The Hole Shebang

Episode Overview: What if perimenopause wasn't the end of your sex life—but the beginning of something completely new? In this honest, educational conversation, Kristen sits down with psychotherapist and sex therapist Taylor McConnachie to talk about what's really happening to your body, your desire, and your voice during perimenopause.

What You'll Learn:

• Why perimenopause can be a "sexual debut"—a chance to completely transform how you experience pleasure
• How the non-linear model of sexual response explains why your desire has changed (and why you're not broken)
• What pleasure mapping is and how to rediscover what feels good in your changing body
• Why that "bullshit meter" you're suddenly feeling is actually a gift—and how to use it
• The role of differentiation in maintaining sexual connection while honouring your individual experience
• Practical tools like lube, sex toys, and new ways of communicating about sex

About Taylor McConnachie: Taylor McConnachie is a registered psychotherapist, AASECT-certified sex therapist, and certified sexologist. She's the founder of Embodied Sexual Wellness and Psychotherapy, with a physical practice in Simcoe, Ontario, supporting people across the province with sex therapy, pelvic pain support, and sexual wellness education. Taylor's own experience with endometriosis and sexual pain drives her passion for creating safe, shame-free spaces to talk about sex and sexuality.

Key Topics Covered:

• Sexual pain and pelvic health during perimenopause
• Medical gaslighting and being told "you're too young" for perimenopause
• Body changes, weight gain, and shifting self-image
• Vaginal dryness and arousal changes
• Finding your voice and setting boundaries during midlife
• The connection between caregiving roles and sexual desire

Connect with Taylor: Instagram: @embodiedsexualwellness Website: embodiedsexualwellness.com

Resources Mentioned:

• Climax Conference (Ottawa, November)
• Non-linear model of sexual response

Visit blueberrytherapy.ca to learn more about pelvic health support in Hamilton, Ontario.

Subscribe to The Hole Shebang Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.

Connect with The Hole Shebang on Instagram: @blueberrytherapypelvichealth

Episode Overview: What if everything you thought you knew about hormone therapy was based on a misunderstood study from 2002? In this conversation with Dr. Carrie Jones—naturopathic doctor, hormone specialist, and host of the Hello Hormones podcast—we unpack the real data behind hormone replacement therapy, why perimenopause might be starting earlier than you think, and what's actually happening to your body during this transition.

What You'll Learn:

• The truth about the 2002 Women's Health Initiative study and why "estrogen causes cancer" isn't the full story
• How perimenopause can start in your late 30s (and what other conditions to rule out first)
• The specific hormone labs you should request from your doctor—and why "everything looks normal" isn't good enough
• What genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is and why nobody talks about vaginal atrophy until it's too late
• Why pain during sex is common but absolutely not normal, and what you can do about it
• How to advocate for yourself when doctors dismiss your symptoms as "just stress" or "too young for hormones"

About Dr. Carrie Jones: Dr. Carrie Jones is a naturopathic medical doctor with a passion for women's hormones and helping people understand their bodies. She graduated from the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) in Portland, Oregon, and has been practicing for over 20 years, specializing in hormone health through all life stages. Dr. Jones is the host of Hello Hormones with Dr. Carrie Jones podcast and has an upcoming book (Fall 2026) that promises to make perimenopause education fun, accessible, and actually useful. Her mission is simple: help women not feel so crazy and understand what's happening in their bodies.

Key Topics Covered: Hormone replacement therapy, bioidentical hormones, perimenopause symptoms, menopause, estrogen, progesterone, hormone testing, FSH, LH, estradiol, thyroid function, genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), vaginal atrophy, painful sex, Women's Health Initiative study

Connect with Dr. Carrie Jones: Website: drcarriejones.com Free hormone labs ebook: drcarriejones.com/labs Podcast: Hello Hormones with Dr. Carrie Jones

Connect with The Hole Shebang: Visit blueberrytherapy.ca for pelvic health resources Subscribe to The Hole Shebang Podcast wherever you listen Follow us on Instagram @blueberrytherapypelvichealth

Fact Check Fridays

Episode Overview Muscle metabolism researcher Dr. Lauren Colenso-Semple joins Kristen to debunk fitness myths that are keeping women confused and away from strength training. This evidence-based conversation covers everything from cycle syncing to protein needs, with practical advice for building and maintaining muscle through perimenopause and beyond.

