The Forties Formula

Struggling with poor sleep, night wakings, or feeling exhausted no matter how long you stay in bed? Wondering why sleep gets harder in your 40s, even when you’re doing everything “right”? In this episode, we sit down with sleep expert and CBT-I researcher Dr. Susan McCurry to unpack why sleep often worsens for women in midlife and what healthy sleep actually looks like. From hormonal shifts during perimenopause to stress, lifestyle habits, and environmental disruptions, we break down the real reasons your sleep feels off and why most advice doesn’t work long-term. We also dive deep into chronic insomnia, what it really means, why it persists, and how to treat it effectively without relying on quick fixes. Dr. McCurry explains why Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is considered the gold standard by major sleep organizations, and how simple, structured changes can rebuild your sleep from the ground up. If you’re tired of being tired, this conversation will help you understand what’s happening, and what actually works. This podcast is for women in their 40s (and late 30s to 50s) who are navigating perimenopause, stubborn belly fat, energy crashes, and confusing health advice. Women who want science-backed, unfiltered conversations instead of quick fixes. Hosted by Integrated Health Strategist Jasmin Dhillon and Metabolic Health Coach Amanda Lim, we help you understand what’s changing and what you can actually do about it. 🔔 Subscribe for more unfiltered conversations on health, wellness, and thriving in your 40s: https://www.youtube.com/@thefortiesformula?sub_confirmation=1 What You’ll Learn in This Episode -Why sleep often worsens during midlife and perimenopause -How hormones, ageing, and vasomotor symptoms impact sleep -The role of stress, screens, kids, pets, partners, caffeine, and alcohol -What defines chronic insomnia (and when to take it seriously) -Why sleep trackers can sometimes make sleep anxiety worse -The truth about melatonin, midnight snacking, and alcohol for sleep -What CBT-I is and why it’s the first-line treatment for insomnia -Practical tools: stimulus control, consistent wake time, limiting time in bed -Why reducing “time in bed” can actually improve sleep quality -Insights from the MsFLASH trial on sleep improvement in midlife women📱 CONNECT WITH US Follow us for more real conversations: • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefortiesformula • Instagram Jasmin: https://www.instagram.com/eat.with.jasmin • Instagram Amanda: https://www.instagram.com/coachamandalim • Michelle: https://www.instagram.com/chillbossmom 🎧 LISTEN / FOLLOW Search:The Forties Formula wherever you get your podcasts.

In this clip from The Forties Formula Podcast, Hosts Jasmin Dhillon and Amanda Lim sit down with @DrLowChaiLing to explore the common skin changes women experience in their 40s, noting a shift from oily to combination skin as cell turnover slows. We discuss essential skincare tips to maintain glowing skin and address concerns for women over 40. Learn how to adapt your skin care routine for healthy, anti aging results. key topics - Skin changes in women in their 40s - Effective skincare ingredients and routines - Myths and facts about anti-aging treatments Chapters 00:00 Cleansing and Exfoliation Essentials 00:42 Hormonal Breakouts and Skin Health 03:30 Hot or Hype: Trending Skin Treatments 06:29 Aging Gracefully vs. Giving Up 09:42 Nutrition's Role in Skin Health skincare, 40s skin changes, anti-aging, hormonal breakouts, skincare tips, red light therapy, Botox, collagen, aging gracefully

