The Gut Brain Axis and GLP-1 Made Simple Your gut isn’t just digesting your food… it’s holding a full-on conversation with your brain, narrating your mood, your cravings, your anxiety levels - and even how resilient you feel in midlife and weight loss. In this episode, we dive deep into the gut–brain axis:the hormones, the microbes, the neural superhighway between your belly and your mind… and how stress, poor sleep, GLP-1 medication, and midlife changes can throw the whole system off. Expect science made simple, story made relatable, and solutions you can actually use. We cover:• What the gut is really “saying” to your brain• How stress and emotional eating are rooted in this axis• Why fibre, protein, and microbiome support matter more than you think• How GLP-1 affects gut–brain signalling (in a good way)• The tiny daily tweaks that make your mood, hunger, and energy so much more predictable If you’re a woman who’s ever wondered why your stomach is basically your second brain - or why your mood and digestion are so tightly connected - this episode will make everything click. Hit play, grab a cup of something warm, and let’s decode the messages your body has been sending you all along.

Medication helps, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. Let’s be honest - everyone wants a quick fix. The magic wand that makes the weight disappear, quiets food noise forever, and somehow resets life. But GLP-1 medication isn’t that. And that’s actually the best part. In this episode, Nicole breaks down what GLP-1 can do -from regulating hunger and blood sugar to giving you the mental space to make better choices - and what it can’t do, like healing emotional eating or rebuilding self-trust. This isn’t another “before and after” chat; it’s a conversation about empowerment, not dependency. You’ll learn:✨ The real science of how GLP-1 works (and why it’s not “cheating”)💔 The emotional patterns medication alone can’t fix💪 The 3 pillars that create lasting transformation🔄 Why you are still in the driver’s seat of your journey If you’ve ever wondered why the scale moved but your self-worth didn’t, or if you’re ready to build a stronger, freer, more connected relationship with your body - this one’s for you. 🎧 Tune in, take a deep breath, and remember: GLP-1 might start your story, but you write the ending. 👉 Share this episode with someone on their own GLP-1 journey, and come join the conversation on Instagram

Episode 29 | The You Lounge Podcast🎧 Perimenopause & Brain Health Optimisation: Training Your Mind Like a Muscle Your brain is your most powerful asset - yet most of us spend more time training our biceps than training our brain. In this episode, we’re diving into brain optimisation for women in perimenopause - because mental clarity, focus, and resilience aren’t just luck… they’re trainable. We explore the science of neuroplasticity and how your brain can rewire and strengthen at any age. You’ll learn how lifestyle factors like sleep, stress, movement, and nutrition shape brain function - and why brain fog, mood swings, or memory lapses in midlife aren’t something you just have to “live with.” Nicole breaks down cutting-edge tools and treatments for cognitive health - from TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) like Exomind and red light therapy to nootropics, adaptogens, and brain-boosting nutrition - all grounded in evidence and experience. You’ll also get practical, science-backed strategies to:💤 Improve sleep hygiene and recovery🏋️‍♀️ Boost BDNF through movement and strength training🥑 Nourish your brain with omega-3s, hydration, and micronutrients🧘‍♀️ Train your mind with meditation, journaling, and learning 3 takeaways: Your brain health is dynamic - and can be trained. One small habit (like magnesium before bed or morning red light) can change everything. Treat your brain as your most valuable investment - because it is. ✨ Your brain drives everything you do. Choose one upgrade this week - a supplement, a habit, or a mindset shift - and watch your clarity expand. If this episode gave you a boost, share it with a friend who needs one too.

Biohacking for Busy Women: The Truth Behind the Trend Summary This week, Nicole McKee and Marianne Bell unpack what biohacking really means for women - and spoiler alert, it’s not all ice baths, supplements, and expensive gadgets. They explore how women can use simple, science-backed habits to optimise their energy, focus, and emotional wellbeing without overcomplicating it. From journaling and nutrition to hypnosis and NAD+, they share practical ways to experiment safely and find what genuinely works for your body. Expect an honest, no-nonsense conversation about what biohacking looks like in real life - from balancing hormones and managing energy to aligning with your natural rhythms. Because real wellness isn’t about chasing perfection; it’s about awareness, alignment, and editing your life to work for you. Key Takeaways The Mindset Biohacking is about optimising your biology for health, energy, and longevity. It’s not about tech obsession - it’s a holistic, lifestyle-based approach. Bio-individuality matters: what works for one woman might not work for another. Awareness is the first step - you can’t change what you don’t understand. The Practice Track your energy levels to spot natural highs and lows in your day. Pick one habit at a time and build consistency before adding more. Journaling supports emotional awareness, gratitude, and self-reflection. Hypnosis and wearable tech can enhance progress - but start simple. The Perspective Celebrate the healthy habits you already have in place. Emotional health is as vital as nutrition or movement. Experiment, observe, and let your body lead the conversation. True wellness is about living life on your terms, not someone else’s protocol. biohacking, wellness, women, health, nutrition, productivity, mindfulness, self-care, lifestyle, coaching, biohacking, wellness, energy management, journaling, hypnosis, wearable technology, self-awareness, NAD Plus, emotional health, personal growth

This week, Marianne takes the mic solo to unpack something far deeper than split ends - why our hair holds so much emotional power. From teenage “Rapunzel” memories to the science behind midlife hair loss, she explores how our strands are woven into identity, confidence, and self-worth. You’ll hear Marianne’s personal story of rediscovering herself through hair changes, wigs, and growth - both emotional and literal - plus the science behind hair loss during weight loss and perimenopause. Because it’s never just about hair. It’s about who we become when we finally feel like ourselves again. What you'll learn: Why hair plays such a powerful role in women’s confidence and identity The emotional and psychological meaning behind hair changes The science of hair loss during rapid weight loss or hormonal shifts How to support healthy hair through nutrition, scalp care, and gentle styling Why confidence comes from owning your choices, not your hair length ✨ Plus, a sneak peek into The Life Edit Masterclass  - where real confidence starts from the inside out. Join The Life Edit Masterclass Want to rebuild your confidence from the inside out?Sign up for The Life Edit Masterclass a free, science-backed 3-day experience designed to help you reconnect with your body, mind, and identity. 🔗 Join Here Disclaimer This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not medical advice. Always speak to your healthcare provider before making changes to your medication or health routine.

The You Lounge Episode 26 - The Brutal Truth About Midlife Weight Gain   Why does weight gain suddenly feel inevitable in your 30s and 40s?   In this episode of The You Lounge, hosts Marianne and Nicole unpack the brutal truth about midlife weight gain, and why the strategies that worked in your 20s stop working now. This isn’t about willpower or motivation. It’s about understanding the biological shifts happening in your body and learning to work with them, not against them. What You’ll Learn: 🔬 The Hormonal Reality of Perimenopause & Menopause How declining estrogen and progesterone trigger fat redistribution (especially around the midsection), slow your metabolism, and accelerate muscle loss, and what you can do about it.   💪 Why Strength Training After 40 Is Non-NegotiableThe science behind preserving lean muscle mass, protecting bone density, and maintaining metabolic health as you age.   💤 The Sleep-Weight ConnectionWhy poor sleep disrupts hunger hormones (ghrelin and leptin), increases cortisol, and makes weight management nearly impossible, plus actionable sleep hygiene tips backed by research from sleep scientist Dr. Matthew Walker.   🧘‍♀️ Stress, Cortisol & The Burnout CycleHow chronic stress keeps your body in fat-storage mode and why managing stress is just as important as diet and exercise.   🎶 Healing Music & Hertz Frequencies for RecoveryAn introduction to sound healing: 432 Hz for deep relaxation and 528 Hz for stress reduction  and how these frequencies can calm “food noise” and support nervous system regulation.   ⚡ The Midlife Energy Audit A practical framework for identifying where you’re over-giving, under-recovering, and how to reclaim your time, energy, and vitality. 3 Key Takeaways: 1️⃣ Midlife weight gain is rooted in biology, not personal failure. Understanding hormonal shifts empowers you to make informed choices. 2️⃣ Protein, strength training, and quality sleep are your three non-negotiables for metabolic health and long-term vitality. 3️⃣ Midlife is not a decline, it’s an opportunity to reset, rebuild strength, and thrive with intention.   Resources Mentioned in This Episode: 📖 Why We Sleep by Dr. Matthew Walker Amazon Link | 🎵 432 Hz & 528 Hz Healing Frequency Playlists - Spotify | YouTube💡   💬 What’s your biggest struggle with midlife weight gain? Drop a comment or DM us, we read every message!   ⭐ If this episode resonated, leave us a 5-star review and share it with a friend who needs to hear this.

