HOT FLASHES & COOL TOPICS

When should you speak up, and when is it better to keep something to yourself? This week, we welcome Vanessa Bohns, social psychologist at Cornell University and author of Should I Say Something? The Science of What to Share and What to Keep to Yourself, for an insightful conversation about the everyday decisions that shape our relationships, careers, and personal lives. Drawing on psychological r...

What happens after a breast cancer diagnosis and how can patients make informed decisions about screening, treatment, menopause, and life beyond cancer? This week, Dr. Eleonora Teplinsky author of Beyond the Pink: Navigating Life, Health, and Breast Cancer, breaks down the complex realities of breast cancer and offers practical guidance for patients, survivors, previvors, and families. For anyone...

What if menopause could be viewed not as the end of something, but as the beginning of a new chapter? In this episode, Dr. Ian Smith joins us for an in-depth conversation about menopause nutrition, perimenopause, healthy aging, weight management, inflammation, muscle loss, and the role of food in managing midlife health. Dr. Ian wrote The New Menopause Kitchen to help women navigate the physical a...

SHE'S BACK!! We are thrilled that our friend and celebrity baker, Carla Hall returns for a wide ranging conversation about reinvention, creativity, aging, baking, self confidence, and the importance of refusing to let other people underestimate you. Carla opens up about her one woman show, “Please Underestimate Me,” a biographical theatrical production inspired by the many twists, turns, starts, a...

What happens when a relationship becomes emotionally draining? In this insightful conversation with therapist, Jessica Miller, we explore the importance of recognizing unhealthy relationships, setting necessary boundaries, and giving yourself permission to walk away from friendships or relationships that no longer support your emotional well-being. Jessica shares valuable insight into why people o...

You are not born with style, you learn it. And when it comes to personal style after 50, it’s never too late to figure out what makes you feel comfortable, confident, and completely yourself. This week, we’re joined by stylist Chellie Carlson to talk about creating a wardrobe and personal style that actually works for women over 50. And her first piece of advice? Stop shopping and start with your...

Next week is the 25th Anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. This week, we are reliving some of those critical moments from the view of former CNN anchor, Carol Lin.  Carol was one of the first news anchors to report that morning.  Carol shares her experience and how her team carried many of us through that horrible day. Carole also discusses her fascinating and deeply personal book, When News Breaks, h...

Goodnight John Boy! Goodnight Mary Ellen! In this week's episode, Judy Norton (best known as Mary Ellen Walton from the iconic television series The Waltons) shares her personal story of overcoming fear, building confidence, and embracing life’s next chapters. With a career spanning more than five decades, Judy has continually reinvented herself as an actress, writer, director, producer, singer, a...

WELCOME TO SEASON 8! If you are joining our community for the first time. we are thrilled to have you join us. Hot Flashes & Cool Topics podcast talks about everything for women over 50. In the heartfelt first episode of this season, we welcome Diane Shiffer, the beloved social media creator known as “Your Chubby Vintage Nana,” to discuss finding joy, embracing authenticity, aging with confide...

SEASON 8 STARTS NEXT WEEK! In our final replay episode of Season 7, we revisit our conversation with actress and advocate Elizabeth Perkins. Elizabeth shares her personal experiences with reinvention, motherhood, menopause, women’s health, and the freedom that comes from finally putting yourself first. After four decades as an actress and nearly four decades as a mother and caretaker, Elizabeth ex...

One more replay to go until Season 8 starts! On this replay episode, we talk with DeeDee Moore, founder of More Than Grand.  DeeDee explains that being a successful parent does not automatically prepare someone to be a successful grandparent. DeeDee encourages grandparents to view boundaries not as barriers but as acts of love designed to protect children and support family relationships. Another...

In this replay episode, we interview obesity medicine specialist Dr. Alexandra Sowa, author of The Ozempic Revolution. The discussion demystifies GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, semaglutide, and tirzepatide, explaining how they work, who they are designed for, and why they represent a major shift in the treatment of obesity and metabolic disease. Dr. Sowa emphasizes that obesity is not...

In this intriguing replay episode, we welcome writer, actress, comedian, artist, podcaster, and author of the deeply personal memoir Earth to Moon, Moon Unit Zappa. Moon shares what it was really like growing up as the daughter of legendary musician Frank Zappa and Gail Zappa, revealing a childhood marked by emotional neglect, family dysfunction, fame, resilience, and ultimately, healing. Moon exp...

