Kumbay'all: The Whole Woman's Resource

In this episode you will get valuable insights on preparing for childbirth from Dr. Amanda Shipley, who has the experience of two natural home births and more than 14 years as a pelvic physical therapist. Amanda will share her wisdom on: -An important step to prepare for childbirth and prevent pelvic issues afterwards -What pelvic floor issues can occur after childbirth -What is special about the pelvic floor muscles and why considering this key fact is important (this will surprise you!) -Why pelvic health is NOT just about Kegels -What you should focus on in addition to physically preparing for labor -How she prepared for childbirth differently during her two pregnancies and how her experiences varied as a result (it was a big difference!) Listen to the end to hear Amanda’s top 4 things every person should do to prepare for childbirth. We hope you find this episode enlightening and interesting. We would love to hear your feedback and what you found most helpful or surprising. If you enjoyed today’s episode please leave a review and subscribe to the podcast. We appreciate your support! RenewPelvicHealth.com

Trauma Sensitive Yoga - an interview between pelvic physical therapist Amanda Shipley, PT, DPT, MTC and authentic movement facilitator Bree Hibbs-Kenny, RYT, TCTSY-F.

Season 3 is here! Amanda shares another episode in her Myth Buster series, and this one relates to two common myths that women who have had children often say. Listen in to see if you have heard yourself or anyone else say these! Renew Pelvic Health Pelvic Guru Pelvic Rehab APTA

In this short but timely episode, Amanda gives her top tip for managing holiday stress. Listen in for a bonus recommendation for easy ways to help you live a movement-rich lifestyle and her first ever holiday gift guide! Renew Pelvic Health 2019 Holiday Gift Guide Nutritious Movement Instagram Nutritious Movement website

Is it okay to go to the bathroom “just in case” (without first feeling the urge to urinate)? Amanda answers this question and explains why this topic is so important for our pelvic floor and bladder health! Renew Pelvic Health Pelvic Rehab Pelvic Guru APTA

In episode 20 Amanda speaks with Gigi Miller, who is the owner and professional organizer of Vision Organizing in Atlanta, GA. They talk about all the things Gigi helps her clients with - from organizing their home space to their work space, their systems, and their lives! She works with clients, young and old, to prioritize their goals and their time in order to increase productivity, decrease their stress, and improve their health. Gigi walks us through some great tips and recommendations she usually makes when considering how to organize and manage our children’s areas. She shows us that there IS hope for maintaining some order while allowing our kids the freedom to create and play in their space! Gigi K. Miller is an Atlanta-based Professional Organizer and the owner of Vision Organizing, LLC. Gigi’s mission is to create organizing solutions for home, work, and life that are simple, practical, and easy to maintain. Vision Organizing is a member of the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO) and the local Georgia chapter. To learn more about Gigi and Vision Organizing, please visit www.visionorganizing.com.

In Episode 19 Amanda speaks with Dr. Erika Pluhar, who is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Professional Counselor, and a Certified Sex Therapist. She is also co-founder of Whole Heart Psychotherapy in Atlanta, GA. Erika’s practice of sex therapy reflects the mind-body-spirit experience that is human sexuality. They dive right into all of it! She debunks some of the myths around sexuality and tells us about some of the main issues she helps clients with when it comes to her sex therapy practice specifically. Erika shares with us the number one thing her clients who are moms complain about. More importantly, she shares with us what’s behind that issue, and what can be done about it! Dr. Pluhar gives her clients and all listening to this episode hope, inspiration, and support to reclaim our sexuality without shame. Dr. Erika Pluhar is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Professional Counselor, and Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor. She is certified as a Sex Therapist and Supervisor by the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists. Dr. Pluhar also has completed advanced training in Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFT). In addition to private practice in couple and sex therapy, she has researched and taught in the field of human sexuality for over 15 years. Dr. Pluhar brings genuine warmth and compassion to her work as a therapist and helps to create a safe, non-judgmental therapeutic environment in which clients can heal, grow, and flourish. Dr. Pluhar is Clinical Co-Director for WholeHeart Psychotherapy, LLC (www.wholeheartpsychotherapy.net) a group practice in Atlanta, Georgia that provides mental health services for individuals, couples, and families and training, supervision, and development for therapists. Erika Pluhar, PhD, EdS Wholeheart Psychotherapy Come As You Are - Emily Nagoski, PhD Sexy Mamas - Cathy Winks and Anne Semans Healing Painful Sex - Deborah Coady and Nancy Fish I Love Female Orgasm - Dorian Solot and Marshall Miller The Sexual Healing Journey - Wendy Maltz Esther Perel Where Should We Begin? - Esther Perel podcast Scarleteen Yes, No, Maybe So: A Sexual Inventory Stocklist The Guide to Getting it On - Paul Joannides It’s Not the Stork! - Robie Harris It’s So Amazing! - Robie Harris It’s Perfectly Normal - Robie Harris Good Vibrations

