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The Forties Formula | Perimenopause, Lifestyle & Health for Women Over 40

Amanda Lim & Jasmin Dhillon

The Forties Formula is a weekly podcast on perimenopause, menopause, hormones, and health for women in their 40s — covering weight loss, sleep, low libido, ADHD, burnout, longevity and the body changes no one explains. Award-winning: Best Health & Wellness Podcast in Asia 2025, Podcast of Impact at The Makers & Shapers Awards 2026, and featured by CNA as one of Singapore's best podcasts for women.

We blend science, soul, and a little bit of sass to help you thrive in your forties and beyond.

Meet your hosts:

Jasmin Dhillon — health strategist at Eat with Jasmin, mum of three boys, and forever curious about what it really takes to feel good in this season of life.
Amanda Lim — metabolic health coach, director at LIFT Clinic, and mom to three littles, here to help you ditch the fluff and get real about kicking a*s in your forties.

Free Resource for Women in Their 40s

Join our wonderful community of women and receive our weekly newsletter Forty Tude!

https://the-forties-formula-with-amanda-jasmin.kit.com/ Receive a free wellness guide as a thank you.

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#126
Wednesday · 57 min
Why You Feel So Lost in Your 40s (It’s Not Just Anxiety) | The Forties Formula
In this episode of The Forties Formula, Jasmin Dhillon and Amanda Lim talk grief, mental health and the losses women in their 40s carry but rarely name, with therapist Sapna Makwana Hanspal. For women in their 40s, grief isn't only about losing someone. It can come from a changing identity, a changing body, fertility ending, a dream that didn't happen, a relationship changing, or realising you've outgrown a version of yourself. This conversation looks at why we don't always recognise these experiences as grief, why some forms carry shame, and how cultural expectations can make certain losses harder to acknowledge. They discuss grief connected to ageing parents, divorce, motherhood and the lives our parents may never have had the chance to live. Sapna also shares her own experience as a third culture kid, and how identity, loss and belonging eventually led her from a 20-year career in finance into psychotherapy. The conversation covers how grief can show up as anxiety, burnout, anger and exhaustion, how patterns can be carried across generations, and why grief doesn't need to be got over. It needs to be integrated into our lives. Chapters 00:00 The grief we don't realise we're carrying 02:02 Are women in their 40s grieving? 03:20 Disenfranchised grief 04:05 Grieving a changing identity 06:25 Grieving the end of fertility 07:02 Gender disappointment and the loss of a dream 10:12 Grief connected to our parents 11:07 The sandwich generation and ageing parents 14:27 Divorce and hidden grief 17:29 Anxiety, burnout, rage and exhaustion 20:30 How to support someone who is grieving 23:56 The five stages of grief 25:57 Integrating grief into your life 28:04 Growing up as a third culture kid 30:15 From finance to psychotherapy 32:32 Can grief be passed between generations? 34:31 Grieving the life our parents didn't get to live 37:02 The grief of a life never lived 38:42 Reconnecting with a lost part of yourself 40:50 Practical ways to work through grief 42:17 When your body knows before your mind 45:02 Can movement and self-care help? 47:51 Everyone has their own timeline 50:23 Focusing on what you can control 51:40 Hot or Hype: 55:36 — Sapna's 40s Formula About your hosts Jasmin Dhillon is an Integrated Health Strategist and Health Coach helping women in their 40s navigate gut health, hormones and nutrition. https://www.instagram.com/eat.with.jasmin/ Amanda Lim is a Metabolic Health Coach focused on helping women build strength, confidence and long-term health. https://www.instagram.com/coachamanda/ Support the podcast If you enjoy these conversations, subscribe and share this episode with someone navigating a major life transition or learning to let go of a version of themselves. You can also support the show by Buying Us a Coffee: https://the-forties-formula-with-amanda-jasmin.kit.com/products/buy-us-a-coffee Thank you to our sponsors For Youth Support your skin, recovery, sleep and longevity with The Forties Formula System. Use code TF35 for up to 35% off storewide. https://www.foryouth.co/go/the-forties-formula-system Love Indus Use code TFF for 21% off. https://loveindus.com
- Transcript
August 23 · 11 min
Most Women Are Wearing The Wrong Bra (And Don't Know It) | The Forties Formula In Focus
Here's the updated full description: Your headaches, neck pain, and poor posture might not be perimenopause. They might be your bra. In this episode of The Forties Formula, Jasmin and Amanda sit down with Caroline Warren, founder of Supporting Eve — Singapore's specialist bra fitting boutique — for a conversation that will make you want to check your bra the moment you finish listening. Most women have never had a professional bra fitting. Most are guessing their size. And according to Caroline, 80 to 95% of the women who walk through her door are in the wrong size bra — not slightly off, significantly off. We cover everything nobody taught us. Why your black bra is a smaller size than your white one. Why your straps are not actually supporting you. What the centre of your bra should be doing against your chestbone. How a bra that doesn't fit is linked to migraines, shoulder tension, forward posture, and lost confidence. And why the Victorian sizing system that still governs every bra size you have ever worn makes almost no sense for a modern body. Caroline also shares her own experience of going through the menopause at 38, how her body changed, and why the conversation around bras, breast health, and body changes in midlife is one women are simply not having enough. If you have ever whipped your bra off the moment you get home and thought that was just normal — this episode is for you. 👉 Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/DCJpoPVSd1s CHAPTERS: 00:00 Intro: Is Your Bra Causing Your Pain? 00:17 Why C-Cup & Above Need Real Support 01:36 Is It Hormones or Is It Your Bra? Headaches, Neck & Posture 02:21 Why No One Ever Taught Us How Bras Should Fit 03:38 Why Store Tape Measures Get It Wrong 04:59 What to Expect in a Proper Bra Fitting 05:10 The Fit by Sight Method Explained 06:07 The 80% Rule: Your Band Does The Work, Not Your Straps 07:44 Test 1: The Band Test — The 3-5cm Rule 08:30 Test 2: The Centre Gore Must Sit Flush 09:02 Why a D Is Not a D — Cup Size Changes With Band Size 11:10 Watch the Full Episode with Caroline Warren ABOUT CAROLINE WARREN & SUPPORTING EVE Caroline Warren is the founder of Supporting Eve, Singapore's specialist bra fitting boutique. Supporting Eve carries the widest bra size range in Singapore — A to K cup, 28 to 44 band — and uses a fit by sight technique rather than a tape measure, because no two bodies are the same. 📍 Cluny Court, Bukit Timah — opposite Botanic Gardens MRT, Second Floor 🕐 Open seven days a week, 10am — 7pm 🌐 supportingeve.sg FIND US HERE 🎧 Search The Forties Formula wherever you get your podcasts 📥 Download our free wellness guide: https://preview.mailerlite.io/preview/2156555/sites/185865618324457283/the-forties-formula-with-amanda-jasmin-wn3zmn TAGS: bra fitting guide, perimenopause symptoms, women's health, bra fitting, signs of perimenopause, menopause, womens health, neck pain, back pain relief, midlife women, women over 40, the forties formula, supporting eve, bra size, breast health
