Is “having it all” really achievable—or is it an unrealistic expectation that’s quietly driving women to exhaustion?

In this insightful episode of The Modern Midlife Collective, Dr. Jillian Woodruff, board-certified gynecologist and menopause specialist, and Dr. Ade Akindipe, doctor of nursing practice and functional medicine expert, explore the modern-day myth of having it all. From managing careers, families, and personal wellness to maintaining relationships and societal expectations, they provide a grounded conversation on what it truly means to thrive in midlife.

Drawing from personal experiences and clinical expertise, Dr. Jillian and Dr. Ade discuss how redefining success, setting boundaries, and learning to delegate can help protect mental and physical health. They also dive into the importance of self-awareness, the power of saying no, and how to reclaim time and energy for what matters most.

This episode offers practical strategies and empowering insights for women navigating the complex demands of midlife—reminding them that it’s not only okay to prioritize their well-being, but essential.

If this episode resonated with you, please share it with a friend or colleague who may benefit from this conversation. Subscribe to The Modern Midlife Collective and leave us a review to help more women discover empowering content designed to support their journey through midlife and beyond.

Highlights:

• Redefining “having it all” in a way that supports health and sustainability
• Recognizing the early signs of burnout—and how to address them proactively
• The importance of boundaries and how to set them without guilt
• Practical ways to delegate both at home and in business
• How comparison undermines confidence and peace of mind
• The role of intentional self-care in preventing overwhelm
• Tools and mindset shifts to support balance in a high-demand life

Get to know the doctors behind the insights of The Modern Midlife Collective Podcast:

Ade Akindipe, DNP, MBA, APRN, FNP-C is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner, hormone and obesity specialist, and expert in metabolic and longevity medicine. She is the founder and Medical Director of Rejuvenate Health and Wellness, where she has empowered hundreds of women to reclaim their health, overcome stubborn weight challenges, and unlock vibrant energy through science-based, personalized care.

With a deep commitment to transforming the landscape of midlife health, she blends cutting-edge medical innovation with a functional, root-cause approach to wellness. She is recognized as a trusted authority in women's health and passionate about service and health equity. Dr. Akindipe also serves as Co-Chair of the Health Committee for the Alaska Black Caucus, advocating for greater access to preventive care and wellness initiatives in underrepresented communities.

Jillian Woodruff, MD, FACOG, NCMP, is a board-certified gynecologist, surgeon, and nationally certified menopause provider specializing in general and cosmetic gynecologic surgery. As Chief Medical Officer of Modern Gynecology & Skin, she specializes in hormone therapy, sexual medicine, and aesthetic treatments to help women thrive.

She is the host of “Line One” on Alaska Public Media, an NPR-affiliated medical affairs radio show, and co-founder of The Women’s WELL Foundation, dedicated to women’s health education and access.

As the co-host of The Modern Midlife Collective, she brings expertise in hormones, sexual health, aesthetics, and holistic practices, teaching women to advocate for their health and well-being in midlife with confidence.

Passionate about global health, lifestyle medicine, and education, she enjoys traveling, humanitarian work, studying languages, and family life while empowering women to take charge of their health.