HOT FLASHES & COOL TOPICS

Looking for the go-to encyclopedia on women’s health? We found it. This week’s guest, Meghan Rabbitt, author of The New Rules of Women’s Health, shares a science-backed roadmap to thriving at every age. Featuring research from 130+ leading female health experts, this comprehensive resource covers hormones, fertility, menopause, chronic pain, and more. This book is empowering women to make smarter,...

Former Atlanta Mayor, Keisha Lance Bottoms joins us for a powerful and deeply personal conversation about her new memoir, The Rough Side of the Mountain. She opens up about the family challenges that shaped her path to public service and the defining moments from her time as mayor of Atlanta including navigating cyberattacks, leading through the COVID-19 pandemic, and responding to the nationwide...

I Choose Me! In this inspiring podcast episode, Jennie Garth discusses her new book I Choose Me and she opens up about midlife reinvention, overcoming limiting beliefs, and learning to prioritize herself. Jennie shares candid insights on divorce, motherhood, mental health, and rebuilding confidence, while exploring tools like radical acceptance, the “We’ll See Method,” and self-reflection. She als...

Get ready for an amazing conversation with someone you love to hate! Ann Dowd (aka Aunt Lydia) joins us for a candid conversation about building a career on her own terms and why her most powerful roles came later in life. Best known for her chilling portrayal of Aunt Lydia in The Handmaid’s Tale, Dowd reflects on the faith and resilience it took to become one of the today's most compelling actors...

Insurance coverage is confusing—and that confusion hurts people when they’re sick.  In this episode Rebecca Bloom, attorney, longtime women’s health advocate, and author of When Women Get Sick, explains how to navigate the healthcare and insurance landscape so you get the care and support you need. We cover choosing the right coverage, understanding in-network vs. out-of-network costs, verifying w...

JoBeth Williams returns to HFCT! We are thrilled to continue our conversation with actress and producer JoBeth Williams.  JoBeth is busier than ever with the movie, Not Without Hope, and producing the recent Actor Awards.  She also shares more great stories from her past movies including Kramer vs. Kramer. Her most exciting new position is first time grandmother to her granddaughter, Lilly. She is...

Gen X isn’t aging differently, we’re built to last! That’s just one of the sharp, funny one-liners shared by content creator Sherri Shindal, who’s built a massive audience of over 7 million followers by celebrating Generation X life. Sherri didn’t set out to become a viral creator, but her relatable, sarcastic takes on growing up in the 70s and 80s struck a nerve in a big way. From “no video to pr...

We are not worthy! Our guest this week is iconic actress June Squibb, whose remarkable career continues to thrive at 96. Best known for her acclaimed performances in films like Nebraska, Thelma, and Eleanor the Great, Squibb has built one of the most enduring acting careers in Hollywood. In this episode, June discusses her latest projects, including her recent run on Broadway in Marjorie Prime and...

SUBSCRIBE to Hot Flashes & Cool Topics podcast for free on any podcast platform. Show Notes/Website: www.hotflashescooltopics.com Do you know there are ways to age proof your brain? Do you know the tips and tricks for brain training? This week, we have invited Dr. Majid Fotuhi to explain how we can age proof our brain.  Dr. Fotuhi is a neurologist, neuroscientist and professor at Johns Hopkins...

It's time for a bonus episode. Our guest, Dani Alpert, joins Bridgett to share relatable life stories form her new book, Hello? Who is This? Margaret?  The book describes blind ambition, stubborn optimism, and perseverance filtered through candid stories that feel like pep talks wrapped in cautionary tales.  In other words, a genx life story. Show Notes/Links: www.hotflashescooltopics.com Find Us...

It's a common sight: Couples walking with weighted vests.  Are they worth the hype? The quick answer is yes! In today's episode, our guest, Michael Easter talks about how carrying weight can dramatically improve strength, endurance, mood, and longevity.  His new book, Walk With Weight: The Definitive Guide to Rucking offers actionable guidance for every level, from beginners with a backpack to eli...

New Episode with Elizabeth Vargas.   Many will remember Elizabeth Vargas as a journalist from shows including 20/20 and Good Morning America. Elizabeth has traveled the world covering breaking news stories, reporting in-depth investigations, and conducting newsmaker interviews. She currently anchors “Elizabeth Vargas Reports” (weeknights, 7 p.m. ET), an hour-long weekday news program on NewsNation...

