Overprescription of hormonal therapy and antibiotics, under-researched health concerns that affect 5-10% of women in the world, never-ending gaslighting and dismissal of women trying to get to the root cause of their debilitating reproductive health concerns. The stigmatisation of women trying to get pregnant, and the medical view of pregnancy and motherhood as a panacea for any physical or mental issue a woman may be experiencing, ultimately undermining a woman's autonomy and reducing motherhood to a mere prescription. All of this stems from the patriarchal roots that medical research is currently functioning in. Current health research is labelling women as “little men” because there aren’t enough studies available. It wasn’t until 2023 that women’s period products started being tested with actual blood and not water, and the speculum hasn’t changed in design since the 19th century (some may argue that even since the Roman times).

I say no more. In the long-awaited conversation, we bring up the women’s health concerns that aren’t talked about enough in the global setting. The more we talk about it, the less stigmatised it will be. It is so important to spread this message to raise awareness and highlight the strength of those who advocate for women’s health research.

For this, I am joined by Katy Bradbury. She is a fertility and women’s health specialist. She is a registered nurse, health visitor, nutritional therapist, hypnotist and integrative change coach. She keeps busy with her private online practice and group programmes as well as student support, practitioner mentorship and clinical leadership. After a journey with infertility, Katy now has two young daughters and takes pleasure from educating and empowering women with their health.

Katy shared her fertility journey, and the effect it has on her mental health. We discussed common reproductive healthcare issues like overprescription of hormonal therapy and antibiotics. How in modern medicine a woman’s health is not viewed as a whole, but instead making decisions only based on her reproductive organs. We explore how the patriarchal roots affect how women perceive themselves. How “there is something wrong with you” is heard more often than “let’s solve this together”.

It was so important for me to hear Katy’s professional opinion on these pressing matters and be able to pose questions on behalf of my listeners. We both embrace the connection of mind and body, thanking our moon cycles and always breaking down the stigma surrounding women’s health. Katy and I are dedicated to using our platforms to continue educating and sharing knowledge. You can follow Katy Bradbury on Instagram @katybradburyhealth and learn more about her meaningful work!

P.S.: Mention of women throughout also includes AFAB individuals.

In this solo episode, I want to share the insights I have gained in my mid-20s. Some were a tough pill to swallow and some came naturally, like it's meant to be. Now, I reflect back on the time when my older friends would tell me to stop wasting my energy on people who do not deserve it. Back then, I felt like I had to "push through people", and now -- all I want is for myself is to finally be happy and get what I have been working so hard for the last 6 months.

When I first stepped into my 20s, I would not have imagined that I would be able to use all my vulnerabilities as an advantage. But even further, to broadcast it to the world with the ability to connect with like-minded individuals.

I am raising my glass of beverage to the years that came before, to the few more days left of my exact mid-20s and to the future that follows. I am living, I am present, and I am part of this funny thing called life.

Where am I now and where will the road lead to? Listen to find out of my future ideas as well as a surprise project reveal that I have been working on for the past months.

Join me, in my monologue of the insights of a 25-year-old me.

Marking the 20th episode with our continued conversation from the first part, Marty and I delve into the vivid and possibly prophet dreams, the inward self-assessment we as a society have gone through since 2020, circling around friendship purging and relationship break-ups…and touching upon some spirituality-related memes, sorry, couldn’t help it. 

We discuss the concept and our understanding of reincarnation and the importance of learning karmic lessons to evolve spiritually. We discuss regression therapy and how past experiences can shape present fears and behaviours. 

You can follow Marty’s journey on IG @immartyparty and Twitter/X: @MediaSurgeZA.

In our conversation about a huge concept that is spirituality, Marty and I discuss our personal experiences with religion, current spiritual outtakes, out-of-body experiences, the concept of after-life, spirit guides and meeting “higher self”, vivid and prophet dreams and their significance, and astral projection.

Marty’s journey through life has been interesting due to his self-described misspent youth, and the ultimate belief in the power of spirituality and alignment with the universe, as well as connecting with own spiritual self to achieve anything we desire. 

I share about my upbringing and my mother explaining to me at a young age that spirituality is personal and can be found anywhere, without the limitation of the four walls of the church. Marty discusses his journey of understanding spirituality as a way to connect with the universe and his profound experience of an out-of-body encounter that shaped the course of his life. 

We touch upon the normalisation of spirituality worldwide and the rise of women's and men's circles as spaces for connection and balance. The importance of dreams and the bigger plan, the thinning of the veil between the realities we live in and a societal shift towards being more accepting of inexplicable occurrences since the pandemic.

Overall, our conversation emphasises the importance of self-reflection, healing, and embracing one's spiritual path, should that be their choice.

You can follow Marty’s journey on IG @immartyparty and Twitter/X: @MediaSurgeZA.