In this episode of Wellness As A Way of Life for Women Building the Future, we delve into how personal pain can spark innovation in the wellness space, focusing on the journey and impact of Bird&Be—a company reimagining what fertility support looks like. We explore the powerful intersection of proactive health, evidence-based products, and social stigma around reproductive health, for both women and men.

• How Samantha Diamond’s personal experience with infertility and loss inspired her to build Bird&Be and challenge the norms of fertility support.

• The gap in education and accessibility around reproductive health, and how Bird&Be’s platform and products aim to fill it—even in “fertility deserts” with limited care.

• Why early, proactive testing and tracking are critical for optimizing fertility outcomes for both women and men, and how Bird&Be’s at-home tests make this more achievable.

• The evidence-based lifestyle recommendations and supplements designed by fertility doctors, including diet, sleep, movement, and key micronutrients, to support fertility.

• The importance of including men in the fertility conversation, breaking down stigma, and gamifying the testing experience to encourage involvement and levity during a stressful process.

TLDR:Bird&Be is changing the fertility landscape by making evidence-based education, testing, and supplements accessible—while breaking stigma and involving both genders in the conversation. The episode reminds us that proactive, empowered choices and open dialogue can dramatically shift fertility outcomes and experiences for individuals and couples.

Thank you for listening!

If this episode inspired you, please screenshot and share it on social media—be sure to tag @meganswanwellness so we can cheer you on. Your support means the world!

Connect with Megan Swan

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

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-swan-wellness

Websites: www.meganswanwellness.com + https://altavitahealth.ca/

Connect with Samantha Diamond

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

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

Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupmamma/

Keywords

amygdala takeover, empathy in business, mirror neurons, kindness in negotiation, communication skills, professional empowerment, listening skills, motherhood in workplace, intuitive decision making, workplace flexibility, reading the room, managing stress in negotiations

Negotiation isn’t just about tough talk and digging in your heels—in this episode, Megan Swan sits down with negotiation coach Laura Costello to reframe negotiation as an empowering act anchored in empathy, self-awareness, and collaboration. Together, they explore how women can harness soft power, neuroscience, and intuition to advocate confidently for themselves, both in business and beyond.

Key discussion points:

• Why women often feel “sticky” about negotiation, and the myths around aggression vs. cooperation.

• The neuroscience behind negotiation anxiety, especially when advocating for ourselves vs. others.

• How to calm your nervous system, leverage emotional intelligence, and disrupt self-defeating mental loops before and during negotiations.

• Practical tools for boundary-setting, taking your time, and reframing “deadlines” in negotiations.

• Redefining negotiation success: using intuition, collaboration, and flexibility (not just salary, but all the factors that contribute to work/life satisfaction).

TLDR: Negotiation isn’t about winning or losing—it’s about authentic collaboration, clear boundaries, and using your natural strengths (like listening and empathy) to get outcomes that work for you. Women can step confidently into negotiation by embracing soft power, self-awareness, and a willingness to redefine the rules.

Thank you for listening!

If this episode inspired you, please screenshot and share it on social media—be sure to tag @meganswanwellness so we can cheer you on. Your support means the world!

Connect with Megan Swan

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

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-swan-wellness

Websites: www.meganswanwellness.com + https://altavitahealth.ca/

Connect with Laura Costello

Anxiety ZERO Negotiations - Free webinar - You can register to join at bookme.name/lvcinternational - scroll down to "events" to find the session that suits.

Learn the fundamentals of negotiation without the stress! This quick, interactive session gives you practical tips and strategies to boost your confidence and effectiveness in any negotiation. Perfect as a sneak peek into my more intensive coaching programs, this free webinar will leave you with actionable takeaways you can start using immediately.

DISCOUNT on Coaching:

For anyone who feels they would benefit from 1 on 1 coaching I can offer my "Negotiation Mastery" program at a 30% discount to your followers - use coupon code - MEGAN.

