Aging Powerfully with Melissa Grelo

Season 3 of Aging Powerfully with Melissa Grelo is a wrap — and before we head into our spring and summer hiatus, we are doing something we have never done before. A full season recap. Every episode. Every guest. Every headline you need to carry with you.Twenty-six episodes. Some of the most brilliant scientists, physicians, researchers, and storytellers in Canada and beyond. Conversations about menopause, brain health, sleep, heart health, sexual desire, cancer, endometriosis, friendship, grief, dementia, skin, strength, and what it actually means to age powerfully on your own terms.In this episode, Melissa recaps every single episode of Season 3 in order — the biggest takeaways, the moments that stopped her cold, and the guests she will never forget. Whether you have listened to every episode or you are just discovering this show, this is your roadmap to one of the most comprehensive libraries of women's midlife health content in Canada.This season featured:Dr. Jen Gunter on hormone therapy misinformation and the MAHA movement. Dr. Lauren Colenso-Semple and Dr. Stuart Phillips on why building muscle is the most important thing you can do as you age. A solo episode from the Canadian Menopause Society Scientific Conference. Dr. Omolayo Famuyide on why menopause is not the same for all of us. Kara Murray making us laugh through the hot flashes. Dr. Shafeena Premji on non-hormonal treatments. Dr. Sasha High on weight, menopause, and weight loss drugs. Dr. Miriam Kirmayer on the power of friendship in midlife. Dr. Stephanie Faubion, Medical Director of The Menopause Society, on the latest FDA developments. Pattie Lovett-Reid on the "When I Die" folder. Dr. Liisa Galea on Alzheimer's and the menopausal brain. Oscar winner Marcia Gay Harden on her mother's journey with Alzheimer's. Canadian icon Jann Arden on dementia and the long goodbye. A deeply personal episode with Melissa's parents, Frank and Claire Grelo, on shingles. Dr. Lillian Siu and Dr. Miyo Yamashita on cancer research and care in Canada. Dr. Lori Brotto on women's desire and libido. Dr. Kaajal Abrol on pregnancy and perimenopause at the same time. Dr. Tara Sedlak on midlife women's heart health. Dr. Marjorie Dixon on PCOS, fibroids, and perimenopause. Dr. Colleen Carney on why women cannot sleep — and what actually works. Dr. Nicholas Leyland on endometriosis. Dr. Ariane Ouellet-Decoste and Linda Franco on the six pillars of lifestyle medicine. Dr. Pauline Maki busting 25 menopause brain myths. And Dr. Lisa Kellett on your summer skin survival guide.Melissa also looks ahead to Season 4 — and she wants to hear from you. Peptides. The estrogen shortage. Testosterone for women. Advocacy for billing code reform and mandatory menopause assessments at 35 and 40. What do you want covered? Tell her.And while the podcast is on hiatus for the spring and summer — go back. The library is deep, the science does not expire, and there is something in these episodes for every stage of your journey.Keep an eye on Instagram @melissagrelo for upcoming events across Canada — including Aging Powerfully with Melissa Grelo LIVE in Calgary on May 16th, 2026. Tickets available now. Come be in the room.This episode is proudly sponsored by Canada MedLaser. Canada MedLaser is one of Canada's leading medical aesthetics companies — offering advanced, science-backed treatments to help you look and feel your best at every age. From laser skin resurfacing and body contouring to injectables and skin rejuvenation, Canada MedLaser combines cutting-edge technology with medical expertise to deliver real, lasting results.Because aging powerfully means investing in yourself — inside and out.Visit www.canadamedlaser.ca to learn more and book your consultation.A NOTE OF GRATITUDE Season 3 does not happen without two people who work incredibly hard behind the scenes and deserve to be recognized publicly and loudly.To Beverly Furer — my business manager, my behind-the-scenes anchor, and the person who handles all the official, important, complicated things that make this podcast a real, functioning business. Beverly, you make it possible for me to show up and do what I love. I am so grateful for you.And to Drew Garner — my tech and audio producer, who has been with me since Day 1 of this podcast and has never missed a week. Drew, you make this show sound the way it does — clean, professional, and worthy of the guests and the audience it serves. Every single week, without fail. That kind of consistency and dedication is rare and I do not take it for granted for a single second.This show is a team effort. And I am so lucky to have this team.Aging Powerfully with Melissa Grelo is produced for women navigating midlife with curiosity, humour, and zero tolerance for being dismissed. Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with every woman in your life who deserves better information about her own health. Season 4 is coming. Stay tuned.

