Welcome to 2026 — and yes, I tried to turn this podcast into video… and of course it wasn’t simple. 🙃 The video version is still happening (YouTube: Joanne Lee Cornish) — but for now, it’s you, me, and my English accent. The Peak Week 5 Day Shred starts on Monday, yes THIS Monday - offered only once a year! Today’s Topics 1) The quiet truth about change You don’t hate your life… but you’re not really happy either.Thinking about change feels safer than acting — because acting makes it real. And the real fear often isn’t change… it’s what change would prove about you. My mantra for 2026: Overlearn so you don’t have to overthink.Clarity creates ease. Confusion creates stress. 2) Temporary states: when “good” becomes a problem A hard workout looks dangerous on paper: heart rate up, blood pressure up, cortisol up, inflammation up, muscle tissue damaged.But it’s healthy because it’s temporary. Your body runs on signals — and trouble starts when a signal becomes a lifestyle: Cortisol is useful (mobilizes energy) — until it never comes down. Inflammation is repair — until it never resolves. mTOR (build) and AMPK (breakdown/cleanup) are both essential — but neither should be “on” all the time. Temporary = adaptive. Chronic = destructive. Quick Self-Check If it’s working: better sleep, stable mood, improving performance, flexibility.If it’s chronic: rigidity, anxiety, stalled results, constant effort for diminishing returns. Programs ✅ Peak Week: 5-Day Shred www.5dayshred.com Starts ON Monday (Jan 12)First coaching call: Sunday, Jan 11A full reset week where you follow the plan and stop overthinking. ✅ Victory Vault www.yourvictoryvault.com Starts Jan 26Two-week mindset + identity program to remove what’s blocking your consistency.Join here: www.yourvictory.com

🎙️ Episode Notes: The Habit Formation Curve — Why It Gets Hard Before It Gets Easy In this episode, we break down why habits feel hardest right before they actually stick — and why so many people quit at exactly the wrong moment. Most of the anxiety around goals, body composition, or behavior change doesn’t come from lack of effort. It comes from not understanding how habit formation actually works. I introduce a concept known as the habit formation curve (sometimes called the power curve of habit building). Early on, effort is high, results are inconsistent, and every action requires conscious decision-making. This is normal. Your brain is actively overriding old patterns, which is metabolically expensive. The confusion happens in the middle phase — when you’re still showing up, but the excitement has worn off and things don’t feel easier yet. This is where many people assume something is wrong. In reality, this phase is where stabilization begins. Research shows that effort doesn’t gradually decline. Instead, it drops suddenly, very late in the process — often when you’re already 90–95% of the way through building the habit. Most people quit just before this point, not because they failed, but because things feel boring. Boredom isn’t a warning sign. It’s a signal that routines are settling, blood sugar and energy are stabilizing, and the nervous system is adapting. This is the phase no one explains — and the one that matters most. We also explore why the brain resists change, how repetition without renegotiation turns behavior into default, and why ease comes from consistency held long enough — not motivation, intensity, or trying harder. This episode offers a preview of the deeper conversations we have inside Victory Vault, a once-a-year program designed to help you identify what’s keeping you stuck, clarify who you want to become, and build habits that no longer cost you energy. 🔓 Programs Mentioned Victory Vault🗓 Starts January 26 | 2-week program👉 www.yourvictoryvault.com 5-Day Peak Week Shred  January 12 -17A short, strategic reset for body composition and momentum👉 www.5dayshred.com If things feel hard right now, you’re likely not failing — you’re just not finished.   Joanne@joannelee.com

Exercise as a Tool: Cardio, Bias, and What Actually Works Exercise is a tool — and we’ve used it very differently over the decades. Think about it:In the 1950s, “exercise” wasn’t really a thing the way it is now. People moved, they danced (my parents and grandparents were ballroom dancers), but it wasn’t packaged as “workouts.” Then we got the eras: 70s/80s/90s: jogging + long, steady-state cardio 2000s: long-duration cardio gave way to “more intense” HIIT + Peloton era: quick, sweaty, efficient Now: thankfully… the emphasis is finally where it belongs — resistance training But that leaves people wondering: ✅ Where does cardio fit now?✅ Do I need it?✅ What kind? How much?✅ Is HIIT better than steady state?✅ Should I walk more? Let’s make it simple: it depends on the goal — and the timeline. 🔧 Coaching Without Bias One of the biggest problems in fitness is that people coach from bias. Meaning:They coach what they personally like…not what the goal actually requires. Example (and yes, people hate me saying this):If your goal is muscle gain and you tell me you do Pilates and yoga five days a week… I’m going to say: “Great… wrong tool.” Not saying don’t do it.Just saying don’t expect it to build muscle. It’s like my teenage swimmers:If they want to be better at swimming, am I going to put them on a treadmill for an hour? No. Wrong tool. The right tool depends on the goal — not your preference. 🏋️ Resistance Training: The Right Tool for Midlife Resistance training isn’t just about aesthetics.It’s foundational for midlife health because muscle is not “just muscle” — it’s metabolic, structural, protective tissue. But today’s focus is cardio — because cardio has become confusing. And it’s confusing because the “best cardio” has changed every decade… mostly due to trends and preference. So here’s how I coach it: ⏳ The First Question I Ask: “How long have we got?” The number one reason diets fail is unreasonable expectations. So when someone says:“I want to lose 30 pounds in 6 weeks…” I’m not going to cheerlead that.I’m going to coach reality. Because the plan depends on timeframe. 🎯 Short-Term Fat Loss: Nutrition Does the Heavy Lifting If the goal is short-term (days to a few weeks), cardio is rarely the main tool. Example: my Peak Week / 5-Day Shred. It’s a 5-day diet + 7-day program with 4 coaching calls and people drop weight fast — but there’s no exercise requirement. Because if the goal is fast results: nutrition creates the environment quickest cardio doesn’t move the needle much in 5 days and adding lots of cardio often makes people hungrier and less compliant And once you push beyond about 30 minutes, cardio can increase appetite for many people. So in short-term phases, the question becomes: “Is the juice worth the squeeze?” If cardio makes you hungrier and less compliant, it can work against the result. 🧱 Long-Term Results: Exercise Becomes Non-Negotiable If the goal is long-term fat loss and keeping it off, exercise matters a lot more. Here’s something fascinating: Multiple long-term weight loss studies (people maintaining results 2+ years) show a consistent theme: The vast majority of long-term successful maintainers walk a lot. And the data tends to land around this: ✅ ~350 calories/day burned through exercise(as an average) Not every day has to be exactly 350 — it can average out: some days 250 some days 500but roughly… it balances out. This is one of the most realistic, sustainable “maintenance” targets I’ve ever seen. 🍕 Want to “Out-Exercise” Nutrition? Two other studies looked at this question: “If I don’t want to manage food very tightly… how much do I need to exercise?” Answer: 🔥 roughly 770–800 calories/day burned through exerciseevery day That’s a lot.Even walking, that can mean hours — daily — forever. And eventually: ankles, knees, hips, back… something complains. So yes, you can try to outwork your diet…but it’s not a long-term strategy for most people — especially

