StrongHER Voices

Beyond the Hot Flash: Why Menopause Feels Like a Full-Body Takeover

Menopause isn’t one symptom. It isn’t “just hot flashes.” It’s a whole-body hormonal shift that affects nearly every organ system — and today, I’m breaking it down in a clear, relatable way so you can finally understand why you feel what you feel.
 
If you’ve ever thought, “Why is everything changing?” — your mood, your memory, your sleep, your weight, your joints, your skin — this episode is going to make it all finally make sense.
 
🎙️ StrongHER Voices is the empowering podcast helping women navigate their StrongHER Era with clarity, confidence, and the honest, expert-backed support they deserve.
 
Hosted by Ashley Basilio — certified menopause health coach, fitness professional, and women’s wellness advocate.
--
In this episode, we cover:
 
✅ Why menopause symptoms can show up everywhere, from your skin to your joints to your brain — and why you’re not imagining it.
✅ The major symptom categories: vasomotor, cognitive, emotional, and physical — with real examples from my own journey.
✅ How identity shifts during menopause, and why so many women suddenly feel invisible, emotional, or unlike themselves.
✅ A system-by-system breakdown of what’s happening inside your body:
✅ Metabolism & body composition — why belly fat and muscle loss happen even when habits don’t change
-Cardiovascular health — how estrogen protects your heart and why symptoms change
-Brain, sleep & nervous system — what causes brain fog and chronic exhaustion
-Vaginal, bladder & sexual health — GSM explained and why help does exist
-Gut & digestion — why bloating and constipation become more common
✅ The truth about why every woman’s experience is different, and how race, genetics, lifestyle, and access to care shape your journey.
✅ The hopeful part: understanding your symptoms gives you back your power — and there are many ways to feel better.
--
If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to keep supporting you on your StrongHER journey. 💛
 
🩷 Join StrongHER Together
Get ongoing support, accountability, education, and the tools you need to feel stronger—inside and out. Use code VOICES for $25 off any membership:
👉 https://getfitwithashley.com/strongher/
 
💌 Stay Connected
Sign up for my email list to get blogs, classes, coaching updates, podcast drops, free workouts, and upcoming events delivered right to your inbox:
👉 https://getfitwithashley.com/signup/
 
💪 Move With Me
Enjoy free, beginner-friendly to advanced workouts any time on my YouTube channel:
👉 https://youtube.com/getfitwithashley/
 
📲 Follow Along on Social Media
Daily tips, real talk, behind-the-scenes, and encouragement for your StrongHER Era:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getfitwithashley2012/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getfitwithashley2012/
--
⚠️ Disclaimer:
The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice and should not replace consultation with your healthcare provider. Always talk with a qualified professional about your individual health needs before making changes to your diet, exercise, or treatment plan.
–
00:00 - Start
00:32 - Introduction
02:39 - Symptoms of Menopause
02:50 - Vasomotor Symptoms (AKA Hot Flashes!)
04:02 - Cognitive Symptoms
05:20 - Mood Changes
06:34 - Physical Changes
07:20 - Identity Changes
08:54 - You Are Not Alone
09:27 - Whole Body Impacts of Menopause
10:15 - Metabolism & Body Composition
12:05 - Cardiovascular Symptoms
13:37 - Central & Peripheral Nervous System Impacts
16:28 - Reproductive & Genitourinary Changes
19:51 - Every Woman's Menopause Journey is Unique
25:06 - Thank you for listening!

The Empowered Menopause: How To Feel Better (Part 2 of Beyond Empty Nest with Jodi Silverman)

In this conversation (Part 2 of 2), Ashley joins Jodi Silverman, host of the Beyond Empty Nest podcast, to go deeper into the solutions, the mindset shifts, and the evidence-based support that help women reclaim their energy, confidence, and well-being in this stage of life. This is the episode that reminds you: once you understand what’s happening, you can take action—and you deserve to feel good again.
 
🎙️ StrongHER Voices is the empowering podcast helping women navigate their StrongHER Era with clarity, confidence, and the honest, expert-backed support they deserve.
 
