Have you ever wondered why your body seems to betray you just when you think you have everything figured out? I sit down with Anu Simh, a board-certified functional health coach who transformed her own mysterious digestive crisis into a mission to help others heal from the inside out.

Anu's story begins with that all-too-familiar scenario: feeling perfectly healthy until suddenly she wasn't. When traditional doctors dismissed her symptoms with "your labs are normal," she made a pivotal decision to become a detective of her own body. What she discovered about the gut microbiome changed everything.

The Foundation of Health Lives in Your Gut

Our conversation explores the fascinating world of gut health and why everything truly does begin there. Anu explains how our microbiome - those trillions of bacteria living in our digestive system - acts as our "forever guests" in a symbiotic relationship that affects:

• Brain function and mood regulation
• Immune system strength
• Inflammation levels throughout the body
• Food cravings and weight management

The Simple Truth About Feeding Your Microbiome

Despite all the complexity surrounding nutrition today, Anu's message is refreshingly straightforward: feed them fiber. She shares how this one principle can shift everything from cravings to mood stability, often within just 14 days.

Navigating Midlife Changes

For those of us experiencing the frustration of our tried-and-true methods no longer working, Anu offers hope and practical wisdom. She addresses how menopause changes our microbiome and why the rules of the game shift during this life stage.

We discuss her MBHR framework - focusing on Microbiome, Brain, Hormones, and Reframing - as a sustainable approach to maintaining health rather than constantly managing it.

Breaking Free from the Yo-Yo Cycle

If you've spent years in the restrict-and-regain pattern, this conversation offers a different perspective. Anu explains why 80% of people regain lost weight and how thinking about our microbiome as an heirloom we pass to future generations can shift our entire approach to wellness.

A Message of Hope and Connection

Perhaps most powerfully, Anu reframes our relationship with our bodies. Instead of being at war with ourselves, she invites us to see ourselves as part of an incredible partnership with these microscopic allies who want nothing more than to help us thrive.

Whether you're struggling with digestive issues, feeling frustrated with midlife body changes, or simply seeking a more sustainable approach to wellness, this conversation offers both scientific insight and gentle encouragement for the journey ahead.

In this raw and powerful episode of Midlife Catalyst, I sit down with Chad Harrigan, a life and leadership coach whose journey through grief and resilience offers profound insights into the human experience. Chad's story is one of heartbreak and hope, as he shares the devastating loss of his son and how it reshaped his entire world.

Navigating the Depths of Grief

• The unexpected joy of becoming a father after believing he didn't want children
• The tragic loss of his son, Colin James, just before his second birthday
• His struggle with guilt, anger, and the near-destruction of his marriage
• The challenging path to healing and rediscovering purpose

Breaking the Silence on Death and Grief

We explore the critical need for better conversations around death and grief in our society. Chad offers valuable insights on:

• Why the traditional stages of grief can be misleading
• How to support someone who is grieving without trying to "fix" their pain
• The importance of allowing ourselves and others to grieve authentically

From Personal Pain to Professional Purpose

Chad's journey led him to become a life coach, using his experiences to help others navigate their own challenges. He shares:

• How therapy and coaching helped him process his grief
• The unexpected way his pain opened doors to connect with others
• His approach to coaching that addresses the whole person, not just work-related issues

Finding Joy and Healing Through Self-Expression

We discuss the therapeutic power of creative outlets and self-care, including:

• Using music and songwriting as a form of emotional expression
• The unexpected benefits of video games in processing grief
• The importance of finding activities that allow for both escapism and growth

This conversation is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of vulnerability in healing. Whether you're navigating your own grief, supporting someone through loss, or simply seeking to understand the complexities of human emotion, Chad's story offers valuable lessons on compassion, resilience, and the importance of honest communication.

Join us for this moving discussion that challenges societal norms around grief and offers a roadmap for finding purpose and joy after unimaginable loss.

Are you struggling to find your true identity and self-love after a major life transition? Join me as I sit down with Stephanie Carmody, a publicist turned podcast host, who shares her journey of healing and rediscovery after divorce.

In this raw and inspiring conversation, we explore navigating midlife reinventions and the challenges that come with major life transitions. Stephanie shares her personal journey of healing from a toxic marriage, finding her purpose, and embracing her identity beyond societal labels. We discuss the importance of storytelling, managing anxiety, and celebrating second acts in life. Stephanie emphasizes the need to live authentically and pursue passions while encouraging listeners to ignore naysayers and focus on personal growth.

Want to be a guest on the Midlife Catalyst Podcast? We’d love to hear your story. Whether you’re navigating a personal transformation, seeking deeper self-awareness, or just want to share your insights, reach out! Visit midlifecatalyst.net or email info@midlifecatalyst.net.

And don’t forget to subscribe to Amanda’s Substack at amandayounts.substack.com, where you’ll find episode extras, journal prompts, and deeper dives into everything we discuss on the podcast.