Episode 25 – ADHD, Autism, Perimenopause & Female Health with Jess Lindo In this episode of The You Lounge, Nicole and Marianne sit down with female health coach Jess Lindo for a powerful, real, and wide-ranging conversation on women’s health. We dive into: ADHD and autism in women – why it often goes undiagnosed and the unique challenges it brings The impact of perimenopause on the mind and body How hormones, neurodivergence, and female health intersect in ways most people aren’t talking about Practical strategies for women navigating this season of life Plus, Marianne shares openly about her own journey with dyslexia and the importance of understanding how neurodivergence shows up differently for each of us. This episode is honest, supportive, and packed with insights for any woman wanting to better understand her health, hormones, and unique wiring. ✨ Listen in and join the conversation - because women deserve to feel seen, supported, and thriving. You can connect with Jess here: FREE Info - https://linktr.ee/jesslindocoachingJess's Insta - http://instagram.com/jesslindocoachingLinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/in/jess-lindo/

Episode 24 - How to Find the Joy in the Journey, Not Just the Destination In this week’s episode of The You Lounge, we dive into one of the most overlooked parts of transformation: JOY! And learning to love the process. Too often we live in the mindset of “I’ll be happy when…” - when the weight is lost, when the job is landed, when the relationship arrives. But what about the joy available right now? We talk about how to romanticise your everyday life, how to shift your focus from the finish line to the present moment, and why waiting for happiness only robs you of it. If you’ve ever felt stuck in “destination thinking,” this conversation will help you find meaning, gratitude, and excitement in the small moments that make up your journey. ✨ Practical tips, mindset shifts, and a whole new perspective on how to live with more joy, every single day.

Were you really “on it” before a GLP-1… or were you just kidding yourself? Be honest: how many times did you swear you were doing everything right before starting GLP-1… but deep down, you knew you were half-in, half-out? Skipping workouts, nibbling through the evening, promising yourself “Monday will be different.” In this episode of The You Lounge, we’re ripping the plaster off the “I was on it before” myth. Why do we rewrite the past to make ourselves feel better? Why do we cling to the idea that we were perfect, when in reality we were exhausted, overwhelmed, and stuck in survival mode? Here’s the truth: you weren’t failing - your brain, your hormones, and your habits were working against you. And until you see it clearly, you’ll stay trapped in the cycle of guilt and self-sabotage. If you’ve ever caught yourself saying “I don’t know why I need this medication, I was already healthy,” this episode is your wake-up call. Let’s get raw, real, and set the record straight. 🎧 Listen now - and get ready to trade the self-delusion for self-awareness that actually changes everything.

Episode 22: Only the Wealthy Can Be Healthy - The Real Impacts of the UK Mounjaro Price Rise In this episode of The You Lounge, we’re unpacking the UK Mounjaro price increase and what it really means for patients. This isn’t just about a higher prescription cost. It’s a wake-up call that exposes the cracks in our healthcare system: Why access to obesity treatment is now even further out of reach for many. How the rise highlights deep-rooted health inequalities in the UK. What can you do if you are on this medication? Why this moment should make us rethink what healthcare The truth? The UK’s Mounjaro price rise has made one thing brutally clear: only the wealthy can be healthy. Join us for an unfiltered, thought-provoking conversation on affordability, stigma, and the future of obesity care. Join the GLP-1 Success Hub for our FREE 6 weeks to Success, support from Nic & Marianne. - CLICK HERE

🎙️ Episode 21: The GLP-1 “Skinny” ShameThe stigma is real - and it’s hurting people who need help. We feel it daily online, the shame, the bullying, the abuse, so we are talking about it here. In this episode, we’re unpacking the rising wave of GLP-1 “skinny” shame - from strangers online making unsolicited comments about people’s bodies, to healthcare professionals casually calling it “the skinny jab” as if it’s a fad instead of a legitimate medical treatment. We’ll talk about: Why these labels are fuelling shame and misinformation. The ripple effect on people who feel too embarrassed to seek medical support. How shame keeps people stuck in cycles of silence, self-blame, and unhealthy coping. Where to turn if you’re using GLP-1 and need a safe, non-judgemental space for guidance. This is a conversation we need to have - because no one should be made to feel ashamed for seeking the tools that help them reclaim their health. If you are on a GLP-1 like Ozempic, Mounjaro or Wegovy (or maybe considering it) then this one is for you.

