Doing Too Much Show

Hosted by Alicia MacPherson

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Aug 2026

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You're probably doing too much. So are we. Nobody prepares you for what happens when your career is growing, your family is growing, your responsibilities are growing... and there's still only 24 hours in a day. I'm Dr. Alicia MacPherson, and with my husband Kirk, we're talking about what life actually looks like in this season. The wins, the mess, the health, the business, the marriage, the parenting, and all the little things nobody warns you about.

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August 5, 2026Episode 146 min

Doing Too Much - Intro Video

Doing Too Much Show | Episode 1🎙️ We're About to Have 2 Under 2... So We Started a PodcastWe're Alicia and Kirk.We run multiple businesses, a Christmas tree farm, have five animals, and are about to become parents of two under two.In our first episode, we're talking about why we started this podcast, how we're preparing for another home birth, what life actually looks like behind the scenes, and why "doing too much" has become our family motto.Timestamps00:00 – Welcome to the Doing Too Much Show03:10 – Why we decided to start this podcast07:10 – What "Doing Too Much" actually means08:40 – Kirk describes our life in one sentence10:20 – Running businesses, a farm, and preparing for baby #212:45 – Are we actually ready for two under two?14:10 – What we're most excited (and nervous) about17:00 – Running a business during maternity leave19:15 – Alicia's biggest overthinking spiral20:20 – Hiring our "village" and buying back time22:30 – Who will struggle more after baby arrives?23:50 – Supporting postpartum recovery as a husband25:05 – "Mess is a choice" and simplifying our home28:00 – What we'd do differently with our second baby30:20 – Why we're choosing another home birth31:00 – Kirk's perspective watching an unmedicated birth34:20 – What scared him the most36:00 – What hypnobirthing videos don't prepare dads for39:00 – What we'd change this time around41:00 – How dads can actually prepare for labour43:30 – Practical tips for birth partners47:00 – Why this pregnancy has felt completely different50:45 – Disney princess pregnancy vs. alligator pregnancy54:10 – Our "Doing Too Much" moments of the week56:40 – How we're protecting our marriage through the chaos59:30 – The small habits keeping our relationship strong1:00:15 – Wrapping up Episode 1In this episodeWhy we finally decided to start a podcastWhat it's really like running businesses while raising a familyPreparing for two under twoA dad's perspective on home birthHow we're simplifying life before baby arrivesPostpartum recovery from both perspectivesThe mental load of pregnancyProtecting your relationship when life gets busyWhy "mess is a choice" became our new family mottoConnect with usFollow along as we navigate business, farm life, health, marriage, and raising two little boys while trying (and often failing) not to do too much.Instagram@draliciamacpherson@kirkmacpherson (if applicable)If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who's also trying to juggle a little too much.

July 10, 202612 min

The Three Overlapping Problems Causing Sleep Chaos in Perimenopause

The sleep struggles of perimenopause are often misunderstood—and under-addressed. If you're waking up multiple times a night, feeling exhausted despite hours in bed, or battling hot flashes and anxiety, you're not alone—and more importantly, you're not powerless.In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Alicia MacPherson dives into the root causes behind sleep disruption during perimenopause. She reveals that these issues are not simply a consequence of aging or poor habits, but are driven by complex hormonal and neurological shifts—particularly declines in progesterone, estrogen fluctuations, and impaired thermoregulation. You'll discover how these changes lead to unpredictable sleep, fragmented nights, and a sense of exhaustion that no amount of "sleep hygiene" can fix.We break down the three overlapping mechanisms sabotaging your sleep: hormonal decline, neural changes, and temperature instability. Dr. Alicia shares actionable insights on how to identify which pattern is disrupting your rest—whether it's early morning cortisol rises, night wakings from hot flashes, or brain hyperarousal—and tailor strategies accordingly. From optimizing blood sugar to cooling your environment, and understanding why traditional sleep advice often falls short, this episode provides a targeted approach you can start today.Missing out on restorative sleep isn't just inconvenient—it's a barrier to managing menopause symptoms, losing fat, building muscle, and maintaining mental clarity. If you're tired of one-size-fits-all solutions that don't work, this episode is your wake-up call. Better sleep during perimenopause is within reach when you understand these hormonal and neurological shifts—and how to work with them, not against them.Whether you're in early peri or deep into menopause, this episode gives you the tools and knowledge to break the cycle, restore your rest, and reclaim your energy. For women navigating this transformative phase, understanding your sleep blueprint is essential—and Dr. Alicia’s expert guidance makes it possible.

