From the stuff your mother never told you, to the stuff your doctor never learned, On Health features taboo-busting conversations that demystify and de-stigmatize our bodies, all while bridging the gap between conventional medicine and wellness. Join Yale-trained MD & midwife Aviva Romm and her line-up of expert guests as they discuss everything from periods to menopause, sex to reproductive health politics, and motherhood to mental health. Each week, Dr. Romm will be exploring the science a ...
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Real Food for Gestational Diabetes with Aviva Romm and Lily Nichols
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I remember when I first started practicing as a midwife—way back in the '80s—there was barely a whisper about how nutrition could impact pregnancy. I taught my first prenatal nutrition class in 1990, and the hunger for information was almost palpable. It’s amazing to me that, fast forward to today, we’re still facing a gap in understanding just how…
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This is So Awkward: Supporting Teens through the ‘New Puberty’
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Of all the stages in life, most women tell me they’d least want to revisit—it's puberty. If you're reading this, you survived it too. And while you likely have some fond memories, you also remember the awkward body changes, the anxiety of getting your mom to buy pads or tampons to avoid the dreaded checkout counter, the stress around your emerging—…
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At Least You Have a Healthy Baby: The Hidden Epidemic of Birth Trauma in the US
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Despite advancements in medical technology and a growing awareness of maternal health, the emotional and psychological experiences of birthing mothers in the US often go unnoticed. In this eye-opening episode, Aviva Romm, an experienced midwife and MD, delves into a topic that is often overlooked and misunderstood—birth trauma. Aviva shares her per…
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Unplugging from the Attention Economy and Reclaiming Your Time with Jenny Odell
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If you find yourself feeling chronically overwhelmed, with a to-do list you can’t ever get to the bottom of, and a nagging feeling that you’re never quite doing enough, this episode is for you. Joining me is Jenny Odell, the acclaimed author of zthe books How to Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy and Saving Time: Discovering a Life Beyond …
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On Alcohol and Women's Health: From Fertility thru Menopause
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Welcome to the second half of our alcohol miniseries! In part one, I focused on how alcohol metabolizes differently in women than men and how this increases women's alcohol-related health risks. I also talked about how alcohol can effect puberty, our hormones, and menstrual cycles. If you haven’t already listened, it's a perfect prequel to today's …
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On Women, Alcohol, Our Hormones and Menstrual Cycles
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Alcohol. It's the kind of frenemy that many women have a love-hate relationship with. It may make us feel good in the moment—relaxed, more social, less anxious—but many women find that after a drink or several, they’re moody, irritable, don’t sleep as well, and feel overall kind of not-so-great. Are there reasons for this that are unique to women? …
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Rediscovering Intimacy and Pleasure with Emily Nagoski
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I’m so excited to share an encore interview with the brilliant, hilarious, and incredibly insightful Emily Nagoski, author of Come As You Are, Come Together, and Burnout (co-written with her sister). Emily is a renowned sex educator who brings a blend of scientific rigor and relatable storytelling to the conversation about women's sexual health and…
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Seeing Life Through an Herbalist’s Lens with Olivia Amitrano
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In this fresh and delightful episode I sit down with Olivia Amitrano, herbalist, host of the popular What’s the Juice podcast and founder of Organic Olivia, a successful botanical medicines company. Olivia opens up about her transformative journey through herbalism, personal growth, and the essential practice of honest self-reflection on the relati…
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Breaking the Taboo Around Pregnancy Loss with Chelsea Leyland
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Trigger Warning: This episode contains sensitive topics related to pregnancy loss and fertility challenges. Listener discretion is advised. In this deeply personal and powerful episode of "On Health," I sit down with Chelsea Leyland, a globetrotting DJ, mother, epilepsy and endometriosis activist, documentary filmmaker, and menstrual health entrepr…
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Ending Obstetric Fistula: A Journey of Hope and Resilience with Bonnie Ruder
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"I think one of the most important things about fistula is that it is completely preventable and treatable. So this is a solvable problem. We used to have this problem here in the US and now we don't." – Bonnie Ruder Obstetric fistula affects around 2 million women globally, with 50,000 to 100,000 new cases each year. This devastating, yet entirely…
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Why Metabolic Health Matters and How to Improve it with Casey Means
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"What if your body had a greater ability to heal than you were ever led to believe?" - This question not only challenges conventional health beliefs but also underpins the empowering message that infuse today's discussion. Welcome to this - literally - energy packed new episode of "On Health," where I’m joined by Dr. Casey Means, a Stanford-trained…
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[Replay] The Hidden Motherhood Struggle with Catherine Birndorf and Paige Bellenbaum
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In recognition of Maternal Mental Health Month I am re-sharing this 2023 conversation with the founders of The Motherhood Center in NYC. With Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADS) being the #1 complication associated with birth in the US and the #2 cause of maternal mortality, this remains a critical conversation. ________________ It’s not j…
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I've been wanting to share this episode with you for awhile, so I finally dusted off the archives and here it is. The sound quality is not as sharp as our more recent episodes - our production values have definitely improved - but I'm certain you'll find it timely and useful. Despite increased attention on the dangers of burnout, recent surveys rep…
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Demystifying Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) in Menopause with Sharon Malone
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Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): Should you use it for your perimenopause or menopause symptoms? Does it prevent dementia? Heart disease? Is it safe? Who should and who shou;dn’t take it? Join me for this powerful conversation with Dr. Sharon Malone, an OB-GYN with 30 years of clinical experience - and an advocate for menopause awareness, and I e…
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The Wisdom of the Menopause Brain with Lisa Mosconi
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In this must-listen episode I'm thrilled to welcome Dr. Lisa Mosconi, a leading neuroscientist and author of The Menopause Brain, and my friend, back to On Health to demystify the profound impact of menopause on the female brain. Dr. Mosconi offers invaluable insights into how menopause is more than a hormonal shift - it's a significant neuroendocr…
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The Emotional Lives of Teenagers with Lisa Damour
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The teen years are a trope and a meme in our culture. We’re inevitably warned the minute we have a baby and admire her cute little face at a family gathering, in a restaurant, waiting in the checkout at the grocery: Just wait until she’s - or he’s - a teen. And it’s no wonder - the teen years - which we all remember too - are fraught with big chang…
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Stress in Pregnancy: How Much Should You Stress About It
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Welcome to On Health where today I talk about understanding stress during pregnancy, bust myths, and share real tips to take care of yourself before and when the stress hits the fan. In this episode I explore: The impact of how we talk about stress in pregnancy and its effects on moms-to-be on Why it's important to understand stress during pregnanc…
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Beyond Gaslighting and Narcissism: Finding Yourself to Find Love with Jillian Turecki
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Jillian Turecki, my guest for this On Health episode, is a beacon of light and a font of love and wisdom. A certified relationship coach, teacher, and writer with over 20 years of experience, she's fueled by an insatiable curiosity about what makes a relationship thrive, and she's helped thousands through her teaching and writing revolutionize thei…
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Why Women Have More Autoimmune Diseases Than Men
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Fatigue, achy muscles, painful joints, brain fog, strange skin rashes… Could it be the flu? It’s possible. In fact, that’s what women are sometimes told! But these can be symptoms of an autoimmune condition. Autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and Hashimoto’s, to name just a few, have a definite gender bias. Women acco…
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The Power of Growing Older and the Problem with Ageism
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I’m not going to lie. I was much more prepared for puberty, pregnancy, motherhood, and even menopause than I was for aging. And you all know that’s a big deal to say because we’re largely unprepared for all the other phases of our lives, too. But the reality is, we’re aging from the day we’re born, and much of what we’ve internalized about aging - …
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Why Creating & Setting Boundaries is Essential for Our Health
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At some point, too many of us internalized the belief that being a woman means complete self-sacrifice, not setting healthy boundaries for our well-being, and not taking care of our fundamental needs – even for sleep, quality food, and relaxation. Further, as moms, we often take on the lioness's share of the household. As partners, we plan the date…
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Becoming a Cycle Breaker: Healing Intergenerational Trauma with Compassion and Resilience
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Intergenerational trauma refers to the transmission of unresolved trauma and its psychological, emotional, or even physical effects from one generation to another. This phenomenon can manifest in various ways, impacting individuals' mental health, coping mechanisms, and relational patterns. The cycle of intergenerational trauma underscores the impo…
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Beyond Crystals and Bubble Baths: Talking About Real Self-Care
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Self-care - it’s both a profoundly important concept for our physical and mental well-being - a radical step in a culture that demands ever more of us, and it’s a phenomenon that has been trivialized by the wellness world - and any number of influencers and companies that suggest a bubble bath and a candle is enough for what stresses us. But real s…
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Parent Wounds: Healing Our Hearts Even in Crisis
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In the midst of the chaos that seems to be almost a constant in the world, it's easy to forget that individual lives and losses are still happening every day and can be deeply affecting us or those around us, as can family mental health issues. Sometimes those bigger global issues give us perspective, take us out of our own worries, and that can fe…
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Unpacking the Invisible Load of Motherhood with Erica Djossa
