The Midlife Momentum Podcast

by Debbie Harbec

Hi, I’m Debbie Harbec and I’m a certified life coach working with women in midlife and going through the menopause transition. So, each week, I’ll be sharing the latest information, inspiration, and generating some momentum so you can move forward and feel more in control of your changing midlife body and your life.

Let’s go!

If you'd like to know more about working with me, visit me at

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Podcast episodes

  • 88: Shattering the Stigma: How Leaders Can Normalize Menopause at Work with Tara Lehman

    88: Shattering the Stigma: How Leaders Can Normalize Menopause at Work with Tara Lehman

    Nearly half the workforce will experience menopause—yet most workplaces aren’t talking about it. Our leaders need to step up. That's why I invited Tara Lehman to the podcast, to talk about how leaders can help normalize menopause at work. I’m diving into why education, open conversations, and workplace support matter—and how we can shift from stigma to support. Whether you're a leader yourself, an advocate for change, or just looking for ways to feel more understood in your workplace, this episode is for you. Tune in to hear: ✅ Why menopause needs to be part of workplace wellness initiatives ✅ How to lead by starting (and navigating) uncomfortable but necessary conversations ✅ The benefits of implementing menopause support groups and policies at work ✅ What leaders can do to create a more inclusive, supportive environment It’s time to break our silence, speak up, and create real change. Enjoy the episode, Debbie Check out the video version of this podcast on Youtube: https://youtu.be/RTy37eoC5jc ➡️ If you're really enjoying my podcast, and want to express your appreciation, buy me a tea ☕... I'd absolutley love it! Here's Tara's bio: Tara Lehman is a leader, who cares about great leadership and businesses where team collaboration, great communication, and achieving goals is the norm. As a career, leadership and business coach she helps her clients by empowering and supporting them with their goals, challenges and struggles. Tara and her sister Barb opened Twin Life Coaching & Business Services in 2017 with Tara creating their division Amplifying Leadership in 2023. Tara’s aim is to help support people moving careers, to help leaders and businesses to meet current challenges, achieve goals, and develop skill, and to help grow inclusive workplaces. To connect with Tara: Website: http://www.twinlifecoaching.ca/ ; http://www.amplifyingleadership.ca/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tara-lehman Thanks for listening! If you'd like to know more about working with me, visit me at https://debbieharbeccoaching.com/ or https://www.instagram.com/debbieharbec/ on Instagram. Or book a time to talk with me: https://calendly.com/debbie-harbec-coaching/free-consultation

  • 87: How to Stop Starting Over Every Monday: Getting Through Self-Sabotage in Midlife

    87: How to Stop Starting Over Every Monday: Getting Through Self-Sabotage in Midlife

    Ever feel like you're stuck in the Monday restart cycle? You start the week motivated, determined to eat better, work out, or finally stick to that new habit... but by Thursday, things fall apart. And then you’re promising yourself, "Okay, for real this time… Monday, I start fresh." Sound familiar? You're NOT alone. And more importantly—you don’t have to stay stuck in this loop. Today on the podcast I'm talking about: 👉 Why we keep falling into the "all or nothing" trap (and how to escape it) 👉 The sneaky ways self-sabotage shows up—even when you really want to succeed 👉 How coaching helps break the cycle for good—so you stop hitting reset every week 👉 The 3 small but powerful shifts that will help you stay consistent (without perfection) Enjoy this episode and keep moving forward! Debbie ➡️ Enjoying my podcast? You can buy me a tea ☕... I'd love it! Join my 10-Day Spring Into Spring Challenge! It starts March 20th… Here’s the link: https://mailchi.mp/441a3f24372a/10-day-spring-into-spring-2025 Curious about working with me? Book a time to talk, it's always free: https://calendly.com/debbie-harbec-coaching/free-consultation If you'd like to find out more about me and what I do, visit me at www.debbieharbeccoaching.com , Email me at debbie@debbieharbeccoaching.com, Find me on Instragram @debbieharbec, or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/debbie.harbec.coach

  • 86: Carbs Are Not the Enemy: Why We Need Carbs to Thrive in Midlife

    86: Carbs Are Not the Enemy: Why We Need Carbs to Thrive in Midlife

    Want to lose weight right now, in perimenopause or menopause? Maybe you've thought about cutting carbs. I'm asking you to thing again. I want to share with you why I think carbs are essential - not the enemy - especially as we navigate perimenopause and menopause. And it's not just me, there's science behind it. Here’s what I'm talking about: ✅ What types of carbs you need, and how much ✅ The protective effect of carbs on muscle ✅ The surprising way carbs support brain health and mood ✅ What kind of carbs to focus on for stable blood sugar and energy ✅ Keto and very low-carb diets — my take on them 💡 If you've been confused by all the mixed messages about carbs, this episode will give you clarity — and take away the guilt! Keep moving forward, Debbie ➡️ Enjoying my podcast? You can buy me a tea ☕... I'd love it! Curious about working with me? Book a time to talk, it's always free: https://,calendly.com/debbie-harbec-coaching/free-consultation If you'd like to find out more about me and what I do, visit me at www.debbieharbeccoaching.com , Email me at debbie@debbieharbeccoaching.com, Find me on Instragram @debbieharbec, or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/debbie.harbec.coach