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#125
August 19 · 51 min
The Real Reason Your Relationships Keep Breaking Down and How to Finally Fix It
Your reaction is never about what just happened. When something small sets you off — a look, a tone, a moment that should not matter — it is rarely about the moment itself. In your 40s, life becomes an explosive combination of change: your body, your relationships, your sense of self, all shifting at once. Conflict is quietly building — with yourself, with the people closest to you, with who you used to be. This week, Avni Martin — ICF Master Certified Coach, founder of The Martin Institute and author of Happy Ever After — joins Jasmin and Amanda to explain where conflict actually comes from, why it gets louder in midlife, and what it is trying to tell you. We cover the three parts behind every conflict, why your perception is not the truth, what your childhood needs have to do with your biggest relationship triggers, and how to train the emotional muscle that changes everything. Avni also shares a deeply personal story about conflict with her teenage daughter — and how what looked like a battle turned out to be grief. 00:00 The quieter battle of your 40s 02:15 Why midlife creates internal conflict 03:22 Is conflict different for our generation 05:30 The three things behind every conflict 07:17 Why relational intelligence matters 08:45 Learning to think about how we think 09:08 When two people talk but nobody listens 10:08 Why thinking long-term changes your reactions 11:47 Training your conflict muscle 12:25 Conflict is the messenger 15:12 Your perception is not the truth 16:03 How beliefs shape everything you see 17:23 The role of empathy in conflict 17:39 Why small things trigger big reactions 20:40 The subconscious volcano 21:16 The childhood needs behind your triggers 23:11 We are meaning-making machines 24:03 Upgrading your inner programming 27:08 How inner work changes conflict 27:41 Avni's journey from zero self-worth to here 31:50 The HAPPY Coaching System 34:48 When habits live in the subconscious 40:06 The HAPPY System and conflict explained 41:14 Why pausing before action changes everything 44:27 Conflict with a teenage daughter 46:05 The grief underneath the conflict 47:38 From holding on to letting go Avni Martin is an ICF Master Certified Coach, founder of The Martin Institute and creator of the HAPPY Coaching System. Get her book: https://amzn.asia/d/0d8zVnO6 Find her on IG: https://www.instagram.com/avni.martin/ Jasmin Dhillon is an Integrated Health Strategist helping women in their 40s navigate hormones, gut health and nutrition. https://www.instagram.com/eat.with.jasmin/ Amanda Lim is a Metabolic Health Coach helping women build strength and long-term health. https://www.instagram.com/coachamandalim/ For Youth — up to 35% off the Forties Formula bundle plus a free bottle of Unwind: https://www.foryouth.co/go/the-forties-formula-system Cosy Earth — up to 31% off with code TFF Love Indus — 21% off with code TFF: https://loveindus.com Support the show: https://the-forties-formula-with-amanda-jasmin.kit.com/products/buy-us-a-coffee
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August 16 · 13 min
The Worst Boss She Ever Had Made Her a Better Leader | The Forties Formula In Focus
Are you in your 40s, successful on paper, but quietly wondering if any of it still fits? This episode explores why the most powerful leadership decision a woman can make in midlife might be choosing to walk away. We're joined by leadership adviser and author Sally J. Clarke, who interviewed 40 women for her new book, Walk Away: Step Out to Step Up. She shares real stories of leaders who left toxic corporate cultures, misaligned roles, and outdated versions of success to build something more aligned — including women who went on to found and run their own companies. We talk through how to tell the difference between an emotional reaction and a strategic decision to leave, why fear can act as a compass rather than a warning sign, and how Sally's concept of "integrity capital" — doing what you say you'll do — shapes trust in both leadership and family life. We also cover the burnout and health warning signs several of Sally's interviewees ignored before they made a change, and what separates a boss who tears people down from one who builds them up. ▶ Listen to the full episode: search The Forties Formula & Sally J. Clarke Topics covered: midlife career change, toxic leadership, workplace burnout, executive coaching, strategic career decisions, women in leadership, corporate culture
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#124
August 12 · 55 min
Nervous System Regulation for Women in Their 40s
Nervous system regulation, behaviour change and women's health in your 40s: Behaviour Change Strategist Leila Foster joins Jasmin Dhillon and Amanda Lim on The Forties Formula to explore why lasting change is so hard, even when we genuinely want it. Leila works at the intersection of behaviour change, wellness and nervous-system regulation, drawing on personal experience as a mother of three, a new mum and a business owner with her husband. They explore why our brains return to familiar patterns, how chronic stress affects our ability to change, why expectations create resentment, and how to recognise when a trigger isn't actually about you. Leila also opens up about divorce, blended family life, shared parenting and running a business with her husband. Jasmin and Amanda share their very different experiences with 9D Breathwork. Finally, Leila shares her 40s formula: stop doing what you're told, make micro-adjustments, know your season, hold your paradox, ask for help, and never outsource your decisions. Nervous system regulation, neuroplasticity, expectations & resentment, inherited trauma, Breathwork, blended families & divorce, sharing the parenting load, conflict resolution Chapters: 00:00 Why knowing isn't