What You'll Learn

• Why muscle building capacity remains strong at any age and how to harness it effectively
• The science behind why cycle syncing workout programs may actually hinder your progress
• Realistic protein recommendations that don't require obsessive tracking
• How to adapt your training as recovery needs change with age
• Simple strategies for consistent strength training with compound movements

About Dr. Lauren Colenso-Semple Dr. Lauren is a muscle metabolism researcher with a psychology background who translates complex science into actionable fitness guidance. After working in business development and personal training, she pursued graduate research focusing on muscle physiology for women. She's passionate about evidence-based approaches that cut through industry confusion and help people exercise effectively throughout their lives.

Key Topics Covered

• Anabolic resistance with aging and what it really means for your workouts
• Why consistency and progression matter more than perfect programming
• The truth about protein needs for muscle building (it's less than you think)
• Recovery differences in your 40s, 50s and beyond—and how to adapt
• Starting resistance training later in life and the powerful functional benefits
• Simple workout strategies that work: compound movements, shorter sessions, regular frequency

Connect with Dr. Lauren Instagram: @drlaurencs1

Resources Mentioned Sign up for Dr. Lauren's evidence-based newsletter for weekly myth-busting fitness insights

Visit blueberrytherapy.ca for pelvic health physiotherapy in Hamilton Ontario Subscribe to The Hole Shebang Podcast Connect with us on Instagram @blueberrytherapypelvichealth

Register for the Empowered Transitions Master Class (Nov 13th 2025, 7-8:30 PM Eastern)

Connect with Jessica Caceres at Bonita Medical Aesthetics

Episode Overview

Kristen welcomes back nurse practitioner Jessica Caceres for an in-depth conversation about perimenopause, menopause, and the collaborative care that's transforming women's health. This episode tackles the symptoms, treatments, and myths surrounding this life stage while announcing an exciting new educational opportunity.

What You'll Learn

• The real timeline for when to start monitoring hormonal changes and symptoms
• Why blood tests can't predict your menopause journey
• How estrogen decline affects your pelvic floor function
• The connection between hormones and joint pain, sleep, and brain fog
• Why vaginal estrogen is a game-changer for UTI prevention and tissue health
• How to become a better advocate for your own healthcare

Featured Expert

Jessica Caceres, Nurse Practitioner - Specializes in women's health with a focus on perimenopause and menopause care. Jessica provides virtual consultations across Ontario and is passionate about education and evidence-based treatment for hormonal health.

Key Topics Covered

• Perimenopause symptoms that start in your late 30s and early 40s
• The musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause
• Hormone replacement therapy safety and effectiveness
• The role of vaginal estrogen in preventing infections
• Collaborative care between pelvic health physiotherapy and hormone specialists
• Patient advocacy and education

Exciting Announcement

Empowered Transitions Masterclass Join Kristen and Jessica for a 90-minute live educational session on November 13th 2025 from 7-8:30 PM Eastern. This interactive masterclass will dive deeper into the topics covered in this episode, plus live Q&A and downloadable resources.

Connect with Jessica Caceres

Follow Jessica for evidence-based menopause information and virtual consultation availability.

Connect with Kristen

Visit blueberrytherapy.ca for pelvic health physiotherapy in Hamilton and virtual consultations across Ontario. Subscribe to The Hole Shebang Podcast for more honest conversations about pelvic health, parenting, and healthy aging.

Follow The Hole Shebang on Instagram @blueberrytherapypelvichealth

The information in this podcast is for educational purposes and not intended to replace medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider about your individual situation.

The Pleasure Principle 2026

Coven Women's Health

Sexual health after cancer treatment is a conversation that needs to happen more often and with much more nuance. In this episode, Dr. Michelle Jacobson brings her expertise as an OB-GYN and co-founder of Coven Women's Health to break down the real science behind sexual recovery after cancer.

What You'll Learn:

Dr. Jacobson explains the key differences between tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors and how each affects sexual function differently. We dive into why some cancer treatments leave women feeling like they have "nothing"—no estrogen, increased joint pain, and profound vaginal dryness. She also addresses the safety of vaginal estrogen use post-breast cancer, debunking common misconceptions that prevent women from accessing effective treatment.

