2025 was one of my busiest—and most meaningful—years yet. Thank you for being on this journey with me and for showing up week after week to learn, question, laugh, and age powerfully together.As we wrap up the year, this episode is a Power Replay: a look back at the incredible conversations from Season 3, plus a preview of what’s coming in 2026. Note: We’ll be taking a short break, with new episodes returning in January 2026—so now is the perfect time to catch up on anything you missed. Looking Ahead to 2026So much is coming next year, including deep dives into:* PCOS* Endometriosis* Fibroids* Pregnancy during perimenopause* Breast cancer* Cancer screenings in midlife* Evidence-based strategies for better sleep* Caregiving in Canada (over 13 million unpaid caregivers)* A very special episode featuring my parents, my most beloved role modelsStay ConnectedI want to hear from you.What topics do you want us to tackle next? Reach me via my website: agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo.com (http://agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo.com/) Or connect on Instagram: @melissagrelo (https://www.instagram.com/melissagrelo/?hl=en), @agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo (https://www.instagram.com/agingpowerfullywithmg/)Wishing you peace, good health, prosperity, and clarity in 2026. Merry Christmas Happy Hanukkah Happy HolidaysTech and Audio Producer: Drew Garner Producer: Melissa GreloFor any partnership inquires, contact [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

In this episode of Aging Powerfully, Melissa digs into one of the most emotional (and common!) midlife topics: hair loss, with medical and cosmetic dermatologist, Dr. Renée A. Beach (@dermabeach (https://www.instagram.com/dermabeach/?hl=en)). From thinning at the crown to shedding in the shower, we talk about why it happens, what’s normal, and when to investigate further.We cover:* How perimenopause, menopause, stress, and genetics impact hair* The difference between “normal shedding” and true hair loss* Medical causes to rule out (like thyroid issues, iron levels, and hormones)* Evidence-based treatments vs. overhyped “miracle” cures* Practical strategies to protect hair health from the inside out* The emotional toll of hair loss and how to protect your confidence and identityIf you’ve ever felt panicked by the hair in your brush or avoided looking at your part in photos, this episode will give you clarity, options, and a lot of compassion.Tech and Audio Producer: Drew Garner Producer: Melissa Grelo (@melissagrelo (https://www.instagram.com/melissagrelo/?hl=en), @agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo (https://www.instagram.com/agingpowerfullywithmg/))For any partnership inquires, contact [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

(Originally aired May 23, 2024)In this uplifting episode, Melissa sits down with mother-daughter powerhouse Joan MacDonald (@trainwithjoan (https://www.instagram.com/trainwithjoan/?hl=en)) and Michelle MacDonald (@michellemacdonaldofficial (https://www.instagram.com/michellemacdonaldofficial/)) to explore what’s truly possible when women choose strength, consistency, and self-belief — no matter their age.Joan began her fitness journey at 70 and has since inspired millions of women to reclaim their health. Michelle, her coach and daughter, shares the training, nutrition, and mindset strategies that made Joan’s transformation sustainable and life-changing.What We Cover:* Joan’s turning point and how she began at age 70* Michelle’s expert approach to strength training for women in midlife* The emotional and identity shifts that come with reinventing yourself* Why it’s never too late to build strength, confidence, and vitality* How visibility and community empower women to age powerfullyTech and Audio Producer: Drew Garner Producer: Melissa Grelo (@melissagrelo (https://www.instagram.com/melissagrelo/?hl=en), @agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo (https://www.instagram.com/agingpowerfullywithmg/))For any partnership inquires, contact [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

This week on Aging Powerfully, we’re getting brutally honest about one of the most avoided — yet most essential — topics in midlife: preparing your family for the unexpected.Most people think they’re organized.Spoiler: they’re not.To cut through the confusion and give us the real roadmap, I’m joined by Canada’s financial powerhouse Pattie Lovett-Reid. Together, we break down the exact documents, details, and conversations every family needs long before a crisis hits.In this eye-opening and empowering conversation, we explore: The non-negotiable documents every adult should have* Last Will & Testament* Powers of Attorney (financial + personal care)* Healthcare directives* Trust documents (where applicable)* Life insurance and beneficiary designations* Digital access planning (passwords, accounts, social media, subscriptionsWhy planning ahead isn’t morbid — it’s mature.It’s not about control — it’s about caring. Tech and Audio Producer: Drew Garner Producer: Melissa Grelo (@melissagrelo (https://www.instagram.com/melissagrelo/?hl=en), @agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo (https://www.instagram.com/agingpowerfullywithmg/))For any partnership inquires, contact [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

