The Heavy Flow Podcast

We're replaying the Best of Heavy Flow while we're on hiatus over the summer! Hit subscribe to get new episodes in the fall. This week I'm chatting with Holly Grigg-Spall, author of Sweetening the Pill: Or How We Got Hooked On Hormonal Birth Control. In this episode Holly gives us a 101 about how hormonal birth control really works and some of the common misconceptions we're often told about the pill; the importance of fertility awareness education in making truly informed birth control choices; how hormonal birth control affects sexuality and we ask, does being critical of the pill make you anti-feminist? CW: sexual assault  Connect with Holly:  Website Facebook Sweetening The Pill: How We Got Hooked On Hormonal Birth Control Resources mentioned in this episode:  How does the pill work? Woman now empowered by everything a woman does I receive an affiliate commission from some of the links above.  Production Assistance: Vocal Fry Studios

We're replaying the Best of Heavy Flow while we're on hiatus over the summer! Hit subscribe to get new episodes in the fall. Today I’m talking to Lisa Hendrickson-Jack, Fertility Awareness Educator, Holistic Reproductive Health Practitioner and host of the Fertility Friday podcast. In this episode, we talk about the fertility awareness method, how hormonal birth control really affects our hormonal health, the long history of suppressing the feminine and how reclaiming the power of our menstrual cycles is key to dismantling the patriarchy. What we discussed: Lisa’s experience with hormonal birth control and how it led her to become a holistic reproductive health practitioner What is Fertility Awareness The three main fertile signs: cervical mucus, basal body temperature and cervical positioning How hormonal birth control really affects our hormonal health, both when we’re on it and transitioning back to natural cycles Using your menstrual cycle as a diagnostic tool for what’s out of balance in your health an

We're replaying the Best of Heavy Flow while we're on hiatus over the summer! Hit subscribe to get new episodes in the fall. Today I'm talking to Abby Norman, author of Ask Me About My Uterus. We discuss Abby's experience with painful periods and endometriosis, how women's pain has been normalized in our culture, and the changing period narrative and why pain needs to be a part of that conversation. What we discussed:  Abby’s early experience with painful periods The debilitating pain that changed her life forever Our culture of discounting and disregarding women’s pain How we prime young women for a lifetime of pain The importance of discussing pain in the new period conversation Connect with Abby:  Website Instagram Twitter Facebook Resources mentioned in this episode: Ask Me About My Uterus Call Your Girlfriend  I receive an affiliate commission from some of the links above. This helps to support Heavy Flow at no extra cost to you! Subscribe & leave a review:  If you're into Heavy Flow, please subscr

We're replaying the Best of Heavy Flow while we're on hiatus over the summer! Hit subscribe to get new episodes in the fall. This week I'm talking to Dianne Bondy, yoga teacher, social justice activist and leading voice of the Yoga For All movement. We're taking a break from talking about periods to discuss creating brave spaces, inclusivity and accessibility in the wellness community, how mainstream media and marketing has distorted wellness as something to be bought and sold, body positivity, diet culture and emotional eating. Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Email | RSS Connect with Dianne: Website Instagram Facebook Resources mentioned in this episode: From Safe Spaces to Brave Spaces Virgie Tovar Jess Baker Health at Every Size “Lisa Frank BoPo” and Why It’s Just Not Enough Ultra Spiritual Life Episode 66: Coconut Oil Kills The Beauty Myth Malcolm Gladwell’s Revisionist History Podcast I receive an affiliate commission from some of the links above. Production Assistance: Vocal Fry Studios

We're replaying the Best of Heavy Flow while we're on hiatus over the summer! Hit subscribe to get new episodes in the fall. Today I’m talking to Dr. Lara Briden, naturopathic doctor and author of the Period Repair Manual. We are going back to basics and learning all the things we didn’t back in health class: what a normal menstrual cycle and period is like, the importance of ovulation, using your period as a monthly health report card and why you should care about your ovulatory health even if you're not interested in having a baby. What we discussed: Why ovulation and menstrual health is important beyond baby making The various phases of the menstrual cycle and what’s normal for each How to recognize signs of ovulation What are anovulatory cycles and some of the causes behind them The difference between your period and the bleed you get on hormonal birth control How long a period should be and what your flow should look like in terms of colour, clotting and volume Some of the causes of period pain and whe