What if building a business didn’t take you away from your family… but actually gave you more time with them?In this episode of The Forties Formula, we sit down with Michelle Hon — entrepreneur, mum of three, and the woman behind the “Chill Mom” philosophy — to challenge everything we’ve been told about ambition, motherhood, and what it really takes to build a successful business.Michelle shares how she went from being a stay-at-home mum and blogger to building multiple businesses, all while working from home and staying present for her children. Her approach isn’t about doing more — it’s about doing things differently.If you’ve ever felt the tension between wanting more and feeling guilty for it, this episode will shift how you see both.✨ In this episode, we cover:• Why a business should work for you — not the other way around • The difference between being self-employed and running a business • How to structure your day to work fewer hours (and still grow) • The truth about mum guilt — and why it might not be a bad thing • How to calculate your hourly rate and stop undervaluing your time • The “gap” strategy to confidently increase your pricing • Why motherhood can actually make you a better entrepreneur⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Challenging the idea that you can’t have both 01:13 Michelle’s journey from blogger to business owner 03:20 Identity shifts in early motherhood 05:03 The biggest misconception about building a business 06:18 The “Chill Mom” philosophy explained 07:36 Creating structure through family values 11:31 The 5-hour workday approach 13:09 Nutrition and routines during busy weeks 15:05 Understanding and reframing mum guilt 17:44 Why motherhood builds entrepreneurial skills 19:43 Business vs self-employed — what’s the difference? 22:53 Rethinking how you value your time 27:06 Pricing and positioning for growth 30:03 Lessons from kids and simple business ideas 33:47 Hot or Hype: midlife myths 41:01 Michelle’s Forties Formula🎁 SponsorThe Meat Club SG - supports our Fuel Your Forties Segment, with $20 off your first order with code TFF20Love, Indus Skincare Enjoy 21% off with code TFF📱 Connect with usInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefortiesformula Jasmin: https://www.instagram.com/eat.with.jasmin Amanda: https://www.instagram.com/coachamandalim Michelle: https://www.instagram.com/chillbossmom🎧 Follow & shareIf this episode resonated, follow The Forties Formula and share it with someone who needs to hear it.🏷️ Tagsmompreneur, business systems, entrepreneurship, work from home, women in business, mum guilt, six figure business, setting boundaries, midlife women, The Forties Formula

Embracing Motherhood: Breaking the Myths and Finding BalanceIn this episode, Claire Jedrek, Singapore's first female racing car driver, shares her raw and honest journey through motherhood, mental health, and personal growth. She discusses the importance of self-compassion, confronting societal expectations, and redefining what it means to be a successful mother. This is a powerful reminder for mothers everywhere to prioritize their well-being and embrace the complexities of balancing identity and responsibility.Key TopicsThe importance of self-acceptance and letting go of societal judgmentHow hormonal and body changes influence motherhood and mental healthThe role of honest communication with partners about needs and emotionsChallenging the myth of sacrifices—motherhood as a series of choices, not sacrificesThe reality of balancing work, personal ambitions, and parentingManaging mom guilt and societal judgments from men and othersPractical advice: "Be where your feet are" to stay present and reduce anxietyNavigating panic attacks and emotional boundaries in motherhoodTimestamps:00:00 - The pressure mothers face from societal judgment and self-criticism02:00 - Recognizing and accepting hormonal and body changes after childbirth03:30 - The importance of honest communication with your partner about mental health and needs05:00 - Reframing motherhood: the truth about sacrifices and choices06:30 - The reality of having it all: planning and accepting limitations08:00 - Mom guilt and societal expectations from both genders09:00 - The significance of being present in each moment ("Be where your feet are")10:00 - Managing panic attacks and emotional boundaries in motherhoodResources & Links:The Motherly Guide to Self-Compassion by Cynthia KanePsychology Today - Panick Attacks & Anxiety ResourcesThe Power of Now by Eckhart TolleConnect with Claire:InstagramTiktokDon't miss the full episode with Claire Jedrek on The Forties Formula, where we dive deeper into these topics and more. Tune in to gain insights and inspiration from Claire's journey and wisdom.Apple Podcasts: SpotifyYoutube

