The Truth About Leakage, Prolapse, and Pelvic Floor Muscle Care with Dr. Sara Reardon
How can you tell whether your pelvic floor is tight, weak, or both?
In this episode, I speak with pelvic floor physical therapist Dr. Sara Reardon about the confusion so many women feel around leakage, prolapse, painful sex, constipation, and “mystery” pelvic symptoms. Sara shares simple habits, movement tips, and muscle-care strategies that can dramatically improve pelvic health at any age. I’m thrilled to bring her expertise into a conversation that empowers every woman to understand and support her pelvic floor.
Dr. Sara Reardon is a board-certified pelvic floor physical therapist who somehow turned a decade of helping women stop leaking, straining, and suffering in silence into the beloved persona “The Vagina Whisperer.” She now runs The V-Hive, teaches pelvic floor fitness online, and helps women of every age finally understand how their bodies work in real, relatable, totally refreshing ways.
What you’ll learn:
(00:34 Why pelvic floor disorders are a “silent epidemic.”
(01:49) How pelvic floor issues show up across ages—from young women with painful sex to older adults with bladder problems.
(06:05) The many roles of the pelvic floor, including support, stability, bladder control, bowel function, and sexual function.
(08:40) Why leakage, pain, and prolapse aren’t “normal,” even though they’re common.
(10:39) The most important daily bladder habits—like not peeing “just in case” and never pushing to pee—that protect pelvic health.
(14:36) How to contract your pelvic floor properly during exercise.
(16:46) How to identify pelvic floor tension, and why stretching, breathing, and relaxation may matter more than Kegels.
(25:02) What prolapse really is, and when therapy versus surgery is recommended.
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Full show notes (including all links mentioned): https://jjvirgin.com/reardon
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46:02
Your Ultimate Healthy Holiday Guide for Powerful Aging
Which wellness tools will help you sleep better, recover faster, and feel stronger through the holidays? And which ones are suitable for giving as gifts to family, friends, and loved ones?
This holiday season, I've pulled together my absolute favorite health and wellness tools that I use and trust, which are perfect for gifting or treating yourself. These are the brands and tools that help me stay consistent with my routines, improve recovery, and keep my metabolism humming, even when life gets insane.
What you’ll learn:
(01:09) Why prioritizing your health, energy, and routines during the holidays is essential.
(02:37) How red light therapy from Bon Charge supports sleep, recovery, and inflammation reduction.
(05:14) Why Oslo Sleepbuds can help you block noise, calm your nervous system, and improve deep sleep while traveling or at home.
(08:37) How infrared Sunlighten saunas support detox, longevity, and cardiovascular health.
(10:13) Why Pique Tea offers powerful polyphenols, antioxidants, and gut support.
(12:37) How OneSkin targets senescent cells to improve firmness, texture, and overall skin and hair health.
(14:49) How Hyperice recovery tools like compression boots, foam rollers, and massage guns improve mobility and enhance muscle recovery.
(16:16) How Qualia Senolytic supports joint health, energy, and healthy aging.
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Full show notes (including all links mentioned): https://jjvirgin.com/holidayguide2025
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25:09
The Phosphatidylcholine Fix: A Game-Changer for Liver Health, Detox, and Hormone Balance
How would your energy levels change if your cells could actually repair themselves?
In this episode, I discuss with Jessica Berman why phosphatidylcholine (PC) might be one of the most overlooked—but most essential—nutrients for women over 40. Jessica grew up in a family of scientists intensely focused on cellular health, and she breaks down the science in a refreshingly simple, practical way. Together, we dive into how PC strengthens cell membranes, supports hormones, boosts brain function, and helps you stay resilient in a toxin-filled world.
Jess Berman is a visionary wellness leader, cellular health and functional wellness expert, and chief brand officer and co-owner of BodyBio, a pioneering family-owned company at the forefront of cellular health and nutrition. She makes complex biochemistry feel accessible, blending science, stories, and practical tips with a fun, down-to-earth vibe.
What you’ll learn:
02:24 How Jessica grew up surrounded by scientists and why her grandfather believed toxins break down cell membranes faster than we can rebuild them.
06:01 How phosphatidylcholine (PC) connects to hormone balance, mitochondrial health, and symptoms like brain fog, fatigue, and chronic inflammation.
09:03 The difference between true phospholipids and cheap lecithin-based products, plus why most supplements labeled “PC” aren’t actually bioactive.
11:02 Why women struggle to make enough PC naturally and how this affects cellular repair.
16:00 Why modern toxins make it nearly impossible to get all you need from food alone.
18:56 The real-world benefits people notice on PC, including better brain clarity, energy, detoxification, and skin health.
33:28 Incredible transformation stories, including improvements for chronic illness, Lyme disease, and long-COVID symptoms
Love the podcast? Here’s what to do:
Subscribe to the podcast.
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Full show notes (including all links mentioned): https://jjvirgin.com/berman
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How a Weighted Vest Can Help Keep the Weight Off After You Lose It
Weighted vests seem to be the next fitness gimmick, but do they actually work?
In this episode, I break down the science behind weighted vests and why they can be a powerful tool for women over 40 looking to boost fat loss, metabolism, and everyday calorie burn.
I also dive into what the research really says about how adding just 5–10% of your body weight can help increase NEAT (non-exercise activity thermogenesis), preserve muscle as you lose fat, and even support bone health over time.