Guest: Dr. Amy Louis‑BaylissOriginal Air Date: January 30, 2025Duration: ~89 minutesIn this deep-dive episode, Melissa sits down with Dr. Amy Louis-Bayliss to walk you through the seven key health metrics that every woman should know—especially as we navigate midlife and beyond.From lab numbers to lifestyle markers, these data points give you a snapshot of where your health is now—and more importantly—where it can go. Dr. Louis-Bayliss shares how to interpret each metric, when to start checking it, how often to revisit it, and how to connect the dots between numbers and your life goals.Whether you’re feeling fine and want to stay ahead, or you’re grappling with change and want clarity, this episode gives you the insight you need to take ownership of your health—not just survive, but thrive. What you'll learn * The “why” behind each of the seven metrics: what they signal and why they matter at midlife.* How often to test or check each metric—and what changes warrant action.* How to move from “just a number” to meaningful progress that aligns with your goals.* How to bring your clinician into the loop and ask the right questions.* How to track health not from fear, but from empowerment and clarity.* Why knowing your numbers isn’t about perfection—it’s about possibility.To find Dr. Louis-Bayliss: IG @lumewomenshealth (https://www.instagram.com/lumewomenshealth/?hl=en), www.lumewomenshealth.com (https://www.lumewomenshealth.com/) Episode sponsored by Avène (@avene (https://www.instagram.com/avene/?hl=en) on Instagram).Website: https://www.eau-thermale-avene.ca/en_ca (https://www.eau-thermale-avene.ca/en_ca)Find Melissa Grelo on Instagram @MelissaGrelo (https://www.instagram.com/melissagrelo/?hl=en)

Guest: Dr. Stephanie Faubion, Director of the Mayo Clinic Center for Women’s Health & Medical Director of The ...

Guest: Dr. Miriam Kirmayer, Clinical Psychologist & Friendship ResearcherAs we age, our friendships can evolve—some deepen, others drift, and new ones can feel harder to form. In this episode of Aging Powerfully with Melissa Grelo, Melissa speaks with Dr. Miriam Kirmayer, a clinical psychologist and leading expert on adult friendship, about why meaningful connection is vital for women in midlife and beyond.Together, they explore:* How women’s friendships change as we age—and why that’s normal* Why it’s harder to make new friends in adulthood and how to overcome it* The link between strong friendships, longevity, and overall health* Navigating friendship loss, loneliness, and life transitions* The benefits of friendships across generations* How cultivating supportive relationships helps us age powerfully—with confidence, joy, and resilienceFind Dr. Kirmayer on her website, https://www.miriamkirmayer.com/ (https://www.miriamkirmayer.com/)This episode is supported by Aging Powerfully with Melissa Grelo: The Retreat and partners @GoodLifeFitness (https://www.instagram.com/goodlifefitness/?hl=en), @lovemy.iris (https://www.instagram.com/lovemy.iris/?hl=en), @avene (https://www.instagram.com/avene/?hl=en) and @rexalldrugstoreofficial (https://www.instagram.com/rexalldrugstoreofficial/?hl=en).Tech and Audio Producer: Drew Garner Producer: Melissa Grelo (@melissagrelo (https://www.instagram.com/melissagrelo/?hl=en), @agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo (https://www.instagram.com/agingpowerfullywithmg/))For any partnership inquires, contact [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

Episode supported by Starbucks Protein at Starbucks Canada @starbuckscanada (https://www.instagram.com/starbuckscanada/?hl=en) https://protein.starbucks.ca/ (https://protein.starbucks.ca/)When it comes to aging powerfully, there’s one thing we can’t afford to lose: muscle.In this episode, Melissa sits down with one of the world’s foremost experts on muscle health and aging — Dr. Stuart Phillips, Professor of Kinesiology at McMaster University, Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Skeletal Muscle Health and Aging, and Director of the Physical Activity Centre of Excellence. With over 400 scientific papers and 31,000 citations, Dr. Phillips is one of the most cited researchers in the world when it comes to how nutrition and exercise shape our bodies over time.Together, Melissa and Dr. Phillips unpack why building and maintaining muscle is essential for women — not just for strength or appearance, but for metabolic health, independence, and longevity. They dig into:* The truth about muscle loss through menopause — and how to fight it* What the data actually says about how to build muscle after 40* Why protein and resistance training matter more than endless cardio* The biggest myths and misconceptions women have about strength training* How just a little bit of movement can make a massive difference in aging wellBecause when it comes to longevity, strength isn’t optional — it’s powerful.As Melissa says, there are those who “do their research,” and then there are those, like Dr. Phillips, who are doing the research. This is your chance to hear directly from the scientist changing how we think about aging, health, and the power of muscle.Resources* Learn more about Dr. Stuart Phillips’ research:* https://mira.mcmaster.ca/our-faculty/stuart-phillips/ (https://mira.mcmaster.ca/our-faculty/stuart-phillips/)* Physical Activity Centre of Excellence (PACE) – * https://pace.mcmaster.ca/home/about-pace/ (https://pace.mcmaster.ca/home/about-pace/)Tech and Audio Producer: Drew Garner Producer: Melissa Grelo

