Determinants of Her Health

About Determinants of Her Health

Exploring the systmes affecting women's health and how we can shape them

Publisher

Allie Felker

Category

health & fitness

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

2 Jun 2026

Latest episode

1 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

14 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   1 Oct 2026

   Pelvic Floor Health with Ingrid Harm-Ernandes

   In this episode, I talk with Ingrid Harm-Ernandes, pelvic floor physical therapist and author of The Musculoskeletal Mystery: How to Solve Your Pelvic Floor Symptoms. We explore the pelvic floor and why dysfunction can cause symptoms far beyond urinary incontinence and sexual pain, including pain that can extend from the lower back to the knees. Ingrid explains the difference between weak and overactive pelvic floor muscles, and why some people experience both tightness and weakness. We also discuss painful sex, the importance of identifying its underlying cause, and why Ingrid has banned the word “Kegel” from her practice. Proper pelvic floor contraction and relaxation are more nuanced than many people realize. Finally, we zoom out to examine systemic barriers to pelvic floor physical therapy, including limited insurance coverage, and how expanding access to care could improve outcomes for patients. Ingrid’s book helps women better understand and describe their symptoms so they can advocate for appropriate care. Learn more about the bipartisan legislation to increase access to pelvic floor therapy here: https://www.apta.org/article/2025/06/24/apta-champions-return-bill-expand-access-pelvic-health-physical-therapy (https://www.apta.org/article/2025/06/24/apta-champions-return-bill-expand-access-pelvic-health-physical-therapy) Find Ingrid on Instagram: @harmernandes LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ingrid-harm-ernandes-5057773b/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ingrid-harm-ernandes-5057773b/) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ingrid.harmernandes.71/ (https://www.facebook.com/ingrid.harmernandes.71/) and the book: “The Musculoskeletal Mystery: How to solve your pelvic floor symptoms” https://desertharvest.com/shop/the-musculoskeletal-mystery-how-to-solve-your-pelvic-floor-symptoms (https://desertharvest.com/shop/the-musculoskeletal-mystery-how-to-solve-your-pelvic-floor-symptoms) Ms. Harm-Ernandes has been a physical therapist for over 40 years and began specializing in Women’s Health 30 years ago. She was the Co-Director and a mentor for the Duke Women’s Health Physical Therapy Residency Program, mentor for new pelvic PTs, and participated in PFDN research. She is board certified in Women’s Health (WCS) and served on committees for both the APTA and AUGS. She published “Assessment of the Pelvic Floor and Associated Musculoskeletal System”, in the FPMRS journal in December 2021. In 2021 she published her book, “The Musculoskeletal Mystery: How to solve your pelvic floor symptoms”. Ingrid also served on committees for both the APTA and AUGS and is a member of the Medical Advisory Committee of the National Menopause Foundation. In addition to national and international speaking engagements, Ingrid has been featured in magazines, podcasts, webinars, on WRAL news, and is “The Pelvic Detective” on YouTube.

2. 

