RenewHer

Have you ever talked yourself out of something—not because you weren't capable, but because you weren't sure you were good enough? In this RenewHer Reflections episode, I share personal stories from my life and explore how self-doubt and my inner critic quietly shaped many of my decisions. From repeating swim lessons three times as a child to questioning opportunities later in life, I reflect on t...

Ever find yourself staring at a menu for far too long… or scrolling Netflix without being able to choose anything at all? We tend to think of decision-making as a simple skill—something we should just be good at. But the reality is more complex. Even smart, capable, high-performing people can find themselves stuck, second-guessing, or overwhelmed by choices that seem like they should be easy. In t...

What are the best mental exercises for your brain? Is doing crossword puzzles enough? In this episode of Brain Notes , brain health coach Genell Lemley explores why the most powerful way to strengthen your brain isn't simply doing the same puzzles over and over—it's learning something new.   Discover how different activities stimulate different parts of the brain, why lifelong learning matter...

If you've ever wondered why you feel more forgetful, less focused, more anxious, or simply not quite like yourself during midlife, hormones may be playing a bigger role than you realize.   In this episode of the RenewHer podcast, I sit down with functional health practitioner and mind-body health coach Janell Yule to explore the powerful connection between hormones and brain health.   We...

Most people think about taking care of their heart, but very few think about taking care of their brain. Yet your brain is behind everything you do—including how you think, focus, communicate, make decisions, and show up at work. In this Brain Notes episode, we explore the powerful connection between brain health and work performance. If you've been feeling mentally foggy, struggling to concentrat...

Welcome to the first episode of RenewHer Reflections, a new short-form series within the RenewHer podcast. These episodes are more personal and conversational—a chance to share reflections, observations, and experiences that connect to the challenges and opportunities many women face in midlife and beyond. In this episode, I reflect on a dinner with three lifelong friends I've known for nearly fif...

How well did you sleep last night? For many high-achieving women, the answer isn’t simple. We push through fatigue, rely on caffeine, and normalize exhaustion as part of success. But what if the real issue isn’t just being tired… but what chronic sleep deprivation is actually doing to your brain? In this episode, we explore the powerful connection between sleep and brain health—and why so many wom...

Have you ever picked up your phone to check one thing and suddenly found yourself scrolling for far longer than intended? In this Brain Notes episode, Genell explores how constant digital stimulation may be affecting our focus, mental clarity, and overall brain health. Social media can be an incredible tool for connection, learning, and inspiration, but it is also designed to capture our attention...

Connection is often thought of as something emotional or social. But what if it’s also deeply biological? In this episode of RenewHer, we explore the powerful role that connection plays in brain health, emotional resilience, and longevity—and why it may be one of the most overlooked pillars of cognitive well-being. From meaningful friendships to everyday interactions, from loneliness to loss, and...

Grief is often thought of as something purely emotional. But what if it’s more than that? In this deeply personal episode, I open up about the 15-year anniversary of my husband John’s passing—and explore what I’ve come to understand about how grief truly lives in the brain. From the unexpected waves of emotion to the brain fog, memory triggers, and sense of disorientation, there is a neurological...

What if the thing you fear most about aging… isn’t aging at all—but losing your mind? For many high-achieving women, that quiet concern about memory, clarity, and staying sharp is always there—especially if you’ve seen a parent or loved one experience cognitive decline. But here’s the truth: cognitive decline is not inevitable. In this episode of RenewHer, we explore a more empowering way to think...

What starts as spring cleaning… can turn into something much deeper. In this episode of RenewHer, I take you inside a very personal process of sorting through years of memories—boxes filled not just with “stuff,” but with pieces of lives, stories, and moments that once meant everything to someone. As I worked through photos, letters, and memorabilia, I found myself facing a question I think m...

What if the real risk isn’t making a change… but staying exactly where you are?   In this episode of RenewHer, we explore a powerful reframe: the very thing that feels uncomfortable—stepping into something new—is often exactly what your brain needs to stay sharp, resilient, and engaged.   Because when you understand how your brain works, everything shifts.   That hesitation you feel...

In this episode of the RenewHer Podcast, I sit down with Julie Cober — executive leadership coach, former corporate CHRO, bestselling author, and founder of the Legacy Leadership Academy. After nearly three decades in senior HR roles, Julie realized that while she loved helping others, the corporate environment was no longer the right container for her. Feeling out of alignment, combined with stre...

What does it mean to truly live at your prime — not at 25, but at 50+? In this episode of RenewHer, I sit down with Giselle Carson — corporate immigration attorney, two-time immigrant, five-time Ironman, 29-time marathoner, ultra-marathoner, author, and lifelong student of growth. But this conversation isn’t about credentials. It’s about endurance — in life, in reinvention, and in becoming. Gisell...

What happens when life looks successful on the outside — but something inside feels unfinished? In this episode of RenewHer , Genell Lemley sits down with Cathryn Baker, a former founder who built and sold two multimillion-dollar companies and then, unexpectedly, found herself bored, disconnected from her confidence, and quietly questioning what was next. At 67, Cathryn made a bold decision to beg...

In this final episode of a two-part series, I share the soul of my 29029 Everesting experience. Part one was about the physical and mental challenge. T his episode is about what happened afterward — when the noise faded, the body rested, and something quieter but deeper emerged.   This isn’t a story about climbing a mountain. It’s about identity, connection, gratitude, and what becomes possib...

In this episode of RenewHer, Genell takes you on her 29029 Everesting journey at Whistler—a 36-hour challenge to climb the equivalent of Mount Everest through eight full ascents. This isn’t just a story about a mountain. It’s about courage, determination, and discovering what you’re truly capable of. From early excitement to the “messy middle,” moments of doubt, and even panic in the dark, Genell...

Reflection is often misunderstood. Many of us associate it with self-judgment, pressure to fix what went wrong, or the feeling that we need to “figure everything out” before moving forward. But true reflection isn’tabout diagnosing, problem-solving, or judging yourself. It’s about awareness and understanding. In this episode of RenewHer, we explore reflection through a gentle neuroscience lens — w...

Every January, we hear the familiar “new year, new you” mantra. But what if your brain actually hates resolutions? In this episode, I explain why resolutions often fail, from all-or-nothing thinking to unrealistic expectations that clash with how your brain naturally functions. I’ll walk you through the difference between vague resolutions and specific, actionable goals that are realistic, aligned...

Success Starts with Your Brain: Foundational Insights for Women Over 50 In the second episode of Renew Her, brain fitness coach Genell Lemley highlights the profound importance of brain health in every aspect of life. She emphasizes the often-ignored role the brain plays in our overall well-being, success, and happiness. This episode delves into common cognitive issues such as forgetfulness, lack...

In the first episode of RenewHer, host Genell, an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach and Dr. Amen Brain Health Coach, welcomes listeners to a podcast designed for women over 50 ready to reclaim their focus, energy, confidence, and purpose. Genell shares a powerful message about the endless opportunities for growth and accomplishment at any age, countering societal whispers that suggest slowing dow...

What if your 50s were just the beginning of something bold, vibrant, and limitless? RenewHer is the podcast for women over 50 ready to reignite their energy, reclaim their purpose, and embrace new challenges. I’m Genell Lemley, a brain health coach, and in this trailer, you’ll get a glimpse of what’s coming in future episodes: inspiring stories of women stepping outside their comfort zones, plus p...