GynoCurious

GynoCurious tries a new format! Joining Dr. Amy Novatt is Allison Chawla, LCSW, a frequent guest on GynoCurious. During Vulva Views they will discuss 'universal themes"; issues they have observed as women clinicians, human beings and vulva havers (themselves) that seem to be omnipresent in their profession and personal lives. In this first episode, they discuss why vulva havers tend to keep concerns about physical ailments and emotional needs suppressed or attended to only after taking care of everyone else in their lives. Is it internalized patriarchy, medical gaslighting, a psychology unique to vulva havers, moms, care-providers? Is it about not having enough time or a lack of awareness? Amy and Allison weave personal and professional knowledge and experiences with observation to discuss these inquiries. Questions of comments? Call 845-307-7446 or email [email protected] Produced by Jennifer Hammoud and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff

Elizabeth Lesser, is a co-founder and advisor to Omega Institute, the largest adult education center in the US that focuses on health, wellness, spirituality and creativity. She is also a best-selling author and a frequent host on Oprahs' Soul Series. She joins GynoCurious to talk about her career and helps us look at techniques for handling stress and illness. Elizabeth tells us about her professional arc of midwifery, Omega and writing. She shares with us the tools of meditation, psychotherapy and community and how these assist her in coping with the challenges of her day. She speaks to the value of opening ones heart to the hardships of our lives and that this often leads to healing. She reveals her humanity and compassion, revealing the obstacles in her own life and the work and practice of living a spiritual life and writing about the human experience. Questions of comments? Call 845-307-7446 or email [email protected] Produced by Jennifer Hammoud and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff

Roufia Payman, DT,CDN is Director of Nutritional Counseling and education at Northern Dutchess Hospital and a licensed nutritionist and dietitian. She helped create the New Leaf and Get Real Weight Results programs at Northern Dutchess Hospital to help women meet their health and fitness goals. She teaches patients how to use nutrition to combat disease risk factors and how to incorporate healthy eating into an active lifestyle. Her programs look at the whole person– and help them take control of their diet, and their life. Roufia Payman recommends: Books: Atomic Habits by James Clear Salt sugar , fat by Michael Moss The end of over eating by Dr David Kessler , Fat chance by Dr Robert Lustig . Also, the documentaryBlue Zone diet and Blue zone Cooke book and website. Questions of comments? Call 845-307-7446 or email [email protected] Produced by Jennifer Hammoud and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff

Following a breast cancer diagnosis in 1992, Barbara Sarah left a 20 year career as a school social worker and chose to dedicate herself to work in Oncology. She was the director of the Oncology Support Program at Health Alliance in Kingston, NY for two decades. She then co-founded the non profit organization, Circle of Friends for the Dying and the Circle Home for the Dying, the first of its kind in the Mid-Hudson Valley. She speaks to ways in which to best prepare for death; embracing it with openness and clarity; Introducing the audience to resources to assist in the planning of ones death and supporting families in anticipation of this inevitable event. Questions of comments? Call 845-307-7446 or email [email protected] Produced by Jennifer Hammoud and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff

Lorelei Sharkey is a cofounder of The Butterfly Academy; a health, self care and relational education organization in NY’s Hudson Valley. . She is an American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors & Therapists—Certified Sex Educator (AASECT-CSE), a Certified Holistic Sex Educator (CHES), and a seasoned sex-&-relationship writer who has, over the course of her 25-year career in the field, penned many books, columns and features in a variety of publications. The Butterfly Academy is dedicated to empowering kids and their parents around the realities of healthy relationships, diversity and body positivity with accurate information and age-appropriate honesty. Lorelei shares with GynoCurious how she came to be a sex-ed expert and how important it is to educate pre-teens and teens about sexual health. We discuss the benefits and the obstacles to sexual education across the country. Questions of comments? Call 845-307-7446 or email [email protected] Produced by Jennifer Hammoud and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff

Virginia Reath, PA, a practicing clinician, educator and activist in the fields of gynecology, sexual and reproductive health care for the past 40 years. She completed her physician associate program at Johns Hopkins medical school and has a double masters in pubic health and community health education. She is also a visual artist and continues to make art today here in the Hudson Valley. Our conversation reviews hormone replacement therapy, the hormones of the female body, the challenges and obstacles to empowering women with knowledge about their bodies and the failures of the current medical system to insure the health and wellbeing of women patients. Questions of comments? Call 845-307-7446 or email [email protected] Produced by Jennifer Hammoud and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff

Dr. Yakira Teitel, is the director of Health Services at Bard College in Annondale-on-Hudson, NY. Dr. Teitel received her MD from the University of Californina , San Francisco and her Masters in Public Health from Columbia University. She is a trained Family and Community Medicine clinician. Dr Teitel, has dedicated her career to promote public health, equity and health care access. She speaks about the importance of empowering students to advocate for their own wellness and works with students and the Bard community in promoting health in mind and body with a focus on sexual health, reproductive health and gender-affirming care. Questions of comments? Call 845-307-7446 or email [email protected] Produced by Jennifer Hammoud and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff

Dr. Uchenna Ossai, a sex-positive, pelvic health physical therapist, sexuality educator and counselor and faculty member of the Universities of Utah and Michigan speaks with GynoCurious about her work as a pelvic physical therapist and how her work is impacted and influenced by the entirety of her patients. She honors the importance of understanding a patients' culture, race, gender, sexual experiences as part of a whole picture and all necessary to better evaluate and treat a patient and their concerns. Dr. Ossai examines and treats medical issues ranging from bowel and bladder concerns, pre and postpartum changes to aging pelvic phenomenon and pain syndromes. She discusses what constitutes the pelvic floor, how it is examined and the impact of pelvic ill-health on sexual function and "sexy-time". She further discusses the importance of recognizing the impact of politics, racism/sexism, gender and economies on the medical world and it's practitioners. Questions of comments? Call 845-307-7446 or email [email protected] Produced by Jennifer Hammoud and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff

Dr. Elizabeth Levine, an internist, hospitalist, Director of Hospital Medicine and the Chair of the Medicine Department at Northern Dutchess Hospital in Rhinebeck, NY speaks to GynoCurious about health and healing. She explores the role of meditation and yoga on her life and how these practices help her respond to the challenges of hospital work. Dr Levine describes bringing these spiritual practices to the residents and the greater hospital community; honoring that some people embrace these practices and others decline. She discusses the prevalence of physicians burn out and moral injury and her approaches towards helping her colleagues with these challenges. Questions of comments? Call 845-307-7446 or email [email protected] Produced by Jennifer Hammoud and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff

Dr. Holly Richmond, a somatic psychotherapist, certified sex therapist and an international health and wellness coach and author of Reclaiming Pleasure, A SEX POSITIVE GUIDE for MOVING PAST SEXUAL TRAUMA & LIVING a PASSIONATE LIFE discusses what constitutes sexual trauma and the process of recovery. Beyond surviving, Dr. Richmond provides insight into reconnecting with your sexuality, your partner(s) and finding pleasure in your intimate life. Finding a safe and supportive environment takes time and a team of experts/allies to assist you as you heal from sexual trauma. Dr. Richmond provides resources for survivors to access this healing journey. Questions of comments? Call 845-307-7446 or email [email protected] Produced by Jennifer Hammoud and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff

V (formerly Eve Ensler) is the Tony Award-winning playwright, activist, performer, and author of the Obie award-winning theatrical phenomenon The Vagina Monologues, published in over 48 languages, performed in over 140 countries, discusses her most recent book, Reckoning, and how her life's work and healing from a life threatening illness has informed her and allowed her to "be in her body" and develop methods to thrive despite years of abuse and self-hatred. "Transforming pain into radical action", V discusses how her work and especially co-founding the City of Joy, a revolutionary center for women survivors of violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo mobilized her while healing from illness and the challenges of the cancer diagnosis. V compels you to think about how the patriarchy has impacted your life and how illness can transform you. Links: https://www.vday.org/ https://www.eveensler.org/, https://www.eveensler.org/pf/book-reckoning/ https://www.cityofjoycongo.org/splash/ Questions of comments? Call 845-307-7446 or email [email protected] Produced by Jennifer Hammoud and Matty Rosenberg, and edited by Ricardo Gutiierrez @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff

Dr. Novatt is joined by Alison Chawla, an insightful therapist and mother of two daughters. Amy and Alison discuss sex in midlife. With candor and humor, they explore the fascinating landscape of desire, intimacy, and the changes that come with perimenopause. In a world where our bodies and minds are in a constant state of evolution, Amy and Alison shed light on how to embrace these changes, nurture relationships, and find pleasure in the midst of transformation. Tune in for a candid and enlightening conversation that challenges taboos and invites listeners to celebrate the beauty of intimacy and growth. Questions of comments? Call 845-307-7446 or email [email protected] Produced by Jennifer Hammoud and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Edited by Ricardo Gutiierrez

GynoCurious and McKenna Eldh, certified midwife, discuss Endometriosis, a disease affecting up to 10 percent of American women and often significantly impacting their quality of life. McKenna helps us understand the nature of the disease, how it affects women and ways in which she found healing and health despite her own diagnosis. Questions of comments? Call 845-307-7446 or email [email protected] Produced by Jennifer Hammoud and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff

McKenna Eldh, CM, joins GynoCurious and introduces us to the importance of midwives in women's healthcare. She shares with us her academic journey and path to becoming a midwife and the role she plays in promoting healthy pregnancies and deliveries. Learn how midwives can assist in safe, supportive, physiologic birthing experiences. Questions of comments? Call 845-307-7446 or email [email protected] Produced by Jennifer Hammoud and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff

Shakai Shepard talks about her journey becoming an acupuncturist and Eastern healing arts. Listen to how she helps her clients be healthy and seek wellness. Questions of comments? Call 845-307-7446 or email [email protected] Produced by Jennifer Hammoud and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff

What is it like when you are facing a new doctor who is not listening to you and your concerns? What is it like when a doctor makes you feel badly about yourself when you don't agree to take the tests they recommend, the medications they want to proscribe and who offers no explanation or alternatives? This is a far too common scenario for so many of us. Medical care has turned into a factory and patients are feeling unseen and unheard. Listen to some strategies to avoid these challenges. Questions of comments? Call 845-307-7446 or email [email protected] Produced by Jennifer Hammoud and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff

What is the menopause? What might one expect? Hear from Laura Schulkind about her experience in the menopause and beyond. Questions of comments? Call 845-307-7446 or email [email protected] Produced by Jennifer Hammoud and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff

Dr. Elise Hagen, an ob-gyn tells her story; why she chose ob-gyn, her daily challenges with the joys and struggles of a demanding career and the ways in which she copes with the lack of sleep, litigation and the heart breaking diagnosis that are part of her job. Questions of comments? Call 845-307-7446 or email [email protected] Produced by Jennifer Hammoud and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff

Saskia Shakin, a beautiful Octogenarian, shares with us her insights into aging, health and beauty. How does your interior health reflect your outer beauty? What measures might you take to look well as the years pass and the body changes. Listen to a wise woman share her insights. Questions of comments? Call 845-307-7446 or email [email protected] Produced by Jennifer Hammoud and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff

Dr. Brian Bonetti from Northern Dutchess Hospital discusses his experience as a bariatric surgeon and an obesity specialist. He shares with us the science behind obesity and the many ways patients are challenged by their weight. He discusses treatments and healthcare for the person facing this difficult diagnosis. Questions of comments? Call 845-307-7446 or email [email protected] Produced by Jennifer Hammoud and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff

Allison Chawla shares with us her experience of being a perimenopausal woman and the physical, emotional and social changes that occur during this hormonally tumultuous time in vulva havers lives. Questions of comments? Call 845-307-7446 or email [email protected] Produced by Jennifer Hammoud and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff

What does it mean to be a resident in an OB-GYN residency? Meet Dr. Jaworski and learn why she chose to be an obstetrician-gynecologist and what her world looks like at Albany Medical Center. Questions of comments? Call 845-307-7446 or email [email protected] Produced by Jennifer Hammoud and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff

Rachel Fisch-Kaplan, bravely shares with us her experience with infertility and the eventual birth of her twins after many challenging medical interventions and emotionally challenging years. Questions of comments? Call 845-307-7446 or email [email protected] Produced by Jennifer Hammoud and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff

Dr. Lisa Curcio, MD, a breast specialist at Northern Dutchess Hospital, part of the Nuvance medical system, discusses all aspects of breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, lifestyle issues and her own experience as a breast cancer patient and survivor. Questions of comments? Call 845-307-7446 or email [email protected] Produced by Jennifer Hammoud and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff

Dr. Lisa Curcio, MD, a breast specialist at Northern Dutchess Hospital, part of the Nuvance medical system, discusses all aspects of breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, lifestyle issues and her own experience as a breast cancer patient and survivor. Questions of comments? Call 845-307-7446 or email [email protected] Produced by Jennifer Hammoud and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff

Allison Chawla shares with us her experience of being a perimenopausal woman and the physical, emotional and social changes that occur during this hormonally tumultuous time in vulva havers lives. Questions of comments? Call 845-307-7446 or email [email protected] Produced by Jennifer Hammoud and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff

Have you ever felt like you were the only one dealing with an unplanned pregnancy? Have you ever felt like the medical establishment was not listening to you, moving ahead without communicating the overall medical plan and then being swept up in an emergency delivery pre- term? Laurel St. Romain, shares with us her fears, frustrations and courage as she moved from keeping an unplanned pregnancy to the delivery of her daughter 6 weeks prematurely. Questions of comments? Call 845-307-7446 or email [email protected] Produced by Jennifer Hammoud and Matty Rosenberg Engineered by Ricardo Gutierrez

Welcome Gynocurious listeners, I am Dr. Amy Novatt, board certifiecd ob-gyn, your host of GynoCurious. With each program we are going to explore the experience of being an ob-gyn, the science that guides our practices and the stories women- cis, trans and nonbinary, have shared as they seek health and wellness. From both sides of the speculum we will investigate what it means to be a healer and to be healed. I have been reflecting on 32 plus years of practice; thinking about all that I have learned, heard and thought about and wanted to bring it to a larger audience. This will not be a medical show that tells you how much estrogen you should take or the scientific method used to evaluate data but instead, a conversation about the larger canvas looking at what its like to be a medical professional working with women and how patients experience the world of ob-gyn. What is it like sitting in the exam room with a thin sheet of paper covering your naked body? What has been the impact of a cancer diagnosis? What it is like to go through the menopause?….These are just a few examples of conversations I hope to bring to you. My intention is not to expose my patients personal histories but rather use their stories as stepping stones to explore many aspects of our bodies, our psyches and the landscape of the medical world. In a time when most of us are frustrated by the American medical system; with the challenges of limited access, financial limitations, gender and racial discrepancies in care, the insurance morass and a host of other hurdles; my hope is that GynoCurious creates a community of guests and listeners that bring us all closer- to openly explore and understand the experience of illness and health and to break open decades of silence, misunderstanding and shame for having a vagina. We are going to talk about our fears, sexual explorations and aging adventures with respect, inquiry and science. For me, knowledge and awareness brings awe, authority and autonomy. Questions of comments? Call 845-307-7446 or email [email protected] Produced by Jennifer Hammoud and Matty Rosenberg Engineered by Ricardo Gutierrez