In this episode, Amanda recounts her transformative journey into the New Year following a challenging 2023. She shares the adventure of relocating to a different state, unveils future plans, and candidly explains the decision to temporarily halt the Period to Pause podcast. Witness themes of resilience and personal growth in the face of change as you tune in. Amanda’s New Year road trip How Amanda intends to build a community for womxn Hard-hitting facts about healthcare management for womxn What’s to come for Amanda this year: plans to introduce food, wine, and culture Why Amanda is pausing Period to Pause Resources mentioned in this episodeBumble YouTubeTikTokChelsea HandlerInstagramAbout Hazel ButtersHazel Butters is a sales trainer, speaker, and coach. She helps unenthusiastic salespeople to improve their sales pace, processes, and results – and have fun during the sales process. Armed with a phone and a copy of the Yellow Pages, she grew her first company to $3.2 million, which allowed her to expand her business from the UK to the United States. More than 1,200 entrepreneurs have attended her live 'Pick Up the Phone' and 'Sales Calls: What to Say After Hello' workshops. Alongside the team at Prompt Inc., she delivers Draft & Drill, a two-day intensive boot camp for early-stage sales teams, which has been attended by governments, startups, and Fortune 1000 company teams across America and Europe.Hazel resides in Massachusetts and helps sales teams across the globe improve results and maintain momentum in spite of market changes.Support the show!Want to learn more about us? Visit our website at www.periodtopause.com or send an email to amanda@periodtopause.comFollow us on Instagram: @periodtopauseFollow our Facebook Page: Period to Pause

As we wrap up Period to Pause’s Top Episodes of 2023, join Amanda as she dives deep into her personal quest for happiness. Listen in for raw honesty, unexpected insights, and a nuanced exploration of the sometimes messy, always evolving quest for inner peace.Top 3 memorable experiences from Amanda’s travels across EuropeA story of a love that could never beWhy you should maintain your standards for the individuals who come into your lifeLife-changing lessons from her tripDifferences in the lifestyle in America and EuropeSupport the show!Want to learn more about us? Visit our website at www.periodtopause.com or send an email to amanda@periodtopause.comFollow us on Instagram: @periodtopauseFollow our Facebook Page: Period to Pause

Join us in the third episode of our engaging retrospective series as we explore pivotal insights into womxn's health, healthcare, and data. Bethany Corbin leads a compelling discussion, shedding light on crucial considerations for womxn. Tune in now for this thought-provoking conversation. Female reproductive rights in the post-Dobbs era and how you should be mindful of the menstrual tracking apps you are usingThe unjust disparities in navigating the reproductive health landscape for men and womxn Powerful methods for protecting womxn's rights to data privacy and reproductive healthRisks in period and pregnancy tracking apps and what you can do to prevent your data from being monetized  Womxn’s health tracking apps that are the most data-hungry and those that have the best data privacy protection Resources mentioned in this episodeSurfshark About Bethany CorbinAs a healthcare innovation and femtech attorney, Bethany is on a mission to help thought-leading companies revolutionize the global womxn’s health sector. She founded FemInnovation, which helps transform and disrupt “standard” care delivery for womxn’s health through specially tailored legal and educational programs, thought leadership, and advocacy. Bethany is a recognized leader and was named among the Top 200 Trailblazing Leaders in Women’s Health and Femtech.Bethany’s strategic insights have been featured in top news outlets. She has testified about the importance of data privacy for reproductive health before the Maryland Cybersecurity Council’s Ad Hoc Committee on Consumer Privacy. She is an Advisory Board Member for Kisaco Research’s Women’s Health Innovation conference series. She is also a recipient of the 2023 Champion in Healthcare Award by the Global Health Conferences.Connect with Bethany Website: Femtech Lawyer Podcast: Legally FemtechLinkedIn: Bethany Corbin | FemInnovation Support the show!Want to learn more about us? Visit our website at www.periodtopause.com or send an email to amanda@periodtopause.comFollow us on Instagram: @periodtopauseFollow our Facebook Page: Period to Pause