   17 Sept 2026

   Menopause in the Workplace - Gina Thomas and Dr. Sarah Berg

   Menopause can have a significant impact on women’s careers, yet many women feel unsupported or misunderstood in the workplace. Symptoms like brain fog, mood changes, and rage can be met with judgment rather than understanding. Dr. Sarah Berg, a board-certified OBGYN and menopause-certified practitioner, created Selfority to educate and empower women around menopause and women’s health. Gina Thomas, a healthcare professional with more than 40 years of experience, shares her firsthand perspective on navigating menopause and the healthcare system. Together, they discuss the unique challenges of perimenopause, why symptoms can vary so widely, and how brain fog can affect women’s confidence and ability to advance professionally. We also explore the financial cost of menopause in the workplace, estimated at $26.6 billion annually in the U.S. Creating better outcomes requires more education, research, and policy change. And menopause education isn’t just for women experiencing it. It’s for all of us. To learn more, you can visit the Selfority website: www.selfority.com (https://www.selfority.com/) Also check out Dr. Berg’s menopause courses: www.selfority.com/menopause-course (https://www.selfority.com/menopause-course) You can also follow Selfority on LinkedIn and Instagram @selfority You can find Gina Thomas on Instagram @gkthomas10 and on LinkedIn and Facebook as Gina Thomas Dr. Sarah Berg, MD, FACOG, MSCP is a board-certified OB-GYN with more than a decade of clinical practice. She is among a small number of OG-GYNs in the U.S. who also hold practitioner certification from The Menopause Society. After years of spending time in the clinical environment seeing capable women quietly assume they were managing menopause alone, she founded Selfority to close the information gap her patients kept describing. Through Selfority, Dr. Berg translates evidence-based, clinical-grade guidance into clear, actionable education women can use in life, the workplace, and the exam room to get back to feeling better. Gina Thomas, MBA, BSN, RN is a passionate healthcare executive who has served in a number of leadership roles across for profit and non for profit healthcare companies. She most recently served as the Chief Development and Public Relations Officer at Nobis. Gina has witnessed too many personal healthcare debacles and tragedies due to ‘fragmentation’ and lack of trusted information. She is on a mission to fix ‘what’s wrong’ in healthcare through the eyes of a patient, using a forensic approach and as a patient advocate. Today her primary focus is on women’s health as her way to ‘pay it forward’ and give back to friends and family. Grounded from a clinical perspective based on over 40 years of healthcare, operational, consulting, and development expertise, Gina desires to serves as a ‘health coach’ to those navigating how to each their best health.Learn more about Gina through her Linktree. https://www.instagram.com/gkthomas10?utm_source=qr (https://www.instagram.com/gkthomas10?utm_source=qr)

3. 

   3 Sept 2026

   Inequity in Medicine - Dr. Teni Brown

   In this episode, I chat with Dr. Teni Brown, a board-certified urogynaecologist, pelvic reconstructive surgeon, and researcher. We discuss overactive bladder, a condition affecting roughly one in three women, and the impact it can have on quality of life. Dr. Brown shares why she is passionate about breaking the stigma surrounding pelvic health and educating women about their pelvic floors. We also dive into her research published in JAMA Network Open, which uncovered a significant racial disparity in overactive bladder treatment: non-Hispanic Black patients were nearly six times more likely to receive anticholinergic medications over the safer beta-3 agonist alternative. We explore the potential reasons behind this disparity, including medication costs, physician education, and access to newer treatments. Dr. Brown also shares an exciting policy victory in Illinois, where beta-3 agonists were added to the Medicaid preferred drug list in 2025. This conversation highlights the importance of pelvic health education, equitable access to medications, and improving quality of life for women. You can find Dr. Brown on Instagram @teni_brown_md Dr. Teni Brown is a board certified Urogynecology and Pelvic Reconstructive surgeon and scientist at an academic medical center. Her clinical interests include management of pelvic floor disorders including urinary incontinence and vaginal prolapse. Her research focuses on using patient- centered and equity-based approaches to build patients, community, and research collaborations to develop and sustain multi-level interventions to address inequities in care for pelvic floor disorders. Here is a list of the two drug classes: Anticholinergics: Oxybutynin (Ditropan), tolterodine (Detrol), solifenacin (Vesicare), darifenacin (Enablex), fesoterodine (Toviaz), and trospium (Sanctura) Beta 3 agonists: Mirabegron (Myrbetriq) and Vibegron (Gemtesa)

4. 

   20 Aug 2026

   Before a Breath Documentary Recap

   In this episode, I recap ProPublica’s documentary Before a Breath, which explores the stillbirth crisis in the United States. After my son Hank was stillborn in 2020, I became an advocate for stillbirth prevention and served as Policy Director for PUSH for Empowered Pregnancy, where I worked to advance legislation and raise awareness. The conversation around stillbirth is beginning to change. Prevention efforts, research, and increased public health attention are creating opportunities to improve care for families and reduce preventable stillbirths. Sharing stories and supporting prevention organizations can help ensure that no family has to experience this loss in silence. Follow the Determinants of Her Health Podcast on Instagram @determinants.pod (https://www.instagram.com/determinants.pod/) Learn more about stillbirth prevention: www.pushpregnancy.org (http://www.pushpregnancy.org) Learn more about Count the Kicks:countthekicks.org (http://countthekicks.org) Watch the Before a Breath Documentary: www.propublica.org/article/before-a-breath-stillbirth-documentary (https://www.propublica.org/article/before-a-breath-stillbirth-documentary)

5. 