What you’ll learn:
(01:54) The main reason your resting metabolic rate drops after losing weight.
(02:45) How a 2025 study found that wearing a weighted vest can help preserve metabolism during weight loss.
(03:37) What Peter Attia pointed out about potential movement reduction when wearing vests—and why it matters.
(04:18) The study’s results showing that weighted vests reduce metabolic slowdown without additional workouts.
(05:47) How non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT) accounts for up to 30% of your daily energy burn.
(07:11) How to safely start using a weighted vest—beginning with just 5% of your body weight.
(09:12) Why combining a weighted vest with resistance training and protein intake helps maintain long-term results.
Weighted vests aren’t a gimmick—they’re a practical, science-backed strategy for women who want to move smarter, not harder.
Love the podcast? Here’s what to do:
Subscribe to the podcast.
Leave a review.
Text a screenshot to me at 813-565-2627 and wait for a personal reply because your voice is so important to me.
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Click “TRY FREE” and start your ad-free journey today!
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Full show notes (including all links mentioned): https://jjvirgin.com/weightedvest
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Pelvic Floor Myths and Real Sexual Health Fixes with Dr. Rena Malik
How can you tell whether your pelvic floor is tight, weak, or simply not functioning properly?
In this episode, Dr. Rena Malik and I break down the misunderstood world of pelvic floor dysfunction, from tightness and weakness to bladder issues, constipation, sexual pain, and the enormous impact of hormone changes after 40. You’ll hear practical, daily habits that can restore function, improve pleasure, and help you understand how to support this critical part of your health.
Dr. Rena Malik is a board-certified urologist and digital powerhouse known for breaking down taboo topics with humor, clarity, and science-backed truth. With over 500 million views on her YouTube channel, she’s one of the internet’s most trusted voices on pelvic health, sexual wellness, and bladder care.
What you’ll learn:
(00:18) Why pelvic floor dysfunction causes leakage, constipation, and changes in orgasm intensity.
(02:53) How pelvic floor weakness develops from childbirth, heavy lifting, or certain exercise patterns.
(04:14) Why pelvic floor tightness can show up as constipation or painful sex.
(07:43) Why pelvic floor exams are overlooked in women’s healthcare.
(11:48) How some common exercise may worsen pelvic floor tension.
(14:37) Why women with anxiety or a history of pain may need pelvic floor relaxation.
(14:48) How hormone decline and loss of estrogen drive UTIs and pelvic floor symptoms after menopause.
(21:53) Which daily habits, like hovering over toilets, can damage pelvic floor health.
Love the podcast? Here’s what to do:
Subscribe to the podcast.
Leave a review.
Text a screenshot to me at 813-565-2627 and wait for a personal reply because your voice is so important to me.
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Click “TRY FREE” and start your ad-free journey today!
When you’re ready, enjoy the VIP experience for just $4.99 per month or $49.99 per year (save 17%!)
Full show notes (including all links mentioned): https://jjvirgin.com/rena
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Well Beyond 40 with JJ Virgin is the podcast for women who want to age powerfully and enjoy the best chapter of their lives. It’s YOUR turn now to focus on nutrition, wellness, fitness, mindfulness, and beauty. Refuel your body. Reignite your wellness. Renew your passion. Fall (back) in love with your life, and discover what it means to age powerfully. Every information-packed episode combines cutting-edge science, pearls of wisdom from JJ’s four decades as a health and wellness leader and the world’s leading experts on weight loss, metabolism, menopause, life transitions and much more. We dive deep into topics like cultivating mindfulness, building strong relationships and setting boundaries, and choosing health…in a nutshell, how we can AGE POWERFULLY into this second half of our lives. At Well Beyond 40, we empower women in their 40s, 50s, 60, 70s (and beyond!) to defy stereotypes and say, “It's my time now. It's my turn now. It’s my opportunity to step into my best life!” For four decades, JJ Virgin has helped people lose weight and stop weight regain by eliminating hidden food intolerances and lowering their sugar impact. As a triple-board certified nutrition expert and Fitness Hall of Famer, JJ helps you stay fired up and focused on being your healthiest rockstar self. In addition to hosting Well Beyond 40, JJ is a prominent TV and media personality. She was co-host of TLC’s Freaky Eaters and the on-camera nutritionist for Weight Loss Challenges on Dr. Phil. Over the years, JJ has made numerous appearances on PBS, Dr. Oz, Rachael Ray, Access Hollywood, and the TODAY Show. She also speaks regularly and has shared the stage with notables including Seth Godin, Lisa Nichols, Gary Vaynerchuk, Mark Hyman, Dan Buettner, and Mary Morrissey. JJ is the author of 4 New York Times bestsellers: The Virgin Diet, The Virgin Diet Cookbook, The Sugar Impact Diet, and The Sugar Impact Diet Cookbook. JJ is also the author of Warrior Mom: 7 Secrets to Bold, Brave Resilience. She regularly writes for major blogs and other publications including mindbodygreen and Medium. Visit jjvirgin.com for hundreds of free recipes and resources, plus state-of-the-art programs, products, and plenty of support to help you rev up your metabolism, reignite your wellness, and step powerfully into the second half of your life. Love the Podcast? Here’s what to do: Make My Day & Share Your Thoughts! - Subscribe to the podcast & leave me a review - Text a screenshot to 813-565-2627 - Expect a personal reply because your voice is so important to me. Join 55,000+ followers who make this podcast thrive.
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