What actually works for healthy, vibrant skin—and what’s just hype? In this episode, we sit down with the brilliant and refreshingly honest Dr. Mary Alice Mina, Harvard-trained dermatologist and host of The Skin Real podcast. We dive deep into what midlife skin really needs, what treatments are worth the money, and how hormonal changes can shake up everything we thought we knew about our skincare routines.

Together, we unpack skin minimalism, sunscreen truths (spoiler: it really matters), and the difference between aging gracefully and chasing the next trending procedure. We also get personal—sharing our own frustrations about neck bands, droopy brows, and that “face falling” feeling—and ask Dr. Mina everything from estrogen creams to slugging and Botox.

Episode Highlights:

[0:02] - Welcoming Dr. Mary Alice Mina and diving into hormonal changes and midlife skin shifts.
[3:38] - Our own candid stories about "face falling" and dry, aging skin.
[5:00] - The psychological toll of aging and the importance of internal confidence.
[8:10] - What “skin minimalism” actually means—and why less really can be more.
[11:37] - Estrogen’s role in skin hydration and how perimenopause changes everything.
[13:53] - Sunscreen strategy: how often to reapply, the importance of hats, and Dr. Mina’s favorite brands.
[19:07] - Retinoids 101: how and when to use them for best results.
[20:26] - All about neck bands: what works (and what doesn’t).
[26:09] - Estrogen creams for the face: what Dr. Mina prescribes and how it works.
[28:58] - Why sleep is skin care and how sleep deprivation shows up on your face.
[30:58] - Sunscreen myths, TikTok fads, and Dr. Mina’s biggest dermatology pet peeves.
[33:59] - Genetics vs. skincare habits—what really makes the difference.
[40:16] - Starting or restarting retinoids without overwhelming your skin.
[40:39] - Why annual skin checks are essential and how to talk to your dermatologist.
[43:31] - How to connect with Dr. Mina and find your “skin style” through her quiz.

Resources:

• Dr. Mary Alice Mina’s Podcast: The Skin Real
• Find your skin style quiz: https://www.theskinreal.com/style
• Skincare Compounding: Skin Medicinals (estriol cream)
• Sunscreen favorites: EltaMD, La Roche-Posay, Neutrogena Stick
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drminaskin
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drminaskin
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drminaskin
• Titktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drminaskin
• Medium: https://medium.com/@drminaskin
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drminaskin/
• Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ph/06k6qtsxj4uvtpulz6w5ghdc8l2gwo/

Make sure to visit the “Resources” page on our website www.insightsfromthecouch.org to download the worksheet and take ways that accompany each episode. This is hugely important as we are now creating a download that is unique to each episode and working hard to create an email list to support our programming offerings moving forward.

What happens when you spend your whole life taking care of others, and suddenly realize you’ve lost yourself in the process? In this powerful episode, we sit down with Debbie R. Weiss, bestselling author, entrepreneur, and inspirational speaker, who shares how she spent decades as a family caregiver—first to her father, then to her son with autism, and later to her husband battling mental illness and cancer. At 50, she had an epiphany: if she didn’t start prioritizing herself, she’d keep putting her own life on hold.

Debbie opens up about her journey of shifting from a victim mentality to taking ownership of her life, making small mindset shifts that led to massive transformation. We dive into breaking limiting beliefs, overcoming life’s toughest challenges, and chasing dreams—even when you’re not sure what they are yet. If you’ve ever felt stuck in your circumstances, this conversation will leave you inspired and ready to take action.

Episode Highlights:

[0:02] – Meet Debbie R. Weiss: Author, speaker, and lifelong caregiver.
[2:28] – Becoming a caregiver at 17: navigating life after her father’s stroke.
[5:41] – Running a business while balancing caregiving and family responsibilities.
[9:39] – The devastating moment when her husband was diagnosed with terminal cancer.
[12:12] – Breaking free from the victim mentality and taking responsibility.
[17:43] – The mindset shift that finally led to lasting weight loss.
[24:55] – How small, consistent actions can transform your life.
[31:16] – What Debbie’s life looks like now: embracing new possibilities.
[38:35] – The power of saying yes and how it led her to writing.
[41:22] – Debbie’s best advice for women who feel stuck in their circumstances.

Resources:

Debbie Weiss’s Website: https://www.debbierweiss.com

Make sure to visit the “Resources” page on our website www.insightsfromthecouch.org to download the worksheet and take ways that accompany each episode. This is hugely important as we are now creating a download that is unique to each episode and working hard to create an email list to support our programming offerings moving forward.

In this heartfelt episode, we’re joined by our dear friend and fellow therapist, Helen Keeling-Neal, as she bravely shares her journey through grief after the sudden loss of her husband. Helen opens up about the profound and unexpected challenges that come with navigating life as a young widow and single mom, all while finding ways to heal, grow, and embrace a new path forward. Whether you’ve experienced a similar loss or simply want to support a loved one going through grief, Helen’s story is full of insights, compassion, and real-life wisdom.

We explore the complexities of grief, from the early shock and survival mode to the ongoing journey of healing and finding purpose. Helen discusses the tools and support systems that helped her, including therapy and community, and she offers invaluable advice on how to be there for someone experiencing loss.

Episode Highlights:
[0:00] - Introducing Helen Keeling-Neal and her story of sudden loss.
[2:00] - The immediate impact of losing a spouse and going into “survival mode.”
[3:26] - Dealing with the “business of death” and the logistics of loss.
[6:54] - Finding support: How friends, family, and community showed up.
[9:36] - Coping strategies: Therapy, EMDR, and the importance of avoiding quick fixes.
[12:58] - Raising young children through grief and balancing career shifts.
[17:51] - Understanding attachment and compound grief in the healing process.
[23:31] - Moving forward in new relationships and dealing with fears of loss.
[29:19] - Top tips for navigating grief and healing after losing a loved one.

Resources:

• For EMDR therapy: https://www.emdria.org/
• For ART: https://acceleratedresolutiontherapy.com/
• To find a therapist for grief near you: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists
• 🔥Get Clear on What You Want in Your Sex Life: Free Download!

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