We're replaying the Best of Heavy Flow while we're on hiatus over the summer! Hit subscribe to get new episodes in the fall. Today I’m talking to Samantha Zipporah, a holistic sexual health educator, activist, & advocate. We talk about holistic abortion care, the value of the uterus beyond childbearing, saying no to say yes and the healing power of orgasm. CW: abortion, miscarriage This episode was supported by Know Your Endo. What we discussed: How Samantha’s work inspired the Heavy Flow Podcast! Reframing all pregnancy outcomes as “pregnancy release” Supporting physical, spiritual and emotional healing after an abortion and why the approach should be the same regardless of how the pregnancy was released How the technocratic method of medical care differs from holistic care Harnessing the vital life force of our uterus and acknowledging the sacred yes Why body literacy and education are keys to a positive termination experience for patients and care providers The healing power of orgasm Connect with Sa

We're replaying the Best of Heavy Flow while we're on hiatus over the summer! Hit subscribe to get new episodes in the fall. This week I'm talking to Jana Girdauskas of The Period Purse about menstruating while homeless, the changing period conversation, making menstrual products more accessible and how you can help, and why we love our cups! Listen now Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Email | RSS Connect with The Period Purse: Website Facebook Instagram Twitter Donate to The Period Purse Resources mentioned in this episode: Out in the Open Podcast Scotland to Provide Free Tampons and Towels in Pilot Tackling 'Period Poverty' New York City Council Approves Free Tampons and Pads in Schools, Prisons, Shelters Kiran Ghandi Why 2015 Was the Year of the Period Production Assistance: Vocal Fry Studios

Today I'm talking to Jennifer Weiss-Wolf, menstrual activist, author of Periods Gone Public and a contributor to Periods: Twelve Voices Tell the Bloody Truth, about the politics of periods. This is the last episode of Heavy Flow for this season! We'll be taking a hiatus over the summer and replaying some of our favourite episodes while we're away. Subscribe to my newsletter to get updates on book news, the new season of the pod and other exclusive content I only share in email. See you in September! Listen now: [powerpress] Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Email | RSS What we discussed: The New Year's Day moment that ignited Jennifer's passion for menstrual activism "The Year of the Period" The policy agenda shaping the fight to remove taxes on menstrual products and ensure access across the US, state-by-state Period: Twelve Voices Tell the Bloody Truth, a new collection of essays and the first YA book to take on menstruation as a social-political-cultural issue Connect with Jennifer:  Website Instag

Today on the show I'm talking to Vienna Farlow, a Holistic Reproductive Health Practitioner intern, aka The Cuntsultant. We talk about healing the wound of internalized misogyny, getting in tune with our bodies as an act of resistance and the tools in Vienna's DIY gynaecology kitbag including fertility awareness, cervical self-exams and menstrual extraction. What we discussed: Vienna's lifelong interest in women's health led her to become The Cuntsultant Healing the wound of internalized misogyny Being our body's own best expert as an act of resistance Using Fertility Awareness Methods (FAM) for body literacy Getting to know your vulva and cervix with self-exams Our respective relationships with speculums and it's sordid history Paying respects to the enslaved black women Lucy, Betsey and Anarcha, the mothers of modern gynaecology Menstrual extraction Connect with Vienna:  Website Instagram Facebook Resources mentioned in this episode:  Sister Zeus Taking Charge of Your Fertility Periods Gone Public Justis

Today I'm talking to Josh Gitalis, a clinical nutritionist and functional medicine practitioner, about how to understand our own blood work and why it's important. What we discussed: How Josh came to be a nutritionist and functional medicine practitioner What is functional medicine? Where to start when learning to read your own bloodwork The difference between lab ranges and optimal ranges How to talk to your doctor to request testing and blood work Using your knowledge about your own bloodwork to advocate for yourself Why figuring out what works for you is the best health advice Testing for thyroid issues and the test your doctor may be missing Connect with Josh:  Website Instagram Twitter Facebook Resources mentioned in this episode:  Register for the Magic of Menstruation Workshop – June 20th Why You Should Own Copies of Your Blood Work And How to Read The Results Lab Tests Online Your Blood Never Lies Grain Brain Brain Maker GrassrootsHealth Josh's Facebook live on thyroid health Advanced Clinical Focu

