We Should Talk About That

Send me a Text Message about the show!

The WeSTAT community was polled and the results were unanimous, so, welcome to the first WeSTAT episode dedicated entirely to pop culture!

In what I hope is the first of a re-occurring series, Jessica is joined by one of her go to pop culture aficionados IRL, Amanda Pedigo. But this isn't just two girlfriends having a chat, Amanda really has her finger on the pulse of all things pop culture.

This week we cover:

• The Golden Globes
• Joy Koy: WTH happened?
• Selena Gomez, Taylor Swift, and Keleigh Teller: WTH were they talking about?
• Timothy Chalamet and Kylie Jenner: Fan or no?
• Taylor and Travis AKA "Tayvis Swelce": Fan or no?
• Saltburn: WTH was THAT?

Do YOU want to be a part of the next pop culture segment?  Send me a message at [email protected] and let me know what you think we should talk about!  You might just be my next pop culture aficionado called upon!

Support the show

Keep up with all things WeSTAT on any (or ALL) of the social feeds:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westatpod/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@westatpod
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/westatpod/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/westatpod/
Twitter: https://x.com/WeSTATpod

Have a topic or want to stay in touch via e-mail on all upcoming news?
https://www.westatpod.com/

Help monetarily support the podcast by subscribing to the  show!  This is an easy way to help keep the conversations going:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/768062/supporters/new

Send me a Text Message about the show!

When women have good information, they make good choices. - Dr. Lauren Streicher

Discover the surprising benefits of cannabis for menopause symptoms and beyond. Listen in as Ellen Scanlon shares her insights on using CBD and THC to alleviate pain, improve sleep, and support overall well-being. But what happens when the legal market for cannabis doesn't provide the support women need? Tune in to find out.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover how cannabis benefits menopause symptoms for relief.
• Improve your sleep with the power of cannabis.
• Explore the benefits of low-dose cannabis beverages.
• Find out how CBD-infused lubes provide pain relief.
• Learn about menopause education and the role of cannabis.

My special guest is Ellen Scanlon

As the host of How to Do the Pot, you’ll find Ellen behind the mic, sharing stories about diverse, modern women and their varied experiences with cannabis, recommending the essential strains for women, and sharing the latest research on the mental and physical benefits of the cannabis plant. Her genuine interest in shedding light on important topics is evident in her thought-provoking series, "Menopause 101." But what makes this former investment professional and health advocate jump out of bed every morning is her overarching mission to empower women to make more informed choices about their health and well-being. Within Ellen’s vision of creating the best podcast for women, she offers a safe and welcoming space to learn more about cannabis. Having released over 200 episodes on everything from sleep to sex, as well as a popular newsletter that reaches tens of thousands of loyal readers, it’s clear that Ellen’s work is striking a chord with the many women curious about cannabis.

Resources:
How to do the Pot Podcast
https://dothepot.com/podcast-series/menopause-101/

Dr. Lauren Streicher Podcast
https://www.drstreicher.com/podcast

New York Times Article:
Menopause is Having a Moment

NAMS (North American Menopause Society)
https://menopause.org/

https://nationalmenopausefoundation.org/
WeSTAT Interview with Claire Gill, Founder of The National Menopause Foundation
lhttps://www.westatpod.com/episodes/episode/4af1867f/collaborating-with-menopause-and-feeling-at-the-top-of-your-game-with-national-menopause-foundation-founder-claire-gill

Support the show

Keep up with all things WeSTAT on any (or ALL) of the social feeds:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westatpod/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@westatpod
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/westatpod/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/westatpod/
Twitter: https://x.com/WeSTATpod

Have a topic or want to stay in touch via e-mail on all upcoming news?
https://www.westatpod.com/

Help monetarily support the podcast by subscribing to the  show!  This is an easy way to help keep the conversations going:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/768062/supporters/new

Send me a Text Message about the show!

The business case for diversity is so strong, and unless we create a safe space for everyone to have a conversation, we can't move it forward. - Kori Reed

Uncover the silent majority's role in gender equity as Kori Reed challenges men in the workplace to understand, support, and engage in the conversation.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Explore men's perspectives on gender equity for a fresh understanding of workplace dynamics.
• Understand the difference between equality and equity to navigate fairness in the workplace effectively.
• Uncover the challenges of including men in conversations about gender equity for a more inclusive work environment.
• Discover the significance of the Equal Rights Amendment ratification in shaping workplace equality.

