We’re surrounded by technology every day, but few of us stop to think about how it might be impacting our bodies. From the phone at your bedside to the Wi-Fi running all night, EMFs (electromagnetic fields) could be quietly affecting your hormones, energy, sleep, and even fertility. That’s why I sat down with Dr. Stephanie McCarter, a physician who has spent years studying how our environment shapes our health. She makes this complex topic surprisingly relatable and gives us plenty of reasons to start paying closer attention.

Dr. Stephanie shares some eye-opening stories and statistics, especially around how EMFs may be influencing children and pregnant women. More than just facts and figures, she offers everyday strategies you can easily bring into your own routine. She breaks down easy, practical changes that can lower your exposure without making you feel like you have to unplug from modern life.

What I love about this conversation is hearing Dr. Stephanie’s own journey from traditional medicine into environmental medicine, and how it completely reshaped the way she helps her patients. And if you’re craving even more support for your own energy, hormones, and midlife health, I’d love for you to check out my 10-day masterclass at dranna.com/breeze. It’s an easy, affordable way to hit reset and start feeling like yourself again.

Key Timestamps:

[00:00:00] Welcome to The Girlfriend Doctor Podcast

[00:06:22] EMF exposure and health risks.

[00:15:06] EMF effects on children's health.

[00:20:13] EMF sensitivity and sleep issues.

[00:25:13] Digital detox benefits for kids.

[00:26:41] EMF exposure and mitigation strategies.

[00:29:40] EMF exposure and sleep quality.

[00:32:59] EMF exposure reduction strategies.

[00:37:17] Dirty electricity effects on health.

[00:41:25] EMF sensitivity diagnosis resources.

[00:45:40] Invisible stressors affecting health.

Memorable Quotes:

"It's just amazing how many things we don't realize our body's adapting to all day long." [00:35:38] – Dr. Stephanie McCarter

"Our DNA is like an antenna. So when we switch to a digital signal, we're hitting that." [00:43:53] – Dr. Stephanie McCarter

Links Mentioned:

10-Day Masterclass: https://dranna.com/breeze

EMF Analysis: https://lessemf.com/

Shielded Healing: https://shieldedhealing.com/

Dr. Magda Havis: https://magdahavas.com/

Carpathia: https://carpathiacollaborative.com/about-us/

AAEM: https://www.aaemonline.org/ 

NAEM: https://www.envmedicine.org/

704nomore: https://www.704nomore.org/

The EMF Guy: https://theemfguy.com/

Environmental Health Trust: https://ehtrust.org/  

Safe Living Technologies: https://safelivingtechnologies.com/

Grounding Well: https://www.groundingwell.com/

Connect with Dr. Stephanie McCarter:

Website: https://www.envmedicine.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mccarter.steph_dalusa_ranch_/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephanie.mccarter0?mibextid=wwXIfr

Connect with Dr. Anna Cabeca:

Website: https://drannacabeca.com/pages/show

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegirlfrienddoctor/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thegirlfrienddoctor

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drannacabeca

Produced by Evolved Podcasting: www.evolvedpodcasting.com

Women’s health is complicated, isn’t it? Between stress, hormones, and all the changes that come with midlife, it can feel like we’re constantly trying to put puzzle pieces together without seeing the full picture. That’s why I loved sitting down with Dr. Margaret Christensen to talk about what’s really going on beneath the surface. She’s sharing a perspective on health, intimacy, and connection that every woman deserves to hear.

Dr. Margaret walked this journey herself. After facing serious health challenges from toxic mold exposure, she shifted from being a traditional OB-GYN to a leader in functional medicine. Now she helps women uncover the root causes of what’s draining their energy, throwing off their hormones, and leaving them feeling disconnected. In our conversation, she opens up about midlife changes, hormone therapy, and how we can reclaim both our vitality and our joy.

What really struck me was how she talks about sexuality and connection, not as something to be hidden or ignored, but as a powerful force for healing. We cover everything from navigating menopause to rekindling intimacy to why relationships are so key for our health. If you’ve ever felt like you’re just pushing through midlife instead of thriving in it, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. And if you’re ready for a little extra support, I’d love to have you in my 10-day Breeze Through Menopause masterclass, just $17 at dranna.com/breeze.