enough to create change 02:17 Your nervous system on a normal Tuesday 04:01 "Is it about you?" 05:30 Expectations, stress and resentment 08:17 The biology of inherited patterns 11:08 Stress, the brain and old programming 15:03 Neuroplasticity and the six pillars of wellness 15:55 Is the problem the fish or the fish tank? 16:43 Breaking out of emotional spirals 21:35 What happens during 9D Breathwork 25:09 Why the same experience affects us differently 28:58 Divorce and building a blended family 35:05 Sharing the parenting load and running a business with your spouse 44:15 The calendar invite that can save a relationship 47:00 Leila's 40s Formula About our guest Leila Foster is a Behaviour Change Strategist and Wellness Architect working at the intersection of behaviour change, wellness and nervous-system regulation. https://www.instagram.com/birthbossmama/ About your hosts Jasmin Dhillon, Integrated Health Strategist and Health Coach for women in their 40s. https://www.instagram.com/eat.with.jasmin/ Amanda Lim, Metabolic Health Coach focused on strength, confidence and long-term health. https://www.instagram.com/coachamanda/ Get our free Wellness Guide Free digital wellness guide plus future episodes straight to your inbox: https://the-forties-formula-with-amanda-jasmin.kit.com/ Support the podcast Enjoyed this? Subscribe and share it. You can also support the show by Buying Us a Coffee: https://the-forties-formula-with-amanda-jasmin.kit.com/products/buy-us-a-coffee Thank you to our sponsors For Youth Support your skin, recovery, sleep and longevity with The Forties Formula System. Code TF35 for up to 35% off storewide. https://www.foryouth.co/go/the-forties-formula-system Love Indus Code TFF for 21% off. https://loveindus.com
- Transcript
August 9 · 11 min
40 Is When Your Life Gets Turned Upside Down | The Forties Formula In Focus
Around age 40 to 42, everyone goes through the Uranus opposition — the point where Uranus sits directly opposite its position in your birth chart, roughly halfway through its 84-year orbit. Yi Mei Lai from Alchemei Healing joins The Forties Formula to explain why this transit tends to trigger a reckoning between who you've been and who you're becoming, and why it often lines up with the physiological changes already underway in your 40s. May breaks down what feminine energy actually means (it isn't about gender or appearance, but a yin/yang balance of receptive versus active energy), why so many women over-rely on masculine "proving" energy — disconnection from the body, low creativity, inability to rest — and why the cost of that imbalance shows up as burnout. She also covers why boundaries are essential to reclaiming feminine energy, and why intuition, not more information, is what actually guides women through this transition. In this episode: What the Uranus opposition is and why it occurs at age 40 to 42 Why this transit coincides with midlife identity and purpose questions The difference between feminine and masculine energy, and why it isn't about gender Signs a woman is overly in her masculine energy: disconnection from the body, low creativity, inability to rest Why boundaries are essential to feminine energy and how to start setting them Why intuition, not more information, is the way through How stillness and reconnecting with the body reveal what the mind cannot The Forties Formula is a weekly podcast on perimenopause, menopause, hormones, and health for women in their 40s — covering weight loss, sleep, low libido, ADHD, burnout, longevity and the body changes no one explains. Hosted by Jasmin Dhillon, health strategist at Eat with Jasmin, and Amanda Lim, metabolic health coach and director at LIFT Clinic. Join our community of women and get our weekly newsletter, Forty Tude — receive a free wellness guide as a thank you: https://the-forties-formula-with-amanda-jasmin.kit.com/ Keywords: Uranus opposition, astrology, midlife, women in their 40s, feminine energy, masculine energy, boundaries, intuition, self-discovery, identity, purpose
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#123
August 5 · 56 min
Podiatrist Reveals Why Menopause Is Wrecking Your Feet | The Forties Formula
In this episode of The Forties Formula, Jasmin Dhillon and Amanda Lim are joined by podiatrist Paul Macaulay to explore one of the most overlooked aspects of women's health: foot health in midlife. From pregnancy and perimenopause to years of wearing the wrong shoes, our feet go through enormous changes that can affect everything from plantar fasciitis and bunions to knee pain, hip pain, back pain, balance, and long-term mobility. Paul explains why most women are wearing the wrong shoe size, how hormones change our tendons and ligaments, why "comfortable" shoes aren't always the healthiest choice, and the simple changes that can dramatically improve foot health for decades to come. Chapters: 00:00 | Why Women Ignore Foot Pain for Too Long 00:57 | Why Your Feet Affect Your Whole Body 03:12 | Why Women Keep Buying the Wrong Shoes 05:26 | The Biggest Mistake People Make When Buying Running Shoes 06:40 | Finding the Right Shoe for Your Foot Type 08:21 | The Shoe Sizing Mistake Most Women Make 10:29 | How Pregnancy Permanently Changes Your Feet 12:27 | Why You May Need Different Shoes After Pregnancy 14:45 | Have Fashion Choices Damaged Our Feet? 16:18 | The Smarter Way to Wear Heels 18:00 | How Perimenopause Changes Your Feet 20:40 | The Most Common Foot Problems After 40 22:03 | How Many Pairs of Shoes Do You Actually Need? 24:26 | Barefoot Shoes: Helpful or Harmful? 26:43 | The Best Exercises for Stronger Feet 31:17 | Why Strong Calves Matter More Than You Think 31:45 | Can Your Feet Cause Knee, Hip & Back Pain? 33:51 | Do Orthotics Really Work? 36:16 | Are There Any Stylish Heels That Are Actually Good? 39:03 | The Shoe Brand Paul Macaulay Recommends 42:42 | Do Reflexology & Foot Soaks Actually Help? 45:13 | The Best Foot Care Routine for Healthy Feet 48:41 | Do Toe Spacers Actually Work? 50:16 | The Best Strength Exercises to Prevent Foot Pain 54:04 | Paul's Forties Formula About our guest Paul Macaulay is a podiatrist specialising in foot pain, biomechanics, running injuries and lower-limb rehabilitation. Through his clinic and educational content, he helps people understand how better footwear, stronger feet, and smarter movement can improve long-term mobility, performance and quality of life. About your hosts Jasmin Dhillon is an Integrated Health Strategist and Health Coach helping women in their 40s navigate gut health, hormones and nutrition. https://www.instagram.com/eat.with.jasmin/ Amanda Lim is a Metabolic Health Coach focused on helping women build strength, confidence and long-term health. https://www.instagram.com/coachamanda/ Support the podcast If you enjoy these conversations, subscribe and share this episode with someone dealing with foot pain, bunions, plantar fasciitis, or anyone who wants to stay active and mobile through midlife. You can also support the show by Buying Us a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/thefortiesformula The Forties Formula is a weekly podcast on perimenopause, menopause, hormones, and health for women in their 40s — covering weight loss, sleep, low libido, ADHD, burnout, longevity and the body changes no one explains. Join our community of women and get our weekly newsletter, Forty Tude — receive a free wellness guide as a thank you: https://the-forties-formula-with-amanda-jasmin.kit.com/