Hosted by Ashley Basilio — certified menopause health coach, fitness professional, and women’s wellness advocate.
--
In this episode, we cover:
 
✅ Why “when you know better, you do better” is the key to navigating menopause with confidence.
✅ The full spectrum of treatment options, including lifestyle changes, supplements, and medical support.
✅ Hormone Therapy demystified—what the WHI study got wrong, and how to make informed decisions today.
✅ The real-world benefits of HRT for sleep, mood, brain health, and long-term disease prevention.
✅ Lifestyle shifts that make a difference, from sleep routines to nutrition to daily habits.
✅ Why weight gain is common in this transition—and what does help (without extremes).
✅ Pelvic health, intimacy, and why no woman should suffer in silence.
✅ The changing landscape of friendships and relationships in midlife—and how to navigate it with grace.
--
💗 Meet Jodi Silverman:
I’m honored to be featured on Jodi's podcast Beyond Empty Nest for a 2-part discussion on menopause. Jodi Silverman is a happiness coach, speaker and my personal inspiration for launching my own podcast! We had an amazing conversation about what's happening to our bodies, minds and identities in menopause, and I know you’ll walk away with practical tips and inspiration to make you feel empowered in this phase of life.
 
📌 Connect with Jodi Silverman:
Website: https://jodisilverman.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jodi_silverman/
Podcast: https://jodisilverman.com/podcast/
--
If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to keep supporting you on your StrongHER journey. 💛
 
🩷 Join StrongHER Together
Get ongoing support, accountability, education, and the tools you need to feel stronger—inside and out. Use code VOICES for $25 off any membership:
👉 https://getfitwithashley.com/strongher/
 
💌 Stay Connected
Sign up for my email list to get blogs, classes, coaching updates, podcast drops, free workouts, and upcoming events delivered right to your inbox:
👉 https://getfitwithashley.com/signup/
 
💪 Move With Me
Enjoy free, beginner-friendly to advanced workouts any time on my YouTube channel:
👉 https://youtube.com/getfitwithashley/
 
📲 Follow Along on Social Media
Daily tips, real talk, behind-the-scenes, and encouragement for your StrongHER Era:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getfitwithashley2012/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getfitwithashley2012/
--
⚠️ Disclaimer:
The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice and should not replace consultation with your healthcare provider. Always talk with a qualified professional about your individual health needs before making changes to your diet, exercise, or treatment plan.
–
00:00 - Start
00:33 - Introduction
02:05 - Beyond Empty Nest Episode Part 2
03:36 - When you know better, you do better
04:27 - Treatment Options
06:29 - The Mindset of Willing & Able
09:10 - Hormone Therapy (Women's Health Initiative Study)
11:17 - HRT Possible Benefits
14:02 - Lifestyle Shifts to Feel Better
14:38 - Changes for Sleep Benefits
16:28 - Weight Gain Possible Changes
19:39 - Pelvic Health & Intimacy
26:23 - Friendships & Relationships
28:28 - Final Words of Encouragement
30:42 - Dare for Listeners
31:42 - Closing Thoughts
35:12 - Please Subscribe & Review

The Empowered Menopause: What's Really Happening? (Part 1 of Beyond Empty Nest with Jodi Silverman)

In this conversation (Part 1 of 2), Ashley joins Jodi Silverman, host of the Beyond Empty Nest podcast, to unpack what’s really happening during the menopausal transition — from hormones and symptoms to how these shifts can affect your mood, motivation, and confidence.You’ll walk away with science-based insight, relatable stories, and a big dose of reassurance that you’re not “losing it” — you’re evolving.
 
🎙️ StrongHER Voices is the empowering podcast helping women navigate their StrongHER Era with clarity, confidence, and the honest, expert-backed support they deserve.
 
Hosted by Ashley Basilio — certified menopause health coach, fitness professional, and women’s wellness advocate.
--
In this episode, we cover:
 
✅ My background how I became a Menopause Health Coach
✅ Why there's so much confusion about what's going on with our body's in the menopause transition
✅ The top two hormones causing all the havoc during the menopause transition
✅ Some of the many symptoms of menopause, and ones that may surprise you
✅ Advice for your own journey, including how to talk to your provider
--
💗 Meet Jodi Silverman:
I’m honored to be featured on Jodi's podcast Beyond Empty Nest for a 2-part discussion on menopause. Jodi Silverman is a happiness coach, speaker and my personal inspiration for launching my own podcast! We had an amazing conversation about what's happening to our bodies, minds and identities in menopause, and I know you’ll walk away with practical tips and inspiration to make you feel empowered in this phase of life.
 