   6 Aug 2026

   Lipedema - Andrea Giancontieri

   Andrea Giancanteri, founder and CEO of The Whiny GYNie, joins me to discuss lipedema, a chronic connective tissue disease that affects millions of women yet remains widely misunderstood. Andrea shares how both she and her mother spent years searching for answers before finally receiving a diagnosis, highlighting the challenges many women face when healthcare providers mistake lipedema for obesity or simple weight gain. Lipedema is a hereditary, hormone-mediated disease that causes painful, disproportionate fat accumulation, inflammation, and swelling, most commonly in the legs and arms. Unlike obesity, lipedema fat does not respond to diet and exercise in the same way and often progresses during periods of hormonal change such as puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. Andrea explains how the lack of physician awareness leaves many women feeling dismissed, blamed, and untreated for years. Andrea also shares her experience undergoing lipedema reduction surgery and discusses current treatment options, including compression therapy, manual lymphatic drainage, low-impact exercise, and GLP-1 medications. We explore emerging research into the condition, its connection to other disorders, and why increasing awareness is essential to improving diagnosis and access to care. Beyond her personal journey, Andrea has become a passionate advocate for legislative change. She discusses her work expanding insurance coverage for lipedema treatment, offers practical advice for individuals interested in policy advocacy, and reminds listeners that meaningful change often begins with simply sharing your story. If you think you may have lipedema, Andrea recommends seeking out providers with experience treating the condition and utilizing trusted resources from organizations like the Lipedema Foundation and Cleveland Clinic. Andrea Giancontieri is the Founder and CEO of The Whiny GYNie LLC, a women’s health advocacy and education platform dedicated to helping people navigate perimenopause, menopause, and the often-overlooked health conditions that disproportionately affect women. Diagnosed with Stage 3 lipedema in 2016, Andrea has spent years navigating the challenges of diagnosis, treatment, surgery, and long-term disease management. Through The Whiny GYNie, she combines her personal experience with a passion for patient advocacy, empowering individuals to ask better questions, seek evidence-based care, and advocate for themselves within the healthcare system. Andrea is a frequent speaker, writer, and women’s health advocate focused on increasing awareness of lipedema, menopause, and the gaps that continue to exist in women’s healthcare. Resources: https://www.lipedema.org (https://www.lipedema.org/) https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17175-lipedema (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17175-lipedema) https://thewhinygynie.com/ (https://thewhinygynie.com/) Coming soon: https://1in9women.com/ (https://1in9women.com/) Find Andrea on Instagram and TikTok @the_whiny_gynie

6. 

   23 Jul 2026

   Breast Health - Lisa Malia Norman

   More than half of women have dense breast tissue, yet many are never told what that means for their breast cancer risk or screening options. In this episode, Lisa Malia, founder of For the Love of Cups, explains why dense breast tissue is both an independent risk factor for breast cancer and a challenge for detecting cancer on a mammogram. We discuss the barriers many women face after receiving a dense breast tissue notification, including inconsistent insurance coverage, delays in follow-up care, and a lack of patient education. Lisa also shares how her own breast cancer diagnosis inspired her advocacy for policies and healthcare systems that improve access to supplemental screening. Whether you're preparing for your first mammogram or looking to better understand your breast cancer risk, this episode provides practical information to help you advocate for your health and navigate the next steps after screening. Please share this with a friend to help raise awareness on supplemental screening for dense breast tissue. Lisa Malia Norman is a women’s health and wellness leader and educator, breast cancer survivor, mama, and nonprofit CEO ending disparities and delay of care in breast cancer screening for women with dense breast tissue. She is the Founder of Evoke Feminine Leadership Institute and an embodied leadership coach, helping people connect to their innate wisdom, trust their intuition and embody their sacred purpose so they can step into matriarchal leadership to access a life of deep satisfaction, clarity and unapologetic joy. She earned a Master of Science in Midwifery and practiced for many years as a Midwife supporting women during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. After her breast cancer diagnosis in 2014 Lisa expanded her services and shifted her focus toward breast density notification policies, access to care and a more holistic approach to supporting people facing breast cancer. You can find Lisa on Instagram: @lisamalia.evoke (https://www.instagram.com/lisamalia.evoke/) and on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisamalianorman/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisamalianorman/) and learn more through these resources: The Clear Pathways Program Breast Health Resources: https://www.breastdensitysummit.org/clear-pathways-resources-research (https://www.breastdensitysummit.org/clear-pathways-resources-research) The Breast Density Summit: https://www.breastdensitysummit.org/summit-registration (https://www.breastdensitysummit.org/summit-registration)

7. 

   16 Jul 2026

   Perimenopause with Dr Lillian Medhus

   In this episode, Dr. Lillian Medhus explains perimenopause and why this transition into menopause can feel as significant as puberty. We discuss the hormonal changes behind common symptoms like sleep disturbances, anxiety, brain fog, hot flashes, heavier periods, and the often-overlooked feeling of simply "not feeling like yourself." Dr. Medhus shares why comprehensive hormone evaluation is important, the differences between natural and synthetic hormone therapies, and how lifestyle factors such as sleep, nutrition, and exercise can support women through this stage of life. We also explore the larger systemic challenges surrounding perimenopause, including limited research, gaps in medical education, and why improving provider knowledge is essential for better women's health care. Dr. Lillian Medhus is a Doctor of Nursing Practice, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, and Menopause Society Certified Practitioner. She is the owner & lead NP at Aspire Women’s Wellness, a boutique women’s health practice focused on conditions that are overlooked & undertreated. She provides holistic women’s healthcare for those struggling with hormonal conditions such as perimenopause, endometriosis, PMOS, and sexual dysfunction. She blends functional & conventional medicine to help women thrive. She has extensive post-graduate training in trauma-informed care, hormone management, functional medicine, and sexual dysfunction. Her own health journey guides her work as she strives to provide the care that she needed! Follow Aspire Women’s Wellness on Instagram: @aspirewomenswellness and online: www.aspirewomenswellness.com (http://www.aspirewomenswellness.com/) Resources: www.menopause.org (http://www.menopause.org/) Let’s Talk Menopause | Symptoms | Education | Advocacy (https://www.letstalkmenopause.org/) Menopause Symptom Tracker | ACOG (https://www.acog.org/womens-health/health-tools/menopause-symptom-tracker) www.isswsh.org (http://www.isswsh.org/) NMF_MenopauseSymptomChecklist_FINAL_fillableform_6-3-23.pdf (https://nationalmenopausefoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/NMF_MenopauseSymptomChecklist_FINAL_fillableform_6-3-23.pdf) Books: Estrogen Matters The New Perimenopause

8. 

   9 Jul 2026

   PMDD with Phoebe Williams

   In this episode, Phoebe Williams, founder of the PMDD Project, shares her journey to being diagnosed with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) and discusses why so many people struggle to receive an accurate diagnosis. We discuss how PMDD can affect mood, identity, relationships, and daily life, as well as the importance of symptom tracking, finding knowledgeable healthcare providers, and exploring treatment options. Phoebe also highlights the urgent need for greater awareness, research, and education so fewer people suffer without answers. Resources: The PMDD Project: https://thepmddproject.org/ (https://thepmddproject.org/) Instagram: @thepmddproject The PMDD Project Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@the-pmdd-project (https://www.youtube.com/@the-pmdd-project) The PMDD Project Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5CcCRdx1R3dGA0NIxhziEc?si=e4060aad1e594b88 (https://open.spotify.com/show/5CcCRdx1R3dGA0NIxhziEc?si=e4060aad1e594b88) International Association for Premenstrual Disorders (IAPMD): https://www.iapmd.org/ (https://www.iapmd.org/)

9. 