- Transcript
August 2 · 9 min
Matrescence Explained: Why Motherhood Changes You More Than You Expected
This episode is for every woman who has felt like motherhood changed her more than she expected, and for anyone trying to understand why so many mothers struggle silently behind the scenes. The problem isn't that women are failing at motherhood — the expectations were impossible to begin with. Author and workplace consultant Sara Pantry joins The Forties Formula to unpack matrescence — the profound psychological and neurological transition into motherhood, similar in scale to adolescence but almost never named or prepared for. Sara shares the brain science behind it (grey matter changes so measurable that AI can identify a mother's brain scan with full accuracy), her own experience of birth trauma, breastfeeding struggles and postpartum anxiety, and the concept of the "invisible postpartum" — the parts of recovery, identity loss and hormonal upheaval that go unacknowledged, especially after pregnancy loss. Sara also introduces "second best parenting," a framework for making evidence-based decisions without chasing an impossible ideal, and talks through her work with Return, a peer-to-peer mentoring programme supporting mothers returning to work after leave. We talk about: Why motherhood can feel emotionally overwhelming even when you "wanted this" What matrescence actually means, and why more women are finally talking about it The invisible identity shift that happens after having children Why so many women feel isolated after birth The pressure to "bounce back," and why it's harming mothers The invisible postpartum: what it is and why pregnancy loss deserves the same recognition How workplaces are failing mothers returning from maternity leave, and what needs to change About the guest Sara Pantry is an author and workplace consultant specialising in matrescence and the transition into motherhood. She is the founder of Return, a peer-to-peer mentoring programme for mothers returning to work, and runs "From Me to We," a monthly lean-in circle for working mothers in Singapore. About The Forties Formula The Forties Formula is a weekly podcast on perimenopause, menopause, hormones, and health for women in their 40s — covering weight loss, sleep, low libido, ADHD, burnout, longevity and the body changes no one explains. Hosted by Jasmin Dhillon, health strategist at Eat with Jasmin, and Amanda Lim, metabolic health coach and director at LIFT Clinic. Connect and support the show Join our community of women and get our weekly newsletter, Forty Tude — receive a free wellness guide as a thank you: https://the-forties-formula-with-amanda-jasmin.kit.com/ Support the show for $5 a month and get access to ad-free bonus episodes where we answer your questions: buymeacoffee.com/thefortiesformula Got a question on weight, energy, hormones or not feeling like yourself? Send it to us on Instagram @thefortiesformula and we'll answer it on the show.
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#122
July 29 · 45 min
Divorce Expert: Why Smart Women Stay With Narcissists | The Forties Formula
What happens when you wake up one day and realise you've lost yourself inside your relationship? In this deeply honest conversation, Amanda Lim and Jasmin Dhillon sit down with registered psychotherapist & integrated sex & relationship therapist, Cheryl Kennedy McDonald to unpack the invisible process of identity loss in long-term relationships. From self-concept erosion and trauma bonds to gaslighting, narcissistic abuse and the emotional reality of divorce, this episode explores why so many women stay, how toxic relationship patterns develop, and what it truly takes to rebuild your sense of self. Cheryl explains why leaving isn't simply about willpower, how childhood experiences shape the relationships we accept, and why healing requires far more than just moving on. Whether you're navigating divorce, questioning your relationship, supporting a loved one, or simply wanting to understand the psychology behind these patterns, this conversation offers practical insights with compassion and clarity. Chapters 00:00 – When you no longer recognise yourself 01:03 – Meet psychotherapist Cheryl Kennedy McDonald 02:38 – What is self-concept erosion? 04:16 – Healthy change vs losing yourself 06:38 – Healthy conflict vs toxic conflict 06:50 – Why women stay in unhealthy relationships 08:07 – Trauma bonds explained 09:52 – What gaslighting actually looks like 12:15 – How to break free from a toxic relationship 14:01 – Understanding narcissistic personality disorder 17:02 – Love bombing and the dopamine cycle 19:44 – Co-parenting with a narcissist 22:06 – Male vs female narcissists 24:06 – Divorce, grief & rebuilding your identity 28:10 – Learning to be comfortable alone 30:42 – Healing after divorce & dating again 34:23 – Can narcissists ever change? 36:22 – Sponsor: Love Indus 37:18 – Practical steps to rebuild your life after divorce 39:07 – How relationship stress affects your body 41:00 – Can a narcissist have a healthy relationship? 43:22 – Cheryl's Forties Formula --- About your hosts: Amanda Lim is a Metabolic Health Coach and Director at The Lift Clinic in Singapore, focused on helping women build strength and long-term metabolic health. Jasmin Dhillon is an Integrated Health Strategist helping women in their 40s manage health through lifestyle interventions across gut health, hormones and nutrition. Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/thefortiesformula/](https://www.instagram.com/thefortiesformula/) Thank you to our sponsors: For Youth | Use code TF35 for up to 35% off storewide → (http://www.foryouth.co/go/the-forties-formula-system) Cozy Earth | Use code TFF for up to 31% off → (https://cozyearth.com) Love Indus | Use code TFF for 21% off → https://loveindus.com(https://loveindus.com) Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. Buy us a coffee: [https://buymeacoffee.com/thefortiesformula](https://buymeacoffee.com/thefortiesformula)
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July 26 · 7 min