Key Timestamps:

[00:00:00] Introduction.

[00:03:42] Sacred sexuality discussion.

[00:06:03] Spirituality and health connection.

[00:08:14] Clinical experience vs. published studies.

[00:10:18] Chronic stress and hormonal disruption.

[00:14:11] Autoimmunity increase post-COVID.

[00:17:51] Post-midlife love story.

[00:19:32] Sacred sexuality and body appreciation.

[00:23:27] Power of creativity in aging.

[00:24:57] Hormone replacement therapy considerations.

[00:30:14] Hormonal rewiring during menopause.

[00:33:08] Pressure cooker of our lives.

[00:35:47] Weight gain and biotoxins.

Memorable Quotes:

"Sacred sexuality is really honoring our God-given gifts and our bodies." [00:20:54] – Dr. Margaret Christensen

"We are energetic beings, we are energetic bodies, everything is made of energy." [00:34:07] – Dr. Margaret Christensen

Links Mentioned:

10-Day Masterclass: https://dranna.com/breeze

Don’t miss out on joining Dr. Margaret’s Webinar on August 28: http://dranna.com/glpherbal

Connect with Dr. Margaret Christensen:

Website: https://margaretchristensenmd.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmargaretchristensen/ & https://www.instagram.com/carpathiahealth/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarpathiaCollaborative

Connect with Dr. Anna Cabeca:

Website: https://drannacabeca.com/pages/show

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegirlfrienddoctor/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thegirlfrienddoctor

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drannacabeca

Produced by Evolved Podcasting: www.evolvedpodcasting.com

This might be the most personal story I’ve ever shared with you. I spent 92 hours in complete darkness, no phone, no light, no distractions, and what I came away with completely shifted how I see my life and make decisions. In this episode, I’m opening up about the surprising moments, the deep stillness, and the kind of clarity you can only find when everything else fades away. If you’ve ever felt pulled in a hundred directions, I think you’ll really connect with this one.

When I finally stepped out into the first light of dawn, it was like the world was brand new. Every sound, every feeling, every bit of sunlight felt alive. Out of that experience came something I now call Soul Math, a simple way to check in with myself before making decisions, so they feel good in my soul, not just on paper. I’ll walk you through the exact questions I ask myself, and I’ve even made a simple journal page you can use, too.

I’ll also tell you about a big speaking invitation I got in Bali, and the inner struggle it took to say “yes” without guilt. My hope is that this episode gives you space to pause, breathe, and listen to what your soul has to say. And, because I love sharing the little things that keep me feeling energized, I have to tell you about my new Mighty Maca Mango. It’s got the same goodness you already know, but with a fresh, zesty twist that’s perfect over ice or in sparkling water. You can grab it at dranna.com.

Key Timestamps:

[00:00:00] Welcome to The Girlfriend Doctor Podcast

[00:02:23] Dark retreat experience.

[00:04:46] Dark retreat for healing.

[00:10:40] Soul math for decision-making.

[00:13:01] Emotional presence over proximity.

Memorable Quotes:

"True healing, the deep kind, requires stillness." [00:05:16] – Dr. Anna Cabeca

"You don't have to sacrifice yourself to be loyal to someone you love. You can choose wholeness and still be deeply present." [00:13:28] – Dr. Anna Cabeca

Links Mentioned:

Mighty Maca Mango: https://drannacabeca.com/products/mighty-maca

Free Journal Page: https://dranna.com/soulmath

Connect with Dr. Anna Cabeca:

Website: https://drannacabeca.com/pages/show

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegirlfrienddoctor/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thegirlfrienddoctor

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drannacabeca

Produced by Evolved Podcasting: www.evolvedpodcasting.com

Brain fog, itchy ears, and phantom smells? Yep, those are real menopause symptoms, and chances are no one warned you about them. That’s why I sat down with Andrea Donsky, a brilliant Menopause Researcher, Nutritionist, and Host of the Menopause Reimagined podcast. With nearly 350K TikTok followers and decades in the wellness space, Andrea’s on a mission to change the way we talk about this season of life, and trust me, you’ll feel so seen after hearing what she shares.

