Talk with Tara | Divorce, Dating & Women’s Midlife Reinvention

In part two of my conversation with Dr. Lizellen La Follette, we go deeper into the midlife health questions so many women are asking right now. We talk about what really supports longevity in perimenopause and menopause, including walking, resistance training, better sleep habits, and why prevention matters more than waiting until something becomes a full blown health issue.
We also get into the emotional side of perimenopause, including anxiety, mood changes, sleep disruption, cortisol, and how hormonal shifts can affect the way women feel in their 40s and beyond. Dr. La Follette explains why these changes are real, why women should not dismiss them, and what options may help, from lifestyle shifts to HRT and more individualized care.
In this episode, we also discuss bone density and why waiting until age 65 may be too late for many women, how to think about prevention earlier, and why muscle, movement, and body composition matter so much for healthy aging. We also talk openly about GLP-1s, peptides, metabolic health, side effects, weight loss, cardiovascular risk, and what women need to know before jumping on the latest trend.
And because no midlife conversation is complete without it, we also talk about sex, libido, vaginal health, dryness, intimacy, and why women are not doomed to lose that part of themselves as they age. This is an honest, empowering conversation about taking your health seriously, making yourself a priority, and creating a vibrant second half of life with more knowledge, more confidence, and more support.
Dr. Lizellen La Follette is a longtime OB-GYN based in Greenbrae, California, in Marin County. She has been dedicated to women’s health since 1993 and is deeply engaged in clinical care, research, clinical trials, speaking engagements, and the growing conversation around women’s healthspan, prevention, and longevity. In addition to her private practice, she has a strong interest in helping women navigate perimenopause, menopause, bone health, sleep, sexual wellness, and healthy aging.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing in this episode is intended to be medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. I am sharing this conversation to inform and empower women, but I always encourage you to speak with your own qualified medical provider about your personal health, symptoms, medications, and treatment decisions.
How to find Dr. Lizellen La FolletteDr. Lizellen La Follette is in private practice in Greenbrae, California in Marin County.Website: https://www.lflmd.comPhone: (415) 461-5755

Join me, Tara, on Talk with Tara, as I welcome the incredible Dr. Lizellen La Follette—a globally recognized, board-certified OB/GYN who’s transforming women’s health from every angle. In this episode, we dive deep into:
Dr. La Follette’s candid insights on perimenopause and menopause—how symptoms like anxiety, dryness, and pain extend far beyond hot flashes, and why it’s critical to ask, “Could this be hormonal?” She breaks down safe and effective hormone options (like body-identical estradiol and vaginal estrogen) and shares when and why to consider HRT.
We also explore the often-overlooked role of testosterone, compounded vs. non‑compounded bioidentical hormones, and the best strategies for maintaining sexual health, libido, and vaginal comfort—including modern techniques like the Mona Lisa Touch CO₂ laser and targeted vaginal estrogen.
Dr. La Follette walks us through managing common issues like UTIs, urinary incontinence, and labial laxity with aesthetic—and often minimally invasive—solutions such as radiofrequency tightening. Plus, we talk proactive health measures: bone density testing before age 50, vaccination for HPV up to age 50 to reduce cervical and throat cancer risk, and cutting-edge early cancer detection with tests like GALLERI.
Every segment reflects her compassionate, patient-first approach—encouraging women to prepare beforehand, ask smart questions, and advocate for their health across midlife and beyond.
This episode is a must-listen for women navigating hormonal shifts, sexual wellness, preventive care, and the full spectrum of midlife health. Hit follow on Talk with Tara and tune in—you won’t want to miss this inspiring and empowering discussion!
In this episode, we cover:
The lesser-known symptoms women face in midlife, plus anxiety, mood and the rippling effects of hormonal changes
Bio-identical hormone therapy, vaginal estrogen, progesterone, testosterone 
Solutions for painful sex, dryness, libido loss, UTIs and vaginal/vulva changes—from vaginal laser to RF treatments
Tips for bone health, heart disease prevention, and addressing “healthspan” versus lifespan
What Dr. La Follette recommends for cancer screening—falling under the radar: HPV vaccine, Galleri testing, calcium heart scan and carotid ultrasound
Why sleep, cognition, community—and even sparkling female entrepreneurship—factor into long-term well-being
Dr. La Follette says:
“If you are really having a tough time, you should have that conversation…women deserve to be given the risks and benefits and then to make their own decisions.”
That’s the heart of this episode: giving you the knowledge and confidence to become your own biggest health advocate—especially in midlife.
Want to connect directly with Dr. La Follette?Office: Marin County (open 6 days/week; Saturday mornings available)Website: www.drlafollette.com
If you loved today’s episode, follow the show and share it with a friend. And if you have questions or wince-free sex tips of your own, DM me—there’s so much more to talk about. Talk soon.