The conversation covers practical, evidence-based solutions including the importance of hyaluronic acid moisturizers, choosing the right lubricants (hint: water-based isn't always best), and why coconut oil deserves a spot in your bedroom toolkit. We discuss the crucial role of pelvic floor physiotherapy in sexual recovery and break down the difference between DHEA and estrogen-based vaginal treatments.

For women who've experienced radiation therapy, Dr. Jacobson explains the prevention and treatment of vaginal stenosis, emphasizing why early intervention with dilation and moisturizers makes all the difference. We also tackle the often-overlooked topic of orgasm difficulties after cancer treatment, including how antidepressants, weakened pelvic floor muscles, and changing nerve sensitivity all play a role.

About Dr. Michelle Jacobson:

Dr. Michelle Jacobson is an obstetrician-gynecologist from Toronto and co-founder of Coven Women's Health, a virtual clinic focused on perimenopause, menopause, and cancer survivorship care. Previously the director of the ovarian cancer prevention clinic with a 2.5-year wait list, she created Coven to scale personalized, evidence-based women's healthcare access across Canada.

Visit blueberrytherapy.ca

Subscribe to The Hole Shebang Podcast

Connect with The Hole Shebang on Instagram @blueberrytherapypelvichealth

Episode Resources

• Plan-a-palooza 2025 Annual Planning Event - $97
• The TOP Program (Time Management, Organization, Productivity)

Episode Overview Feeling like you're constantly behind and overwhelmed isn't a personal failing—it's a system problem. Time management expert Megan Sumrell joins The Hole Shebang to revolutionize how you think about planning, productivity, and putting yourself first.

What You'll Learn

• Why 97% of time management advice doesn't work for women and the biological differences that require different systems
• How your daily task list is actually keeping you overwhelmed through unrealistic expectations and decision fatigue
• The TOP framework: Time management, Organization, and Productivity designed specifically for women's lives
• How to create an "uncertainty budget" and plan for life's inevitable disruptions without derailing your entire week
• The critical importance of putting yourself on your calendar first—and why this isn't selfish, it's necessary

About Megan Sumrell Megan Sumrell is the CEO of The Pink Bee, a company dedicated to bringing work-life harmony to homes worldwide. With over 20 years in IT and software development, she brings a systematic, process-improvement approach to time management. After experiencing her own burnout as a working mother, Megan developed the TOP framework that has now served women in over 15 countries. She's also the host of a popular YouTube channel with over a million views and offers the annual Planapalooza event each October.

Key Topics Covered

• The hidden cost of women's unpaid labor ($200,000+ annually)
• Why traditional time management systems fail women
• The connection between overwhelm and physical health
• Weekly vs. daily planning strategies
• Creating boundaries with your time and calendar
• Planning for uncertainty and life's disruptions
• The importance of prioritizing yourself without guilt

Connect with Megan

• Website: ThePinkBee.com
• Free app: Search "The Pink Bee" in App Store or Google Play
• Planapalooza annual planning event: October 2025

Visit blueberrytherapy.ca Subscribe to The Hole Shebang Podcast Connect with The Hole Shebang on Instagram @blueberrytherapypelvichealth

Episode Overview Walking isn't just transportation – it's a window into your future health. In this eye-opening conversation, physiotherapist and osteopathic manual practitioner Sharmila Kulkarni explains why walking speed is now recognized as the sixth vital sign and how small changes can dramatically impact your quality of life as you age.

What You'll Learn:

• Why walking speed predicts everything from falls risk to hospital length of stay
• The specific speed thresholds that determine community vs. household mobility
• How age-related changes in gait patterns affect your independence
• Why your ankles are secretly controlling your aging process
• Practical exercises you can do at home to maintain walking efficiency
• The connection between ankle position and pelvic floor function
• How to properly dose resistance training for meaningful results

Guest Bio Sharmila Kulkarni brings 25+ years of experience as a physiotherapist and osteopathic manual practitioner. During the pandemic, she earned her master's degree in aging and health from Queen's University, focusing on how resistance exercise improves walking speed in older community-dwelling females. She's the founder of Innova Health Clinic (soon to be Integration Health) in Hamilton and creates education programs for allied healthcare providers. Her Barbell Training Studio program specifically targets longevity and morbidity reduction through evidence-based movement protocols.