July 2, 202610 min

Perimenopause 4: The Hidden Muscle Crisis During Perimenopause and How to Fight Back

Click here to book a free assessmentThe Hidden Muscle Crisis During Perimenopause and How to Fight BackPerimenopause brings more than just hormonal shifts — it quietly accelerates muscle loss, which impacts metabolism, strength, and overall health. In this episode, Dr. Alicia MacPherson explores how declining estrogen and rising FSH levels affect muscle tissue, and offers practical strategies to combat this process.In this episode:The connection between perimenopause, muscle loss, and body composition changesHow estrogen supports muscle protein synthesis and mitochondrial functionThe concept of anabolic resistance and its impact on muscle buildingThe importance of muscle quality over quantity, and early signs of declineResistance training principles for perimenopausal women, including training to failure with heavy loadsAdjusting protein intake to overcome anabolic resistanceThe role of recovery in muscle maintenanceHow preserving muscle mass benefits metabolism, energy, mood, and long-term healthTimestamps:00:00 - Understanding how perimenopause accelerates muscle loss and fat redistribution00:24 - The hidden story of muscle mass decline independent of weight changes00:43 - How body composition shifts can be felt in clothes, photos, and daily activities01:15 - The role of estrogen in muscle health and its decline during perimenopause01:57 - Why muscle strength declines faster than muscle size and what this means for women02:55 - The impact of estrogen on muscle repair, mitochondrial function, and anti-inflammatory effects03:25 - The emerging role of rising FSH levels in muscle loss during late perimenopause03:49 - Differentiating muscle quantity from muscle quality and functional decline04:16 - Early signs of muscle deterioration as functional impairments in daily life04:51 - Basal muscle protein synthesis rates increase, but efficiency drops — introducing anabolic resistance05:46 - How lean muscle loss decreases resting metabolic rate and impacts glucose disposal06:46 - The window for effective intervention during perimenopause to reverse muscle decline07:05 - The importance of resistance training over cardio for muscle preservation07:23 - Challenges with traditional moderate weights and the need for heavier loads07:50 - Training to failure: what it means and how to implement it safely08:30 - The critical role of protein intake and the target of 20-30 grams per meal09:10 - The significance of recovery to support muscle repair and minimize inflammation09:39 - Changing workout routines and nutrition to protect muscle and metabolic health10:23 - Invitation to book a consultation to personalize your muscle-preservation plan

June 19, 202616 min

Perimenopause 3- Understanding Cortisol and Perimenopause: What Women Need to Know

Book a free consult https://aliciamacphersoninc.com/applyIn this episode, Dr. Alicia MacPherson breaks down how cortisol regulation changes during perimenopause and its impact on stress, sleep, and fat loss. She emphasizes the importance of understanding cortisol’s true role, debunks common myths, and offers practical strategies to support hormonal health during this transitional phase.Main topics include:The natural rhythm of cortisol and how it gets disrupted in perimenopauseHow estrogen fluctuations influence stress response and cortisol regulationThe connection between cortisol dysregulation, visceral fat, and insulin resistanceThe behavioral and lifestyle factors that worsen cortisol imbalanceEvidence-based techniques for managing cortisol, including dietary choices, movement, and sleep hygieneThe importance of simplifying routines and reducing decision fatigue to support nervous system healthClarifying myths around adrenal fatigue and hormonal depletionPractical tips for aligning lifestyle habits with hormonal needs in perimenopauseTimestamps:00:00 - Why stress impacts women differently in perimenopause02:20 - The typical cortisol rhythm and what changes during perimenopause03:28 - How fluctuating estrogen affects stress regulation and cortisol response04:47 - The link between cortisol dysregulation and belly fat05:41 - Why stress eating is common during perimenopause06:39 - The misconception of adrenal fatigue and the real underlying issues07:36 - Challenges of measuring cortisol and personalized approaches08:30 - The role of exercise and movement in cortisol regulation09:28 - Blood sugar stability as a cortisol management tool10:15 - Practical tips for reducing stress load and decision fatigue11:35 - How household routines and minimalism support nervous system health13:38 - The compounded demands of life during perimenopause15:05 - A holistic view of stress response, hormonal shifts, and fat loss

June 5, 202610 min

Perimenopause - 2

Get help now - https://aliciamacphersoninc.com/applyIn this episode, Dr. Alicia MacPherson discusses the impact of perimenopause on insulin resistance and metabolic changes. She explains the hormonal shifts, fat distribution, and the role of cortisol and sleep disruption in creating a perfect storm for metabolic challenges. Dr. MacPherson also highlights the hallmark signs of insulin resistance and provides practical strategies to improve insulin sensitivity and navigate perimenopause effectively.TakeawaysPerimenopause leads to significant metabolic changes, including insulin resistance and hormonal shifts.Practical strategies such as protein-focused breakfast, strategic carb consumption, and post-meal physical activity can improve insulin sensitivity and support women in perimenopause.Chapters00:00 Understanding Carbs in Perimenopause06:27 Hallmark Signs of Insulin Resistance

May 29, 202618 min

Perimenopause Series - 1

Need support? Click hereThe peri-menopause series introduces the challenges faced by women during this phase, highlighting the impact of hormonal shifts and the increase in visceral fat. It provides strategies for managing peri-menopause, emphasizing the importance of resistance training, diet, and sleep. The series also discusses the assessment of progress and next steps for women in peri-menopause.TakeawaysUnderstanding the challenges of peri-menopauseImportance of resistance training in managing peri-menopauseChapters00:00 Introduction to Peri-menopause Series06:28 Visceral Fat Increase12:06 Importance of Resistance Training

February 4, 202618 min

Gut microbiome and fat-loss

Click here to apply for our hormone-supportive weightloss protocolThe conversation explores the significant impact of the gut microbiome on calorie absorption and fat loss. It gets into the role of short chain fatty acids, inflammation, motivation, appetite, cravings, and hormonal shifts in influencing fat loss. Additionally, it provides insights on supporting the gut microbiome for effective fat loss.TakeawaysGut microbiome affects calorie absorptionChapters00:00 The Impact of Gut Microbiome on Calorie Absorption08:24 Inflammation and Fat Loss13:26 Gut Microbiome and Weight Loss

October 29, 202321 min

Vulnerable business share

The benefits are many...but the moments of suck...suck. Heres my thoughts.

December 8, 202228 min

Love note 2 - How I lost 35 lbs

How I lost 35 lbs by optimizing my hormone, restoring metabolic flexibility, and controlling my stress response. To apply for our weight-loss protocol - https://www.aliciamacphersoninc.com/MMoverview Free trainings https://www.aliciamacphersoninc.com/Synctoreleasetraining - Sync to Release https://www.aliciamacphersoninc.com/StressFat - Stressfat release training

January 6, 202615 min

The NEW smoking...

To apply for my weight-loss protocol - Click here https://www.aliciamacphersoninc.com/apply This podcast and website represent the opinions of Alicia Macpherson and her guests on the show and website. The content here should not be taken as medical advice. The content here is for informational purposes only; please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions. Views and opinions expressed in the podcast and website are our own and do not represent that of our places of work. While we make every effort to ensure that the information we are sharing is accurate, we welcome any comments, suggestions, or corrections of errors. Privacy is of utmost importance to us. All people, places, and scenarios mentioned in the podcast have been changed to protect patient confidentiality. This website or podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing a “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast or website. In no way does listening, reading, emailing or interacting on social media with our content establish a doctor-patient relationship. While I try to broadcast correct information, I am still learning. I will double-check all my facts but realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One may have a different way of doing things from another. By listening to this podcast or reading this blog, you agree not to use this podcast or blog as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, including but not limited to patients that you are treating. Consult your physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast or blog. Under no circumstances shall Alicia MacPherson inc, any guests or contributors to the podcast or blog, or any employees, associates, or affiliates be responsible for damages arising from the use of the podcast Review disclaimer Results Disclaimer: We are proud of the success stories and positive outcomes that many of our clients have experienced. While these successes are inspiring, it's important to understand that the results and testimonials featured on our platform are specific to the individuals depicted. They may not reflect everyone's experience and are not necessarily representative of all of those who will use our products and/or services. We cannot guarantee that all participants will achieve similar outcomes, as results may vary significantly depending on a variety of factors, including individual effort, compliance with the program, health conditions, and starting point. However, we believe that with dedication and adherence to our program, great success is within reach.