Asking for a Friend

Are you ready to make the most of your midlife years but feel like your health isn't quite where it should be? Maybe menopause has been tough on you, and you're not sure how to get back on track with your fitness, nutrition, and overall well-being.

Asking for a Friend is the podcast where midlife women get the answers they need to take control of their health and happiness. We bring in experts to answer your burning questions on fitness, wellness, and mental well-being, and share stories of women just like you who are stepping up to make this chapter of life their best yet.

Hosted by Michele Folan, a health industry veteran with 26 years of experience, coach, mom, wife, and lifelong learner, Asking for a Friend is all about empowering you to feel your best—physically and mentally. It's time to think about the next 20+ years of your life: what do you want them to look like, and what steps can you take today to make that vision a reality?

Tune in for honest conversations, expert advice, and plenty of humor as we navigate midlife together. Because this chapter? It's ours to own, and we’re not going quietly into it!

Michele Folan is a certified nutrition coach with the FASTer Way program. If you would like to work with her to help you reach your health and fitness goals, sign up here:
https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/?aid=MicheleFolan
If you have questions about her coaching program, you can email her at mfolanfasterway@gmail.com

This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.

Ep.154 Vaginal Dryness, UTIs, and Hormones: What Every Woman Over 40 Needs to Know
Apr 29, 2025 – 52:34
Ep.153 Transform Your Walk, Transform Your Health: The Science Behind Better Movement
Apr 22, 2025 – 55:01
Ep.152 Sober Curious After 50? Why Midlife Women Are Ditching the Drink
Apr 15, 2025 – 53:05
Ep.151 Why Diets Fail Women Over 50—And What Actually Works with Karen Karlsen
Apr 7, 2025 – 52:22
Ep.150 Empty Nest, Full Life: Rediscovering Yourself After the Kids Leave
Mar 31, 2025 – 39:03
Ep.149 Snooze or Lose: Sleep - The Foundation You Can't Ignore
Mar 24, 2025 – 01:12:56
Ep.148 The Overlooked Key to Midlife Health: Why Your Liver Deserves More Love
Mar 17, 2025 – 45:12
Ep.147 No Rock Bottom Required: One Woman's Journey Through Midlife Sobriety
Mar 10, 2025 – 48:09
Ep.146 Nourish Your Journey: A Fresh Start After 50 with Michele Folan
Mar 3, 2025 – 21:48
Ep.145 Kristine Gardner and Her Wellness Wisdom: Morning Habits, Mindful Choices, and Empowerment
Feb 24, 2025 – 54:13
Ep.144 Midlife Careers and Knowing Your Value - Love Your Work and Have It Serve Your Life
Feb 17, 2025 – 51:51
Ep.143 Mindful Exploration: Psychedelics, Meditation & Retreats for Holistic Healing with Neil Markey
Feb 10, 2025 – 48:12
Ep.142 Unlocking Midlife Vitality: How Fascia Holds the Key to Chronic Pain Relief and Wellness with Anna Rahe
Feb 3, 2025 – 55:08
Ep.141 Decoding Methylation and Histamine Intolerance: Naturopathic & Self-Care Insights with Joanne Kennedy
Jan 27, 2025 – 48:48
Ep.140 The Surprising Truth About Forgiveness That Changed My Life | Dara McKinley
Jan 20, 2025 – 37:12
Ep.139 Kristen Coffield on Wellness Strategies for Midlife, Mindful Habits, and Active Aging
Jan 13, 2025 – 51:08
Ep.138 Unlocking DNA Secrets: Elwin Robinson on Genetic Testing, Personalized Health, and Wellness Strategies
Jan 6, 2025 – 01:08:38
Ep.137 Michele Folan on Unlocking Midlife Metabolism, GLP-1 Insights, and Sustainable Fat Loss
Jan 1, 2025 – 29:43
Ep.136 The Art of Homeopathy, Holistic Health, and Patient-Centered Care with Pam Klein
Dec 23, 2024 – 40:42
Ep.135 April Ibarra on Navigating Elder Care, Family Dynamics, and Empowering Caregivers
Dec 16, 2024 – 38:42
Ep.134 Alison Bruhn on Midlife Fashion Reinvention, Personal Styling, and the Trends
Dec 9, 2024 – 49:52
Ep.133 Midlife Self-Care: Melissa Crook on Empowerment, Community, and Weight Loss After 50
Dec 2, 2024 – 54:48