As we continue our look back to Period to Pause’s top episodes of 2023, we delve into the impactful intersection of womxn and sports. Haley Shapley joins us to discuss the unpacking the profound shifts observed within our generation. Tune in for an insightful conversation on reshaping perceptions and empowering womxn in sports and beyond. History of womxn in fitness and sportsThe struggles of female athletes from genetic-based stereotyping Menstruation myths and how they affect womxn’s access to opportunity How historical scare tactics shaped the idea of menstrual side effects What makes resistance and strength training holistically beneficial Why is being physically fit a lifestyle viable to anyone at any age?Resources mentioned in this episodeStrong Like Her by Haley Shapley | Kindle and Hardcover Katie Sandwina Abbye “Pudgy” StocktonWill Keith KelloggBritish Boxing Board of ControlKatherine Switzer Boston MarathonAbout Haley ShapleyHaley Shapley is an award-winning journalist, a certified group fitness instructor, and the author of Strong Like Her: A Celebration of Rule Breakers, History Makers, and Unstoppable Athletes, which traces the previously untold history of womxn who defied convention in pursuit of physical strength.Haley has contributed to Teen Vogue, Shape, Self, Shondaland, Forbes Health, and hundreds of other publications. When she's not writing, she's usually working toward a fitness goal; past pursuits have included running a marathon, riding her bike 200 miles, and competing in a bodybuilding show.Connect with HaleyWebsite: Haley ShapleyInstagram: @haleyshapleySupport the show!Want to learn more about us? Visit our website at www.periodtopause.com or send an email to amanda@periodtopause.comFollow us on Instagram: @periodtopauseFollow our Facebook Page: Period to Pause

Celebrate the new year with a flashback to Period to Pause's top episodes of 2023. In this episode, Jeanne Andrus delves into the intricacies of menopause, offering insights and sparking engaging conversations. Tune in for a compelling exploration of this vital topic as we kick off 2024.How hormonal performance is affected during perimenopauseWhy prioritizing healthcare matters while you ageFetishizing of young women and the societal narrativeThe importance of marriage compatibility in approaching midlife Resources mentioned in this episodeDisneyI Just Want To Be Me Again by Jeanne Andrus | Kindle and PaperbackWhere Is My Wife And What Have You Done With Her by Jeanne Andrus and Jesse Andrus | Kindle and PaperbackAbout Jeanne AndrusJeanne Andrus is a menopause guru who managed her menopause naturally and holistically. After quitting her corporate job, she became a personal trainer, and her practice grew into what she calls Menopause Mastery Coaching.Now, she's on a mission to spread the knowledge she's gleaned to women everywhere through her podcast "Menopause Matters," her book, "I Just Want to Be ME Again!" and through appearing on podcasts like this one.Connect with Jeanne Website: Menopause Matters Podcast: Menopause MattersFacebook: Menopause MattersFREE Sleeping Tips by clicking Get Better Sleep!Support the show!Want to learn more about us? Visit our website at www.periodtopause.com or send an email to amanda@periodtopause.comFollow us on Instagram: @periodtopauseFollow our Facebook Page: Period to Pause

In this episode, Amanda provides a holiday update and outlines her New Year plans. Tune in to discover practical strategies for reflecting on the past year, facilitating personal growth, and embracing the opportunities that the upcoming year holds.Amanda’s interesting Christmas Day celebrationWhy make an annual reflection instead of a resolutionSimple exercises to reflect on the past year and attract positive energy for 2024 Biggest regret people have at the end of lifeResources mentioned in this episodeEP69: Seeking Happiness: Amanda’s Story of Romance, Reflection, and Radical Self-DiscoveryMel RobbinsSupport the show!Want to learn more about us? Visit our website at www.periodtopause.com or send an email to amanda@periodtopause.comFollow us on Instagram: @periodtopauseFollow our Facebook Page: Period to Pause

Discover the profound impact of a simple question as Amanda concludes each episode of Period to Pause with, "What gives you hope right now?" In this compilation, Amanda unveils the diverse and touching responses from her guests, offering a glimpse into the sources of hope that resonate with them. Join the conversation and explore the uplifting and heartfelt moments that unfold when individuals reflect on what brings them hope in the present moment.Resources mentioned in this episodeDiscover a world of captivating stories and fascinating conversations by listening to the full episodes featured in this compilation by visiting this link: https://shorturl.at/hnEZ9.Support the show!Want to learn more about us? Visit our website at www.periodtopause.com or send an email to amanda@periodtopause.comFollow us on Instagram: @periodtopauseFollow our Facebook Page: Period to Pause

