Well Beyond 40
1415 episodes Last Updated: Jun 25, 25
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.
Episodes
Jun 25, 2025
From Baywatch to Breakthrough: Surviving Breast Cancer and Finding Self-Love with Nicole Eggert
"I knew that a negative body was not gonna heal properly. I knew I had to find a way to put my big girl pants on and fight for this." - Nicole Eggert
When former Baywatch star Nicole Eggert discovered a golf ball-sized lump in her breast at 51, her world shifted in ways she never imagined. What began as devastating news became an unexpected journey of transformation, self-love, and profound awakening. Nicole's raw honesty about her breast cancer diagnosis reveals the power of early detection - and how a health crisis can become life's greatest teacher. From throwing out toxic beauty products to embracing spiritual healing practices, she's redefining what it means to truly care for yourself after 40. Her story isn't just about surviving cancer; it's about discovering that your body isn't your enemy, but your greatest ally in life.
What you’ll learn:
The critical importance of breast self-exams and why mammograms aren't always enough for dense breast tissue
How to shift from self-criticism to body appreciation, especially during health challenges
The connection between unprocessed trauma, stress, and hormone-driven cancers
Why reading ingredient labels and eliminating toxins from beauty products matters more than you think
The surprising link between alcohol consumption and estrogen levels in women
How spiritual practices like meditation and energy healing can support physical recovery
Why perfectionism in health routines can backfire and the power of the "B-plus" approach
The mindset shifts that happen after 50 and how to embrace fearlessness in midlife
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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Full show notes (including all links mentioned): https://jjvirgin.com/eggert
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I'm breaking down everything you need to know about creatine - the game-changing supplement that's not just for bodybuilders anymore. As women over 40, we're dealing with changing metabolism, declining muscle mass, and energy dips that can make us feel like we're fighting an uphill battle. But here's what I've discovered: creatine isn't just about gym performance. It's your cellular battery booster that can sharpen your brain when you're sleep-deprived, help you recover faster from workouts, and even ease jet lag struggles. I'm sharing why I wish I'd started taking it decades ago, the crucial difference between creatine HCL and monohydrate (hint: one causes bloating, the other doesn't), and exactly how to dose it for maximum benefits without the side effects. Plus, I'm revealing my personal protocol for high-stress days, travel, and those nights when sleep just doesn't happen - because let's be real, life after 40 throws us curveballs and we need our energy to keep up.
What you’ll learn:
Why creatine is crucial for women over 40 and how it functions as your cellular battery booster
The significant difference between creatine HCL and monohydrate forms and why absorption rates matter
Proper dosing protocols for foundational use, intense workouts, and high-stress situations
How creatine benefits brain function, focus, and mood - especially during sleep deprivation
What to expect when starting creatine and how to monitor your progress with body composition
Why creatine can help with jet lag, time zone adjustments, and travel recovery
The connection between creatine and muscle definition, plus why slight weight gain is actually beneficial
How to use creatine strategically for better workout performance and faster recovery
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.
Want to listen to the show completely ad-free?
Go to subscribetojj.com
Enjoy the VIP experience for just $4.99/month or $49.99/year (save 17%!)
Click “TRY FREE” and start your ad-free journey today!
Full show notes (including all links mentioned): https://jjvirgin.com/ultimatecreatineguide
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I'm breaking down everything you need to know about creatine - the game-changing supplement that's not just for bodybuilders anymore. As women over 40, we're dealing with changing metabolism, declining muscle mass, and energy dips that can make us feel like we're fighting an uphill battle. But here's what I've discovered: creatine isn't just about gym performance. It's your cellular battery booster that can sharpen your brain when you're sleep-deprived, help you recover faster from workouts, and even ease jet lag struggles. I'm sharing why I wish I'd started taking it decades ago, the crucial difference between creatine HCL and monohydrate (hint: one causes bloating, the other doesn't), and exactly how to dose it for maximum benefits without the side effects. Plus, I'm revealing my personal protocol for high-stress days, travel, and those nights when sleep just doesn't happen - because let's be real, life after 40 throws us curveballs and we need our energy to keep up.
