The Simplicity Sessions

If you've been feeling like your body has stopped cooperating in midlife — even when you feel like you're doing everything right — this episode is for you.
In this episode, we go deep on something that doesn't get nearly enough attention: the connection between your gut health, your hormones, and how you feel as you move through perimenopause and beyond.
Key Topics:
Why Cynthia wrote The Menopause Gut — and what no one else is talking about when it comes to midlife gut changes

The gut microbiome explained simply: what it is, where it lives, and why it intersects with every system in your body

The four lifestyle foundations that either support or sabotage your gut health — and why doing less is often the answer in midlife

Why the "double down and work harder" approach backfires for so many women (and what to do instead)

Sleep as the non-negotiable #1 priority — Cynthia's exact words: "If you are not sleeping through the night, I cannot get you to lose weight"

The hyperlink between chronic stress, cortisol, leaky gut, and autoimmune risk — women are 4–5x more likely to develop autoimmune conditions in perimenopause and menopause

Why the inability to sit still or slow down is often a trauma response, not a personality trait

Estrogen as a people-pleasing hormone — and how declining hormones can actually help you find your voice

The three big gut changes happening in perimenopause: loss of digestive fire, changes in motility, and the estrobolome (your body's estrogen-processing plant in the gut)

What to look for on stool testing, and why Cynthia does the lifestyle foundations first before running labs

The gut-brain connection via the vagus nerve, and how gut inflammation drives anxiety, depression, brain fog, and joint pain

Histamine, mast cell degranulation, and why your wine reaction at 38 might have been your first perimenopause symptom (this one hit home for me personally!)

The supplement overwhelm problem — why Cynthia is intentional and evidence-based before recommending probiotics

What "digestive fire" means and the practical role of enzymes, bitters, and TUDCA

Elimination diets as a starting point — and when to escalate to GI diagnostic testing

The rise in colorectal cancer in younger people, and why we cannot afford to ignore bowel changes

Cynthia's take on HRT: why she prefers to dial in lifestyle and gut health first, and what happens when women go straight to hormones without the foundation in place

Thin phenotype PCOS (teaser for part two — this conversation is happening!)

 
Let's dive in!
Thank you for joining us today. If you could rate, review & subscribe, it would mean the world to me! While you're at it, take a screenshot and tag me @jennpike to share on Instagram – I'll re-share that baby out to the community & once a month I'll be doing a draw from those re-shares and send the winner something special!
Click here to listen:
Apple Podcasts – CLICK HERE
Spotify – CLICK HERE


Connect with Guest -
Instagram | @cynthia_thurlow_

Facebook | @CHTWellness

YouTube | @cynthiathurlow

Twitter/X | @_CynthiaThurlow

Podcast | LISTEN HERE

Substack | SUBSCRIBE HERE

This episode is sponsored by:
withinUs | Use the code JENNPIKE20 at withinus.ca for a limited time to save 20% off your first order and 20% off your first subscription order

St. Francis | Go to stfrancisherbfarm.com and save 15% off your all your orders with code JENNPIKE15 

Eversio Wellness | Go to eversiowellness.com/discount/jennpike15 and save 15% off every order with code JENNPIKE15 /// not available for "subscribe & save" option

Free Resources:
Free Perimenopause Support Guide | jennpike.com/perimenopausesupport

Free Blood Work Guide | jennpike.com/bloodworkguide

The Simplicity Sessions Podcast | jennpike.com/podcast

Get 20% on thewalkingpad.com using code "JENNPIKE20"

Metabolic Guide | jennpike.com/metabolic-guide

Get discounts at happybumco.com using code "JENNPIKE"

*code doesn't apply with Black Friday sale*

Programs:
Ignite: Your 8-Week Body Transformation Program | https://jennpike.com/ignite

The Peri & Menopause Project  - Join the Waitlist | jennpike.com/theperimenopauseproject

Synced Virtual Fitness Studio | jennpike.com/synced

Services: Work With Jenn | https://jennpike.com/work-with-jenn/

Functional Testing | jennpike.com/testing-packages

Business Mentorship | The Audacious Woman Mentorship:  jennpike.com/theaudaciouswoman

Connect with Jenn:
Instagram | @jennpike

Facebook | @thesimplicityproject

YouTube | Simplicity TV

Website | The Simplicity Project Inc.