🎙️ Can You Train With Osteoporosis? Running, Bone Strength & Why Calcium Alone Doesn’t Work Recorded on Christmas Eve 🎄 Before we dive in, I want to wish you a very Merry Christmas. Wherever you’re listening from, take a moment to look around and be grateful for what’s right in front of you. I’m incredibly grateful for all of you who listen to this podcast — it started as an extension of Victory Vault and is now heading into its second year, which still blows my mind. 🦴 Episode Overview If you’ve been told you have osteopenia or osteoporosis, you were probably also told to be careful, move less, avoid lifting heavy, and maybe just go for walks. That advice sounds safe — but it’s often the fastest way to lose more bone. In this episode, I cover: Whether you can (and should) train with osteoporosis Why running is not the bone-building solution people think it is Why calcium alone doesn’t build bone How bone actually adapts — and what it responds to 🔑 Key Takeaways Yes, you can train with osteoporosis — but how you train matters Bone is living tissue and responds to force, not just movement Progressive resistance training is one of the most powerful tools for bone health Running may help maintain bone, but it rarely rebuilds it — and it does very little for the spine or upper body Calcium is a raw material, not a builder — without mechanical loading, it won’t go where you want it Nutrition and hormones (protein, vitamin D, K2, estrogen, cortisol) play a supporting role — not the leading one Bone is built by demand, not fear. 🚀 Programs Coming Up If you’re listening as we head into the new year: 🔥 Peak Week – January 12 A short, intense reset and an excellent entry point into my coaching👉 www.5DayPeakWeek.com 🏛️ Victory Vault – January 26  www.yourvictoryvault.com Deep education, structure, and understanding of how your body actually works You can view the full program schedule at:👉 JoanneLee2026.com Midlife isn’t a downhill slide — it’s an opportunity.With the right information, it can be the strongest phase yet. Have a wonderful Christmas, and I’ll see you in the new year.

☕ Adenosine, Coffee & Why Tiredness Is Supposed to Happen Midlife Mayhem Podcast It’s Christmas week 🎄 and just a few weeks until my programs begin for the new year.If you’d like to see my full 2026 schedule, you’ll find it at: 👉 www.JoanneLee2026.com 🚀 Programs Starting Soon 5-Day Peak Shred 📅 January 12–18 A powerful 5-day reset with: Coaching calls Structure Momentum Yes, weight loss — but so much more than that January is the only time this program is running early in the year. 👉 www.5DayShred.com🎟 10% off if you join before Jan 1Use code: PEAK Victory Vault 📅 Starts January 26 | Runs for 2 weeks A once-a-year program focused on: Identity Standards Discipline Who you need to be to achieve what you want This is not goal-setting.This is doing the internal work that makes goals inevitable. 👉 www.YourVictoryVault.com The Perfect 10 (Applications Open) 🗓 Starts March 1 A 10-month immersive coaching experience for 10 women who want: High-level coaching Long-term consistency Deep, aggressive support If you’re interested, email me to discuss fit and details. 🎙 Episode Topic: Adenosine, Coffee & Energy in Midlife This episode came about very organically — a stale cup of coffee on my desk and a realization that I haven’t really talked about adenosine, and you cannot talk about coffee without talking about adenosine. So today we’re winging it — and breaking this down in a way that actually makes sense. 😴 Why We Naturally Get Tired as the Day Goes On Adenosine is the system that controls natural tiredness. It builds up in the brain the longer we’re awake.Not because the body releases it intentionally — but because it’s a by-product of energy use. Every time your brain works, thinks, focuses, or stays alert, it burns energy.That energy currency is called ATP (adenosine triphosphate). As ATP is used, adenosine accumulates. As adenosine builds up, it attaches to receptors in the brain — and once enough of those receptors are occupied, the message is clear: It’s time to slow down. That heavy-eyed feeling in the evening?That drop in motivation?That “I just can’t do one more thing” sensation? That’s not weakness.That’s adenosine doing its job. ⚡ How Coffee Actually Works (and What It Doesn’t Do) Caffeine does not give you energy.It does not fix fatigue. What caffeine does is block adenosine receptors. Adenosine is still present — but it can’t attach.So the brain doesn’t receive the tiredness signal. You don’t suddenly have more energy.You’ve just silenced the message that says you’re running low. That’s why coffee can make you feel: Alert and exhausted Wired but tired Fine initially… then crash later 🔄 Cortisol vs Adenosine: The Push–Pull Adenosine slows us down.Cortisol wakes us up. Cortisol naturally rises in the morning — that’s normal.That’s why cortisol is typically tested between 7–8am. When caffeine is added on top of that morning cortisol rise: Adenosine is blocked Cortisol is stimulated For some people, this feels like clean energy.For others — especially in midlife — it feels like anxiety, jitters, or overstimulation. The difference usually isn’t the coffee.It’s what the nervous system was already dealing with before the coffee arrived. ☕ Why Coffee Tolerance Builds When adenosine receptors are blocked repeatedly, the brain adapts. It simply says: “If these receptors keep getting blocked, we’ll make more of them.” So over time: The same coffee stops working You need more to feel the same effect Skipping coffee feels awful Nothing is broken.This is normal neurological adaptation. 🚫 What Happens If You Suddenly Quit Coffee If you stop caffeine after years (or decades) of use: All those extra adenosine receptors are suddenly available Adenosine floods the system This is why people feel: Heavy Foggy Achey Like they’ve been hit by a truck This phase does pass, but in midlife it often takes longer than expected. 🦋 Thyroid Medication &

In this episode, Joanne connects several conversations that are often discussed separately — facial fat loss, muscle loss, grip strength, hormones, and rapid weight loss — and explains why they’re all part of the same biological picture in midlife. Rather than treating these changes as isolated or cosmetic issues, this episode explores what’s really happening underneath: estrogen decline, rising myostatin, changes in muscle quality, and the body’s response to its environment. Joanne also addresses recent criticism around rapid weight loss and explains why context, duration, and intention matter far more than the label. In this episode, we cover: Facial fat & muscle loss Why facial fat loss accelerates with age — even without weight loss How estrogen protects facial fat, skin thickness, and structural support Why rapid weight loss can amplify facial aging when muscle isn’t preserved The role of muscle tone and connective tissue in facial appearance Why facial fat doesn’t always return proportionally with weight regain Grip strength as a health marker Why grip strength is one of the strongest predictors of aging, independence, and longevity How grip strength reflects total-body muscle health, not just hands The role of fast-twitch muscle fibers and why they disappear first with age How rising myostatin makes muscle harder to maintain in midlife Why estrogen loss worsens muscle breakdown and neuromuscular efficiency Why grip strength often declines before visible muscle loss The shared biology: estrogen & myostatin How estrogen suppresses myostatin and supports muscle preservation Why midlife changes create a more catabolic environment How muscle loss, facial aging, and strength decline are biologically linked Rapid weight loss — and why context matters Joanne responds to criticism she received online for discussing rapid weight loss while also running Peak Week – the 5-Day Shred. She explains: Why prolonged restriction is the real problem — not short, strategic interventions Why Peak Week is five days only, by design That people don’t join Peak Week just to lose weight People come to Peak Week to: Reset habits Re-establish structure and momentum Get back “in the groove” Experience the energy and accountability of a focused group And yes — to see results that are guaranteed Weight loss is not the only reason Peak Week works — it’s simply a predictable outcome when the body is placed in the right environment. Why Peak Week works — every time Joanne explains why Peak Week has such a high repeat rate: Nearly everyone comes back again and again Not because it’s extreme — but because it’s effective, structured, and supportive During Peak Week: There are 4 coaching calls in 6 days Topics go far beyond weight loss It’s an opportunity for Joanne to coach in real time, not just deliver a plan She shares a real example:A woman who had been eating well and training consistently — without losing a single pound — joined Peak Week and lost 10 pounds. Not because her body was “broken,” but because it finally experienced the right environment. Most people aren’t failing.They’re just not in an environment that allows their body to respond. Final takeaway Midlife results — whether that’s fat loss, muscle preservation, facial aging, or strength — aren’t about willpower. They’re about biology, hormones, and environment. Create the right environment, and the body responds.Every time. 🔔 Call to Action Peak Week – The 5-Day ShredStarts January 12 👉 www.5dayshred.com

