Women’s health isn’t just about major milestones like pregnancy or menopause — it’s about the everyday questions, symptoms, screenings, and decisions that shape long-term wellbeing. 

In this episode of Beyond The Script, Dr. Jake Goodman sits down with CVS pharmacist and women’s health advocate Dr. AmyLynn Safaty Valentine to unpack the most common — and often misunderstood — topics in women’s health. 

From birth control and emergency contraception to menopause, bone density, genetic testing, vaccines, and navigating sensitive concerns like yeast infections or UTIs, they explore what pharmacists can help with — and when it’s time to see a provider. 

Amy Lynn also shares her personal story as a breast cancer “previvor,” how genetic testing changed her life, and why advocating for yourself is one of the most powerful health decisions you can make. 

For more information, visit cvs.com/pharmacy. 

 

*CVS PHARMACISTS CAN PRESCRIBE AND FILL BIRTH CONTROL: Prescriptions available only for hormonal birth control contraception. Consultation required and available only when a licensed pharmacist is on duty. Patients must be 18 years or older. Some patients may not be eligible based on current or past health conditions. Some patients may need to consult with their primary care physician or other health care provider to obtain a prescription for birth control. $39 consultation fee covers the cost of the pharmacist consultation. There may also be an additional cost for the medication that the pharmacist prescribes subject to prescription plan coverage. 

*Available only in select states: Currently, all of our CVS Pharmacy® locations in California, Hawaii, Idaho, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota, Washington and Wisconsin can help you get a birth control prescription. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When it comes to our kids’ health, the questions can feel overwhelming. In this episode of Beyond the Script, Dr. Jake Goodman sits down with CVS pharmacist and mom of two, Heidy Martinez, to break down what parents really need to know about pediatric health. 

From fevers and allergies to antibiotics, dosing mistakes, and over-the-counter medications, Heidy shares practical guidance on how pharmacists help families navigate everyday childhood illnesses safely and confidently. She also discusses common misconceptions about antibiotics, supplements, melatonin, sports drinks, and more — and explains when it’s time to treat at home versus when to call the pediatrician. 

Plus, in this episode’s “Myth Vs Medicine” segment, we tackle some of the most common pediatric health beliefs and separate fact from fiction. 

If you’re a parent, caregiver, or just want to better understand how to support children’s health, this episode is packed with trusted, real-world advice from a pharmacist who’s also a busy mom. 

For more information, visit cvs.com/pharmacy.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States — yet many of its biggest risk factors are preventable. 

In this episode of Beyond the Script, host Dr. Jake Goodman sits down with CVS pharmacist and district leader Nicole Henry to explain what heart health really means, how conditions like high blood pressure and high cholesterol often develop silently, and what you can do to help protect your heart before symptoms appear. 

They discuss common heart medications, medication adherence, over-the-counter supplements, lifestyle changes that support cardiovascular health, and how pharmacists help with prevention. The episode also covers heart attack and stroke warning signs, differences in symptoms between men and women, and common heart health myths — including daily aspirin use. 

Whether you’re managing a heart condition or focused on prevention, this episode offers clear, practical guidance to help you take charge of your heart health. 

Please note:  

For a suspected heart attack, the best rapid response approach is to call 9-1-1 immediately. Key signs often involve chest pain, pressure, or discomfort, along with radiating pain to the jaw, neck, or shoulders 

A good acronym to remember the most common signs of a potential stroke is B.E. F.A.S.T. which stands for: 
Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination. 
Eyes: Sudden vision changes, blurring, or loss of vision. 
Face: One side of the face droops or is numb; check if their smile is uneven. 
Arm: Weakness in one arm or leg; one arm drifts downward when raised. 
Speech: Slurred speech or difficulty speaking/being understood. 
Time: Time to call 911 immediately if any of these signs are present. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bloating, heartburn, diarrhea, constipation—are these symptoms normal, or signs of something deeper? 

On this episode of Beyond the Script, Dr. Jake Goodman is joined by CVS pharmacist and district leader Victoria Mottola to break down gut health, the gut microbiome, and the questions pharmacists hear every day. They explain how probiotics and prebiotics work, how antibiotics and pain relievers affect your stomach, what’s safe for kids, and when digestive symptoms shouldn’t be ignored. 

You’ll also hear practical advice on fiber, acid reflux, OTC medications, and common gut health myths—plus simple steps you can take to support digestion, immunity, and overall health.

For more information visit cvs.com/pharmacy.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cold and flu season is here—and the symptoms can be confusing.  

Is it just a cold, or something more serious? In this first episode of Beyond the Script, Dr. Jake Goodman is joined by CVS Pharmacy Region Director Gaurang Trivedi to break down what really matters during peak sick season. 

Together, they cover how to tell the difference between a cold and the flu, when symptoms should raise red flags, when to ask for advice, and why vaccines remain one of the most effective tools for protecting yourself and your community.  

They also tackle common myths—from vitamin C and bundling up to hot tea and humidifiers—and explain what science actually says. 

You’ll hear practical, pharmacist-backed advice on testing, treatment, vaccines, and when it’s time to see a doctor, all in a clear, judgment-free conversation designed to help you feel more confident about your health this winter.

For more information visit cvs.com/pharmacy.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever freeze when the pharmacist asks, “Any questions?” Beyond the Script is here to help. 

Hosted by Dr. Jake Goodman, this podcast answers the health questions you meant to ask—and the ones you didn’t know you should.

Each episode features CVS pharmacists sharing trusted advice, busting myths, and unpacking the trends shaping your health. No white coats. No lectures. Just real talk, real answers, and a few unexpected laughs.

Follow Beyond the Script now—coming soon from CVS Pharmacy and iHeartMedia’s Ruby Studio.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.