In this episode of Friends You Keep, we’re joined by Dr. Bal Pawa, a physician with over 30 years of experience specializing in women’s health, hormones, perimenopause, menopause, and integrative medicine.

Dr. Pawa is a Certified Menopause Clinician, certified in Mind-Body Medicine through Harvard Medical School, Co-Founder of West Coast Women’s Clinic, and a Clinical Instructor at UBC’s Faculty of Medicine. Her TEDx talk has been viewed over one million times, and her bestselling book The Mind-Body Cure has been translated into five languages. Her upcoming book, Ovaries: The Owner’s Manual, will be released later this year.

In this thoughtful and empowering conversation, we explore:

• Why so many women feel “not like themselves anymore”
• How women’s health has evolved — and where the system still falls short
• Common perimenopause and menopause myths
• Symptoms often dismissed as “normal aging” that should not be ignored
• The hormonal impact of chronic stress and emotional load
• The role of nervous system regulation in persistent fatigue
• Practical mind-body tools women can start using right now
• How women can better advocate for themselves within the healthcare system

This episode is for any woman seeking clarity, validation, and evidence-based insight into her health — and a reminder that your symptoms are real and deserving of care.

 Listen now and share with someone who needs this conversation.

January on The Friends You Keep is all about stepping into strength — and we’re kicking off 2026 with powerhouse coach Grace Bukowski.
If you’re shifting from “I need to lose weight” to “I want to get strong,” this episode is your new roadmap. Grace and I dive into the mindset blocks that hold women back, how to measure progress beyond the scale, the top exercises everyone should be doing, how nutrition + functional medicine shape real results, the foods and habits sabotaging your strength, and why stress and cortisol can make or break your goals. We even get into the internal transformations that matter more than any before-and-after.
If you’re ready to build muscle, balance hormones, boost energy, and walk into 2026 with power — this is the episode you don’t want to miss.

We're thrilled to announce the latest episode of Friends You Keep featuring Carrie Wertheim! An award-winning Vancouver REALTOR® with nearly two decades of experience in sales and leadership, Carrie blends strategic expertise with a warm, personalized touch. Join us as she shares insights on navigating real estate, fostering community, and balancing life as a certified yoga instructor and devoted dog mom. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation with one of Vancouver’s top 10% real estate professionals—tune in now!

We are thrilled to announce our upcoming guests on The Friends You Keep podcast—Laura Federico and Morgan Miller!

Laura Federico is a psychotherapist, AASECT-certified sex therapist, writer, and consultant specializing in sex and relationships. Morgan Miller is a midwife, lactation consultant, and founder of Soft Corner Midwifery & Birth Center, where she dedicates her work to fostering compassionate and autonomy-centered spaces for birthing families.

Together, Laura and Morgan are the co-authors of The Cycle Book (Penguin), a powerful and insightful guide to hormone tracking that blends science, storytelling, and heartfelt honesty. Drawing inspiration from their own deep friendship and extensive experience supporting individuals disconnected from or struggling to trust their bodies, they created a resource for gaining understanding and self-awareness. Their book encourages readers to step away from solely relying on apps and instead cultivate a deeper connection with their bodies using practical tools and prompts for compassionate exploration.

We can't wait to share their wisdom, humor, and empowering perspectives with you in our next episode!

Join us in this inspiring episode as we chat with Tami, the incredible founder of Hair Loss Pride. Tami's personal journey with hair loss began at just 15 years old, and she was officially diagnosed with alopecia at 23. For years, she struggled with shame and the urge to hide. But through resilience and self-discovery, she found wigs, confidence, and most importantly, her voice

This is a conversation you don’t want to miss—tune in to hear Tami's powerful story and her insights on finding confidence and community.

As a naturopathic physician at AlterEgo Health, an online clinic specializing in menopause, Dr. Multari brings a wealth of expertise to the conversation. She is a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner and a Fellow of the American Board of Naturopathic Oncology, delivering evidence-based, compassionate care to support women through their health journeys. Tune in to hear her insights on menopause, hormone health, and empowering approaches to thriving through every stage of life.

We are thrilled to announce our upcoming podcast episode featuring the extraordinary Dr. Lori Brotto, a trailblazer in the field of women's sexual health. Renowned for her innovative research, Dr. Brotto is a Professor at UBC's Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and holds a prestigious Canada Research Chair. Known for her contributions to popular media, Dr. Brotto has graced international stages through Netflix's "The Principles of Pleasure," CBC Gem's "The Big Sex Talk," and her widely applauded Masterclass on "The Magic of Menopause."  

You won’t want to miss this opportunity to hear her insights, personal stories, and expertise on mindfulness, sexual well-being, and the advancements shaping the future of women’s health.

This is an episode you do not want to miss!

This month we chat to Becki Prime who  is the founder of Beck’s Broth. This innovative collection of bone-broth-based drinks includes hot chocolate, coffee, and matcha. Learn how her desire to create a wellness product that was as delicious as it was nourishing has developed into a company that is now leading the bone-broth movement!  

Join us as we chat with Deanna Embury, a trailblazing entrepreneur in the wellness and business world. From co-founding Licious Living, one of Canada’s first online meal delivery services, to creating Blended For You, a game-changing concept in nutritionally boosted frozen meals, Deanna shares her inspiring journey and insights. Don’t miss this episode filled with innovation, passion, and tips for building a purpose-driven business!

Welcome to this month's episode of Friends You Keep! We're thrilled to have Debbie Collins as our guest. Debbie is a Digital Marketing and Retention Strategist with over 20 years of experience, and she's a true innovator in her field. From co-founding Canada’s first social media storytelling company in 2007 to collaborating with some of the biggest brands, Debbie’s deep expertise in retention strategies sets her apart. Join us as we explore why email marketing can be the ultimate tool to drive sales—even while you sleep. Don’t miss this insightful and inspiring conversation—tune in now!