Opt to Thrive…for Midlife Women

Send us Fan Mail Sick of falling off the wagon — again? This episode is for you. That old “wagon” everyone keeps falling off of? It’s not helping you. In fact, it’s keeping you stuck in the same frustrating cycle. In this episode of Opt to Thrive , Dr. Corina Sims takes a sledgehammer to one of the most persistent mindset traps holding midlife women back: all-or-nothing thinking . You’ll learn why...

Send us Fan Mail Are you worried about dementia? You’re not alone — especially in midlife, when sleep issues and brain fog can make us feel like our minds aren’t what they used to be. In this episode of Opt to Thrive , Dr. Corina Sims breaks down everything you need to know about dementia: what it is, how it starts, how it’s diagnosed, and — importantly — what you can do to reduce your risk. From...

Send us Fan Mail In this weeks mindful moment, Dr. Corina shares a powerful story about a recent conversation with a friend who seemed to have everything — the dream home, the partner, the businesses, the lifestyle — and yet found themselves caught in an invisible trap: a prison of their own mind. What started as a casual catch-up turned into a moment of raw honesty about what happens when we spen...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever dreamed of travelling solo but felt unsure where to start? Whether it’s fear, logistics, or simply not having someone to go with, this episode is for the midlife woman craving adventure — but stuck in doubt. ✈️🌍 In this inspiring conversation, I’m joined by Deanna , a passionate solo traveller I met on the Camino de Santiago . She shares her personal story of transf...

Send us Fan Mail Is there a song inside of you — a message, an idea, a dream, a calling — that’s been waiting patiently in the wings? But maybe life happened. You got busy, you got tired, or maybe you got scared. And now, here you are: in midlife, standing on the peak of the mountain, wondering if maybe you missed your chance.  In this episode, recorded the day after my first live webinar (and the...

Send us Fan Mail In this deeply personal and informative episode, Dr. Sims explores one of the most common and emotionally charged challenges midlife women face—yo-yo dieting and weight gain. Drawing from her own journey, clinical experience, and the latest science, Corina unpacks why the strategies that once worked may now be making things worse, how dieting fits into the broader context of disor...

Send us Fan Mail In this short and grounding episode of Opt to Thrive , we explore the power of presence—how slowing down and tuning in can shift your entire experience, especially in the midst of the busy lives of midlife women. Inspired by Eckhart Tolle’s The Power of Now and A New Earth , I reflect on a timeless Zen story about two monks, a muddy road, and the emotional weight we often carry lo...

Send us Fan Mail Is self-care really selfish? Or is it the essential tool to help us navigate midlife with strength, clarity, and purpose? In this honest and empowering episode, Dr. Corina shares a powerful mountain analogy to describe the journey of midlife — from the effortless climb of our younger years to the rocky descent we face as our bodies begin to demand more care, attention, and intenti...

Send us Fan Mail What if the biggest thing holding you back… isn’t time, money, or energy — but a belief. Maybe an outdated unchallenged belief that is no longer serving you? In this short but powerful episode, we dive into the invisible script that might be shaping your choices in midlife: limiting beliefs . We explore: Why so many women stop trying before they’ve truly tested their strength The...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Opt to Thrive , Dr. Corina Sims sits down with Dr. Lauren Colenso-Semple, a leading muscle physiology researcher and science communicator with a deep understanding of female physiology, exercise, and nutrition. Together, they tackle the critical but often misunderstood topic of muscle health during menopause. From navigating misinformation in the media to unders...

Send us Fan Mail This week on the podcast, I'm sharing a story that starts with a quiet Easter Sunday by the campfire... and ends with me doing something that surprised everyone—including me! At 54, I found myself at the top of a hill, questioning whether I should really be hurtling toward a homemade bike ramp, cheered on by kids and watched by skeptical adults.  But after a bit of internal r...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Opt to Thrive we explore a condition that can be sometimes mistaken for normal menopausal symptoms—but shouldn’t be ignored. Dr. Sims shines a spotlight on Lichen Sclerosus (LS) , a chronic skin condition that primarily affects the vulva and can have serious, even life-threatening consequences if left untreated. Prompted by the overwhelming response to recent vi...