Have you ever gone quiet in a meeting when you knew you had the right answer? Or softened your tone to avoid being "too much"? You were muted — and it wasn't your fault.This week we're joined by Heather Hansen, global communication specialist, TEDx speaker, author of Unmuted, and PhD candidate in Linguistics. Her viral TEDx talk "2 Billion Voices: How to Speak Bad English Perfectly" has sparked a global conversation about how we judge, silence, and underestimate voices.We unpack:Why women learn to mute themselves from childhood — and how "being a good girl" costs us our careerThe truth about accent bias: how your voice triggers instant judgments about your competence and warmthWhy "executive presence" is often just code for performing whiteness and malenessSingapore's unique and complex relationship with EnglishThe language lottery — and why monolingual English speakers don't know they won itWhy connection beats perfection in every conversation00:00 - Who decided what confidence sounds like?03:01 - How early language management begins for women05:15 - Confidence versus socialized behavior in applying for jobs07:34 - Muting in global leadership and cross-cultural challenges15:38 - Race, accent, and bias16:35 - How language and accents influence behavior and opportunities18:23 - The emotional and social implications of accent bias21:15 - Power, status, and language in the workplace23:38 - The necessity of unmuting women’s voices in leadership28:36 - Singapore’s multilingual reality and language policy39:41 - Tips for understanding diverse accents in multicultural environments55:02 - The empowering message: Press unmute and claim your voiceResources & Links:Unmuted: How to Unmute Your Voice and Speak Up with Confidence (book)Heather Hansen - Official WebsitePowerfully Likeable by Dr. Kate MasonConnect with Heather Hansen:LinkedInThe Forties Formula Podcast — Real conversations for women thriving in their 40s and beyond. Hosted by Jasmin Dhillon & Amanda LimSupport The Forties Formula by BUYING US A COFFEE! For $5 a month we’ll record a special episode answering your questions.Follow our Instagram @TheFortiesFormula.Thanks to our sponsors, Love Indus — a modern Ayurvedic skincare brand designed to support radiant, healthy skin through every stage of life. Get 21% off with code TFF: https://loveindus.com

Struggling with weight loss after 40? Perimenopause weight gain, hormonal shifts, and a slower metabolism after 40 make midlife weight loss feel impossible — but it's not just your metabolism. In this clip from The Forties Formula in Focus, Laura Phillips joins Amanda & Jasmin to break down why weight loss for women over 40 requires a completely different approach — and what actually works. ☕ Buy us a coffee — buymeacoffee.com/thefortiesformula 🎧 Watch the full conversation: https://youtu.be/7tUjPyn8Dz8 Or search for Laura Phillips and The Forties Formula wherever you get your podcasts. keywords menopause, health, self-empowerment, boundaries, autoimmune, stress management, weight loss, hormonal health, personal responsibility, wellness key topics Menopause and hormonal health Setting boundaries for self-care The role of personal responsibility in health Takeaways - You are responsible for 99% of your health problems. - Boundaries are essential for self-care and health. - Menopause amplifies your baseline health, so proactive habits matter. Chapters 00:00 Understanding Perimenopause and Its Impact 02:48 Self-Worth and Body Image 06:11 Setting Boundaries and Taking Responsibility

Midlife health, perimenopause symptoms, anxiety, sleep issues, burnout and hormone imbalance — why women in their 40s feel “off” even when tests are normal.In this episode of The Forties Formula, hosts Jasmin Dhillon and Amanda Lim sit down with Dr Olivia Lesslar to unpack why so many women in their 40s feel like something has shifted in their body — yet struggle to get clear answers.If you’ve experienced lighter sleep, rising anxiety, unpredictable energy, weight changes, or a sense that your body isn’t responding the way it used to, this conversation connects the dots.Dr Olivia Lesslar is an Australian medical doctor and an expert in psychoneuroimmunology and longevity medicine. Her work focuses on understanding how stress, hormones, the nervous system, and the immune system interact — particularly when symptoms don’t fit neatly into one diagnosis.Together, we explore:• Why “normal” test results don’t always reflect how you feel • The symptoms women dismiss but shouldn’t • How perimenopause amplifies stress and reduces resilience • Why your body may be trying to protect you, not work against you • The impact of modern life on an already overloaded system • GLP-1 medications, wearables, and the confusion around health trends • Why self-compassion becomes essential in midlifeChapters0:00 Introduction — Why women feel “off” in their 40s 2:00 Why women are under-researched 4:30 When tests are “normal” but symptoms aren’t 8:30 Losing connection to your body and identity 13:00 Your body is trying to protect you 16:00 Ancient biology vs modern life 22:00 GLP-1 medications explained 27:30 Wearables and health anxiety 40:00 HRT and perimenopause conversation 44:00 Why women “fall off” in perimenopause 46:45 Self-compassion and the real shift in midlifeAbout your hostsJasmin Dhillon is an Integrated Health Strategist and Health Coach specialising in gut health, hormone balance and nutrition for women in midlife.Amanda Lim is a Metabolic Health coach passionate about helping women build strength, resilience and confidence in their 40s and beyond.Thank you to our sponsorsThe Meat Club Use code TFF20 for $20 off your first orderLove Indus Use code TFF for 21% offCozy Earth Use code TFF for 21% offSubscribe and follow The Forties Formula for more conversations that help you feel better, think clearer and live stronger.Tags: perimenopause, midlife health, hormone imbalance, womens health 40s, anxiety in women, burnout, fatigue, sleep issues, gut health, longevity, psychoneuroimmunology, stress, nervous system, GLP1, HRT, fitness trackers, muscle health