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Like so many moms, Erica Djossa, a registered psychotherapist specializing in maternal mental health, entered motherhood assuming her “maternal instinct” would guide her through any challenges she faced. Yet, like so many mothers she'd counseled, she too, found herself struggling with identity loss, the mental load of motherhood, and the pressure t…
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A Silent Fire: Understanding Hidden Inflammation with Shilpa Ravella, MD
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Here's a little secret: hidden inflammation, not genetics, is the most common underlying cause of chronic illness. Hidden inflammation is a root cause of: Premenstrual syndrome Period pain Chronic aches and pains Digestive problems Allergies and eczema Trouble losing weight Trouble sleeping Depression Alzheimer’s Autoimmune diseases Heart disease, …
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Medical Gaslighting: What It Is, Why It’s So Dangerous, and What You Can Do to Advocate for Yourself
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In recent years, the term "medical gaslighting" has come to represent the phenomenon and disproportionate impact of medical dismissal of women and other marginalized groups. All too often, women leave the doctor’s office questioning themselves and their symptoms and are too often pressed into silently endure their suffering, sometimes until it's tr…
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Moving Through Grief and Its Big Messy Feelings with Kris Carr
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Grief and loss touch us all in ways both small and big throughout our lives, yet our culture often struggles to embrace the messy emotions that grief brings. On today’s On Health episode, I'm joined by author and cancer thriver Kris Carr to discuss her latest book, "I'm Not a Mourning Person,” which dives deep into the complexities of grief and hea…
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Should I Freeze My Eggs? Let’s Chat About That!
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Considering whether to embark on the journey of freezing your eggs? Naturally, this comes with a myriad of questions and considerations. If you're pondering this path and wondering if it's the right move for you, you're not alone. Join me in today's "Let's Chat About That," where I address a vulnerable question from a listener who's navigating the …
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Hot Flashes Gone Public with Tamsen Fadal
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Menopause is a transition that is so hushed, misunderstood, and often considered "taboo” in our culture. But what many fail to notice is that menopause is a beautiful new chapter in life that deserves respect, recognition, and reverence. I'm on a mission to change the conversation around menopause to one of profound power and wisdom - because at th…
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As we transition into autumn, with to-do lists piling up and the pressure of getting back "on track," it's an important time to revisit an age-old and perenially resonant topic: Perfectionism. It's part of how we end up overwhelmed, doing it all, and never feel like we're doing enough. i know that feeling, too! Perfectionism, that relentless inner …
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Centering Mothers with Support, Community, and Wisdom (with Chanel Porchia-Albert, Ancient Song)
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The US, known for medical progress, is facing higher maternal mortality rates than almost any western country, and too many women don’t get the birth experience they hoped for. Enter my guest, the amazing Chanel Porchia-Albert, founder of Ancient Song Doula Services, who is here to chat with us about breaking barriers and bringing doula care to eve…
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I’m a vaginal ecologist. Say what? Yes, you heard that correctly, a vaginal ecologist. Ecology is the relationship of organisms to one another and to their environment – their ecosystem. And just like any ecosystem in nature, your vagina has its own special ecology. Your overall health affects the health of your vaginal ecology, and your vaginal ec…
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How This Mama Is Transforming the Supplements Industry
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As of 2022, the supplement industry was estimated to be worth $35.6 billion. But all that glitters is not gold. Supplement companies have a history of stepping into murky waters with health claims and products that don’t provide what they say is on the bottle—or sometimes include unlisted ingredients. Further, women are grossly underrepresented in …
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The Lowdown on Pap Tests, HPV and Pelvic Exams
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As if hopping onto an (almost always freezing cold) exam table butt-naked wasn't stressful enough, knowing what to do when it comes to Pap tests and pelvic examinations can be super confusing at any age. This week, I’m resharing a timeless episode from the On Health archives that will fill you in on everything you need to know about the Pap test, H…
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The Power of Hypnobirthing with Kerry Tuschhoff
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When the word "hypnosis" comes to mind, we often associate it with stage performances and peculiar antics, but there’s a deeper and more powerful side to this practice, particularly when it comes to pregnancy and childbirth. This is where hypnobirthing comes in—a powerful therapeutic approach that taps into the transformative power of the subconsci…
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Optimizing and Protecting Your XX Brain With Dr. Lisa Mosconi
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Did you know researchers estimate that nearly two-thirds of those living with Alzheimer’s in the United States are women? As this data continues to emerge, conversations surrounding brain health are as important as ever before, which is why I’ve decided to share a beloved episode from the archives where I’m joined by a leading voice in Neuroscience…
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Reclaiming Birth with Allison Yarrow