What Compounding Pharmacies Actually Do — Why December 31st Matters — and the GLP-1 Confusion Explained Before we talk about December 31st, the FDA, or compounded weight-loss medications, this episode starts with something most people misunderstand: What compounding pharmacies are actually for. Joanne begins by explaining the original and ongoing role of compounding pharmacies — using hormone replacement therapy (HRT) as a clear, long-standing example — before addressing why compounded GLP-1 medications existed temporarily and why that chapter is now closing. This context matters, because without it, everything happening right now sounds dramatic when it really isn’t. 🔍 What’s Covered in This Episode 🧪 What Compounding Pharmacies Actually Do Why compounding pharmacies exist in the first place How compounding is meant to customize medication, not replace FDA-approved drugs A clear explanation of compounded HRT, including: Doses that do not exist in FDA-approved products Patients who need amounts between standard commercial doses Delivery methods or formulations that FDA products don’t offer Why testosterone for women is commonly compounded Why compounded HRT continues to be appropriate and legal:because FDA products cannot meet every individual dosing or formulation need ⚖️ How GLP-1 Compounding Was Different Why compounded GLP-1 medications were legally allowed during shortages How compounding pharmacies were permitted to fill a supply gap, not a medical customization gap Why this was always intended to be temporary The difference between individualized medical compounding and mass-market convenience compounding 📆 Why December 31st Matters What actually changed when GLP-1 shortages ended Why compounding pharmacies were given a wind-down period Why December 31st became a common operational cutoff Why this is not a ban, crackdown, or conspiracy — but a return to standard FDA rules 🧠 What This Means Going Forward Why compounding still exists — but within narrow, patient-specific boundaries Why GLP-1 mass compounding no longer fits the legal definition once supply stabilized How fear-based “stock up now” messaging misses the point Why medication can be a tool — but not a substitute for education, physiology, and behavior 🩺 Personal Update Mentioned in the Episode Joanne also shares her recent reaction to a change in her thyroid medication, using it as a real-world example of why individualized dosing matters — and why nuance in medicine is often lost in online conversations. 📅 Program Dates for 2026 All program dates for 2026 are now set. View the full schedule here:👉 www.joannelee2026.com 🧬 One-on-One Peptide Consultations If you’d like to book a private consultation regarding peptide use, you can contact Joanne directly: 📧 joanne@joannelee.com📱 Text: 208-918-6569 (These consults are educational, individualized, and grounded in physiology — not trends.) 👋 New Here? Start Here. If you’re new to Joanne’s work and want a low-risk way to experience her coaching style before committing to a longer program, start with one (or both) of these programs: 🔥 The Peak Week — 5 Day Shred A focused, educational reset that sharpens habits, mindset, and execution.👉 www.5dayshred.com 🧠 The Victory Vault A foundational program covering body composition, decision-making, and long-term success.👉 www.yourvictoryvault.com These programs give you a clear feel for how Joanne coaches before stepping into more advanced or longer-term work. 🎧 Final Thought This episode isn’t about losing access — it’s about understanding how compounding was meant to work, why GLP-1 compounding filled a temporary gap, and why returning to clear boundaries actually protects patients. Clarity beats panic.Education beats outrage.

Today’s episode was sparked by a Medscape article that immediately grabbed my attention. The headline essentially said that set point weight does not seem to decrease with the use of GLP-1 medications. If you’re taking Semaglutide, Tirzepatide, or any of the current weight-loss medications, that line alone is enough to make your heart skip a beat. For many people, these medications have felt like the first time in their lives that their hunger was quiet, their cravings were manageable, and their weight finally responded. So when you hear that set point may not actually change — that the body might be waiting to crawl right back to its original weight — the fear becomes very real. But like most things in physiology, the headline didn’t tell the whole story.And that’s what this episode unpacks. What Set Point Actually Is — And Isn’t Set point is often described as the weight your body “likes” to sit at, but that’s far too simplistic. Your body isn’t trying to sabotage you; it’s trying to protect you. Deep in your brain — specifically the hypothalamus — you have a kind of metabolic thermostat. It constantly monitors hormones, nutrient availability, inflammation, hunger cues, stress levels, and even the kinds of foods you routinely eat. All of this information is used to determine what weight range the body feels safest maintaining. When you drop below that range, or lose weight quickly, the brain interprets it as a potential threat. Hunger rises. Cravings intensify. Food becomes more rewarding. Energy levels dip. Your metabolism slows. Your movement decreases without you even noticing. These aren’t character flaws — they’re ancient survival mechanisms. And here’s the part that matters most:your set point is not permanent.It adapts based on your physiology. Your environment. Your habits. Your muscle mass. Your food quality. Your inflammation levels. Your stress. Your sleep. Your blood sugar stability. Your set point can shift up or down — but it doesn’t shift just because you lost weight. It shifts when the biology underneath the weight changes. So Where Do GLP-1 Medications Fit Into All of This? GLP-1 medications do something incredibly powerful: they create the feeling of a lower set point. Hunger drops. Fullness increases. Cravings go quiet. Food stops dominating your thoughts. You feel in control. You naturally eat less because your biology finally lets you. But it’s critical to understand why this happens. GLP-1s don’t magically reset the metabolic thermostat.They simply turn down the noise that makes weight loss nearly impossible for some people. They reduce hunger signals, slow digestion, balance blood sugar, dampen reward-driven eating, and improve certain hormonal pathways. While you’re on the medication, your body behaves as though it has a lower defended weight. You’re in the zone. You’re losing weight. Everything feels easier. But — and this is exactly what the Medscape article was pointing to —once the medication is removed, the underlying system is still the same. If the physiology that created the higher set point hasn’t changed, the body will start nudging you back up toward where it felt safe before. Hunger returns. Cravings return. The pace of eating speeds up. You start thinking about food again. You don’t get as full as quickly. The thermostat simply goes right back to its previous setting. This is why so many people regain weight after stopping GLP-1s.It isn’t because the medication “stopped working.”It’s because the set point didn’t shift, and the hunger cues were only being temporarily managed. So What Does Lower a Set Point? This is where physiology and lifestyle meet. If you want the weight to stay off — with or without medication — your biology has to change in ways that make your brain feel safe at a lower weight. And that doesn’t come from being hungry. It comes from being metabolically supported. Muscle is one of the biggest drivers. The more muscle you carry, the more efficiently you ha