Have a question? Send it over to [email protected] and I'll do my best to share helpful insights, thoughts and advice.

In this episode, we jumped straight into a conversation that has been coming up constantly from your questions and DMs after our recent finance episodes together.
 
In this episode we're talking about:
Why your home is a liability, not an asset — and what that actually means for your retirement

The only real ways to access equity in your home (hint: none of them are as simple as people think)

The 4% rule and why it's not as bulletproof as it sounds — especially when the market drops

Why paying your mortgage weekly (not monthly) can save you thousands in interest over time

The real cost of owning a home that most people never factor in — property taxes, maintenance, improvements, and yes, even perennials

Why real estate investing isn't the passive income goldmine it once was

The difference between building wealth as an employee vs. as a self-employed person

Diversifying your portfolio beyond real estate — second mortgages, private equity, RRSPs, TFSAs

Why your health and your wealth are completely interconnected — you cannot have one without the other

The reality of senior care costs and why planning ahead (way ahead) matters more than you think

What it looks like to actually get paid to learn about finances and help others — and why so many people from every walk of life are making the switch

Let's dive in!
Thank you for joining us today. If you could rate, review & subscribe, it would mean the world to me! While you're at it, take a screenshot and tag me @jennpike to share on Instagram – I'll re-share that baby out to the community & once a month I'll be doing a draw from those re-shares and send the winner something special!
Click here to listen:
Apple Podcasts – CLICK HERE
Spotify – CLICK HERE


This episode is sponsored by:
withinUs | Use the code JENNPIKE20 at withinus.ca for a limited time to save 20% off your first order and 20% off your first subscription order

St. Francis | Go to stfrancisherbfarm.com and save 15% off your all your orders with code JENNPIKE15 

Eversio Wellness | Go to eversiowellness.com/discount/jennpike15 and save 15% off every order with code JENNPIKE15 /// not available for "subscribe & save" option

Free Resources:
Free Perimenopause Support Guide | jennpike.com/perimenopausesupport

Free Blood Work Guide | jennpike.com/bloodworkguide

The Simplicity Sessions Podcast | jennpike.com/podcast

Get 20% on thewalkingpad.com using code "JENNPIKE20"

Get discounts at happybumco.com using code "JENNPIKE"

*code doesn't apply with Black Friday sale*

Programs:
Ignite: Your 8-Week Body Transformation Program | https://jennpike.com/ignite

The Peri & Menopause Project  - Join the Waitlist | jennpike.com/theperimenopauseproject

Synced Virtual Fitness Studio | jennpike.com/synced

Services: Work With Jenn | https://jennpike.com/work-with-jenn/

Functional Testing | jennpike.com/testing-packages

Business Mentorship | The Audacious Woman Mentorship:  jennpike.com/theaudaciouswoman

Connect with Chris:
Instagram | @chrisborsellino

Finance Discovery Session | Book Here

 
Connect with Jenn:
Instagram | @jennpike

Facebook | @thesimplicityproject

YouTube | Simplicity TV

Website | The Simplicity Project Inc.



Have a question? Send it over to [email protected] and I'll do my best to share helpful insights, thoughts and advice.

This episode is your reminder that the women who feel their best aren't doing the most. They're doing the basics, consistently, with intention.
 
Today, I'll walk you through 12 health tools already in your home:
Your kitchen — Cooking most of your own meals is one of the most powerful biohacks you have. We talk about how to set up your kitchen stations for simplicity, and why the act of slowing down to cook sends a healing signal to your body.

Your water — Whether you have a fridge filter or a full reverse osmosis system, there are simple ways to elevate your hydration. We cover minerals, electrolytes, glass vs. plastic, and my recommendation of 2–3 liters a day.

Your bed — Sleep is non-negotiable. I share my nighttime stack (magnesium, reishi, mouth tape, eye mask) and why getting your sleep environment right matters just as much as any supplement.

Light — Morning light sets your cortisol awakening response. Evening light impacts your melatonin. Something as simple as drinking your coffee outside or dimming your lights at night makes a real difference.

Your floor — Getting down on the floor daily for movement, stretching, and mobility is a primal, regulating practice. Your floor is a full gym — you just forget it's there.

Your shower — A good shower filter is inexpensive and impactful. Add contrast therapy (hot to cold) and you've got a built-in nervous system reset every single day.