Your sunscreen is probably not working as well as you think it is. And that sun damage you've been accumulating? There is actually a lot you can do about it.Canada's leading dermatologist Dr. Lisa Kellett is back on Aging Powerfully — and this time we are talking spring and summer skin. Everything you need to know before the heat hits, and everything you can do if the damage is already done.In this episode we cover how the skin actually changes when the seasons shift — and why that shift is more significant for women in perimenopause and menopause than most of us realize. We get into the sunscreen conversation properly: SPF numbers, mineral versus chemical, how much we should actually be applying versus how much most of us use, and the spots we consistently miss. We talk about building a spring and summer routine that works — retinol, Vitamin C, exfoliants, and what to do with them when the sun gets intense.Dr. Kellett walks us through what pollution and years of sun exposure are quietly doing to our skin, how to recognize when something needs medical attention, and what treatments are genuinely worth investing in at 40-plus — from lasers and microneedling to radiofrequency, chemical peels, and injectables. We also talk about what lifestyle factors — sleep, stress, alcohol, diet — are showing up on your face whether you like it or not.This is the episode you save, share with your friends, and listen to before you buy another SPF product.About Dr. Lisa KellettDr. Lisa Kellett is a board-certified dermatologist in both Canada and the United States, a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada, and one of the most trusted voices in Canadian dermatology. She is the founder of DLK on Avenue in Toronto's Yorkville neighbourhood and was named one of Toronto's Top Doctors for 2024.Connect with Dr. Lisa Kellett and DLK on AvenueWebsite - dlkonavenue.com Instagram - DLK on Avenue: @dlkonavenueInstagram - Dr. Kellett: @askdrkellettPhone - 416-440-2597 Address - Clear Clinical - 108 Avenue Road, Toronto, Ontario M5R 2H3 Tech and Audio Producer: Drew GarnerProducer: Melissa GreloEpisode supported by:AGING POWERFULLY WITH MELISSA GRELO LIVE IN CALGARY, MAY 16, 2026!Tickets available now: www.agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo.com Aging Powerfully with Melissa Grelo is produced for women navigating midlife with curiosity, humour, and zero tolerance for being dismissed. Subscribe wherever you listen.

Brain fog. Word-finding trouble. Walking into a room and having no idea why. If you're in perimenopause or menopause, you know the feeling — and you've probably wondered: is this real, is it permanent, and should I be worried?In this latest episode, Melissa speaks with one of the world's leading researchers on menopause and the brain, Dr. Pauline Maki — Professor of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Obstetrics and Gynecology — to separate myth from medicine and bust 25 menopause brain myths wide open.We cover what's actually happening inside your brain during the transition, why estrogen matters far beyond your reproductive system, and whether what you're experiencing is permanent damage or something far more temporary. We get into hot flashes as a neurological signal, the hormone therapy confusion that has scared women away from care for decades, and what the science actually says about dementia risk.We close on what you can do right now — and how to reframe this entire transition as something other than loss.Menopause is not a cognitive collapse. It is a neurological transition. And you deserve accurate information, not fear.About Dr. Pauline Maki (Instagram: @pauline.maki)Dr. Pauline Maki is a Professor of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Illinois Chicago, where she serves as Director of Women's Mental Health Research and Senior Director of Research at the Center for Research on Women and Gender. University of Illinois College of Medicine She is Past President of the North American Menopause Society and a recognized authority on how hormonal changes and menopause symptoms affect cognition, mood, and brain function in midlife women. Psychology With over 175 published research papers, her work has shaped clinical practice guidelines for the North American Menopause Society, the International Menopause Society, and beyond. University of Illinois College of Medicine Her current NIH-funded research is examining the relationship between hot flashes and memory deficits, ischemic brain lesions, and functional changes in the brain at rest University of Illinois at Chicago — work that is redefining how we understand and treat the menopause brain.Tech and Audio Producer: Drew GarnerProducer: Melissa GreloEpisode supported by:AGING POWERFULLY WITH MELISSA GRELO LIVE IN CALGARY, MAY 16, 2026!Tickets available now: www.agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo.com Aging Powerfully with Melissa Grelo is produced for women navigating midlife with curiosity, humour, and zero tolerance for being dismissed. Subscribe wherever you listen.

