Why does the menopause transition feel so overwhelming for modern women — and why are so many clients stuck in information overload?
In this episode of Health Coach Radio, Erin Power sits down with Bree Rudner, a health coach specializing in women in their 40s and 50s and a coach on Dr. Mindy Pelz’s team.
Bree shares her personal journey from an autoimmune diagnosis in her late 30s to building a coaching practice rooted in physical foundations, mental well-being, and simplicity. Together, Erin and Bree explore why confusion has become one of the biggest barriers to progress — and how health coaches can create relief by removing decision fatigue and focusing on what actually works.
To learn how to become a health coach or to up-level your skills and credentials as a health coach, visit primalhealthcoach.com.
In this episode Bree Rudner discusses all things menopause.
Episode Overview:
- 0:33 Bree’s health journey and autoimmune diagnosis
- 3:40 Starting with physical foundations for quick wins
- 5:43 Protein as a powerful first intervention
- 7:36 Stress as the hidden driver of symptoms
- 11:47 Chronic rushing and depletion in midlife
- 13:40 Confusion as a major coaching challenge
- 14:15 Fasting and decision fatigue
- 18:13 Menopause as an initiation, not a failure
- 20:17 Meditation as an anchor
- 27:06 Gen X diet culture vs midlife needs
- 33:00 DUTCH testing and client validation
- 40:00 Working with Dr. Mindy Pelz
- 42:26 Reframing menopause and aging well
- 51:40 The most rewarding part of Bree’s work
What This Conversation Covers
From autoimmune diagnosis to coaching
Bree recounts navigating the low-fat era, developing rheumatoid arthritis, and ultimately reclaiming her health through nutrition and lifestyle changes. When others began asking how she did it, coaching became the natural next step.
Quick wins build trust
Bree explains why she starts with the physical body, especially blood sugar regulation. Protein is her go-to “quiet win” because it increases satiety, reduces cravings, and gives clients fast, tangible results.
Stress is the elephant in the room
Many women resist admitting they’re stressed, believing they have it handled. Bree breaks down how the “superwoman” mindset, constant rushing, and multiple roles quietly deplete women during midlife.
Confusion is the modern barrier
Today’s clients aren’t lacking information — they’re drowning in it. Bree shares why health coaches provide massive value by offering a structured, personalized framework that allows clients to tune out the noise.
Fasting as decision relief
Working with Dr. Mindy Pelz reinforced how fasting can be helpful not just metabolically, but psychologically. Removing constant food decisions creates mental space and lowers stress for many women.
Midlife and the culture clash
Women in menopause were shaped by the thin ideal of the 1990s, which conflicts with the current need for protein, strength training, and muscle preservation. This disconnect creates frustration and resistance during the transition.
Testing as validation
Bree discusses how functional testing like the DUTCH test helps clients feel seen and validated when traditional labs look “normal” despite persistent symptoms.
Connect with Bree at:
- Instagram: @breerudner
- Website: breerudner.com
Listen via the player below, or subscribe in iTunes or your preferred podcast streaming service.
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Health Coach Radio is your backstage pass into the world of health and fitness coaching, hosted by Primal Health Coach Institute Coaching Director, Erin Power and powered by the legacy of founder Mark Sisson. Each episode is packed with real stories, expert strategies, and practical inspiration to help you grow as a coach and make a difference.
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