The Menopause Midwife

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Podcast by Missy Miculka

The Menopause Midwife

Modern menopause care, reaching back to the roots of woman centered midwifery care.

Latest episodes

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10 April 2026

Can Hypnosis Really Help with Menopause Symptoms? | Juliana Sloane

This week, I am joined by the radiant Juliana Sloane to explore a different angle of healing that goes beneath the surface of hormones to address the deeper wisdom of our nervous systems.

We dive into the fascinating reality that the unconscious mind drives 95% of our behaviors, and Juliana explains how modern hypnotherapy acts as a co-creative process to help you navigate that "busted give-a-damn" feeling that hits during perimenopause, allowing you to finally shift lifelong patterns like people-pleasing or chronic reactivity.

Our conversation sheds light on why family triggers feel so intense and how trance states can help us renegotiate these internal conflicts. You will discover how accessing a state of neuroplasticity can provide relief for physical symptoms like insomnia and hot flashes while helping you realign your boundaries.

It is a deep dive into the mind-body connection designed for anyone who feels stuck in a plateau and is looking for a way to make the hard transitions of midlife feel significantly easier.

Juliana even leads us through a beautiful mini-hypnosis session during the episode, offering a direct experience of how shifting your internal imagery can create immediate ease in the body. Beyond the session, she shares practical grounding practices and details about her upcoming nature-based retreats for women looking to deepen their mindfulness practice.

If you have been searching for a way to supercharge your healing process and find a sense of inner harmony, this episode provides the roadmap and the "nervous system hug" you’ve been needing.

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Timestamps

00:00 Intro

02:51 Hypnotherapy 101

05:01 Using Hypnosis for Menopause

11:10 Hypnotherapy & Psychotherapy

12:54 What a Hypnotherapy Session Might Look Like

18:01 Breaking the Myths of Hypnosis

20:46 Why Family Triggers Feel So Intense

23:19 Mini-Hypnosis Session

33:42 Guided Meditations & Retreats

36:26 Simple Grounding Practices

38:51 Wrap Up Questions

00:00

42:50

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03 April 2026

Is Your HRT Working? Troubleshooting Bioidentical Hormones | Dr. Sarah Daccarett

This week, we are welcoming back a favorite guest to dive deeper into the "hormone puzzles" that many face during menopause and perimenopause. Dr. Sarah Daccarett, hormone specialist and founder of Inner Balance, returns to the show to help us troubleshoot the most common frustrations with HRT and bioidentical hormone therapy.

Dr. Sarah clears up the massive confusion surrounding "progesterone intolerance," and we break down the science of how the liver metabolizes oral hormones and why switching to a vaginal delivery system, like her flagship product Oestra, can be a total game-changer for reducing side effects.

We also get into the nitty-gritty of navigating HRT while using an IUD for birth control and why "chasing labs" often misses the mark when it comes to your actual well-being. Sit down for an insightful conversation as we discuss everything from early signs of hormone loss in your 30s to the latest in hormonal skincare.

It is time to stop settling for "barely scratching the surface" and start finding the sweet spot that helps you feel like yourself again.

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Timestamps

00:00 Intro

01:59 Explaining Progesterone Intolerance

04:22 Exploring Oestra

06:34 The Best Way to Do HRT

11:29 To Track or Not to Track Your Symptoms?

17:31 The Holy Trinity of Hormones

19:14 Oestra Half-Life

23:08 Using Oestra with the IUD

31:11 Using Oestra with the Patch

36:29 Breast Cancer, Stroke & HRT

45:04 Cycling Your HRT

49:04 Skipping Periods on HRT

51:02 What's New at Inner Balance?

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55:04

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20 March 2026

Reclaiming Sensuality and Beauty in Menopause | Wren Morrow

In this episode, I am joined by the incredibly talented outdoor boudoir photographer, Wren Morrow, to explore the powerful concept of decolonizing desire and reclaiming our personal autonomy during the transition into perimenopause and menopause.

We dive deep into how societal beauty standards are often "crafted in boardrooms" to keep women in a state of lack, and how we can break free by returning to the wisdom of our own bodies.

Wren shares her unique philosophy on photography as an "experience-focused" portal to freedom, helping women move from "performing" beauty to authentically embodying genuine joy and unfiltered delight.

We unpack the "fierce awakening" that occurs in midlife as life force energy is finally redirected from caretaking others back toward the self. I also break down why hormone replacement is a vital step in maintaining a "libido for life," while Wren explains how her collaborative process with nature alchemizes past "shadows" into a deep lack of self-consciousness.

Ready to reclaim your sensuality? This conversation is a heart-centered reminder that your body is worthy of celebration exactly as it is today

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Musical Credit & Disclaimer

This episode features a 25-second snippet of the song "Colonizer Mindset" by Queen Chimera. All rights to the music belong to the original artist and their respective labels. This audio is included under Fair Use guidelines for cultural commentary and artistic expression that align with the themes of decolonizing desire discussed in this episode.

Timestamps

00:00 Intro & Introducing Wren Morrow

05:04 Wren's Journey with Photography

08:10 Decolonizing Desire & Reclaiming Autonomy

12:07 Internalized Standards of Beauty

17:15 Wren's Approach to Boudoir Photography

19:24 Viewing the Body as a "Spacesuit"

21:12 Shadows as a Part of Life

24:02 The Fierce Awakening of Menopause

30:48 The Importance of Early Hormone Replacement

32:03 Inside Wren’s Photography Process

40:41 Rapid-fire Questions

00:00

49:06

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14 February 2026

Cool Queens & Herbal Allies: Navigating the Hormonal Change | Bad B Botanicals

In this episode, I am joined by Kaitlyn Cranor and Raychel Clark, the co-founders of Bad B Botanicals, to explore the intersection of plant wisdom and hormonal health. Drawing on their backgrounds in supplement manufacturing and energy work, they have developed a unique liquid tincture to help women navigate the "what is even happening to my body" phase of perimenopause.