What if the most powerful prescription for how you age isn't in a pill bottle — it's in how you live?In this episode, we're diving deep into Lifestyle Medicine — the evidence-based science of using the six pillars of health (how we eat, move, sleep, manage stress, connect with others, and avoid harmful habits) as medicine itself. The research is remarkable, and the implications for women navigating midlife and the menopause transition are profound.On the show this week are two exceptional women at the forefront of evidence-based women's health care in Canada:Dr. Ariane Ouellet-Decoste is a Canadian-trained physician with nearly two decades of experience spanning emergency care, preventative medicine, and women's health. After 15 years in emergency medicine in Quebec and the UK, she transitioned her focus to preventative and lifestyle medicine, training with The Menopause Society, the British Menopause Society, and the Canadian Menopause Society. She also holds a postgraduate certificate in Nutrition Science from Stanford School of Medicine, and currently serves as Medical Director at Coral — a virtual women's health clinic specializing in menopause care.Linda Franco, RN is Director of Patient Care at Coral Health, with over 13 years of clinical experience — including 8 years in emergency medicine. At just 20, she became the youngest Assistant Head Nurse at the Institut de Cardiologie de Montréal. Trained in menopause and hormone therapy through the Canadian Menopause Society, Linda holds certifications in menopause, nutrition, fitness, and holistic health, and designs care pathways that put women at the centre of their health journey.Together, they bring clinical depth, real-world experience, and a genuine passion for helping women thrive — not just survive — through every stage of life.In this episode, we cover:What Lifestyle Medicine actually isThe 3 core principles and 6 pillars of Lifestyle Medicine and why they matter How to start using lifestyle as medicine — todayWhether you're just beginning to think about your health differently, or you're deep in the work of optimizing how you feel and age — this one's for you.RESOURCES & LINKS: Coral HealthTech and Audio Producer: Drew GarnerProducer: Melissa GreloEpisode supported by: AGING POWERFULLY WITH MELISSA GRELO LIVE IN CALGARY, MAY 16, 2026!Tickets available now: www.agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo.com 

If you’ve ever been told that debilitating period pain is “normal,” this episode is for you. Endometriosis affects an estimated 1 in 10 women and people assigned female at birth, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood, underdiagnosed, and undertreated conditions in women’s health. It can impact fertility, work, relationships, mental health, and overall quality of life — often for years before a diagnosis is made. Today, I sit down with one of Canada’s leading experts in women’s health, Dr. Nicholas Leyland, to cut through the myths, the confusion, and the medical gaslighting with clear, evidence-based answers. Dr. Leyland is a renowned gynecologic surgeon, researcher, educator, and incoming President of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC). With decades of experience treating complex gynecologic conditions, he offers trusted insight into what endometriosis really is, how it’s treated, and how women can advocate for the care they deserve.In this episode, we discuss:What endometriosis actually is — and why it hurts so muchThe most common (and often overlooked) symptomsWho is at risk and how many Canadians are affectedWhy diagnosis is often delayed for yearsTreatment options: medications, surgery, and what actually worksWhether endometriosis is a lifelong conditionFertility considerationsBarriers to getting proper care in CanadaMidlife, menopause, and hormone therapy considerationsHealth-care inequities affecting womenHow to advocate for yourself at medical appointmentsRapid-fire myths and misconceptionsResources & Support:Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC): sogc.orgThe Endometriosis Network Canada: endometriosisnetwork.comTalk to your primary care provider if you suspect endometriosisTech and Audio Producer: Drew Garner Producer: Melissa Grelo (@melissagrelo, @agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo)AGING POWERFULLY WITH MELISSA GRELO LIVE IN CALGARY! May 16, 2026, Hotel Arts, Calgary, AlbertaTickets available now: www.agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo.com 