What you’ll learn:
Why creatine is crucial for women over 40 and how it functions as your cellular battery booster
The significant difference between creatine HCL and monohydrate forms and why absorption rates matter
Proper dosing protocols for foundational use, intense workouts, and high-stress situations
How creatine benefits brain function, focus, and mood - especially during sleep deprivation
What to expect when starting creatine and how to monitor your progress with body composition
Why creatine can help with jet lag, time zone adjustments, and travel recovery
The connection between creatine and muscle definition, plus why slight weight gain is actually beneficial
How to use creatine strategically for better workout performance and faster recovery
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.
Want to listen to the show completely ad-free?
Go to subscribetojj.com
Enjoy the VIP experience for just $4.99/month or $49.99/year (save 17%!)
Click “TRY FREE” and start your ad-free journey today!
Full show notes (including all links mentioned): https://jjvirgin.com/ultimatecreatineguide
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 18, 2025
"You Are Not Broken": Transforming Your Understanding of Hormones with Dr. Kelly Casperson
"Most women think it's their problem, their flaw, that they need to be better or different. But no, you're not broken. You just didn't get an education." — Dr. Kelly Casperson
I was blown away by my conversation with Dr. Kelly Casperson, a board-certified urologic surgeon who's on a passionate mission to educate women about their bodies, hormones, and sexuality. As one of the rare female urologists who specializes in menopause and sexual medicine, Kelly opened my eyes to how dramatically our society has failed women when it comes to education about our bodies. We dove deep into the truth about testosterone for women (yes, we need it!), the life-changing benefits of vaginal estrogen that no one talks about, and why "responsive desire" is completely normal. Kelly brilliantly reframes hormones as "neuro hormones" rather than just "sex hormones," revealing how essential they are for brain health, bone strength, and overall well-being. Her approach combines medical expertise with a refreshing emphasis on empowerment – giving women the knowledge to advocate for what they need during perimenopause, menopause, and beyond.
What you’ll learn:
Why responsive sexual desire is completely normal for women (and why spontaneous desire is often a myth)
How testosterone affects women's health and wellbeing beyond just libido
The surprising benefits of vaginal estrogen that doctors rarely discuss
Why the way we label hormones as "sex hormones" rather than "neuro hormones" impacts treatment
How menopause affects everything from bone density to brain health
The importance of prioritizing intimacy in relationships and practical ways to do it
Why women need to be educated and empowered about their hormones to make informed choices
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.
Want to listen to the show completely ad-free?
Go to subscribetojj.com
Enjoy the VIP experience for just $4.99/month or $49.99/year (save 17%!)
Click “TRY FREE” and start your ad-free journey today!
Full show notes (including all links mentioned): https://jjvirgin.com/drkelly
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 18, 2025
"You Are Not Broken": Transforming Your Understanding of Hormones with Dr. Kelly Casperson
"Most women think it's their problem, their flaw, that they need to be better or different. But no, you're not broken. You just didn't get an education." — Dr. Kelly Casperson
I was blown away by my conversation with Dr. Kelly Casperson, a board-certified urologic surgeon who's on a passionate mission to educate women about their bodies, hormones, and sexuality. As one of the rare female urologists who specializes in menopause and sexual medicine, Kelly opened my eyes to how dramatically our society has failed women when it comes to education about our bodies. We dove deep into the truth about testosterone for women (yes, we need it!), the life-changing benefits of vaginal estrogen that no one talks about, and why "responsive desire" is completely normal. Kelly brilliantly reframes hormones as "neuro hormones" rather than just "sex hormones," revealing how essential they are for brain health, bone strength, and overall well-being. Her approach combines medical expertise with a refreshing emphasis on empowerment – giving women the knowledge to advocate for what they need during perimenopause, menopause, and beyond.
What you’ll learn:
Why responsive sexual desire is completely normal for women (and why spontaneous desire is often a myth)
How testosterone affects women's health and wellbeing beyond just libido
The surprising benefits of vaginal estrogen that doctors rarely discuss
Why the way we label hormones as "sex hormones" rather than "neuro hormones" impacts treatment
How menopause affects everything from bone density to brain health
The importance of prioritizing intimacy in relationships and practical ways to do it
Why women need to be educated and empowered about their hormones to make informed choices
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.
