Welcome to this episode of The Tonic, terrestrially broadcast on January 10 and 11, 2026 on AM740 and FM 96.7 in Toronto. Topics covered on the show track the lifestyle articles and themes published in The Tonic Newsletter and on the Tonic Website. This week we’ll discuss how your metabolism changes after forty and what you can do about it with naturopath Dr. Colleen Hartwick ND, the importance of communication to your success with author Molly Tschang, how to enjoy fruits and vegetables throughout the growing season with gardener and author Charlie Nardozzi, and why you should demolish your comfort zone with author Art Turock.
We specifically discuss:
The Midlife Metabolism Reset
- Does your metabolism change after 40?
- Hormonal changes as we age
- How do the changes manifest?
- A naturopathic perspective
- Shift away from the goal of weight loss towards strength and energy
- How should your diet change after 40?
- Intermittent fasting
- The biggest problem for women over 40: not enough protein and fibre
- Cortisol and muscle breakdown
- Building muscle, mobility and cardio-training
- Stress and our metabolism
- The most important incremental change: prioritizing sleep
- Supplements to support your metabolism
The Importance of Communication to Your Success
- What is ‘skillful’ communication?
- What makes a good communicator?
- Communication is a ‘team sport’
- Silence doesn’t mean agreement
- People don’t necessarily speak the truth
- Owning what you’re saying
- Have clear standards
- Don’t pretend you haven’t already made a decision
- Read your audience
- How to communicate bad news
- Building trust by admitting vulnerability
- Authenticity
- Molly’s free mini-audio book
The Continuous Vegetable Garden
- What is a ‘continuous vegetable garden’?
- The growing season varies geographically
- Can anyone be a continuous vegetable gardener?
- Raised garden beds
- The importance of soil building
- Choosing the types of vegetables for your garden
- Perennial and self sowing vegetables
- Seed saving
- Growing fruit
- Protecting plants from frost to extend the growing season
Why You Should Demolish Your Comfort Zone
- Comfort kills more dreams than failure
- Don’t set goals…reconceive goals
- Pursuit of goals: the difference between interest and commitment
- Sustainability
- Rephrase your limitations
- Performance vs. development
- Getting caught in a “winning formula”
- Why is being comfortable bad?
- Fear of discomfort or failure
- To get a free one hour consultation with Art go here
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For more information about show sponsor New Roots Herbal go here
To learn more about Dr. Colleen Hartwick ND go here
To learn more about Molly Tschang go here
To learn more about Charlie Nardozzi go here
To learn more about Art Turock go here