Key Topics Covered:

• Walking speed as a clinical outcome measure
• Age-related gait changes and their implications
• The role of ankle dorsiflexion in efficient movement
• Resistance training protocols for walking speed improvement
• Kitchen counter exercises for mobility maintenance
• The multifactorial nature of walking mechanics

Connect with Sharmila: New website: integrationhealth.ca

Resources mentioned:

• One-rep max calculators for resistance training
• Kitchen counter lateral lunge exercise
• Research on walking speed thresholds

Visit blueberrytherapy.ca for pelvic health services in Hamilton Subscribe to The Hole Shebang Podcast on your favorite platform Connect with us on Instagram @blueberrytherapypelvichealth

Ready to transform your business with AI? Sign up for The Effortless Business Bootcamp starting October 2, 2025.

In this episode, Kristen sits down with Callan Faulkner, founder of The Uncommon Business and AI strategist who has transformed over 1,500 businesses through artificial intelligence implementation.

What You'll Learn:

• The difference between AI architects and AI offloaders, and why this distinction will determine your practice's future success
• How Blueberry Therapy became AI-powered and what that means for patient care and operational efficiency
• Practical AI applications for healthcare practices: from personalized patient education to automated follow-up protocols
• Why the next 5 years will create a clear divide between AI-fluent healthcare providers and those left behind

About Callan Faulkner: Callan discovered AI in July 2023 and immediately recognized its transformative potential. After spending years helping Fortune 5000 companies move from manual Excel-based processes to automated systems, she founded The Uncommon Business to help non-technical humans harness AI's full potential. Her approach combines technical AI training with personal development, money mindset work, and strategic business thinking.

Key Topics Covered:

• Real-world examples of AI implementation in healthcare practices
• The cost of staying manual in an AI-powered economy
• Building AI systems that enhance rather than replace human connection
• Tools and strategies for getting started with AI in your practice
• Why AI fluency is becoming as essential as clinical competence

Connect with Callan: Instagram: @callanfaulkner Website: theuncommonbusiness.co AI Bootcamp: Sign up here - starts October 2, 2025

Ready to transform your practice? Visit blueberrytherapy.ca to learn how we're using AI to provide better pelvic health physiotherapy in Hamilton Ontario.

Subscribe to The Hole Shebang Podcast for more conversations that challenge the status quo in healthcare and wellness.

Connect with The Hole Shebang on Instagram @blueberrytherapypelvichealth

The Hole Shebang: "Impossible Parenting and the Mental Load Meltdown" with Christina Page Episode Overview

Ready for some real talk about parenting? Kristen sits down with Christina Page, a registered psychotherapist who turned her own postpartum struggles into a thriving practice dedicated to supporting overwhelmed parents. From the "Hunger Games" of summer camp registration to the impossible standards of modern motherhood, Christina breaks down why parenting feels harder than ever—and what we can actually do about it.

What You'll Learn

• Why parenting really IS harder for this generation (it's not just in your head)
• The truth about "impossible parenting" culture and how it's destroying our mental health
• Why 30% attunement is actually enough for secure attachment (yes, really)
• How to complete your stress cycle instead of just white-knuckling through it
• Practical strategies for managing parental rage without losing your mind
• Why community isn't nice-to-have—it's essential for survival

Episode Highlights From Hospital Social Worker to Perinatal Mental Health Expert

Christina's journey from general hospital social work to specializing in perinatal mental health wasn't planned—it was born from necessity. After being blindsided by her own postpartum depression and anxiety at 10 months postpartum, she realized how unprepared she was despite thinking she "knew what she was getting into." This personal experience catapulted her into specialized training and eventually launching Whole Family Psychotherapy, now a team of five therapists supporting parents through individual, couples, and group therapy.

