Absolutely no one warned us that midlife would be this loud—hot flashes, achy joints, bone density, belly fat, all competing for attention at once. And yet the message women still get is, “This is just how it is.”

In this episode, I’m joined by orthopedic sports surgeon and longevity visionary Dr. Vonda Wright, author of Unbreakable: A Woman’s Guide to Aging with Power. We dig into what it really takes to stay strong, mobile, and independent for decades—so you can carry your own groceries at 80 and stay out of the nursing home.

We cover:

• Why bones are an endocrine organ (yes, your skeleton is talking to the rest of your body)
• The truth about osteoporosis, fracture risk, and why waiting until 65 for a DEXA is a terrible strategy
• How to safely use impact, heavy lifting, and sprint intervals even if you’ve been told to “be careful”
• The role of estrogen, testosterone, and vitamin D in bone and muscle health
• Protein, leucine, vegan vs animal sources—and why under-proteining is keeping you weak and inflamed
• Weighted vests, jumping, Pilates and yoga: what actually moves the needle for strength and longevity

If you’re a woman in perimenopause, menopause, or beyond—and you want denser bones, stronger muscles, better balance, and a body that can keep up with the life you want—this conversation is your blueprint.

👉 Grab Dr. Wright’s book Unbreakable, A Woman's Guide to Aging With Power, and connect with her online.

Dr. Wright website https://www.drvondawright.com/

Check out her new bone supplement called Unbreakable Bone

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drvondawright/

Dr. Wright's weighted jump rope https://amzn.to/3Mi91VU

Don’t forget to follow Asking for a Friend for more real talk on midlife health, fitness, hormones, and longevity.

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1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way - Reach me anytime at mailto:[email protected]

If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, it may be time to look deeper. I’ve partnered with EllieMD, a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 peptide therapy—to support metabolic health and longevity.

https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products.

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🎤 In addition to coaching, I speak to women’s groups, moderate health panel discussions, and bring experts together for real, evidence-based conversations about midlife health.

Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.