Send us Fan Mail Join me as I share the behind-the-scenes journey of preparing for a very special visit—my best friend from childhood and her husband are coming all the way from the U.S. to visit us here in Australia! With just one bathroom in our main house, I came up with a last-minute idea: Transforming the pickers’ accomodation on our farm into a cozy guesthouse with a “river shack” vibe. What...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Opt to Thrive, Dr Sims sits down with pelvic health physiotherapist Andrea Picket to talk about an issue that affects so many women—especially in midlife and beyond—but is still often only whispered about: pelvic floor health. 💬 In This Episode: ✨ From Pregnancy to Pelvic Physio Andrea, who is a midlife woman herself with years of experience in pelvic health p...

Send us Fan Mail This week, Dr Sims reflects on one full year of Opt to Thrive and shares her perspective and reframing of the gifts of menopause . From sleep issues to body changes, what initially felt like struggles have turned into meaningful lessons, healthier habits, and a renewed purpose — both personally and professionally. Learn how menopause led to: Better sleep and nutrition habits Less...

Send us Fan Mail In today's episode, we’re diving deep into endometriosis—a condition that affects millions of women worldwide. We’ll be covering everything from what endometriosis is, to its symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and how it impacts a woman's life. Plus, we’ll explore how endometriosis is affected by menopause and what you need to know about managing symptoms as you age...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Opt to Thrive , we dive into a crucial yet often challenging skill—saying no. Many midlife women struggle with people-pleasing tendencies, which can drain their energy and affect their well-being. Learning to say no is essential for protecting your mental health, maintaining your energy, and prioritizing what truly matters. Join us as we explore effective strate...

Send us Fan Mail In today's episode of Opt to Thrive , we dive deep into injectable weight loss drugs, a hot topic that's been transforming the weight management landscape. After 20+ years of practice, Dr. Sims shares insights on the most powerful weight loss medications available today — semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro) — and how they’re changing lives for those...

Send us Fan Mail As Opt to Thrive nears it’s first birthday, Dr Sims reflects on her commitment to helping women through the challenges of midlife by being an example of what is possible.  Join the Opt to Thrive Community: Instagram : [ @drcorinasimsopttothrive ] Facebook : [ Opt to Thrive ] Tik Tok: dr.c494 Website : [ opttothrive.com ]

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we’re diving into the second half of the supplements conversation —what’s beneficial, what’s overhyped, and what might even be harmful. We’ll cover: ✅ Fish Oil – Heart health? Joint pain? The research might surprise you. ✅ Glucosamine & Turmeric – Do they really help arthritis? ✅ Protein Powders – How to choose the right one and whether collagen is actually...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode we talk about a common sneaky little cognitive phenomenon and the reason why we shouldn’t necessarily always believe what we think we see or hear.  It’s called confirmation bias , and it shapes your daily life more than you think! In this episode, we uncover how your brain filters information, why it's resistant to change, and how to break free from self-limit...

Send us Fan Mail Are supplements a health essential or just marketing hype? In this episode of Opt to Thrive , we uncover the facts about vitamins, minerals, and sports supplements—what’s beneficial, what’s unnecessary, and what might be harmful. Learn how to navigate misleading labels, the risks of buying online, and the key nutrients midlife women actually need, like calcium, vitamin D, magnesiu...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s Mindful Moment, I’m doing something a little different—a book review! My good friend Tash, a powerhouse who just completed her second master’s degree in counseling, recommended The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins. Initially skeptical, I decided to give it a listen—and within minutes, I was hooked. This book is a game-changer for anyone struggling with control, people-ple...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we look at the often-overlooked consequences of alcohol consumption, especially for midlife women. Dr Sims shares her personal journey of cutting back on alcohol, a decision sparked by hormonal changes around midlife. We explore the latest findings, including the US Surgeon General's advisory on the link between alcohol and cancer, and the surprising risks al...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, Dr Sims dives into the science of becoming a morning person and shares her personal journey with waking up earlier since hitting the midlife transition (menopause). She talks about chronotypes —our personal preferences for when we feel most awake and productive—and how this affects our sleep and energy levels. You’ll learn about the impact of irregular sleep pa...