Sexism isn’t just in politics or culture—it’s in our bodies, our health, and the way we move through the world every single day. 

On this episode of Inside the Wellspace, Cathy O’Brien sits down with globally renowned activist, author, and journalist Laura Bates—the force behind the viral Everyday Sexism Project. What started as a simple website sharing women’s daily experiences of harassment became a global movement, collecting more than 200,000 stories from over 25 countries and sparking worldwide conversations about gender inequality. Laura has since written 10 books, spoken at the United Nations, advised governments, and worked directly with schools to confront misogyny at its roots.

Laura unpacks her latest book, The New Age of Sexism: How the AI Revolution is Reinventing Misogyny. From deepfake pornography and sex robots to AI healthcare bias and discriminatory algorithms, she exposes how technology is amplifying old inequalities in disturbing new ways. Together, Kathy and Laura explore the public health crisis of everyday sexism, the impact on women’s mental and physical well-being, and the urgent need to reshape the systems that shape our lives.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Introduction to Everyday Sexism

07:02 The Birth of the Everyday Sexism Project

14:02 Impact on Education and Awareness

21:59 The Role of AI in Reinventing Misogyny

34:57 The Need for Systemic Change and Regulation

What if the aches, leaks, or discomfort you’ve been ignoring are actually your body asking for help?

Kate Fishman, PT, DPT, OCS, Cert. MDT, PRPC, CYT, is a Senior Physical Therapist at NYPH - Weill Cornell who specializes in pelvic floor health. She joins Cathy O’Brien on Inside the Wellspace to explore the often-overlooked world of pelvic floor health. They dive into the prevalence of pelvic floor dysfunction, its symptoms, and why awareness is the first step toward reclaiming your health.

Kate shares how physical therapy can make a profound difference and explains the deep connection between pelvic floor wellness and overall physical and emotional well-being. They also cover practical strategies—from breathing techniques to lifestyle habits—that can empower you to take control of your pelvic health and feel confident in your body again.

What You’ll Learn in this Episode:

- Pelvic floor dysfunction is common and can affect anyone.

- Physical therapy can significantly improve pelvic floor function.

- Symptoms include urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and sexual dysfunction.

- Age, anatomy, and life experiences play a role in pelvic floor health.

- Lifestyle factors like diet, movement, and stress influence pelvic wellness.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Introduction to Pelvic Floor Health

02:43 Understanding Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

05:33 The Importance of Awareness and Communication

08:42 Common Symptoms and Causes of Dysfunction

11:39 The Role of Age and Anatomy

14:39 Impact of Lifestyle and Habits

17:41 Exploring Treatment Options

20:35 The Connection Between Pelvic Floor and Overall Health

23:45 Practical Tips for Pelvic Floor Care

26:34 The Role of Physical Therapy

29:43 Breathing and Its Impact on Pelvic Health

32:46 Final Thoughts and Empowerment

SUBSCRIBE:

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@UC13tfnPU0OHsNxmMXSs6saw

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2TQtov8ByjgieslPS5B1IM

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-wellspace-women-wellbeing-wisdom-with/id1812799800

Visit The Well Space for Women: https://www.insidethewellspace.com/

Follow along on Instagram: @thewellspaceforwomen https://www.instagram.com/thewellspaceforwomen/

#health #pelvicfloorhealth #KateFishman#womenshealth #pelvicfloorexercises #wellness #healthtips #womenfitness #corestrength #wellnesstips #podcast

Can something as simple as touch change — even save — a life? 

Jennifer Cooper Ashton, Clinical Manager for Massage Therapy Services at the Mount Sinai Health System, explores the remarkable physiological and emotional benefits of therapeutic touch. From her early career in dance to becoming a leader in palliative care and wellness, Jennifer shares how massage can calm the nervous system, ease pain, reduce nausea, and lift depression — especially for those navigating illness. 

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

- How therapeutic touch can be life-changing — even life-saving

- The science behind massage therapy for stress relief and symptom management

- Why palliative care is about living well, not just end-of-life

- The role of mindfulness and breathwork in calming the body and mind

- How touch empowers patients in their healing journey

- Why massage therapy should be seen as a necessity, not a luxury

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 The Healing Power of Touch

04:51 Jennifer's Journey to Massage Therapy

09:43 The Impact of Touch on Healing

14:41 Massage Therapy in Hospital Settings

19:43 The Importance of Mindfulness and Breath

24:33 Navigating Wellness in Modern Life

29:42 Palliative Care and Doula Experience

34:31 The Role of Touch in Patient Empowerment

39:36 Bringing Massage Therapy Home

44:28 Final Thoughts on Wellness and Healing

What if the secret to your physical health and emotional balance wasn’t hidden in the latest wellness trend, but in the energy flowing through you right now? 

Mare Rubin, a certified yoga and meditation teacher, joins Inside the Wellspace with Cathy O’Brien to explore the timeless link between ancient wisdom and modern wellbeing. Together, they unravel the mysteries of chakras, the science and spirituality behind our energy systems, and how mindfulness can transform the way we move, breathe, and live. 

Mare shares her personal journey into yoga and energy work, revealing why true wellness isn’t about following a one-size-fits-all routine—it’s about finding practices that align with your unique needs and rhythms. Along the way, they dive into the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, the role of doshas in shaping our health, and why the heart chakra may just hold the key to unconditional love and deeper connection.

TIMESTAMPS

02:15 Introduction to Energy and Wellbeing

03:57 Understanding Chakras and Energy Work

05:26 The Intersection of Ancient Wisdom and Modern Practices

08:12 Personal Journey into Yoga and Energy Work

13:24 The Individualized Approach to Yoga

14:50 Exploring the Energetic Side of Yoga

15:49 Understanding Prana and Chakras

17:26 The Root Chakra and Its Importance

20:33 The Sacral Chakra and Creativity

23:05 The Solar Plexus Chakra and Transformation

26:39 The Heart Chakra and Unconditional Love

29:05 The Throat Chakra and Expressing Truth

30:53 The Third Eye and Crown Chakras

33:12 Yoga as a Path to Meditation

36:27 Exploring Spiritual Connections in Yoga

37:51 The Essence of Being: Samadhi and Consciousness

39:33 Integrating Hatha, Tantra, and Ayurveda

41:45 Understanding Ayurveda: The Sister Science of Yoga

45:26 The Vedic Texts: Foundations of Yoga Philosophy

47:41 Navigating Life's Dualities: Lessons from the Bhagavad Gita

49:57 Witnessing Yourself: Acceptance and Mindfulness

54:59 Personalizing Your Practice: The Journey of Self-Discovery

What does it really mean to live as a woman in 2025—and how fragile are the rights we take for granted?

In this solo episode of Inside the Wellspace, host Cathy O’Brien breaks down the historical context, current data, and legislative shifts that shape the experience of being a woman today. From microfeminism to credit access, political representation to bodily autonomy, Cathy connects the dots between the past 50 years of progress and the urgent erosion happening now.

She unpacks the subtle and systemic ways in which gender equality is undermined and calls for a renewed sense of reflection, dialogue, and participation—starting at the local level. With clarity, conviction, and care, this episode is both a history lesson and a wake-up call for anyone who believes in the power of law, voice, and collective momentum.

Listen, reflect, and share. Because equality doesn’t protect itself.

TIMESTAMPS: 

00:00 Understanding Feminism and Microfeminism

01:53 Current Statistics on Women in Society

05:43 Historical Context of Women's Rights

16:28 The Fragility of Women's Rights Today

24:25 The Need for Women in Power

SUBSCRIBE: 

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@UC13tfnPU0OHsNxmMXSs6saw 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2TQtov8ByjgieslPS5B1IM 

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-wellspace-women-wellbeing-wisdom-with/id1812799800

Visit The Well Space for Women: https://www.insidethewellspace.com/ 

Follow along on Instagram: @thewellspaceforwomen https://www.instagram.com/thewellspaceforwomen/

What does it take to break free from your past and rebuild a life on your own terms?

At just 26, Jes Chapel is a rising voice at Condé Nast Traveler, covering fashion, travel, and luxury—but her real story runs much deeper. In this raw and revealing conversation, Jes sits down with Cathy O’Brien to share her journey through childhood trauma, the loss of her father, and growing up in unstable, unsafe environments. She opens up about declaring legal independence at 17, the emotional cost of caretaking, and the healing power of writing, education, and chosen family.

This episode is about resilience in its realest form—messy, nonlinear, and deeply human. If you’ve ever felt shaped by your circumstances but still hopeful for something more, Jessica’s story is proof that your past doesn’t have to define your future.

