In this episode of GynoCurious, Dr. Amy Novatt delves into the nuances of power and its manifestations in personal and professional realms, especially for women. The episode explores how power dynamics influence health, relationships, workplaces, and finances, urging listeners to consider whether they wield power through collaboration or authority. Dr. Novatt emphasizes the significance of understanding one's connection with their body, highlighting the impact of power perception on healing and healthcare experiences. The episode features a conversation with Ana Barreto, a Brazilian American author and transformational teacher. Ana shares her remarkable journey from a businesswoman in the hospitality industry to a healer and advocate for women's empowerment. She discusses her early struggles, the influence of mentors, her educational pursuits, and how mindfulness played a crucial role in balancing her career and personal life. Ana's narrative underscores the importance of self-care, emotional intelligence, and redefining power for women in leadership roles. As the discussion progresses, both Dr. Novatt and Ana examine the pervasive issue of self-sabotage, particularly among women, and its detrimental effects on health and well-being. They provide practical advice on identifying and overcoming self-sabotaging behaviors, emphasizing the importance of mindfulness, meditation, and self-compassion.

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Produced by Jennifer Hammoud and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff

In this episode of GynoCurious, Dr. Amy Novatt sits down with Vicki Haak, a seasoned financial advisor. The episode dives into the evolution of the taboo surrounding financial discussions, particularly focusing on how women were historically excluded from these crucial conversations. Vicki shares her personal journey, revealing how a childhood devoid of financial literacy propelled her into a career where she merged her love for numbers with an innate desire to empower others in understanding financial matters.

Amy and Vicki explore the psychological aspects of money management. They discuss how financial stress can significantly impact overall health, contributing to conditions like anxiety, depression, and cardiovascular issues. The conversation highlights the unique challenges women face in the financial world and the importance of self-empowerment, financial literacy, and the need for more women in advisory roles. Vicki's insights shed light on the importance of acting as one's own fiduciary and the role that confidence and education play in financial well-being.

As the episode progresses, Vicki offers valuable advice on overcoming the intimidation often associated with financial discussions. She encourages women to 'own it,' emphasizing the power of knowledge and the importance of having a supportive advisor.

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Produced by Jennifer Hammoud and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff

Listen again to Episode 63 since it is graduation time.....In this episode of GynoCurious, host Dr. Amy Novatt engages in a conversation with Dr. Wendy Freedman, the Director of Counseling Services at Vassar College. They discuss the multifaceted challenges and emotional struggles faced by college-aged persons, including the pressures of identity development and the impact of cultural expectations on mental health. Through their dialogue, Dr. Freedman opens up about her personal and professional journey, sharing her passion for psychotherapy and her observations on the evolving needs of young adults in today's society. She highlights the importance of vulnerability, community support, and emotional resilience in fostering well-being among students.

The conversation also touches upon the pervasive influence of social media, the meaning and impact of the "woke" and "cancel" culture, and the critical role of parenting in promoting emotional and mental development. Dr. Freedman stresses the dual necessity of allowing young people to overcome struggles and providing a supportive environment. As the episode draws to a close, Dr. Novatt and Dr. Freedman discuss practical ways parents can foster resilience and independence in their children while maintaining a secure and loving presence.

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Produced by Jennifer Hammoud and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff

In this episode of GynoCurious, Dr. Amy Novatt delves into the evolving nutritional needs of women across different life stages with expert guest, Rebecca Blake, RD. Dr. Amy and Rebecca discuss the rapid growth of the wellness and supplement industry, which saw the US dietary supplement market valued at $53.58 billion in 2023, and question the efficacy of many popular supplements. Together, they ponder whether these products fill crucial nutritional gaps or simply capitalize on brilliant marketing strategies. Rebecca Blake, a clinical nutrition subject matter expert with extensive experience in the field, shares her nuanced perspective on gender-specific nutritional advice. She argues that while some supplements may be beneficial during times of physiological stress or hormonal changes, the key lies in understanding individual nutritional needs rather than succumbing to one-size-fits-all solutions. Amy and Rebecca critically assess popular trends like cycle syncing and adaptogen use, often finding them unsupported by robust science, yet acknowledge the psychological comfort they may offer individuals. The episode also touches on Rebecca's personal and professional experiences with nutrition and fertility. They discuss the impact of specific supplements and diet modifications on conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and unexplained infertility. While emphasizing the importance of a whole foods-based diet and the limitations of the supplement industry, Rebecca and Amy encourage listeners to be inquisitive and critical about their supplement choices. The episode concludes with practical advice on evaluating and integrating supplements into one’s life, urging listeners to consult with healthcare professionals to make informed decisions.