Today on Question Period Amy Sutherland, founder of Harlot, joins me to answer a listener question about how to manage the stress of making positive changes to support your hormonal health and fertility when stress is so detrimental to hormonal health and fertility. What we discussed:  How period stigma and a lack of menstrual cycle education contributes to overwhelm when learning to chart Getting permission to not do all of the things Why pleasure and joy trumps everything else Using a journal to track how you feel + cultivate gratitude Learning to trust and listen to your own body Why making changes for your hormonal health is to play the long game Connect with Amy:  Website Harlot  Instagram Facebook Twitter Resources mentioned in this episode:  The Period Repair Manual WomanCode Subscribe & leave a review:  If you're into Heavy Flow, please subscribe in iTunes and write a review - that's the best way to support the show and help others find this podcast! Music Credit: Julia and Bradley of Home Stud

Today I'm talking to Carinne Chambers-Saini, CEO and co-founder of Diva International. We talk about the business of menstruation, the challenges Carinne and her team faced growing Diva Cup, why mainstream distribution was so important to their vision and the role menstrual product manufacturers play in menstrual equity. What we discussed: How Diva Cup got it's start The challenges Carinne and her team faced growing Diva Cup Why being on-shelf in major drug-stores was integral to Diva's vision The importance of the environment and sustainability when it comes to Diva's mission The role of menstrual product manufacturers in menstrual equity Connect with Carinne + Diva Cup: Website Diva Cup on Twitter Carinne Chambers-Saini on Twitter Diva Cup on Instagram Diva Cup on Facebook Resources mentioned in this episode:  Question Period: What are the best menstrual products to use?  Question Period: How do I choose a menstrual product?  Whitewash: Exposing the Health and Environmental Dangers of Women's Sanitary Pr

Today on Question Period we're talking about Menstrual Hygiene Day and why simply handing out pads isn't enough when it comes to menstrual equity. Resources mentioned in this episode: Menstrual Hygiene Day Episode 2 - Menstruating while homeless with Jana Girdauskas Episode 14 - Breaking Down India's Period Taboos with Aditi Gupta Episode 30 - Smashing Menstrual Stigma at Home and Abroad with Sabrina Rubli Menstruators need more than something to bleed on PeriodEquity.org Femme International The Red Tent Project The Period Purse Subscribe & leave a review:  If you're into Heavy Flow, please subscribe in iTunes and write a review - that's the best way to support the show and help others find this podcast! Music Credit: Julia and Bradley of Home Studios Graphic Design: Rachel Laird

Today I’m talking to Tasha Jade, founder of Daily Magic, about her experience with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome, a condition that causes the vagina and uterus to be underdeveloped or absent. We discuss Tasha's MRKH experience, gender identity and wax on "what makes a woman?"  Listen now: [powerpress] Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Email | RSS What we discussed: What is Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome How MRKH shows up in Tasha’s body and how she was diagnosed Heteronormative treatment options for those with MRKH How being diagnosed with MRKH made Tasha question gender and sexuality The tension between Tasha’s Catholic upbringing and treatment; and how her diagnosis shaped her spiritual journey Gender-identity and what makes a woman? Connect with Tasha: Website Instagram Twitter Facebook Resources mentioned in this episode: Heavy Flow Episode 17 with Bianca Sprague Subscribe & leave a review:  If you're into Heavy Flow, please subscribe in iTunes and write a revi

Jessica Dixon, a Registered Holistic Nutritionist, joins me to share what the hell adaptogens are and how we can use them to support our hormonal health. Plus Jessica shares a recipe for energy bites for happy hormones. What we discussed:  What is an adaptogen and how do they work? The difference between adaptogens and adaptogenic herbs How adaptogens promote hormonal health by supporting the HPA-axis Why adaptogens are supportive and not a silver bullet for health and wellness Adaptogens for happy hormones: maca, ashwagandha, reishi, holy basil/tulsi, shatavari, he shou wu + shizandra berry How did get adaptogens into your daily rotation in smoothies, elixirs, bites and more Where to buy good quality adaptogens and how to store them Connect with Jessica:  Website Instagram Resources mentioned in this episode: Sun Potion Foursigmatic Moon Juice  Health Hut Harmonic Arts  Selected studies: ashwagandha, adaptogens + stress, ashwagandha + anxiety, maca, schisandra + rhodiola, adaptogens + the nervous system 