Join Amanda as she talks about this time of year, the challenges people face, and reassures you that it is ok to spend this time of year alone. Tune in for her insights on embracing the holiday spirit while recognizing the struggles of  being single and childfree for the holiday seasonWhy the holidays can be a challenging time for childless or childfree peopleAsk yourself questions to navigate what is right for you this holiday seasonWhat you can do to ease the loneliness of the holiday seasonResources mentioned in this episodeDo you want to belong in a community for women who want to create their own lives in a way where they feel best? Email the word “COMMUNITY” to amanda@periodtopause.com.Join the Facebook community here: www.facebook.com/groups/unticktheboxes/Support the show!Want to learn more about us? Visit our website at www.periodtopause.com or send an email to amanda@periodtopause.comFollow us on Instagram: @periodtopauseFollow our Facebook Page: Period to Pause

Explore this deep conversation with Dr. Beck Hoehn as she details conventional fertility treatment to help womxn conceive quickly, safely, and naturally. Learn about this tried-and-true Eastern practice to feel empowered in starting your pregnancy journey today! Key takeaways to listen forHow acupuncture helps increase womxn’s fertilityEnvironmental factors that influence fertility Expert tips for people trying to get pregnant Advantages of consulting an acupuncturist with herbal therapy trainingReasons why you should try eastern acupuncturePowerful benefits of supporting womxn’s healthcare Resources mentioned in this episodeGet Pregnant Guide American Board of Oriental Reproductive MedicineThe Positive Pregnancy Project About Dr. Beck Hoehn Dr. Beck is a Los Angeles-based board-certified acupuncturist who treats pain, digestive disorders, stress, and hormonal imbalances and specializes in supporting women’s wellness and fertility.She is committed to helping patients lead a better life and collaborates with them on personalized wellness plans. Dr. Beck believes in small, achievable weekly goals that comprise a larger victory on the road to better health. Dr. Beck received a master’s degree with honors from Emperor’s College of Oriental Medicine and her doctorate in fertility acupuncture from the Pacific College of Health Sciences. She is board-certified both nationally and in the state of California. In addition, Dr. Beck is also an active member of the American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine (ABORM).  Through ABORM, she pursued additional specialized training in reproductive health and fertility acupuncture and held the distinction of being an ABORM fellow.Connect with Dr. BeckWebsite:  Dr. Beck Hoehn | Mighty River Wellness ClinicSupport the show!Want to learn more about us? Visit our website at www.periodtopause.com or send an email to amanda@periodtopause.comFollow us on Instagram: @periodtopauseFollow our Facebook Page: Period to Pause

In this episode, Amanda takes center stage as she engages in a candid interview with her close friend, Hazel Butters. Reflecting on the past year, Amanda shares a profound account of the pivotal life choices that have reshaped her journey.Amanda recalls where she was one year ago at this time Reasons why people stay in relationships they know aren’t working How Amanda realized that she should start dating again An interesting concept of home What’s in store for Amanda’s life, business, and Period to PauseResources mentioned in this episodeTinderBumbleInstagram The VinoKarma ProjectYouTubeEP82: Periodical: The Film Breaking Taboos and Promoting Period Awareness with Lina Lyte PlioplyteAbout Hazel ButtersHazel Butters is a sales trainer, speaker, and coach. She helps unenthusiastic salespeople to improve their sales pace, processes, and results – and have fun during the sales process. Armed with a phone and a copy of the Yellow Pages, she grew her first company to $3.2 million, which allowed her to expand her business from the UK to the United States. More than 1,200 entrepreneurs have attended her live 'Pick Up the Phone' and 'Sales Calls: What to Say After Hello' workshops. Alongside the team at Prompt Inc., she delivers Draft & Drill, a two-day intensive boot camp for early-stage sales teams, which has been attended by governments, startups, and Fortune 1000 company teams across America and Europe.Hazel resides in Massachusetts and helps sales teams across the globe improve results and maintain momentum in spite of market changes.Support the show!Want to learn more about us? Visit our website at www.periodtopause.com or send an email to amanda@periodtopause.comFollow us on Instagram: @periodtopauseFollow our Facebook Page: Period to Pause