This special double episode drops in recognition of World Sleep Day — March 13th.Are you exhausted but wide awake at night? Melissa sits down with sleep expert Dr. Colleen Carney to unpack why sleep gets harder as we age, what actually works to fix it, and why so much of what we think we know about sleep is wrong. With a special focus on women in perimenopause, midlife, and menopause — this one is packed with real answers.IN THIS EPISODE:Insomnia vs. occasional poor sleep — how to tell the differenceSleep stages, how much you actually need, and why quality mattersHow hormones, stress, and anxiety disrupt sleep in midlifeWhy sleep apnea is so often missed in womenSleep's critical role in heart health, brain health, mood, and metabolismSleep medications, CBT-I, and what the science actually supportsCommon sleep myths — bustedABOUT DR. COLLEEN CARNEY:Dr. Colleen Carney is a licensed clinical psychologist, Professor of Psychology at Toronto Metropolitan University, and one of the world's leading experts in insomnia and CBT-I (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia). Her research has shaped international clinical guidelines for treating sleep disorders.RESOURCES:Canadian Sleep SocietyNational Sleep FoundationSleep Foundation: sleepfoundation.orgAlways speak with a qualified health-care provider about sleep concerns or treatment options.THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY STARBUCKS CANADA PROTEIN DRINKS.Learn more at https://www.starbucks.ca/menu/drinks/protein-beveragesTech and Audio Producer: Drew Garner Producer: Melissa Grelo (@melissagrelo, @agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo)

This special double episode drops in recognition of World Sleep Day — March 13th.Are you exhausted but wide awake at night? Melissa sits down with sleep expert Dr. Colleen Carney to unpack why sleep gets harder as we age, what actually works to fix it, and why so much of what we think we know about sleep is wrong. With a special focus on women in perimenopause, midlife, and menopause — this one is packed with real answers.IN THIS EPISODE:Insomnia vs. occasional poor sleep — how to tell the differenceSleep stages, how much you actually need, and why quality mattersHow hormones, stress, and anxiety disrupt sleep in midlifeWhy sleep apnea is so often missed in womenSleep's critical role in heart health, brain health, mood, and metabolismSleep medications, CBT-I, and what the science actually supportsCommon sleep myths — bustedABOUT DR. COLLEEN CARNEY:Dr. Colleen Carney is a licensed clinical psychologist, Professor of Psychology at Toronto Metropolitan University, and one of the world's leading experts in insomnia and CBT-I (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia). Her research has shaped international clinical guidelines for treating sleep disorders.RESOURCES:Canadian Sleep SocietyNational Sleep FoundationSleep Foundation: sleepfoundation.orgAlways speak with a qualified health-care provider about sleep concerns or treatment options.THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY STARBUCKS CANADA PROTEIN DRINKS.Learn more at https://www.starbucks.ca/menu/drinks/protein-beveragesTech and Audio Producer: Drew Garner Producer: Melissa Grelo (@melissagrelo, @agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo)

Bloating, irregular periods, weight changes, mood swings — these symptoms could point to several different conditions, and getting the right answer matters. In this episode, I sit down with fertility specialist and reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Marjorie Dixon to break down two commonly misunderstood reproductive health conditions: PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) and uterine fibroids.We get into what each condition actually is, how they show up in the body, and — crucially — why their symptoms are so often mistaken for perimenopause. Dr. Dixon shares how clinicians distinguish between these diagnoses, what to ask your doctor, and why getting the right answer is the first step toward the right care.If you've ever wondered whether what you're experiencing is "just hormones" or something else entirely, this episode is for you.In this episode, we cover:What PCOS and fibroids are — and how they differThe overlapping symptoms that can mimic perimenopauseHow a fertility specialist approaches diagnosisWhat tests and conversations to have with your doctorWhy these conditions are underdiagnosed and what to do about itGuest: Dr. Marjorie Dixon, Fertility Specialistwww.anovafertility.com Instagram: @anovafertility This episode is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personal medical guidance.Tech and Audio Producer: Drew Garner Producer: Melissa Grelo (@melissagrelo, @agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo)AGING POWERFULLY WITH MELISSA GRELO LIVE IN CALGARY! May 16, 2026, Hotel Arts, Calgary, AlbertaTickets available now: www.agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo.com 

Heart disease doesn’t always look the way we think it does — especially in women. In this episode of Aging Powerfully with Melissa Grelo, I’m joined by cardiologist and women’s heart health expert Dr. Tara Sedlak to dismantle the biggest myths surrounding women’s cardiovascular health — and explain why so many women’s symptoms are overlooked, misunderstood, or misdiagnosed. We discuss:why heart disease in women often looks nothing like what we’ve been taughtthe most common misconceptions about women’s heart healthwhy women are more likely to be dismissed when reporting symptomshow heart risk changes during perimenopause and menopauseconditions that disproportionately affect women, including scad and minocathe role of pregnancy, stress, inflammation, and hormones in heart diseasewhat women should ask their doctors — and how to advocate for better careThis episode is empowering, eye-opening, and essential listening for women of all ages — especially those navigating midlife and beyond.Listen now, share this with the women in your life and take charge of your heart health.Resources:Women's Heart Health Clinic at VGH (@Women__Heart)Canadian Women's Heart Health Centre (@CWHHAlliance)Dilawri Cardiovascular Institute (@DilawriCVI)Episode supported by @StarbucksCanada Protein Drinks https://www.starbucks.ca/menu/drinks/protein-beverages Tech and Audio Producer: Drew Garner Producer: Melissa Grelo (@melissagrelo, @agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo)

Women are having babies later than ever — which means many are trying to conceive while also entering perimenopause. In this eye-opening episode of Aging Powerfully with Melissa Grelo, Melissa sits down with fertility specialist Dr. Kaajal Abrol to unpack what’s really happening in the body during this confusing overlap. From irregular cycles and hormone swings to fertility testing, pregnancy risks, and assisted options, Dr. Abrol explains what women 35+ need to know if they’re trying, considering, or wondering whether pregnancy is still possible.• How perimenopause affects fertility and ovulation• Pregnancy symptoms vs. hormone symptoms• What fertility tests can (and can’t) tell you• When to see a specialist• Options for conceiving later in life• Realistic expectations for pregnancy after 35 and 40 Tech and Audio Producer: Drew Garner Producer: Melissa Grelo (@melissagrelo, @agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo)For any partnership inquires, contact beverly@agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo.com 

Women’s desire is often misunderstood — and oversimplified. In this candid, science-backed conversation, melissa sits down with psychologist and leading sexuality researcher Dr. Lori Brotto to unpack why libido changes, especially during midlife, perimenopause, and menopause — and why that doesn’t mean something is broken.We explore the difference between desire and arousal, whether women’s sexuality is wired the same way as men’s, and why searching for a “pink pill” or quick pharmaceutical fix may miss the bigger picture. Dr. Brotto also weighs in on testosterone and libido, debunks common myths about women’s sexuality, and explains how desire can be cultivated through evidence-based approaches like mindfulness.Dr. Brotto is the author of Better Sex Through Mindfulness and one of Canada’s foremost experts in women’s sexual health.Where to find Dr. Lori Brotto: https://brottolab.med.ubc.ca/about/dr-lori-brotto/This episode offers clarity, reassurance, and a powerful reframe for any woman who has ever wondered where her libido went — and what really matters when it comes to desire.EPISODE SPONSORED BY: @StarbucksCanada (Instagram) Protein Beverages Website: https://www.starbucks.ca/menu/drinks/protein-beverages Tech and Audio Producer: Drew Garner Producer: Melissa Grelo (@melissagrelo, @agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo)For any partnership inquires, contact beverly@agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo.com 

Cancer is one of the most frightening diagnoses any of us can face — and yet, it’s also an area of medicine where progress is happening at an extraordinary pace.In honour of World Cancer Day, this episode launches a new two-part series on cancer for Aging Powerfully with Melissa Grelo. Melissa sits down with two of Canada’s leading voices — a leading cancer scientist, Dr. Lillian Siu, and a powerful advocate and CEO, Dr. Miyo Yamashita, from Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, one of the top five comprehensive cancer centres globally.Together, they break down what cancer actually is, why survival rates have improved so dramatically, where prevention and early detection truly save lives, and how cutting-edge research — from immunotherapy to liquid biopsies — is transforming outcomes for patients in Canada and around the world.This episode is science-forward, deeply human, and essential listening for anyone whose life has been touched by cancer — which, statistically, is all of us.In this episode, we discuss: What cancer is — and how it developsCancer staging and how classification has evolvedWhy there is no single “cure” for cancer — and why that’s often misunderstoodWhich cancers are now considered highly treatable or curableWhy cancer rates are rising as our population agesThe concerning rise of early-onset cancers in younger adultsLifestyle, environmental, and genetic cancer risksWhat prevention actually means — beyond headlines and fearScreening and early detection: where it saves lives and where gaps remainBreakthroughs in precision oncology, immunotherapy, and targeted treatmentsThe future of liquid biopsies and blood-based cancer detectionWhy philanthropy and research funding are essential to progressWhat gives cancer experts the most hope right noAbout The Guests:Dr. Lillian SiuDr. Siu is a senior medical oncologist at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto. She is the 2025–2026 President of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), the world’s largest scientific organization dedicated to advancing cancer research.Her work focuses on translating scientific discoveries into personalized cancer therapies, including precision oncology and liquid biopsy technologies. She has authored more than 400 peer-reviewed publications and was awarded ASCO’s highest honour, the David A. Karnofsky Memorial Award. In 2025, she was named one of the 100 most influential people in oncology worldwide.Dr. Miyo YamashitaDr. Yamashita is President and CEO of the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, Canada’s largest cancer charity and the primary fundraising organization for Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. She leads national and global efforts to fund breakthrough research in precision medicine, immunotherapy, genomics, and patient-centred innovation.Under her leadership, the Foundation has focused on accelerating the translation of discovery science into real-world clinical impact. She has been named one of the Top 100 Oncology CEOs globally — with Princess Margaret the only Canadian institution recognized.Resources & Learn More:Princess Margaret Cancer Centre – https://www.uhn.ca/PrincessMargaretPrincess Margaret Cancer Foundation – https://thepmcf.caCancer screening & prevention in Canada – https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/chronic-diseases/cancer.htmlWorld Cancer Day – https://www.worldcancerday.org**Always speak with your health-care provider about screening, symptoms, or personal cancer risk.** Tech and Audio Producer: Drew Garner Producer: Melissa Grelo (@melissagrelo, @agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo)For any partnership inquires, contact beverly@agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo.com 

Cancer is one of the most frightening diagnoses any of us can face — and yet, it’s also an area of medicine where progress is happening at an extraordinary pace. In honour of World Cancer Day, this episode launches a new two-part series on cancer for Aging Powerfully with Melissa Grelo. Melissa sits down with two of Canada’s leading voices — a leading cancer scientist, Dr. Lillian Siu, and a powerful advocate and CEO, Dr. Miyo Yamashita, from Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, one of the top five comprehensive cancer centres globally.Together, they break down what cancer actually is, why survival rates have improved so dramatically, where prevention and early detection truly save lives, and how cutting-edge research — from immunotherapy to liquid biopsies — is transforming outcomes for patients in Canada and around the world.This episode is science-forward, deeply human, and essential listening for anyone whose life has been touched by cancer — which, statistically, is all of us.In this episode, we discuss: What cancer is — and how it developsCancer staging and how classification has evolvedWhy there is no single “cure” for cancer — and why that’s often misunderstoodWhich cancers are now considered highly treatable or curableWhy cancer rates are rising as our population agesThe concerning rise of early-onset cancers in younger adultsLifestyle, environmental, and genetic cancer risksWhat prevention actually means — beyond headlines and fearScreening and early detection: where it saves lives and where gaps remainBreakthroughs in precision oncology, immunotherapy, and targeted treatmentsThe future of liquid biopsies and blood-based cancer detectionWhy philanthropy and research funding are essential to progressWhat gives cancer experts the most hope right noAbout The Guests:Dr. Lillian SiuDr. Siu is a senior medical oncologist at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto. She is the 2025–2026 President of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), the world’s largest scientific organization dedicated to advancing cancer research.Her work focuses on translating scientific discoveries into personalized cancer therapies, including precision oncology and liquid biopsy technologies. She has authored more than 400 peer-reviewed publications and was awarded ASCO’s highest honour, the David A. Karnofsky Memorial Award. In 2025, she was named one of the 100 most influential people in oncology worldwide.Dr. Miyo YamashitaDr. Yamashita is President and CEO of the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, Canada’s largest cancer charity and the primary fundraising organization for Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. She leads national and global efforts to fund breakthrough research in precision medicine, immunotherapy, genomics, and patient-centred innovation.Under her leadership, the Foundation has focused on accelerating the translation of discovery science into real-world clinical impact. She has been named one of the Top 100 Oncology CEOs globally — with Princess Margaret the only Canadian institution recognized.Resources & Learn More:Princess Margaret Cancer Centre – https://www.uhn.ca/PrincessMargaretPrincess Margaret Cancer Foundation – https://thepmcf.caCancer screening & prevention in Canada – https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/chronic-diseases/cancer.htmlWorld Cancer Day – https://www.worldcancerday.org**Always speak with your health-care provider about screening, symptoms, or personal cancer risk.** Tech and Audio Producer: Drew Garner Producer: Melissa Grelo (@melissagrelo, @agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo)For any partnership inquires, contact beverly@agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo.com 

