are not a magic solution. Sustainable weight loss and improved metabolic health require proper nutrition, strength training, medical supervision, and a long-term commitment to healthy habits.
Show Notes/Links: www.hotflashescooltopics.com
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