Your breath — This one's free. I share why I love mouth taping at night, how I cue breath in my movement classes, and the power of a double exhale to release what your body is holding.

Your environment — Clutter creates stress. Toxins in your fragrance create stress. Getting your environment organized, calm, and clean is a foundational health tool hiding in plain sight.

A rolling pin — I know. But hear me out. I use mine for lymphatic flow and fascial work on my legs, glutes, hips, and calves. Check your kitchen drawer before you order a foam roller.

Your running shoes — Walking is medicine. It's a fat loss tool, a blood sugar balancer, a connection ritual. My husband and I walk every day. It costs nothing.

Your headset — I'm a corded headphones person (you won't catch me in AirPods). Audio is a powerful tool — what you listen to changes your physiology. Use it intentionally.

A notebook and pen — Getting what's in your head onto paper is a power move. Clear the mental clutter. A dollar store spiral notebook works just fine.

 
Let's dive in!
Thank you for joining us today. If you could rate, review & subscribe, it would mean the world to me! While you're at it, take a screenshot and tag me @jennpike to share on Instagram – I'll re-share that baby out to the community & once a month I'll be doing a draw from those re-shares and send the winner something special!
Click here to listen:
Apple Podcasts – CLICK HERE
Spotify – CLICK HERE


This episode is sponsored by:
withinUs | Use the code JENNPIKE20 at withinus.ca for a limited time to save 20% off your first order and 20% off your first subscription order

St. Francis | Go to stfrancisherbfarm.com and save 15% off your all your orders with code JENNPIKE15 

Eversio Wellness | Go to eversiowellness.com/discount/jennpike15 and save 15% off every order with code JENNPIKE15 /// not available for "subscribe & save" option

Free Resources:
Free Perimenopause Support Guide | jennpike.com/perimenopausesupport

Free Blood Work Guide | jennpike.com/bloodworkguide

Metabolic Guide | jennpike.com/metabolic-guide

The Simplicity Sessions Podcast | jennpike.com/podcast

Get 20% on thewalkingpad.com using code "JENNPIKE20"

Get discounts at happybumco.com using code "JENNPIKE"

*code doesn't apply with Black Friday sale*

Programs:
Ignite: Your 8-Week Body Transformation Program | https://jennpike.com/ignite

The Peri & Menopause Project  - Join the Waitlist | jennpike.com/theperimenopauseproject

Synced Virtual Fitness Studio | jennpike.com/synced

Services: Work With Jenn | https://jennpike.com/work-with-jenn/

Functional Testing | jennpike.com/testing-packages

Business Mentorship | The Audacious Woman Mentorship:  jennpike.com/theaudaciouswoman

Connect with Jenn:
Instagram | @jennpike

Facebook | @thesimplicityproject

YouTube | Simplicity TV

Website | The Simplicity Project Inc.



Have a question? Send it over to [email protected] and I'll do my best to share helpful insights, thoughts and advice.

In this episode,  I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with energy healer and spiritual mentor Michael Edwards for one of those conversations that just fills your cup. You know those talks where you go deep right away? Yeah, this was one of those.
Chapters:
4:57 — What is Authentic Transformation?

6:59 — The Three Paradigms of Consciousness

15:28 — Working With Clients: Energy First

18:57 — Energy Work & Teaching Self-Mastery

24:16 — The Real Magic: Doing Life Together

39:41 — The Moment Everything Changed

50:57 — Integration: Feeling Your Way to Wholeness

Let's dive in!
Thank you for joining us today. If you could rate, review & subscribe, it would mean the world to me! While you're at it, take a screenshot and tag me @jennpike to share on Instagram – I'll re-share that baby out to the community & once a month I'll be doing a draw from those re-shares and send the winner something special!
Click here to listen:
Apple Podcasts – CLICK HERE
Spotify – CLICK HERE


Connect with Guest -
Instagram | @michaeledwards.live

Facebook | @michaeledwards.live

Website | michaeledwards.live

 
This episode is sponsored by:
withinUs | Use the code JENNPIKE20 at withinus.ca for a limited time to save 20% off your first order and 20% off your first subscription order

St. Francis | Go to stfrancisherbfarm.com and save 15% off your all your orders with code JENNPIKE15 

Eversio Wellness | Go to eversiowellness.com/discount/jennpike15 and save 15% off every order with code JENNPIKE15 /// not available for "subscribe & save" option

Free Resources:
Free Perimenopause Support Guide | jennpike.com/perimenopausesupport

Free Blood Work Guide | jennpike.com/bloodworkguide

The Simplicity Sessions Podcast | jennpike.com/podcast

Get 20% on thewalkingpad.com using code "JENNPIKE20"

Get discounts at happybumco.com using code "JENNPIKE"

*code doesn't apply with Black Friday sale*

Programs:
Ignite: Your 8-Week Body Transformation Program | https://jennpike.com/ignite

The Peri & Menopause Project  - Join the Waitlist | jennpike.com/theperimenopauseproject

Synced Virtual Fitness Studio | jennpike.com/synced

Services: Work With Jenn | https://jennpike.com/work-with-jenn/

Functional Testing | jennpike.com/testing-packages

Business Mentorship | The Audacious Woman Mentorship:  jennpike.com/theaudaciouswoman

Connect with Jenn:
Instagram | @jennpike

Facebook | @thesimplicityproject

YouTube | Simplicity TV

Website | The Simplicity Project Inc.

Have a question? Send it over to [email protected] and I'll do my best to share helpful insights, thoughts and advice.

This episode was sparked by a question my friend Eleanor asked me when we were together in Mexico for a mastermind back in February: "Do you think women are actually asking you for what they really need — or what they think they're supposed to be asking for?"
It stopped me in my tracks, and I haven't been able to stop thinking about it since.
In this episode, I'm diving into:
Why women often come seeking physical fixes (lose the weight, more energy, better sleep) when what they're really craving goes so much deeper

The gap between what we think we need versus what we actually need — and why it's so hard to close

How the conversation almost always shifts when women are given real space to talk: from "I want to lose 10 pounds" to "I don't feel at home in my body anymore"

Why so many of us were taught that support is something you have to earn — and how that belief keeps us stuck

The role that overwhelm, identity, and nervous system safety play in our health (it's not just about calories and discipline)

Why hyperfocusing on fixing your body can actually be a distraction from the real work that needs to happen

How to start building from a place of nourishment and support instead of restriction and punishment

The simple, unsexy things (breakfast, lunch, dinner, water) that can genuinely change your energy — and why they're the actual foundation

 
Thank you for joining us today. If you could rate, review & subscribe, it would mean the world to me! While you're at it, take a screenshot and tag me @jennpike to share on Instagram – I'll re-share that baby out to the community & once a month I'll be doing a draw from those re-shares and send the winner something special!
Click here to listen:
Apple Podcasts – CLICK HERE
Spotify – CLICK HERE


This episode is sponsored by:
withinUs | Use the code JENNPIKE20 at withinus.ca for a limited time to save 20% off your first order and 20% off your first subscription order

St. Francis | Go to stfrancisherbfarm.com and save 15% off your all your orders with code JENNPIKE15 

Eversio Wellness | Go to eversiowellness.com/discount/jennpike15 and save 15% off every order with code JENNPIKE15 /// not available for "subscribe & save" option

Free Resources:
Free Perimenopause Support Guide | jennpike.com/perimenopausesupport

Free Blood Work Guide | jennpike.com/bloodworkguide

The Simplicity Sessions Podcast | jennpike.com/podcast

Get 20% on thewalkingpad.com using code "JENNPIKE20"

Get discounts at happybumco.com using code "JENNPIKE"

*code doesn't apply with Black Friday sale*

Metabolic Guide | jennpike.com/metabolic-guide

Programs:
Ignite: Your 8-Week Body Transformation Program | https://jennpike.com/ignite

The Peri & Menopause Project  - Join the Waitlist | jennpike.com/theperimenopauseproject

Synced Virtual Fitness Studio | jennpike.com/synced

Services: Work With Jenn | https://jennpike.com/work-with-jenn/

Functional Testing | jennpike.com/testing-packages

Business Mentorship | The Audacious Woman Mentorship:  jennpike.com/theaudaciouswoman

Connect with Jenn:
Instagram | @jennpike

Facebook | @thesimplicityproject

YouTube | Simplicity TV

Website | The Simplicity Project Inc.



Have a question? Send it over to [email protected] and I'll do my best to share helpful insights, thoughts and advice.