Welcome to The Hairy Chin Podcast, hosted by women’s health educator and patient-turned advocate Spencer Moore.

After more than thirty years navigating complex diagnoses and healthcare systems, Spencer realized something: women are constantly told to advocate for themselves, but almost no one teaches them how. The Hairy Chin and our podcast exist to close that gap.

This podcast teaches practical self-advocacy skills, shares real stories from women navigating complex care, and brings healthcare professionals into the conversation through three core series: The Advocacy Series, Chin Chats and Expert Interviews. Along with resources and toolkits to help you in the real world.

If you’ve ever left a medical appointment feeling dismissed, confused, or unheard, this podcast is for you!

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In this episode, Dr. Tali Arviv, board-certified in internal medicine and practicing cosmetic dermatologist, breaks down the world of aesthetics through a grounded, honest lens. She and Spencer Moore talk about why women seek aesthetic procedures, how confidence shapes our choices, and how to navigate the overwhelming amount of information surrounding aging, injectables, and cosmetic surgery.

Dr. Arviv explains what women should know before getting Botox or fillers, the rising demand for labiaplasty, and how media impacts how we see ourselves. She also sheds light on the role hormone therapy can play during menopause and why internal health matters just as much as what we do on the surface.

This conversation is all about clarity, helping women make informed, empowered decisions about their bodies, their health, and their confidence.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Women pursue aesthetic procedures for many reasons, often tied to confidence and self-image.
2. Confidence can change how we move through the world—and how others respond to us.
3. Expectation management is essential in any cosmetic treatment.
4. Botox is now widely used as a preventative tool against wrinkles.
5. Aesthetic procedures can offer both physical and emotional benefits.
6. Labiaplasty is becoming more common as women seek comfort and confidence.
7. Social media deeply influences body image and beauty standards.
8. Thorough research and choosing a qualified provider are non-negotiable.
9. Hormone therapy can support women through perimenopause and menopause.
10. Prioritizing self-care strengthens both confidence and overall well-being.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction to Aesthetic Medicine

00:07 What Women Are Really Concerned About

02:51 How Confidence Shapes Our Aesthetic Choices

05:29 Social Media & Beauty Standards

08:02 Trends in Cosmetic Procedures

13:04 The Science of Botox

16:08 Safety & Risks of Injectables

17:31 Labiaplasty: What Women Should Know

22:51 Culture, Body Image & Surgery

23:43 How to Choose the Right Surgeon

31:53 Understanding Cost vs. Value

36:25 A Holistic View of Women’s Health & Aging

39:55 Making Time for Self-Care

41:50 Why Self-Care Matters

43:46 Hormone Therapy Explained

46:49 Benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy

52:10 Treating Hormonal Facial Hair

MORE FROM DR. TALI ARVIV

DrTaliArviv on IG

Arviv Medical Aesthetics on IG

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In this Chin Chats episode, Spencer shares her personal experience using the GLP-1 medication Wegovy. She shares why she was prescribed it, how it affected her symptoms, what side effects she experienced, and what she learned about hunger, inflammation, cravings, and the emotional side of eating. This is not medical advice, just one lived experience inside a complex health journey.

TAKEAWAYS

1. Spencer discusses her struggles with overeating and body image.
2. She experiencs her severe symptoms of endometriosis and inflammatory disease.
3. She starting Wegovy was a conservative approach to manage inflammation.
4. Reduced thirst is a major side effect people rarely talk about.
5. GLP-1 medications can reduce inflammation and appetite, but they don’t fix emotional eating.
6. Spencer believes in the importance of addressing both biological and emotional aspects of eating.

CHAPTERS

01:39 Eating is complicated

02:38 Spencer's complicated food history

04:18 Inflammatory disease

05:37 The 'Hot Potato' patient

06:34 Seeking Specialized Medical Help

10:04 TSH Thyroid Testing

12:08 Starting GLP-1 Treatment

17:25 Weight Loss and Health Improvements

21:29 Emotional Aspects of Food and Medication

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Disclaimer: This conversation reflects lived personal experience and is not medical advice. If you or someone you love is struggling with disordered eating, please reach out to a qualified healthcare provider or support organization. Recovery is possible, you don’t have to do it alone.