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According to a recent survey of over 1300 women, 56% experienced dissatisfaction with their births. Unfortunately, this statistic reveals only a glimpse into a very broken system and the reality for birthing women in our country, where 30% report some form of trauma in their birth experience. So, where do we go from here? On today’s episode of On H…
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Birth Control Myths and Realities: Part 2
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Welcome back to the second half of this two-part series, 10 Birth Control Myths and Realities You Should Really Know! In part one, I explored the Pill's connection to blood clots, cancer, depression, and cognitive changes. Through rigorous research and analysis, I shed light on the myths and truths behind these assertions and explored whether there…
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Birth Control Myths and Realities: Part 1
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For almost sixty years, the birth control pill has been a symbol of sexual liberation for women, offering relief from symptoms and granting newfound control. For some women, it can be practically miraculous. But the Pill also has side effects and risks that are often dismissed by medical doctors yet exaggerated by the wellness world. So, is the Pil…
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Vagina Obscura and the Sexist History of Female Anatomy With Rachel E. Gross
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Female anatomy is shrouded in misconceptions and limited knowledge. Yet within us lies potential for transformation, healing, and pleasure. On today's episode, I'm thrilled to be joined by distinguished journalist and author of the acclaimed book "Vagina Obscura: An Anatomical Voyage." Rachel E. Gross. Rachel's groundbreaking book sheds light on un…
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On Our Best Behavior: The Price Women Pay to Be Good Enough with Elise Loehnen
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Perfectionism, that nagging feeling of never doing enough, of never being good enough, guilt any time you practice a little self-care. Do you ever wonder where these feelings and inner voices that dog us come from? It's a question I've given a lot of thought to and deep-dived into in today's Oh Health podcast with Elise Loehnen, author of her newes…
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On BETR Ways to Close the Healthcare Gap with Ellen Pompeo
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It’s a startling and unfortunate reality that too many Americans are unable to access the medications they need for their basic healthcare, and that on top of this, billions of dollars' worth of pharmaceuticals go to waste annually, causing environmental pollution as well. Joining me today is none other than a trailblazer who needs no introduction …
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Let's Chat About That - Did the Pill Ruin My Fertility?
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Are you concerned about the impact of birth control pills on your fertility? It's only natural to prioritize the well-being of your body and future fertility. And rest assured, you're not alone. A recent study of over 2,000 women who used oral contraceptives (OCs) found that most women had some worries. Fortunately, there's enough reassuring data t…
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Toward a New Model of Maternal Health in the US with Neel Shah, MD
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In a recent development, the US Preventive Services Task Force sounded the alarm about the increasing prevalence of hypertensive disorders among pregnant women. They have advised monitoring blood pressure throughout pregnancy since these disorders have doubled in the last three decades, impacting one in ten pregnancies. Unfortunately, the United St…
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Intermittent Fasting and Time-Based Eating: Is There Evidence for Women’s Health and Weight Loss?
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In the ever-changing landscape of trends and choices, it's important to separate the fleeting fads from the timeless practices. Today, we embark on an insightful journey, shining a light on two prominent trends that have taken center stage: Intermittent Fasting (IMF) and Time-Based Eating (TBE) and their profound impact on women's bodies. Join me a…
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Re-Owning Yourself: A 360 Approach to Menopause with Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz
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Over the course of her twenty-year medical career, my guest today, Dr. Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz, noticed a shocking dearth of information and support for women beginning and experiencing menopause. For too long, this crucial stage in women’s lives has been given perfunctory notice in medical schools and is often either a hidden secret or the punchline …
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How to Choose the Best Birth Control for You
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Are you overwhelmed by the number of birth control options available and wondering which one is right for you? Are you confused about the safety of various contraceptives? Confused about whether to use the Pill or another contraceptive method for PCOS, endometriosis, acne, or another hormonal condition? There’s no denying that it can be daunting. W…
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What's a Normal Period, Really? with Kate Clancy, PhD
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In this episode of On Health, I dive deep into the science and culture of our menstrual cycles with Kate Clancy, PhD, period researcher and expert in the field of reproductive biology who has dedicated her life’s work to advocating for menstrual health and wellbeing. We explore the myths and misconceptions surrounding menstruation, as well as the s…
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How Social Media Censorship is Impacting Women's Sexual Health
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CONTENT WARNING: Sexual assault Did you know that it takes only 3.5 years to sail around the world but up to 10 years to get an endometriosis diagnosis? That three out of four women experience pain during intercourse at some point in their lives? Or that nearly half of all women aged 18 to 35 have trouble reaching orgasm with a partner, and most wo…
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