📌 Connect with Jodi Silverman:
Website: https://jodisilverman.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jodi_silverman/
Podcast: https://jodisilverman.com/podcast/
--
If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to keep supporting you on your StrongHER journey. 💛
 
🩷 Join StrongHER Together
Get ongoing support, accountability, education, and the tools you need to feel stronger—inside and out. Use code VOICES for $25 off any membership:
👉 https://getfitwithashley.com/strongher/
 
💌 Stay Connected
Sign up for my email list to get blogs, classes, coaching updates, podcast drops, free workouts, and upcoming events delivered right to your inbox:
👉 https://getfitwithashley.com/signup/
 
💪 Move With Me
Enjoy free, beginner-friendly to advanced workouts any time on my YouTube channel:
👉 https://youtube.com/getfitwithashley/
 
📲 Follow Along on Social Media
Daily tips, real talk, behind-the-scenes, and encouragement for your StrongHER Era:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getfitwithashley2012/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getfitwithashley2012/
--
⚠️ Disclaimer:
The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice and should not replace consultation with your healthcare provider. Always talk with a qualified professional about your individual health needs before making changes to your diet, exercise, or treatment plan.
–
00:00 - Start
00:32 - Introduction
02:05 - Beyond Empty Nest Episode Part 1
04:48 - My Background
06:02 - GYN Visit That Changed Things
08:08 - Why Is There So Much Confusion About Menopause?
09:47 - When Does Menopause Happen?
12:58 - What Hormones Are Impacted By Menopause?
15:19 - What Are Symptoms of Menopause?
17:34 - What Menopause Symptoms Are Most Surprising?
20:58 - Be Your Best Advocate
25:14 - How Can I Figure Out My Own Patterns?
27:47 - One Takeaway
28:36 - Free Resource
31:42 - Closing Thoughts

Stop the Confusion: Menopause Myths Busted & The Stages Defined

If you’ve ever felt lost about what’s actually happening in perimenopause or menopause, this episode is your roadmap. Today, we break down the entire hormonal transition in a way that finally makes sense—no confusion, no mystery, just clarity.
 
🎙️ StrongHER Voices is the empowering podcast helping women navigate their StrongHER Era with clarity, confidence, and the honest, expert-backed support they deserve.
 
Hosted by Ashley Basilio — certified menopause health coach, fitness professional, and women’s wellness advocate.
--
In this episode, we cover:
 
✅ Why menopause is a natural transition, not a disease, and how it impacts your entire body.
✅ Defining the Four Stages: Reproductive Age, Perimenopause, Menopause, and Postmenopause.
✅ A detailed look at Perimenopause—the phase of hormonal fluctuation and why symptoms like anxiety and joint pain start here.
✅ The truth about Menopause (it’s just one day!) and Postmenopause (the rest of your vibrant life).
✅ Practical Tools: The simple way you can start tracking today to advocate for yourself at your next doctor’s appointment.
--
If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to keep supporting you on your StrongHER journey. 💛
 
🩷 Join StrongHER Together
Get ongoing support, accountability, education, and the tools you need to feel stronger—inside and out. Use code VOICES for $25 off any membership:
👉 https://getfitwithashley.com/strongher/
 
💌 Stay Connected
Sign up for my email list to get blogs, classes, coaching updates, podcast drops, free workouts, and upcoming events delivered right to your inbox:
👉 https://getfitwithashley.com/signup/
 
💪 Move With Me
Enjoy free, beginner-friendly to advanced workouts any time on my YouTube channel:
👉 https://youtube.com/getfitwithashley/
 
📲 Follow Along on Social Media
Daily tips, real talk, behind-the-scenes, and encouragement for your StrongHER Era:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getfitwithashley2012/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getfitwithashley2012/
--
⚠️ Disclaimer:
The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice and should not replace consultation with your healthcare provider. Always talk with a qualified professional about your individual health needs before making changes to your diet, exercise, or treatment plan.
 
00:00 - Welcome to StrongHER Voices!
00:32 - Episode Outline
01:07 - Menopause is not a disease!
01:39 - 4 Phases of Menopause
02:02 - Process of Menopause (Hormones)
02:25 - Phase 1 - Pre-Menopause
03:01 - Phase 2 - Peri-Menopause
04:15 - Peri-Menopause Myths!
04:20 - Myth 1 - Symptoms Happen Only After Periods Stop
04:44 - Myth 2 - Blood Tests Confirm Peri-Menopause
05:27 - Phase 3 - Menopause
06:20 - Menopause Myths!
06:22 - Myth 1 - Menopause Happens at Age 50
06:54 - Myth 2 - Once You Hit Menopause, Too Late to Treat Symptoms
07:25 - Phase 4 - Post-Menopause
08:32 - Post-Menopause Myths!
08:36 - Myth 1 - Life Goes Downhill After Menopause
09:11 - Myth 2 - Post-Menopause Means Menopause is FINISHED
10:18 - Menopause is Unique
11:14 - Actions YOU Can Take
11:20 - Action 1 - Start Tracking YOUR Symptoms
12:04 - Action 2 - Focus on Lifestyle Fundamentals
12:24 - Action 3 - Advocate For Yourself
14:08 - Closing Thoughts

Engineer to Coach: My Story & How My Doctor Laughed

If you’ve ever wondered how I went from a 20-year corporate career to becoming a menopause health coach—and why I’m so fired up about helping women in their StrongHER Era—this episode tells the whole story.
 