Want to listen to the show completely ad-free?
Go to subscribetojj.com
Enjoy the VIP experience for just $4.99/month or $49.99/year (save 17%!)
Click “TRY FREE” and start your ad-free journey today!
Full show notes (including all links mentioned): https://jjvirgin.com/drkelly
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Your body is wired for survival, not aesthetics, and the moment you lose weight, it fights back with everything it's got. I've seen too many women in their 40s, 50s, and beyond lose significant weight only to watch it creep back on—sometimes leaving them worse off than when they started. The harsh reality is that your metabolism can drop 5-20% lower than it should be after weight loss, your hunger hormones go haywire, and your body literally pushes you to overeat. But here's what the National Weight Control Registry has taught us about the people who successfully keep weight off: they don't just maintain—they continuously evolve their approach. They move more, eat consistently, track their progress, and most importantly, they transform their identity from someone who lost weight to someone who lives like a naturally lean person. The secret isn't perfection; it's understanding that staying where you want to be requires different strategies than getting there in the first place.
What you’ll learn:
Why your metabolism drops more than expected after weight loss and how to combat metabolic adaptation
The specific exercise requirements for successful weight maintenance (hint: it's more than you think)
How to navigate hunger hormones that sabotage your efforts and practical solutions to stay satisfied
The controversial daily habits that 80% of successful maintainers practice consistently
Why tracking and monitoring become even more critical in maintenance than during weight loss
How to shift your identity and lifestyle to match your new body composition goals
The role of sleep and stress in weight regain and how to protect your progress
When to seek help if your weight starts creeping back up despite doing everything right
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.
Want to listen to the show completely ad-free?
Go to subscribetojj.com
Enjoy the VIP experience for just $4.99/month or $49.99/year (save 17%!)
Click “TRY FREE” and start your ad-free journey today!
Full show notes (including all links mentioned): https://jjvirgin.com/keepweightoff
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Your body is wired for survival, not aesthetics, and the moment you lose weight, it fights back with everything it's got. I've seen too many women in their 40s, 50s, and beyond lose significant weight only to watch it creep back on—sometimes leaving them worse off than when they started. The harsh reality is that your metabolism can drop 5-20% lower than it should be after weight loss, your hunger hormones go haywire, and your body literally pushes you to overeat. But here's what the National Weight Control Registry has taught us about the people who successfully keep weight off: they don't just maintain—they continuously evolve their approach. They move more, eat consistently, track their progress, and most importantly, they transform their identity from someone who lost weight to someone who lives like a naturally lean person. The secret isn't perfection; it's understanding that staying where you want to be requires different strategies than getting there in the first place.
What you’ll learn:
Why your metabolism drops more than expected after weight loss and how to combat metabolic adaptation
The specific exercise requirements for successful weight maintenance (hint: it's more than you think)
How to navigate hunger hormones that sabotage your efforts and practical solutions to stay satisfied
The controversial daily habits that 80% of successful maintainers practice consistently
Why tracking and monitoring become even more critical in maintenance than during weight loss
How to shift your identity and lifestyle to match your new body composition goals
The role of sleep and stress in weight regain and how to protect your progress
When to seek help if your weight starts creeping back up despite doing everything right
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.
Want to listen to the show completely ad-free?
Go to subscribetojj.com
Enjoy the VIP experience for just $4.99/month or $49.99/year (save 17%!)
Click “TRY FREE” and start your ad-free journey today!
Full show notes (including all links mentioned): https://jjvirgin.com/keepweightoff
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
"Chemicals are actually more dangerous at low doses than high ones... they're small amounts, but they're able to do a lot with the size and concentration and power of what they are." – Dr. Aly Cohen
I invited back triple board-certified physician Dr. Aly Cohen to tackle the intimidating world of environmental toxins. As a rheumatologist, internist, and integrative medicine specialist, she brings a uniquely practical approach to a topic that can feel overwhelming. What I love about Aly's perspective is her emphasis on making reasonable, sustainable changes rather than attempting perfection. We explored how these small daily exposures accumulate in our bodies over time, the biggest offenders to focus on first, and her practical four-step process for reducing your toxic load without driving yourself crazy. If you've ever felt paralyzed by information overload about toxins, this conversation offers a refreshingly sane roadmap to better health.