In Episode 18 Amanda speaks with Heather Edwards, pelvic physical therapist, sex counselor and educator, and founder of Vino and Vulvas. Heather talks about their journey from physical therapist to pelvic physical therapist to becoming certified in sexuality education and counseling. They discuss sexuality, gender identity, binary vs. non-binary, and BDSM! Heather opens our eyes to the importance of feeling heard, seen, and understood not only in our personal relationships but also in our experiences with medical professionals. She strives to let her patients unfold their stories for her without assuming hetero-normative and stereotypical gender roles and inspires us to be open-minded and welcoming to the people we encounter in our lives, too. Heather Edwards, PT, MPT has been a pelvic physical therapist for 15 years in western North Carolina. She is a University of Michigan trained Sexuality Counselor and Educator. She founded Vino & Vulvas in 2015 and it quickly became her favorite thing to do. She teaches community classes such as “Field Guide to Your Crotch” for transgender and nonbinary folx. Heather created the Transgender Pelvic Health Survey (currently in progress) and teamed up with Nova Southeastern University and the Pelvic Health Research Initiative for its implementation and data analysis. In 2016, she presented at the Southeastern Transgender Health Summit on the topic of pelvic PT considerations for the surgical trans patient. She presented at the 2018 AASECT conference on the topic of BDSM/Kink and Pelvic Health with the fabulous Aleece Fosnight, PA-C, CSC, CSE. She teaches Transgender Pelvic Health nationally with Pelvic Guru. Despite all her clinical stuff, really Heather considers herself an artist… and if truth be told, she’d love to just draw fantastical crotch doodles all day. This unusual hobby has led to her creation of her first self-published book, Important Parts: A Coloring Book for the Crotch Enthusiast which is available at downtown bookstores in Asheville, at the V&V events, and online through Amazon. For information about how to schedule an appointment with Heather or for connecting with Vino & Vulvas, email [email protected].

In episode 17 Amanda speaks with Dr. Julie Granger, physical therapist and founder of PRISM Wellness Center in Atlanta, GA. Julie discusses how having a healthy mindset helps decrease stress, and improve hormone balance, autoimmunity, and fertility, among other things. She reminds us that WE are the most powerful member of our health and wellness team and describes how she has transitioned into her healthy mindset coaching practice full-time in order to empower women to create a healthy life they love that inspires them and reflects what they truly value. Dr. Julie knows first-hand what the life of a busy, driven woman struggling with health issues is like. She is dedicated to guiding women to see that feeling healthy and fulfilled in their lives doesn’t have to be so hard, nor expensive, and that health, happiness and a successful career do not have to be mutually exclusive. Dr. Julie has an extensive medical background, deep expertise (with degrees from Emory and Duke), and 10 years of experience running a successful health practice. She combines these credentials along with her personal experience of achieving freedom from the physical and emotional grips of cancer and mental health challenges, to teach women clear, tangible ways to do more with less in their health. Dr. Julie believes that being healthy is not something you’ll simply find in a box, bottle, or book, but rather in the state of mind that we hold. She loves to help women find simple ways to gain confidence, know-how, and peace no matter where they are along their health journey.