We chatted about the 100+ symptoms women are dealing with (some that honestly blew my mind), how to support your body with simple nutrition shifts, and why magnesium and omega-3s might just be your new best friends. Andrea also opened up about the reality of low libido and sleep struggles, things so many of us face but rarely talk about.

If you’ve ever felt confused, frustrated, or just plain tired during perimenopause or menopause, you’re not alone, friend. This episode is full of truth, tools, and a whole lot of hope. And before you go… I’ve got something fun to share! I just launched a new flavor of my favorite superfood drink, Mighty Maca Mango, and it’s giving summer in a glass. Pour it over ice, mix it with sparkling water, or make a batch of popsicles. It’s refreshing and full of goodness. You can check it out at dranna.com!

Key Timestamps:

[00:00:00] Introduction.

[00:05:02] Menopause education and awareness.

[00:09:19] Empowerment during menopause transition.

[00:10:47] Men's perspective on menopause support.

[00:16:05] Lesser-known menopause symptoms.

[00:20:15] Emotional aspects of menopause.

[00:24:07] Supplements for perimenopause relief.

[00:27:57] Omega-3 benefits for health.

[00:30:50] Libido survey findings.

[00:35:15] Healthcare provider recommendations for menopause.

[00:39:38] Sleep challenges in menopause.

[00:40:49] Stress management techniques for sleep.

[00:44:21] Nourishing adrenal glands.

[00:46:30] Conscious morning practices.

Memorable Quotes:

"So many other women actually were experiencing the same exact thing. And I didn't feel as alone once I started to really understand the space a little bit better." [00:07:55] – Andrea Donsky

"From our research, is that what we found out is that out of the top 10 most common symptoms, 50 to 90% are actually cognitive mental health related." [00:21:55] – Andrea Donsky

Links Mentioned:

Mighty Maca Mango: https://drannacabeca.com/products/mighty-maca

Connect with Andrea Donsky:

Website: https://wearemorphus.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreadonsky/ & https://www.instagram.com/wearemorphus/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andreadonsky

Connect with Dr. Anna Cabeca:

Website: https://drannacabeca.com/pages/show

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegirlfrienddoctor/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thegirlfrienddoctor

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drannacabeca

Produced by Evolved Podcasting: www.evolvedpodcasting.com

Hormones can be wild, especially in perimenopause and menopause, and sometimes it feels like no one talks about just how much they mess with your mind, mood, and energy. But there’s a real science behind why things feel off, and it’s not all in your head. I sat down with my friend and hormone expert, Dr. Betty Murray, to talk about the gut-brain-hormone connection and why it’s such a big deal for women in this season of life. She’s not only a Functional Medicine Pioneer with over 20 years of experience, she’s also the Founder of The Menrva Project, a game-changing platform rethinking menopause care.

We talk about the stuff most doctors skip, why testing your hormones (not just guessing!) matters, how your gut health plays into your symptoms, and how stress totally hijacks your body. Dr. Betty shares what she’s seeing work in real time with her clients and why truly personalized care makes all the difference. If you’ve ever been told “it’s just aging” or felt brushed off, this one’s for you.

She also gives some real-life tips like what to eat, what to watch out for, and simple things that can actually help you feel like yourself again. It’s not about fixing you (because you’re not broken) but about understanding what your body needs in this new chapter. Whether you're just starting to notice changes or you're deep in the hormone rollercoaster, there's something here for you.

And if you're looking for something fun (and seriously good for you), I’ve been loving the new Mighty Maca Mango! It’s everything I love about Mighty Maca Plus, but with a zesty mango twist that’s perfect for summer. Try it with sparkling water, pour it over ice, or even make popsicles with the kids. It’s delicious and loaded with the good stuff your body will thank you for. You can check it out at dranna.com.

Key Timestamps:

[00:00:00] Introduction.

[00:04:04] Exploring the journey to functional medicine.

[00:09:44] Hormonal health and individualized care.

[00:12:20] Hormones and women's health.

