Navigating Life After 40

045: Rewind Episode:Dr. Ailina on the Connection Between Thyroid Health, Perimenopause & Inflammation

In this rewind episode, Roni Jai sits down with functional medicine expert Dr. Ailina to unpack the powerful connection between thyroid health, perimenopause, and inflammation—three major factors that impact women’s health during midlife.
You’ll learn how gut health, hormonal changes, and chronic inflammation can influence symptoms like brain fog, fatigue, weight gain, and mood swings. Dr. Ailina also shares key insights on hormone replacement therapy (HRT), nutrition strategies, and the importance of self-advocacy in medical settings—especially for women navigating perimenopause and menopause.
Whether you’re dealing with a thyroid condition or just feeling “off,” this episode offers the tools and language to help you advocate for the care you deserve.

044: Rewind Episode: Teneika Gravely on Hormone Testing and Menopause Relief Strategies

In this rewind episode of the Menopause Series, I sit down with Teneika Gravely—a board-certified family nurse practitioner specializing in integrative and functional medicine—to unpack hormone balance during perimenopause and menopause. Teneika shares her personal journey with hormone testing, explains which lab panels truly matter for spotting hormone imbalances, and breaks down both natural and medical strategies—like diet tweaks for menopause, targeted supplements (magnesium, vitamin D), and hormone replacement therapy (HRT)—to help you manage hot flashes, mood swings, low libido, and more. Whether you’re just starting to notice perimenopause symptoms or have been dealing with menopause wellness challenges for a while, Teneika’s evidence-based insights on holistic women’s health, comprehensive hormone testing, and lifestyle changes will give you practical tools to advocate for your health and feel confident in midlife.

043: Is It Time to Leave Your Job? Here’s How to Know

Episode Summary:If you’ve been feeling stuck, bored, or unfulfilled at work—but nothing seems wrong on the surface—this episode is for you.
In this powerful solo episode, Roni dives deep into how women in midlife can recognize when it’s time to make a career change. Whether you’re questioning your job after 40, navigating burnout, or wondering if your values still align with your role, this episode will help you get clear.
You’ll learn:
Signs it’s time to leave a job—even if it looks “good” on paper
How to pivot in your career during midlife without starting over
Why feeling bored, overlooked, or out of alignment are real signals to explore
What to do if you don’t know what you want next
How to overcome fears about age, salary, and starting something new
Roni also shares her own personal story of leaving a toxic nonprofit job, how to trust your gut when it says “this isn’t it,” and why your skills in midlife are more transferable than you think.
If you're a woman in your 40s, 50s, or beyond wondering if it’s time for a change, this episode will leave you feeling seen—and supported.
 
Chapters
00:00 Recognizing the Signs of Career Transition
07:31 Reflection Questions for Career Clarity
10:11 Exploring New Opportunities in Midlife
13:14 Overcoming Fears of Career Change
15:25 Embracing Change and Moving Forward
 
Honorable mentions during the episode:
30-Minute Discovery Session: FREE
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042: Navigating the Emotional Load of Caregiving

In this episode of Navigating Life After 40, Roni Jai explores the emotional load of caregiving in midlife, sharing honest reflections on what it feels like to support a parent while juggling work, family, and personal growth.
She speaks candidly about the grief, stress, and unexpected shifts that come with caring for aging parents, especially for women navigating midlife transitions.
Through personal insights and gentle encouragement, Roni reminds listeners that self-care for caregivers is not a luxury — it’s a necessity. This episode is a heartfelt reminder that even when you're holding everything together, you’re not alone.
Chapters
00:00 – Introduction to Holding It All In  01:02 – The Emotional Load of Caregiving  04:03 – Unexpected Grief and Reflection  07:02 – Juggling Responsibilities and Self-Care  10:03 – Compassion and Acknowledgment for Caregivers
 
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Honorable mentions:
30-Minute Discovery Session: FREE
Save 20% using code NAVIGATE at www.blackgirlvitamins.co
Save $5 off any order using code LIFEAFTER40 at banish.com
 
 

041: Breathe Through It: Tools for Menopause and Stress Relief

Kavita Sahai, founder of Vibes Tribe, joins Roni Jai to share how breathwork, mindfulness, and self-care help women navigate menopause, stress, and rediscover purpose in midlife. Learn practical tools to feel grounded, resilient, and empowered during life’s transitions.
 
Learn more about Vibes Tribe
Download the free guide: Navigating Menopause Together
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Honorable mentions:
My Fave Supplements to Manage Menopause Symptoms
30-Minute Discovery Session: FREE
Save 20% using code NAVIGATE at www.blackgirlvitamins.co
Save $5 off any order using code LIFEAFTER40 at banish.com
 

040: Navigating Menopause Together: Strengthening Your Marriage Through Open Communication

In this episode, Roni Jai dives into the impact of menopause on marriage and relationships, emphasizing the power of open and honest communication between partners. She breaks down the phases of menopause, how hormonal changes affect emotions, physical well-being, and intimacy, and shares practical strategies for discussing these changes with a spouse. Roni also provides insights into overcoming relationship challenges, improving intimacy, and fostering deeper connection and support during menopause. Listeners will learn how to take control of their menopause journey, educate their partners, and prioritize self-care while strengthening their relationships.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Menopause and Relationships02:40 Understanding Menopause: Phases and Effects14:42 Communicating with Your Partner About Menopause17:08 Reigniting Intimacy During Menopause20:24 Conclusion and Action Steps
Download the free guide: Navigating Menopause Together
Join the Community
Honorable mentions:
My Fave Supplements to Manage Menopause Symptoms
30-Minute Discovery Session: FREE
Save 20% using code NAVIGATE at www.blackgirlvitamins.co
Save $5 off any order using code LIFEAFTER40 at banish.com
 