In episode 16 Amanda speaks with Carrie Contey about understanding and incorporating our knowledge of brain and human development into best practices for conscious, evolved parenting. Carrie explains why self-care is a necessity, not a luxury, and how the “new paradigm” differs from the old way of relating to our growing family members and ourselves. Carrie gives very practical examples and shares such important information for us all, whether we have children or not! Carrie Contey, Ph.D., is an internationally-recognized coach, author, speaker and educator. Her work offers a new perspective on human development, parenting and family life. She guides, supports, and inspires her clients to live with wide-open and courageous hearts so they can approach family life with skill and spaciousness. Carrie received her doctorate in clinical psychology with an emphasis on prenatal and perinatal psychology and is masterful at synthesizing and articulating the science, psychology, and spirituality of humanhood. She is the creator of Evolve, a year-long "personal growth through parenting" program which ran from 2011-2017. She is also the co-founder of the Slow Family Living movement and the co-author of CALMS: A Guide To Soothing Your Baby. Carrie has appeared on NBC’s The Today Show, NPR, CBS radio and in many publications including Time, Parenting and The Boston Globe.

Do you have a hard time figuring out what makes you happy? How would our children's lives be different if they had practice answering that very question from a young age instead of being told what to learn, what to do, and when to do it? In this episode Amanda talks with Anthony Galloway Jr., the co-founder of Heartwood ALC in Atlanta, GA to learn about self-directed education (SDE). We think you will find the conversation interesting and eye-opening! We review what SDE is and why it is important. We learn what SDE looks like at Heartwood and how a normal day flows. Does SDE mean a child does whatever they want? Are there any rules or boundaries? Anthony debunks some common myths about SDE that may surprise you. Whether you're looking for another school option for your family or if you're just curious about this model, listen with an open mind to learn more about this exciting choice for education. Anthony Galloway Jr. co-nurtures the community at Heartwood Agile Learning Center. In undergrad, Anthony imagined an education space where young people were excited to be there and their learning was driven by their own interests. Only a year later, in graduate school, he realized he also no longer wanted to be part of the problems he saw with conventional education- especially those educational structures that threaten social justice for Black & Indigenous People of Color and some socioeconomic classes. Heartwood ALC, the school he co-founded, is now in its third year of operations and is growing everyday. There Anthony facilitates self-directed education through modeling the types of communication and conflict-resolution skills that help self-directed young people build emotional intelligence and confident self-governance. He enjoys introducing and leading engaging projects and activities where young people opt-in to interdisciplinary learning experiences. Each day Anthony and his students get to answer Howard Thurman's question, "what makes you come alive?" and each day they get to go do it.

Patty Schmidt began studying Hatha yoga styles in Philadelphia 20 years ago, and quickly developed a rigorous asana practice. While the benefits and traditions of Astanga continue to influence her relationship with yoga, her practice and teaching style are now deeply informed by Bhakti traditions of devotion and surrender, and by Yin Yoga and restorative practices. In her formal training, Patty has devoted herself to the therapeutic application of yoga for pelvic health and wellness. She teaches pre- and post-natal yoga, with a focus on core and pelvic health, throughout Atlanta, and works privately with clients living with pelvic dysfunction and disease. These many years of yoga practice and study have shown her that yoga lives within us and comes anew with us each day, to our mat. Patty's teaching encourages us to inhabit ourselves, to be curious about and kind to the Self we meet. In episode 14, Patty speaks about everything “coming back to the pelvis” and how well our body functions is based on that central hub being healthy, strong, and balanced. She shares her wisdom about how to prevent dysfunction and pain long-term and gives some great book and podcast recommendations as well. This is a great episode to check out no matter what your experience level or knowledge of yoga is! PLS Yoga

Is it okay to hover over the toilet to pee? Amanda answers this question and explains why this topic is so important for our pelvic floor health!