Testosterone therapy is exploding in popularity, especially among midlife women — but how you take testosterone dramatically affects how it works in your body. In this episode, Joanne breaks down the three major delivery systems — transdermal creams, oral lozenges, and injections — and explains why some women are now being told they’re “poor absorbers” and switched to oral or injectable forms. You’ll learn: Why women may not respond to topical testosterone (and why “poor absorber” is often misdiagnosed) How creams differ from orals in absorption, side effects, and DHT conversion Why oral lozenges feel strong quickly — and the real reason they spike DHT Why injections seem aggressive but actually deliver the smoothest hormonal profile Which delivery system works best depending on your goals, symptoms, and physiology How men differ in absorption and why some men do brilliantly on gels while others might as well bathe in them How dosing, metabolism, and estrogen/testosterone balance influence results How to talk to your provider about choosing the right method This episode is a must-listen for any woman navigating midlife hormones — and for men who want to understand why their therapy may or may not be working. 💉 Delivery Systems Explained Joanne breaks down: 1. Transdermal Creams Gentle, steady, least DHT-converting Great for subtle libido, mood, strength improvements Why absorption varies wildly between women When creams are not enough 2. Oral Lozenges Fast-acting, potent, and sharp More likely to spike DHT Why these are often a solution for “non-responders” — but come with caveats The classic “love it or hate it” delivery method 3. Injections The smoothest and most predictable system Lowest DHT spikes compared to oral Best for consistent energy, stable mood, and strong results Why smaller, more frequent microdoses are often ideal for women 🔥 Who This Episode Is For Women feeling under-dosed or inconsistent on testosterone cream Women newly prescribed oral testosterone and unsure what to expect Anyone concerned about androgenic symptoms like acne, hair shedding, or irritability Men frustrated with gels or creams Anyone navigating TRT/HRT and wanting real science without fear or fluff 👀 Want More Like This? This episode is part of Joanne’s in-depth midlife education series. If you love detailed, physiology-first coaching — not surface-level soundbites — you’ll love what’s coming next. 🌐 Explore the New Website My brand-new website is live (not fully finished, but go have a peek):👉 www.joannelee.com This is where all upcoming programs, courses, podcasts, and resources will live.

In this episode of Midlife Mayhem, Joanne breaks down one of the most misunderstood concepts in the supplement and peptide world: half-life — the amount of time it takes for half of a substance to leave your system. Half-life is the key that determines: how often you should take something whether a pill works better than an injection why weekly injections make sense for some compounds and why weekly injections are completely useless for others With everyone experimenting with B12 injections, peptides, thyroid meds, GLP-1 weight-loss medications, and metabolic enhancers, understanding half-lives is crucial. It is the difference between a protocol that WORKS and one that’s pure wishful thinking. Joanne walks you through real-life examples — from caffeine to thyroid hormones — then explains why short half-life peptides like 5-Amino-1MQ and SLU-PP-332 must be taken in ways that match their rapid clearance times. If you want to be your own health advocate, understand your protocols, and stop wasting money on things taken the wrong way… this episode will change how you see every supplement and injectable. 🧪 Key Topics Covered ✔ What “half-life” actually means Simple explanation Why it determines dosing schedules Why clearance time ≠ half-life ✔ Half-lives of everyday substances Caffeine: 5–7 hours Melatonin: 20–50 minutes Nicotine: ~2 hours ✔ Hormones & metabolism examples Thyroid (T4): ~7 days T3: ~24 hours Cortisol: ~90 minutes ✔ GLP-1 medications (Ozempic, Mounjaro) Why once-weekly injections make perfect sense How the 5–7 day half-life prevents daily swings ✔ The BIG mistake people are making Joanne exposes the trend of taking fast-clearing peptides or compounds once a week, despite half-lives of 4–6 hours — making the protocol physiologically pointless. ✔ Short half-life peptides These require consistent dosing for meaningful effect: 5-Amino-1MQ → ~4–6 hour half-life Learn more at: www.5amino.com SLU-PP-332 → ~4 hour half-life Learn more at: www.slu332.com Understanding these half-lives helps you choose the correct delivery method and the correct dosing frequency so your results match your intentions. 🔗 Resources Mentioned in This Episode 5-Amino-1MQ Information → www.5amino.com SLU-PP-332 Information → www.slu332.com My new website (still being finished but take a peek!) → www.joannelee.com 📣 Upcoming Programs & Announcements ✨ January Programs Start the 3rd Week of January If you want 2025 to be the year you take full control of your health, metabolism, and body composition, Joanne’s programs begin again in mid-January.Spots fill quickly — keep your eye on www.joannelee.com for updates. 🔥 The 10-Month Elite Mentorship — Starts March 1 (Originally planned for February, but the new website is taking a little longer — and it needs to be perfect.) Joanne is inviting 10 women who are ready for a new life experience: Not a quick fix Not a shortcut A 10-month immersive mentorship Deep coaching, retreats, advanced training, and complete physiological transformation For women whose commitment matches their desire If this is you… March 1 is your starting line. More details coming soon on www.joannelee.com