Book here - https://bookme.name/lvcinternational/negotiation-mastery-intensive

Keywords

women in negotiation, neuroscience of negotiation, self advocacy, negotiation training, consumer packaged goods industry, power dynamics, soft power, emotional intelligence, salary negotiation, contract negotiation, pay gap, stereotypes in negotiation, boundary setting, coaching for women, collaboration, competitive situations, cortisol response, limbic system, amygdala takeover, empathy in business, mirror neurons, kindness in negotiation, communication skills, professional empowerment, listening skills, motherhood in workplace, intuitive decision making, workplace flexibility, reading the room, managing stress in negotiations

In this episode of Wellness As A Way of Life for Women Building the Future, we dive into how marketing can be reimagined as an authentic, joyful, and empathy-driven practice, especially for women leaders and entrepreneurs. Hope Mikal, founder of Unicorn Marketing, shares her journey blending strategic business growth with heart-centered actions, and why embracing vulnerability, collaboration, and wellness is essential in building truly impactful brands.

• The power and challenges of sharing personal health journeys (e.g., PCOS, endometriosis) as part of your personal brand narrative.

• How feminine leadership traits—like intuition, empathy, and collaboration—can transform traditional “icky” marketing into genuine connection and service.

• The rapid rise of AI in marketing: pros, cons, and why human storytelling and authenticity still matter more than ever.

• Redefining business success away from productivity metrics towards sustainable well-being and meaningful, values-based impact.

• Hope Mikal's own entrepreneurial origin story, including the birth of Unicorn Marketing and how playful, bold branding can be a catalyst for both joy and visibility.

TLDR: Heart-centered marketing that prioritizes authenticity, empathy, and well-being isn’t just a feel-good approach—it’s the future of successful branding and leadership. Building impact and community comes when you show up as your real, whole self (sparkles, vulnerabilities, and all).

If this episode inspired you, please screenshot and share it on social media—be sure to tag @meganswanwellness so we can cheer you on. Your support means the world!

Connect with Megan Swan

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

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-swan-wellness

Website: www.meganswanwellness.com

Website: https://altavitahealth.ca/

Connect with Hope Mikal

Website: www.unicornmarketingco.ca

Hope’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hope-mikal/

Hope’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopemikal/

Unicorn Marketing Co’s Instagram: instagram.com/hellounicornmarketing/

Keywords

women entrepreneurs, wellness, brand strategy, website design, marketing campaigns, empathy, storytelling, genuine connection, feminine leadership, vulnerability, personal health journey, PCOS, endometriosis, fertility journey, self-care, chronic illness, emotional intelligence, intuition, authenticity, collaboration, value alignment, diversity, content quality, AI in marketing, business strategy, burnout, creativity, boundaries, community building, empathy-driven marketing

Ever wondered what “nervous system regulation” really means and why it matters for women leaders? In today’s episode, Megan Swan welcomes Georgie Shears—ICF certified neurosomatics specialist and creator of the SHIFT system—for an honest, myth-busting conversation on managing stress, building capacity, and reclaiming inner peace.

Key Points Discussed:

• Georgie’s Journey: From years of anxiety and panic to deep self-understanding through nervous system work.

• Nervous System Basics: What your autonomic nervous system does—and why “just think positive” doesn’t work.

• Building Capacity: Why resilience is about expanding what you can hold—not living in perpetual calm.

• Self-Awareness: How noticing sensations in your body is the first step to real change.

• The SHIFT System: Georgie’s actionable five-step framework for creating authentic transformation—at your own pace.

• Women & Perfectionism: Why societal conditioning disconnects us from our needs and choices, and how to reclaim agency.

• Completion vs. Achievement: Understanding why external milestones may not lead to fulfillment without internal regulation.

TLDR: Nervous system regulation isn’t another wellness buzzword—it’s a practical, empowering foundation for thriving in leadership and life. Start by noticing your body, honor tiny (tolerable) steps of change, and let your inner sense of safety lead the way to true capacity and completion—no quick fixes needed.

Thank you for joining us!

Listening today? Screenshot and tag @meganswanwellness and @georgieshearsstrategist on Instagram—we’d love to celebrate your SHIFT!

Connect with Megan Swan 

http://www.instagram.com/meganswanwellness

http://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-swan-wellness

www.meganswanwellness.com

Free resources and ways to work with Georgie: 

https://www.shift-yours.com/

https://www.instagram.com/georgieshearsstrategist/

Keywords

nervous system regulation, female leaders, anxiety, resilience, capacity building, self-awareness, SHIFT system, somatics, women’s wellness, stress management, perfectionism, leadership, mindset, rest and recovery, sustainable success, entrepreneurship, body awareness, emotional regulation, transformation, coaching, self-compassion, ancestral patterns, incremental change, completion, fulfillment.

Feeling disconnected from your self-care routine? In today’s episode, host Megan Swan sits down with May Lindstrom—founder, CEO, and “skin chef” behind the cult-favorite May Lindstrom Skin—to explore how ritual, ingredient sourcing, and simple presence can transform your relationship with skincare and self-nourishment.

Key Points Discussed:

• Skincare Rituals: How May’s daily practices center water, touch, and intention—even (or especially) on tough days.

• Skin as Self-Connection: Seeing your skin as an invitation for intimacy, presence, and listening to what you truly need.

• The “Skin Chef” Approach: Why sourcing, freshness, and ingredient story matter as much in skincare as in food.

• Making Beauty Rituals Accessible: Ways to layer intention and pleasure into routines—regardless of budget or time constraints.

• The Power of Ingredients: A deep dive into sourcing world-class botanicals (like blue tansy) and the importance of trusting your skin to real, nourishing formulas.

• Entrepreneurship & Resilience: May shares what’s fueled her journey through setbacks and why beauty should reflect and celebrate real-life, real bodies.

TLDR: Skincare is less about perfection, products, or trends—and more about tuning into your body, intention, and pleasure. Make your daily shower or face routine a moment of gratitude, not just a task.

Thank you for listening!

If this episode inspired you, please take a screenshot, share it on socials, and tag @meganswanwellness and @maylindstromskin. We love seeing how you ritualize your life!

Connect with Megan Swan

http://www.instagram.com/meganswanwellnesshttp://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-swan-wellnesswww.meganswanwellness.com

Connect with May Lindstrom

https://www.maylindstrom.com@maylindstromskin

Keywordsskincare rituals, self-connection, female founders, organic beauty, ritual self-care, ingredient sourcing, sensitive skin, blue tansy, pleasure in self-care, body gratitude, holistic wellness, women’s wellness, entrepreneurship, authenticity, intentional living, making time for self, beauty industry, nourishment, botanical skincare, creativity, gratitude practices

Struggling with endometriosis or feeling lost while searching for better answers and support? In today’s episode, Megan Swan welcomes Juliet Oliver, engineer and founder of Endo45, to share her journey from years of misdiagnosis and chronic pain to thriving with endometriosis and empowering thousands through technology and holistic tools.

Key Points Discussed:

• Endometriosis Reality: The delay in diagnosis, with most women waiting up to a decade, and why sufferers often feel dismissed or gaslit in the traditional medical system.

• Taking Health Into Your Own Hands: Juliet’s transformation from chronic pain to vibrant health by reverse engineering her own remission, and the shortcomings of conventional "Band-Aid" medicine.

• Holistic Habits That Help: Simple, science-backed changes like reducing caffeine, purging endocrine disruptors from your environment, and addressing nutrient deficiencies (especially zinc) that can make a real difference in endometriosis management.

• Community & Evidence-Based Support: Why finding credible information and supportive resources—beyond the noise of social media—is vital, and how Endo45’s app brings these pieces together in an accessible way.

• The EndoFit Score: How tracking holistic habits helps users see gradual, real progress, stay motivated, and gain agency over their health journey, even while awaiting diagnosis or treatment.

• Advocating for Yourself: Practical advice on communicating symptoms to healthcare providers, pursuing specific diagnostic tests, and insisting on care that aligns with your personal fertility and health goals.

TLDR: Healing from endometriosis is possible through small, powerful lifestyle changes and by advocating for yourself. You’re not alone—communities and tech-backed tools like Endo45 can provide guidance, motivation, and real hope for women everywhere.

Thank you for listening!

If this episode resonated with you or someone you care about, please take a screenshot, share it on social media, and tag @meganswanwellness! We appreciate your support and love seeing our community grow.

Connect with Megan Swan

http://www.instagram.com/meganswanwellness

http://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-swanwellness

www.meganswanwellness.com

Connect with Juliet Oliver & Endo45Search “Endo45” in your app store or visit www.endo45.com

https://www.instagram.com/endo_45/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliet-oliver/

https://www.facebook.com/Endo45.Health/

Keywords

endometriosis, women’s health, self-advocacy, chronic pain, femtech, diet and lifestyle, inflammation, hormone health, EndoFit, Endo45 app, holistic wellness, nutrient deficiencies, zinc, endocrine disruptors, diagnosis delays, medical gaslighting, community support, mindset shifts, resilience, personalized wellness, female founders, evidence-based wellness, period pain, pelvic pain, wellness tracking, fertility empowerment.

In today’s episode, host Megan Swan sits down with Hailey Handler, powerhouse founder of KAIA, for a raw and inspiring conversation about shaking up the funding world for female entrepreneurs. Hailey shares her journey from her MBA corporate world existential crisis to launching a revolutionary funding marketplace, and how her lived experiences across 50+ countries sparked her mission to democratize access to capital for women.

Key Points Discussed:

• The Origin Story: How a career crossroads and a heartfelt nudge led Hailey to build her own path in alternative funding for women.

• Gender Funding Gap: Why the struggle is real, the education gap that persists, and the difference it makes when women are capital allocators.

• Crowdfunding, Reimagined: How KAIA’s donation and rewards-based platform keeps founders and contributors safe, inspired, and genuinely connected.

• Global Insights: How witnessing women’s resilience worldwide from Kenya to Beirut fuels Hailey’s passion for economic empowerment.

• Community & Self-Actualization: The power of female-led networks, long-game thinking, and what it means for women to build legacy and autonomy.

• Behind the Scenes: The messy, vulnerable realities of tech entrepreneurship, learning curves, and building wellness non-negotiables into the process.

  
  

TLDR: Traditional funding models aren’t built for women but KAIA is flipping the script by creating a safe, empowering space for female founders and their supporters to thrive. Hailey and Megan unpack why alternative funding routes matter, how real connection and education are changing the game, and why the future is female-led.

Thank you for listening!

If this episode inspired you, please screenshot and share it on social media—be sure to tag @meganswanwellness so we can cheer you on. Your support means the world!

Connect with Megan Swan

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

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-swan-wellness

Website: www.meganswanwellness.com

Connect with Hailey Handler & KAIA

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

Website: https://kaiawomen.net/

Keywords

female founders, gender funding gap, alternative funding, crowdfunding, KAIA, women in tech, entrepreneurship, community, economic empowerment, financial education, wellness routines, legacy building, career pivots, global women, democratizing capital, self-actualization, rewards-based crowdfunding, startup life, impact investment, resilient women, empowering women, holistic wellness, personal growth.

In this inspiring episode, Megan Swan sits down with Maureen Codispodi, founder of Help Clinic Canada, to explore how one woman’s vision is transforming mental health support across the country. From cycling solo across Canada to founding a groundbreaking online mental health platform, Maureen shares her entrepreneurial journey, hard-earned wisdom, and her commitment to serving even the most remote communities.

Key Points Discussed:

• The Origin Story: How Maureen’s cross-Canada cycling trip sparked her awareness of community needs and the seeds for Help Clinic Canada (HCC).

• Breaking Barriers: HCC’s mission to make therapy accessible, including their unique $25 low-fee student therapist program and work with underserved populations.

• Tech-Enabled Impact: Navigating the challenges both personal and professional of founding a tech-enabled mental health company without a tech or business background.

• Serving the Underserved: Building relationships with rural and northern communities, such as delivering counseling via Zoom to schools in the Northwest Territories.

• Vision for the Future: Growth plans including a nonprofit arm, expanding online resources, and building a learning community.

• Combating Stigma: The ongoing work of breaking down barriers and normalizing seeking mental health support, especially in smaller communities.

• Advice for Founders: The importance of clarity of vision, trusting your intuition, seeking mentorship, and building a supportive community.

TLDR: Maureen Codispodi is rewriting the rules of mental health access in Canada by fiercely pursuing inclusivity, connection, and innovation. Her story is a testament to intuition, tenacity, and the life-changing power of community-focused entrepreneurship.

Thank you for listening!

If this episode inspired you, please screenshot and share on social media—tag @meganswanwellness! Your support makes a difference.

Connect with Megan Swan

http://www.instagram.com/meganswanwellness

http://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-swan-wellness

www.meganswanwellness.com

Connect with Maureen Codispodi and Help Clinic Canada

https://helpclinic.ca

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maureencodispodi/

Facebook

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/maureencodispodi/

https://www.instagram.com/helpcliniccanada/

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@helpclinic

Keywords

mental health access, female founder, rural communities, online therapy, low-fee counselling, Help Clinic Canada, entrepreneurship, women in tech, nonprofit vision, student therapists, building communities, trusting intuition, mentorship, stigma, mental wellbeing, accessible therapy, school counseling, northern Canada, startup journey, community partnerships, holistic wellness

Curious about where women’s health and femtech are headed? In this episode, Megan Swan welcomes Anna Butterworth, founder of Ultra Violet Agency, the world’s first trend forecasting agency dedicated to women’s health. Together, they illuminate how holistic foresight and technological innovation are reshaping the way we approach reproductive health, aging, femtech, and preventative wellness for women everywhere.

Key Points Discussed:

• The Origin Story: Anna shares how her professional journey from marketing to femtech trailblazer was fueled by a personal awakening to the gaps in women’s health education and resources.
• The Power of Strategic Foresight: How UltraViolet Agency predicts trends for the next decade, and why this matters for brands, investors, and consumers in the rapidly evolving femtech landscape.
• Beyond Point Solutions: The problem with industry fragmentation and the urgent need to solve women’s health challenges on a strategic, global scale.
• Building Future-Proof Wellness: The methodology behind forecasting reports covering menopause, maternal care, women’s sports, and more, including input from multidisciplinary experts and a focus on diversity and risk mitigation.
• Tech & Nature, Not Tech vs. Nature: Exploring the tension (and potential harmony) between technological innovation and environmental stewardship, with a forward-thinking look at how tech can empower rather than undermine women’s health and the planet.
• Preventative & Personalized Care: Why the future of wellness is about actionable insights, hyper-personalization, and putting true agency back in women’s hands without amplifying anxiety or bias.
• Healthy Aging and Menopause: Redefining aging for women, shifting from “lifespan” to “healthspan,” and supporting a new generation of women spending half their lives post-menopause.

TLDR: Ultra Violet Agency is at the frontier of forecasting the next era in women’s wellness, one that combines tech innovation, inclusivity, longevity, and women-first design to democratize health, prioritize prevention, and empower the next billion women.

Thank you for listening!

If this episode inspired you, take a screenshot and tag @meganswanwellness on social media.  Let’s amplify the future of women’s health together!

Connect with Megan Swan

http://www.instagram.com/meganswanwellness

http://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-swanwellness

www.meganswanwellness.com

Learn more about Anna Butterworth and UltraViolet Agency:

https://www.ultraviolet.agency/reports

*You can download the 2035 trend report!

Keywords

femtech, women’s health forecasting, preventative care, personalized wellness, health data equity, trend reports, longevity, menopause, diversity in tech, gender health gap, holistic aging, future of healthcare, tech for good, environmentalism, social activism, female founders, digital wellness, inclusivity, reproductive health innovation, agency, healthspan, wellness strategy, lifestyle design.

Ready to refresh your approach to holistic living? In today’s episode, host Megan Swan welcomes you to Season 7 and invites you to embrace evolution, not by overhauling everything at once, but with quiet, intentional shifts toward wellness as a way of life.

Key Points Discussed:

• Intentional Evolution: Why the most powerful changes often come from slowing down and tuning into what your mind, body, and soul truly need.

• Leadership & Wellness: How building the future as visionary women means putting well-being at the center of your journey.

• Mindset Shifts: Reframing progress from constant hustle to purposeful growth and sustainable self-care habits.

• Community & Support: An invitation to join Megan’s Substack for exclusive insights, resources, and a supportive hub curated for future builders.

• Integration as Lifestyle: Strategies for making wellness a seamless part of daily life, so you show up vibrant, impactful, and ready to lead.

  
  

TLDR: It’s a new season and new vibe: less is more, and slowing down is your secret superpower. Intentional wellness is the foundation for personal leadership and building a brighter future.

Thank you so much for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend who’s also building the future.

Screenshot your listening and tag @meganswanwellness on social media—we love seeing our community thrive!

Substack: https://meganswan.substack.com/

Connect with Megan Swan

http://www.instagram.com/meganswanwellness

http://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-swan-wellnesswww.meganswanwellness.com

Keywords

intentional evolution, holistic wellness, women leadership, slow living, mindset shifts, building the future, visionary women, self-care, wellness integration, community, sustainable habits, lifestyle strategies, purposeful growth, entrepreneurial women, Substack community, well-being, leadership development