My special guest is Kori Reed

Kori Reed, the author of "Men in the Middle: Conversations to Gain Momentum with Gender Equity's Silent Majority," brings over 25 years of experience working in Fortune 500 companies, including Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, PepsiCo, and Kanaq Rubrands. Her background in corporate America has equipped her with a unique perspective on gender equity in the workplace, making her a valuable voice in the conversation. With a passion for unearthing conversations that people are hesitant to have about gender equity, Kori's curiosity and dedication to understanding the nuances of gender equality versus equity have made her a respected figure in this field. Her book and insights shed light on the experiences and perspectives of men in leadership positions, contributing to increased awareness and empathy towards gender equity issues.

https://www.korireed.com/

Support the show

Keep up with all things WeSTAT on any (or ALL) of the social feeds:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westatpod/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@westatpod
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/westatpod/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/westatpod/
Twitter: https://x.com/WeSTATpod

Have a topic or want to stay in touch via e-mail on all upcoming news?
https://www.westatpod.com/

Help monetarily support the podcast by subscribing to the  show!  This is an easy way to help keep the conversations going:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/768062/supporters/new

Send me a Text Message about the show!

If you are in medical school in this country right now, it can be challenging to choose to be trained to provide safe abortions. It's scary out there. The laws are confusing. The medical profession is vast. Why choose abortion care? And I would just say anyone who has made that choice and who is seeking out a seasoned doctor who's done these procedures for longer than I've been alive to learn their craft, those are the heroes that we need more of. - Gloria Riviera

If you're feeling frustrated by the backslide in reproductive rights, then you are not alone! Despite efforts to raise awareness and advocate for change, you may be seeing restrictive laws being passed and limited access to abortion care happening all over the country. Your passion for reproductive justice may be met with resistance and backlash, leaving you feeling disheartened. But remember, your voice and actions are vital in the fight for reproductive rights, and there are others standing with you in this important battle.

My special guest is Gloria Riviera, co-host of the fantastic podcast The Defenders, which she co-host with Samantha Bee. In The Defenders, Gloria and Sam showcase their dedication to shedding light on the lengths women go to access safe reproductive care and the unsung heroes working behind the scenes to support them.

Gloria Riviera is a highly experienced correspondent and producer with a 20-year tenure at ABC News. Her extensive coverage of breaking investigative and feature stories for the network's flagship broadcasts and social media platforms, including Good Morning America, World News Tonight, Nightline, and ABC News Radio, has garnered her numerous awards, such as an Emmy and Alfred DuPont Award for her 911 coverage. With a background in covering reproductive health care and abortion rights, Gloria brings a wealth of knowledge to the conversation about the complexities of the post-Roe world.

In this episode, we:

• Unveil the layers of the abortion debate and reproductive rights.
• Navigate the complexities within the pro-choice movement.
• Explore the intersections of religion and abortion, and politics and abortion.
• Address the challenges of reclaiming language and why "abortion" needs to said more often and loudly.
• Share ways to empower all people to get involved in the fight for reproductive justice.

Support the show

Keep up with all things WeSTAT on any (or ALL) of the social feeds:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westatpod/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@westatpod
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/westatpod/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/westatpod/
Twitter: https://x.com/WeSTATpod

Have a topic or want to stay in touch via e-mail on all upcoming news?
https://www.westatpod.com/

Help monetarily support the podcast by subscribing to the  show!  This is an easy way to help keep the conversations going:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/768062/supporters/new

Send me a Text Message about the show!

Normalizing conversations about our bodies and sexuality can lead to healthier relationships and a sense of empowerment. - Gopi Pillai

I am thrilled to have Gopi Pillai join me this week as WeSTAT's very first guest co-host! And together, we are wondering, are you aware of how your body moves and holds itself? Join us as we dive into the importance of body awareness and why we should definitely be talking about our vaginas a lot more. 

We also cover a seldom-discussed topic: vaginismus in teenagers. And we recount a journey of one of us seeking help for her daughter diagnosed with this condition. We underscore the essential role a pelvic health physical therapist can play and discuss the rising acknowledgment of this specialty thanks to social media. 

Finally, we probe into the declining rates of sexual activity among younger generations. With an open and honest tone, we weigh in on the potential factors at play - from anxiety and depression to excessive device usage and sleep deprivation. We share real-life stories of patients overcoming sexual pain, shedding light on the transformative impact on their relationships. As we wrap up the episode, we begin discussing our Thanksgiving plans, bringing a light-hearted conclusion to our conversation. Don’t miss out on this insightful and deeply personal dialogue - it's a mix of invaluable knowledge and heartening personal stories.