Today, we are thrilled to have award-winning Documentary Filmmaker Lina Lyte Plioplyte join us for a crucial conversation about her newly released film Periodical. During our conversation, we discuss menstruation, menopause, and the experiences that people who have a uterus face. Tune in to contribute to breaking taboos and fostering greater awareness about menstruation today.Why did Lina make the documentary film “Periodical”An essential educational tool to promote period equityThe film's impact on talking about important movements related to periodsHow conversations about menstruation and menopause have become more accepted in today’s societyWhat surprised Lina the most while making the film?The importance of listening to your own bodyResources mentioned in this episodePeriodicalEP13: The Tampon Tax, Period Poverty, and Menstrual Equity with Laura StrausfeldMSNBCPeacockClue AppEP59: Bridging The Gap Between Womxn’s Health, Law, and Technology with Bethany CorbinAbout Lina Lyte PlioplyteLina Lyte Plioplyte is a documentary filmmaker and a camera person hailing from Lithuania. Her work has been awarded an Emmy, Clio, and a Silver Lion and has been shown on MTV, PBS, Venice Biennale, Hot Docs, and IDFA. Lina's feature-length directorial debut was ADVANCED STYLE (2014), currently streaming on Amazon after a successful run on Netflix. The recent feature documentary PERIODICAL, a story about the menstrual cycle, continues the theme of championing women and is premiering at SXSW. Lina's cinematography, acknowledged with an Emmy, champions the natural light and intimacy with those she films.Connect with LinaWebsite: LYTE FILMS Instagram: @lina_lyteLinkedIn: Lina Lyte PlioplyteSupport the show!Want to learn more about us? Visit our website at www.periodtopause.com or send an email to amanda@periodtopause.comFollow us on Instagram: @periodtopauseFollow our Facebook Page: Period to Pause

Today, Amanda is joined by Gina Mundy as she shares a recent experience that pushed her to write a book advocating for safer childbirth. She sheds light on the significance of adequately preparing for this pivotal life event, imparting her expertise on common issues and inspiring us with her learned lessons over the years.How Gina came up with the idea of writing the book on safer childbirth Common facts and issues in childbirth cases The importance of preparing for childbirth and designating a baby advocate The mentality families need to have when preparing for labor and deliveryWhat moms-to-be and their baby advocates must know before the big day Resources mentioned in this episodeA Parent’s Guide to a Safer Childbirth by Gina Mundy | Hardcover and PaperbackAbout Gina MundyGina Mundy is an attorney that specializes in childbirth cases. For over two decades, she has analyzed the mistakes that are made during labor and delivery. Drawing on this knowledge, she has authored a book for parents aimed at preventing these mistakes. Rather than merely getting involved after an unfortunate mistake was made, Gina has taken a proactive approach by getting involved before childbirth. Her goal is to assist parents in preventing these mistakes and help them have a healthy baby. Gina believes that while we cannot change the past, we can certainly learn from it and take measures to prevent similar mistakes from occurring in the future.Throughout her career Gina has traveled nationwide, engaging with healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses, and midwives to explore all aspects of labor and delivery. These interactions have provided her with invaluable insights, enabling her to appreciate the diverse perspectives prevalent in different regions of the country. Collaborating with experts from various states, she has explored and analyzed the myriad of issues that can arise during labor and delivery, impacting both mother and baby.Gina has conducted extensive research, meticulously analyzing, and dissecting countless studies pertaining to childbirth. This rigorous process was essential in equipping her with the necessary knowledge to undertake lengthy cross-examinations of a diverse array of experts. Through these examinations, she skillfully discerns their opinions on the errors that have occurred during labor and delivery. This has sharpened her knowledge allowing her to become highly proficient in the nuances of childbirth.In her capacity as legal counsel, Gina has closely worked with delivery teams whose care has been questioned following adverse outcomes. She has spent thousands of hours meticulously scrutinizing cases, conducting interviews with delivery teams, and thoroughly examining medical records to gain an in-depth understanding of every decision made during labor and delivery.Connect with Gina Website: Gina MundyInstagram: @ginamundyEmail: gm@ginamundy.comSupport the show!Want to learn more about us? Visit our website at www.periodtopause.com or send an email to amanda@periodtopause.comFollow us on Instagram: @periodtopauseFollow our Facebook Page: Period to Pause