This podcast is for entertainment and for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider before making health decisions.
If you've said, “My labs are normal, but I feel off,” this episode is for you. Fatigue, brain fog, bad sleep, weight gain, mood swings, and low libido can make perimenopause and menopause feel confusing, and the internet is louder than ever with misinformation about HRT, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), and trending peptides like GLP-1s, glutathione, and the “beauty peptide”.
In this episode of Talk with Tara, I sit down with Nayan Patel, PharmD, clinical pharmacist, educator, and founder of Central Drugs Compounding Pharmacy, to break down what “bioidentical” actually means, how I can ask the right questions about my prescriptions, and why symptoms in perimenopause can be more complex than simply “low estrogen.”
We also get into a grounded, no-hype conversation about peptides (including GLP-1 medications), what seems promising, what may be overblown, and why the foundations matter: stress/cortisol, insulin and nutrition, thyroid balance, and then sex hormones like estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone. 
 
Disclaimer
This episode is for informational and educational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. The views shared are general in nature and may not apply to your specific situation. Talk with Tara and the episode guest are not providing medical diagnosis, treatment, or prescribing advice. Always consult your physician, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication, hormone therapy, supplement, peptide, or wellness protocol. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast. If you believe you may be experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
Guest
Nayan Patel, PharmDFounder, Central Drugs Compounding PharmacyAuthor, The Glutathione RevolutionWebsite: https://www.centraldrugsrx.com/
What we cover
What “bioidentical” means and why chemical structure matters
The questions I should ask my pharmacist about HRT
Perimenopause vs menopause: why symptoms can look similar but have different drivers
Why stress (cortisol/adrenaline), insulin, and thyroid balance impact how I feel
Testosterone for women: why it matters and why access has been complicated
Peptides and GLP-1s: what they are, what’s hype, and what to consider before I jump in
Glutathione and the “beauty peptide” trend: what’s being discussed and why it’s everywhere

Let's Talk Relationships, Love and Sex the Day on Valentine's Day. Whether you're newly single, back in the dating world, or just trying to figure out what actually makes a relationship last, this episode is packed with game-changing insights. I sit down with dating and relationship coach Debra Mansfield to talk about what truly attracts a partner, why chemistry isn’t personal, and how to build real connection.
We’re breaking down dating mistakes, the right time to have the talk about exclusivity, and whether sleeping together too soon really ruins your chances. Plus, we dive into the power of feminine energy, why men need to feel like the hero, and how to approach dating with confidence (hint: ditch the impossible checklist).
If you’re ready to level up your love life, this one’s for you.
Check out Debra’s masterclass at loveanddatingmasterclass.com
https://loveanddatingmasterclass.com/
https://www.instagram.com/loveanddatingcoach/
Follow me on Instagram: @talkwithtarapodcast and Facebook: Talk with Tara
Follow Talk With Tara for my next episode on raw, unfiltered conversations on life, love, and everything in between!
 

What if you don’t love being single, but you still want to love your life? In this episode of Talk With Tara, Tara sits down with Dr. Karen Gail Lewis (relationship, marriage, and family therapist; author of With or Without a Man) to talk about the real emotional challenge many women face: living in the uncertainty of whether you’ll meet the right partner—and building a fulfilling life anyway.
You’ll hear practical, therapist-backed advice on dating after divorce, the pressure of a “married society,” and why being single can feel like an ambiguous loss. Dr. Lewis shares how to stop the spiral of “what’s wrong with me?”, rethink your dating “list,” and focus on what you actually need in a healthy relationship. Tara and Dr. Lewis also dive into why weekends can feel lonely, how to plan a rich social life, and the underrated importance of friendship, community, and physical touch for mental health and well-being.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
What “ambiguous loss” means for single women and how to live with uncertainty
How to stop self-blame and boost confidence, self-worth, and emotional resilience
A smarter way to evaluate dating criteria (and the real reason “tall” or “wealthy” ends up on lists)
The question to ask on a first or second date to spot emotional availability
How to handle online dating realities without losing hope—or yourself
Why strong female friendships can be the foundation for healthier romantic relationships
Tips for weekends, loneliness, and building a full life with or without a partner
If you’re navigating midlife dating, single again after divorce, or simply trying to feel more empowered in your relationship choices, this episode is for you.
 
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In this episode I sit down with certified wellness coach and professional matchmaker Erica Botoff to talk about what really works in midlife dating. We get honest about how to rebuild confidence after divorce why feminine energy matters more than a perfect body and how successful women can stop leading with their masculine on dates and still keep their power.
I ask Ericka what men actually look for beyond looks how to prepare for a first date so you feel like a ten the biggest mistakes women make on dates and why kindness and self respect are non negotiable. We talk about anxious attachment what to do when he does not call back when to talk about commitment and sex and how to be clear about what you want without scaring someone off.
If you are a woman in midlife who wants a real partner not just another situationship this episode will help you get honest about your standards your style and your self worth so you can attract a man who is truly ready to love you.
To learn more about working with Ericka Bothof as a matchmaking client or as a free confidential candidate you can connect with her on Facebook under the name and send her a direct message.
Follow me on Instagram at @TalkwithTarapodcast. You can also reach me directly at talkwithtarapodcast@gmail.com. Let's Talk!