   3 Jul 2026

   Bonus Episode - Dr. Kittinger on Purity Culture

   In this episode, licensed psychologist Dr. Shelby Kittinger explores the origins of purity culture, its connection to high-control religion, and the lasting impact these belief systems can have on mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. We discuss how purity culture fosters shame around sex, body distrust, rigid gender roles, and the belief that women are responsible for men's thoughts, behaviors, and desires. Dr. Kittinger explains how these messages can contribute to confusion surrounding consent, self-blame after sexual violence, and a loss of personal authority over one's own body. We reflect on the challenges of deconstructing these beliefs, learning to trust our own instincts, and reclaiming authority over our bodies and lives. While this process can be painful, it can also lead to greater freedom, healing, and self-trust. Dr. Kittinger is the owner of Compassionate Collective and specializes in religious trauma. She provides virtual therapy for clients in California, Oregon, and Washington. You can learn more by following Dr. Kittinger on Instagram and visiting her website! Instagram: @dr.shelbykittinger Website: www.compassionatecollectivepw.com (http://www.compassionatecollectivepw.com) Email: drkittinger@compassionatecollectivepw.com

10. 

    30 Jun 2026

    Purity Culture - Brenda King

    In this episode, Allie and Brenda explore the lasting impact of purity culture and growing up in high-control religion. They discuss how messages about virginity, sexuality, and women's worth shape relationships with our bodies, our instincts, and ourselves. The conversation examines the shame surrounding sex, the connection between purity culture and conditions like vaginismus, and the ways religious teachings can disconnect women from their intuition. Allie and Brenda also challenge the perfectionism embedded in purity culture, arguing that rejecting these beliefs creates space for authenticity, self-trust, and healing. Finally, they discuss sexuality, sensuality, and what it means to reclaim a healthy relationship with pleasure outside the narrow framework purity culture provides. Brenda King is an intimacy coordinator and author of On Her Knees: Memoir of a Prayerful Jezebel. Her work explores the sacred, the sensual, and the complexities of being human. Find Brenda on Instagram @brenzmarie or email brenzmarie@gmail.com.

11. 

    23 Jun 2026

    Chronic Pain - Dr. David Clarke

    Content Warning: This episode briefly discusses suicide and child abuse. In this episode, Dr. David Clarke shares how an unexpected patient case led him to specialize in neuroplastic symptoms. These are real physical pain and illness caused by the brain's response to stress and trauma rather than an underlying physical condition. We discuss how trauma, anxiety, and depression can manifest as chronic pain, why these symptoms are often misunderstood, and how patients can begin addressing the root causes of their suffering. Dr. Clarke also explores the gender and racial disparities in pain treatment, particularly for women and women of color. Finally, we examine how greater awareness of neuroplastic conditions can improve patient outcomes while helping physicians better support patients with unexplained symptoms and reduce professional burnout. David D. Clarke, MD, is President of the Association for Treatment of Neuroplastic Symptoms (Symptomatic.me). He is also Clinical Assistant Professor of Gastroenterology Emeritus at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) in Portland, Oregon, USA. He is board-certified in Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine and has diagnosed and treated over 7000 patients whose symptoms were not explained by organ disease or injury. His book for patients, They Can’t Find Anything Wrong!, was praised by the president of the Society for Biobehavioral Science and Medicine as “truly remarkable.” His podcast is called The Story Behind the Symptoms, where he interviews patients to find the cause of their pain or illness, much as he did in his practice for decades. You can find Dr. Clarke on social media @daveclarkemd To learn more about neuroplastic symptoms and perform the self-assessment, visit (http://www.symptomatic.me/)www.Symptomatic.me (http://www.symptomatic.me)

12. 