TIMESTAMPS: 

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:02 Defining Resilience and Trauma

05:57 Early Life and Family Dynamics

08:57 The Impact of Loss and Transition

11:53 Navigating Childhood Trauma

14:46 Living with Family and Coping Strategies

15:24 Navigating Caretaking Roles

17:50 Coping Mechanisms and Resilience

20:50 Finding Independence and Stability

23:48 The Journey to Self-Discovery

26:50 Embracing Change and Growth

29:46 Using Trauma as a Catalyst for Change

32:57 Reflections on Grief and Resilience

34:56 Navigating Personal Growth and Self-Compassion

36:29 Breaking Patterns and Family Dynamics

39:33 Choosing Love Over Fear

45:06 Empowerment Through Chosen Family and New Relationships

SUBSCRIBE: YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@UC13tfnPU0OHsNxmMXSs6saw Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2TQtov8ByjgieslPS5B1IM Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-wellspace-women-wellbeing-wisdom-with/id1812799800Visit The Well Space for Women: https://www.insidethewellspace.com/Follow along on Instagram: @thewellspaceforwomen https://www.instagram.com/thewellspaceforwomen/

Have you ever questioned your reality in a relationship?

In this powerful solo episode, host Cathy O’Brien opens up about an issue that affects 1 in 4 reported women: emotional and psychological abuse in relationships.

This isn’t about physical violence—it’s about the coercive, manipulative behaviors that chip away at a person’s identity, self-worth, and sense of reality. With recent high-profile abuse cases in the media, Cathy feels called to speak up and share what she’s learned through years of personal and professional work.

This episode brings language, clarity, and validation to the experiences so many women silently endure. Cathy breaks down critical concepts like gaslighting, coercive control, and emotional abuse, helping women understand the signs, reclaim their power, and know they’re not alone.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Introduction to Relationship Abuse

03:11 Understanding Coercive Control

06:04 The Impact of Emotional and Psychological Abuse

09:06 Recognizing Signs of Abuse

11:59 The Cycle of Abuse and Its Effects

14:46 The Role of Economic Abuse

18:10 Creating a Safety Plan

20:54 Long-term Effects of Coercive Control

23:45 Support Systems and Resources

27:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

SUBSCRIBE: YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@UC13tfnPU0OHsNxmMXSs6saw Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2TQtov8ByjgieslPS5B1IM Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-wellspace-women-wellbeing-wisdom-with/id1812799800Visit The Well Space for Women: https://www.insidethewellspace.com/Follow along on Instagram: @thewellspaceforwomen https://www.instagram.com/thewellspaceforwomen/

Did you know 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime? 

What if treatment could be less invasive, more targeted—and even detect recurrence before symptoms appear?

Dr. Rache Simmons, internationally renowned breast cancer surgeon at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell, breaks down the evolving landscape of breast cancer care. From early detection and genetic testing to cutting-edge innovations like liquid biopsy and cryoablation, Dr. Simmons explains how science is reshaping treatment and improving survival rates.

She dives into the growing trend of treatment de-escalation, where less aggressive approaches are often just as effective, and she emphasizes the importance of a collaborative care team in achieving the best possible outcomes. She also highlights the role of genetic testing in customizing treatment plans and managing risk. Most importantly, this episode empowers you to listen to your body, understand your baseline health, and never hesitate to explore all available options.

TIMESTAMPS: 

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage

02:51 Understanding Breast Cancer Statistics

04:45 The Importance of Early Detection

11:00 Advancements in Treatment: De-escalation and Targeted Therapy

13:19 Balancing Risks and Benefits in Treatment

13:35 Imaging Options for Early Detection

15:24 Understanding Breast Cancer Screening Methods

17:33 The Role of MRIs in Breast Cancer Diagnosis

18:40 Mastectomy vs. Lumpectomy: Making the Right Choice

20:34 Recurrence vs. Occurrence: Understanding Breast Cancer Risks

22:18 Advancements in Cosmetic Surgery for Mastectomy Patients

22:50 Breast Reconstruction Options: Implants vs. Belly Fat

25:31 Exploring Breast Cancer Therapies

29:27 The Future of Liquid Biopsies in Cancer Detection

30:47 Navigating Cancer Testing and Future Innovations

33:07 Understanding Lymph Node Testing in Breast Cancer

34:29 Genetic Predispositions and BRCA Testing

38:07 The Importance of Screening and Early Detection

41:28 The Role of a Care Team in Breast Cancer Treatment

SUBSCRIBE: 

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@UC13tfnPU0OHsNxmMXSs6saw 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2TQtov8ByjgieslPS5B1IM 

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-wellspace-women-wellbeing-wisdom-with/id1812799800

Visit The Well Space for Women: https://www.insidethewellspace.com/Follow along on Instagram: @thewellspaceforwomen https://www.instagram.com/thewellspaceforwomen/

Menopause is the most misunderstood stage of a woman’s life.

Dr. Chris Creatura, aboard-certified OB/GYN with over three decades of experience, is a nationally recognized expert in menopause, sexual health, and adolescent gynecology. She joins Inside the Wellspace with Cathy O'Brien to dismantles the myths and misinformation surrounding menopause, perimenopause, and women’s hormonal health.

Drawing on decades of clinical experience and advocacy, Dr. Creatura explains how hormonal shifts—especially the overlooked role of androgens—impact women’s bodies, minds, and overall well-being.

She discusses the benefits of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), why women are too often misinformed or dismissed by the medical system, and how empowering women with science-backed information can lead to better health outcomes—and even economic gains for society at large.

TIMESTAMPS: 

00:00 Introduction to the Conversation

02:28 Understanding Menopause and Perimenopause

05:30 The Role of Hormones in Women's Health

08:29 Symptoms and Challenges of Menopause

11:21 The Importance of Education and Empowerment

14:24 Cultural Perspectives on Women's Health

19:36 Navigating Hormone Replacement Therapy

24:53 The Menopause Spectrum: What to Expect

27:52 Sexual Health and Menopause: Breaking the Silence

31:00 Redefining Pleasure and Sexuality in Midlife

31:38 Empowerment Through Education

34:45 Navigating Healthcare Visits Effectively

37:35 Understanding Hormones and Their Impact

41:36 The Importance of Androgens in Women's Health

45:29 The Economic Case for Women's Health

47:27 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways

SUBSCRIBE: YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@UC13tfnPU0OHsNxmMXSs6saw Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2TQtov8ByjgieslPS5B1IM Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-wellspace-women-wellbeing-wisdom-with/id1812799800Visit The Well Space for Women: https://www.insidethewellspace.com/Follow along on Instagram: @thewellspaceforwomen https://www.instagram.com/thewellspaceforwomen/

Are your hormones trying to tell you something—and are you actually listening?

Dr. Chiti Parikh, an integrative medicine specialist and Executive Director of Integrative Health and Wellbeing at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell, returns to Inside the Wellspace with Cathy O’Brien for a grounded and eye-opening conversation about the real forces driving your hormonal health. From the gut-hormone connection to the hidden impact of xenoestrogens in our environment, they explore how hormones influence everything from energy and mood to digestion and fertility.

They dive into why women experience major hormonal shifts every decade, how pregnancy and postpartum reshape the body’s chemistry, and why tracking your cycle can be one of the most powerful tools for reclaiming your health. Dr. Parikh challenges the idea that hormonal imbalances should be “fixed” with a one-size-fits-all solution like birth control—and instead, look at the root causes.

Through the lens of Ayurveda, environmental medicine, and gut health, Dr. Parikh offers practical, science-backed tools to support hormonal balance at every life stage. Whether you’re navigating PMS, post-birth depletion, or perimenopause—you’ll walk away feeling more in tune with your body and more empowered to support it.

TIMESTAMPS: 

00:00 Introduction to Hormones and Health

03:01 The Role of Hormones in Women's Health

05:51 Understanding Hormonal Cycles

08:59 Hormonal Life Events and Their Impact

11:50 The Importance of Embracing Hormonal Changes

15:06 Birth Control vs. Hormone Replacement Therapy

17:52 The Gut-Hormone Connection

20:49 Environmental Toxins and Hormonal Health

23:43 The Impact of Xenoestrogens

26:54 Dietary Diversity and Hormonal Balance

29:51 Ayurveda and Hormonal Health

32:39 The Importance of Tracking Hormonal Changes

35:43 Finding Balance in Hormonal Health

38:48 Empowerment Through Understanding Hormones

SUBSCRIBE: YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@UC13tfnPU0OHsNxmMXSs6saw Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2TQtov8ByjgieslPS5B1IM Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-wellspace-women-wellbeing-wisdom-with/id1812799800Visit The Well Space for Women: https://www.insidethewellspace.com/Follow along on Instagram: @thewellspaceforwomen https://www.instagram.com/thewellspaceforwomen/