The Core Connect Podcast

Have you heard of vaginal steaming? 

This ancient practice is making a comeback for a reason—it can help with chronic infections, heavy periods, birth preparation, postpartum healing, and even reconnecting with your inner wisdom 🧘‍♀️

Our guest this week bridges the gap between tradition and modern self-care: Liberty Gerderloos is a menstrual cycle specialist known for creating powerful steaming blends that help women master their cycles, free themselves from infections, and recover faster postnatally.

In this episode, Liberty shares:

• 02:12 How growing up in a natural community in Montana led her to the “steam path”
• 13:50 How to use steaming for birth preparation (after 37 weeks)
• 21:09 Why steaming can help with placenta release postpartum
• 23:12 The many benefits of a 30-day postpartum steaming streak 
• 30:22 How it supports pH balance and reduces infection risks
• 31:45 The key factor to address if you struggle with chronic infections
• 35:18 The best herbs and blends to use for different needs

If you enjoyed this conversation, check out Episode 14 with  Chantal Blake on unlocking the power of your menstrual cycle: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/the-core-connect-podcast/id1766482868?i=1000678559124⁠

🔗 Order Liberty’s steaming chair and blends online: ⁠https://www.sheisliberty.com⁠

📲 For personalised consultations & blends, connect with Liberty: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/sheisliberty/?hl=fr⁠

And don't forget to share this episode if you found it useful and feel called to 🙏 It makes a huge difference to the number of women who may be in pain and could benefit from this information.

No. You probably don’t need that tummy tuck. You definitely don’t need intimate wipes, creams, or whiteners. And you may not even need the IVF treatment you’ve been offered.

My guest today, Dr. Gael Abou Ghannam, is an Obstetrics, Gynecology, and fertility specialist who tackles these uncomfortable, often taboo, topics head-on.

Trained in Lebanon and Belgium with a specialization in fertility preservation for cancer patients, Dr. Gael has become one of the leading voices for women’s health in the Middle East—a renowned researcher, podcaster, and brilliant obstetrician.

In this episode, we dive deep into fertility myths, IVF alternatives, the widespread issue of vaginismus (particularly in the Middle East), the allure and danger of quick fixes, and how pain is too often normalised for women.

Dr. Gael also shares how her personal fertility journey transformed her approach to care, making her a more compassionate and holistic doctor.

We hope this conversation empowers and inspires you to make informed lifestyle choices that support your health.

• 03:00 - From psychiatry to obstetrics – How Dr Gael fell in love with obstetrics!
• 07:15 - Dr Gael’s IVF journey and some insightful statistics.
• 14:18 - Why unindicated IVF treatments are so common.
• 17:56 - How experiencing IVF made Dr Gael a better doctor.
• 19:13 - Common side effects of IVF: fatigue, psychological pressure, weight gain,inhibited muscles.
• 22:35 - Vaginismus: what it is, cultural education and taboos.
• 25:48 - Steps to healing vaginismus.
• 27:40 - What pain is and how it gets normalised for women.
• 32: 10 - A conversation on C-sections.
• 33:30 - The critical role of lifestyle choices for fertility.
• 37:43 - Hygiene vs. the rise of toxic vaginal products in the Middle East.
• 39:38 – Our thoughts on tummy tucks, “mummy make-overs” and quick fixes.

Dr. Gael’s Instagram page [⁠https://www.instagram.com/dr.gael/⁠]

Sirat Om: [⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/sirat-om-%D8%B3%D9%8A%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D8%A3%D9%85/id1567583278⁠– The first podcast in Arabic to offer stories of unfiltered motherhood.

Metle Metlik: [⁠https://metlemetlik.com/en/homepage-english/⁠] – A digital education platform co-founded by Dr. Gael, focused on women's reproductive health and sexual education.

Don’t forget to share this episode if you found it helpful or if our voices resonatedwith you !

Fatigue, Hair Loss, Poor Concentration—Could You Be Iron Deficient?

Did you know that iron deficiency can develop years before anemia sets in? Or that you'd need anywhere between 8 to 30 kilograms of spinach just to meet your recommended daily iron intake?

In this episode, Dr. Dheeraj Khiatani, a Singapore-based General Practitioner and one of Asia's leading experts on iron deficiency, joins Marianne to discuss the essentials of iron absorption and iron loss. Together, they explore:

• The demographics, dietary habits, and cultural factors that make iron deficiency so common.
• Why many women go undiagnosed despite suffering from its effects.
• The benefits of iron infusions for women with ferritin levels under 30ng/ml.

Dr. Dheeraj and Marianne also reflect on their personal journeys into this area of nutrition, unpacking the health and financial costs of iron deficiency and its often-overlooked impact on women, notably those of reproductive age, endurance athletes, or women with inflammatory gut conditions.

If you're feeling chronically fatigued, or if your ferritin levels are low, this episode is a must-listen!