  • 85: No Age Limit: Building Muscle, Confidence, and Longevity with Joan MacDonald

    85: No Age Limit: Building Muscle, Confidence, and Longevity with Joan MacDonald

    Do you know Joan MacDonald (@trainwithjoan)? If you’ve ever thought, “It’s too late for me to change,” I can’t wait for you to hear this episode. At 70, Joan was overweight, struggling with high blood pressure, and facing the reality of declining health. Instead of accepting it, she made a decision that would change her life: She picked up weights, revamped her nutrition, and lost 70 pounds. Now, at almost 79, she’s in the best shape of her life, rocking serious muscle definition, living her dream of travel, and inspiring over 2 million people on Instagram. In this episode, Joan shares: 🚀 The mindset shifts that helped her break free from limiting beliefs about aging 💪 Why she believes in weight training at every age 🥗 How she's used smart nutrition to transform her body 📸 Why she’s no longer afraid to step in front of the camera ✈️ How she’s making bigger plans now than she ever did If you’ve ever doubted what’s possible for you, Joan is proof that you can rewrite your story at any age. I know that listening to Joan will change the way you think about aging, strength, and what’s possible for you. Tell me your biggest takeaway—I’d love to hear it! Keep moving forward with strength and vitality, Debbie ➡️ If you're really enjoying my podcast, and want to express your appreciation, buy me a tea ☕... I'd absolutley love it! Here's Joan's bio: Joan MacDonald is living proof that it’s never too late to transform your life. At the age of 70, Joan faced serious health issues, so she decided to sit in the driver's seat and take back control. Through consistency and discipline, Joan shed over 70 pounds, built strength—both physically and mentally—and redefined what aging can look like. Today, she inspires a community of over 2 million people worldwide, proving that real change IS possible at any stage of life. Her message is simple: Resilience, self-love, and small, daily actions lead to lasting transformation. By sharing her journey through workouts, nutrition insights, and motivation, she has built a thriving community that supports and uplifts one another. Joan MacDonald is more than a fitness inspiration—she’s a testament to what’s possible when you commit to yourself, regardless of your age. To connect with Joan: Website: https://www.trainwithjoanofficial.com/about Instagram: @trainwithjoan Thanks for listening! If you'd like to know more about working with me, visit me at https://debbieharbeccoaching.com/ or https://www.instagram.com/debbieharbec/ on Instagram. Or book a time to talk with me: https://calendly.com/debbie-harbec-coaching/free-consultation

  • 84: Desire, Discomfort, and Discovery: Navigating Sex and Intimacy in Midlife with Marie-Josée Bourassa

    84: Desire, Discomfort, and Discovery: Navigating Sex and Intimacy in Midlife with Marie-Josée Bourassa

    Midlife and menopause can change everything about how you experience intimacy, your body, and your relationships. But that doesn’t mean pleasure, confidence, or connection have to disappear. In this week’s episode, I've invited Marie-Josée Bourassa, founder and manager of the Méno-Joie Clinic here in Montreal, back to the podcast (she was with us on Episode 58, too!) This time, we’re diving deep into a topic that isn’t talked about enough: Sex, intimacy, vaginal health, and body confidence in midlife. Here’s what we’re covering: ✔️ Why vaginal dryness and discomfort happen—and the steps to heal & prevent it ✔️ The power of orgasms (yes, they’re essential for your health!) ✔️ How self-pleasure can help you reconnect with your body & boost confidence ✔️ Body image shifts in midlife and how to feel sexy again ✔️ Ways to strengthen intimacy and communication in your relationship Midlife isn’t the end of your sensuality—it’s a chance to redefine it on your terms. You deserve pleasure, connection, and a body you feel amazing in. Enjoy the episode! Debbie P.S. You can view this podcast episode with Marie-Josée on my YouTube channel ➡️ And if you're really enjoying my podcast, and want to express your appreciation, buy me a tea ☕... I'd absolutley love it! Here's Marie-Josée's bio: Marie-Josée Bourassa, is the founder and manager of the Méno-Joie Clinic here in Montreal, Canada. Her aim with this clinic is to help women who are suffering through the transition of menopause, and to offer them a safe environment that prioritizes compassionate medicine. Before opening the clinic, she was an accomplished nurse clinician and a leader in healthcare services in Quebec, with an expertise in women’s health and decades of managerial experience all of which have prepared her to lead the way in offering health care services to mature women. MJ is also the 2021 recipient of the prestigious Jeanne-Mance Award for her contribution to the development of nursing care, as well as improving overall health care for the population. To connect with Marie-Josée and the Méno-Joie clinic: Website: https://menojoie.com/ Email: info@menojoie.com Phone number: 1-514-252-5272 Instagram: @cliniquemenojoie Thanks for listening! If you'd like to know more about working with me, visit me at https://debbieharbeccoaching.com/ or https://www.instagram.com/debbieharbec/ on Instagram. Or book a time to talk with me: https://calendly.com/debbie-harbec-coaching/free-consultation