Have you spent years thinking you're "too emotional," "too lazy," or "just anxious"… only to wonder if it might actually be ADHD? You're not alone. ADHD in women is massively underdiagnosed — especially for women over 40 who've spent decades masking their symptoms just to keep up. In this episode, clinical psychologist Dr. Emma Waddington breaks down WHY women's ADHD looks so different, how it gets mistaken for anxiety and depression, and what the connection between ADHD and perimenopause really looks like. If your mind feels like a popcorn machine, if you swing between "meerkat mode" and "sloth mode," or if you've ever whispered "what's wrong with me?" — this conversation will change how you see yourself. If you’ve ever thought, “How can I be this exhausted and still feel like I’m not doing enough?” – this one is for you. Watch the full episode here: ADHD in Women: Burnout, Perfectionism & the Invisible Struggle https://youtu.be/yFbUU50KDRk CHAPTERS 0:00 — Why girls learn to hide their ADHD 0:41 — How hyperactivity goes INTERNAL in women 1:21 — The social & emotional toll on teenage girls 1:54 — Perfectionism, piles & rigid coping strategies 2:27 — Why women get diagnosed in their 30s & 40s 3:00 — "What's wrong with me?" — Self-criticism & burnout 6:00 — Is it modern-day overwhelm? 7:08 — The neuroaffirmative approach9:04 — The ADHD energy crash cycle 🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS ✅ ADHD in women often looks like anxiety, depression, or burnout — not the "hyperactive boy" stereotype ✅ Masking starts in girlhood and leads to decades of self-blame ✅ Perimenopause can unmask or intensify ADHD symptoms ✅ Your brain isn't broken — it's wired for interest, novelty & challenge✅ Recognizing the "meerkat and sloth" cycle is the first step to managing your energy 📌 WHO THIS IS FOR → Women who suspect they might have undiagnosed ADHD → Mums juggling everything and wondering why it feels so much harder for them → Women in perimenopause experiencing brain fog, emotional dysregulation, or burnout → Anyone who wants to understand the female ADHD experience 📩 Have a story or topic suggestion? DM us on Instagram — we love hearing from you. ☕ If you enjoy these conversations and want to support the show, you can buy us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/thefortiesformula Dr Emma Waddington is a clinical psychologist with a special interest in ADHD and neurodivergence in women. She supports women who’ve spent years feeling “too much” or “not enough” to finally understand their brains, reduce burnout and build lives that work with – not against – their wiring. https://www.instagram.com/dremmawaddington_/ Amanda Lim is a Metabolic Health Coach who helps women move from burnout and survival mode into strength, energy and confidence through training, nutrition and lifestyle. Jasmin Dhillon is an Integrated Health Strategist focused on simplifying health for busy women. She blends nutrition, lifestyle and mindset so you can actually implement change in real life – not just on paper. Stay Connected https://www.instagram.com/thefortiesformula #ADHDinWomen #ADHDWomen #ADHDandPerimenopause #UndiagnosedADHD #WomenOver40 #ADHDBurnout #ADHDMasking #EmotionalDysregulation #MentalHealthForWomen #NeurodivergentWomen #TheFortiesFormula #WomensHealth #ADHDAdult #AttentionRegulation #MidlifeWomen