In this episode, Amanda recounts the very beginning of her podcasting journey. She delves deep into the valuable lessons she's learned from transformative episodes and gives us a sneak peek into what's in store for the future. Stay tuned as she embraces the challenge of forging ahead and bringing her vision to life in the episodes to come.1. Powerful reasons why Amanda started her podcasting journey2. Life-changing lessons from several eye-opening Period to Pause episodes 3. What’s to come for Period to Pause: Introducing food, wine, and travel experiences4. Answering the million-dollar question everyone asks5. The importance of owning your worth and power6. What is next for the community and creating changeResources mentioned in this episodeEP35: Eliminating Black Maternal Inequalities Through Birth Equity with Megan SimmonsEP42: Destigmatizing Ageism for an Equitable Society with Ashton ApplewhiteEP51: Moving Through Betrayal for Transformation and Growth with Dr. Debi SillberThe PBT® InstituteEP59: Bridging The Gap Between Womxn’s Health, Law, and Technology with Bethany CorbinEP61: In Pursuit of Liberation and Reproductive Justice with Sabia WadeEP63: Flourishing Relationships and Pioneering Change for LGBTQ+ Community with Keely Antonio and Dani MaxEP72: Bedroom Secrets From a Certified Sex Therapist with Heather ShannonEP76: F YES: Ditching Toxic Family Members and Creating Healthy Boundaries with Melody MurrayEP77: Beyond Disability: Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges, & Brave Conversations with Kevin McShanEP69: Seeking Happiness: Amanda’s Story of Romance, Reflection, and Radical Self-DiscoveryThe VinoKarma ProjectInstagramMessengerReach out to Amanda if you want to learn more about her upcoming events or transformational excursions: amanda@periodtopause.com

On today’s podcast, we have an enlightening discussion about the groundbreaking changes telemedicine has made in the healthcare landscape. We talk to Dr. Cat Brown, Board Certified OB/GYN who specializes in menopause and transforming women’s healthcare by offering personalized patient care.1. The role of telemedicine in improving womxn’s access to better healthcare 2. Symptoms of menopause and perimenopause 3. Winona: how their telehealth process works, accessible therapies, and menopause care4. Hard-hitting facts about health insurance companies and their impact on the healthcare system5. Why medical professionals must practice trauma-informed care About Dr. Cat BrownDr. Cat is a board-certified OB/GYN leading Winona, a company revolutionizing women’s health by offering plant-based HRT treatment, compounding pharmacies, free bi-monthly webinars, and personalized online patient care and support groups to women suffering from menopause-related symptoms. Dr. Cat served in army bases for 12 years, caring for female soldiers and female dependents of active-duty soldiers until she was honorably discharged. Dr. Cat has spent much of her career educating physicians in women’s health, and she currently serves as the site director and obstetric hospitalist at Chester County Hospital in West Chester, PA. Unfortunately, there are lots of stigmas connected to menopause, and women aged 45-55 (35-59 for perimenopause) often carry shame connected to their menopause symptoms, which can include weight gain, anxiety, depression, low libido, hot flashes, and mood swings. To offer support, Dr. Cat helps host biweekly Winona Webinars to answer any questions and concerns about menopause symptoms and treatment options. Additionally, she also helps host a membership-free support group on Facebook called Winona Women, which has 7k members.Connect with Dr. CatWebsite: Winona Facebook Page: By WinonaFacebook Group: Winona WomenInstagram: @drcatobgynSupport the show! Want to learn more about us? Visit our website at www.periodtopause.com or send an email to amanda@periodtopause.comFollow us on Instagram: @periodtopauseFollow our Facebook Page: Period to Pause