How social media is shaping self-worth and identity | The Forties Formula in Focus
If you're raising a daughter, working with young people, or simply trying to understand the pressures girls face today, this episode will shift how you see it all. This episode explores the impact of social dynamics and peer relationships on girls during adolescence, and why puberty and hormonal changes are arriving earlier than in previous generations. We break down why peer acceptance carries such disproportionate emotional weight for girls specifically — driven by measurable differences in how the brain's social and self-evaluation regions develop — and why social media validation (likes, comments, follows) affects girls' self-esteem and confidence more than boys'. We also cover appearance-based comparison, body image, and why the loneliest demographic today isn't older adults, but 18 to 24 year olds raised on constant online connection. We have covered: The subtle signs your daughter may be struggling (that are easy to miss) Why puberty is starting earlier and what it means The role of hormones in mood, sleep and behaviour How social media is shaping self-worth and identity Why friendships matter more than you realise The truth about body image in young girls today How parents can build connection before adolescence hits What actually helps girls feel confident, seen and supported About the guest Dr. Gina Dahel from Osler Health and Dr. Emma Waddington of Us Therapy and host of Life's Dirty Little Secrets. About The Forties Formula The Forties Formula is a weekly podcast on perimenopause, menopause, hormones, and health for women in their 40s — covering weight loss, sleep, low libido, ADHD, burnout, longevity and the body changes no one explains. Hosted by Jasmin Dhillon, health strategist at Eat with Jasmin, and Amanda Lim, metabolic health coach and director at LIFT Clinic. Connect and support the show Join our community of women and get our weekly newsletter, Forty Tude — receive a free wellness guide as a thank you: https://the-forties-formula-with-amanda-jasmin.kit.com/ Support the show for $5 a month and get access to ad-free bonus episodes where we answer your questions: buymeacoffee.com/thefortiesformula Got a question on weight, energy, hormones or not feeling like yourself? Send it to us on Instagram @thefortiesformula and we'll answer it on the show. Keywords in: adolescence, puberty, hormones, social media, self-worth, identity, teen girls, body image, friendships, parenting daughters
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#121
July 22 · 59 min
This is The Biggest Mistake Women Make With GLP-1 For Weight Loss - Are You Doing This?
In this episode of The Forties Formula, Jasmin Dhillon and Amanda Lim are joined by obesity medicine physician Dr. Christle Gueverra to unpack one of the most polarising topics in women's health today: GLP-1 medications. Are drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro simply "weight loss injections" or are they finally treating a biological problem that millions of women have been blamed for their entire lives? Drawing from both her medical expertise and her own personal experience using GLP-1 therapy, Dr. Christle explains why so many women in their 40s suddenly struggle with weight, appetite and metabolic health. Together, they explore what these medications actually do inside the brain and body, who they're appropriate for, the risks and side effects to understand, and why medication is only one part of the long-term solution. Most importantly, this conversation shifts the narrative away from shame and willpower, helping women understand that obesity is a chronic medical condition, not a personal failure. In this episode, we discuss: • Why GLP-1 medications have become one of the biggest breakthroughs in obesity treatment • Why weight gain in your 40s isn't simply about eating less and exercising more • How hormones, hunger signals and the brain influence appetite and body weight • Dr. Christle’s personal experience using GLP-1 medication as a physician • The difference between Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and other GLP-1 medications • Common side effects and how to minimise them safely • Why preserving muscle mass is critical while losing weight • Protein, resistance training and nutrition strategies that support healthy fat loss • Why obesity should be treated as a chronic disease rather than a character flaw • How to build sustainable habits that last beyond medication Chapters 00:00 | Why Are So Many Women Turning to GLP-1 Medications? 01:42 | Meet Dr. Christle Gueverra 02:34 | Why Weight Isn't Just About Willpower 05:18 | Dr. Christle's Personal GLP-1 Journey 08:14 | How GLP-1 Medications Actually Work 12:06 | Who Is (And Isn't) A Good Candidate? 16:15 | Common Side Effects & What To Expect 21:10 | Why Protein Matters More Than Ever 24:48 | The Biggest Mistakes Women Make On GLP-1s 29:30 | Strength Training While Losing Weight 34:15 | Can You Stop Taking GLP-1 Medication? 38:52 | Obesity, Shame & Changing The Conversation 43:18 | Long-Term Success Beyond The Medication 47:36 | Dr. Christle's Forties Formula About our guest: Dr. Christle Gueverra is a sports medicine physician dedicated to helping people improve their metabolic health through evidence-based medicine and sustainable lifestyle change. About The Forties Formula Hosted by Jasmin Dhillon, health strategist at Eat with Jasmin, and Amanda Lim, metabolic health coach and director at LIFT Clinic. Connect and support the show Join our community of women and get our weekly newsletter, Forty Tude — receive a free wellness guide as a thank you: https://the-forties-formula-with-amanda-jasmin.kit.com/ Support the show for $5 a month and get access to ad-free bonus episodes where we answer your questions: buymeacoffee.com/thefortiesformula Got a question on weight, energy, hormones or not feeling like yourself? Send it to us on Instagram @thefortiesformula and we'll answer it on the show. You can also support the show by Buying Us a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/thefortiesformula
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July 19 · 6 min
The Real Reason You Can't Be Yourself | The Forties Formula in Focus
This episode explores the challenges of maintaining a rigid self-image and how it impacts our emotional resilience. We discuss the importance of cultivating self awareness and recognizing that true self-worth comes from within. Ultimately, finding inner peace requires letting go of inflexible self-perceptions, encouraging personal growth and valuable life lessons. 💛
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#120
July 15 · 49 min
Why PCOS Gets Worse During Perimenopause - Doctor Explains!