Ep.132 Reviving Midlife Relationships: Dr. Jennifer Gunsaullus on Intimacy, Communication, and Embracing Vulnerability
Nov 25, 2024 – 41:48
Ep.131 Dr. Ellen Gendler on Midlife Skincare Myths, Sunscreen Truths, and Aging Gracefully
Nov 18, 2024 – 44:22
Ep.130 Equine-Assisted Coaching: Overcoming Limiting Fears and Embracing Midlife with Sue Willoughby
Nov 11, 2024 – 43:57
Ep.129 Dr. Mitchell Clionsky on Dementia Prevention, Cognitive Vitality, and Brain Health Strategies
Nov 4, 2024 – 54:06
Ep.128 Rekindling a Sense of Wonder: Beth Binger on Solo Travel, Uncovering Joy, and Self-Discovery
Oct 28, 2024 – 44:51
Ep.127 Becoming Unf*ckwithable: Lisa Danforth on Boundaries, Self-care, and Redefining Authenticity
Oct 21, 2024 – 51:07
Ep.126 Tanja Shaw on Intuitive Eating, Mindset Shifts, and Overcoming Weight Loss Resistance
Oct 14, 2024 – 43:35
Ep.125 Understanding Lipedema: Kristin Richards on the Emotional Toll, Solutions, and Advocacy
Oct 7, 2024 – 39:00
Ep.124 Integrative Medicine Insights: Comprehensive Health Strategies and Beating Osteoporosis with Dr. John Neustadt
Sep 30, 2024 – 57:00
Ep.123 Women's Cardiovascular Health: Dr. Odayme Quesada on Heart and Stroke Risk, Weight Loss, and Sustainable Health Practices
Sep 23, 2024 – 36:33
Ep.122 Breast Implant Illness, The No-Cut Face Lift and Holistic Wellness with Dr. Robert Whitfield
Sep 16, 2024 – 42:59
Ep.121 Midlife Bloomer Living: Yvonne Marchese on Playfulness, Authenticity, and Personal Growth
Sep 9, 2024 – 43:48
Ep.120 Empathy, Boundaries, and Mental Health in Parenting Adult Children with Dr. Gail Saltz
Sep 2, 2024 – 49:55
Ep.119 Finding Peace Through Organization: Creating a Functional Home and Mental Well-being with Lisa Woodruff
Aug 26, 2024 – 40:09
Ep.118 Rebekah Rotstein and Your Bone Health: Overcoming the Fear of Osteoporosis With a Holistic Approach
Aug 19, 2024 – 51:53
Ep.117 What Your Poo Is Telling You: Gut and Digestion Strategies with Anna Mapson
Aug 12, 2024 – 44:11
Ep.116 Improving Mental Health and Personal Control: Emotional Brain Training with Dr. Laurel Mellin
Aug 5, 2024 – 40:17
Ep.115 Busting Menopause Myths: Laura Lamb on Weight Loss, Inflammation, and Nutrition
Jul 29, 2024 – 40:17
Ep.114 Building Resilience and Community in Dementia Caregiving with Diane Chew
Jul 22, 2024 – 42:19
Ep.113 Hormone Therapy and Weight Loss: Transformative Health Strategies for Midlife with Dr. Nicole Lovat
Jul 15, 2024 – 35:49
Ep.112 Harnessing Mindset and Gratitude for Health and Body Transformation with Trish - This Phoenix Rising
Jul 8, 2024 – 38:32
Ep.111 Achieving Sobriety and Midlife Authenticity: A Quest for Holistic Healing with Heather Lowe
Jul 1, 2024 – 45:23
Ep.110 Sustainable Health, Fitness & Nutritional Strategies with Sarah Bradley
Jun 24, 2024 – 48:29
Ep.109 Transforming Pain into Purpose: Embracing Gratitude and Growth After Loss with Maura Mitchell
Jun 17, 2024 – 32:18
Ep.108 Finding True Love Over 50: Transformative Wellness and Dating Strategies with Maria Spears
Jun 10, 2024 – 29:10
Ep.107 Reclaiming Intimacy and Knowing Yourself During Menopause with Gabriella Espinosa
Jun 3, 2024 – 41:53
Ep.106 From Cult to Comedy: Shannon Payton Discovers Strength and Recovery Through Humor
May 27, 2024 – 51:38
Ep.105 From Confusion to Clarity: A Midlife Tale of Health and Empowerment
May 20, 2024 – 34:22

Recent Reviews

Boddiingsytikgd

Inspiring and Uplifting

This podcast is my absolute favorite! Living my best midlife and love hearing from other powerhouse women having the same experience
Sarah B. Wellness

A Must-Listen for Midlife Women

Asking for a Friend" is a gem of a podcast for midlife women. With Michelle’s sharp intellect and exceptional interviewing skills, she delivers compelling and informative episodes. Each conversation feels like a heart-to-heart chat with a trusted friend, covering a wide range of topics relevant to midlife. Michelle and her guests offer diverse perspectives and invaluable wisdom.
TheLykkeViking

Fabulous podcast!

Michele is truly a gifted podcaster! Her kindness, candor, curiosity and desire to share meaningful information and stories with her listeners is evident in all she does. She has a way of shining a light on the essence of our shared experiences and making you feel seen and heard. We all want the friend who isn’t afraid to ask the sometimes tough questions and get to the substance. I had the privilege of being a guest and was so flattered and honored to share my story. Thank you, Michele!!
Kristin Marie Jackson

She found her Way

Michele has a gift. She is full of light and it comes across in her voice I was interviewed on this podcast and she is down to watch and she really puts you at ease . I love the fast she is trying to give midlife women hope and strategies to help thrive through this better side of life. It’s all right online with my passion of helping women become the healthiest, happiest version of themselves!
houselifestyles

Direction No Perfection Approved 🫶

I absolutely love this podcast! Michele continues to bring on interesting and time relevant guests who speak directly to my needs! Michele understands her listening community and never fails to bring the next great episode 🙌🏻
Dschnicke

A Perfect Fit for Women 50+

Michele Folan does an outstanding job selecting a wide variety of guests who can speak on so many topics of interest to mature women. She ask’s outstanding questions and truly removes the taboo around these topics. I’ve learned a great deal about solutions, services and options that I previously did not know existed! I will continue to listen to Asking For A Friend.
Kidbethel

Informative and Enlightening

Great show and laid out in a very digestible manner!
Kikimousegetsfit

Bookmark this podcast if you are 45 or older!

I love this podcast! Michele Folan has done a brilliant job at interviewing guests who help inspire women over 45 that the best is yet to come! I look forward to the show every week,Bravo! ❤️❤️
Melissa - The F.E.E.L Podcast

We’re in this together!

Love hearing from other women who are having similar experiences, and are also finding how much we have to offer the wield in midlife.
SallyTodd54

It’s never too late

I just listened to Michele interview Susan Guidi. What a story she has and what an inspiring woman she is! There are so many other interesting topics on Michele’s podcast that I’ll be following! Happy to have found her.
unabashedyou

Thanks Michele!

Wow! Michele’s show is full of inspiration and information for women “of a certain age.” So helpful! She knows just what we need to hear to learn to be our best selves. I look forward to many more episodes that will help me navigate the process of aging gracefully, and with gusto. Thanks, Michele.
MorganBAdams

Great content!

Michelle has chosen such pertinent topics to cover on her podcast for women in midlife. She’s an engaging host who’s chosen guests to inspire her audience!
tanearoh

It’s never too late

What a fabulous and inspiring show. I’ve been following Susan for the past year as part of my motivation for my own transformation journey like others who follow @trainwithjoan. It’s never too late.
Annie of Orinda

Down to earth, eclectic, and inspirational topics that really deliver big value!

Michele has a gift for curating smart, insightful and entertaining content all in a way that really does feel like you are having an intimate chat with a good friend. She’s my go-to gal for down to earth, eclectic, and inspirational topics that really deliver big value and feel both timely and inspirational…Thank you, Michele, your podcast has expanded my perspectives by introducing me to topics and thinking I need to know about! AMD, A newly inspired listener!
flowseidon14

Asking for a Friend - Michelle Folan - the Midlife Fitness Formula

Michelle’s podcasts are informative, clear and concise. Good work Michelle.
Beth Wenstrup

Fantastic Podcast!

I’m learning so much and look forward to this podcast every week. Great job Michele!!!
Sandy Abrams

Michele Does the Asking & We All Benefit!

Michele has always been a supportive and inspiring friend—now it’s official! She’s sharing insights and info to help women connect and feel our best—over 50! There was a void in the marketplace for us. Thanks, Michele for asking such great questions that will empower and inspire us all!
Jeanie0929

Authentic and inviting

Thanks for sharing your heart Michele! I feel like we’re having a conversation in a coffee shop - your so warm and inviting! Looking forward to hearing from your guests!
SBGrave

Sharing experiences helps us all

There are so many interesting topics to discuss amongst women our age. I think this is going to be a fantastic way to keep a conversation going! Thanks for being brave and starting “Asking for a friend”
Camilladh

Down to earth

Loved the intro show! Very down to earth and relatable. Looking forward to Michele and her guests discussing important topics for the aging woman.
1234consumerA

Well done!

You voice is hypnotizing and I can’t wait to hear more insights! Very proud of your new venture!
L.A. Graves

Great Listen!

I can’t wait to hear more of her podcasts! Great speaker and from the sounds of it she will have some great podcasts coming!!
PenangCKR

Can’t wait for more 😄

As I had known…you ROCK! Loved it and can’t wait for more. We are more alike than not, as you said. Let’s have the best life in our next chapter.
amy treend

Must Listen!

I am most definitely a lot like you all the way! Thank you for your wise words. I look forward to the next one!
yomom231

What a great friend to have!!!

I loved the first episode and can’t wait for upcoming shows, topics, interviews and expert guidance. Michele has an impressive background both personally and professionally and has so much to offer- so glad she will be asking the questions and delivering the answers, solutions, options and genuine support.