RenewHer

What happens to the brain when it experiences repeated hits over years—or even decades? In this episode of RenewHer, Genell brings together her lifelong love of football and her work as a Brain Health Coach to explore what researchers are learning about concussions, repeated head impacts, CTE, and long-term brain health. She also looks at a major 2026 study of former NFL players and Dr. Daniel Ame...

What if the thing you never imagined yourself doing turned out to be something you were incredibly good at? At 58, Brenda Dockendorf walked into a gym for the first time. She had never considered herself athletic and simply wanted to improve her health. What began as a 21-day fitness challenge became something she never could have predicted. At 60, Brenda decided to try powerlifting. Today, at 64,...

Have you ever gone from thinking, “I want to do this” to finally saying, “I’m going to do it”? Maybe you’ve decided to change careers, start a business, take on a physical challenge, move somewhere new, or finally pursue something you’ve been thinking about for years. What happens in your brain when you make that decision? In this episode of RenewHer, we’ll look at what’s happening behind the scen...

  Trying something new can feel uncomfortable—especially when you’re used to being good at what you do. But there’s a reason your brain benefits when you step outside the familiar. In this episode, we look at what happens in your brain when you learn something new, why neuroplasticity matters, and how trying new things can help you build adaptability. We’ll also talk about why you don’t have...

Have you ever wanted to make a change—and yet found yourself hesitating to take the first step? Maybe you want to start something new, take on a challenge, pursue an interest you've put aside, or figure out what's next in this season of life. You may not be lacking motivation. You may not even be afraid of change. So why can it still feel so difficult to move forward? In this Brain Note, we'll loo...

A year ago, Genell stood at the top of Blackcomb Mountain in Whistler, British Columbia, wearing a red hat and knowing she had done something she wasn't sure she could do. Eight ascents. 31,200 feet of elevation. 31.2 miles. About 35½ hours with only 30 minutes of sleep. One year later, she returned to 29029—but this time, she wasn't climbing. She was volunteering at the summit aid station in Stea...

What happens when the life you thought you were building suddenly changes? After more than 35 years in corporate marketing leadership, Louise Taylor was laid off at 59. Then COVID brought her job search to a halt. What could have been the end of one chapter became the beginning of an entirely new life. Today, Louise is the founder of The Firefly Effect, where she helps heart-centered entrepreneurs...

Have you ever noticed how quickly your brain can go to “What if?” What if something goes wrong? What if I made the wrong decision? What if something happens to someone I love? Worry can feel like preparation. We think through possibilities, analyze potential outcomes, and try to anticipate what might happen next. But there’s an important difference between problem-solving and worrying . In this ep...

At every stage of life, there are opportunities to learn, grow, and explore what's next. In this episode of RenewHer, I sit down with my longtime friend, Rachel Kyllo,  whose story is a powerful reminder that life after 50 can be a season of continued growth, curiosity, and discovery. Throughout her 40+ years of building a successful corporate career, Rachel continually found ways to grow bey...

Have you ever noticed how a small, ordinary moment can reveal something much bigger about yourself? In this episode of RenewHer Reflections , I share a story about my dog Peyton and our daily walks. As she’s gotten older, our walks—especially during the warmer months—don’t always go the way I expect them to. Sometimes she stops, rests, changes direction, or simply decides she’s done. For a while,...

Have you ever been so distracted by constant noise that you couldn't think straight? That's exactly what happened to me this week as construction crews spent days replacing our shared driveway. The endless backup alarms, heavy equipment, and nonstop activity left me feeling mentally exhausted, tense, and far less productive than usual. What I discovered is that I wasn't imagining it—and neither ar...

For years, people have commented on how disciplined I am when it comes to exercise. But through seasons of grief, surgeries, and starting over, I’ve learned that discipline is only part of the story. In this RenewHer Reflection, I share what my fitness journey has taught me about commitment, consistency, and the importance of having a plan, accountability, and something meaningful to work toward....