We will discover the specific roles of herbal allies like black cohosh and vitex berry, as well as the benefits of utilizing "tonics" over traditional capsules for superior absorption. I also break down the science of metabolic pathways and explain why adding magnesium to your routine is the "lowest hanging fruit" for clearing estrogen from the system.

The duo discusses their "Cool Queen" formulation’s ability to target hot flashes while promoting long-term balance, and their new initiative to build a supportive community hub for women.

Ready to reclaim your cooling comfort? Apply for their free 30-day product trial: https://form.jotform.com/252145145139049

Learn more about metabolism pathways: https://www.instagram.com/p/DI46gxbssN6/?img_index=1

Want to try Goldenseal? Shop it here: https://us.fullscript.com/plans/ohm406-goldenseal-plan

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Timestamps

00:00 Intro

00:52 Introducing co-founders of Bad B Botanicals

03:29 Bridging Supplement Manufacturing with Holistic Health

06:35 Why "Cool Queen" Stands Out

08:03 The Difference Between Herbs and Pharmaceuticals

09:34 Empowering Women to Heal Themselves

15:37 Hormone Support Systems

20:23: Estrogen Metabolism Pathways

24:47 Cool Queen Herbal Formula

27:07 Progesterone vs Progestin

28:36 Cool Queen Best Practices

31:49 Cool Queen Flavor & Taste

34:56 Community Building & Body Said What?

42:08 Why Cool Queen is a Gentle Tincture

45:19 Rapid-fire Questions

00:00

59:31

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19 December 2025

Menopause Weight Loss & Metabolic Healing | Dr. Ginny Trierweiler

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Ginny Trierweiler, a psychologist and health coach who’s helping individuals transform their mindset and daily habits. After encountering her own health challenges at age 55, Dr. Ginny turned to evidence-based research to develop her own unique method for metabolic healing.

You’ll learn how she uses the psychological distinction between "I don't" and "I can't", as well as her view of the connection between nutrition and long-term wellness through four fundamental principles.

She also shares her insights on why she believes "food-like substances" can sabotage progress, her perspective on shifting away from traditional restriction and instead focusing on "abundant nutrition,” and how her "Slender for Good" program aims to create a long-term lifestyle.

Interested in learning more about the Slender for Good approach? Shop Dr. Ginny’s book here: https://amzn.to/4j4cfIZ

Get Dr. Ginny’s favorite scale: https://amzn.to/48OeYD3

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Timestamps

00:00 Intro

00:52 Introducing Dr. Ginny Trierweiler

04:41 Dr. Ginny’s Wake-Up Call

11:50 Principle #1: Abundant, Highly Nutritious Foods

13:53 Principle #2: Meals, Not Snacks

17:14 The Psychology of "I Don't" vs. "I Can't"

20:35 Plating For Health

24:39 Principle #4: Smart Quantities

26:15 Principle #3: Keep It Real: Avoid FLS

28:13 The Great Debate: Grains & Carbs

32:05 What Working with Dr. Ginny Looks Like

36:30 Hypnotherapy as a Tool to Improve Your Health

39:01 Alcohol Free Lifestyle

41:22 Rapid-fire Questions

00:00

45:07

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12 December 2025

Dirty Secrets of Menopause: Gut Health, Immunity & Inflammation | Dr. Charles Akle

This week, I sit down with Charles Akle, MD, an innovator in immunology who has devoted his life to helping others discover wellness by addressing the root causes of chronic inflammation. Dr. Akle now serves as Chief Medical Officer of Immy, a supplement designed to combat chronic illnesses through inflammation and immune support.

We dive deep into the silent enemy—chronic inflammation—and how it’s tied to everything from stress and cancer to the very process of aging and menopause. Dr. Akle discusses the importance of farming your microbiome for resilience and longevity.

You’ll learn why your gut is your biggest immune organ, why getting "dirty" is vital (the "Old Friends Hypothesis"), and the red flags your body is giving you when inflammation is in control.

We also discuss the groundbreaking power of Fecal Microbiome Transplants (FMT), the essential role of the immune system in your menopausal transition, and the non-negotiable importance of a holistic approach that includes diet, exercise, sleep, and the people who love you.

Ready to empower your immune system? Shop Immy and use my code MISSY10 for 10% OFF your purchase: https://immy.sjv.io/raKOGG

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Timestamps

00:00 Intro

00:52 Dr. Akle’s Journey: From Oncology to Immunology

05:53 Why Your Gut is Your Biggest Immune Organ

08:51 The Importance of Microbial Diversity

12:31 The Cancer-Immunology Connection

16:42 Immy: The “Conductor” of Your Microbiome

19:54 How to Farm Your Microbiome

26:47 Coping with Post-Viral Illness

30:17 The Connection Between Chronic Inflammation and Cancer Risk

33:59 The Groundbreaking Power of FMT

37:22 Red Flags of Chronic Inflammation

42:28 Why Your Supplement Source Matters

49:48 Menopause, Hormones, and the Gut Shift

01:01:11 Rapid-fire Questions

00:00

01:10:11

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