Dr. David Bilstrom joins Amanda on today’s episode to talk about a prevalent reason women are dying and how it is entirely preventable.  He shares the reasons why now  is the time for a transformative approach to women’s health, preventative measures that can be taken, and how to increase longevity.1. Defining estrogen dominance and its impact on women's health2. The diagnostic tests and markers for detecting estrogen dominance3. Estrogen-based treatments and how they impact the body4. Practical ways to advocate for women’s health5. Downsides of the underrepresentation of women in the healthcare systemResources mentioned in this episodeScripps Memorial Hospital La JollaThe Nurse Practitioners’ Guide to Autoimmune Medicine by Dr. David Bilstrom | Audiobook, Kindle, Paperback, and HardcoverTake back your health today! Join Dr. David Bilstrom’s 7-day course and learn how to solve the root cause of autoimmune disease and stop spending thousands of dollars on unnecessary treatments! Visit Medical Bill Detox and sign up for FREE at https://drdavidbilstrom.com/medicalbilldetox/Empower yourself with the knowledge of how and why autoimmune disease occurs, and uncover the science-based Functional Medicine approach to its reversal and prevention. Get lifetime access to the course and its updates, live Q&A session with Dr. Bilstrom, and more by visiting https://david-bilstrom.mykajabi.com/autoimmunehope Are you a nurse practitioner who’s tired of the traditional medicine approach that doesn’t holistically address the root cause of why patients have disease? In this FREE masterclass, you will learn key protocols to help your patients. Register here https://edu.drdavidbilstrom.com/npfreemasterclass to elevate your practice and empower your patients!About Dr. David BilstromDavid Bilstrom, MD, is the Medical Director of the International Autoimmune Institute and Bingham Memorial Center for Functional Medicine. For over 35 years, Dr. Bilstrom has been a physician specializing in functional medicine, physical medicine, rehabilitation, and chronic disease management. He is board-certified in the following: Functional and Regenerative Medicine, Integrative Medicine, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and Medical Acupuncture. For the past 20 years, he has focused on using Functional Medicine to help thousands of patients a year reverse autoimmune and chronic disease. He often helps patients who have seen five to fifteen doctors or visited leading medical universities without relief. Connect with Dr. BilstromWebsite: Dr. David Bilstrom, Autoimmune Medicine DocYouTube: David Bilstrom - Autoimmune Functional Medicine MDSupport the show! Want to learn more about us? Visit our website at www.periodtopause.com or send an email to amanda@periodtopause.comFollow us on Instagram: @periodtopauseFollow our Facebook Page: Period to Pause

In this episode, Kevin McShan shares his personal journey of being repeatedly turned down for jobs due to his disability, highlighting the prevalent biases within the employment sector, and how we can get back to embracing the humanity in all of us. Explore the hard-hitting facts about disability employment and learn how you can contribute to building an inclusive society. 1. Kevin’s formative years and how they shaped his interaction with his peers2. The importance of diversity, equity, and inclusivity for people with disabilities 3. Defining success and prosperity in breaking down barriers 4. Ways to combat disability discrimination in the workplace 5. Why people should celebrate their lives and others’ lives alsoResources mentioned in this episodeDiscover Ability NetworkAbout Kevin McShanKevin is a graduate of St. Clair College’s Journalism, Print, and New Media Program. He has an extensive history of promoting employment equality for individuals with disabilities, most recently as the Job Developer and Enhanced Employer Support Facilitator with the YMCA of Windsor-Essex County. Kevin worked with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce on the Discover Ability Network project in the region of Windsor-Essex. In this role, he was responsible for linking businesses to the Discover Ability Network website, an online job matching portal for employers and job seekers with a disability.Kevin was instrumental in the implementation of the WEareAble Project. The Project was a new initiative in Windsor-Essex aimed to educate local business and hiring managers about the benefits of hiring individuals with disabilities. By eliminating the barriers and stereotypes, we can create a positive pathway toward these individuals gaining competitive employment within our community. The project lasted 13 months and resulted in individuals with disabilities securing employment.Connect with Kevin Website: Kevin McShanPodcast: Lets Have This ConversationYouTube: Let's Have This ConversationSupport the show! Want to learn more about us? Visit our website at www.periodtopause.com or send an email to amanda@periodtopause.comFollow us on Instagram: @periodtopauseFollow our Facebook Page: Period to Pause

Today Melody Murray tackles toxic family relationships and childhood trauma and gives valuable insights on breaking free from trauma bonds and living authentically. Learn how to set boundaries and take care of unresolved childhood trauma. 1. Boundaries a womxn should set in navigating toxic family relationships 2. What does unresolved childhood trauma look like in adult womxn? 3. The value of mindful parenting styles and ways to break generational trauma4. Womxn’s dilemmas around motherhood, limited access to abortion, healthcare, and reproductive rights in the U.S.5. A powerful reason why womxn should define their own happiness, success, and libertyAbout Melody MurrayMelody is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Child Mental Health Specialist in private practice. She also does presentations on Suicidal Ideation, Self-Care, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), Mental Health, and social Media Secondary Trauma. She is a former Mental Health Evaluator at Seattle Children's Hospital ER who assessed patients for suicidal and homicidal ideation. She co-facilitated Suicide Assessment and Treatment training for Seattle's Children's medical staff.Before becoming a therapist, she spent several years in film, television, and casting as a producer and director. She was also an actor, hosted a children's show, and performed standup comedy. She has a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University, Los Angeles, and is a member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists and the Producers Guild of America. Connect with Melody Website: Mental Health CounselingInstagram: @melodylmftSupport the show! Want to learn more about us? Visit our website at www.periodtopause.com or send an email to amanda@periodtopause.comFollow us on Instagram: @periodtopauseFollow our Facebook Page: Period to Pause