The Perfect Storm: Why Modern Parenting Is Actually Harder

Christina breaks down the concrete reasons why this generation of parents is struggling more than previous ones:

• Dual-income households with less support than any generation in history
• Loss of intergenerational support systems
• Information overload leading to decision paralysis and reduced confidence
• Social media's curated perfection creating impossible standards
• The hyper-independence myth that tells us we should be able to do it all

Decoding "Impossible Parenting" Culture

Drawing from researcher Olivia Scobie's work, Christina explains the toxic values of modern parenting culture:

• The Investment Myth: The belief that we must sacrifice everything upfront or risk "screwing up" our kids (spoiler: 30% attunement is enough for secure attachment)
• The Martyrdom Complex: The dangerous narrative that the more we sacrifice, the more we love
• The Fear Industrial Complex: How constant surveillance and worry actually increase anxiety rather than keeping kids safe

The Stress Cycle: Why Screaming in Cornfields Actually Works

Christina walks us through Emily Nagoski's four-step stress cycle—triggered, activated, discharge, rest—and explains why most parents get stuck in an endless loop between the first two steps. She shares practical discharge strategies:

• Humming or singing (stimulates the vagus nerve)
• Cold exposure (face in ice water, cold showers)
• Movement (even just running up and down stairs)
• The power of a 30-40 second bear hug
• Yes, screaming into the void (literally)

Community as Medicine: The Neighborhood Success Story

Christina shares the beautiful story of how her neighborhood mom network began with one brave woman leaving a letter in another mom's mailbox saying "I really need a friend." What started as two isolated mothers has grown into a community of 70-80 families with regular gatherings, spontaneous evening visits, and genuine village-style support.

Episode Chapters

00:00-03:00: Introduction and the Summer Camp "Hunger Games" 03:00-05:30: Christina's Journey from Hospital Social Work to Perinatal Mental Health 05:30-08:36: Why Modern Parenting Is Actually Harder (It's Not Just You) 08:36-11:09: The Information Overload Problem and Social Media's Impact 11:09-14:14: What Clients Are Really Coming In With (Spoiler: They're Overwhelmed) 14:14-17:14: The Importance of Support Systems and Learning to Accept Help 17:14-19:50: What Healing Actually Looks Like for Parents 19:50-22:51: Breaking Down "Impossible Parenting" Culture 22:51-25:45: The Science of Stress and How to Actually Discharge It 25:45-28:25: Building Community in an Isolated World 28:25: Final Thoughts and Resources

Key Takeaways

• It gets better: Christina's number one message to new parents struggling in the darkness
• It's normal for this to suck: Permission to feel the hard parts without shame
• 30% attunement is enough: You don't need to be perfect 99% of the time
• Discharge is required: Your body needs to complete the stress cycle, not just endure it
• Community is medicine: Intentionally building connections isn't luxury—it's necessity

Connect with Christina

• Website: Whole Family Psychotherapy
• Instagram: @wholefamilypsychotherapy

Connect with The Hole Shebang

• Website: Blueberry Therapy Pelvic Health and Pediatrics
• Instagram: @blueberrytherapypelvichealth
• Upcoming Event: The Pleasure Principle Conference (May 8, 2026)

Resources Mentioned

• Burnout by Emily Nagoski - Understanding the stress cycle
• Come As You Are by Emily Nagoski - Sexual health after babies
• Impossible Parenting by Olivia Scobie - Breaking down modern parenting culture

Christina's Theme Song

"Defying Gravity" from Wicked - perfectly capturing her leap-first, figure-it-out-later approach to building something meaningful.

If you're a parent feeling overwhelmed, remember: you're not broken, the system is. This conversation is proof that with the right support, understanding, and community, we can navigate this beautiful, impossible journey of parenthood together.

What if everything you thought you knew about relationships was just... one option? Join Kristen as she sits down with Dr. Rachael Meir, a clinical psychologist who's been helping people navigate the beautiful complexity of ethical non-monogamy for over two decades. From her own journey into a polyamorous triad to the nitty-gritty of managing three people's deodorant preferences, Dr. Meir breaks down the real talk about love beyond the traditional box.

This isn't your typical relationship advice—it's a deep dive into how radical honesty, intentional communication, and knowing your "why" can transform not just your love life, but how you show up in your body and the world.