In this honest and vulnerable conversation, Barcelona Pilates studio owner Laura Ceppelli opens up about her 24 year journey through bulimia and her path toward recovery. Laura wrote a personal essay for the Pay It Forward Book Series: Notes To Your Younger Self where she shares how her bulimia affected her self-worth and relationships. Laura discusses the power of movement, especially yoga, Pilates, and breath work, as positive coping mechanisms that helped her reconnect with her body and mind. She also highlights the role of writing as release, reprogramming the subconscious, and the empowerment that comes from finally sharing her story. Throughout the episode, Laura reflects on the evolving conversation around body image, strength, and self-acceptance, emphasizing the importance of community support, healthy tools for healing, and understanding that recovery is an ongoing, personal journey.

TAKEAWAYS

• Bulimia can exist in silence. Laura lived with bulimia for 24 years while “ticking the boxes of life,” proving that many people suffering appear outwardly fine.
• Body work helped Laura reconnect to herself. Pilates, movement, and breathwork strengthened not only her body, but also her emotional regulation and mind-body connection.
• “Nourishment” replaced calorie counting. Becoming a mother and business owner helped her see food as fuel and care, not something to control or restrict.
• Positive coping mechanisms can replace harmful ones. Yoga, Pilates, breathwork, writing, and meditation became healthier outlets and tools for emotional processing.
• Self-worth affects relationships. Low self-esteem showed up in dating choices, people-pleasing, and not knowing how to advocate for herself.
• Memories of shame can imprint deeply. A small childhood moment became embedded as guilt, showing how trauma can be subtle but long-lasting.
• Community and support matter. Even though recovery is deeply personal, movement classes, family, motherhood, and writing helped Laura stop feeling alone.
• Laura doesn’t claim to have “the solution.” She emphasizes that everyone’s recovery looks different. What she can offer is honesty, hope, and the belief that recovery is possible.

CHAPTERS

07:15 Reflections on Self-Worth and Healing

10:34 Understanding Bulimia as an Addiction

13:10 The Impact of Relationships on Self-Worth

15:51 The Journey to Recovery and Nourishment

18:35 The Role of Yoga and Physical Activity in Healing

20:54 Ongoing Recovery and Awareness of Eating Disorders

21:20 Finding Balance in Life and Work

23:11 Positive Coping Mechanisms and Personal Growth

24:34 Reprogramming the Subconscious Mind

27:18 The Journey of Self-Acceptance

31:47 Overcoming Shame and Guilt

34:10 The Power of Honesty and Transparency

37:15 The Connection Between Movement and Mental Health

40:27 Breathwork and Mind-Body Connection

43:28 Empowerment Through Strength Training

44:35 Community and Support in Healing

LAURA CEPPELLI LINKS:

The Pay It Forward Series: Notes To My Younger Self Book

Laura Ceppelli Pilates City Break Package

Laura Ceppelli on Instagram

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In this episode of Chin Chats, Spencer Moore delves into the complex topic of female body hair, exploring its historical context, societal perceptions, and personal experiences. The conversation highlights the evolution of hair removal practices, the impact of cultural norms, and the importance of empowerment and choice in how women approach their bodies. Spencer shares her own journey with body hair, emphasizing the need for self-acceptance and challenging societal expectations.