🔍 Episode Overview Joanne Lee Cornish explores two massive wellness categories — green powders and fiber supplements — breaking down real science, real efficacy, and real value. She helps you make informed decisions, avoid marketing fluff, and invest in what actually works. 🧬 What You’ll Learn The manufacturing differences between whole-plant powders, juice powders, and cheap heat-dried powders Why processing method determines how effective a green powder actually is The truth about sulforaphane: how it’s made, how to ensure you’re getting it, and why so many products don’t The roles of fiber in midlife: gut health, hormones (especially estrogen metabolism), insulin sensitivity, weight control, satiety Why fiber supplements can be inexpensive yet powerful — and how to avoid overpriced fluff A clear framework for purchasing: what to buy, how much to pay, what to avoid 🌱 GREEN POWDERS — BRANDS & VALUE GUIDE ✅ Premium Tier (High-quality, “buy if you’re serious”) Vibrant Health – Green Vibrance: Whole-food powders + probiotics + enzymes; transparent dosing. Thorne Daily Greens: Clean manufacture, third-party tested, reliable. Biotics Research – Sulforaphane / SFE-Branded Extracts: Not a generic “greens powder” but one of the only ones that actually delivers sulforaphane. AG1 (Athletic Greens): Big brand, high price, good quality—but you’re paying convenience + marketing. 🏷 Mid Budget Tier (Good value) Amazing Grass Greens Blend: Whole-food based, more affordable; not highest potency but decent. NOW Foods Super Greens: Basic formula, clean brand, budget-friendly. Primal Harvest Primal Greens: Balanced formula, solid value. ⚠️ Caution / Avoid Unless You Know What You’re Buying Essential-oil companies doing greens powders (e.g., doTERRA Greens): Overpriced, questionable processing, poor taste. Powders made mostly from barley grass/wheatgrass juice powders: Low fiber, low matrix, low potency. Products claiming “sulforaphane” without listing myrosinase or stabilized compounds: Likely empty claim. Any greens powder that uses “proprietary blend” to hide dosages: You don’t know what you’re paying for. 🧾 Quick Brand Comparison Table Brand Price Tier Fiber Content / Indicators Remark Vibrant Health Premium Higher fiber, full-food matrix Top performance Thorne Premium Moderate fiber, clean label Medical grade AG1 Premium / convenience Moderate Good but pricey Amazing Grass Mid Moderate–Low Value starter doTERRA Greens Premium price Low fiber Taste & value caution Generic superfood blends Budget price Low transparency Risk of low effectiveness 🧾 FIBER SUPPLEMENTS — BRANDS & VALUE GUIDE ✅ Best Value / Most Effective Doctor’s Best Prebiotic Powder (Sunfiber® PHGG): Clean, effective, affordable. Bluebonnet Sunfiber® Prebiotic Soluble Fiber: Same core ingredient, budget friendly. NOW Foods Psyllium Husk: Viscous fiber, highly effective for satiety, gut motility. Metamucil Sugar-Free: Proven brand, basic but reliable. 🎯 Premium / Specialty Tier Sunfiber® (Stick Packs / Travel Versions): Convenience format, slightly higher cost. Essential Stacks Sunfiber + Acacia Blend: Layered fiber types for more advanced gut support. Bob’s Red Mill Potato Starch: Resistant starch, metabolic benefits—not just a “fiber drink.” ⚠️ Brands/Formats to Avoid Fiber gummies (low gram dose + sugar) Detox “fiber drinks” with senna, cascara (not true fiber) Influencer-priced blends ($60–$100) with handful of grams of fiber and big marketing Any “fiber” product with <4g per serving unless clearly intended as microdose 🧾 Quick Brand Comparison Table Brand Price Fiber Type Key Benefits Doctor’s Best Sunfiber® ~$20-30 PHGG (soluble, fermentable) Excellent value Bluebonnet Sunfiber® ~$20 PHGG Same core, budget variant NOW Psyllium Husk ~$15-25 Viscous soluble Satiety, gut motility Metamucil Sugar-Free ~$25-30 Psyllium Proven history Essentia

🎙 SHOW NOTES — “PCOS Doesn’t End at 30: The Midlife Metabolic Storm No One Warned Us About” Most women only hear about PCOS in their teens or twenties — when cycles are irregular, acne is flaring, weight is piling onto the midsection, and fertility becomes a concern.But here’s the truth: 👉 PCOS does NOT disappear.👉 Symptoms simply shift.👉 And midlife can amplify everything that was simmering beneath the surface for decades. In this episode of Midlife Mayhem, Joanne breaks down the real metabolic story behind PCOS — not the simplified, fertility-focused version most women are handed in their early years. You’ll learn: 💥 Why PCOS is a metabolic condition first — reproductive second PCOS fundamentally affects insulin, inflammation, and cortisol long before it affects fertility. Those root issues follow women into midlife even when cycle symptoms fade. 💥 Why some symptoms seem to “improve” with age — and why that’s misleading Regular cycles and clearer skin don’t mean PCOS is gone. It simply means estrogen and progesterone have shifted, masking reproductive symptoms while worsening metabolic ones. 💥 How midlife hormones collide with PCOS physiology This is the perfect storm no one talks about.Declining estrogen + progesterone + long-standing insulin resistance = intensified midsection fat gain, inflammation, cravings, fatigue, and higher cardiometabolic risk. 💥 The hidden PCOS symptoms many women mistake for “just menopause” Afternoon crashes, carb cravings, stubborn belly fat, worsening triglycerides, glucose instability, and unexplained inflammation — these aren’t random. They’re PCOS physiology expressing itself in a new hormonal landscape. 💥 Why PCOS is more important, not less, after 40 When estrogen drops, insulin resistance rises.When muscle declines, metabolic flexibility crashes.And when progesterone disappears, inflammation spikes.Midlife magnifies every mechanism behind PCOS. 💥 The good news: midlife is the BEST time to correct PCOS physiology With the chaos of cycles behind them, women can finally address PCOS with precision:strength training, protein prioritization, carb timing, gut repair, insulin management, targeted supplementation, GLP-1 support, and HRT where appropriate. This episode is packed with the depth, physiology, and straight-talk education that midlife women deserve — and rarely receive. 🔗 Resources & Links ✨ 5-Amino-1MQ — Metabolic, energy & body composition support👉 www.5amino.com ✨ SLU-PP-332 (“Exercise in a Bottle”) — A next-generation mitochondrial & longevity compound👉 www.slu332.com ✨ Joanne’s New Website (80% complete — launching soon!)👉 www.joannelee.com ✨ To connect with Joanne directly:📩 joanne@joannelee.com

The Cult of the Needle: Why Everyone’s Injecting Everything — and Why You Don’t Need To In this episode of Midlife Mayhem, Joanne dives into one of the wildest cultural shifts in modern health and fitness:how we went from terrified of needles to injecting everything in sight — from weight loss medications to peptides, and now, even experimental compounds. A few years ago, the idea of self-injecting anything was unthinkable.Today? People proudly post their peptide stacks like they’re Michelin-star meals.But somewhere in all this newfound syringe enthusiasm, we’ve lost sight of something important:the delivery system doesn’t determine the result — the mechanism does. 💉 Inside This Episode This is a deep, science-backed, myth-busting conversation for anyone curious about: Why injectable doesn’t automatically mean superior The real reason scientists use injections in research — and why that doesn’t translate to better human results How 5-Amino-1MQ and SLU-PP-332 actually work at the cellular level The difference between spikes and stability in metabolism and fat oxidation How oral delivery can often outperform injections by providing consistent activation instead of biochemical chaos Why small, lipophilic molecules like 5-Amino-1MQ and SLU-PP-332 thrive in oral form — and what that means for energy, endurance, and longevity The hidden risks of home-mixed injectables (purity, solvents, contamination, degradation) Why consistency, not intensity, is what drives results in body composition and performance 🧠 The Takeaway Injectables look hardcore.They feel scientific.But for many compounds — especially small molecules designed to work through long-term cellular signaling — oral delivery isn’t a compromise. It’s often the smarter, safer, and more sustainable route. The body doesn’t care how fast something hits your bloodstream; it cares how well it integrates into your system.And that’s where the hype ends and the science begins. ⚡ Key Quotes “Injectables were designed for lab control, not lifestyle performance.” “Needles spike. Capsules sustain. And for long-term results — stability wins.” “We’ve glamorized the syringe, but metabolism doesn’t need theater — it needs consistency.” 🧬 Want to Learn More? Explore the science, studies, and benefits behind these two groundbreaking compounds:👉 www.5amino.com — Learn about 5-Amino-1MQ and how it supports metabolism, energy, and muscle preservation.👉 www.slu332.com — Discover SLU-PP-332, the endurance molecule known as “exercise in a bottle.” And for more in-depth discussions on midlife performance, muscle, and metabolism:🎥 Subscribe to my YouTube channel — @JoanneLeeCornish