The You Lounge Episode 20 - From GLP-1 to Glow-Up: The Sexy in 6 Method Welcome to the You Lounge. Join me for this solo episode on the couch for my official kickoff of my brand-new 6-week plan for strength, energy, and a full-body glow-up - where GLP-1 is just one tool in a much bigger transformation. If you’ve ever thought, “If I’m on GLP-1… isn’t that enough?” - this episode is your wake-up call. No it's not. Inside, I’m breaking down why the injection is only one piece of the puzzle and how to build your own Hot Girl Health Plan that covers:✨ Strength training - lift for shape, mood, and metabolism✨ Hormone health - because your hormones rule the show✨ Nervous system support - regulate first, lose weight faster✨ Gut health + inflammation - heal the inside for visible results✨ Skin health - glow through weight loss✨ Sleep + recovery - hot girls sleep✨ Boundaries + biohacking - protect your energy, own your mornings This is not a diet. Not a challenge. Not punishment.It’s a reset, a reclamation, and a reminder that weight loss without emotional healing, muscle, or hormonal balance can leave you thin, tired, and still unhappy. 💌 Join me on the journey You’re not behind. You’re not broken. You’re about to become the most embodied, empowered, hot girl version of yourself.Let’s do this. 💪💋

🎙️ Episode 19 - GLP-1 & Emotional Eating: Why It’s Not Magically Cured Welcome back to The You Lounge - come join us on the couch. Still reaching for snacks on GLP-1? You’re not alone. In this episode of The You Lounge, we dive into emotional eating during medical weight loss - and why hunger isn’t the full story. Come join us on the couch for mindset shifts, real talk, and tools that help you heal your relationship with food.🎧 Plus: Join the free GLP-1 Success Hub This week, we’re getting real about emotional eating on GLP-1s. Because let’s be honest - just because your appetite is gone doesn’t mean your cravings, habits, or emotions disappear too. We’re pulling back the curtain on: Why emotional eating can still show up during your GLP-1 journey The difference between true hunger vs emotional triggers What it actually takes to rewire the emotional connection to food The sneaky ways shame and old beliefs keep you stuck 💬 It’s raw. It’s honest. It’s everything you wish someone had told you when you started. ✨ Come join the FREE GLP-1 Success Hub for daily support, mindset tools + real talk:👉 https://www.facebook.com/groups/theglp1successhub/ 🧠 Want in on the Emotional Eating Toolkit made for GLP-1 women?🎯 Get on the waitlist here:👉 https://forms.gle/32pif7G9LifkNS3j8 Pour a cuppa, get cosy - and let’s talk about the stuff that really matters.

The You Lounge - Episode 18 🌱 Wellness Hacks for GLP-1 Success⁠So, you’re on a GLP-1 like Ozempic or Mounjaro… now what? In this episode of The You Lounge, we’re giving you 10 powerful wellness hacks that go beyond just taking the injection. From what to eat first thing in the morning to how to support your gut, manage side effects, and actually feel well during your weight loss journey - this episode is packed with simple strategies that make a real difference. Whether you’re struggling with low energy, food noise, constipation or just want to maximise your results without burning out, this is your toolkit. 🎧 Listen in for:✔️ High-impact, low-effort health habits✔️ Emotional eating support✔️ Gut + sleep optimisation✔️ Daily mindset + NSV tracking Because thriving on a GLP-1 isn’t just about weight loss - it’s about feeling empowered in your body again.  

🎙️The You Lounge Episode 17 - PCOS, Ozempic (and other GLP-1's like Mounjaro) & Owning the Spotlight: With TikTok Sarah McDowell This week on The You Lounge, I’m joined by the unapologetic powerhouse Sarah McDowell - one of the original voices on TikTok openly sharing her Ozempic journey long before it hit the mainstream. Diagnosed with PCOS, Sarah spent years battling symptoms, stubborn weight, and the emotional toll of living in a bigger body when nothing is working. Then came GLP-1 - and everything changed. In this raw and real episode, we explore:💉 What it was like to start Ozempic before it was trending⚡ How GLP-1 helped her finally manage PCOS symptoms and lose weight sustainably👀 The shift in how people treat you when your body changes🧠 Why we need to keep sharing our journeys🔥 Why Sarah continues to speak out - and advocate for GLP-1 users This isn’t a trend story. It’s a truth-telling one. One about owning your journey, your voice, and your health. Follow Sarah on TikTok: @sarah_with_PCOS Follow Sarah on Instagram: @sarah_with_pcos

Part 2: Life After 9 Stone Lost – Identity, Grief & Real Healing with My Journey With Marc In Part 2 of this raw and relatable conversation with Marc McKee, aka My Journey With Marc, we dive even deeper into what happens after massive weight loss. We explore:✨ The emotional journey of losing 9 stone✨ Identity shifts and the letting go of your “old self”✨ Why weight loss alone doesn’t fix everything - and how GLP-1s became a gateway to deeper healing and a new way of life This episode is for anyone navigating change, chasing transformation, or just needing to know they’re not alone in the messy middle. 🎧 Catch Part 1 first if you haven’t already - then come back and join us for this unfiltered continuation of Marc’s incredible journey. 👉 Follow Marc on TikTok & Instagram: @my.journey.with.marc The You Lounge is your space for unfiltered conversations on weight loss, wellness, and what it really takes to come home to yourself.