🎙️ StrongHER Voices is the empowering podcast helping women navigate their StrongHER Era with clarity, confidence, and the honest, expert-backed support they deserve.
 
Hosted by Ashley Basilio — certified menopause health coach, fitness professional, and women’s wellness advocate.
--
In this episode, we cover:
 
✅ My nontraditional path—from engineering and corporate life to fitness and coaching.
✅ The moment teaching dance aerobics changed everything and sparked my passion for women’s wellness.
✅ Why the pandemic became the catalyst for leaving corporate life and stepping into purpose.
✅ My confusing, dismissed entry into perimenopause—and the doctor’s reaction that lit a fire in me.
✅ How that experience led me to become a certified Menopause Health Coach and create StrongHER Together.
✅ The mission behind this podcast: giving women clarity, confidence, and a community that actually gets it.
--
If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to keep supporting you on your StrongHER journey. 💛
 
🩷 Join StrongHER Together
Get ongoing support, accountability, education, and the tools you need to feel stronger—inside and out. Use code VOICES for $25 off any membership:
👉 https://getfitwithashley.com/strongher/
 
💌 Stay Connected
Sign up for my email list to get blogs, classes, coaching updates, podcast drops, free workouts, and upcoming events delivered right to your inbox:
👉 https://getfitwithashley.com/signup/
 
💪 Move With Me
Enjoy free, beginner-friendly to advanced workouts any time on my YouTube channel:
👉 https://youtube.com/getfitwithashley/
 
📲 Follow Along on Social Media
Daily tips, real talk, behind-the-scenes, and encouragement for your StrongHER Era:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getfitwithashley2012/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getfitwithashley2012/
--
⚠️ Disclaimer:
The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice and should not replace consultation with your healthcare provider. Always talk with a qualified professional about your individual health needs before making changes to your diet, exercise, or treatment plan.
 
--
 
00:00 - Welcome to StrongHER Voices!
00:27 - My Background
05:36 - Join StrongHER Together

Midlife Women: Why You Need StrongHER Voices for Menopause Clarity

🩷 In this quick two-minute episode, I’ll share why I created StrongHER Voices, what you can expect with each episode, and how this space will help you cut through the confusion, feel understood, and move forward with confidence.
 
🎙️ StrongHER Voices is the empowering podcast helping women navigate their StrongHER Era with clarity, confidence, and the honest, expert-backed support they deserve.
 
Hosted by Ashley Basilio — certified menopause health coach, fitness professional, and women’s wellness advocate.
--
In this episode, we cover:
✅ Who I am and why I'm doing a podcast
✅ What to expect with each episode
✅ An invitation to join our StrongHER Together community
--
If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to keep supporting you on your StrongHER journey. 💛
 
🩷 Join StrongHER Together
Get ongoing support, accountability, education, and the tools you need to feel stronger—inside and out. Use code VOICES for $25 off any membership:
👉 https://getfitwithashley.com/strongher/
 
💌 Stay Connected
Sign up for my email list to get blogs, classes, coaching updates, podcast drops, free workouts, and upcoming events delivered right to your inbox:
👉 https://getfitwithashley.com/signup/
 
💪 Move With Me
Enjoy free, beginner-friendly to advanced workouts any time on my YouTube channel:
👉 https://youtube.com/getfitwithashley/
 
📲 Follow Along on Social Media
Daily tips, real talk, behind-the-scenes, and encouragement for your StrongHER Era:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getfitwithashley2012/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getfitwithashley2012/
--
⚠️ Disclaimer:
The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice and should not replace consultation with your healthcare provider. Always talk with a qualified professional about your individual health needs before making changes to your diet, exercise, or treatment plan.
--
00:00 - Who is Ashley and why this podcast exists.
00:41 - The value you'll get in every episode (trusted strategies, real talk, and expert insights).
01:54 - The invitation to join our StrongHER Together community.