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Produced by Jennifer Hammoud and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff

In this episode of GynoCurious, host Dr. Amy Novatt welcomes Dr. Nicole Fleischmann to discuss the often overlooked aspects of female pelvic health. Dr. Fleischmann shares her unique journey into the field of urology and highlights the challenges and rewards of her specialty, particularly focusing on women's health. The discussion touches on common urological issues faced by women, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs) and urinary incontinence, and the interplay between the gynecological and urological systems. Dr. Fleischmann introduces the concept of the 'second mouth,' a metaphorical term she uses to describe the pelvic floor's function and the importance of proper breathing techniques in maintaining pelvic health. The episode underscores the significance of understanding and controlling one's pelvic muscles to prevent and treat various conditions, including incontinence, by emphasizing the role of nervous system coordination and proper breathing patterns. Concluding the episode, Dr. Fleischmann shares insights from her book, "The Second Mouth: One Woman’s Journey to Decode a Hidden Language for a New Era of Women's Health," which explores these concepts in depth. The episode wraps up with a discussion on the broader implications of these health issues and the importance of re-educating both patients and practitioners about the correct methods of pelvic health maintenance.

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Produced by Jennifer Hammoud and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff

In this episode of GynoCurious, host Dr. Amy Novatt speaks with Pilar Gerasimo. Pilar is an award-winning health journalist, social explorer, and author of 'The Healthy Deviant: A Rule Breaker's Guide to Being Healthy in an Unhealthy World.' Together, they explore the intricacies of holistic health, the importance of deviating from unhealthy societal norms, and the concept of 'positive deviance' as a path to achieving true well-being. Dr. Amy and Pilar also reflect on the current state of the healthcare system, emphasizing the need for a broader, more inclusive approach to health and healing that goes beyond conventional medicine. Pilar shares her personal journey of living in a multi-generational communal farm in Wisconsin, highlighting how this setting has influenced her views on health and wellness. She discusses the unique blend of insights from her sociologist father and idealist mother, which shaped her understanding of societal pressures and personal well-being. Pilar elaborates on the significance of her book's title, 'The Healthy Deviant,' despite the challenges it posed in the publishing world, underscoring the necessity to deviate from societal norms to lead a healthy life. The conversation touches on practical strategies for individuals seeking to lead a healthier lifestyle despite societal pressures. Pilar introduces concepts like 'pissed off body syndrome' and 'APE in the arcade syndrome' to describe the body's reaction to unhealthy living conditions and the challenges posed by modern environments, respectively. Dr. Amy and Pilar explore the importance of scientific education, the resilience needed to navigate an unhealthy world, and how listeners can become health deviants themselves.

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Produced by Jennifer Hammoud and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff

In todays show, Dr. Amy Novatt welcomes two remarkable guests, Kellyann Kostyal-Larrier, an advocate for victims of domestic violence, and Nikki Addimando, a criminalized survivor from Dutchess County. Together, they delve into the profound impacts of domestic violence on individuals and explore the complexities of navigating the judicial penal system, which often adds layers of trauma instead of providing justice and protection. Highlighting the staggering statistics provided by the CDC and the ACLU, the discussion sheds light on the broader crisis of intimate partner violence and the systemic failures that exacerbate victimization. Kellyann and Nikki candidly share their personal and professional experiences, emphasizing the importance of understanding each survivor's unique journey. Throughout the conversation, Kellyann discusses her extensive work with victims, addressing systemic gaps and supporting survivors through multidisciplinary teams. Nikki recounts her harrowing experience of being a criminalized survivor, the challenges she faced during her trial, and her resilience in advocating for the Domestic Violence Survivors Justice Act (DVSJA), which has played a crucial role in re-sentencing her case and offers hope for countless other survivors. The episode also underscores the significant role of voting in shaping the landscape of criminal justice, urging listeners to consider the impact of their choices on domestic violence survivors. Dr. Novatt and her guests advocate for electing informed and empathetic officials who can transform the systems that often fail victims. The discussion calls for continued education, professional accountability, and systemic change to ensure that survivors are protected and supported.