    16 Jun 2026

    Intersex- Michelle Vande Hey

    Michelle learned she was intersex, having XY chromosomes, when she was 15 years old. This led to a lot of confusion about her identity and sexual expression in a time with limited resources and cultural understanding about intersex variations. Michelle went on to have surgery to reduce the perceived risk of cancer. She later learned that the risk was negligible, and these surgeries are often performed to “fix” genitalia and make intersex individuals more “normal”. Michelle reveals that these interventions are often not medically necessary; however, they indicate what our culture values. Interestingly (and frighteningly), legislation that limits gender affirming care for Trans individuals leaves an exception for people who are intersex. These surgeries may be performed on children as young as infants. People are afraid of the unknown, and it’s easy to approach these topics with a feeling of hesitation. Above all, people with intersex variations need to be recognized as people, completely normal and free from scrutiny or invasive procedures. Intersex is not something that is scary or rare. About %1.7 of people are born intersex. Compare this to %2 of people who are redheads and %.3 of people who are identical twins. I hope you enjoy this episode and my conversation with Michelle! Michelle Vande Hey is a Conscious Leadership & Trauma-Sensitive Coach, Author, Speaker & Advocate. She helps changemakers and caregivers rediscover who they are, reclaim their joy and own their power. As a Holistic Life Coach, Trauma Sensitive Yoga Facilitator, and host of the Love Your Life On Purpose podcast, Michelle guides leaders to break free from self-sacrifice and burnout to reconnect with who they are outside of what they do. Connect with Michelle Vande Hey: https://www.instagram.com/michellevandehey/ (https://www.instagram.com/michellevandehey/) https://www.facebook.com/lightoflovemichelle/ (https://www.facebook.com/lightoflovemichelle/) https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-vandehey (https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-vandehey) https://www.youtube.com/@michellevandehey (https://www.youtube.com/@michellevandehey) Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2434859 (https://www.buzzsprout.com/2434859) Resources: InterACT - Advocates for Intersex Youth https://interactadvocates.org/ (https://interactadvocates.org/) Michelle’s When Story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZlTc2xFRf0 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZlTc2xFRf0)

13. 

    9 Jun 2026

    Jaye Wilson - Black Maternal Health

    In this episode, I’m joined by Jaye Wilson of Melinated Moms to discuss the Black maternal mortality crisis and the urgent need for accountability, advocacy, and systemic change. We explore how implicit bias shapes maternal healthcare experiences and outcomes, and why listening to and believing Black mothers is essential. With 80% of maternal deaths considered preventable, these conversations are not only necessary they are lifesaving. Jaye shares how advocacy, legislation, and community engagement intersect with reproductive justice and maternal health. We also discuss the broader impact of voting rights, environmental justice, and social determinants of health on Black and marginalized communities. This conversation is a powerful reminder that Black maternal health is a collective issue. “When we make birth safer for Black women, it becomes safer for all women.” Learn more about Melinated Moms at www.melinatedmoms.com (http://www.melinatedmoms.com)  and connect with Jaye on social media @melinatedmoms Black Mamas Matter Alliance: http://blackmamasmatter.org/

14. 

    2 Jun 2026

    Introducing: The Determinants of Her Health

    I am so excited to begin this journey with you! Each week, we will examine a different aspect of women’s health with topics ranging from black maternal health to PMDD, chronic pain, purity culture, and more. We’ll chat about specific examples, then zoom out to see the systemic issues driving them. This gives both a bottom-up and top-down look into the structures that determine our health and well-being. Each episode will give you tools and resources to advocate for yourself and the broader community of women working to shape healthcare in America. In this introductory episode, I explain two frameworks that will be utilized throughout this podcast. Reproductive Justice is defined by SisterSong as “the human right to maintain personal bodily autonomy, have children, not have children, and parent the children we have in safe and sustainable communities.” This framework will guide our conversations as we uncover the systems that promote and impede the upholding of justice. Second, the social determinants of health (where our name comes from!) are the framework that examines how non-medical conditions affect our health and wellbeing. These include: Economic Stability, Education Access and Quality, Healthcare Access and Quality, Neighborhood and Built Environment, and Social and Community Context. I also examine my own story, one of loss and hope. Henry Justice Felker (Hank) is my first child. He was stillborn on July 1st, 2020, after his umbilical cord compressed multiple times. Zooming out, there are systemic factors that led to his death, and issues that perpetuate stillbirth in the U.S. Follow on Instagram @determinants.pod and email me determinantspod@gmail.com

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