[00:15:38] Testing hormone levels effectively.

[00:18:25] Estrogen dominance and microbiome health.

[00:20:11] Hormones and gut microbiome connection.

[00:24:26] Post-tubal syndrome and hormone disruption.

[00:27:01] Estrogen's role in fat loss.

[00:31:01] Insulin resistance and dietary changes.

[00:34:06] Airway health and sleep quality.

[00:36:09] Hormone replacement therapy considerations.

[00:39:24] Hormone metabolism and cancer risk.

[00:44:33] Progesterone's protective properties.

[00:48:14] Gut-brain connection in women.

[00:49:17] Hormones and mood disorders.

[00:53:00] Hormone management and detoxification.

Memorable Quotes:

"Our hormones are so much more powerful than the neurotransmitters that we associate with mood." [00:49:17] – Dr. Betty Murray

"In order for us to really, I think, fix the women's health care crisis, we need to have women have that control of their own body as an N of one, right? Because we're all different." [01:01:47] – Dr. Betty Murray

Links Mentioned:

Mighty Maca Mango: https://drannacabeca.com/products/mighty-maca

Menrva Project: https://www.getmenrva.com/home

Connect with Dr. Betty Murray:

Website: https://www.bettymurray.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbettymurray

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drbettymurray

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bettymurray/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drbettymurray

Connect with Dr. Anna Cabeca:

Website: https://drannacabeca.com/pages/show

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegirlfrienddoctor/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thegirlfrienddoctor

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drannacabeca

Produced by Evolved Podcasting: www.evolvedpodcasting.com

You might not think of light as a healing tool, but red and near-infrared light can do some pretty amazing things, especially when it comes to pelvic health. From easing perimenopause struggles to helping your body bounce back after birth, this kind of light therapy is opening up a whole new world for women dealing with pain, discomfort, or intimacy issues. I had such a good conversation with Dr. Genevieve Newton (Fringe’s Scientific Director) and Elizabeth Frey (Pelvic Health Physiotherapist) about how this all works, and why more women need to know about it. If you’ve been dealing with stuff “down there” that no one seems to talk about… this is your episode.

We broke down how light therapy works on a cellular level, why the pelvic region responds so well to it, and how vibration and frequency add even more benefits. Liz shared some powerful stories from her practice, real women seeing real results, like less pain, better intimacy, and more confidence in their own bodies. And Dr. Gen? She brings the science in a way that totally makes sense. Plus, we got into the details of the Pelvic Wand, a little device doing big things for women's health.

We also touched on what the latest research is saying about all this (spoiler: it’s pretty exciting), and how to know if this therapy might be right for you. Whether you're healing, curious, or just want to feel more connected to your body again, there’s something in this conversation for you.

And quick side note: there’s a new Mighty Maca flavor in town! I’m loving the Mango version lately. I mix it with sparkling water over ice or even make it into popsicles—it’s a refreshing little boost with all the benefits. Check it out at dranna.com/fringe, use code DRANNA for 10% off.

Key Timestamps:

[00:00:00] Introduction.

[00:01:34] Pelvic light therapy breakthrough.

[00:04:54] Wavelengths in light therapy.

[00:10:11] Women's health and light therapy.

[00:13:00] Genitourinary syndrome of menopause.

[00:14:27] Red light therapy benefits.

[00:18:45] Recommended usage of light therapy.

[00:24:28] Red light therapy for scars.

[00:27:10] Prolapse and pelvic floor therapy.

[00:30:08] Quality of life improvements.

[00:32:20] Pelvic health and prevention.

[00:38:17] Vaginal Intimate Moist product launch.

[00:39:14] Water-based lubricant and pelvic health.

[00:42:34] Home lighting devices and health.

[00:46:30] Ancient healing meets modern science.

