In this episode, I’m joined by Heather Nelson to discuss her very personal story that sheds light on a topic that feels like a black box to many of us—surrogacy.

Heather is a mother, wife, business coach and podcaster who became a surrogate five years ago. Now at 43 and navigating perimenopause, she’s preparing to do it again.

Her story offers a rare, honest look at the emotional and logistical realities of surrogacy—from hormone shots to heart-expanding moments to what it means to grow a baby with the full intention of letting go.

In this episode, we cover:

✔️Why Heather became a surrogate (and why she’s doing it again)

✔️The extensive medical, emotional, and psychological screening process

✔️What makes a good match between surrogate and intended parents

✔️What it’s like to carry a baby that isn’t yours

✔️How she talks to her husband, kids and even strangers about surrogacy

✔️Postpartum recovery without a baby

✔️Compensation, contracts, and the questions everyone wants to ask

✔️Why the world needs more surrogates—and how to explore it

If you’re anything like me, Heather’s story will leave you both inspired and a little choked up.

Links and Resources:

➡️ Follow Heather on Instagram: @heathernelson.life

➡️ Listen to Heather’s podcast: Life Conversations with a Twist

➡️ Learn more about her coaching work at theconnectionhive.co

Like what you hear?

➕ Follow Belong Wellness for more super smart and slightly sassy midlife conversations that blend science, intuition, and zero BS.

⭐️ If this episode inspired you, please share it with a friend and leave a 5-star review!

Other Episodes You Might Enjoy 🎧:

• Your Body Isn’t the Problem—A Midlife Health Reframe
• Perimenopause (Jessica’s Version)

I want to hear from you. Send me a text!

Let's stay in touch!
Follow me on Instagram: @belongwellness
Check out my website: belongwellness.com

Join my email list and I will send you my free guide: How to Eat for Healthy Hormones.

If you are a midlife woman trying to eat more protein—but you’re tired of people telling you to eat 100 grams a day, and you’re even more tired of eating chicken—then this episode’s for you.

I’m breaking down how to personalize your protein intake without bloating, burnout or boredom. I also share 5 protein recipes I make on repeat, including muffins, smoothies, and energy bites my kids devour.

I cover:

✔️Why “100g a day” isn’t right for every woman

✔️How to calculate your own protein range

✔️What happened when I ate more meat and hit 100g

✔️My favorite clean protein powder and why I chose it

✔️5 protein recipes to make midlife nutrition easier, tastier and more FUN

➡️ Recipe links:

•Mint Chocolate smoothie: join my email list and I will send you this recipe and 2 others!

•Protein Energy Balls

•Protein Herbal Coffee

•Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats

•Banana Zucchini Protein Muffins

🛒 Mentioned in this episode*:

•Protein range equation: 1.4-2.2 grams of protein per kg of bodyweight per day

•Be Well by Kelly protein powder (use code BELONG for 15% off)

•Homemade cashew milk

•Dandy Blend herbal coffee

•Vitamix blender (my most-used appliance!)

•Nutribullet blender (great for protein herbal coffee)

Like what you hear?

➕ Follow Belong Wellness for more super smart and slightly sassy midlife conversations.

⭐️ If this episode inspired you, please share it with a friend and leave a 5-star review! TYSM!

Other Episodes You Might Enjoy 🎧:

• 5 Habits That Improved My Sleep in Perimenopause
• Can Herbs Help My Hormones? Natural Solutions for Perimenopause Symptoms with Ashley Rocha

*Some of these links are affiliate links. I may receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) if you make a purchase after clicking these links. Thank you for your support!

Disclaimer:

Belong Wellness and its members, managers, employees, contractors, and other agents or representatives are not licensed medical care providers and do not provide medical services or advice, including without limitation diagnosing, examining, preventing, treating, or curing any medical conditions. The information shared in this podcast is meant to be educational, not prescriptive. Please consult yo

I want to hear from you. Send me a text!

Let's stay in touch!
Follow me on Instagram: @belongwellness
Check out my website: belongwellness.com

Join my email list and I will send you my free guide: How to Eat for Healthy Hormones.

What happens when a powerful woman gets pushed out by the patriarchy? If you’re Cheyenne Richards, you write a novel, get your captain’s license, and sail into your next chapter—literally.

In this episode, Cheyenne shares how she went from VP of Marketing at a tech startup to award-winning historical fiction author and full-time adventurer. We talk about midlife reinvention, creative courage, self-discovery, and what it really means to live authentically.

We cover:

✔️Imposter syndrome in male-dominated workplaces

✔️Getting “fired”—and being thankful for it now

✔️Letting go of Plan B and finally choosing Plan A

✔️Reclaiming creativity and writing a novel about a serial killer in her family tree (yes, really!)

✔️Starting a new relationship on her terms

✔️The power of tiny steps and confronting discomfort in building real confidence

Whether you’re navigating your own career pivot, craving more freedom, or wondering if it’s too late to chase your wildest dream—this one’s for you.

Learn more and connect with Cheyenne:

➡️ cheyennerichards.com

➡️ Get her novel: The Prisoner’s Apprentice*

➡️ Download her free novella: The Navigator

Like what you hear?

➕ Follow Belong Wellness for more super smart and slightly sassy midlife conversations that blend science, intuition, and zero BS.

⭐️ If this episode inspired you, please share it with a friend and leave a 5-star review!

Other Episodes You Might Enjoy 🎧:

Advice for Taking the Career Leap from 2x Pivoter Petra Langer

From Passion to Profession: Starting a Business in Midlife with Catherine Ziegler

*This is an affiliate link. I may receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) if you make a purchase after clicking this link. Thank you for your support!

I want to hear from you. Send me a text!

Let's stay in touch!
Follow me on Instagram: @belongwellness
Check out my website: belongwellness.com

Join my email list and I will send you my free guide: How to Eat for Healthy Hormones.