Is it ever too late to reinvent yourself? In this inspiring episode of RenewHer , I sit down with Judy Tierney—entrepreneur, real estate investor, and co-founder of Be There Excursions—to explore what it really takes to begin again after 50. Judy's journey has taken her from corporate America to consulting, real estate, and now to building a boutique travel company that helps women experience the...

Can you really improve your brain in just a few minutes a day? According to neuroscience, you can. In this episode of Brain Notes , Genell shares six simple, science-backed habits that can help support brain health, improve focus, boost creativity, and strengthen your brain over time. Inspired by Biohack Your Brain by neuroscientist Kristen Willeumier, Ph. D., these practical strategies are easy t...

After losing her husband unexpectedly, Dr. Susan Edkins found herself asking a question that many women face after a major life transition: Who am I now? What began as a journey through grief ultimately became a journey of healing, self-discovery, and purpose. In this deeply personal conversation, Susan shares how learning to regulate her nervous system transformed not only the way she navigated g...

What if one of the most effective ways to prepare for your next big opportunity didn't begin with doing—but with imagining? Visualization isn't just something elite athletes use before a championship game. It's a neuroscience-backed technique that activates many of the same brain networks involved in actually performing a task. From musicians and athletes to military pilots and business leaders, m...

Have you ever wondered... "Is it too late for me?" Too late to write the book. Start the business. Take on a new challenge. Or finally pursue the dream that's been quietly sitting in your heart for years. In this RenewHer Reflection, Genell explores one of the biggest myths many women believe—that our best opportunities are behind us. Through inspiring stories of women like Julia Child, Laura Inga...

Why Your Brain May Feel Slower (And How to Build Brain Resilience) Have you ever walked into a room and forgotten why you were there? Struggled to find the right word? Or felt like your brain just isn't as sharp as it used to be? If so, you're not alone. Many women assume these moments are simply a normal part of aging—but what if that's not the whole story? In this episode of the RenewHer Podcast...

Do you remember information better when you write it down instead of typing it? Science suggests there's a reason why. In today's Brain Notes, we're exploring the fascinating research behind handwriting versus typing—and what it means for your brain. Although typing is faster and more convenient, studies have found that writing by hand activates more areas of the brain involved in learning, memory...

Have you ever looked back on a difficult season in your life and realized it was actually the moment that changed everything? In this RenewHer Reflection, I share a perspective that completely changed the way I think about life's disappointments. Inspired by a quote from Jay Shetty and the wisdom of Steve Jobs, I reflect on my own journey—from being laid off from my corporate career, to a failed h...

What Every Woman Needs to Know About Brain Health Women are at a higher risk for Alzheimer’s disease—yet the reasons behind this are still not fully understood. In this episode, we explore what current research is revealing about women’s brain health, why prevention matters long before symptoms appear, and how everyday lifestyle choices can help support long-term cognitive resilience. This is not...

We all know too much sugar isn't good for us—but what is it actually doing to our brain? In this episode of Brain Notes , we're taking a closer look at the connection between sugar and brain health. You'll learn how excess sugar can contribute to brain fog, memory problems, and cognitive decline, where hidden sugars are lurking, and why some sugars are better than others. Plus, I'll share a few si...

In today’s RenewHer Reflection, we explore a powerful question that may be shaping your life more than you realize: Are you living from a scarcity mindset or a growth mindset? The mindset you operate from influences how you interpret challenges, setbacks, and even your own potential. And often, we don’t even realize the lens we’re using. A scarcity mindset is rooted in the belief that there isn’t...

Have you ever noticed how quickly one thought can change your mood? Maybe your boss says, "Can we talk tomorrow?" and suddenly your mind has created a worst-case scenario. Or perhaps you replay a conversation, wondering if you said the wrong thing. Before long, your thoughts have turned into stories—and those stories affect how you feel, how you respond, and even how your body reacts. In this epis...

When most people think about protecting their brain, they think about exercise, sleep, or nutrition. But what if some of the biggest influences on brain health are hiding in places you least expect? In this episode of Brain Notes, we explore three surprising body systems that play a powerful role in cognitive health: your ears, your mouth, and your gut. You'll learn why untreated hearing loss has...