Healing, Sacrifice & Midlife Awakening: Near-Death, Menopause & the Power of Surrender with Dr. Claudia Welch

What if the crisis you're trying to fix is actually an invitation? In this intimate and wide-ranging conversation, I sit down with Dr. Claudia Welch to explore near-death experiences, menopause, identity collapse, and the spiritual art of surrender. After surviving a life-threatening case of MRSA pneumonia, Claudia found herself stripped of certainty, control, and even aspects of her professional identity. What emerged wasn't just physical healing—but a profound shift in how she relates to death, leadership, and the second half of life. Together, we explore: The true meaning of "sacrifice" — to make sacred What illness can dismantle (and reveal) about identity Why menopause is mythological—not just hormonal The danger of over-identifying with being the expert "Sell your knowledge, purchase bewilderment" Death awareness as a clarifier of what truly matters The Vanaprastha (forest dweller) stage of midlife Leadership beyond hustle and control This episode isn't about optimizing harder. It's about loosening your grip. If you're navigating midlife, health changes, burnout, or a quiet internal shift you can't quite name—this conversation will meet you there. Notable Quote: "Be ready to leave everyone and everything at any time." Listen in for a deeply reflective dialogue on surrender, maturity, and what it means to lead—and live—from depth rather than dominance. Connect with Dr. Claudia Welch: Website: Menopause Chronicles: Book: Balance Your Hormones, Balance Your Life If this episode resonates,

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Healing, Sacrifice & Midlife Awakening: Near-Death, Menopause & the Power of Surrender with Dr. Claudia Welch is an episode from The Yogahealer Podcast l Ayurveda l Yoga l Healthy Foods | Yoga teachers with Cate Stillman by Cate Stillman.

This episode is 49:40 long.

This episode was published on Feb 28, 2026.

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