In this episode of The Forties Formula, Jasmin Dhillon and Amanda Lim are joined by women's health physician Dr. Sital Khistriya to unpack one of the biggest changes in women's health in decades: the proposed renaming of PCOS to PMOS (Poly-Endocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome). Why does this matter? Because experts now believe we've been treating PCOS as an ovarian condition when it's actually a lifelong metabolic disorder driven primarily by insulin resistance. This shift has huge implications for diagnosis, fertility, pregnancy, perimenopause, menopause, cardiovascular health, and how millions of women are treated around the world. Chapters 00:00 | Have We Been Misunderstanding PCOS All Along? 01:48 | Why Experts Want to Rename PCOS to PMOS 03:01 | What PMOS Really Means (And Why Ovarian Cysts Aren't the Problem) 04:25 | How PCOS Got Its Name 04:33 | How PMOS Is Diagnosed 05:51 | Can You Have PMOS Without Ovarian Cysts? 07:04 | Can PMOS Develop Later in Life? 08:22 | The Overlooked Symptoms Most Women Don't Know About 09:41 | What Parents Should Watch for in Teenage Girls 12:20 | Birth Control: Treatment or Band-Aid? 16:03 | PMOS, Fertility & Trying to Conceive 17:27 | Lifestyle Changes That Improve Fertility 18:16 | The Best Diet for Insulin Resistance 19:35 | Metformin, GLP-1s & Modern Treatment Options 20:55 | What Happens If PMOS Goes Undiagnosed Until Your 40s? 23:17 | Why PMOS Still Matters After You've Had Children 25:06 | How PMOS Differs Across Ethnicities 27:28 | The Hidden Signs of Insulin Resistance 30:35 | Does PMOS End After Menopause? 31:15 | Why Perimenopause Can Make PMOS Worse 32:53 | Why Strength Training Improves Insulin Resistance 34:58 | Changing Women's Mindset Around Muscle 39:25 | Will the PMOS Name Change Improve Treatment? 41:00 | Should It Have Been Named Something Else? 42:54 | Hot or Hype? Keto, Metformin, Inositol & Ovulation Tests 47:26 | Dr. Sital’s Forties Formula 48:12 | Final Thoughts About our guest: Dr. Sital Khistryia is a women's health physician with a special interest in hormones, metabolic health, perimenopause and preventive medicine. She helps women better understand the connection between insulin resistance, reproductive health and long-term wellbeing. About your hosts: Jasmin Dhillon is an Integrated Health Strategist and Health Coach helping women in their 40s navigate gut health, hormones and nutrition. https://www.instagram.com/eat.with.jasmin/ Amanda Lim is a Metabolic Health Coach focused on helping women build strength, confidence and long-term health. https://www.instagram.com/coachamanda/ Support the podcast: If you enjoy these conversations, subscribe and share this episode with someone living with PCOS, insulin resistance, fertility concerns, or navigating perimenopause. You can also support the show by Buying Us a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/thefortiesformula
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July 12 · 8 min
Diet Culture Is Racism, and Nobody's Talking About It | The Forties Formula in Focus
The discussion about diet culture and the weight loss industry highlights its pervasive influence as a multi-billion dollar business, often shaping our "social norms." We explore how this "diet trend" can contribute to harmful "eating disorders" and impact our relationship with "food culture." This conversation emphasizes the deep societal embedding of these ideas. Hosted by Jasmin Dhillon and Amanda Lim Connect with Amanda & Jasmin: https://www.instagram.com/thefortiesformula/ Jasmin Dhillon - https://www.instagram.com/eat.with.jasmin Amanda Lim - https://www.instagram.com/coachamandalim
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#119
July 8 · 57 min
Why Your Marriage Stops Working In Your 40s (And What Fixes It)
In this episode of The Forties Formula, we explore why midlife can become a turning point for relationships. We unpack how changing priorities, emotional needs, resentment, intimacy, communication, motherhood, and self-worth all influence the decisions women make during this stage of life. In this episode, we discuss: • Why so many women begin questioning their relationships after 40 • How perimenopause can influence emotions, identity and relationships • The hidden resentment that quietly builds over the years • Why communication, not compatibility, is often the real issue • Marriage, motherhood and the invisible mental load • Rebuilding intimacy and emotional connection • When therapy can genuinely help a relationship • Dating after 40 and whether "having standards" has gone too far • The biggest relationship red flags to watch for in midlife • Why choosing yourself doesn't always mean leaving your relationship --- Chapters: 00:00 | Why Women Suddenly Question Their Relationships After 40 02:45 | What Changes in Your 40s? Identity, Priorities & Self-Worth 05:03 | Why Many Women Stay Single Rather Than Settle 08:05 | Do Women Become "Too Picky" or Simply More Self-Aware? 10:03 | Relationship Patterns That Keep Repeating 12:31 | Marriage, Children & The Pressure of Timelines 14:26 | Divorce Rates, Expectations & Modern Relationships 16:16 | Sex, Intimacy & Changing Needs in Midlife 20:03 | Why Communication Is the Foundation of Every Relationship 21:50 | When Individual or Couples Therapy Can Help 25:01 | Healing Sexual Wounds & Reconnecting With Yourself 30:02 | Why Self-Discovery Can Transform Your Relationship 35:04 | Self-Love vs Selfishness: Knowing the Difference 40:00 | Everyday Partnership, Respect & Sharing the Mental Load 45:02 | Dating After 40: Looking Beyond First Impressions 50:03 | Dating Apps in Your 40s — Hype or Helpful? 51:23 | Fear of Loneliness & Settling for the Wrong Partner 55:06 | Time Pressure, Midlife & Making Better Relationship Decisions 58:30 | Final Thoughts: Building Relationships That Truly Last About your hosts: Jasmin Dhillon is an Integrated Health Strategist and Health Coach helping women in their 40s navigate gut health, hormones and nutrition. https://www.instagram.com/eat.with.jasmin/ Amanda Lim is a Metabolic Health Coach focused on helping women build strength, confidence and long-term health. https://www.instagram.com/coachamanda/ Support the podcast: If you enjoy these conversations, subscribe and share this episode with someone who may be questioning their relationship, navigating midlife changes, or looking for a healthier, happier future. You can also support the show by Buying Us a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/thefortiesformula Thank you to our sponsors: Love Indus Use code TFF for 21% off https://loveindus.com
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July 5 · 8 min
This Parenting Mistake Could Cost You and What You Can Do To Have A Strong Relationship