🎙️ Episode Title: “Sore but Not Growing: Why Pain Isn’t Proof of Progress” 💡 Full Episode Summary (for Readers) We’ve been taught to wear soreness like a badge of honor.If you can’t sit down after leg day, that’s proof you “did it right,” right?Wrong. Soreness is inflammation — not progress.It’s a sign your muscles are repairing micro-tears, not necessarily adapting or growing stronger. In fact, constant soreness can be a red flag: poor recovery, hormonal imbalance, or even overtraining. Let’s unpack it all. 1️⃣ What Soreness Really Is That post-workout ache — called DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness) — is your immune system’s inflammatory response to microscopic damage in muscle fibers, especially from eccentric (lowering) phases of movement.Think walking downhill, controlling a squat on the way down, or those long negative reps everyone swears by. Your body rushes repair crews — fluid, enzymes, and immune cells — to the scene. The result: tight, swollen, tender muscles.It feels productive, but it’s not a direct measure of effectiveness. You can grow without pain — and you can be wrecked for days and make zero progress. 2️⃣ Why You’re Sore (and Still Not Growing) Soreness doesn’t always mean success. It usually means you did something new, not necessarily something optimal. Here’s why: Novelty – New exercises, new volume, new tempos. Your body isn’t used to it, so inflammation spikes. Eccentric overload – Lowering weights slowly or training deep into stretch under load causes more micro-tears. Great tool, bad habit if overused. Volume creep – “One more set” becomes five more sets. Without recovery, your muscles stay in repair mode and never shift into growth mode. Under-fueling – Low protein, low calories, or poor hydration prolong recovery and amplify soreness. So that crippling soreness you’re proud of?That’s your body saying, “I’m still fixing what you broke last week.” 3️⃣ Who Gets the Most Sore Beginners: Every move is new — soreness is brutal but short-lived. The ‘Back-from-a-Break’ crowd: Two weeks off? Welcome to DOMS-ville. Variety junkies: Constantly changing workouts prevents adaptation. Your body never learns efficiency. Under-fed or over-stressed lifters: Low fuel and high cortisol = chronic soreness. Midlife athletes: Slower repair mechanisms mean you’ll feel sore longer. It’s not age weakness — it’s physiology. 4️⃣ Should You Train When You’re Sore? Depends. Mild soreness: Move — it boosts blood flow and recovery. Moderate soreness: Train something else or reduce volume. Severe soreness: Rest. If it changes your form, you’re one rep away from injury. The goal isn’t to crawl out of the gym — it’s to keep coming back.Consistency outperforms intensity every time. 5️⃣ When Soreness Becomes a Warning Sign If you’re always sore, you’re not recovering — you’re overtraining.This isn’t dedication. It’s dysfunction. Chronically sore athletes often show: Elevated cortisol (stress hormone that blocks muscle repair) Suppressed testosterone and DHEA Low thyroid output (T3) High CRP and CK (blood markers of inflammation and muscle breakdown) Fatigue, poor sleep, brain fog, and mood swings If this sounds like you, stop chasing soreness and start chasing balance.You’re not getting fitter — you’re getting inflamed. 6️⃣ How to Reduce Soreness and Actually Grow Increase training volume gradually — no 50% jumps overnight. Eat 30–40g of protein per meal. Add carbs pre- and post-workout to lower cortisol and replenish glycogen. Hydrate like an athlete — recovery slows when you’re dehydrated. Prioritize sleep — it’s when growth hormone peaks. Use tools like red light therapy, sauna, or massage to enhance recovery. Stick with your plan. Constantly switching workouts keeps you sore and stagnant. 7️⃣ Bloodwork Clues Your labs often tell the real story.If you’re training hard but always sore, ask your doctor about: Cortisol (AM levels) – chronic elevation =

🎙️ Episode Title: “Hormones Off the Hook: What the FDA’s New Decision Means for Women, HRT, and the Future of Menopause Care” 💡 Episode Summary: For decades, women have been warned that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is risky business — linked to heart disease, cancer, and every imaginable midlife horror story. But that narrative just flipped. In a landmark move, the FDA has lifted the black box warnings from many HRT products — a long-overdue acknowledgment that the old data was outdated, misunderstood, and unnecessarily fear-inducing. In this episode, Joanne breaks down: 🔍 What the FDA actually did — and how it changes the landscape for women in midlife. ⚖️ Why the original warnings were wrong for most women and what new research reveals about timing, dosage, and delivery. 💊 The arrival of a new non-hormonal medication (Lynkuet / Elinzanetant) for hot flashes and night sweats — and who it’s perfect for. 🧬 How all of this impacts your hormones, body composition, recovery, and long-term health. This episode is your science-based, hype-free breakdown of one of the most important updates in women’s health in decades. 🎯 Why You’ll Want to Listen: If you’ve ever been told HRT is “too risky,” or you’ve suffered through hot flashes, mood swings, or sleepless nights because you thought you had no options — this conversation changes everything. It’s time to replace fear with facts and take control of midlife on your terms. 💌 Work With Joanne: Joanne is now accepting applications for her exclusive 10-month mentorship, A Perfect 10, starting February 2026. Ten women. Ten months.A deep-dive journey into hormones, training, nutrition, mindset, and the science of midlife mastery. If you’re ready to look, feel, and live at your absolute best — email Joanne directly at joanne@joannelee.com for details.