What you’ll learn:
Why low-dose chemical exposures can be more dangerous than acute exposures and how they accumulate over time
The "Four A's" approach to detoxification that makes reducing toxins manageable
Which toxin sources make the biggest impact on your health (and should be addressed first)
How clean food and water choices can immediately remove thousands of harmful chemicals from your daily exposure
The powerful connection between toxins and weight challenges, including how toxins can prevent weight loss
Why filtering your water is one of the highest-impact changes you can make
Simple travel hacks to reduce your toxic load even when away from home
The importance of adding in foods and practices that support your body's natural detoxification
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.
Want to listen to the show completely ad-free?
Go to subscribetojj.com
Enjoy the VIP experience for just $4.99/month or $49.99/year (save 17%!)
Click “TRY FREE” and start your ad-free journey today!
Full show notes (including all links mentioned): https://jjvirgin.com/aly
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
"Chemicals are actually more dangerous at low doses than high ones... they're small amounts, but they're able to do a lot with the size and concentration and power of what they are." – Dr. Aly Cohen
I invited back triple board-certified physician Dr. Aly Cohen to tackle the intimidating world of environmental toxins. As a rheumatologist, internist, and integrative medicine specialist, she brings a uniquely practical approach to a topic that can feel overwhelming. What I love about Aly's perspective is her emphasis on making reasonable, sustainable changes rather than attempting perfection. We explored how these small daily exposures accumulate in our bodies over time, the biggest offenders to focus on first, and her practical four-step process for reducing your toxic load without driving yourself crazy. If you've ever felt paralyzed by information overload about toxins, this conversation offers a refreshingly sane roadmap to better health.
What you’ll learn:
Why low-dose chemical exposures can be more dangerous than acute exposures and how they accumulate over time
The "Four A's" approach to detoxification that makes reducing toxins manageable
Which toxin sources make the biggest impact on your health (and should be addressed first)
How clean food and water choices can immediately remove thousands of harmful chemicals from your daily exposure
The powerful connection between toxins and weight challenges, including how toxins can prevent weight loss
Why filtering your water is one of the highest-impact changes you can make
Simple travel hacks to reduce your toxic load even when away from home
The importance of adding in foods and practices that support your body's natural detoxification
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.
Want to listen to the show completely ad-free?
Go to subscribetojj.com
Enjoy the VIP experience for just $4.99/month or $49.99/year (save 17%!)
Click “TRY FREE” and start your ad-free journey today!
Full show notes (including all links mentioned): https://jjvirgin.com/aly
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I was shocked when my dentist connected my bleeding gums to low estrogen – the same culprit behind my achy joints and poor recovery! This revelation unlocked my understanding of what Dr. Vonda Wright calls the "Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause." If you're waking up feeling stiff, experiencing joint pain, or noticing your body doesn't bounce back like it used to, you're not crazy or broken – you're experiencing a natural but manageable part of midlife. Contrary to popular advice, the answer isn't to move less or accept joint pain as inevitable. I'm sharing the science-backed strategies that helped me delay knee surgery for 25 years and recently transformed my debilitating foot pain into pain-free walking, from strength training protocols to regenerative therapies and anti-inflammatory nutrition approaches that actually work.
What you’ll learn:
Why joint pain often emerges during perimenopause and menopause (hint: it's about more than just aging)
The truth about movement – why "protecting" your joints by moving less actually makes them worse
How certain foods can dramatically increase or decrease joint inflammation
The critical connection between gut health, inflammation, and joint pain
Which supplements have research-backed benefits for joint health (and the specific ones I take daily)
Strategies to balance muscle-building against fat gain to protect your joints
How regenerative therapies like PRP, stem cells, and cutting-edge treatments can help rebuild cartilage
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.
Want to listen to the show completely ad-free?
Go to subscribetojj.com
Enjoy the VIP experience for just $4.99/month or $49.99/year (save 17%!)
Click “TRY FREE” and start your ad-free journey today!
Full show notes (including all links mentioned): https://jjvirgin.com/jointhealth
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices