Karen kicks off a new chapter for Itchy and Bitchy by introducing future host Stephen Miller, a cardiology nurse practitioner, for a conversation on Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, or “broken heart syndrome.” Together they explain what this stress-triggered heart condition is, why it so often affects postmenopausal women, and what recovery can look like.

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Karen answers a listener's question about vaginal biofilms. What are they and why do they make recurrent BV and yeast infections so hard to treat? She explains how these bacterial or fungal communities form protective layers that resist standard treatment, reviews options that may help break the cycle and looks at at-home microbiome testing.

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Karen shares a collection of grounding techniques to help listeners manage stress, anxiety, and negative emotions. From holding ice, savoring food, and taking mindful walks to laughter, music, anchoring exercises, the 5-4-3-2-1 method, and even the calming power of pets, Karen offers tools to help listeners return to the present moment, ease stress, and reconnect with a sense of safety and calm.

Visit our website itchyandbitchy.com to read blog posts on the many topics we have covered on the show.

Karen explains how AI is already being used in healthcare, from helping find polyps during colonoscopies to speeding documentation. She also covers the biggest concerns, including the possibility of errors, bias, privacy risks, and over-reliance.

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Karen unpacks the fast-growing world of digital health, from Apple Watch and smartphone apps to telehealth and new hospital tech that can improve care and streamline recovery at home. She also addresses the downsides, raising concerns around the security of these technologies.

Visit our website itchyandbitchy.com to read blog posts on the many topics we have covered on the show.

Karen shares a deeply personal episode on the human-animal bond after the loss of her family’s lovebird, Saki, exploring why pet grief can feel so profound and practical ways to heal. She offers suggestions, from letting yourself feel what you feel to creating memorial rituals, revisiting joyful memories, and caring for your body while you mourn, plus when to seek professional support.

Visit our website itchyandbitchy.com to read blog posts on the many topics we have covered on the show.

Karen Nickell revisits menopausal mammal, this time with brand new context: new research from Uganda’s Ngogo chimpanzees shows some chimps experience menopause too. She explains what makes humans evolutionary outliers, unpacks the grandmother hypothesis, and explores why certain toothed whales (like orcas) stop reproducing yet continue to live for decades.

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Karen takes a look at GLP-1 receptor agonists, best known for weight loss and diabetes. She explores the rapidly expanding list of conditions these medications may help treat. From emerging and sometimes conflicting research on Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease to FDA-approved benefits for cardiovascular health, kidney disease, and fatty liver disease, Karen breaks down what the science currently shows and where caution is still needed.

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Karen counts down her top 10 Itchy & Bitchy moments of 2025, from smarter New Year’s resolutions and promising UTI vaccines on the horizon to updated insights on HRT.

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Karen shares her personal journey with osteoporosis. What distinguishes it from osteopenia? How are DEXA T-scores interpreted? Why does early screening matter? She covers lifestyle and nutrition, hormone considerations, and medication options.

Visit our website itchyandbitchy.com to read blog posts on the many topics we have covered on the show.