Becoming Elli - Strong Fit Women Over 50, With Jill Mccauslin & Chris Brown

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 y

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 declin

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

Mary Newell is a 74 year old runner who started running at 55 and never stopped. She is a mostly retired clinical psychologist. Her two passions are running and travel. She combines them as much as possible. We were introduced to Mary by Wendy Battles, the host of the Reinvention Rebels podcast. Mary’s story is inspiring and we really wanted to talk with her on the Fit Strong Women Over 50 podcast. More info at our website: Becoming Elli

In episode 176, Chris and Jill speak with Laurie Lewis, an Intermittent Fasting and Wellness Coach.  With intermittent fasting as the foundation, Laurie teaches how to break free from the punishment-diet paradigm we live in. She shows how to tune into our body’s inner compass, have a daily eating window, and experience improvements in every aspect of our lives. Laurie has Health Coach Certification from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. Her company is called Fast Forward Intermittent Fasting and she offers customized coaching services.  We discuss: Why dieting doesn't work What the health benefits of intermittent fasting are How many hours of fasting vs eating window to start and how to make changes Clean eating and how that is important Why flavored teas or flavored waters do not count toward fasting hours How to use intermittent fasting as a way to maintain a weight loss The importance of protein during peri and menopause Why strength training is important Links: Visit our website at Becoming Ell

In episode 175, Jill and Chris speak with Sally Duplantier, a gerontologist, health educator and researcher. She founded her current company, Zing, with a mission to help older adults live their best lives longer through better lifestyle choices and health equity. She is passionate about increasing Healthspan—the number of years we are free of chronic disease and disability. Sally returned to school in her 60s. She received an MS in gerontology from the University of Southern California and a graduate certificate in Qualitative Research from Indiana University. She was recently accepted into a doctoral program at the Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health.  Sally is a regular guest speaker for organizations like Stanford University and the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. Her research has been published in peer-reviewed journals such as Nutrients and The International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. We discussed:     For more information, visit our website: BecomingElli.com

When we saw what Jill Johnson posted on social media at the beginning of this year, we knew we wanted to talk with her!  Three years ago, she was not walking -- fast forward to the end of 2024 when she was able to pull a sled with 4 plates  equaling 245 pounds for nearly 50 feet across the gym floor! The video she posted is inspirational too! She attributes her success to surrounding herself with the right people: a strongman competitor who saw her potential and a coach who knew how to unlock it. She obviously knows about overcoming challenges, getting strong and being motivated. For more information, visit our website at www.becomingelli.com

In episode #173, Jill and Chris talk with Kerstin Schulze, a powerhouse in both entertainment and wellness.  Originally from Germany, Kerstin’s journey began with a silver medal at the Junior Olympics in Berlin. From there, she pursued her love for performance with formal theater training and a business degree before making her way to Los Angeles. Kerstin’s acting career is extensive. She’s worked with many well-known actors and directors. Her IMDb page is impressive. She founded Party and Diet 24 years ago –  an innovative fitness company that specializes in providing tailored nutritional and exercise programs now designed specifically for individuals aged 40-75. For more information visit our website: BecomingElli.com

In episode #172 Jill and Chris explore quick go-to dinners that are easy to make and healthy for those nights that you are rushed and tempted to make less healthy choices. We feature go to dinners from: Amanda Nighbert - episode #96 Living Energized and  Nourished with Amanda Nighbert  Carol Simpson - episode #109 Rock Climbing and Yoga  Jone Carpenter - episode #104 Find Your Tribe  Joyce Guenther - episode #107 Bicycling all 50 States Katie Orlando - episode #114 Sharing Love of Tennis with Katie Orlando  Kristin Kirkpatrick - episode #82 Nutrition for Women over 50 with Kristin Kirkpatrick Lisa Bartlett - episode #86 Fit after Fifty Forever with Lisa Bartlett Pat Bissell - episode #168 Find Your Passion and Stay Healthy with Pat Bissell For links go to our website at www.BecomingElli.com

We met Karen when she joined our Becoming Elli private facebook group. She has such a compelling story, we asked her to be a guest on our podcast. Karen Clark-Snitchler is a Music Director and Conductor. She has an impressive list of plays and musicals that she has music directed. By day, Karen is a music teacher. She also started a “Girls on the Run” club at her elementary school. Karen has lost over 100 pounds and become an athlete. She runs and strength trains. In 2020, Karen’s husband died suddenly of a heart attack. Not wanting to make their two daughters orphans, she decided to make a lot of health changes. She started at 276 pounds and over a couple of years, lost 100 pounds on WW and also took up running. For more information and links, visit our website at https://becomingelli.com/losing-100-pounds-and-finding-health/

Suzanne Fowler is a regular listener to the Fit Strong Women Over 50 podcast and a member of the Becoming Elli Community. She watched her parents' health decline and decided to prepare for the aging process. Chris and Jill spoke with Suzanne about how she recently re-invented herself and now lives in an active and engaging environment.  In this episode we talk about getting started with strength training and progressing to the next level. For more information visit our website at BecomingElli.com  

In this episode, we talk together about the successes and challenges of 2024. We realize that everyone is on their own fitness and health journey. Not everything works for everyone, but by following the Becoming Elli community and listening to the Fit Strong Women Over 50 podcast, you'll come away inspired, motivated and having a good sense of what you want to do to stay fit and strong. Some of the highlights of 2024 included some interviews with interesting guests, learning about new techniques at Podcast Movement 2024 and trying new challenges like eating the rainbow. For more information visit our website: BecomingElli.com