This episode is for all you moms-to-be and new moms! Christie Coursey is the owner of Breastfeed Atlanta and a trusted source on all things breastfeeding and breastmilk. Christie, who is an international board-certified lactation consultant and mom of two breastfed children, shares with us some of the benefits of breastmilk, what can hinder or help our milk supply, our rights when it comes to breastfeeding, how something can be natural and normal but NOT easy, and much more! Breastfeed Atlanta Breastfeed Atlanta - Facebook

Is 2019 the year you’re going to get your finances in order? Listen to the unique approach certified financial planner Liz Thomas uses to help her clients achieve their financial goals. If you’re looking to maximize your finances and align them with your life’s vision, this episode is for you! As a financial consultant with Nora Wealth Liz develops initiatives to promote financial literacy and wellness in the community. Prior to becoming an advisor, she focused on helping clients understand their options around life insurance, annuities, and long-term care as part of their holistic financial plan. After earning her undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and serving in the finance industry for 8 years, Liz attended Emory's Financial Planning Certificate Program and earned her CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation. Her passion is educating clients about the long-term benefits of prioritizing their future selves, and helping families to improve their financial wellness. She has led over 40 webinars and seminars on topics of investments, budgeting, financial planning & debt management.

Is it okay to hold it in if we need to go to the bathroom? (Yes, we’re talking # 2!) How about holding in pee or gas? Amanda answers these questions and explains why this topic is so important for our health!

In this first episode of Season Two, Amanda talks with Jill Wener, MD of Conscious Health Meditation and Wellness in Kirkwood, Atlanta. The only Conscious Health (also known as Vedic) Meditation instructor in Georgia, Jill completed her training in Rishikesh, India in April, 2016. She specializes in teaching meditation and stress reduction techniques to healthcare professionals from all fields and anyone else looking to manage stress and improve their physical and emotional health. After 10+ years practicing internal medicine in a busy urban hospital, Dr. Jill Wener knows firsthand what severe stress and burnout feel like. In the midst of her own burnout, she was introduced to Conscious Health Meditation, and it had a profound effect on her resilience and reactivity. Like many healthcare professionals, Jill was initially skeptical of spiritual practices. However, as she learned the science behind Conscious Health Meditation, she embraced the training and marveled at the results of the practice. Jill tells us how Vedic is different from other types of meditation and why meditation is so beneficial for both adults and children. She also shares with us the impact of a daily meditation practice on her life and how everyone can see meaningful improvements.

Dr. April grew up in a small town south of Atlanta - Sharpsburg, Georgia - and enjoyed a memorable childhood with her mom, dad, and two sisters. It is no mere chance that she decided to serve others through the healing power of chiropractic. Her grandfather was a pioneer in the profession and two uncles are in practice today. Years ago, while on a mission trip in the Dominican Republic, she had the opportunity to share chiropractic adjustments with thousands of people, many of whom were children. It was there that April realized her own mission was to create a healing center where people could experience their path to a greater life beginning at birth. Today she is fulfilling her life's purpose as a chiropractor serving families at the Café of Life in Grant Park, and there is no question that a special place resides in her heart for adjusting children. Today Dr. April is known to be an intuitive healer, which shows up in her chiropractic care. She enjoys connecting with animals and achieved her certification for animal chiropractic in 2014. Her center in Grant Park brings together many types of practices, all with the idea of integrating holistic, life-giving services under one roof. Dr. April is a member of Café of Life International and International Chiropractic Pediatric Association. She is certified through International Veterinarian Chiropractic Association to adjust animals. She also serves as a LifeForce 1000 doctor and a P.E.A.K Extension Faculty doctor at Life University. In this last episode of Season One, Dr. April shares about her own healing journey after an injury, discusses what she sees most women dealing with nowadays, and how important it is to listen to our bodies. “Our bodies do not lie, and they are always working for our greatest good.” Working with a chiropractor and learning to listen to and honor our bodies are only some of the suggestions she makes for optimal health. Listen to learn more, and to hear what resources Dr. April shares with us. Kumbay’all will return in February 2019 with Season Two. We hope you have a wonderful holiday season and look forward to bringing you more exciting resources and insights in the New Year!

In this episode, Amanda talks with Derona King, Coordinator and Executive Director of Citizen Advocacy of Atlanta & DeKalb. Derona started working with Citizen Advocacy in 1993 and has been in her current role since 2007. Citizen Advocacy has been supporting the Atlanta and DeKalb communities since 1977 and is a non-profit that creates and supports relationships between ordinary citizens and those with developmental disabilities who are at risk of social exclusion. Listen in to learn about social devaluation and what Citizen Advocacy is doing to combat it. Please share this with anyone whom you feel might be interested in learning more!