Support the show

Keep up with all things WeSTAT on any (or ALL) of the social feeds:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westatpod/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@westatpod
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/westatpod/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/westatpod/
Twitter: https://x.com/WeSTATpod

Have a topic or want to stay in touch via e-mail on all upcoming news?
https://www.westatpod.com/

Help monetarily support the podcast by subscribing to the  show!  This is an easy way to help keep the conversations going:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/768062/supporters/new

Send me a Text Message about the show!

Have you ever doubted your own physical abilities? Believed that you were simply not cut out for sports or fitness? Well, let me share a story that will challenge your perceptions. Meet Alyssa, a woman who thought she lacked natural athletic talent, only to discover an unexpected twist that changed her life forever. This twist led her down a path of self-discovery, strength training, and ultimately, the realization that our bodies are capable of so much more than we could ever imagine. Curious to know what happened next? Keep listening, because this story is bound to inspire and leave you with a burning desire to unleash your own hidden strength.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Gain the mental and physical empowerment you've been seeking through strength training.
• Overcome intimidation and become confident in your strength training journey.
• Learn how to get started with strength training and build a personalized routine that works for you.
• Discover the benefits of bodyweight exercises and how they can help you build strength.
• Explore the mindset and community surrounding strength training competitions and how they can enhance your fitness journey.

My special guest is Alyssa Ages

Alyssa Ages is a journalist and fitness expert whose work has appeared in GQ, Self, Men's Health, Parents, and other publications. She is currently the fitness columnist for The Globe and Mail, Canada's preeminent daily newspaper. With a background in competitive strength training and endurance sports, Alyssa brings a unique perspective to the world of fitness. Her journey from self-doubt to discovering her true physical capabilities has inspired many, and her book Secrets of Giants delves into the true meaning of strength. Alyssa's passion for pushing boundaries and challenging herself is evident in her approach to fitness. As a guest on "We Should Talk About That," she shares her insights and experiences, offering valuable knowledge and motivation for beginners looking to start their own strength training journey.

Buy the book here:
Secrets of Giants

Support the show

Keep up with all things WeSTAT on any (or ALL) of the social feeds:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westatpod/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@westatpod
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/westatpod/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/westatpod/
Twitter: https://x.com/WeSTATpod

Have a topic or want to stay in touch via e-mail on all upcoming news?
https://www.westatpod.com/

Help monetarily support the podcast by subscribing to the  show!  This is an easy way to help keep the conversations going:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/768062/supporters/new

Send me a Text Message about the show!

Happy Thanksgiving!
This week I'm doing a cross promotion with my other podcast, Neuroversity and featuring a very special episode.

Join me as I have a conversation with the most important autistic voice you will ever hear on this podcast, my daughter Grace. 

This is not an inspirational story. 
This is not a sad story. 
This is Grace's story.   
How she remembers finding out she's autistic.   
How she sees herself as a neurodivergent teenager.  How she feels about this podcast, and what she is looking forward to in her future. 

One story. 
One autistic experience. 
And I've never been more proud to put it out into the world.  Because one story can change everything.  Just like she has forever changed me.

About the Guest:
Grace Kidwell is a 15 year old freshman from Alexandria, VA.  She is a member of her school dance team, loves to read, wishes she could travel more, and adores her dog Derby. 

Follow Neuroversity for more content focused on elevating neurodivergent voices and experiences.  

Support the show

Keep up with all things WeSTAT on any (or ALL) of the social feeds:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westatpod/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@westatpod
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/westatpod/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/westatpod/
Twitter: https://x.com/WeSTATpod

Have a topic or want to stay in touch via e-mail on all upcoming news?
https://www.westatpod.com/

Help monetarily support the podcast by subscribing to the  show!  This is an easy way to help keep the conversations going:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/768062/supporters/new

Send me a Text Message about the show!

***This episode briefly discusses suicide.  If you or anyone you know needs support, Help is available 24 hours a day at the suicide and crisis lifeline by dialing 988
https://988lifeline.org/

Join journalist and professor Chris Moody as he shares his alarming findings on sextortion  scams that are victimizing thousands of teenage boys. Chris does an exceptional job illuminating the grim reality of these scams, the platforms they're most prevalent on, and how governments are responding. Most importantly, he underscores the urgent need for open dialogues with our children to help them navigate through this potential minefield.

This conversation is not only illuminating but also an urgent call to action for all parents and guardians to ensure the safety of their children in the digital world.

About Chris Moody:
Chris Moody is a freelance writer for The Washington Post and a lecturer in journalism and media at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina. He is a former senior political reporter for CNN. His work has appeared in The New York Times, Outside, The New Republic and more.

Resources from the episode:

Washington Post Article by Chris Moody

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children Cyber Tip Line

Snap Research About Gen Z and Extortion

"Take it Down" Assistance

Thorn

Support the show

Keep up with all things WeSTAT on any (or ALL) of the social feeds:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westatpod/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@westatpod
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/westatpod/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/westatpod/
Twitter: https://x.com/WeSTATpod

Have a topic or want to stay in touch via e-mail on all upcoming news?
https://www.westatpod.com/

Help monetarily support the podcast by subscribing to the  show!  This is an easy way to help keep the conversations going:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/768062/supporters/new

Send me a Text Message about the show!

This episode of We Should Talk About That focuses on an important but difficult topic - suicide prevention and awareness.
 
***Help is available 24 hours a day at the suicide and crisis lifeline by dialing 988
https://988lifeline.org/

Jessica Kidwell interviews writer ASA Merritt about his audio fiction story,  "Six Sermons", which explores a church community's response to their pastor's suicide.
They have a thoughtful discussion about the complex reasons behind suicide, the desire to make sense of it, and the role that fiction portrayed sensitively can play in creating space for honest conversations. Through personal stories and insights from experts, they model openness, compassion and harm reduction strategies for listeners who may be struggling.

Resources for support:
Help is available 24 hours a day at the suicide and crisis lifeline by dialing 988
https://988lifeline.org/

About Asa Merritt:
A former international reporter for NPR, VICE Sports, The Guardian, and ESPN’s “30 for 30” podcast, Asa brings a compassionate documentary eye to ambitious fictional projects. His one-woman play about mass movements, True Believer, had a sold-out run in New York City. To research that piece, Asa traveled to Cairo to meet with underground performers who helped ignite the Arab Spring. For his new Audible original podcast Six Sermons, starring Oscar nominee Stephanie Hsu (Everything Everywhere All At Once), Asa spent a month embedded with a team of pastors at a Lutheran church in Cincinnati, OH. Six Sermons is dedicated to the actor and musician Caz Liske, who died by suicide in Moscow in 2017. Asa lives with his family in Mexico City.

Listen to "Six Sermons" here

Support the show

Keep up with all things WeSTAT on any (or ALL) of the social feeds:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westatpod/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@westatpod
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/westatpod/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/westatpod/
Twitter: https://x.com/WeSTATpod

Have a topic or want to stay in touch via e-mail on all upcoming news?
https://www.westatpod.com/

Help monetarily support the podcast by subscribing to the  show!  This is an easy way to help keep the conversations going:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/768062/supporters/new

Send me a Text Message about the show!

Would you like to age gracefully and understand the influences that societal judgment and cultural pressures have on beauty and cosmetics?

In this episode of "We Should Talk About That," host Jessica Kidwell engages in a conversation about anti-aging and aging gracefully with Dr. Carolyn Chang, an aesthetic plastic surgeon and vice chairman of plastic surgery at California Pacific Medical Center. Dr. Chang shares her expertise and educates listeners on fighting the natural signs of aging while emphasizing the importance of natural results. The discussion also touches on the concept of anti-anti-aging. Tune in to gain insights and explore the possibilities of embracing the aging process.

More About Dr. Carolyn Change:
Dr. Carolyn Chang is a San Francisco aesthetic plastic surgeon and Vice Chairman of plastic surgery at California Pacific Medical Center. She is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. She is also a member of the Communications Committee for the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Dr. Chang graduated with a Bachelor of Science with honors from Stanford University and received the Deans Award for Excellence in Clinical Medicine at Stanford University Medical School. She did her general surgery and plastic surgery training at Stanford University Medical Center. She completed an additional advanced surgical fellowship at New York University, and a second year of further specialization under the guidance of Dr. John Q. Owsley, one of the pioneers of the modern SMAS facelift. Dr Chang is an invited lecturer both locally and nationally on a wide range of topics in the field of aesthetic surgery. She is a long-time resident of the Bay Area and is committed to the betterment of her community through her active philanthropic involvement and as a patron of the arts. Dr. Chang lives in San Francisco with her husband Patrick and their children, James and Jemma.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolynchangmd/
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolyn-chang-83106526/

Support the show

Keep up with all things WeSTAT on any (or ALL) of the social feeds:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westatpod/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@westatpod
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/westatpod/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/westatpod/
Twitter: https://x.com/WeSTATpod

Have a topic or want to stay in touch via e-mail on all upcoming news?
https://www.westatpod.com/

Help monetarily support the podcast by subscribing to the  show!  This is an easy way to help keep the conversations going:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/768062/supporters/new