Rewriting My Midlife Brand, Metabolism & Fasting: Why I’m Becoming JoanneLee.com Episode DescriptionIn this episode, I pull back the curtain on a big shift: after 30 years as The Shrink Shop, I’m moving everything under JoanneLee.com and fully owning the work I actually do — high-level body composition and midlife coaching that goes way beyond “just weight loss.” We’ll dive into why I’m rebranding, how my coaching has evolved, and then get into the science of fasting, metabolic slowdown, and midlife hormones — including why fasting is powerful for some bodies and a terrible idea for others. In This Episode, You’ll Hear About: 🔁 Why I’m Rebranding to JoanneLee.com Why The Shrink Shop name worked in the early “weight loss only” days, but no longer reflects the depth of my work How my Mastering Midlife coaching has gone far beyond fat loss into hormones, resilience, energy, and long-term health Why I’m stepping into my own name and identity to represent my full range of coaching (not just shrinking bodies, but rebuilding them) 🧠 My Coaching Philosophy: Science First, Trends Second How my approach is built on physiology and current research, not whatever diet is trending on Instagram this week Why my work is grounded in body composition — muscle, fat, hormones, metabolism — rather than just “scale weight” How I use tools like fasting inside structured programs, rather than as a random or extreme lifestyle ⏳ Constant Calorie Restriction vs Fasting: What Really Happens to Your Metabolism Why long-term calorie restriction makes your body burn fewer calories at rest The role of NEAT (Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis) — all the unconscious movement you do in a day — and how it can drop by up to ~700 calories/day when you’re dieting hard How thyroid output and other hormones adapt downward when the body feels like energy is scarce Why some naturally lean people (often ectomorphs) stay slim because of consistently high NEAT, not “magic metabolism” 🔥 Metabolic Adaptation & Why Pushing Harder Backfires What metabolic adaptation actually is and why your body becomes better at storing energy when it senses ongoing restriction Why “eat less, move more” eventually crashes: pushing harder with less food and more exercise can stall fat loss and make you feel worse How fasting sends a clear on/off signal, allowing the body to mobilize fat without the same “panic conserve” response The benefits of clear eating windows and routine for cellular and mitochondrial health ⚡ Fasting: Myths, Benefits & Where It Actually Helps Why fasting does not slow metabolism — and how it can temporarily increase adrenaline and alertness as a survival mechanism How that “elevated, sharp” feeling during a fast is biology first, not spiritual awakening — even if it sometimes feels that way How fasting can help mobilize stored fat and give the digestive system a break Where I typically use fasting in coaching (for example, a structured 16-hour fast phase in my Signature Program) ⚠️ Why Fasting Is Not for Everyone — Especially in Midlife Why many midlife clients already live in a chronic stress / high cortisol state — and how aggressive fasting can make that worse The problem with combining fasting + low calories + low protein in midlife (hello, muscle loss, fatigue, and hormone chaos) Why some midlife bodies need stability, adequate protein, and nervous system regulation more than extended fasting windows How to think about more moderate strategies like 12-hour eating windows and routine-based timing instead of extreme fasting 🎯 Elite Coaching for Midlife: My 10-Month Program A brief look at my upcoming 10-month Elite program for a small group of people who want deep, high-touch coaching around: Midlife body composition Hormones and metabolism Performance, resilience, and long-term health Why this container is for people who are done with short programs and ready to fully com

Most women are never told what to expect as they approach menopause. There’s no handbook, no clear roadmap — just years of confusion, self-blame, and frustration as symptoms slowly appear. It’s heartbreaking that we enter one of the biggest biological transitions of our lives unprepared — often told to “just get on with it.” In this episode, Joanne breaks down the menopause journey — a stage-by-stage guide explaining what’s happening in your body, when it’s likely to happen, and the conversations you should be having with your doctor (and yourself). While every woman’s experience is unique, there’s a general timeline most women follow. And understanding it can completely change how you experience this chapter. The Menopause Journey: What to Expect 🌱 Early 40s — The First Shifts (Perimenopause Begins) This is when subtle hormonal changes start — long before your period stops. What’s Happening: Progesterone starts to decline, while estrogen spikes and dips unpredictably. How It Feels: PMS mood swings, sleep disruption, midsection weight gain, heavier or shorter periods, and that vague sense that “something’s changing.” What’s Going On in Labs: FSH begins to fluctuate, progesterone drops, and thyroid issues may surface. What to Focus On: Track your cycles and symptoms. Prioritize protein, sleep, and strength training. Correct nutrient deficiencies (iron, vitamin D, magnesium, B12, omega-3s). Balance blood sugar to calm cortisol. This stage is often missed because cycles are still regular — yet the foundation for your next decade is being set right here. 🎢 Mid 40s — The Rollercoaster Years The hormone swings now become much more noticeable — and unpredictable. Hormones: Estrogen fluctuates dramatically; progesterone is often very low. Symptoms: Irregular cycles, night sweats, hot flashes, brain fog, migraines, joint aches, and skin changes. Blood Work: FSH and LH become erratic but trend upward; estradiol fluctuates widely. Possible Next Step: Many women start low-dose progesterone therapy here — it can calm heavy bleeding, improve sleep, and offset estrogen dominance. This is when women often feel like they’re “losing control” of their body — but it’s biology, not failure. 🔄 Late 40s — The Transition The true shift begins here — ovulation becomes inconsistent, and estrogen begins its long-term decline. Symptoms: Persistent hot flashes, stubborn weight changes, mood shifts, slower recovery, loss of muscle tone. Labs: FSH often >30 IU/L, estradiol trending lower, DHEA and pregnenolone decline. HRT Evolution: Combined estrogen + progesterone therapy is common (patches, gels, or pills). DHEA or pregnenolone may help with fatigue and resilience. Some women move through this stage smoothly — others don’t. Lifestyle, genetics, stress, and body composition all play a huge role. 🌸 Early 50s — Menopause (12 Months Without a Period) This marks the official definition of menopause. Hormones: Estrogen and progesterone are now both very low. Symptoms: Vaginal dryness, poor sleep, hot flashes, loss of libido, and declining bone density. Blood Work: Estradiol low (<30 pg/mL), FSH high, testosterone often reduced. HRT Options: Estrogen (patch/gel/cream) for brain, bone, and heart health. Progesterone for uterine protection (if uterus intact). Testosterone for strength, motivation, and libido. This is often the stage where women finally seek help — but the truth is, this conversation should start years earlier. 🌤 Mid 50s and Beyond — Postmenopause The storm calms — but long-term health now depends on what you’ve built (or lost) during the previous stages. Hormones: All ovarian hormones remain at baseline low. Symptoms: Hot flashes may subside, but now bone loss, muscle loss, and cardiovascular changes become the priority. Labs: Low estrogen, progesterone, and androgens; higher LDL and fasting insulin levels. Long-Term HRT: Many women continue estrogen and

  Aging is not a number We’ve all heard the phrase “The mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell” — probably in high school biology, on a meme, or even on a T-shirt. But what most people don’t realize is that this isn’t just trivia. This is the foundation of how you age, how you feel, and how your body performs every single day. In this episode, Joanne breaks down what cellular health really means — in plain English — and why the slow changes we call “aging” actually begin at the cellular level. You’ll learn how the tiny factories inside your body, your mitochondria, determine your energy, recovery, fat-burning ability, and even how fast you age. Key Takeaways 🧬 Aging Is Cellular Aging doesn’t start on the outside — it starts inside your cells. As mitochondria (your body’s energy factories) become less efficient, you experience fatigue, slower recovery, brain fog, and stubborn fat gain. Cellular decline is aging. ⚡ Your Energy Factory Every cell in your body relies on mitochondria to create ATP — your body’s version of a rechargeable battery. That means every blink, every heartbeat, every lift in the gym depends on these little energy makers. When they’re working well, you feel strong and unstoppable. When they’re not, you feel sluggish, no matter how “healthy” you think you are. 🍞🥩🥑 Metabolic Flexibility Healthy mitochondria can switch easily between using carbs and fats for fuel — what’s called metabolic flexibility. When that flexibility is lost, you become dependent on sugar and frequent snacks to keep going. That “I can’t skip breakfast or I’ll crash” feeling? It’s not lack of willpower — it’s your mitochondria waving the white flag. 💨 The Overload Problem When you constantly overfeed your cells — too much sugar, processed fat, or just too much food — mitochondria can’t keep up. They start producing “smoke” in the form of free radicals. Over time, this creates oxidative stress, damaging your proteins, membranes, and DNA. It’s the invisible corrosion that accelerates aging. 💤 Lifestyle, Not Luck While some mitochondrial decline happens naturally with age, most of it comes from modern living — poor sleep, chronic stress, processed food, alcohol, and inactivity. These don’t just make you tired; they literally wear down your cells. The good news? The opposite is true too. You can rebuild cellular strength through simple, repeatable habits that compound over time. 🏃‍♀️ Building New Mitochondria Your body can make new mitochondria — a process called mitochondrial biogenesis. Exercise (especially Zone 2 cardio), consistent sleep, balanced nutrition, and hormetic stressors (like cold exposure or fasting) signal your body to “hire new workers.” More mitochondria = more energy, better fat burning, and slower aging. Real-Life Cellular Health Checklist Prioritize daily movement — especially steady-state cardio. Eat nutrient-dense foods and avoid constant grazing. Get consistent, high-quality sleep. Expose your body to small challenges: sauna, cold plunges, fasting. Reduce alcohol, smoking, and ultra-processed food. Think energy first, not calories first. The Big Picture You can’t see your mitochondria, but you can feel them. When they’re healthy, you have energy, focus, resilience, and a body that responds. When they’re not, you feel old — even if you’re not. The real secret to longevity and vitality isn’t a magic supplement or a fancy detox. It’s cellular health. It’s the simple lifestyle habits — the ones we brush off as “too small to matter” — that quietly build your cellular foundation over time. 🎧 Tune in and learn how to become the CEO of your own cellular factory.Because when your cells thrive, you thrive. 🔗 Learn more at www.midlifemonth.com🔗 Explore coaching and programs at www.jlcstrong.com