Memorable Quotes:

"It's fascinating because it's been mapped out really on a cellular level, how when you expose tissue to light therapy, there's really a very dramatic response." [00:28:04] – Dr. Genevieve Newton

"We combine red and near-infrared light benefits with vibration therapy and home exercise for the postmenopausal woman. It is like I'll say magic. It really is. It's a great combination. And I'd say that's where I'm seeing the most success in my practice." [00:15:07] – Elizabeth Frey

Links Mentioned:

Mighty Maca Mango: https://drannacabeca.com/products/mighty-maca

Fringe’s Pelvic Wand:

https://dranna.com/fringe

Connect with Dr. Genevieve Newton & Elizabeth Frey:

Website: https://fringeheals.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fringeheals/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joinfringe

Connect with Dr. Anna Cabeca:

Website: https://drannacabeca.com/pages/show

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegirlfrienddoctor/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thegirlfrienddoctor

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drannacabeca

Produced by Evolved Podcasting: www.evolvedpodcasting.com

Hormones are wild, especially when you realize they’re not just about how much you have, but how your body uses and processes them behind the scenes. That’s what hormone metabolite testing helps uncover, and honestly, it’s a game-changer. I’m sitting down with Dr. Liz Bartman, an incredible Naturopathic Doctor with a deep background in hormone science, to talk about how we can actually test our hormones in a meaningful way and what those results are really telling us.

We chat about the different ways to test—blood, saliva, urine—and why each one tells a slightly different story. Dr. Liz also shares what happens to our hormones during menopause (hint: it’s not all doom and gloom) and why cholesterol is actually essential for hormone production. One of the most eye-opening parts? The way our bodies detox estrogen and what certain metabolites might be saying about our long-term health risks, like breast cancer.

If you’ve ever felt like your labs weren’t giving you the full picture, this one’s for you. Dr. Liz brings a refreshingly smart, grounded approach to hormone health. Oh, and speaking of refreshing… I’ve been sipping on my new favorite thing lately: Mighty Maca Mango! It’s the same powerful superfood blend you know and love, now with a zesty mango twist—perfect over ice or made into popsicles. You can grab it over at dranna.com.

Key Timestamps:

[00:00:00] Introduction.

[00:04:25] Hormone metabolite testing significance.

[00:07:17] The postmenopausal woman’s hormones.

[00:10:39] Hormonal changes during menopause.

[00:18:41] Cholesterol and hormone production.

[00:24:32] 16-hydroxyestrone and cancer growth.

[00:27:42] Quinones and cancer risk.

[00:34:34] Progesterone's role in conception.

[00:37:45] Cortisol levels and metabolism.

[00:44:53] Mitochondrial resuscitation techniques.

[00:54:29] Gut health and hormone regulation.

[00:58:45] Oxidative stress management strategies.

[01:05:09] Waking up the hormone receptors.

[01:06:05] DIM, I3C, Calcium D-glucarate.

[01:11:13] Estrogen metabolism and methylation.

[01:14:32] Lifestyle changes impact health.

Memorable Quotes:

"We don't want to build up our garbage pile if we don't have enough garbage bags to deal with it." [01:12:38] – Dr. Liz Bartman

"I think really through lifestyle, there can be a lot that can be corrected. We don't want to just supplement away our symptoms. But really focusing on those." [01:15:10] – Dr. Liz Bartman

Links Mentioned:

Mighty Maca Mango: https://drannacabeca.com/products/mighty-maca

Connect with Dr. Liz Bartman:

Website: https://wholegenicwellness.com/ & https://www.endoaxis.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wholegenic_wellness

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AstreaFamilyWellness

Connect with Dr. Anna Cabeca:

Website: https://drannacabeca.com/pages/show

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegirlfrienddoctor/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thegirlfrienddoctor

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drannacabeca

Produced by Evolved Podcasting: www.evolvedpodcasting.com

Bladder leaks, dryness, and low libido aren’t exactly dinner table topics… but maybe they should be. These issues are way more common than we think, especially during and after menopause, and they have a huge impact on how we feel day to day. That’s why I sit down with Dr. Rena Malik, a Board-Certified Urologist and Sexual Medicine Specialist who’s made it her mission to talk about the things most people won’t.

We talk about everything from pelvic floor problems to how hormones like estrogen and testosterone affect our sexual health and bladder function. Dr. Rena shares why stress makes things worse (yep, even your bladder feels it), and how simple things like breathing or pelvic floor therapy can help you get back in tune with your body. She also breaks down what options are really worth exploring—like vaginal estrogen, testosterone therapy, and a few new treatments you may not have heard of yet.