Timestamps:

• 09:56 Iron Infusions vs. Iron Supplements
• 16:30 Coffee, Tea, Milk & Vitamin C: How They Impact Iron Absorption
• 19:45 Heavy Menses? Why You’d Need 10 Steaks Daily to Compensate for Iron Loss
• 24:32 Underdiagnosed: Are We Conditioned to Accept Women Being Chronically Tired?
• 26:46 The Risks of Iron Deficiency to New Mothers and Babies
• 32:57 Why Endurance Athletes Are at Risk
• 37:10 Iron Deficiency in Men: A Potential Red Flag
• 39:30 The 4 Nutrients You Must Screen for Yearly

💡 Postpartum? Feeling fatigued?You might also enjoy the episode featuring Dr. Labib, where we dive into clean living, addressing nutritional deficiencies, and actionable tips for thriving in the fourth trimester.

⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/the-core-connect-podcast/id1766482868?i=1000677725847

This week, Marianne dives into the stages of labour and the all-important question- when should you head to the hospital? - with doula, hypnobirthing educator, and lactation specialist Stevie McKenzie.

Stevie and Marianne also explore how tuning into your intuition and embracing discomfort in daily life can prepare you for a more empowered experience.

🎙Curious about how to prepare your body pre-pregnancy? Check out:

• The powerful episode with Chantal Blake on mastering menstrual health: 

⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/lb/podcast/unlocking-the-power-of-your-menstrual-cycle/id1766482868?i=1000678559124&l=ar⁠

• The conversation with Liberty Gelderloos on the benefits of vaginal steaming:

⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/period-pain-infection-prevention-easing-postpartum/id1766482868?i=1000698218640⁠

🔗 Connect with Stevie: 

⁠https://www.instagram.com/thismumhypnobirthing/⁠

🤰Check out Stevie's digital courses: 

⁠https://www.thismumhypnobirthing.com/onlinehypnobirthing⁠

Did you know that chronic shoulder or hip pain could be linked to a distant scar, like a C-section scar? In fact, some shoulder surgeries and even hip replacements can be avoided by addressing scar tissue concerns.

Scar tissue is about 20% less functional than healthy tissue, causing adhesions and inflammation that often go unnoticed, yet play a significant role in chronicpain.

In this episode, Marianne is joined by Emma Holly, a renowned UK-based physiotherapist with over 30 years of experience specialising in scar treatment. Emma certifies therapists globally and has made it her mission to treat scar-related issues, from post-surgery patients to cancer and burn survivors.

Tune in to hear Emma's expert advice on managing scars, especially for new mothers dealing with C-section scars and “belly pouch”.

The conversation also highlights how older scars, like the one from Marianne’s son’s cleft lip surgery, can still benefit from treatment years later.

If you've ever had surgery and are curious about the long-term effects of scar tissue on your body, this episode is for you!

----

TIMESTAMPS

• 04:30 – The Hidden Impacts of C-Section and Pelvic Scar Tissue
• 05:48 – Hypermobility & Slow Scar Recovery: The Role of Collagen
• 10:42 – How Long Does It Take to Heal? Understanding Scar Recovery Timelines
• 16:30 – When’s the Best Time to Perform Scar Massage?
• 26:25 – The Truth Behind Before-and-After Photos
• 34:20 – 3 Surprising Stories of Life-Changing Results from Scar Treatment
• 35:40 – When Is Surgery Still Necessary? Breast Implants, Morton’s Neuroma, and Hip Replacements
• 46:58 – Why Moisture (Without Fragrance) Is Essential for Scar Care
• 50:50 – Mobilising and Stretching Older Scars: Adam’s Story

-----

Enjoyed this episode? You might also enjoy listening to Episode 1 with Grainne Donnelly on Postpartum Guidelines.

Find out more about Emma’s work:

• Emma’s website ⁠www.restoretherapy.co.uk⁠
• Emma’s YouTube channel ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@restorescartherapy⁠

• To find a trained therapist near you: ⁠www.restorescartherapy.com⁠ 
• To support Dan’s Fund for Burns: ⁠https://dansfundforburns.org/

Tight neck and upper back?

Clicking knees and hips?

Chronic pain?

What if mobility tools could unlock it all?

In this last episode of our first season, Kevin Hendry shares his journey from traditional osteopathic practice to becoming the Director of Education at RAD Mobility after healing chronic baseball injuries.

Kevin and Marianne discuss:

• What mobility actually is. And no, it's not stretching.
• The science behind brain-based mobility tools.
• How RAD products work to release deep-seated tension and improve movement patterns.
• Practical strategies for addressing chronic pain.
• Performance enhancement through targeted mobility work.
• The role of education in empowering people to take control of their own movement health.

Kevin truly brings a unique blend of clinical expertise andinnovative thinking to the world of movement and pain management.

We hope this episode kickstarts your healing journey!

📶 Stay tuned for RAD Mobility workshops at Core Connect in the Fall.

🔗 Connect with Kevin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mobilitymaster/

Dealing with incessant bloat?

Or chronic tension in your core?

You're not alone, and the answers you're looking for might not be found in our Pilates classes.

In this episode, Marianne shares 5 transformative books that approach core health from a truly holistic perspective. Beyond "zip it up". 