summary In this clip of The Forties Formula, Amanda and Jasmin explore the nuances of conscious parenting, emotional regulation, and repairing family relationships. They share personal stories, challenge stereotypes, and offer practical insights for mindful parenting and self-compassion. conscious parenting, emotional regulation, repair relationships, tiger mom, self-compassion, family dynamics, parenting tips Is gentle parenting just letting your kids do whatever they want? A parenting educator explains why conscious parenting still needs a hierarchy — and why apologising to your children when you get it wrong builds more trust than never getting it wrong at all. Parenting educator Cornelia Dahinten and self professed Tiger Mon Annabel Chew break down what conscious parenting actually means: not permissiveness, but a deliberate awareness of your own triggers, your rules, and your emotional responses. Jasmin shares a real example of losing her temper with her son and having to repair it the next day — and the conversation moves into rupture and repair, the idea that how you fix a conflict with your child matters more than avoiding conflict altogether. Watch the full episode for the complete conversation on Asian vs Western parenting stereotypes, tiger parenting, and raising confident kids: https://youtu.be/4Qf7Wj5cbZU Chapters 00:00 Cultural Collision: Asian vs. Western Parenting 00:57 Conscious Parenting: Balancing Authority and Understanding 04:38 The Concept of Repair in Parenting 08:39 Tiger Mom: Expectations vs. Reality Resources The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0013AX4A4 Rupture and Repair in Relationships - Article - https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/compassion-matters/201911/rupture-and-repair-in-relationships Amanda & Jasmin's Podcast - https://thefortiesformula.com conscious parenting, gentle parenting, parenting styles, how to apologize to your child, rupture and repair, parenting guilt, boundaries for kids, emotionally healthy parenting, daniel siegel parenting, calm parenting strategies, parenting mistakes, parenting advice, mum guilt, tiger parenting, authoritative parenting, parenting styles, respect in parenting, validating children's feelings
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#118
July 1 · 56 min
Why You Snap at the People You Love — and How to Stop, With Anna Mathur
Have you ever completely lost your temper… and then immediately wondered, "What's wrong with me?" If you're finding yourself more irritable, more reactive, or snapping at the people you love in your 40s, you're not alone… and it may have far less to do with your personality than you think. This week, we're joined by psychotherapist, bestselling author and host of The Therapy Edit podcast, Anna Mathur, to unpack why so many women experience anger, overwhelm and rage during midlife. Together, we explore the hidden emotional load women carry, how perimenopause changes our stress response, why guilt keeps us stuck, and the small shifts that can help us feel like ourselves again. From learning the difference between anger and rage, to spotting the warning signs before you explode, repairing relationships after you've snapped, and finally giving yourself permission to rest without guilt… this conversation is filled with compassionate, practical tools every woman needs. If you've ever thought, "I don't recognise myself anymore," this episode is for you. Chapters 00:00 | Why are we snapping at the people we love? 02:08 | Anna's breaking point after motherhood & the pandemic 05:48 | The shame every woman feels after losing her temper 06:54 | Anger vs. rage: why they're not the same thing 09:10 | The "boiling pot" analogy every woman needs 10:42 | Amanda's shocking anger management story 14:22 | The warning signs you're about to snap 16:50 | Good girl conditioning & why women can't rest 19:20 | Why rest feels so uncomfortable (and even selfish) 23:56 | How perimenopause changes your brain's stress response 26:21 | "I can't even be sick." The invisible mental load of motherhood 28:35 | Why you have to stop waiting for permission to take care of yourself 32:03 | Sleep, cortisol & why everything feels harder when you're exhausted 35:04 | Your phone isn't helping you rest 37:20 | What to do after you've snapped at someone you love 41:34 | The repair technique every parent should know 43:43 | When the problem isn't really about the dishes 46:37 | Why burnout happens—and why some women can't stop until they crash 49:36 | Two simple practices to start changing this week 52:06 | Stop asking "What's wrong with me?" 54:05 | Anna's new book: How to Stop Snapping at the People You Love About your hosts: Jasmin Dhillon is an Integrated Health Strategist and Health Coach helping women in their 40s navigate gut health, hormones and nutrition. https://www.instagram.com/eat.with.jasmin Amanda Lim is a Metabolic Health Coach focused on helping women build strength, confidence and long-term health. https://www.instagram.com/coachamanda Support the podcast: If you enjoy these conversations, subscribe and share with someone who needs to hear this. You can also support the show by Buying Us a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/thefortiesformula Thank you to our sponsors: Love Indus: Use code TFF for 21% off https://loveindus.com
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June 28 · 5 min
Why Women Stay Quiet (Even When They Disagree) | The Forties Formula in Focus
Why do so many women stay quiet… even when they don’t agree? In this 5-minute clip from The Forties Formula, we explore how early conditioning, cultural norms, and workplace dynamics shape the way we communicate — and why so many of us hold back, even when we have something important to say. Featuring global communication expert Heather Hansen, this conversation breaks down the hidden patterns behind confidence, voice, and visibility — especially for women navigating midlife and leadership. What you’ll learn: • How childhood conditioning shapes the way we use our voice • Why confidence isn’t always the issue — socialisation is • The real reason women hesitate to speak up at work • How cultural definitions of “respect” influence communication • Why psychological safety matters more than perfect communication • A framework for speaking with more confidence, clarity, and connection Timestamps 00:00 – How children perceive voices and social cues 00:15 – Gender differences in socialisation 00:43 – Confidence vs conditioning in the workplace 01:07 – Why women hesitate to apply for roles 01:33 – The “workaround” mindset 02:02 – Non-confrontational behaviour and real-life reflection 02:31 – Cultural definitions of respect 02:57 – Cultural clashes in global workplaces 03:23 – Conscious, confident, connected communication 03:52 – Why people mute themselves 04:20 – Creating psychologically safe environments Listen to the full episode https://youtu.be/wv9wSqzdI_8?si=WIrFTSP0PIpdpBFX Search The Forties Formula wherever you get your podcasts. Resources Unmuted: How to Show Up, Speak Up, and Inspire Action https://amzn.asia/d/0duLIMXY Support the show https://buymeacoffee.com/thefortiesformula For $5 a month, you’ll get a dedicated episode where we answer your questions — from confidence and communication to health, energy, and everything in between. Keywords women speaking up, confidence in your 40s, communication skills, executive presence, women in leadership, midlife confidence, accent bias, global communication, personal development, podcast clip
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#117
June 24 · 54 min
How to Rebuild Your Body After Kids — Even Years Later, Sports Medicine Doctor Explains!