What You'll Learn

• The difference between ethical non-monogamy and cheating (spoiler: it's all about consent and communication)
• Why traditional monogamous couples could learn a thing or two from polyamorous communication strategies
• How big emotions like jealousy are actually signals worth exploring, not feelings to avoid
• The surprising ways relationship structures can impact your pelvic health and embodiment
• Why "knowing your why" is the most important conversation before opening any relationship
• Real talk about navigating societal judgment, family acceptance, and professional consequences

Episode Highlights

From Fantasy to Reality: Dr. Meir's Personal Journey

Dr. Meir opens up about her 25-year relationship with her husband Aaron and how they transitioned from the swinging lifestyle to forming a closed triad with their partner Casey. She shares the raw truth about moving in together during COVID, dealing with family death, and having "book club" meetings twice a week for two years to navigate their new dynamic.

Communication That Actually Works

Forget "we need to talk" conversations that go nowhere. Dr. Meir breaks down structured relationship check-ins with actual agenda items, action plans, and follow-ups. She explains how this level of intentional communication could revolutionize any relationship—whether you have one partner or five.

The Pelvic Floor Connection You Didn't See Coming

In a fascinating twist, Kristen and Dr. Meir explore how relationship dynamics directly impact pelvic health. From the liberation of consensual choice reducing "duty sex" tension to how unprocessed emotions create physical holding patterns, this conversation bridges the gap between emotional and physical wellbeing.

Navigating the "Zone of Chaos"

Dr. Meir doesn't sugarcoat the challenges. She talks honestly about societal stigma, family rejection, workplace fears, and the reality of living a "double life" for many people in non-monogamous relationships. But she also shares the beauty of finding chosen family and authentic community.

Medical Care in a Monogamous World

From emergency contact forms with only one line to birth certificates and hospital decisions, Dr. Meir reveals the practical legal and medical challenges facing non-monogamous families and the creative solutions they've developed.

Episode Chapters

00:00-10:00: Introduction and Dr. Meir's Background From clinical psychology to relationship coaching specializing in ethical non-monogamy

10:01-18:30: Defining Ethical Non-Monogamy The umbrella of options: swinging, open relationships, polyamory, and everything in between

18:31-25:45: Communication Superpowers How non-monogamous relationships demand next-level communication skills—and why monogamous couples need them too

25:46-32:20: The Practical Stuff Nobody Talks About Shared calendars, sleeping arrangements, and yes, where the deodorant lives

32:21-38:15: Dr. Meir's Triad Journey The real story of meeting Casey, moving during COVID, and building a life together

38:16-44:30: Overcoming Barriers and Stigma Dealing with family reactions, workplace concerns, and societal judgment

44:31-48:45: The Mind-Body Connection How relationship dynamics impact pelvic health, sexual empowerment, and physical embodiment

48:46-52:00: Know Your Why The essential first step for anyone considering non-monogamy

52:01-55:30: Resources and Wrapping Up Books, communities, and next steps for curious listeners

Connect with Dr. Rachael Meir

Website: drrachaelmeir.com Instagram: @drrachaelmeircoaching Facebook: @drrachaelmeircoaching LinkedIn: Dr. Rachael Meir Coaching YouTube: @drrachaelmeircoaching Triad Instagram: @triadandtrue

Book: 50 Questions to Ask Before Opening Your Relationship (available for pre-order)

Dr. Meir's Recommended Resources

Essential Reading: Martha Kauppi's Polyamory: A Clinical Toolkit for Therapists and Their Clients—packed with relationship wisdom that applies to any partnership structure

Communities: Search Facebook groups, local meetups, and munches for ethical non-monogamy to connect with like-minded people and learn from diverse experiences

Connect with The Hole Shebang

Instagram: @blueberrytherapypelvichealth Website: blueberrytherapy.ca

Upcoming Events

The Pleasure Principle Conference May 8th, 2026 Join us for a groundbreaking event featuring distinguished healthcare professionals exploring the intersection of health, pleasure, and wellbeing.

Dr. Meir's Theme Song

"Be Who You Are" by Michael Franti—because authenticity isn't just a buzzword, it's a way of life.

Ready to challenge everything you thought you knew about love and relationships? This episode isn't just about non-monogamy—it's about the courage to live authentically, communicate with radical honesty, and create the relationships that actually serve you.

Subscribe to The Hole Shebang Podcast for more conversations that break taboos and change lives.