039: Hot or Just Me? How Perimenopause Changed Everything

Perimenopause can change everything—from your mood and sleep to your relationships and confidence. In this episode of Navigating Life After 40, host Roni Jai sits down with Carin Luna-Ostaseski to discuss her personal journey through perimenopause, including unexpected symptoms like panic attacks, anxiety, and brain fog.
Carin also shares how these experiences led her to create Hot or Just Me, a platform designed to support women navigating menopause. Roni and Carin dive into the struggles many women face, the lack of medical support, and why open conversations about menopause are so important.
Topics Covered:
Signs and symptoms of perimenopause beyond hot flashes
How perimenopause impacts mental health & relationships
The importance of self-care and community support
The Hot of Just Me journey
If you're navigating hormonal changes, mood swings, or just wondering if it’s "hot or just me," this episode is for you!
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Navigating Midlife Challenges
02:18 Understanding Perimenopause and Its Symptoms
04:11 Personal Experiences with Anxiety and Panic Attacks
09:38 Navigating Healthcare: Finding Supportive Doctors
13:24 Creating a Community for Women in Midlife
18:25 Normalizing Conversations Around Menopause
24:25 Communicating with Partners About Menopause
28:22 Influence of Personal Journey on Professional Work
31:46 The Importance of Self-Care in Midlife
Honorable mentions during the episode:
My Fave Supplements to Manage Menopause Symptoms
30-Minute Discovery Session: FREE
Join the Facebook Community: Navigating Life After 40
Save 20% using code NAVIGATE at www.blackgirlvitamins.co
Save $5 off any order using code LIFEAFTER40 at banish.com
Glasses are from Vooglam
Watch full episode on YouTube

038: 5 Steps to Reinvent Yourself and Thrive in Your Next Act

Summary
In this episode of Navigating Life After 40, Roni Jai discusses the challenges and opportunities that come with midlife transitions. She shares five essential tips for starting over, including the importance of visualization, letting go of the past, creating a flexible plan, taking intentional action, and tracking progress. Roni emphasizes the power of community and support in navigating these changes, encouraging listeners to find their tribe and lean into the strength of shared experiences.
 
Chapters
00:00 Navigating Midlife Transitions
02:21 Visualizing Your Next Act
05:29 The Power of Letting Go
10:57 Creating a Plan for the Future
13:54 Taking Action with Small Steps
18:02 Tracking Progress and Reflection
22:19 Finding Your Community
25:48 Recap and Special Announcement
 
Honorable mentions during the episode:
My Fave Supplements to Manage Menopause Symptoms
30-Minute Discovery Session: FREE
Join the Facebook Community: Navigating Life After 40
Save 20% using code NAVIGATE at www.blackgirlvitamins.co
 

037: Power of the Pause with Dr. Nic

Summary
In this episode of Navigating Life After 40, Roni welcomes back Dr. Nic, a wellness advocate and coach, to discuss the importance of self-care, rest, and the power of taking intentional pauses in life. They explore Dr. Nic's personal journey to wellness, the challenges women face in prioritizing their own needs, and practical strategies for incorporating pauses into busy lives. The conversation emphasizes the necessity of being present and the cumulative benefits of small self-care practices. In this conversation, Roni and Dr. Nic explore the importance of taking pauses in life, especially for black women in the context of recent societal changes. They discuss the different types of pauses—both big and small—and how these moments can help individuals recharge and reflect. The conversation also touches on the empowerment of black women following the recent election, emphasizing the need for self-care and reflection during turbulent times. Dr. Nic shares insights on operating with wisdom and the importance of being a positive representation for younger generations. The episode concludes with rapid-fire self-care tips, reinforcing the necessity of prioritizing one's well-being
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Navigating Life After 4003:04 The Importance of Self-Care and Rest04:12 Dr. Nick's Journey to Wellness Advocacy09:08 The Power of the Pause for Women14:23 Understanding What Pauses Look Like20:39 Finding Pauses in a Busy Life28:35 Being Present in the Moment30:43 The Power of the Pause36:25 Empowerment and Reflection After the Election51:16 Rapid Fire Self-Care Insights
Catch the full unedited episode and missed parts now on YouTube
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Website: www.navigatinglifeafter40.com
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Here's the book mentioned during the episode: Self-Compassion

036: Rewind episode: How Grief Can Lead to Authentic Living with Nichole Lee

Summary:
In this special rewind episode of Navigating Life After 40, host Roni sits down with Nicole Lee for an insightful conversation about navigating grief, finding purpose, and embracing authentic living during midlife. They discuss personal stories of loss, the emotional complexities of grief, and the importance of building a supportive community. Nicole shares her journey through job-related grief, redefining success, and discovering her authentic self. Whether you're coping with loss, seeking clarity, or ready to make space for new beginnings, this episode offers inspiration and actionable insights for women over 40 looking to live more authentically.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Icebreaker Fun
05:13 Navigating Grief: Personal Stories
10:37 Understanding Grief and Its Complexities
15:15 Finding Purpose Through Pain
20:05 The Importance of Community
25:16 Living Authentically: A Journey of Self-Discovery
30:44 The Impact of Job-Related Grief
35:25 Redefining Success and Authenticity
40:05 Letting Go: The Path to New Beginnings
45:49 Final Thoughts and Connection Opportunities
 
Join our Facebook Community: Navigating Life After 40
Website: www.navigatinglifeafter40.com
 
To learn more about Nichole:
Website: www.nicholelee.love
IG: https://www.instagram.com/iamnicholelee/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamnicholelee/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NicholeLeeLove