Most women are told they’re “cleared” at six weeks postpartum. But according to sports medicine physician Dr. Morgan Lee, that clearance has very little to do with true recovery. In this episode of The Forties Formula, Dr. Morgan explains why so many women continue to struggle with pelvic floor dysfunction, diastasis recti, back pain, weakness, injuries, and exercise setbacks years after having children—and why these symptoms are often dismissed as “just getting older.” Drawing on her experience working with elite athletes, Dr. Morgan shares why mothers should be treated like athletes during recovery, how pregnancy fundamentally changes the body, and what women can do, whether they gave birth six months ago or ten years ago—to rebuild strength, function, and confidence. If you've ever wondered whether it's too late to recover after pregnancy, this conversation is for you. --- In This Episode • Why the six-week postpartum clearance is a lie • The truth about "bouncing back" after pregnancy • Why many women are exercising in bodies that never fully healed • Pelvic floor dysfunction and why it's not normal • The athlete approach to postpartum recovery • How pregnancy impacts strength, mobility, and performance • Diastasis recti, core recovery, and rebuilding function • Why it's never too late to improve postpartum symptoms • The role of movement, walking, and exercise after birth • How pregnancy preparation can improve postpartum outcomes --- Chapters 00:00 Why Most Women Never Fully Recover After Pregnancy 01:21 Meet Dr. Morgan Lee: Treating Mothers Like Athletes 02:02 The Problem With the Six-Week Postpartum Clearance 04:24 Why Bounce-Back Culture Is Hurting Women 07:00 What Real Postpartum Recovery Should Look Like 10:41 Why Having Children Later Changes Recovery 12:25 The Athlete Approach to Postpartum Healing 13:56 Is It Too Late to Recover After Pregnancy? 16:26 Pelvic Floor Problems, Leaking & Why It's Not Normal 19:15 How Dr. Morgan Evaluates Postpartum Recovery 21:21 Motherhood Is More Physical Than You Think 23:53 How To Prepare During Pregnancy For Better Recovery 28:17 Why Walking Beats Bed Rest After Birth 31:10 Movement, Mental Health & Postpartum Recovery 33:25 Belly Binding, Core Recovery & Common Myths 35:39 Pregnancy Is More Athletic Than You Think 37:38 How To Rebuild Strength After Childbirth 42:36 Diastasis Recti: What Every Woman Should Know - Connect with Dr. Lara Morgan:Instagram: @sportdrmorgan About your hosts: Jasmin Dhillon is an Integrated Health Strategist and Health Coach helping women in their 40s navigate gut health, hormones and nutrition. https://www.instagram.com/eat.with.jasmin/ Amanda Lim is a Metabolic Health Coach focused on helping women build strength, confidence and long-term health. https://www.instagram.com/coachamandalim/?hl=en Thank you to our sponsors: Love Indus: Use code TFF for 21% off https://loveindus.com Postpartum recovery, postpartum fitness, pelvic floor, diastasis recti, C-section recovery, women in their 40s, perimenopause fitness, bounce back myth, sports medicine, postpartum health, belly binding, core reconnection, motherhood fitness, postpartum exercise, women's health, forties formula podcast
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June 21 · 5 min
My Mom Got Cancer From HRT - Here's Why I Still Recommend It | The Forties Formula in Focus
The Power of Hormones, Lifestyle & Self Compassion in Women's Health in Their 40s This is a clip from The Forties Formula in Focus with hosts Jasmin Dhillon and Amanda Lim with @drolivialesslar . It focuses on navigating women's health in midlife, especially addressing hormonal changes during perimenopause, the influence of lifestyle, and the importance of self-compassion. Challenge outdated narratives and highlight practical strategies to thrive in your 40s and beyond. In this episode: - How hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has evolved and its neuroprotective benefits - Common misconceptions around HRT and breast cancer fears - The significance of early intervention during perimenopause within a therapeutic window - The impact of lifestyle factors like protein intake, movement, and grounding on health outcomes - The role of interoception, intuition, and validating women's pain and experience - Understanding mental and emotional resilience as a key pillar for thriving in midlife - The influence of social media, cultural conditioning, and intergenerational trauma on body image and health - The potential of wearable technology to support, not replace, bodily awareness Timestamps: 0:00 HRT and breast cancer risk explained 0:28 HRT today vs old hormone therapy differences 0:56 Why you need an informed HRT doctor 1:26 Estrogen benefits for brain, immunity and hormones 1:56 Perimenopause symptoms caused by low estrogen 2:22 Why midlife symptoms are all connected 2:52 HRT myths and breast cancer fears explained 3:14 Early perimenopause symptoms and misdiagnosis 3:43 Premature ovarian failure and hormone therapy decision 4:07 Best time to start HRT and why timing matters 4:27 ADHD, autism and hormones in perimenopause (2E women) 4:57 Hormone imbalance risks and long-term health impact Connect with Dr. Olivia Ly-Lesler: https://www.instagram.com/drolivialesslar/ Connect with Amanda & Jasmin: https://www.instagram.com/thefortiesformula/ Jasmin Dhillon - https://www.instagram.com/eat.with.jasmin Amanda Lim - https://www.instagram.com/coachamandalim This episode emphasizes that thriving in your 40s is about understanding one's body, embracing the full spectrum of hormonal health, and practicing kindness toward oneself. The conversation invites women to reframe aging as an opportunity for growth, resilience, and love.
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