Why the FDA Reclassified 17 Peptides — and What It Really Means” 💬 Episode Description The headlines said the FDA “banned 17 peptides.” But the truth? It’s not a sudden ban — it’s the inevitable fallout of peptides becoming too popular for their own good. In this episode, Joanne Lee Cornish breaks down what really happened in July, why it started with the GLP-1 explosion, and how the FDA’s new classification is reshaping the peptide world. From BPC-157 to MOTs-C and Epitalon, we’ll explore what each of the 17 peptides was known for, why compounding pharmacies can’t touch them anymore, and why large-scale human trials are still a distant dream. Joanne also dives into the biggest roadblocks — why most peptides can’t be patented, and why that makes them a direct threat to multi-billion-dollar pharmaceuticals. The result? They’re too natural to own, too effective to ignore, and too competitive for Big Pharma to tolerate. If you’re curious about where the peptide world stands now — what’s still available, what to be cautious about, and how this all ties back to the booming GLP-1 market — this 20-minute episode will bring it all together. 🧠 In This Episode What really happened in July: the FDA’s reclassification of 17 peptides Why GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide triggered the crackdown A simple breakdown of what each peptide is used for — from gut repair to muscle growth How the FDA’s approval process really works (and why it costs millions) The two biggest barriers to legitimizing peptides:1️⃣ You can’t patent what nature already makes2️⃣ They compete directly with blockbuster drugs Why Big Pharma has zero incentive to fund peptide trials The gray zone: peptides still available through research labs — and how to approach them cautiously ⚡ Key Takeaway Peptides didn’t suddenly become unsafe — they became too popular.And when something natural threatens a billion-dollar industry, regulation always follows. 🔗 Mentioned in This Episode Learn more about the peptides discussed in this episode and the science behind them: 5-Amino-1MQ – a breakthrough compound supporting muscle preservation and metabolic health: www.5amino.com SLU-PP-332 – designed to enhance cellular energy and performance: www.slu332.com 🎧 Listen & Subscribe 🎙️ Midlife Mayhem is available on all major platforms.Subscribe, share, and leave a review if you enjoyed this deep dive into the science, politics, and reality of modern health optimization.

What Your Waist Is Really Telling You (Midlife Mayhem) Episode summaryYour waist isn’t just “aesthetic”—it’s a metabolic dashboard. In this episode, Joanne breaks down why central fat (especially visceral fat) screams insulin resistance, tanks testosterone in men, drives unfavorable estrogen dynamics in women, and turns up the dial on inflammation, fatty liver, and long-term disease risk. You’ll learn simple ways to measure risk at home, where the classic inch cut-offs came from, why waist-to-height ratio may be even better, and how to shrink visceral fat without living in the gym. Quick hits The “portal theory”: belly fat drains inflammatory fats straight to your liver → insulin resistance and fatty liver. PMC+1 Risk thresholds: >35" (88 cm) for women, >40" (102 cm) for men = higher cardiometabolic risk. NHLBI, NIH+1 Waist-to-Height Ratio: aim for <0.5 (waist less than half your height). Works for adults and kids. PMC+1 Men: more visceral fat ↔ lower testosterone; losing central fat helps restore it. PMC+2PMC+2 Women (post-meno): larger waistlines link to higher breast-cancer risk. PMC+1 What we cover Why waist beats BMI for individuals (and where BMI still helps). Health How visceral fat hijacks metabolism (liver first, then the rest). ScienceDirect Hormones: low T in men; estrogen metabolism and risk signals in women. PMC+2PMC+2 Why kids’ waists matter now (same <0.5 rule applies). PMC Stress, sleep, and the “cortisol waistline” loop (why stress management isn’t optional). Fixes that actually work (beyond “eat less, move more”). How to measure at home (30 seconds) Stand, relax, tape measure just above hip bones (at the navel level works for consistency). Exhale normally; measure without sucking in. Note waist in inches/centimeters and your height. Calculate WHtR = waist ÷ height. Target <0.5. NHLBI, NIH+1 Science spotlight (plain-English) Portal theory: Visceral fat drains to the liver via the portal vein, delivering free fatty acids and inflammatory signals → liver insulin resistance → higher glucose and triglycerides. PMC+1 Hormones & midlife: Central adiposity lowers male testosterone (partly via SHBG changes and inflammation); reductions in waist often improve T. PMC+1 Women & cancer risk: In post-menopause, higher waist/central fat correlates with higher breast-cancer risk—another reason to track the tape, not just the scale. PMC+1 Why WHtR wins: It adjusts for height and flags risk across ages and ethnicities; <0.5 is a practical universal cut-off (including children). PMC Action plan (doable this week) Protein first: 1 g per lb of goal body weight (your signature guidance) to protect muscle and make fat loss easier. Two strength sessions + two brisk cardio blocks: Short, consistent training beats heroic weekends. Fiber up: Aim 30–40 g/day from real food; helps glycemic control and appetite. Carb timing: Push starchy carbs around training or active windows. Sleep & stress: 7–8 hrs, and one daily stress-down tool (walks, breathwork, yoga). Track two numbers for 8 weeks: waist (in) and WHtR. If they’re falling, visceral fat is falling. Resources mentioned Risk cut-offs (US guidance): Women >35", Men >40". NHLBI, NIH+1 WHtR guide (<0.5): Adults & children. PMC Mechanism explainer (portal theory): Why belly fat hits the liver first. PMC+1 Links & how to connect Programs & details: midlifemonth.com (Mastering Midlife) Coaching, programs, and supplements: theshrinkshop.com Podcast hub: joanneleecornish.podbean.com Deep dives on 5-Amino-1MQ and SLU-PP-332: 5amino.com, slu332.com Email Joanne: jo@theshrinkshop.com