This week on the show I’m talking to Mary Wong, a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner and author of Pathways to Pregnancy. We talk about fertility, integrating conventional and holistic fertility treatments, the importance of being open and why Mary is a fierce advocate for fertility awareness.  This episode of Heavy Flow is supported by bebo mia inc, a training and mentorship organization for women in the maternal health field. Register for their new Fertility Specialist Certification and save 25% when you use promo code HEAVYFLOW before May 30.  What we discussed:  How listening to Mary’s story influenced my own work as a holistic nutritionist following my traumatic birth experience Mary’s path to becoming a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner How conventional and holistic approaches to fertility differ Mary’s personal fertility journey and how it changed how she approaches her work with clients The importance of the menstrual cycle in TCM Why we need to be open to options and avoid judging oth

This week I'm joined by Natasha Marchand, COO of bebo mia inc and Baby & Me Fitness, to tell us what a fertility doula is. This episode of Heavy Flow is supported by bebo mia inc, a training and mentorship organization for women in the maternal health field. Register for their new Fertility Specialist Certification and save 25% when you use promo code HEAVYFLOW before May 30.  What we discussed:  The differences between a birth doula and a fertility doula How a fertility doula can provide support during your fertility journey The changing conversation around infertility How to find a fertility doula or support person Reducing the stress and finding joy when facing fertility challenges How yoga can help your fertility journey Connect with Natasha: Website Instagram Twitter Facebook Resources mentioned in this episode:  FertilityMatters.ca Subscribe & leave a review:  If you're into Heavy Flow, please subscribe in iTunes and write a review - that's the best way to support the show and help others find

Today I’m talking to Sabrina Rubli, founder and executive director of Femme International, about menstrual health management in East Africa, and smashing stigma at home and abroad.  This episode of Heavy Flow is supported by Lunapads, makers of smart, sustainable alternatives to disposable menstrual products. Visit Lunapads.com to find out why we love them and use code HEAVYFLOW for 15% off any order. What we discussed:  How Femme International started as a pilot-project in college Why Femme takes an education-based approach instead of just handing out menstrual products The benefits of reusable menstrual products in East Africa How missing school because of menstruation affects girls The importance of educating boys and the community at large plays in Femme International’s work How menstruation unites women and talking about it opens up a safe space for girls to ask other questions about sex, reproductive health, assault and other important topics The menstrual myths we tell ourselves in North America Conn

This week on Question Period, how to tell when you're in your fertile phase and ovulating. This episode of Heavy Flow is supported by Lunapads, makers of smart, sustainable alternatives to disposable menstrual products. Visit Lunapads.com to find out why we love them and use code HEAVYFLOW for 15% off any order. What we discussed:  When ovulation is likely to occur in your cycle How to look for signs of ovulation even if you have an irregular cycle The three main signs of fertility: cervical fluid, cervical positioning and temperature Pain during ovulation, known as mittlesmerchz Other symptoms that may signal a hormonal shift Resources mentioned in this episode: Taking Charge of Your Fertility, Toni Weschler Fertility Awareness Method Workbook, Ashley Hartman Annis (she'll teach you charting too!) Vienna Farlow, the Cuntsultant Lisa Hendrickson-Jack, Fertility Friday Learn to chart using the Justisse Method I receive an affiliate commission from some of the links above. This helps to support Heavy Flow at

This week I’m talking to Jenna Lovell, founder of My Missing Factor, about her experience with Von Willebrand disease, how it affects her menstrual and overall health, and the gender disparity in bleeding disorder treatment. This episode of Heavy Flow is supported by Diva Cup, a sustainable, easy-to-use, cost-effective and eco-friendly menstrual cup. What we discussed:  How Jenna’s horrific early periods led to her to be diagnosed with Von Willebrand disease (VWD) The common symptoms of VWD How VWD affects your menstrual health without being a reproductive disorder or disease The gender disparity in bleeding disorder treatment Why the birth control pill is often prescribed to women with bleeding disorders, despite factor therapy being the gold standard of treatment The blood taboo How fertility awareness helped Jenna better understand and manage her bleeding disorder Sex and sexuality with a bleeding disorder Connect with Jenna: Website Facebook Instagram Resources mentioned in this episode: Heavy Flow Epis