If your body’s been sending signals you’ve been ignoring, consider this your sign to tune in and start listening. And hey, if you’re in the mood to give your body a little extra support, I’ve been loving the new Mighty Maca Mango lately. It’s refreshing, light, and packed with all the superfood goodness—plus, it tastes amazing in sparkling water (or turned into a popsicle). You can check it out at dranna.com—it’s been my go-to pick-me-up lately!

Key Timestamps:

[00:00:00] Introduction.

[00:06:28] Improving quality of life.

[00:08:15] Pelvic floor health issues.

[00:10:45] Bladder health myths debunked.

[00:13:48] Neuromodulation treatments for bladder issues.

[00:19:17] Hormones for pelvic floor health.

[00:22:06] Restoring sexual function and orgasm.

[00:26:22] Testosterone's role in women's health.

[00:33:10] Effects of stress on the bladder and how to reverse it.

[00:36:27] Clenching during orgasm.

[00:39:47] Enjoying the journey in sex.

[00:42:08] Scheduling intimacy for connection.

Memorable Quotes:

"One of the other myths is that incontinence is normal or leakage is normal. Like everyone just leaks after they have babies. That's a normal thing. And it's not. And same thing with UTIs. They're not normal." [00:11:45] – Dr. Rena Malik

"I would argue that scheduling intimacy is probably one of the underrated tools that people use. We schedule date night to go have dinner and talk. We should schedule time for intimacy." [00:41:58] – Dr. Rena Malik

Links Mentioned:

Mighty Maca Mango: https://drannacabeca.com/products/mighty-maca

Sexual CPR: http://sexualcpr.com/

Connect with Dr. Rena Malik:

Website: https://www.renamalikmd.com

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/RenaMalikMD

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RenaMalikMD

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/RenaMalikMD

Connect with Dr. Anna Cabeca:

Website: https://drannacabeca.com/pages/show

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegirlfrienddoctor/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thegirlfrienddoctor

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drannacabeca

Produced by Evolved Podcasting: www.evolvedpodcasting.com

Hormonal shifts in perimenopause and menopause can do more than throw off your cycle—they can actually stir up inflammation, spark strange symptoms, and even trigger immune responses that leave you wondering, what is going on with my body? If you've ever felt like your symptoms don’t quite “fit in a box,” this conversation is for you. I sit down with Dr. Tania Dempsey—a brilliant MD and expert in complex, multi-system diseases—to talk about Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), why it’s often missed in women, and how hormones can play a huge role in triggering it. This episode connects the dots between your immune system, your hormones, and all those mystery symptoms no one’s been able to explain.

Dr. Tania breaks it down—how mast cells work, what happens when they go rogue, and why midlife women are seeing a rise in things like histamine intolerance, inflammation, and post-viral flare-ups (yes, COVID included). She shares what to look out for, what testing often misses, and how therapies like low-dose naltrexone and even ozone can make a difference.

You’ll also love hearing Dr. Tania’s heart for educating both patients and physicians so women can finally get the answers they deserve. And speaking of support, I’ve been sipping on my new Mighty Maca Mango lately, and it’s a summer fave. Light, zesty, and still packed with all the hormone-balancing goodness of the original, it’s perfect over ice or made into popsicles. Check it out at dranna.com—you’ll be hooked.

Key Timestamps:

[00:00:00] Introduction.

[00:01:28] Mast cell activation syndrome.

[00:06:51] Mast cell activation syndrome prevalence.

[00:08:12] Immune system and estrogen dominance.

[00:09:44] Symptoms of MCAS

[00:12:08] Hormonal impacts on mast cells.

[00:15:42] Long COVID and mast cell activation.

[00:20:51] Perfect storm of infections.

[00:23:41] Plasmapheresis for mast cell activation.

[00:29:04] EMF sensitivity and health effects.

[00:30:11] EMF shielding devices and methods.

[00:34:44] Fatigue in mast cell activation.