She dives deep into the interconnected world of gut health, feminine wisdom, energetic anatomy, and the cultural forces that shape how we relate to our bodies.

Marianne also offers one tip or technique per book to get started.

Featured Books & Timestamps

• [02:25] Genius Gut by Dr. Emily Leeming: Chia Seeds
• [05:00] Wild Feminine by Tami Lynn Kent: Visualisations
• [07:36] Eastern Body, Western Mind by Anodea Judith: Affirmations Related to Chakras 1 and 2.
• [11:13] The Female Pelvis by Blandine Calais-Germain: Practice The Blueberries (see episode referenced below).
• [13:42] Unbearable Weight by Susan Bordo: Ask "Is this me or the story I have been fed?"

🤸‍♂️🤸‍♀️Want to read AND practice?

There are 5 days left to sign up for the Core Connect Summer Programme:

https://www.coreconnectstudio.com/programme

🎧 Want to practice the Blueberries and 2 other effective pelvic floor exercises? Listen to Episode 9

https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/the-core-connect-podcast/id1766482868?i=1000674250480

Stay tuned for next week's mobility chat with osteopath and head of education Kevin Hendry next week for the final episode of season 1.

Have a glorious summer ahead 🔆

Just had a C-section and feeling overwhelmed?

This episode is for you.

If you don't want any extra pressure.

Or a longer to-do list.

In this episode, you'll learn simple ways to help you:

• Process your birth experience (especially if it didn’t go to plan)
• Feel safe and grounded,
• Heal well and fast,
• Honour your new identity as a mother.

🎧 In under 15 minutes, Marianne shares:

• Why birth story reflection is essential after an emergency C-section,

• 3 powerful, nourishing foods to aid your recovery,
• How to extend the cocoon through sound vibration,
• Movement tips for the first 6 weeks,
• And more soulful ways to recover, emotionally and physically.

Resources 👇

Episode with Ellen Arthur:

https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/the-core-connect-podcast/id1766482868?i=1000679438443

Listen to Om Aim by Ellen Arthur: 

https://open.spotify.com/track/4zX54SwkqXfCxd2p7HVIFX

📩 If you'd like the full C-section recovery roadmap Marianne has created for her clients, email her at [email protected].

Ribs sticking out?

Bras tight, even now that you are back to your pre-baby weight?

It might well be yet another bonus of having children: The infamous rib flare.

In this short and practical episode, Marianne explains:

• What rib flare actually is, and why it’s not just cosmetic.
• The three main types of rib flare: Postural, related to changes to the infrasternal angle, and scoliosis-prompted.
• Why so many women experience a mix of these without knowing it.
• The hormonal and structural changes in the perinatal period that can lock your ribs into dysfunctional patterns.
• Why healing rib flare is possible and doesn’t require extreme effort

✨ Whether you’re months or years postpartum, or simply feeling disconnected from your centre, there’s something in here for you.

If you are postpartum and feeling a little lost, here are two episodes that may help you figure out where to start:

🎙Episode 1 with researcher Grainne Donnelly on Postpartum Guidelines: 

https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/the-core-connect-podcast/id1766482868?i=1000668454747

🎙Episode 38: Matt Marney interviews Marianne on Postpartum Timelines, Recovery and Empowerment:

https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/the-core-connect-podcast/id1766482868?i=1000708687960

This week, Marianne welcomes Zeina Maktabi, functional nutritionist, registered dietician, and newly minted Pilates mat instructor (yes, Dubai, you’ll be seeing her on our mats soon!).

With a deep passion for health that’s spanned decades, sharpened during COVID, Zeina brings clarity, compassion and calm to the often-noisy world of wellness advice.

In this conversation, she busts one of the biggest myths circulating among health circles: you do need that breakfast.

Especially as a woman. Zeina explains how skipping it can elevate cortisol at the wrong time, disrupting your hormonal balance and energy levels. But cortisol isn’t the enemy. It’s also essential for wakefulness and hormonal cascades. It’s all about balance and pace.

Zeina's mantra? Slow is the fastest way.

Here are her 5 simple yet powerful tips:

• ✨ Tip 1: Master your circadian rhythm.
• 🥚 Tip 2: Don’t skip breakfast.
• 🌈 Tip 3: Choose the right breakfast: think protein-forward and fiber-rich with colour.
• 💊 Tip 4: Supplement smartly: individualized, seasonal, and not forever.
• 🚶🏽‍♀️ Tip 5: Movement is fuel too.

Whether you're navigating hormonal changes, revisiting your nutrition, or just want to feel more grounded in your daily routine, this episode is a must-listen.

If you liked this episode:

🎧 Listen to Episode 10 with Dr Erik Korem to dive deeper into the science of circadian rhythms.

https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/the-core-connect-podcast/id1766482868?i=1000675162281

🎧 Try Episode 14 with Chantal Blake for a supportive conversation about harnessing the power of our menstrual cycles. 

https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/the-core-connect-podcast/id1766482868?i=1000678559124