* Request A copy of the Free Financial Caregivers Resource Guide: LINK   We don't talk enough about the financial toll of caregiving.   Many caregivers are not just dealing with a loved one's emotional and physical needs, but financial needs as well.   In today's new episode, we are sharing expert advice from Certified Financial Planner, Beth Pinsker.  Beth's new book, My Mother's Money: A Guide t...

Powerful women over 50 are finally taking center stage on TV. This week, we’re thrilled to welcome Emmy Award winning actress, producer, and director Carrie Preston for an inspiring conversation about her career, creativity, and personal journey. As the lead of the hit series Elsbeth, Carrie is redefining what it means to see strong, dynamic women over 50 on television.  Intelligent women who are...

Storytelling has the power to transform how we understand our bodies and our lives. On this week’s episode, we welcome Lidia Yuknavitch, acclaimed author and editor of the new book The Big M: 13 Writers Take Back the Story of Menopause, for a bold conversation about reclaiming menopause through personal storytelling. Lidia brings together 13 raw, insightful, and deeply personal stories that challe...

Did you know that nearly 50% of women experience hair changes during menopause? In this expert-led conversation, we uncover the truth behind menopausal hair thinning, shedding, and texture changes with Dr. Isabelle Raymond, SVP of Clinical and Medical Affairs at Nutrafol. Dr. Raymond is dedicated to advancing women’s health, with a particular focus on the biological and lifestyle factors that impa...

It's another "pinch me" week! We are thrilled to welcome iconic actress Annabeth Gish to the podcast for an inspiring and deeply relatable conversation. Best known for her memorable roles in film and television, Annabeth opens up about important midlife topics that resonate with so many women today. In this episode, she candidly shares her menopause journey, her experiences navigating life in the...

HAPPY NEW YEAR! We believe that women of any age deserve to feel beautiful, confident, and empowered in their skin. Aging is natural—and so are the many noninvasive skincare and anti-aging options available today. Feeling your best doesn’t have to mean Botox, fillers, or cosmetic surgery. So what are the best noninvasive treatments for aging skin, especially for women who want natural results? Thi...

13% of women over 50 struggle with the symptoms of an eating disorder. * Whether it is a recurrence or brought on by life transitions, hormones or stress, the numbers are rising. For our last episode of 2025, we are joined by Mallary Tenore Tarpley. Mallary is an assistant professor of journalism at the University of Texas and author of the new book, Slip: Life in the Middle of Eating Disorder Rec...

At this time of year, we could think of no better guest to join us than Marlo Thomas. Marlo is an actress, producer, author and perhaps, she is best know as the National Outreach Director for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Founded in 1962 by her Dad, Danny Thomas, St. Jude continues to be on the world's leading research hospitals for children with life threatening illnesses. Marlo Thomas t...

You know we love Carla Hall!  Her energy and love of life is contagious and we always enjoy when she joins us on Hot Flashes & Cool Topics podcast. This week, Carla is joined by her business partner Deb Riegel to share her new project, MeMenu. The MeMenu is a guided personal growth program for women. 50+.  The program offers a sous chef AI coach that leads you through 6 "flavors" of growth: op...

Holiday Gift Guide: Link Who wants to age well? Of course, we all do!  This week, we are speaking with Dr. Mindy Pelz, author of the new book AGE LIKE A GIRL: How Menopause Rewires Your Brain, Increased Confidence, and Renewed Energy.  Dr. Pelz gives us her vision of what is happening to and for women during this turning point in life.  She also offers science backed solutions to improve women's v...

HFCT 7th Annual Holiday Gift Guide: Link How many of you were fans of 90210?   Of course, we all watched the drama!  We are excited to share this week's conversation with Actress, Trade Union Leader, Gabrielle Carteris.  Many will remember Gabrielle as Andrea Zuckerman on 90210 (and the reboot)and she shares great stories of her time as Andrea.  We also talk about her roles as President of SAG/AFT...

Seasoned female musicians are another group of women who are often overlooked in the professional world. This week's guest is singer and founder of Wavemakers, Lurleen Ladd. Lurleen created Wavemakers- Women in Music 40+ as a platform to amplify women's voices, their talents and to address the challenges they face in the industry. Learn more about the organization, the yearly grants they offer, an...

Hot Flashes & Cool Topics Holiday Gift Guide for Midlife Women: LINK Threadneedle Alley Foundation: LINK Who is ready to save some money on this year's holiday shopping?   This week, we invite back shopping and money saving experts, Trae Bodge.  Trae shares with us the top gifts of 2025, where and when to get them and best of all, how to save money while doing it. We address the Tariffs and po...