In this very special and personal episode of Aging Powerfully with Melissa Grelo, I’m joined by my parents, Claire and Frank Grelo, to talk about something I never expected to experience so close to home: shingles. Before this experience, and like many people in their 50s, I didn’t know much about shingles or realize how common it is among adults who’ve had chickenpox. Did you know that adults who’ve had chickenpox have a 1 in 3 chance of developing it?1 I didn't.  In this episode, in partnership with GSK, we talk candidly about what shingles was like from my father’s perspective, how it impacted our family, and the lessons we learned about listening to your body, supporting loved ones, and staying informed about your health. This episode is a reminder that our health evolves over time, and how important it is to speak to your healthcare provider about proactive steps you can take to help protect your health.SHINGRIX is a vaccine that helps protect adults against shingles (herpes zoster). 100% protection not guaranteed. Adverse reactions may occur. SHINGRIX does not prevent chickenpox or treat shingles or its complications. Ask your healthcare professional if SHINGRIX is right for you. Learn more at SHINGRIX.ca. To report an adverse event, please call 1-800-387-7374Trademarks are owned by or licensed to the GSK group of companies.©2026 GSK group of companies or its licensor.10527101/26Tech and Audio Producer: Drew Garner Producer: Melissa Grelo (@melissagrelo, @agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo)For any partnership inquires, contact beverly@agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo.com 1 SHINGRIX, Herpes Zoster Product Monograph. October 13, 2017.

In this deeply personal episode of Aging Powerfully, I sit down with Jann Arden to talk about her family’s journey through dementia and Alzheimer’s disease — with both of her parents. Jann shares the emotional realities of caregiving, the challenges of watching someone you love change, and how humour, resilience, and connection help navigate the hardest moments.Together we explore: • What it’s really like caring for parents living with dementia • How caregiving reshapes identity, relationships, and family roles • The emotional weight of the “long goodbye” • Jann’s biggest lessons and hopes for other caregivers • Why self-compassion and support matter for everyone involvedThis episode is a heartfelt conversation about love, loss, resilience, and the power of showing up — even when it feels impossible.Plus, Jann shares if she’s making new music and what and WHO is bringing her joy, love and happiness these days. Spoiler alert: Someone is getting married! Support & ResourcesIf this episode resonates with you — whether you’re caring for a parent, partner, friend, or thinking ahead — know that you are not alone and there are supports available across Canada: Alzheimer Society of Canada • National hub of information on Alzheimer’s and other dementias, education, and support services; https://alzheimer.ca/en If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start, reaching out to your local Alzheimer Society or caregiver support service can help you find practical tips, connection, and support tailored to your situation.Tech and Audio Producer: Drew Garner Producer: Melissa Grelo (@MelissaGrelo, @AgingPowerfullyWithMelissaGrelo)For any partnership inquires, contact beverly@agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo.com 

Academy Award–winning actress Marcia Gay Harden joins me on Aging Powerfully with Melissa Grelo for an intimate conversation about losing her mother to Alzheimer’s — and what it taught her about love, grief, and what truly endures.In honour of Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, Marcia shares the heartbreaking and beautiful moments of walking beside her mother as memory fades, along with what she’s learned about women’s brain health, risk, and prevention — and the changes she has made in her own life since her mother’s battle with the disease.I was fortunate to sit down with Marcia in Toronto at the first-ever Women’s Brain Health Summit, where she spoke powerfully about her personal journey and the urgent need for more research, funding, and awareness around a disease that disproportionately impacts women.This is a conversation about more than illness — it’s about what remains when memory disappears, and how love never does.Tech and Audio Producer: Drew Garner Producer: Melissa Grelo (@MelissaGrelo, @AgingPowerfullyWithMelissaGrelo)For any partnership inquires, contact beverly@agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo.com 