TAKEAWAYS

• The perception of female body hair is deeply rooted in societal norms.
• Historical practices of hair removal reflect cultural values and status.
• Women often face pressure to conform to beauty standards regarding body hair.
• The pink tax highlights the financial burden of female grooming products.
• Personal experiences with body hair can lead to feelings of shame and embarrassment.
• Empowerment comes from making choices about one's own body.
• The conversation around body hair is layered and intersects with issues of race and class.
• Women should feel free to choose how they manage their body hair without societal pressure.
• Visibility and acceptance of body hair can challenge traditional beauty standards.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to Body Hair Conversations

02:25 Historical Context of Female Body Hair

04:49 The Impact of Societal Norms and the Pink Tax

06:55 Personal Journey with Chin Hair

09:12 Exploring Hair Removal Options

10:22 Cultural Perspectives on Body Hair

11:47 Empowerment and Choice in Body Hair Removal

14:16 Redefining Beauty Standards and Self-Acceptance

LINKS:

https://womensmuseumca.org/the-history-of-female-hair-removal/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6921585/

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In this conversation with Spencer Moore, friendship expert Alex Alexander discusses the importance of friendships, the dynamics involved, and how to navigate them, even in the context of chronic illness. She emphasizes that friendships are not just about having a best friend but are a spectrum of connections that can provide support in various ways. The discussion also touches on the challenges of asking for help, the impact of societal expectations on friendships, and the importance of community connections. Alex shares insights on how to maintain friendships through life changes and the significance of trust and understanding in building deeper connections.

Takeaways

1. Friendship is a spectrum, not a binary concept.
2. Many people struggle with defining what a friend means to them.
3. Asking for help can strengthen friendships.
4. Chronic illness can complicate friendships, but honesty is key.
5. Community connections are vital for emotional health.
6. Expectations of friendships can lead to disappointment.
7. Depth in friendships can come from shared experiences, not just time spent together.
8. Trust in oneself and others is crucial for healthy friendships.
9. Friend success means supporting each other's needs and interests.
10. Friendships evolve, and it's important to adapt to those changes.

Chapters

02:30 The Importance of Connection

05:10 Understanding Friendship

07:38 The Spectrum of Friendships

09:45 Building a Support Network

12:26 Asking for Help

13:56 Navigating Expectations in Friendships

16:38 Quality vs. Quantity in Friendships

18:58 The Role of Trust in Friendships

21:23 Identifying Personal Needs in Friendships

24:02 Navigating New Interests and Friendships

26:48 Understanding Depth in Friendships

31:45 The Role of Trust in Friendships

34:54 Maintaining Friendships Through Chronic Illness

42:00 Building Community and Connection

Links:

Alex's IG: @itsalexalexander

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Alex's Podcast Friendship IRL

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In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, we are re-releasing our interview with Dr. Corrine Ellsworth-Beaumont, founder of the Know Your Lemons Foundation. A life-saving foundation that focuses on educating breast health, breast cancer prevention and breast cancer awareness. Corinne shares her personal journey with breast cancer loss and how it inspired her to create a visually engaging platform to spread awareness. The discussion highlights the importance of knowing and sharing the 12 signs of breast cancer, including preventative measures such as annual screenings and how knowledge can fill the fear gap when it comes to the conversation of breast cancer. Corrine also shares information about the free Know Your Lemons mobile app and its life-saving resources like instructions for self-breast exams and so much more.

Takeaways

The Know Your Lemons Foundation is dedicated to early detection of breast cancer.

Education is key to empowering women about their breast health.

Visual aids can significantly enhance understanding of health issues.

Fear and taboo often prevent open discussions about breast health.

Early detection increases treatment effectiveness significantly.

The Know Your Lemons app provides essential resources for breast health.

Cultural sensitivity is crucial in health education efforts.

Knowledge is empowering and can lead to proactive health measures.

Chapters

00:40 The Mission of the Know Your Lemons Foundation

03:19 Creating Accessible and Engaging Breast Health Education

05:35 Overcoming Taboos and Fear to Communicate Breast Health

09:52 Personal Experience and the Importance of Education

16:07 Expanding Breast Health Education to Schools

17:25 Genetics and Misconceptions about Breast Cancer

20:21 The Know Your Lemons App and Resources

26:03 Educating in Workplaces and Healthcare Settings

29:07 Opportunities to Get Involved with the Know Your Lemons Foundation

33:02 The Power of Knowledge and Spreading Awareness

Links

Know Your Lemons Free Mobile App

Know Your Lemons Website

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Summary: In this bonus episode of The Hairy Chin Podcast, host Spencer Moore and guest Cathy Williams explore the theme of intuition through guided meditation, creative practices, and personal reflections. Cathy leads listeners in a meditation to connect with their intuition, encouraging them to visualize and engage with their inner guidance. She guides a creative arts practice as well as a creative writing exercise. The conversation delves into the importance of expression and journaling as tools for deepening this connection. Spencer shares her personal insights and experiences during the meditation, highlighting the transformative power of intuition in navigating life. The episode concludes with resources for further exploration of intuitive practice available as a PDF download.

Takeaways

1. Intuition is a rich resource that can guide us.
2. Setting aside time to connect with intuition makes it more accessible.
3. Creative practices can help express and understand intuition.
4. Journaling prompts can facilitate a dialogue with intuition.
5. Each person's relationship with their intuition is unique.
6. Meditation can evoke powerful imagery and insights.
7. Emotions are welcome when connecting with intuition.
8. Intuition can manifest in various forms, such as colors or symbols.
9. Trusting intuition requires overcoming fears and resistance.
10. Small, incremental practices can deepen the connection with intuition.

Chapters

[00:00] Introduction to Cathy Williams and Creative Arts Therapy

[02:06] Guided Meditation: Meet Your Intuition

[15:32] Creative Arts Therapy Practice

[19:22] Creative Writing Practice

[24:14] Personal Insights with Spencer and Cathy

[32:40] Resources for Deepening Intuition

Links

Letter To Your Intuition free PDF Download

Listen to Cathy's Full Interview with Spencer Moore

Cathy Williams/Intuitive Self Website

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Summary: In the first episode of our second season on The Hairy Chin Podcast, host Spencer Moore and guest Cathy Williams delve into the significance of intuition, particularly for women, and how it can be a powerful ally in self-advocacy and personal growth. They explore the societal pressures that often lead to the suppression of intuition, the journey of reconnecting with one's inner voice, and the impact of shame on decision-making. Through personal stories and practical insights, they emphasize the importance of listening to one's intuition and the transformative power it holds in navigating relationships and life choices.

Takeaways

1. Trusting your intuition can change your health and choices.
2. Women are often taught to suppress their intuition.
3. Intuition can be a compass for navigating life decisions.
4. Shame can disconnect us from our intuition.
5. Reconnecting with intuition requires practice and patience.
6. It's important to communicate and connect with your inner voice.
7. Listening to your body can guide you to your intuition.
8. Shame grows in silence; speaking it can diminish its power.
9. Apologizing to your intuition can help rebuild trust.
10. Creating a safe space to explore feelings is essential for growth.

Chapters

[01:57] Understanding Intuition as an Ally

[04:21] The Disconnect from Self and Intuition

[06:56] Recognizing Red Flags in Relationships

[09:41] The Impact of Societal Expectations on Women

[11:54] Reconnecting with Intuition

[23:03] Living Authentically and Intuitively

[32:02 The Journey of Self-Connection

[34:54] Navigating Relationships and Personal Growth

[39:49] The Weight of Shame and Its Impact

[46:04] Reconnecting with Intuition

[56:31] The Balance of Self-Care and Relationships

[01:03:38] Closing Thoughts on Intuition and Self-Discovery

Links:

Listen to Cathy's Bonus Episode: Three Ways To Meet Your Intuition

Letter To Your Intuition free PDF Download

Cathy Williams Intuitive Self Website

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In this Chin Chats episode, Spencer shares her personal journey navigating severe eczema, nickel allergies, and the hidden allergens lurking in your makeup bag. She unpacks how hidden metals like nickel, cobalt, mica, and iron oxides in your make-up bag could be causing your skin reactions, and what to do about it!

You’ll learn:

1. Why mica and shimmer makeup might trigger your eczema
2. What a nickel allergy really looks like (and how to know if you have one)
3. How cobalt and iron oxides sneak into your cosmetics
4. What to know about patch testing and metal sensitivities
5. Simple tips to lower your allergy burden and feel more in control

If you've ever had a mystery rash, persistent eczema, or reacted to new makeup, this episode is for you!