Show Notes:

• Special guest: Dr. Breanne Hinz, my go-to chiropractor and all-around holistic health guru. She’s all about treating the whole person—body, mind, and spirit.
• The "portal" of midlife—Dr. Bre and I share what this means to us, and how this transitional stage of life is a powerful opportunity for transformation and renewal.
• We talk about the importance of pausing— it's almost like perimenoPAUSE is giving us an instruction we so frequently miss. Midlife is the perfect time to stop and start listening to your body.
• We dive into guilt, especially the kind that comes with resting, doing things for yourself, or fixating on what you are and aren't "supposed to do."
• Dr. Bre shares her thoughts on breaking old patterns, letting go of people-pleasing, and learning to trust your own intuition (even when it feels uncomfortable).
• Cycles, rest, and self-compassion are key—not just for women, but for everyone trying to find more ease in life.
• We share our favorite rituals: journaling, meditation, salt baths, and the magic of just sitting still and noticing what’s going on inside.
• Join The Pause: A Creative Portal for Midlife Women. This is a 60-minute virtual writing circle on January 15th at 6:30 pm MST/ 8:30 pm EST. Learn more here.
• Are you a midlife woman who writes, looking for a supportive, nourishing community to nurture both your spirit and your writing practice? Join MidCircle—details here.

Dr. Breanne Hinz aka “Dr. Bre” is a founder and lead chiropractor at Aligned Chiropractic and Performance Center, based in Arvada CO, where she practices with her husband, who is also a chiropractor. She’s specializes in nervous system regulation and treating whole families, and is certified in pediatric (and adult) craniosacral therapy. When not treating patients she enjoys yoga, being outdoors, and playing with her kids. She also has an in depth meditation practice and sees life from a growth mindset.

Follow Steph on IG @stephsprenger, and on Substack at The Reclamation Era.

This week's episode features a conversation with Rachel Lincoln Sarnoff, environmentalist and journalist, about endocrine disruptors and women's health.

• Practical tips for reducing toxins: Rachel keeps it real—she shares information without making you panic or feel overwhelmed. The goal is to be informed, not freaked out!

• Cleaner cleaning supplies: Chemicals in everyday cleaners can be harmful; while there are a number of safer, non-toxic products on the market, don't forget about a return to vinegar and baking soda to keep your house clean, safely!

• Easy swaps to cut down on toxins: Don’t microwave or store hot food in plastic—use glass or even just a bowl with a plate on top. For lunches, try wax paper bags instead of plastic. Other tips: Take your shoes off when you come home, and consider shopping at thrift stores—seriously!

• What exactly are endocrine disruptors? Endocrine disruptors are sneaky chemicals that mess with your hormones. Earlier puberty and earlier perimenopause are concerning, and endocrine disruptors could be a contributing factor. Think: hormones in factory-farmed milk. Also, check out the Skin Deep database below for product safety information.

• Advocating for our health: Rachel and I dive into inaccurate perceptions of perimenopause versus menopause, patriarchy and its impact on women's health, and what might happen if men experienced "manopause."

• Vote, and also, vote with your wallet: Rachel shares one of the most important things we can do to advocate for cleaner living and a healthier planet: Vote for better people. She also reminds us that as consumers, we have more power than we may think simply through the messages we send by the types of products we choose to buy.

• Positive change is happening! Rachel shares resources on how to stay informed, and most importantly, she reminds us that there really are good things happening for the climate and for us as informed consumers.

Resources:
Environmental Working Group website
Skin Deep Database
Sister District Project
The Good Newsletter
Environmental Voter Project

Follow Steph on Substack at The Reclamation Era and on IG @stephsprenger

About Rachel:

Rachel Lincoln Sarnoff swapped sustainability tips with Jane Goodall, Jenna Elfman, and King Charles lll, among others. A former journalist, two-time TEDx speaker, and podcast host, Rachel was interviewed on the “Today” show and published in the Washington Post.

Rachel’s career as an environmentalist (including founding the now-defunct EcoStiletto and Mommy Greenest websites) informs her podcast series, climate content consulting, and the Good Newsletter (since 2008). She holds an MA in journalism (USC) and an MFA in fiction (Pacific University), lectures through the

This episode is a must-listen for anyone feeling the squeeze of midlife, burnout, or just the relentless grind of doing it all. Steph sits down with Jenni Gritters, author of "The Sustainable Solopreneur," for a real, no-holds-barred chat about what it means to build a business (and a life) that actually works for you—especially if you’re neurodivergent, a parent, or just plain tired of patriarchal hustle culture.

What’s Inside:

• Why the old rules of grind culture just don’t work for most women (especially during motherhood and perimenopause)—and why that’s not your fault.
• Jenni’s journey from media burnout to building a business that honors her body, her family, and her creativity.
• The power of pausing, pivoting, and giving yourself permission to evolve (spoiler: it’s not failure, it’s growth!).
• How nature, cycles, and the “sacred feminine” can inspire a more sustainable way to work and live.
• The importance of community, support, and letting go of the “eldest daughter” perfectionist energy.
• Practical tools for checking in with your capacity, setting boundaries, and making space for what really matters.
• Why midlife is actually a portal to power, not a slide into irrelevance—and how to embrace your “queen” era.
• Jenni's programs for solopreneurs, including her sacred council and creative intensives (with a waitlist you can join!).

Big Takeaways:

• You don’t have to do it all, all the time. Seasons, cycles, and pauses are not just okay—they’re necessary.
• Your body is wise. Listen to it before it shouts!
• There’s no one-size-fits-all for business or life. Find what fits you, and don’t be afraid to compost what doesn’t.
• Community and support are essential—let’s circle up and carry the lantern for each other.
• Permission to build a career you love that doesn't drain you: granted.

Links & Resources:

• Jenni’s website: jennigritters.com
• Instagram & LinkedIn: @jennigritters
• Newsletter: The Sustainable Solopreneur
• Book: "The Sustainable Solopreneur" (Amazon & direct from Jenni’s site)
• Waitlist for The Council

Thanks for tuning in! Let’s keep redefining normal, together.