Annette O’Toole, the acclaimed actress best known for playing Hope McCrea on Netflix’s hit series Virgin River and Martha Kent on Smallville, joins us for this inspiring replay conversation about her remarkable career, aging in Hollywood, marriage, motherhood, and finding lasting success in an ever-changing entertainment industry. Fans of Annette O’Toole will enjoy hearing behind-the-scenes storie...

Comedy legend Margaret Cho joins us for a refreshingly honest and often hilarious conversation about her standup tour, Choligarchy and she shares why she believes laughter is one of the most powerful tools for speaking truth to power. We also dive into one of the most surprising topics of the episode: menopause. Margaret opens up about why she calls it one of the best things that has ever happened...

In this episode, Dr. Amie Hornaman, the “Thyroid Whisperer” and author of The Thyroid Fix, breaks down the complexities of thyroid health, explaining why millions of people continue to struggle with symptoms despite being told their thyroid is "normal." She explores the key differences between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, with a special focus on Hashimoto's disease, the autoimmune condition...

Kim Alexis, one of the most recognizable supermodels of the 1980s, joins the podcast to share her inspiring journey from the fashion runway to broadcasting, authorship, and podcasting. Discovered by a modeling agency in Buffalo at just 17 years old, Kim quickly rose to international fame and became part of an elite generation of supermodels who defined an era of fashion. Beyond modeling, Kim succe...

On this special bonus episode, we sit down with filmmaker Anthony Lucero, writer and director of Paper Bag Plan, a moving film that shines a light on the realities of family caregiving, disability advocacy, and long term planning for individuals with special needs. Drawing from his own deeply personal experiences, Anthony shares how caring for his physically disabled brother and coping with the lo...

This week, we are sharing an inspirational conversation with activist and author, Deborah Santana. In her new book, Loving the Fire: Choosing Me, Finding Freedom, Deborah shares her powerful story of resilience, self discovery, and reclaiming her voice after years of putting others first. Raised by pioneering interracial parents and married for decades to legendary musician Carlos Santana, Deborah...

This week we are discovering a fresh perspective on midlife with psychologist Dr. Margie Lachman, author of Primetime. Drawing on more than 30 years of research, Dr. Lachman challenges common myths about the so called “midlife crisis,” revealing that middle adulthood is often a period of peak well-being, personal growth, resilience, and life satisfaction. She explains how personality can continue...

On this week’s episode, we step into the glamorous world of Morgan Fairchild, one of television’s most iconic leading ladies. Morgan is a celebrated actress known for portraying powerful, sophisticated women on hit series including Search for Tomorrow, Dallas, Flamingo Road, Paper Dolls, Falcon Crest, Friends, and Murphy Brown. We explore her remarkable career and her passionate advocacy for envir...

This week’s podcast guest is Bill Gifford, bestselling author and science journalist. He joins us to discuss his new book, HOTWIRED: How the Hidden Power of Heat Makes Us Stronger, and the groundbreaking research on heat therapy, sauna benefits, and human performance. Drawing from cutting edge research in evolutionary biology, thermal physiology, longevity, and mental health, Bill explains how sau...

Calling all New Zoo Review kids! In this unforgettable conversation, Doug and Emmy Jo share the inspiring story behind the creation of The New Zoo Revue, their real life love story, and the lasting cultural impact the series continues to have on longtime fans. From surprising crowds at Comic-Con appearances to hearing heartfelt memories from viewers who grew up with the show, their journey is fill...

Show Notes/Links: www.hotflashescooltopics.com New Episode with Mariel Hemingway! Actress and wellness advocate Mariel Hemingway joins Bridgett and Colleen to discuss authentic living, women’s empowerment, and thriving in midlife. Mariel shares how her programs Rise to Remember and Return of the Queen help women reconnect with their inner strength, overcome feelings of invisibility, and build heal...

Karen Duffy returns with an inspiring conversation about resilience, reinvention, and living beautifully, no matter the circumstances. From her iconic days as an MTV VJ and actress to becoming a New York Times bestselling author, Karen shares unforgettable stories and hard earned wisdom from a life lived in the spotlight and beyond. But this episode goes deeper. As one of over 51 million U.S. adul...