This week on Transforming 45, I had to take a big breath—and face a few fears. GLP-1s are everywhere in the conversation right now, but honestly? I was hesitant to even go there. It’s complex, emotional, and often polarizing. But I’m so glad I did. In this episode, I sit down with fitness expert and women’s wellness coach Kayla Johnson Neal, whose powerful voice and lived experience bring clarity and compassion to a charged topic. We dive into Kayla’s evolution through the fitness world, the impact of COVID on her identity and work, and how perimenopause shifted everything—including how she trains, coaches, and sees herself. Together, we explore how women can approach midlife wellness from a place of curiosity instead of fear, and how strength training, self-compassion, and informed conversations can reshape our bodies and our beliefs. This episode touches on: Why cardio isn't the only path—and what strength really looks like in midlife The importance of willingness over perfection in fitness Hormonal shifts and the role of GLP-1s in modern weight management conversations How the stigma around weight loss can get in the way of self-acceptance Finding joy in movement and grace in transition Key Takeaways: Building muscle is building long-term health There is no one right way to do wellness—just the way that works for you Talking about GLP-1s requires nuance, care, and openness Self-trust is foundational to change Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Transforming 45 and Kayla Johnson Neal 02:39 The Impact of COVID on Personal and Professional Lives 07:08 Navigating Midlife: Perimenopause and Wellness Coaching 12:28 The Journey of Self-Discovery in Midlife 14:39 Supporting Women Through Body Changes 19:45 The Importance of Weight Training Over Cardio 25:39 Debunking Myths About Weight Training and Body Image 29:45 The Importance of Willingness in Fitness Coaching 32:42 Motivation Through Longevity and Quality of Life 33:11 Navigating Perimenopause and Weight Management 35:17 Personal Experiences with Hormonal Changes 39:32 Exploring GLP-1 Peptides and Their Impact 46:27 The Emotional Journey of Body Image and Self-Acceptance 51:51 The Stigma Around Weight Loss and Self-Care 🎧 Listen now on YouTube and all major podcast platforms. 🧡 Come for the honesty. Stay for the liberation. Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook Group⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Got questions or feedback? Drop us a message at lisa@liberatedmenopause.ca Download my Free Guide - How To Reignite Your Purpose Without Feeling Overwhelmed or Guilty! Connect with Kayla: Website  Instagram Book Your Complimentary Consultation Let’s Stay Connected: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices