Fempower Health | A Women's Health Podcast

By Georgie KovacsHealth & Fitness Education

Fempower Health | A Women's Health Podcast episodes

November 29, 2022Endometriosis, Pain, and Whole Women’s Wellness | Dr. Peta Wright
In this episode, Fempower Health interviews Dr. Peta Wright about endometriosis and pelvic pain. Dr. Wright is a gynecologist, fertility specialist, and the founder of Vera Women’s Wellness: a whole woman's approach to endometriosis healing and recovery.
Together, they discuss endometriosis surgery, treating women with endometriosis, common underlying correlations of pelvic pain, and what we can do to help women in a society that makes pain and periods two “enemies” of productivity.
Discussed in this episode:
Dr. Wright’s observation of conventional gynecology today, especially when diagnosing endometriosis
Can pelvic pain and endometriosis symptoms be correlated with childhood trauma?
Laparoscopies vs other types of treatment for endometriosis
What to address when seeing a patient with severe endometriosis pain
Examples of surgery outcomes and when it is and isn’t appropriate for treating endo
Is pelvic pain the enemy or is it a sign the body needs to be heard?
How fear-based language in medicine pathologizes women’s bodies

“I don’t think surgery should be what validates a woman’s pain. I think she should be validated when you first see her and she’s talking about her pain.” - Dr. Peta Wright
Related to this episode:
Learn about verawomenswellness.com.au and Check out the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study
Follow Dr. Peta Wright on Instagram
Resources and episodes on Endometriosis

🎧 Loved the episode? Here's how you can take action:

1. Help others discover Fempower Health:
Leave a quick review on Apple or Spotify. It’s the easiest way to support our mission and amplify women’s health voices.
2. Stay connected:
Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok, YouTube for real-time updates, expert insights, and relatable conversations.
Or join our newsletter to get curated women's health content—on your terms, in your inbox.

**Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024**

**The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor. Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.**

**May contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**
40 min
November 22, 2022How Digital Health Companies Help Treat Pelvic Floor | Karen Stander of Hinge Health
In this episode, Fempower Health talks with Karen Stander, vice president of Physical Therapy and Women’s Health at the virtual pain clinic, Hinge Health. They discuss health equity for women, how digital health companies are revolutionizing the medical system, and what personalized medical care can do to support patients with musculoskeletal disorders.
Discussed in this episode:
How many women have pelvic floor issues?
Ways that the American healthcare system limit people from getting the musculoskeletal treatment they need
What is virtual physical therapy?
What Hinge Health does and how is helps address medical equity
The importance of behavioral change in pain management
How virtual healthcare settings like Hinge operate
Wearable technology for pain, treatment, and recovery

“Each woman should feel empowered to make decisions for herself… When it comes to addressing systemic issues in healthcare and recognizing that a lot of women don’t have access, how can we help other women get there?” - Karen Stander
Related to this episode:

Learn about www.hingehealth.com
Follow Karen Stander on LinkedIn and Hinge Health on LinkedIn
Resources and episodes on Pelvic Health

🎧 Loved the episode? Here's how you can take action:

1. Help others discover Fempower Health:
Leave a quick review on Apple or Spotify. It’s the easiest way to support our mission and amplify women’s health voices.
2. Stay connected:
Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok, YouTube for real-time updates, expert insights, and relatable conversations.
Or join our newsletter to get curated women's health content—on your terms, in your inbox.

**Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024**

**The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor. Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.**

**May contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**
44 min
November 15, 2022How to Clear Acne from the Inside Out | Cheryl Woodman
In this episode, Fempower Health interviews Cheryl Woodman, a scientist and skincare expert on acne. Cheryl shares some of the underlying biology that contributes to acne-prone skin, how hormones affect acne, and what nutritional factors play a role in overall skin health. Listen if you want to take control of your skin without all the expensive creams or acne medications.
Cheryl Woodman is an acne expert and award-winning skincare formulator. She is the creator of Honesty for Your Skin, an online acne clinic and safe space where people can find science-based solutions for overcoming acne. She helps women achieve healthy skin again— even those who have “tried everything.”
Discussed in this episode:
Cheryl’s personal experience with acne
The science of what causes acne
Common types of acne treatment used today, and why many fail
Hormonal acne and how sex hormones affect the skin
Different types of acne among women
The main difference between teenage acne and adult acne
Myths and facts on what foods cause acne
Acne spot treatment and skin patches— do they work?
Skin regimens other than diet that can help prevent acne
Tips for how to clear acne and encourage inside-out health

“The skin is a representation of your inside health. When you make changes to heal your acne, you also have positive side effects like increased energy and feeling healthier. Skin health and body health are very intimately linked.” - Cheryl Woodman
Related to this episode:

Check out www.honestyforyourskin.co.uk
Learn how to Work With Cheryl
Try Cheryl’s Free Acne Diet Cheat Sheet , Acne Warrior – online course to help heal your acne , and The Acne Clinic – work with Cheryl 1-2-1
Be sure to Follow Cheryl on Instagram: @honestyforskin
Resources and episodes on Hormones & Menstrual Health

Resources and episodes on the Gut and Vaginal Microbiome

🎧 Loved the episode? Here's how you can take action:

1. Help others discover Fempower Health:
Leave a quick review on Apple or Spotify. It’s the easiest way to support our mission and amplify women’s health voices.
2. Stay connected:
Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok, YouTube for real-time updates, expert insights, and relatable conversations.
Or join our newsletter to get curated women's health content—on your terms, in your inbox.

**Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024**

**The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor. Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.**

**May contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**
55 min
November 08, 2022Fighting for Intimacy Justice and Women’s Sexual Health Online | Jackie Rotman
In this episode, Fempower Health has an insightful conversation with Jackie Rotman of the Center for Intimacy Justice. Jackie shares the present advertising limitations for women’s sexual health products, the unequal content standards regarding sexual health for men vs women, and the small steps people can take to further intimacy justice online and in the real world.
Discussed in this episode:
Discrimination in reproductive health-targeted social media ads
Examples of women’s sexual health advertisements and images that get blocked
Standards of big advertising platforms such as Google, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok
What the Center for Intimacy Justice is doing to improve policies for sexual wellness ads
How a lack of understanding about female anatomy affects policies
Content moderation and its impact on what information women have access to
What sexual wellness companies can do when posting ads on social media

“If an ad has to do with vulvas, vaginas, breasts, uteruses, or female reproductive organs, then it’s subject to censorship. Most of the ads are not about sexual pleasure but rather about women’s health. And yet, they’re still getting banned.” - Jackie Rotman
Related to this episode:

Be sure to Visit www.intimacyjustice.org
Follow Intimacy Justice on Instagram and Intimacy Justice on Twitter
Consider doing this: Donate to the Center for Intimacy Justice
NY Times Jan 2022 article
CIJ Report
Announcement on Meta policy change
Cheddar News interview
Resources and episodes on Breaking Taboos

🎧 Loved the episode? Here's how you can take action:

1. Help others discover Fempower Health:
Leave a quick review on Apple or Spotify. It’s the easiest way to support our mission and amplify women’s health voices.
2. Stay connected:
Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok, YouTube for real-time updates, expert insights, and relatable conversations.
Or join our newsletter to get curated women's health content—on your terms, in your inbox.

**Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024**

**The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor. Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.**

**May contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**
53 min
November 01, 2022How to Improve Gut Health & Address Bloating | Dr. Edison de Mello
Are you always bloated? In this episode, Fempower Health interviews Dr. Edison de Mello, founder of the Akasha Center for Integrative Medicine and author of Bloated?: How to Reclaim Your Gut Health and Eat Without Pain. They discuss the relationship between gut health and bloating, the causes of bloating in women, gut microbiome repair, and more.
Dr. Edison de Mello is a board-certified integrative physician and a licensed MFT psychotherapist who takes a Western-meets-Eastern approach to medicine. His goal is to help patients who are dealing with gut issues overcome mental, emotional, and physical challenges associated with dis-ease.
Discussed in this episode:
Why do you get bloated?
The shame commonly associated with bloating in women
Why do women get bloated more than men?
The importance of meeting patients before treating them
Common mistakes people make when treating bloating
Emotions and the gut brain connection
What is SIBO and why is it important in the medical community?
Period bloating: when is it time to see a doctor?
“Endo belly” and the symptoms of IBS vs endometriosis
Bloating relief and ways to encourage a non-inflammatory lifestyle

“Is treating bloating as simple as changing someone’s lifestyle? I wish it was that simple. But even though it isn’t easy, it’s still attainable.” - Dr. Edison de Mello
Related to this episode:

Read Bloated?: How to Reclaim Your Gut Health and Eat Without Pain (book)
Learn about the Akasha Center for Integrative Medicine
Resources and episodes on the Gut and Vaginal Microbiome

Resources and episodes on Nutrition & Exercise

🎧 Loved the episode? Here's how you can take action:

1. Help others discover Fempower Health:
Leave a quick review on Apple or Spotify. It’s the easiest way to support our mission and amplify women’s health voices.
2. Stay connected:
Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok, YouTube for real-time updates, expert insights, and relatable conversations.
Or join our newsletter to get curated women's health content—on your terms, in your inbox.

**Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024**

**The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor. Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.**

**May contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**
56 min
October 25, 2022Your Authentic Power: Permission to Feel | Ashley Bernardi
What does it mean to live in your authentic power? In this episode, Fempower Health interviews Ashely Bernardi, author of Authentic Power: Give Yourself Permission to Feel. We discuss what it means to live authentically, how to overcome dark phases of life, and the importance of processing uncomfortable feelings in order to heal.
Ashley Bernardi is the founder of Nardi Media, a media relations firm that supports brands, corporations, entrepreneurs, and nonprofits. She has a journalism background with CBS News and has a passion for research and publication. Ashley hosts the award-winning podcast, 2 Girls Talking, and helps women find their authentic power in life.
Discussed in this episode:
Ashley’s story of loss, illness, and coming to realize her authentic power
Changes that happen when you begin to express your authentic self
What does it mean to rest and do nothing?
Where do you feel emotions in your body?
How to feel your emotions using The Feel Framework
Mental health impacts of chronic disease and physical illness
Ashley’s experience with late-stage Lyme Disease
What you can do to advocate for yourself

“Get curious about your inner voice. It’s your authentic power— that inner wisdom and inner knowing that you have access to.” - Ashley Bernardi
Related to this episode:
Book: Buy Ashley’s book: Authentic Power
Learn About Ashley: ashleybernardi.com and nardimedia.com
Contact Ashley: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn
Find a Doctor: Find a Lyme-literate doctor
Resources and episodes on Mental Health

🎧 Loved the episode? Here's how you can take action:

1. Help others discover Fempower Health:
Leave a quick review on Apple or Spotify. It’s the easiest way to support our mission and amplify women’s health voices.
2. Stay connected:
Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok, YouTube for real-time updates, expert insights, and relatable conversations.
Or join our newsletter to get curated women's health content—on your terms, in your inbox.

**Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024**

**The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor. Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.**

**May contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**
46 min
October 18, 2022Products That Affect the Vaginal Microbiome | Apothercare
How do feminine products affect the vaginal microbiome? In this episode, we interview Pamela Miles and Dr. Cindy Orser of Apothercare, a women’s health research and advocacy startup that brings science to the consumer. Apothercare conducts some of the latest lab studies on the human microbiome, specifically related to women’s health.
Listen as Pam and Cindy discuss the importance of testing products today and what companies can do to manufacture safer options. They share some of the top products that affect human microbiomes and some of the most interesting research findings in their labs.
Pamela Miles is the founder and CEO of Apothercare, which initially focused on the science of cannabis topicals and suppositories for pain. Dr. Cindy Orser is a scientist, researcher, Chief Science Officer for Apothercare. Their team shares findings of the effects of internal and external products on women’s microbiomes and overall health.
Discussed in this episode:

Current research on the human gut microbiome
The importance of product testing and microbiome testing
Common products that impact the vaginal microbiome and reproductive health
Internal vs external vaginal washes and their effects on the vagina
Cannabis products and the gut microbiome
FDA testing process for feminine hygiene products
Some of the latest Apothercare research
What products might be missing in women’s health?
How to choose women's sexual health products that are safe
What we can do to demand better testing for women's health products

“There is no requirement for safety testing [for women’s hygiene products]. We hope to get the FDA’s attention that these products should go through testing since there’s evidence they affect women’s health.” - Dr. Cindy Orser
Related to this episode:
Resources and episodes on Breaking Taboos

Resources and episodes on the Gut and Vaginal Microbiome

Learn more about Apothercare
Follow Apothercare on Instagram
Learn about Women’s Voices for the Earth

🎧 Loved the episode? Here's how you can take action:

1. Help others discover Fempower Health:
Leave a quick review on Apple or Spotify. It’s the easiest way to support our mission and amplify women’s health voices.
2. Stay connected:
Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok, YouTube for real-time updates, expert insights, and relatable conversations.
Or join our newsletter to get curated women's health content—on your terms, in your inbox.

**Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024**

**The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor. Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.**

**May contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**
53 min
October 11, 2022Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) and Early Menopause | Dr. Mandy Leonhardt
Primary ovarian insufficiency, or POI, is the early loss of normal ovarian function in women before the average menopausal age of 45. In this episode, Fempower Health interviews Dr. Mandy Leonhardt, co-author of POI and Early Menopause. They discuss different causes of primary ovarian insufficiency, health effects of ovarian dysfunction, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and other important topics for women affected by POI.
Dr. Mandy Leonhardt is a UK-based General Practitioner, certified nutritionist (MNU), and menopause specialist. Her focus is on women’s hormonal health, lifestyle medicine, and nutrition. Dr. Leonhardt is the co-author of the book, POI and Early Menopause.
Discussed in this episode:
What is the difference between POI and early menopause?
What causes primary ovarian insufficiency (POI)?
Early-onset POI in adolescence vs. developing POI in adulthood
Overall health aspects of healthy ovaries
Types of POI treatment
Stress factors that contribute to loss of period and ovarian dysfunction
POI symptoms with and without birth control
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) as an option, not a requirement
Menopause in women with minimal access to healthcare

“Women are not small men. We need to acknowledge that. As doctors, we need to be proactive with our female patients and ask the right questions.” - Dr. Mandy Leonhardt
Related to this episode:
Resources and episodes on Perimenopause & Menopause and sign up for the Perimenopause and Menopause newsletter

Dr. Leonhardt's Book: POI and Early Menopause by Mandy Leonhardt and Hannah Short (book)
Check out Dr. Leonhardt’s Website: www.hormoneequilibrium.co.uk
Follow Dr. Leonhardt on Instagram

🎧 Loved the episode? Here's how you can take action:

1. Help others discover Fempower Health:
Leave a quick review on Apple or Spotify. It’s the easiest way to support our mission and amplify women’s health voices.
2. Stay connected:
Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok, YouTube for real-time updates, expert insights, and relatable conversations.
Or join our newsletter to get curated women's health content—on your terms, in your inbox.

**Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024**

**The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor. Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.**

**May contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**
1 hr
October 04, 2022Taking Care of You: The Women’s Health Book | Dr. Mary O’Connor & Dr. Kanwal Haq
In this episode, Fempower Health introduces the new women’s health book, Taking Care of You: The Empowered Woman’s Guide to Better Health. Here, we interview co-authors Mary O’Connor and Kanwal L. Haq about the book. They also discuss important women’s health topics and research today.
Taking Care of You is a book for everyday women. It’s a simplified, comprehensive health guide written by women, for women. It explores health conditions that affect women differently than men, and offers practical resources for women of all ages, races, and walks of life.
More than 100 female physicians, women’s health experts, and specialists across the country collaborated on this publication so that women everywhere can become more empowered in their own health.
Taking Care of You comes out on October 4, 2022. You can buy a copy at most major retail stores.