Join Amanda in a stirring narrative following Martina Clark's journey from being diagnosed with HIV in 1992 and defying the prognosis of being given 5 years to live, to thriving three decades later. Tune in as she challenges stereotypes, advocates for HIV awareness and education, and sparks a vital shift in societal perspectives.1. The prejudice received for being diagnosed with HIV and the decades of stigma surrounding it2. Drawbacks of women's underrepresentation in HIV clinical trials3. What it's like to age with HIV and its impact on a woman’s body4. Advice for women recently diagnosed with HIV5. Assistance programs and cost of treatment for people with HIVResources mentioned in this episodeWomenHIV.org The Daily | Apple Podcast and SpotifyWhy One Drug Company Held Back a Better DrugMy Unexpected Life by Martina Clark | Kindle, Audiobook, and Paperback UNAIDSADAP DirectoryAbout Martina ClarkIn 1992, Martina Clark was told she had HIV and maybe a “good five years to live.” Today, 31 years later, Martina Clark is a professor and the award-winning author and narrator of My Unexpected Life: An International Memoir of Two Pandemics, HIV and COVID-19. She writes memoirs, personal essays, and travel narratives. Before teaching, she worked for the United Nations system (including UNAIDS, UNICEF, and Peacekeeping) for decades. She has lived with HIV for over half her life – 31 years and counting – and survived COVID-19, the original recipe. Martina has traveled to over 90 countries and conducted condom demonstrations in at least 50. She's traveled by boat, bus, and plane but never by elephant or camel.Connect with MartinaWebsite: Martina Clark Support the show! Want to learn more about us? Visit our website at www.periodtopause.com or send an email to amanda@periodtopause.comFollow us on Instagram: @periodtopauseFollow our Facebook Page: Period to Pause

In this episode, Elizabeth Mikotowicz recounts her harrowing story of surviving domestic violence, battling drug addiction, and experiencing the federal prison system. She sheds light on the profit-driven aspects of America’s prisons and her advocacy for prison reform. 1. Elizabeth’s story of domestic abuse, getting into federal prison, and the dark side of victim-based shelters 2. The negative impact of the patriarchal and misogynistic system in America3. Driving forces behind drug addiction and ways to recover from substance abuse 4. How the American prison became a business and an institution of slavery and sexual extortion against women5. She answers the question,  “What can people do to fight the injustices in the system?”Resources mentioned in this episodeFormer Federal Prison Official Sentenced for Sex OffensesPrison Rape Elimination ActLe GaleristeAbout Elizabeth MikotowiczFive years ago, Elizabeth Mikotowicz was painting murals as a federal inmate due to domestic violence and an injury that left her with permanent brain damage and addiction to opioids. She was turned away from a domestic violence shelter because her injuries were so severe they "put the other women in danger." Drug dealers helped her. She eventually caught drug charges and went to federal prison. She witnessed and endured horrific institutional abuse and racism at every institution. Now, she has her own environmentally friendly clothing brand based on her art sold in stores. She is also working with State Representatives to get bills to protect people- some passed. Connect with Elizabeth Website: EPM Clothing - Le GaleristeLinkedIn: Elizabeth MikotowiczSupport the show! Want to learn more about us? Visit our website at www.periodtopause.com or send an email to amanda@periodtopause.comFollow us on Instagram: @periodtopauseFollow our Facebook Page: Period to Pause

Buckle up for this episode with Amanda reliving her European love affair and the intense reactions it sparked. Tune in for a rollercoaster of emotions, unveiling fragile male egos, jealousy, and intriguing confessions from men that emerged.1. The aftermath of Amanda’s Europe trip and Greek romance 2. Amanda’s interesting encounters with male fragility3. How white male fragility impacts women in the society4. Powerful benefits of being valued and appreciated5. Why should people stop giving unsolicited adviceResources mentioned in this episodeEP69: Seeking Happiness: Amanda’s Story of Romance, Reflection, and Radical Self-Discovery Support the show! Want to learn more about us? Visit our website at www.periodtopause.com or send an email to amanda@periodtopause.comFollow us on Instagram: @periodtopauseFollow our Facebook Page: Period to Pause