Motherhood, Men and Medical Miracles
- Johnette Cruz
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Behind The Filter: After Dark Edition
Behind the Filter: Age is Just a Number with Michelle Yoswa
Welcome back to another "After Dark" edition of the Behind the Filter podcast! We are deep into our Age of Attraction series, where we peel back the layers of reality TV, dating, and life after the cameras stop rolling.
This week, Ashley is joined by her fellow castmate and "elevator bestie," Michelle Yoswa. If you’ve been watching the Netflix hit Age of Attraction, you know Michelle for her radiant glow and undeniable presence—but in this episode, she dives into the truths we didn't see on screen: from the fears of being a woman in her 50s to the miracle of starting a family later in life.
The Woman Behind the Confidence
Ashley kicks off the episode with a hilarious confession: she was completely intimidated by Michelle when they first met.
"I called my mom and said, 'Tasha hates me!'" Ashley laughs, recalling their time in the pre-retreat hotel. "She has this strong confidence and this aura about her that I was obsessed with."
But as Michelle reveals, that "strong confidence" is often a shield for vulnerability. "I’m actually the most confident-looking when I’m feeling the most insecure," Michelle admits. "I didn't know if we were about to battle each other in a bikini! I’m so introverted sometimes that I come off very confident to protect myself."
Defying Medical Odds: A Geriatric Miracle
The biggest shocker of the episode? Michelle is 50 years young, though she easily passes for 35. Beyond her skincare secrets, she shares the deeply moving story of her journey to motherhood.
After getting married at 36 and losing her mother shortly after, Michelle felt a desperate need to carry on a legacy. However, doctors weren't optimistic. At 39, she was labeled "geriatric" and told her uterus "didn't look like it could hold a child."
Instead of accepting a "no," Michelle pivoted to Eastern methods, acupuncture, and a total body reset. The result? She got pregnant naturally just days before her scheduled IVF appointment. She went on to have her children at 40 and 42.
From "Mommy-Zoned" to Men in their 20s
Michelle gets real about her time on the show, specifically her match with 26-year-old Isaiah (Zay). While he was a "sweetheart," Michelle describes the moment she realized she was being "mommy-zoned."
"During yoga, he looked at me and said, 'Do you want to sit first?' He wanted me to be the big spoon!" Michelle laughs. "I realized I’m out of that phase of my life. I don't want to teach anyone anything. I want a man who has his stuff together and treats me like a lady."
However, she notes that age isn't always the indicator of maturity—highlighting 27-year-old John as one of the most emotionally mature men on the set.
The Dark Side of Fame: Cameos and "Omega" DMs
Life after Netflix isn't all red carpets. Michelle and Ashley share some of the "cringey" and downright weird interactions they've had on Cameo and in their DMs:
The "Galaxy" Pickup Line: A guy claimed someone was stealing Michelle's photos, only to pivot to a line about her being "out of this world."
The Hand Fetishists: Both girls have received requests to count from ten to one while showing their hands.
The "Omega" Status: Michelle shares a bizarre story of a man who paid $2.99 on Cameo to tell her about his "insanely massive package" and his inability to wear regular underwear. (Pro-tip from Michelle: "Next time, add some zeros to that because why are you doing this today?")
Michelle’s "Baddie" Business: The Slim Haus
Michelle isn't just navigating the dating world; she's helping other women reclaim their vitality. She launched The Slim Haus, a telehealth business focused on natural health and age-defying wellness.
"Being a woman in my fifties, perimenopause and menopause are coming—the brain fog, the weight gain," Michelle explains. Her platform offers ethically priced GLP-1s, NAD+, and recovery peptides like BPC-157. Learn more at: theslimhaus.com
Advice for the Journey: Seek Peace, Not Butterflies
To wrap up, Michelle leaves listeners with a powerful "nugget of hope":
"Seek peace. Seek a man that wants to bring your nervous system to a really good place. Often, butterflies are just your body warning you that a guy is fake. Don't compromise, or you'll end up divorced at 51. Your partner should be in alignment with your morals."
Find Michelle on Instagram: XO_YourMichelle
Sponsor Spotlight: Zero FKS Drinks
We are so excited to have Zero FKS as our official sponsor for this series. Founded by Lindsey Rowan, a functional nutritionist and fellow Hoosier, Zero FKS was born from the desire to stay social without the alcohol, the sugar, or the "soul-crushing" hangover.
As we get older, our bodies just don't bounce back like they used to. I shared a story about having just one sugary vodka seltzer and getting a massive headache afterwards. That’s where Zero FKS comes in. It is a hemp-derived THC and CBD seltzer that offers a smooth, controlled relaxation.
For the "autoimmune girlies" like us, this has been a gamechanger. For me personally, it helped manage the constant pain of my autoimmune disorder, even calming my bladder spasms, allowing her to just sit back and relax at the end of the night.
The Deets:
Ingredients: 0 calories, 0 sugar, Vegan, and Gluten-Free.
The Blend: You can choose between two strengths. The standard version features 2.5 mg of Delta 9-THC and 5 mg of CBD, while a stronger version offers 5 mg of THC for those who want a bit more of a "chill."
Flavors: My personal favorite is the Hibiscus Noir, but I also recommend the Cherry Limelight.
You can head over to zeroFKS.co to grab a pack and start feeling included in the toast without feeling the pain the next morning. Because let’s be real: your best self doesn't need a hangover. Use code FILTER30 for 30% off at checkout!
Watch or listen to the full episode below!
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~J