🎙️ Episode 16 - 9 Stone Down: Marc’s Unfiltered Journey with GLP-1 Weight Loss. Part 1. What does it really take to lose 9 stone - and stay sane in the process? The shame, the loose skin, the high points, the new life claimed. In this episode of The You Lounge, we sit down with Marc from Northern Ireland, whose open and honest videos about GLP-1 weight loss blew up on TikTok and Instagram. He’s become a voice for thousands of people walking the same path - sharing the highs, the lows, and everything in between. We talk about:🔹 What it was like starting GLP-1🔹 The physical and emotional shifts that come with major weight loss🔹 Coping with the internet shame🔹 Why he refuses to sugarcoat the journey Marc’s story is real, raw, and powerful. Whether you're on GLP-1 or just craving a life that feels more like you - this episode will leave you inspired to take the next step.  This episode was so jam packed we had to split it into 2. Part 2 drops Monday 14th July. Hit subscribe to make sure you don't miss a thing. 🎧 Follow Marc on TikTok and Instagram: @my.journey.with.marc TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/discover/my-journey-with-mark?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc Link to the petition spoken about for being able to share weight loss experience online - https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/729654 📲 And if this resonated, share it with someone else who needs to hear the truth behind transformation.

🎙️ Episode 15 – Behind the Blazer: Why So Many Corporate Women Are Turning to GLP-1Unfiltered truths on ambition, appetite, and the weight of doing it all. In this powerful and unfiltered episode of The You Lounge, we explore why so many high-achieving, corporate women are turning to GLP-1 weight loss medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro to navigate burnout, body image, and the relentless pressure to perform. We dive into:💼 The mental load of being “the strong one” at work and at home🧠 Appetite, control, and the psychology of hunger in high-functioning women💉 Why GLP-1 meds offer more than just fat loss – and what no one’s talking about👠 The unspoken expectations around weight, appearance, and leadership🔥 The intersection of menopause, neurodivergence, and metabolic health This episode is for every woman who’s ever looked like she has it all together… but feels like she’s falling apart behind the scenes. Inside: GLP-1, Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, weight loss for women, corporate burnout, neurodivergent women, menopause support, female executives, body image, emotional eating, appetite, hunger hormones, female leadership, weight stigma, The You Lounge podcast.

You’ve tried the diets, cut the calories, pushed through the workouts - but the weight just won’t shift. Sound familiar? In this powerful episode of The You Lounge, we’re joined by menopause coach and researcher Adele Johnston, as we unpack the truth about menopausal weight gain — and why it’s not about willpower or laziness. We talk:💥 The hormonal chaos that sabotages midlife metabolism💉 The role of GLP-1 medications in supporting women through perimenopause and beyond🧠 Why your brain, not your belly, might be driving weight gain🔥 And the shame-free, evidence-based ways to reclaim your body If you’ve ever felt stuck, broken, or blamed during this season of life — this episode is your invitation to feel seen, understood, and supported. Link to take part in the research study mentioned: Changing Dynamics of Attraction: How Menopause Influences Women's Perception of Self and Others in Platonic and Sexual Relationships https://research.sc/participant/login/dynamic/EE51EC3C-641C-435C-8ECA-BC946512789B?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAadHkBzEeaIqElE5FPNbftQ5P3Ltf1zrvwNWFvJ1LBGsDPE7fjwlLgr7BYzQhw_aem_MWXGmkkwEoEeASxqaqfpFg   Symptom tracker https://adelejohnstoncoaching.com/free-copy-of-our-symptom-assessment/   GLP-1, Menopause, Weight Gain, Weight Loss, Women's Health, Female Health

🎙 Episode 13 – The Regain Fear is Real: What No One Tells You After a GLP-1 You've lost the weight… now what? In this powerful episode of The You Lounge, we're lifting the lid on one of the most anxiety-inducing parts of the GLP-1 journey: weight regain fear. Because no one talks about what happens after the injections stop — or worse, when they’re taken away from you. Nicole breaks down: The 4 stages of GLP-1 weight loss (and why each one hits differently) The real psychology behind “maintenance mode panic” The 6 essential pillars for staying successful beyond the medication Why the fear of regain isn’t irrational — but absolutely manageable with the right support Whether you're still losing, thinking about tapering, or wondering how the hell to maintain it all - this episode is a must-listen for anyone who's realised the real work begins after the scale stops moving.Join our new paid support community - The GLP-1 Success Hub - https://nicolemckee.myflodesk.com/successhub