Becoming Elli

What if living a longer, healthier life has less to do with winning the genetic lottery and more to do with the choices we make? In episode 197 of the Fit Strong Women Over 50 podcast, Chris and Maria take a closer look at cardiologist and scientist Dr. Eric Topol's recent appearance on NPR's TED Radio Hour, How to be a "Super Ager" (it's not your genes.) Dr. Topol discusses the science—and the myths—surrounding longevity and anti-aging. His central message is an important one: rather than focusing simply on lifespan , we should be paying more attention to healthspan —the years we live in good health and free from major age-related diseases. Read more at our SUBSTACK page

We have some exciting news to share! If you listened to our Spring Break episode, you know that we asked if anyone would like to join us as a cohost on this podcast. After 8 years, we had been feeling a bit fatigued with producing our podcast so we were delighted when Maria Molvin contacted us and said she was interested in joining the Becoming Elli team. It's actually rather nice to be a team instead of just two of us. You may remember that we interviewed Maria in April 2024, just over two years ago. You can check out episode 152 if you want to hear that discussion. Maria and Jill worked together earlier in our careers, so we've known each other a long time.

In our Spring Break episode, we discuss the switch from soups to salads, getting outside for exercise and new beginnings. Spring is in the air, and we're feeling energized to shake things up—both in and out of the kitchen. Chris shares the excitement (and learning curve!) of getting a new bike and figuring out all its features, while Jill has been enjoying time on her e-bike and the freedom it brings to get outside more. Staying active doesn't have to look the same every season, and we're both leaning into what feels fun right now. Speaking of fun, Chris talks about why she's been line dancing every chance she gets—it's a great way to move, laugh, and connect. Jill is feeling inspired too and is on the hunt for pickleball lessons as she looks to pick up a new sport this spring. We also dive into some simple food swaps to refresh your routine. Chris shares how she's transitioning from winter comfort foods to lighter options, trading in hearty soups for fresh, satisfying salads. Jill is ready to break out of her food rut and is looking for easy ways to add variety and excitement back into her meals. Chris highlights a new protein bar she's been enjoying, and Jill shares a quick update on electrolytes—what they are, and why they might be helpful as activity levels increase with the warmer weather. Finally, we talk about some upcoming changes to the podcast. As we look ahead, we're beginning the search for a co-host who could eventually step in and continue the Fit Strong Women Over 50 mission when we decide to retire. If you've been thinking about trying something new—whether it's a different workout, a new sport, or a simple food swap—this is your sign to go for it.

As 2025 comes to a close, Chris and Jill slow things down for a thoughtful end-of-year conversation. Instead of a highlight reel or checklist of accomplishments, this episode focuses on reflection, intention, and what it really means to age strong — physically, mentally, and emotionally. They also share an important announcement: For links and more information visit our website at BecomingElli.com

In this episode, Jill and Chris welcome back Dr. Glenn Livingston, psychologist, researcher, author, and creator of Defeat Your Cravings . You may remember him from Episode 155—or from his work helping thousands of people stop binge-eating, quiet food cravings, and rebuild a peaceful relationship with food. Glenn draws on decades of research, including studies with more than 40,000 participants, and his own personal journey out of food addiction. His insights combine practical behavioral strategies with deep compassion for anyone struggling with overeating. For links and more information visit our website at BecomingElli.com .

This week, Jill and Chris talk with Suzy Rosenstein , master certified life coach, midlife mentor, and host of the Women in the Middle podcast. Suzy has helped thousands of women who feel stuck in midlife rediscover clarity, joy, and purpose. Her signature blend of humor, curiosity, and encouragement inspires women to see aging not as something to fear—but as an incredible opportunity. Together, we explore the mindset traps that keep women stuck, how to embrace aging with intention, and why midlife can be one of the most meaningful and fulfilling chapters of life. We discuss: Why Midlife Women Get Stuck Using Envy as a Tool for Growth Fitness, Motivation & Taking Small Steps Food, Hormones & Midlife Changes Her "FUN" process for navigating midlife with clarity and purpose Celebrating Life After 50 For more information and links, visit our website at BecomingElli.com .

In this inspiring episode, Jill and Chris chat with Melissa Wilson , a vibrant grandmother who's redefining what it means to be fit and strong after 60. Jill met Melissa at the gym and has watched her incredible transformation firsthand — from hesitant beginner to confident, strong, and motivated athlete. Melissa shares her personal fitness journey, the turning point that motivated her to start, and how her mindset and lifestyle have evolved along the way. She opens up about challenges, surprises, and the role that community, consistency, and courage have played in her success. Whether she's tackling a tough challenge like the Murph , perfecting her lifts, or planning her next goal, Melissa shows that it's never too late to become your strongest self — inside and out. For more information and links, visit our website at BecomingElli.com .

189 - Mediterranean Diet with Chris and Jill In this episode of Fit Strong Women Over 50 , we're diving back into one of our favorite topics — food! Many of us reach a point where we want to eat healthier, feel better, and still enjoy the foods we love. This past summer my doctor has recommended that I follow the Mediterranean diet, which inspired this episode all about three of the most researched and effective eating styles for women over 50: the Mediterranean , DASH , and MIND diets. We talk about what makes each plan unique, how they overlap, and why they're all considered top choices for long-term health and wellness. For links and more information visit our website, BecomingElli.com .

Imagine racing your bike up steep Icelandic mountains, through snow, across rivers—and doing it with your daughter and grandson. That's exactly what today's guest, Þórdís Rósa Sigurðardóttir, does. Disa is a competitive cyclist from Iceland who races on road and gravel courses in one of the most challenging climates on earth. She's passionate about cycling, fitness, and community—and she's sharing that love across three generations of her family. In this episode, Disa talks about: The challenges and beauty of cycling through Iceland's rugged landscape How she trains for races in every season (yes, even in the snow!) Tips for climbing steep hills and building strength on the bike How she balances training with family and life The importance of recovery, cross-training, and staying injury-free after 50 Her approach to nutrition and fueling for long rides The joy of racing alongside her daughter and grandson Disa's story is full of grit, adventure, and inspiration—proof that passion and perseverance can take you anywhere, at any age. For more information, visit our website at BecomingElli.com

Bone health is a topic that affects so many women, especially as we move through midlife and beyond. In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Lisa Moore, Doctor of Physical Therapy and founder of Brick House Bones®. Lisa's mission is to help people with low bone density or osteoporosis rebuild confidence, strength, and resilience—so they can keep doing the things they love with the people they love. Dr. Moore is trained through BoneFit™ and the Institute of Clinical Excellence in bone health exercise. She blends the latest research with yoga, strength training, and mindful movement to help women strengthen their bones safely. She also offers a program called Journey to Fracture-Proof, which provides practical, research-based tools to improve bone health. For more information and links, visit our website at BecomingElli.com .

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Angela Mazza, a triple board-certified endocrinologist who specializes in thyroid disorders, diabetes, and hormone imbalances. Dr. Mazza is the founder of the Metabolic Center for Wellness in Central Florida, where she takes an integrative and personalized approach to patient care. She is also the co-host of the Thyroid Talk with Dr. Angela Mazza podcast and the author of Thyroid Talk: An Integrative Guide to Thyroid Health. Together, we explore how the thyroid gland affects women's health, especially during midlife transitions such as perimenopause and menopause. Dr. Mazza helps us understand the signs and symptoms of thyroid issues, the role of hormones, and the kinds of tests available to identify potential problems. She also explains the difference between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, how thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) works, and whether thyroid issues can be prevented. For more information and links, visit our website: BecomingElli.com

In this episode of Fit Strong Women Over 50, we talk with Charlyn Huss , a Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher, movement educator, and gut-health specialist with over 25 years of experience. Charlyn's innovative approach blends movement science, psychology, and nutrition to help people optimize posture, boost confidence, and achieve lasting wellness. Charlyn is the co-creator of CoreSpring® , a patented Pilates-inspired portable apparatus and training method, and the founder of Playhouse Pilates , a studio that integrates movement, mindset, and gut health to help clients feel their strongest. For more information and links, visit our website at www.BecomingElli.com

184 Last year Lauren Paulson ran a race every month for her 50th birthday. Those included her first 100 miler, her first 100 K, the SOS triathlon, and the rim2rim2rim of the Grand Canyon. She is also a professor of psychology and the chair of the department and oversees a $15 million grant. So Lauren understands what it's like to be an aging female endurance athlete who is trying to balance work and life. More info at our website: www.BecomingElli.com .

In this enlightening episode of Fit Strong Women Over 50, Jill and Chris sit down with Dr. Marcia Harris, a trailblazer in women's health and hormone optimization. With over four decades of clinical experience, Dr. Harris shares her wisdom, compassion, and science-backed insights to help women better understand the powerful (and often misunderstood) transition of midlife. Dr. Harris breaks down what's really happening during perimenopause and menopause, debunks the most persistent myths, and explores the emotional and physical shifts women experience. The conversation dives into hormone therapy, including what "bioidentical hormones" really mean and how symptoms and lab results both play a role in determining the best course of care. She also sheds light on midlife fatigue, adrenal health, and the critical role lifestyle plays in balancing hormones, improving energy, and managing stress. With practical tips and empowering stories from her patients, Dr. Harris helps women see this stage of life not as a decline—but as a powerful new beginning. For more information and links, visit our website at www.BecomingElli.com

In this inspiring episode of the Fit Strong Women Over 50 podcast, hosts Chris and Jill sit down with Beverley Glazer, seasoned psychotherapist, empowerment coach, and host of the Aging with Purpose and Passion podcast. With over 30 years of experience helping women overcome adversity and step confidently into new life chapters, Beverley brings a wealth of wisdom and practical strategies for navigating midlife with resilience and authenticity. Beverley shares why she's passionate about working with women over 50, what it really means to "redefine midlife," and how we can all reclaim our purpose—even after life's biggest transitions. From managing the emotional challenges of the empty nest or the end of a career, to battling ageism and discovering meaningful goals, Beverley offers compassionate advice and powerful encouragement. For more information and links, visit our website at BecomingElli.com

In episode 181, we talk with the former editor of Women's Health, Liz Possler, about the importance of protein and amino acids for women in midlife for aging well, maintaining muscle, losing weight, and for overall longevity. We discuss: Body composition and the importance of protein for muscle Muscle mass and women over 50 What's the right amount of protein to eat and ways to increase your protein What are amino acids and why they are so important to women over 50 Using supplements and protein powder to be sure you get enough For more information, discount code and links visit our website at BecomingElli.com

In this vibrant and laughter-filled episode, we're joined by Yvonne Marchese—a true "Age Agitator" and host of the Late Bloomer Living Podcast. Yvonne is also the author of In Full Bloom: A Guide to Aging Playfully, a professional photographer, speaker, and co-founder of the Age Agitators Club. She's on a mission to flip the script on aging and show us that midlife can be a launchpad, not a slowdown. We dive deep into Yvonne's inspiring personal journey of reinvention—from fearing invisibility to embracing roller skates, paddle boards, and bold dreams. She shares h her perspective on aging that led her to create a thriving community for women who want to age with intention, curiosity, and joy. For more information and links, visit our website at BecomingElli.com

In episode 179, Jill and Chris speak with Lisa Goldberg, a nutritionist, mindset and weight loss expert. She with a master's degree in Clinical Nutrition from New York University. Lisa has been coaching busy, high achieving professionals to lasting weight loss for over 20 years. Her work focuses on teaching her clients how to break their self-sabotaging eating patterns and change their unhealthy relationship with food by making cognitive habit and behavioral changes. Through this mindshift work they lose their unwanted weight and learn how to keep it off for good. She coaches her clients remotely in the U.S and around the world. She is the author of the book Food Fight!! Winning the Battle with Food and Eating to Achieve Sustainable Weight Loss , available on Amazon. For more information visit our website at www.becomingelli.com

Jill and Chris interview Dr. Paul Kolodzik, who uses the technology of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in his metabolic health practice. With the use of CGMs, he helps his patients achieve weight loss and improved health. He has also integrated the prudent use of the new weight loss medications into his practice. His new book: The Continuous Glucose Monitoring Revolution , presents a comprehensive program for metabolic health success using CGMs and limited use of weight loss medications. Dr. Kolodzik graduated from the University of Notre Dame and completed medical school and residency at Wright State University where he served as chief resident. He is a founding member of the Society of Metabolic Health Practitioners. He is board-certified by both the American Board of Preventive Medicine and the American Board of Emergency Physicians. In a thirty-year emergency room career, he has cared for many patients in crises and has witnessed firsthand the failures of mainstream diets and the medical system overall, which prioritizes medications and surgery over diet and lifestyle changes to prevent and reverse disease. For more information and links mentioned in this episode, please visit our website at BecomingElli.com