Welcome to Permission to Thrive, a four-part women’s health series designed to empower women with the knowledge, confidence, and practical tools they need to navigate hormone changes and thrive through every stage of life.

Hosted by Terry Barga, this candid conversation brings together an incredible panel of experts and leaders in women’s health: * Vanessa Hampton – Women’s wellness advocate and co-host * Cara Clark – Integrative Nutritionist, Cara Clark Nutrition * Dr. Kela Smith, PhD – Founder of The Hormone Puzzle Society® and women’s hormone specialist * Katie Breeding – Hormone specialist, gym owner, and women’s fitness expert

Episode 1: “Wait… Is This Perimenopause?” Have you ever found yourself thinking… “Why am I suddenly anxious?” “Why can’t I remember anything?” “Why do I feel like a different person?” You are not alone. In this first episode, our panel shares personal stories about the symptoms that caught them completely by surprise before diving into what is actually happening inside the body during perimenopause. In this episode you’ll learn:

✔️ The hormonal changes driving perimenopause (and why symptoms can seem so unpredictable)

✔️ The symptoms no one talks about—including brain fog, anxiety, rage, joint pain, sleep disruption, fatigue, and more

✔️ The differences between perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause

✔️ Why many women begin experiencing symptoms in their late 30s and early 40s

✔️ Practical first steps you can take today, including symptom tracking and finding a menopause-informed healthcare provider Whether you’re wondering if your symptoms are hormone-related or want to better understand what’s happening to your body, this conversation is designed to help you feel seen, informed, and empowered.

This is Episode 1 of our four-part “Permission to Thrive” series. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss the upcoming conversations on nutrition, fitness, hormone optimization, mindset, and thriving through midlife. Connect with our panelists.

Cara Clark Nutrition Website: https://caraclarknutrition.com 

Dr. Kela Smith | The Hormone Puzzle Society Website: https://hormonepuzzlesociety.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/drkela

Terry Barga Website: https://nashvillefitmagazine.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/terrybarga

Vanessa Hampton Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adventuresofvch3/

Katie Breeding Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kt_breeding/ —

👍 Like this video if it helped you better understand perimenopause.

💬 Tell us in the comments: What symptom surprised you the most?

🔔 Subscribe for Episodes 2–4 of Permission to Thrive and more conversations focused on helping women live healthier, stronger, and more confident lives.