Memorable Quotes:

"My mission is really to figure out how can we get it to the point where this could be potentially, quote-unquote, cured. " [00:25:16] – Dr. Tania Dempsey

"I'm going to help the world, one patient at a time, by giving them this information so they can help themselves." [00:37:11] – Dr. Tania Dempsey

Links Mentioned:

Mighty Maca Mango: https://drannacabeca.com/products/mighty-maca

Connect with Dr. Tania Dempsey:

Mast Cell Matters Podcast: https://drtaniadempsey.com/podcast/

Website: https://drtaniadempsey.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drtaniadempseymd/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/taniadempseymd/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taniadempsey/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrTaniaDempsey

Connect with Dr. Anna Cabeca:

Website: https://drannacabeca.com/pages/show

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegirlfrienddoctor/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thegirlfrienddoctor

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drannacabeca

Produced by Evolved Podcasting: www.evolvedpodcasting.com

Growing up with a mom struggling with severe mental illness, Karena Dawn learned early what it meant to carry heavy things in silence. That experience shaped so much of her life—including the dark years she rarely talked about. In this episode, she shares her journey from that painful silence to healing, forgiveness, and ultimately, purpose. We talk about how fitness became her lifeline and how she found her voice by telling the truth in her powerful memoir, The Big Silence.

You may know Karena as the co-founder of Tone It Up, a wellness community that’s inspired millions of women—but behind the fitness empire is a woman who's walked through deep grief, trauma, and recovery. She shares what it was like to care for her mom after a stroke, how she’s working to break the stigma around mental illness, and why mental wellness is now at the heart of everything she does—including her work with The Big Silence Foundation and the board of NAMI. She opens up about how trauma can sneak into our health—especially during perimenopause—and the things that actually helped her feel like herself again. You’ll also hear how she’s now using her story to help others speak up and get the support they need. Her honesty is refreshing, and her heart for mental wellness is contagious.

This one will move you, especially if you’ve ever carried pain quietly or felt like healing was out of reach. Karena’s story reminds us that there’s always a way forward—and it doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful. And before you go, I’ve got a new favorite to share: Mighty Maca Mango just dropped, and it’s the zingy summer pick-me-up I’ve been loving lately. Throw it in sparkling water or popsicle molds… it’s a delicious way to feel good from the inside out—check it out at dranna.com.

Key Timestamps:

[00:00:00] Welcome to The Girlfriend Doctor.

[00:02:05] The Big Silence.

[00:03:14] Living with a parent with mental illness.

[00:06:40] Fitness becoming a therapy.

[00:08:59] Micro challenges build self-confidence.

[00:12:42] Mental health and perimenopause.

[00:15:36] Oxytocin and mental health.

[00:21:36] Food is medicine.

[00:24:18] Grieving a lost mother.

[00:28:25] Motherhood's diverse definitions.

[00:32:34] Preventing and healing from mental illness.

[00:35:06] Maiden, Mother, Magi and empowerment.

Memorable Quotes:

"I even have changed the story of being a victim of my mom's illness... I said, Mom, don't regret it because I love the woman I've become. And I became that woman because of what you had to go through. " [00:29:47] – Karena Dawn

"I believe our society is getting better at recognizing the different types of mothers... motherhood is such a bigger term now, and I think that's such an important thing to get out there is you can be a mother in so many ways. And to recognize Mother's Day is not a happy day for everyone." [00:39:06] – Karena Dawn

Links Mentioned:

Mighty Maca Mango: https://drannacabeca.com/products/mighty-maca

Listen to The Big Silence Podcast: http://www.thebigsilence.com/listen

Buy the memoir, The Big Silence: https://thebigsilence.com/pages/memoir

Connect with Karena Dawn:

Website: http://www.karenadawn.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenadawn/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KarenaDawn/

The Big Silence Foundation: https://thebigsilence.com/

Tone It Up: https://my.toneitup.com/

Connect with Dr. Anna Cabeca:

Website: https://drannacabeca.com/pages/show

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegirlfrienddoctor/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thegirlfrienddoctor

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drannacabeca

Produced by Evolved Podcasting: www.evolvedpodcasting.com