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unPAUSED with Dr. Mary Claire Haver

unPAUSED with Dr. Mary Claire Haver

Train Your Brain To Thrive Through Menopause

Jun 23, 2026 · 1h 30m

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About this episode

In this episode of unPAUSED, Dr. Mary Claire Haver sits down with Dr. Sue Varma, a board certified psychiatrist, distinguished fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, and author of Practical Optimism. They open by taking on a question that sits at the intersection of psychiatry and menopause medicine: why do some women thrive through the most difficult biological transition of their lives, and what can the rest of us learn from them? Early in the conversation, Dr. Varma shares a finding that reframes everything: only 25% of people are born optimistic, and there is actually a gene for it. The other 75% have to learn it. Dr. Varma explains why optimism is not toxic positivity, what…