Before we dive in I have a quick favor to ask. Please follow Talk With Tara wherever you listen, leave a review, and follow me on social. It truly helps this show grow and keeps it possible for me to keep creating these conversations for you.
In this episode I am bringing back one of my favorite formats, the Dear Tara segment. I answer real questions from women just like you about holidays, loneliness, dating, and finding love in midlife.
I talk about what to do when your kids are with your ex for the holidays and you are home alone, how to tell if you are lonely for a partner or simply missing your old life, and how to enjoy the holidays without a romantic partner without feeling like the whole season is incomplete. We get into the big one too, whether it is too late to find real love in your fifties, and why you can sometimes feel even lonelier after a party or a date than you did before you went.
I also share a bit of my own story. I went to film school, earned an MFA in screenwriting, optioned a screenplay, and then walked through a very painful time in Los Angeles that led to years of writer block. Now I am writing again and working on a very juicy fiction book on my new Substack, and I would love for you to read the first chapters and tell me what you think.
If you want to send in your own Dear Tara question or be part of the online group I am planning for women in transition you can get in touch with me here
Instagram@talkwithtarapodcast
Emailtalkwithtarapodcast@gmail.com
SubstackMy writing and book chapters are on my Substack, just look for Talk With Tara or follow the link in my Instagram bio.
Thank you for listening and for supporting the show by following, reviewing, and sharing it with a friend.

If you’re listening and this episode hits home, it would mean so much if you could follow Talk With Tara on your favorite podcast app, leave a quick rating and review, and share this episode with a friend who needs it.
I’d also love to hear from you, email me at talkwithtarapodcast@gmail.comand come say hi or tag me on Instagram at @talkwithtarapodcast
In this episode, I’m sitting down with integrative health and mind–body practitioner Alisha Slaughter to talk about something so many of us quietly carry: trauma, nervous system dysregulation, and the way it all shows up in our bodies—especially in midlife.
I share why I’m seeing words like trauma, somatics, and nervous system healing come up over and over again with my own listeners and friends, and Alisha helps us unpack what those terms actually mean in real life. We talk about how trauma doesn’t just live in our memories, it lives in our bodies—and why so much of what we haven’t processed can rise to the surface when our hormones, identities, and lives are all shifting at once.
Alisha explains the difference between PTSD and complex trauma (CPTSD), how early childhood experiences and lack of attunement can wire our nervous systems for constant scanning and people pleasing, and why no one’s trauma can really be “compared” to someone else’s. We also get into attachment styles, corporate trauma, grief, and those subtle but powerful ways our bodies say, “I don’t feel safe.”
From there, we move into somatic healing, what it is, how it works, and simple ways to start. 
Alisha share how to notice where activation lives in your body (like my stomach clenching when a certain email hits my inbox).
She also shares why gut health is foundational for hormones, mood, and inflammation.
If you’re feeling exhausted, frayed, or like everything is hitting you at once in this season of life, this episode will help you put language to what you’re feeling and offer gentle, doable steps to start creating more safety, self-compassion, and support in your own body.
Connect with Alisha, she offers a free 30-Minute Wellness Strategy Call: Book via her website to explore what’s going on in your body and walk away with three personalized wellness actions.
Website: myalchemy.life
Instagram: @wellnesswithalicia
Email: myalchemylife@gmail.com
 

Please follow the show and leave a quick rating/review—it helps more women find this podcast. Questions or topic ideas? Email talkwithtarapodcast@gmail.com and follow @talkwithtarapodcast on Instagram.
In this solo episode, I share my midlife dating practice, how to show up on first dates with confidence, curiosity, and high-value boundaries. You’ll get the exact questions I ask (beyond “What do you do?”), how I lean into feminine energy without people-pleasing, why taking it one date at a time saves your sanity, and how to stop chasing the wrong men by raising your standards. I cover listening like a pro, pacing intimacy, saying no to last-minute plans, and keeping your life full (friends, hikes, joy) so you’re choosing from wholeness, not scarcity.

Please subscribe and comment to keep this show going and email your thoughts to talkwithtarapodcast@gmail.com. Ladies, I need your support. This is such a labor of love. 
In this episode, former top model turned spiritual mentor Eden Amadora shares the real story behind life on the runway and what it took to walk away from glamour and chaos to reclaim her voice, heal from a toxic relationship, and embody authentic feminine power. We dig into what Kundalini energy really is, how to tell the difference between a spiritual emergency and awakening, and why balancing feminine and masculine energies creates genuine confidence, boundaries, and self trust.
Eden explains inner union in practical terms, how music supports the nervous system, and what modern priestess work looks like for everyday women who want purpose, presence, and love without losing themselves.
If this conversation resonates, please follow the show, share it with a friend, and send your comments or guest ideas to talkwithtarapodcast@gmail.com.
Contact Tara at talkwithtarapodcast@gmail.com and on Instagram at @talkwithtarapodcast.
Connect with Eden at edenamadora.com and on Instagram at @edenamadora.
 Ruby Circle Information here: https://discover.priestesspresence.com/etm-ruby/
Listen to Eden on Spotify here https://open.spotify.com/artist/00uncuCapC5VnWNUnwo6MM and hear her single Angel Wild here https://open.spotify.com/album/6NFtbWTOR7VM7w9kvcubyj.