If you’ve ever wondered why your body seems to be changing through midlife — even when your habits haven’t — this episode is a must-listen.Melissa sits down once again with Dr. Sasha High (@sashahighmd (https://www.instagram.com/sashahighmd/?hl=en)), obesity physician and leading voice in metabolic health, for an eye-opening conversation about weight gain and weight loss during the menopause transition.Dr. High breaks down the latest science behind today’s most talked-about obesity medications — and why calling them “weight loss drugs” is not only misleading, but potentially dangerous. She explains who these medications are really for, who shouldn’t be taking them, and why trendy “microdosing” approaches can backfire in serious ways.If you’ve struggled with midlife weight changes, felt confused by conflicting advice, or just want the truth — free of diet fads and fear — Dr. High’s compassionate, evidence-based approach will change the way you think about your body, your metabolism, and your health.In this episode:* Why weight gain during menopause is normal — and what’s really behind it* The science (and myths) of new obesity treatment medications* Why “weight loss drug” culture is dangerous and inaccurate* The truth about “microdosing” and other social media fads* How Dr. High helps menopausal women find real, sustainable, science-backed solutionsListen now — and start aging powerfully, inside and out.This episode is supported by Aging Powerfully with Melissa Grelo: The Retreat and partners @GoodLifeFitness (https://www.instagram.com/goodlifefitness/?hl=en), @lovemy.iris (https://www.instagram.com/lovemy.iris/?hl=en), @avene (https://www.instagram.com/avene/?hl=en) and @rexalldrugstoreofficial (https://www.instagram.com/rexalldrugstoreofficial/?hl=en). Tech and Audio Producer: Drew Garner Producer: Melissa Grelo For any partnership inquires, contact [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

Guest: Dr. Shafeena Premji, Menopause Expert & Physician (@drshafeenapremji (https://www.instagram.com/drshafeenapremji/?hl=en)).If you’ve been told you can’t take hormone therapy—or you’ve chosen not to—this episode is for you.This week, menopause expert and physician Dr. Shafeena Premji joins us to unpack all the non-hormonal treatment options available to women navigating the menopause transition. From prescription medications to emerging therapies, Dr. Premji explains what’s proven, safe, and effective for managing symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, and sleep issues—without using hormones.She also breaks down the exciting new non-hormonal treatment recently approved by Health Canada, how it works, and why it’s being hailed as a game changer—especially for:* Breast cancer survivors* Stroke or cardiovascular disease patients* Those beyond the 10-year window for starting hormone therapy* Anyone seeking approved, science-backed non-hormonal symptom reliefWe’ll cover what the research says, how to talk to your doctor about these options, and what this means for the future of menopause care in Canada.(https://fonts.gstatic.com/s/e/notoemoji/16.0/1f4a1/32.png) You’ll learn:* The science behind non-hormonal menopause treatments* Which medications are currently approved and how they work* Who should consider non-hormonal therapies* How the newest Health Canada-approved treatment is changing the landscape for menopause symptom managementThis episode is packed with expert insights and empowering information to help you make informed choices for your health and well-being through midlife and beyond.EPISODE SUPPORTED BY: Aging Powerfully with Melissa Grelo: The Retreat (www.agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo.com/retreat (http://www.agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo.com/retreat)).Thank to you partners:@GoodLifeFitness (https://www.instagram.com/goodlifefitness/?hl=en) - www.goodlifefitness.com (http://www.goodlifefitness.com/)@Avene (https://www.instagram.com/avene/?hl=en) - www.eau-thermale-avene.ca (http://www.eau-thermale-avene.ca/)@LoveMy.Iris (https://www.instagram.com/lovemy.iris/?hl=en) - www.lovemyiris.com (http://www.lovemyiris.com/) Producer: Melissa Grelo. Audio/Video Producer and Editor: Drew Garner.