January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month in Canada, and this episode tackles a critical — and often overlooked — reality: nearly two-thirds of Alzheimer’s diagnoses are in women.Melissa is joined by returning guest Dr. Liisa Galea (previous Episode #46), a world-renowned neuroscientist, inaugural womenmind Treliving Family Chair in Women’s Mental Health, Senior Scientist, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), and Professor of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, where she helps guide evidence-based research and innovation focused on brain health and aging.Dr. Galea shares the latest science on women’s brain health, the menopausal brain, and why decades of male-focused research have left dangerous gaps in our understanding of Alzheimer’s risk in women. Together, they explore what we know, what we’re still learning, and where research must go next to close the gender gap in neuroscience.In this episode, we discuss:Why women account for the majority of Alzheimer’s casesHow menopause and hormonal changes affect the brainThe role of inflammation, stress, and aging in cognitive healthEmerging research in dementia preventionWhat women can do now to support brain health — without fearThis is an empowering, evidence-based conversation about awareness, advocacy, and protecting women’s brains across the lifespan.Tech and Audio Producer: Drew Garner Producer: Melissa GreloFor any partnership inquires, contact beverly@agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo.com 

2025 was one of my busiest—and most meaningful—years yet. Thank you for being on this journey with me and for showing up week after week to learn, question, laugh, and age powerfully together.As we wrap up the year, this episode is a Power Replay: a look back at the incredible conversations from Season 3, plus a preview of what’s coming in 2026. Note: We’ll be taking a short break, with new episodes returning in January 2026—so now is the perfect time to catch up on anything you missed. Looking Ahead to 2026So much is coming next year, including deep dives into:PCOSEndometriosisFibroidsPregnancy during perimenopauseBreast cancerCancer screenings in midlifeEvidence-based strategies for better sleepCaregiving in Canada (over 13 million unpaid caregivers)A very special episode featuring my parents, my most beloved role modelsStay ConnectedI want to hear from you.What topics do you want us to tackle next? Reach me via my website: agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo.com Or connect on Instagram: @melissagrelo, @agingpowerfullywithmelissagreloWishing you peace, good health, prosperity, and clarity in 2026. Merry Christmas Happy Hanukkah Happy HolidaysTech and Audio Producer: Drew Garner Producer: Melissa GreloFor any partnership inquires, contact beverly@agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo.com 

In this episode of Aging Powerfully, Melissa digs into one of the most emotional (and common!) midlife topics: hair loss, with medical and cosmetic dermatologist, Dr. Renée A. Beach (@dermabeach). From thinning at the crown to shedding in the shower, we talk about why it happens, what’s normal, and when to investigate further.We cover:How perimenopause, menopause, stress, and genetics impact hairThe difference between “normal shedding” and true hair lossMedical causes to rule out (like thyroid issues, iron levels, and hormones)Evidence-based treatments vs. overhyped “miracle” curesPractical strategies to protect hair health from the inside outThe emotional toll of hair loss and how to protect your confidence and identityIf you’ve ever felt panicked by the hair in your brush or avoided looking at your part in photos, this episode will give you clarity, options, and a lot of compassion.Tech and Audio Producer: Drew Garner Producer: Melissa Grelo (@melissagrelo, @agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo)For any partnership inquires, contact beverly@agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo.com 

(Originally aired May 23, 2024)In this uplifting episode, Melissa sits down with mother-daughter powerhouse Joan MacDonald (@trainwithjoan) and Michelle MacDonald (@michellemacdonaldofficial) to explore what’s truly possible when women choose strength, consistency, and self-belief — no matter their age.Joan began her fitness journey at 70 and has since inspired millions of women to reclaim their health. Michelle, her coach and daughter, shares the training, nutrition, and mindset strategies that made Joan’s transformation sustainable and life-changing.What We Cover:Joan’s turning point and how she began at age 70Michelle’s expert approach to strength training for women in midlifeThe emotional and identity shifts that come with reinventing yourselfWhy it’s never too late to build strength, confidence, and vitalityHow visibility and community empower women to age powerfullyTech and Audio Producer: Drew Garner Producer: Melissa Grelo (@melissagrelo, @agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo)For any partnership inquires, contact beverly@agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo.com