Discussed in this episode:
How women can leverage the book, Taking Care of You
The current state of women’s healthcare and how it got this way
Why have women been excluded from clinical research until recently?
Advocating for shared decision-making in women’s medicine
The fragmentation of the healthcare system and what to do about it
Practical things women in under-served populations can do for their health
Coming up with solutions in women’s health communities
Google-searching symptoms, health anxiety, and preparing for doctors’ visits
Acknowledging self diagnosis and patient fears
Improving provider-to-patient communication

“This book includes what we’ve seen and experienced firsthand. When you get angry enough, you want to change things. This book is our way of putting something forward to help empower women and change the trajectory of women’s health.” - Kanwal L. Haq, M.S.
Related to this episode:
Learn about other Breaking Taboos topics
Listen to Episode: Women’s Health After Roe v Wade Overturn
Watch: Mary O’Connor TEDx Talk: Promoting Health - Your Secret Superpower
Review More Resources from Taking Care of You
Check out Movement is Life Caucus
Follow on Instagram: @womenshealthbook or Facebook: @womenshealthbook or Linked In: Taking Care of You

🎧 Loved the episode? Here's how you can take action:

1. Help others discover Fempower Health:
Leave a quick review on Apple or Spotify. It’s the easiest way to support our mission and amplify women’s health voices.
2. Stay connected:
Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok, YouTube for real-time updates, expert insights, and relatable conversations.
Or join our newsletter to get curated women's health content—on your terms, in your inbox.

**Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024**

**The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor. Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.**

**May contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**
58 min
September 27, 2022Wearable Oral Sex Protection: Lorals Empowering You to Say Yes | Melanie Cristol
In this episode, we talk with Melanie Cristol about satisfying, safe oral sex for women. Melanie Cristol is a peer sex educator and founder of Lorals, a sexual wellness brand that makes latex undies for oral sex protection.
Lorals are the first FDA-cleared underwear item on the market. These wearable, hassle-free alternatives to dental dams allow people of all genders to experience oral pleasure while minimizing the risk of STIs.

Melanie shares her story about creating wearable sexual wellness products, and how latex undies encourage protection, pleasure, and comfort— especially for people with vulvas. She talks about ways to bring up safer oral sex in the bedroom, and what it’s like to advertise a sex product online.

Discussed in this episode:

The story of how Lorals was created
The many benefits of oral sex for women
All the ways latex underwear can be used for sexual enjoyment and protection
Different types of safe sex products that exist today
The difference between FDA approval vs FDA clearance for sex products
Challenges and solutions when advertising sexual wellness products online
Ways to introduce Lorals into the bedroom
Benefits of Lorals compared to other oral sex protection tools

“I truly believe oral sex can increase people’s moods, their self-esteem, and their happiness. Oral sex is 3x more likely to lead a woman to have an orgasm. To me, that’s an amazing thing.” - Melanie Cristol

Related to this episode:
MyLorals.com
MyLorals on Instagram: @mylorals
Interview with Dr. Rachel Rubin: Women’s Orgasms Q&A
Interview with Dr. Cat Meyer: Become Your Own Pleasure Activist
Women and Orgasms: Questions, Myths, and Facts
Resources and episodes on Sexual Health

Recommended Books on Sexual Health

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. Here's how:
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Together, let's build a stronger community dedicated to women's health. Your support is crucial in this journey!

**The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor. Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.**

**Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**
45 min

About Fempower Health | A Women's Health Podcast

From the publisher's feed

Fempower Health is where systems thinking meets women's health. Hosted by Georgie Kovacs, a healthcare strategist with 20+ years in the industry, each episode features conversations with leading researchers, clinicians, and innovators working to fix what's broken in women's healthcare. We cover hormone health, fertility, perimenopause, menopause, endometriosis, autoimmune disease, mental health, and sexual wellness, grounded in current research and real clinical practice. This isn't another wellness show. It's an evidence-based look at the systems, research, and policy shaping care for women, so you understand not just what's happening, but why.