What really happens to a woman’s body, mind, and identity in her 40s?The answers are rarely discussed openly.Hosted by Jasmin Dhillon, an Integrated Health Strategist specialising in gut health, hormones and midlife wellbeing, and Amanda Lim, director of Lift Clinic and a leading expert in female strength and metabolism, The Forties Formula explores the real shifts women experience in midlife.From metabolic health and muscle loss to career transitions, relationships, and redefining purpose, this podcast brings together leading experts, doctors, entrepreneurs and thought leaders to unpack the science and the lived experience of women navigating their 40s and beyond.Each episode delivers practical insights on health, longevity, mindset and lifestyle so women can better understand their bodies and make informed decisions about how they live, work and age.If you’re a woman in your late 30s, 40s or 50s wondering why things feel different — and what to do about it — this podcast is for you.🎧 Search for The Forties Formula wherever you get your podcasts and follow the show so you never miss a new episode.

Struggling with metabolism, belly fat, or low energy in your 40s? Wondering if your protein intake is actually helping — or making things worse? In this episode we unpack how protein influences metabolism, hormones, muscle, and body composition in midlife.Many women in their 40s are unknowingly under-eating protein, eating it at the wrong times, or relying on “high-protein” marketing that doesn’t actually support muscle health, metabolic health, or fat loss. We explore what’s really happening in your metabolism during perimenopause, why the popular “30g of protein per meal” advice isn’t always a magic fix, and how to eat in a way that works with your changing body.This conversation is for women navigating perimenopause, stubborn belly fat, energy crashes, and confusing health advice — and who want science-backed insight rather than quick fixes.🔔 Subscribe for more unfiltered conversations on health, wellness, and thriving in your 40s.What You’ll Learn in This Episode• Why metabolism often feels “broken” in your 40s — and what’s actually happening • The truth about genetics vs lifestyle in women’s health • How protein intake impacts muscle, fat gain, and hormones• Why many women are under-eating protein without realising it• Whether “30g of protein per meal” is enough for you• How protein timing affects energy, strength, and fat loss • Simple ways to build a metabolism-friendly plate Chapters00:00 – Trailer 03:12 – Genetics vs lifestyle: what shapes your health 07:45 – Protein and women’s metabolism in midlife 12:30 – Signs you’re under-eating protein 17:05 – The truth about the “30g protein” rule 22:18 – Protein timing, muscle and belly fat 27:40 – Building a metabolism-friendly plate 33:10 – Protein myths keeping women stuck 38:25 – How to eat for healthy metabolism 43:00 – Easy high-protein ideas for real life 48:15 – Key takeawaysAbout Our GuestAssociate Professor Reshma Merchant is a geriatric medicine specialist at the National University Hospital Singapore whose research focuses on healthy ageing, muscle loss, and the role of protein and strength in metabolic health.About Your HostsJasmin Dhillon is an Integrated Health Strategist helping women navigate midlife health with clarity and practical strategies.Amanda Lim is a certified Women’s Health Coach and nutritionist focused on strength, metabolism, and longevity.Together they host The Forties Formula, a podcast for honest, science-based conversations about health, hormones, and thriving in your 40s and beyond.Special Thanks to Our Sponsors🥩 The Meat Club – Get $20 off with code TFF20 ❤️ Love, Indus – Get 21% off luxury skincare with code TFFStay Connected📩 Join our mailing list for exclusive content, the weekly Forty Tude newsletter, expert insights, and giveaways.📘 Free Guide — The Forties Formula Ebook A simple, honest guide to what’s changing in your 40s — hormones, cravings, energy, strength and more.If this episode helped you rethink how you’re eating in midlife, share it with a friend who keeps saying, “My metabolism just isn’t what it used to be.”