FEARLESS! f/k/a Safe Homes, National Domestic Violence Hotline, Grace Smith House, Office for The Prevention of Domestic Violence

In this episode of GynoCurious, host Dr. Amy Novatt explores the topic of contaminants and their impact on reproductive and developmental health through the observations of her guest, a doula and childbirth educator. She opens the episode discussing various contaminants such as air pollutants, chemicals in food and personal care products, and household toxins, highlighting the pressing need for more research in this area. Dr. Novatt also emphasizes the critical role of the placenta in filtering these contaminants during pregnancy, though it is not impermeable. Her guest today, Janet Villani-Smith, shares her unique career journey and valuable insights. Her narrative, filled with anecdotes, sheds light on the personal motivations that guided her to support women through childbirth. The episode delves into the role of doulas, the emotional and physical support they provide, and the importance of personalized care during the birthing process. Janet shares intimate stories of her professional experiences, including the impactful moments and challenges she faces as a doula, offering listeners a profound understanding of the profession's significance. The discussion later pivots to the potential risks associated with common prenatal practices and products, such as prenatal vitamins and environmental exposures. Janet brings attention to findings related to contaminants in prenatal vitamins and the importance of being informed about the substances they contain. Dr. Novatt and Janet also talk about various lifestyle considerations for expectant mothers, from dietary choices to environmental exposures in different work environments.

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Produced by Jennifer Hammoud and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff

In this episode of GynoCurious, Dr. Amy Novatt is joined by certified empowerment coach and grief recovery specialist, Michelle Tomasicchio. The discussion starts with reflections on the significance of Elizabeth Kubler Ross's work on death and dying. The conversation then transitions into exploring Michelle's unique path, combining empowerment and grief recovery, detailed through her personal experience of suddenly losing her husband. Michelle shares her knowledge of craniosacral therapy and its impact on emotional release, particularly focusing on how grief manifests physically. After her husbands death, Michelle found healing through the Grief Recovery Method, a structured program designed to help individuals process grief through practical exercises, emphasizing that healing is an educational, not therapeutic journey. The episode continues to explore various tools and techniques for dealing with grief, including addressing societal misconceptions about grieving. Amy and Michelle discuss the importance of acknowledging physical symptoms of grief and advocate for a holistic approach to healing that encompasses both mind and body.

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Produced by Jennifer Hammoud and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff

In this episode of GynoCurious, host Dr. Amy Novatt delves into the often overlooked issue of dizziness and vertigo in perimenopause with her guest, Allison Chawla. Listeners are introduced to the sensation of spinning, likened to falling through the looking glass, as they explore the physical and metaphorical aspects of midlife changes. Together, they discuss the broader implications of these symptoms, touching on both medical and existential perspectives. Allison Chawla shares her transformative journey of becoming a Buddhist nun, detailing her experience in Thailand where she practiced intense meditation and spiritual exercises. Her story is one of self-discovery, healing, and gaining clarity about life’s priorities, aligning beautifully with the theme of navigating midlife's turbulence. The conversation also highlights the importance of letting go of material possessions and emotional grudges, focusing instead on compassion, forgiveness, and personal growth. Dr. Novatt emphasizes the need for open conversations about perimenopause and its varied symptoms, urging listeners to practice self-care and seek medical advice when needed. The episode wraps up with reflections on the power of kindness, the significance of emotional well-being, and the role of community in supporting personal health journeys. The audience is left with practical advice on managing symptoms like dizziness while embracing the profound changes of midlife with resilience and grace.

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Produced by Jennifer Hammoud and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff