The V Word

Whitney Cummings & The Vaginal Ring Aug 13, 2021

In this episode of In Their Shoes, Dr. Jenn talks with, hands down, one of the funniest comedians you'll ever hear, Whitney Cummings, about her campaign with Annovera birth control, called, "Just Say Vagina." That's right, they made a campaign - about vaginas - it's like they were seeing directly into our souls and channeling all this vagtastic energy we've been cultivating over here on the pod. If you've never heard of her, shame on you. Go listen to her four stand-up specials immediately. Whitney is a stand-up comedian, actress, filmmaker, and podcaster. She's participated in several Comedy Central Roasts, created the CBS sitcom 2 Broke Girls, and like a lot of people this hilarious, is super smart!

ITS: Fidji Simo Apr 13, 2021

In this special episode of In Their Shoes, Dr. Jenn and Executive Producer, Beth Bonilla, interview Fidji Sumo, Vice President and Head of Facebook App, as she talks about building a stronger kind of leadership through chronic, often stigmatized health conditions.

COVID Vaccines In Pregnancy & Lactation Apr 08, 2021

It's a long awaited episode: COVID vaccines in pregnancy & lactation, and why Dr. Jenn & Dr. Erica 100% support you getting that vax! We'll dive deep into everything we know and don't know so far, and even bring in some patriarchy-infused history (like we do) about why pregnant and lactating people were actively excluded from the trials. Here. We. Go.

Repro Rights & The Election Oct 25, 2020

There are just DAYS left until the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election and we want to be 100% crystal clear that there is only one correct way to vote if you care about reproductive health, which is connected to literally EVERYTHING. Listen in as we re-cap all the ways every single issue on the ballot comes back to reproductive health & reproductive justice.

IF YOU HAVE NOT YET VOTED: send us your cell number and email so we can bug you daily to do it! And also check out these helpful links:

VOTE SAVE AMERICA - BE A VOTER: Register to vote, find out where your nearest polling location is, figure out how to safely mail in your ballot, and more.
VOLUNTEER! Figure out how to phone bank, send texts, & help with polling places near you.

Ilyse Hogue, President of NARAL Aug 10, 2020

In this episode, Dr. Jenn & Executive Producer, Beth Bonilla, talk with NARAL Pro-Choice America President, Ilyse Hogue, about anti-choice politicians’ ongoing efforts to exploit the COVID-19 pandemic in order to restrict reproductive healthcare and ban abortion.

Ilyse’s perspective on this topic is especially salient right now - she also has a new book coming out in partnership with NARAL Opposition Research Director Ellie Langford. The forthcoming book, The Lie that Binds, connects the dots between a decades-long effort to mobilize the Radical Right around the issue of abortion and today’s all-out war on reproductive freedom that leaves the future of Roe hanging in the balance.

Her podcast by the same name, was also just released last week and is a MUST listen!

In Their Shoes: Francine Coeytaux Jul 13, 2020

Francine Coeytaux is a GIANT in the field of reproductive health- there's no easier way to say that. Among other things, she's the Co-Creator and Co-Director of Plan C--an organization of veteran reproductive health advocates, researchers, and modern age digital strategists who are all working towards the common goal of making medication abortion available to the people who need it most.

Now more than ever, amidst a global pandemic, HERE is a plan to curtail limited access to Plan A (birth control), Plan B (emergency contraception), and in-office abortion care. As millions of women all over the world have shown through countless studies, self-managed abortion with the relatively newer technology of abortion medications, is incredibly safe and effective.

STUDY references in episode:

Raymond E et al., TelAbortion: evaluation of a direct to patient telemedicine abortion service in the United States, Contraception, 2019, 100(3):173–177, https://www.contraceptionjournal.org/article/S0010-7824(19)30176-3/abstract.

AALD: COVID & Maternal Mental Health w/ Dr. Pooja Lakshmin Jul 06, 2020

In the midst of a global pandemic, we MUST support and uplift pregnant, postpartum, and parenting folks. Producer Aysha Choudhary sits down with Dr. Pooja Lakshmin, a board-certified psychiatrist and freelance writer specializing in women's mental health and perinatal psychiatry.

Dr. Lakshmin is a Clinical Assistant Professor of psychiatry at the George Washington University School of Medicine, where she is a clinical supervisor in the Five Trimesters perinatal psychiatry clinic. Dr. Lakshmin is most passionate about empowering women and sees her clinical work as a perinatal psychiatrist as an extension of this mission. She is a frequent contributor to The New York Times, and her advice has been featured in Glamour, Harper’s Bazaar, Bustle and various other media outlets.

Ariana & Abortion Bans Jun 29, 2020

The Supreme Court has likely already announced its decision re: June Medical Services v. Russo by the time you're listening to this, and the horrific implications of a loss are heart-stopping. To help you realize the real implications that laws like these have on women and families, here is Ariana telling her truth: what happened when, in the midst of receiving news of her baby's deadly condition, anti-abortion legislators obstructed medical care.

FIND OUT ABOUT ANTI-ABORTION LAWS IN YOUR STATE:

Guttmacher Institute: https://www.guttmacher.org/fact-sheet/state-facts-about-abortion

COVID and Breast Screening with Dr. Anjali Malik Jun 22, 2020

This week we talked with Dr. Anjali Malik who is a breast imaging radiologist in Washington DC about Covid's impact on screening and how to navigate moving forward. Dr. Malik serves a Medical Advisor for Bright Pink--an organization that educates and empowers young women on their breast and ovarian health. Executive Producer, Bethney Bonilla, has this interview.

Reproductive Justice with Dr. Jamila Perritt Jun 19, 2020

This week we want to talk about what's going on in the world and challenge you to think about it from a Reproductive Justice framework. Not sure what that is? Don't worry- Our friend, Dr. Jamila Perritt is here with us to share the central tenants and talk about how educating yourself about this movement and framework is crucial to understanding how every aspect of what is happening right now--including a global pandemic, racism, and police brutality--is all connected as part of a cohesive public health and human rights issue.

Dr. Perritt is is a fellowship trained, board-certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist with a comprehensive background in Family Planning and Reproductive Health. Dr. Perritt provides on the ground, community- based care focusing primarily on the intersection of sexual health, reproductive rights and social justice. You can follow her on Twitter at @reprorightsdoc, and you should absolutely do that right now.

The Speculum May 25, 2020

It's that thing that goes in your vagina to do your pap smear, check for infections, put in your IUD, monitor bleeding, and everything else in gynecology: your friend, the speculum! Cold, metal (sometimes plastic), rachety, pinchy... you know the drill. In this episode Executive Producer, Beth Bonilla, talks to Fahti Khosrowshahi, CEO and Founder of Ceek Women's Health about specula in general and the company's mission to overhaul the speculum as we know it. Specula don't need to look or feel like medieval torture devices. Listen in to learn more about how this renovation is transpiring.

Postpartum Psychosis May 18, 2020

Postpartum Psychosis is a rare but very real illness that affects approximately 1 to 2 out of every 1,000 postpartum people. We don't talk about it as much as other postpartum mood disorders like depression and anxiety, and perhaps because of the extreme stigma these moms experience as a result.

In this episode, we break down what exactly is postpartum psychosis, who is most likely to be affected, and how to get help.

We also talk to Eve Canavan, recipient of the British Empire Medal, Coordinator of the UK Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week for The Perinatal Mental Health Partnership, about her own powerful experience as a postpartum psychosis survivor.

AALD: Telemedicine for Menopause with Dr. Leslie Meserve May 11, 2020

In this episode of Ask A Lady Doc, we talk with Chief Medical Officer and Co-Founder of CurieMD, Dr. Leslie Meserve. After seeing her own mother struggle to find a doctor qualified to treat menopause, Dr. Meserve recognized that a majority of the 50 million menopausal women in the U.S. face significant barriers to treatment. These include misinformation, stigma, and a national shortage of physicians trained in midlife women’s health & as a result, three in four women who seek help for menopausal symptoms don’t receive treatment.

To compliment our last AALD episode with Dr. Amy Voedish on menopause, the primer, we're answering the next logical question which is, "What's a gal to do if she doesn't have access to a provider who is knowledgeable in menopause care?"

Listen in to hear how telemedicine is changing menopause care & how you can easily access board-certified midlife health experts, and, if necessary, also receive FDA-approved hormone replacement therapy medications through CurieMD.

COVID-19 & Abortion May 04, 2020

Abortion care is time-sensitive essential health care. Even just a few days can make a difference in what options are available - and even if the option is available at all. A global pandemic is not the time to push a political agenda that interferes with people’s lives and rights.

As NARAL & The Center for Reproductive Rights states, politicians are exploiting the fear and urgency of this moment to push their political agenda to ban abortion. Elected officials should be focused on responding to the crisis at hand, not playing politics with people’s health care.

“The historical misclassification of most abortions as “elective” is also central to the vulnerability of abortion care. There is no debate that a minority of abortions are necessary to prevent death or serious physical harm. But this strictly medical model fails to capture the reality that the non-medical reasons that women exercise their constitutional right to abortion are often as important to them and their families as averting a serious health consequence. The long-standing insistence on using the word “elective” to describe the vast majority of abortions frames women’s equality as a luxury and women’s autonomy as expendable. Categorizing abortions as “elective” or “therapeutic” is more of a moral judgment than a medical judgment,3 and it allows people who use these terms to determine a woman’s level of deservingness on the basis of her reason for choosing to pursue abortion."

Abortion during the Covid-19 Pandemic — Ensuring Access to an Essential Health Service

Michelle J. Bayefsky, B.A., Deborah Bartz, M.D., M.P.H., and Katie L. Watson, J.D.

AALD: Menopause with Dr. Amy Voedisch Apr 27, 2020

In this episode of Ask A Lady Doc, we talk with Dr. Amy Voedisch, who specializes in family planning and menopause care at Stanford University, about all the ins and outs of mid-life women's healthcare. This is a no-nonsense, tell me every single thing I need to know about what perimenopause and menopause look like kind of episode with one of our favorite lady docs of all times.

Producer, Aysha Choudhary has this interview.

Climate Change & Womens Health Apr 20, 2020

In so many ways, climate change disproportionately affects women's health, from increased exposures to heat, poor air quality, extreme weather events, altered vector-borne disease transmission, reduced water quality, and decreased food security. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change reported that women, and especially those in poverty, face higher risks than men, and experience a greater burden of climate change impacts (surprise, surprise, right?).

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Barbara Erny from Physicians for Social Responsibility about Climate Change and how it disproportionately affects women’s health. Dr. Erny is also a member of the Board of Directors for Acterra, which is a nonprofit environmental education and action organization in the Silicon Valley, and an ophthalmologist. Get ready to be surprised, angered, and energized to make change!

COVID-19 & Pregnancy Apr 15, 2020

Let's be honest, this is a scary time to be pregnant, but despite the uncertainty of unprecedented times and a global pandemic, people everywhere are starting and building families, bravely. Here is everything you need to know about pregnancy and COVID-19, regardless if you're about to deliver or are considering when to start trying to conceive. Dr. Jenn & Dr. Erica go through everything we know and don't know so far in this first installment of our COVID-19 special coverage.

In Their Shoes: False Paternity, PART 2 Feb 09, 2020

This is PART 2 of a special two-part In Their Shoes episode about donor conceived individuals in the age of commercially available genetic testing. This is the idea that, for example, the parent you thought was your parent your whole life, is in fact not your biological relative. In this day and age, where genetic testing through companies like Ancestry and 23 & Me is so readily available and financially feasible, it is becoming more and more common to hear stories about people finding relatives they never knew they had.

This is the story of one such woman. To protect her and her family’s privacy, we’re calling her Claire. Claire bought one of these tests, mailed in the tiny sample of saliva required, and a few weeks later, found her entire world turned inside out. The father she had always known and loved–the man who raised her since birth– was, in fact, not related to her at all, and she suddenly found herself in a sticky web of assisted reproductive technology truths and family secrets. Here’s part one of her story.

RECOMMENDED READS! Inheritance, by Dani Shapiro

All things Carolyn Hax at The Washington Post

In Their Shoes: False Paternity, PART I Jan 20, 2020

This is PART 1 of a special two-part In Their Shoes episode about donor conceived individuals in the age of commercially available genetic testing. This is the idea that, for example, the parent you thought was your parent your whole life, is in fact not your biological relative. In this day and age, where genetic testing through companies like Ancestry and 23 & Me is so readily available and financially feasible, it is becoming more and more common to hear stories about people finding relatives they never knew they had.

This is the story of one such woman. To protect her and her family's privacy, we're calling her Claire. Claire bought one of these tests, mailed in the tiny sample of saliva required, and a few weeks later, found her entire world turned inside out. The father she had always known and loved--the man who raised her since birth-- was, in fact, not related to her at all, and she suddenly found herself in a sticky web of assisted reproductive technology truths and family secrets. Here's part one of her story.

Cesarean Sections Jan 09, 2020

Here's your C-section primer on all things surgical delivery: why people have them, why they don't have them, and some detailed personal stories from women who've experienced them firsthand. Dr. Jenn & Dr. Erica cover it all, including how to address unnecessary stigma and guilt.

In Their Shoes: Cleo Stiller Dec 13, 2019

Cleo Stiller is a Peabody and Emmy Award Nominated reporter and author. Her first book, Modern Manhood: Conversations About the Complicated World of Being a Good Man Today, is already #1 on the Amazon Book List and it's no surprise.

Her book sheds light on all the gray areas that have emerged through the #MeToo movement, using conversations that real men and women are having with their friends, their dates, their family, and themselves. "Free of judgment, preaching, and sugarcoating, Modern Manhood is engaging, provocative, and, ultimately, a great resource for gaining a deeper understanding of what it means to genuinely be a good man today."

Hymens Nov 11, 2019

Hymens: a vestigial skin tag that has absolutely nothing to do with virginity or a female bodied person's worth, yet somehow (this week especially) we continue to ruminate on their meaning. The doctors dive into recent news of rapper T.I.'s reported "virginity testing" & accompanying his daughter to the gynecologist to ensure her purity with this made up medical test. Here's everything you need to know about hymens and the repulsive idea of a "virginity test."

Mammograms Oct 19, 2019

It's breast cancer awareness month & the perfect time to start being more aware of your own breasts. The docs talk all about normal and not normal when it comes to breast exams, and everything you need to know about mammogram screening.

Special interview w/ Cristin Gardner, Director of Consumer Solutions at Mammosphere, a secure digital platform focused on breast health that empowers women with their medical history.

Period Poverty Oct 11, 2019

Not all periods are created equally and on this upcoming National Period Day, 2019, we're focusing our lens of de-stigmitization on the more recently acknowledged concept of Period Poverty.

Depending on your socioeconomic status and resources, having your period can either be a quick blip in the month where you go through tampons/pads/menstrual cups as you go about your day, or it can be an all-consuming stressor with limited menstrual product, water, and sanitation resources.

According to UNICEF, 2.3 million people globally live without basic sanitation services and in developing countries, only 27% of people have adequate handwashing facilities at home. Not being able to use these facilities makes it harder for women and young girls to manage their periods safely and with dignity.

Special interview with Nadya Okamoto, Founder of Period.org and author of the book, Period Power: A Manifesto for the Menstrual Movement.

Ask A Lady Doc: Sexual Assault on Campus w/ Dr. Jessi Gold Sep 10, 2019

Dr. Jessi Gold is an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Dept of Psychiatry at Wash Univ in St Louis School of Medicine who specializes in college mental health. She writes regularly in the popular press about mental health and stigma, and with this a new academic school year starting, we reached out to her to talk about something that happens a lot more often than we like to admit on college campuses all around the country: sexual assault.

This is especially timely because just last week, the woman assaulted by convicted rapist, Brock Turner and who was previously known only as "Emily Doe," came forward and revealed herself as Chanel Miller. Her upcoming book, Know My Name: A Memoir is a move to reappropriate her narrative/identity and describe the trauma she went through. We sat down with Dr. Gold to talk about mental health care on campus - common issues like anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and trauma, but because these are such important and common issues, be sure to check out our website at the end of the episode to find a list of mental health resources in case you or a friend needs them.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Aug 20, 2019

PID, or pelvic inflammatory disease, is just what it sounds like: a nasty infection of all your lady bits all at once essentially (the cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries...).

PID is most commonly associated with STDs like chlamydia and gonorrhea, but def happens to people who've never had sex or never had STDs as well, so what's the deal? Dr. Jenn & Dr. Erica dive deep into PID with all the facts you'll need to know to have a stimulating cocktail hour convo about gonorrhea in your eye, for example.

In Their Shoes: Shannon Watts Aug 16, 2019

There have been at least 17 deadly mass shootings in the US so far in 2019. In epidemiological terms, that’s a public health crisis. Today we speak with Shannon Watts, the Founder of Moms Demand Action, a grassroots movement of Americans fighting for public safety measures that protect people from gun violence. She started the organization the day after the Sandy Hook tragedy, with a Facebook group and the message that all Americans can and should do more to reduce gun violence. The online conversation turned into the larger organization, Moms Demand Action, which now has chapters in every state of the country and is part of Everytown for Gun Safety, the largest gun violence prevention organization in the country, with nearly 6 million supporters.

Pap Smears + HPV Jul 29, 2019

What even IS a pap smear and where does HPV come into the picture? Listen in for a basic run-down of cervical cancer screening 101 (i.e. Pap smears) + Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) testing.

In Their Shoes: Antonia Michaels Jul 22, 2019

Antonia Michaels is the host of The Wine Down podcast and the Founder of Mommy Matters, an online community of mothers supporting one another through their journey. She created the blog, podcast, and connect groups to help others build their tribe and become the best version of themselves. Dr. Erica interviews her about her own personal reproductive health journey and why she created her Mommy empire.

Fibroids Jul 18, 2019

Everyone and their mom has fibroids, but we still push this issue under the rug like it's shameful. Why? The medical field has long stigmatized heavy bleeding and pain, especially for women of color. Dr. Jenn & Dr. Erica break down all the basics and talk with special guest, Dr. Erica Marsh, Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology & Chief of the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the University of Michigan. If ever there was a queen of fibroid research and policy change, this is she! You won't want to miss this episode.

AALD: Female Genital Mutilation with Dr. Nawal Nour Jul 08, 2019

Dr. Nawal Nour is an Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School and the Director of the Global Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.

Born in the Sudan and raised in Egypt and England, Dr. Nour is Committed to the eradication of FGC, and travels throughout the country conducting workshops to educate African refugees and immigrants on the medical complications and legal issues of this practice.

She also established the African Women's Health Center in Boston and in 2003 was named a MacArthur Foundation Fellow for creating the country’s only center of its kind that focuses on both physical and emotional needs of women who have had or undergone FGC. Her work has been covered by the Associated Press, New York Times, Washington Post, NPR, O and Essence magazine and CNN.

In Their Shoes: Brittany Daniel Jun 25, 2019

Brittany Daniel is an American television and film actress, best known for her role as Jessica Wakefield in the 1990s syndicated teen drama Sweet Valley High and Kelly Pitts on the CW/BET comedy-drama The Game. In 2011, she was diagnosed with stage IV non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and as of 2014, is cancer-free. She talks openly about the mental health hurdles of undergoing cancer treatment and is a continued philanthropist and supporter of various cancer charities.

You can follow her on her lifestyle and wellness blog, Sweet Collection XO, along with her twin sister, Cynthia Daniel.

A Menopause Primer Jun 18, 2019

It's time we stop stigmatizing the very thing that commemorates our life as women. Menopause isn't something to be feared, shamed, embarrassed by, or ignored. We should be celebrating this reproductive life milestone just like we celebrate puberty and pregnancy. Listen to this primer on menopause and then go throw someone you love a #MenopauseParty!

In Their Shoes: Angela Garbes Jun 10, 2019

Angela Garbes is the best-selling author of the book, Like A Mother: A Feminist Journey Through the Science and Culture of Pregnancy, which was the NPR Best Book of 2018. Her writing has appeared in the New York Times, New York magazine's The Cut, and been featured on NPR's Fresh Air.

Like a Mother explores the emerging science and long-standing cultural myths of pregnancy and motherhood, in a hilarious and empowering way. She's currently working on a book of reported essays about (brown female) bodies. You can follow her on Instagram: angelagarbes or Twitter: @agarbes.

At Home Fertility Testing Jun 04, 2019

In start-up land, there's no end to advances in healthcare technology, but what really IS at-home fertility testing, should you be doing it, if so-when, and what are the potential down sides? Special interviews with Afton Vechery, CEO and Co-Founder of Modern Fertility, and Lea Von Bidder, Co-Founder of Ava Fertility.

Crazy Abortion Bans May 31, 2019

Does it feel real enough for you yet? In this special episode on abortion bans, we break down the brief history of how we got here; review the new, very evil types of abortion laws that old white male governors (and Kay Ivey) have recently passed; and hear from the Physicians for Reproductive Health "Voices of Courage" event awardees: Dr. Stephanie Ho, Dr. Rachel Masch, and Helmi Henkin, chair of the clinic escort group West Alabama Clinic Defenders.

In Their Shoes: Megan Koester May 22, 2019

Megan Koester is a comedian, writer, actress, and activist. She recently wrote an article for Experience Magazine on her decision to get sterilized and all the hurdles she faced in accessing this care. Tune in for some real talk on deciding to not have kids and the barriers our society puts up against that.

Transmen May 15, 2019

In the much awaited sequel to our Transwomen episode, we again visit gender affirming treatments and the overall welfare of transgender individuals, focusing this time on transmen or transmasculine people. Special interview with Sam, a transman who recently completed his gender affirming process.

Ask A Lady Doc: UTIs w/ Dr. Aviva Weinberg May 10, 2019

UTIs, or urinary tract infections, are SUPER common in vagina-owning people, and most womxn will experience at least one in their lifetime. Listen in & get all your burning (get it) questions answered as Executive Producer, Bethney Bonilla, talks with Dr. Aviva Weinberg, a Urologist, surgeon, artist, mother, and UTI expert at Kaiser Permanente.

In Their Shoes: Gina Gutierrez Apr 30, 2019

Gina Gutierrez is the CEO and Co-Founder of Dipsea, a female-founded tech company and story studio that creates audio stories and experiences to set the mood and spark imagination.

As Gina says, feeling turned on is more than a wing up to sex. It's a way to feel more alive, heighten intimacy, unlock confidence, and cultivate well being. We couldn't agree more, Gina. Keep up that sexual health empowerment!

PCOS Apr 22, 2019

What even IS PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) and why is it so dang hard to diagnose/understand. The doctors break down everything you need to know about this super strange but super common syndrome, including how to get pregnant and how NOT to get cancer!

Ask A Lady Doc: Heart Disease w/ Dr. Abha Khandewal Apr 18, 2019

Here is literally EVERYTHING you ever wanted to know about heart disease and why it's so crazy common in women. Producer Aysha Choudhary has this interview Dr. Abha Khandelwal, Chief of the Cardiovascular Medicine Clinic at Stanford University.

Times-Up Healthcare Apr 09, 2019

Guess what's right behind the entertainment industry in filed TimesUp claims? You guessed it--healthcare. Turns out the medical field has a wicked history of gender/race/age/ethnicity/sexual orientation discrimination among its employees, and people are FINALLY doing something about it. Interview with TimesUp Healthcare Co-Founder and all around badass she-boss, Dr. Jane Van Dis.

For more information, visit:

www.timesuphealthcare.org

Twitter: @TIMESUPHC

IG: @TIMESUPHC

In Their Shoes: Caitlyn Barlow Apr 02, 2019

Caitlin Barlow is a producer, writer, and actor on the television series, Teachers. She's a member of the six-woman comedic troupe, The Katydids, and a new-ish mom who talks openly on social media about all the hilarious truths of motherhood.

In this, "In Their Shoes" interview, she tells Dr. Jenn about the reality of postpartum body expectations in Hollywood and the effect that has on women everywhere, and we LOVE LOVE LOVE her for it!

Breast Health Mar 26, 2019

Time for a little love up north. Let's discuss all things boobs and why, outside of breast feeding and breast cancer, there isn't much discussion in medicine about breasts as they affect sexual and mental health. Special interview with internationally acclaimed photojournalist, Yvonne Stanley, on her project, The Boob Book, and how YOU can be a part of it!

In Their Shoes: Sofia Arellano Mar 20, 2019

She calls herself an Endo Warrior and on social media, the @Endo_Goddess_, and for good reason. Sofia Arellano tells her first hand account of what it's like to live with the notorious pain that is endometriosis. As she says, "Endo is like a bomb has gone off inside you."

In Their Shoes: Candiace Dillard Bassett Mar 19, 2019

Candiace Dillard is an all around badass. You may know her as a cast member of Real Housewives of Potomac or from her year at Miss United States 2013. She's also held leadership roles at the White House under the Obama administration and is the CEO and Founder of her own consulting and hair product lines. Listen in for this In Their Shoes exclusive interview about all the ways reproductive health empowerment has shaped the woman she is today!

Ask A Lady Doc: Endometriosis w/ Dr. Deirdre Lum Mar 18, 2019

Here is literally EVERYTHING you ever wanted to know about pelvic pain caused by endometriosis. Why is it such a mysterious diagnosis and why can it be so hard to treat? Producer Aysha Choudhary interviews Dr. Deirdre Lum, Director of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery at Stanford University.

History of Birth Control Mar 11, 2019

In honor of International Women's History Month, let's do a deep dive into where, how, and from whom your birth control came. The pill specifically has a crazy story, involving (surprise surprise) racism, misogyny, and some accidents! Stay tuned.

Human Trafficking Feb 25, 2019

Human trafficking includes sexual slavery and forced labor, and is a lot closer to home than you may have thought. Let's dig deep into all the ways this pervades women's health, and talk one-on-one with a survivor of child sexual trafficking. Special interview with Holly Gibbs, author of the book, Walking Prey: How America's Youth are Vulnerable to Sex Slavery, and Director of the Human Trafficking Response for Dignity Health.

Ask A Lady Doc: Incontinence w/ Dr. Lisa Rogo-Gupta Feb 11, 2019

Here is literally EVERYTHING you ever wanted to know about peeing yourself. Executive Producer Bethney Bonilla gets the scoop from Dr. Lisa Rogo-Gupta, Director of Urogynecology at the Stanford University Pelvic Health Center.

PPD Feb 05, 2019

If the postpartum period isn't as joyous for you as those Pampers commercials would suggest, don't worry, you're not alone. A TON of people experience symptoms of postpartum depression/anxiety in the first several months after birth (truly, it's a lot more common than you think). Here's everything you need to know about PPD so that you can fly free and be our little depression de-stigmatizing butterflies in the world.

RESOURCES:

Go to the Resources tab under Postpartum.

Ask A Lady Doc: Anal Sex w/ Dr. Leah Millheiser Jan 25, 2019

Here is literally EVERYTHING you ever wanted to know about anal sex- the ins, the OUTs (get it). Producer Aysha Chaudry takes a deep dive with Dr. Leah Millheiser, the Director of Sexual Female Medicine at Stanford University.

Sex Tech Jan 17, 2019

The future of sexual health will blow your mind! What IS sex tech anyway and what does "teledildonics" have to do with women's health. Get ready to learn more about the geeked out devices, tools, and resources that put the 'G' in G-spot. You're welcome.

Special interview with Brianna Rader, Founder and CEO of www.juiceboxit.com.

Breastfeeding Jan 09, 2019

Why do your boobs leak when you hear a crying baby? What happens to your huge pregnancy boobs once the pregnancy is over? What the heck is fenugreek? Here is everything you need to know about why, when, how, and why we lactate. You're welcome.

Feminist Porn Dec 22, 2018

What exactly IS feminist porn and why should you care? Feminist porn is so many things: it's ethically made porn; it's gender, sexuality, and racially inclusive porn; it's equal pay for equal work porn; and it's porn that focuses on the whole sexual experience. Join the Doctors as they explore the health implications of the feminist porn industry and interview feminist porn expert and iconic film producer, Ms. Naughty.

Immigrant Women's Health (Public Charge) Dec 07, 2018

Listen in for this urgent and essential primer on the Public Charge, and everything you need to know NOW about how the Trump administration is trying to jeopardize immigrant women's health.

Special guest: Wendy Parmet, Professor of Law and Director, Center for Health Policy and Law; Professor of Public Policy and Urban Affairs, Northeastern University School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs

RESOURCES:

Submit your comments BEFORE DEC. 10 using the link below, through Protecting Immigrant Families, a collaboration with The National Immigration Law Center:

https://protectingimmigrantfamilies.org/#take-action?utm_campaign=p-PES&utm_content=INH-_&utm_source=gs&utm_medium=se

"Throughout our nation’s history, the United States has often been defined by the phrase “E Pluribus Unum” — meaning “Out of many, we are one.” President Trump’s proposed public charge regulation betrays everything our country should stand for.

By punishing families for accessing healthy food, health care, and housing, the regulation would make the United States sicker, hungrier, and poorer. Our diversity is our nation’s strength. Our country is stronger when we join together across racial differences, like we’ve done in our past in fighting for civil rights or better wages and working conditions. I strongly oppose the Department of Homeland Security’s shameful proposed rule change to "public charge.” Withdraw it immediately."

Masturbation Dec 04, 2018

Menage a moi, Jilling-off, finger painting... call it what you want. This episode is all things and everything you ever wanted to know about female masturbation. Is it healthy? Is it common? What's a clitoral suction device? We got you.

Birth Plans Nov 19, 2018

Let's get real here- can you really "plan" your birth, and what all does that mean? Drs. Jenn & Erica dissect the good and the bad of birth plans, and reminisce about the best plans they've seen (spoiler alert: twerk births included!).

Wheelchair Barbie Goes to the Gynecologist Nov 06, 2018

Remember in the late '90s when Wheelchair Barbie was taken off the market (her long hair kept getting stuck in the wheelchair, she didn't fit in the Barbie Dream House, her dimensions were too complex for toy designers)? It's no surprise that we often get it wrong when advocating for people with disabilities, and sadly this includes visiting the gynecologist. Special interview with Cody Unser, Founder of the Cody Unser First Step Foundation.

Pregnant Behind Bars Oct 15, 2018

Don't get us started on women's health in the penal system! So much to unpack in this can't-miss episode on prison health. We'll look at pushing out babies while shackled, needing abortions behind bars, and more. Special interview with national expert & author of the bestseller, JailCare, Dr. Carolyn Sufrin.

Transwomen Oct 13, 2018

It's not often in women's health that we focus on gender affirming treatments or the overall welfare of transgender individuals. Time for that to change. Special interviews with Ava, a transwoman law student, & Dr. Heidi Wittenberg, director of MoZaic Care in San Francisco.

Alcohol in Pregnancy Sep 25, 2018

More than 70% of U.S. adults drink alcohol and 1 in 10 women report drinking during their pregnancy. Time to talk facts- the good, the bad, and the really essential stuff you need to know as a woman.

Interview with Julene Zizza, an educator and 20 year sober mother of a son with fetal alcohol syndrome.

Women's Health in the Media Sep 03, 2018

The media influences all aspects of our life, including the way we view our health and wellness. Let's explore some of the ways women's health is portrayed (the good and bad) on TV, film, the news, & more. The Drs. also interview special guest, Dr. Nita Landry, Co-Host of the Emmy Award winning show, 'The Doctors' and get her take on medicine & media.

Intimate Partner Violence Aug 23, 2018

1 in 3 women in the U.S. will experience some form of domestic or intimate partner violence in her lifetime. Here's what it looks like up close, how it affects your entire health, and what you can do to help.

Sex ED Aug 07, 2018

Everyone has a story... whether it's the banana and the condom or the question box with answers read aloud by your PE teacher, sex ed comes for us all.

Painful Sex Jul 30, 2018

Let's not pretend sex is a walk in the park every single time. When it's great, it's great; but when sex is painful, it's time to talk to your gyno. Drs. Jenn & Erica are here for you, lovelies. Special interview with sexual health expert, NP Kelsey Lynd at Stanford University.

Miscarriage Jul 17, 2018

They're often stigmatized and rarely normalized, but miscarriages happen A LOT, and not because of anything you did. Drs. Jenn & Erica break down one of the most common gynecologic issues known to woman.

Families Separated Jun 20, 2018

There are no words for what we are doing to children and mothers at the U.S.-Mexico border. There will be serious health implications, and we're going to talk about them right. now.

Postpartum Vagina Jun 18, 2018

Nobody likes talking about it, so that's why we're delving deep into the aftermath that is the postpartum vagina. What happens to your vagina after birth? We're talking peeing yourself, sandpaper vaginas (ouch), & postpartum sex. Get ready for this.

Lesbian Health Jun 05, 2018

Lesbian health is women's health: it's the same, it's different, and it's unique. Drs. Jenn & Erica discuss all the ways the health system stands to improve and hear firsthand stories of people who've navigated it. Plus, expert advise from Dr. Juno Obedin-Maliver of the PRIDE study!

Trump's Gag Rule May 28, 2018

Seriously, how far away are we from Gilead? Dr. Jenn & Dr. Erica break down the Trump administration's new domestic Gag Rule and the terribleness it means for women's health.

Fake Women's Clinics May 01, 2018

In no other area of medicine is practicing without a license allowed, but guess what? Fake women's health clinics are manned by pretend medical personnel and have one mission in mind: to con women into keeping unwanted pregnancies. Bonus fact: your tax dollars fund them.

Contraception Costs Apr 03, 2018

Did you know there's a federal contraceptive coverage guarantee in the Affordable Care Act? Well, you'd better, because our government is actively trying to undo it. Here's what you need to know, NOW.

Featuring Kinsey Hasstedt, Senior Policy Manager and reproductive health policy expert with the Guttmacher Institute.

Birth Control Mar 20, 2018

From old school to high tech, let's talk birth control. Dr. Jenn & Dr. Erica explore why your grandmother's birth control pill sucked, what not to do with a vaginal ring, and how much stock to put in fertility awareness apps. Get ready.

Vaginas Vaginas Vaginas Feb 28, 2018

Alright, let's do this: VAGINAS. There's no user manual, but maybe there should be. Let's talk normal, not normal, and just plain weird. This episode is sassy, features a lil' Harry Potter, and is not for young ears. Enjoy!

Fertility Preservation Feb 20, 2018

Believe it or not, we have the most number of eggs when we are in our mothers’ wombs. We have 6-7 million eggs at around 20 weeks of gestation, and that supply is going down even before we are born, even before puberty, and regardless of whether we’re pregnant, regardless of whether we’re on birth control, we’re still losing eggs every month.

The Postpartum Period Feb 08, 2018

Congrats on your new baby, but hows that vajayjay doing? Let's dive deep with all those postpartum questions you're too nervous or embarrassed to ask out loud. We've got you covered mama.

Abortion Ban - PART 2 Feb 06, 2018

Abortions are theoretical, until you need one. Hear a first hand account of one woman's decision to have a second trimester abortion.

Abortion Ban - PART 1 Feb 06, 2018

Here we go again with legislators interfering in the exam room. In PART 1, we'll break down the recent 20 week abortion ban in the Senate, and prove that anyone who voted for it is an absolute tool bag. Then in PART 2, we'll hear from a woman describe her own experience with second trimester abortion.

Uterus for Hire - PART 2 Feb 06, 2018

"If you want to be a family, you should get to be a family."

Meet an incredible woman who, in the middle of medical school, decided to become a gestational carrier for complete strangers.

Uterus for Hire - PART 1 Feb 01, 2018

The possibilities of modern day reproduction are endless. In Part 1, the doctors explore what gestational surrogacy is and isn't. In Part 2, hear the incredible story of one woman who became a gestational carrier just 6 months after giving birth to her daughter, and all while in medical school.

Gestational Carrier Map:

https://www.creativefamilyconnections.com/us-surrogacy-law-map/

Gay couple sues U.S. after twin son's citizenship is denied

https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/gay-couple-sues-state-dept-after-one-twin-s-u-n840661

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