Debra MacIntyre is a naturopath, board-certified by the American Naturopathic Certification Board, with 40 years of experience in health and wellness - first as a health club manager for 16 years, then as a nutritionist and naturopath. She holds a nutrition certification from American Health Science University as well as a Naturopathic degree from Trinity School of Natural Medicine, and has had advanced training in Biological Medicine with Dr. Thomas Rau (medical director of Switzerland's Paracelsus Clinic), NAET allergy elimination with Dr. Devi Nambudripad, and homeopathic hormone rejuvenation with the California College of Natural Medicine. She's been in private practice since 1994 in her Roswell practice, Vitality Project, and was voted Best Naturopath in Atlanta 4 years running in Best Self's annual “Best Of” contest. Listen in as Debra and Amanda discuss what the environment can do to our health, and how we can all fix it!

Caitlin Samson, MSACN, MS, is a nine-time marathoner who has worked as a fitness director and has experience in medical research, health coaching, personal training, and nutritional counseling. She is the author of "The Rheumatoid Arthritis Cookbook: Anti-inflammatory Recipes to Fight Flares and Fatigue." Her own healing health journey is what started her interest in nutrition. She no longer suffers from rheumatoid arthritis, digestive issues, PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome), fatigue, or anxiety. She is the owner and founder of True Food and Wellness in Smyrna, GA providing nutritional services to all ages. Some of her top areas of interest include digestive wellness, autoimmune conditions, autism, and women's health - specifically hormonal balance and preconception care. She has a Master's degree in Applied Clinical Nutrition from New York Chiropractic College, as well as a Master's degree in Exercise Science from the State University of New York at Buffalo. Her undergraduate degree is in Biology from the State University of New York at Geneseo. Caitlin also has a passion for fitness and holds certifications with the American College of Sports Medicine: Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist, Certified Cancer Exercise Trainer, and Certified Personal Trainer. Listen in to learn the top things Caitlin recommends we all can do in order to prevent disease and live our best life possible.

Dr. Amanda Shipley breaks down some common myths surrounding the pelvic floor in this series. The first myth she dispels is that painful sex is normal. She also gives general information on what the pelvic floor is and how you would know if you have pelvic floor dysfunction, and clarifies the difference between the vagina and vulva - terminology that is important for every woman to know!

Delta Brogden is the owner and personal trainer behind The Delta Method (Change is Now Fitness) in Midtown Atlanta, Georgia. He is a personal trainer unlike any other you have experienced! Check out this interview for his numerous nuggets of wisdom. This episode is great for anyone who is looking to make a positive change in their life!

Dr. Katrina Cryder, Chiropractor and Applied Clinical Nutrition Counselor, grew up receiving chiropractic care as a young child to eliminate suffering from chronic earaches. After the adjustments proved successful, the earaches disappeared and therefore sparked her interest in becoming a healer. She first began working in a chiropractic office at age 16 after school and was inspired by gentle chiropractic practices as a way to help the body self-heal. She then went on to receive her Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Life University in Marietta, Georgia and in 2010 fulfilled her dreams and opened a holistic wellness center of her own in Sandy Springs, GA. As a certified Applied Clinical Nutrition Counselor, Dr. Katrina specializes in the care of natural health improvement and performance enhancement in all facets of life. She offers the very best in natural supplements and homeopathic care to help optimize total health in the body. Her philosophy is that bodies can heal themselves and that informed patients are able to make the best choices for their health care needs. Check out our first interview with Dr. Katrina Cryder! Her second daughter (pictured with us) is only 10 weeks old here! Dr. Katrina and Dr. Amanda discuss how stress isn’t going anywhere, how chiropractic care can help, and how we all need to be compassionate towards ourselves and incorporate more movement into every day. Enjoy!

Kumbay'all is a podcast hosted by Dr. Amanda Shipley, pelvic physical therapist and owner of Renew Pelvic Health in Atlanta, GA. In this first episode she gives a little background information on herself and insight into why she started this podcast.