Brenda sits down with Imen Maaroufi Clark, founder of Prickly Pear Health, to explore the intersection of women’s brain health, menopause, and emerging technology.
From her roots in Tunisia to her groundbreaking work in health tech, Imen shares how personal experience and scientific curiosity fueled her mission to redefine how women experience midlife. Together, they unpack why menopause is less of a breakdown and more of a brain shift and how hormonal changes, cognitive health, and emotional clarity are deeply intertwined.
This episode dives into the neurological toll of midlife transitions, the promise (and limits) of AI in mental wellness, and the role of generational trauma in shaping women’s health narratives. Imen also reveals how Prickly Pear Health is pioneering voice technology to deliver personalized, proactive mental health support helping women feel seen, supported, and empowered in every stage of life.
If you’ve ever been told “it’s just in your head,” this conversation will make you rethink everything you know about hormones, health, and healing.
In This Episode, We Cover:
✔️ Why 70% of Alzheimer’s diagnoses are in women and why it’s rarely discussed
✔️ How hormonal changes reshape brain health and cognition
✔️ The emotional and cultural silence surrounding menopause
✔️ How voice technology can personalize mental wellness support
✔️ Why generational trauma must be part of the women’s health conversation
✔️ What founders in health tech need to know about empathy and innovation
✔️ Why trusting your intuition can be a radical act of self-advocacy
Timeline
00:00 Introduction to Women’s Brain Health
01:44 Imen’s Background and Global Perspective
07:11 Understanding the Real Challenges of Women’s Health
15:38 Founding Prickly Pear Health: The Why and How
22:12 The Power of Voice Tech for Mental Wellness
28:30 Empathy, Trauma, and Mental Health in Women’s Lives
37:05 Barriers to Advocacy in Women’s Brain Health
43:09 Advice for Emerging Leaders in Health Tech
46:07 Welcome to the RedefineHER Movement
46:35 Your Call to Action: Get Involved
Mentioned in the Episode
🔹 “Midlife isn’t a breakdown, it’s a brain shift.”
🔹 “Your lifestyle will override your genetics.”
🔹 “70% of Alzheimer’s diagnoses are in women.”
🔹 Voice technology as a diagnostic and wellness companion
Connect with Imen
🌐 Website: pricklypearhealth.com
💻 LinkedIn: Prickly Pear Health
📱 Instagram: @pricklypearhealth_
RedefineHER Podcast Credits
🎙 Host: Brenda Armstrong
🎧 Producer: Tarryn Long
💼 Sponsor: CH2 Solutions:
Where Technical Depth Meets Business Agility.
CH2 helps healthcare and healthtech companies modernize legacy systems to scale faster, innovate smarter, and deliver impact where it matters most. Learn more at ch2solutions.com.
📜 Disclaimer
⚠️ This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. ©2025 RedefineHER Podcast. Please share with credit and direct link.
Brenda sits down with Jodi Neuhauser, 4x founder, investor, and visionary builder to unpack what it really takes to fix women’s health at scale.
As the founder of In Women’s Health, co-founder of the Women’s Health PAC, and the driving force behind the soon-to-launch $900M Stealth for Women’s Health initiative debuting at HLTH, Jodi reveals why women’s health isn’t just underfunded, it’s structurally underbuilt.
From the absence of women in clinical trial data to the hard truth that big money moves mountains, Brenda and Jodi dive deep into how tech, policy, and capital must align to rebuild a system that finally works for women.
This episode explores the intersection of innovation and impact, how digital health, reimbursement reform, and venture-scale leadership can drive equity and growth in one of the most overlooked markets in healthcare.
Whether you’re a founder, policymaker, or someone navigating your own health journey, this conversation challenges you to think bigger, build smarter, and back the future of women’s health with both heart and capital.
In This Episode, We Cover
✔️ The funding and clinical trial gaps that hold women’s health back✔️ How policy and PACs can unlock systemic change✔️ The $900M vision for rebuilding women’s health from the ground up✔️ What founders often miss about scaling and exit strategies✔️ How tech and talent fuel sustainable health innovation✔️ Jodi’s path from corporate healthcare to unapologetic system builder✔️ Why leadership in women’s health demands both empathy and audacity
Timeline
00:00 Introduction to Women’s Health Innovation03:56 The Structural Challenges in Women’s Health09:16 Jodi’s Journey and Initiatives in Women’s Health13:08 The Role of Policy in Women’s Health17:04 Creating an Economic Engine for Women’s Health21:32 Leveraging Technology in Women’s Health27:17 Navigating the Landscape of Women’s Health Startups32:37 Advice for Founders in Women’s Health37:15 Personal Insights and Self-Care in Entrepreneurship42:54 Future Opportunities in Women’s Health
Mentioned in the Episode:
🔹 Stealth for Women’s Health — launching at HLTH 2025, Las Vegas🔹 In Women’s Health — www.inwomenshealth.com🔹 Women’s Health PAC — co-founded by Liz Powell and Candace McDonald🔹 Rachel Braun-Scherl — Renowned women’s health entrepreneur and advisor to Jodi🔹 CH2 Solutions — Strategic tech partner for scaling healthcare innovation (ch2solutions.com)
Connect with Jodi:
🌐 Website: www.inwomenshealth.com | www.changewomenshealth.com💻 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jodineuhauser📱 Instagram: @jodi_neuhauser
🧠 Learn more about the Women’s Health Mini-MBA and Mastermind: inwomenshealth.com📍 Join Jodi at HLTH 2025 in Las Vegas – October 19–22
RedefineHER Podcast Credits
🎙 Host: Brenda Armstrong🎧 Producer: Tarryn Long
💼 Sponsor: CH2 Solutions
Where Technical Depth Meets Business Agility.CH2 helps healthcare and healthtech companies modernize legacy systems to scale faster, innovate smarter, and deliver impact where it matters most. Learn more at ch2solutions.com.
📜 Disclaimer ⚠️ This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. ©2025 RedefineHER Podcast. Please share with credit and direct link.
Brenda sits down with Mary Fusillo, fertility industry pioneer and founder of Family Solutions International, to explore the intersection of ethics, empathy, and innovation in family-building.
From her early days as a fertility clinic executive to launching one of the first nurse-led consulting firms in reproductive health, Mary shares hard-won lessons on reshaping how people experience the path to parenthood.
Together, they dive into the ethical gray zones of assisted reproduction, the emotional toll of fertility journeys, and the entrepreneurial drive it takes to build compassionate solutions in a high-stakes industry.
Mary also reveals how empathy-driven leadership and ethical frameworks can transform the business of fertility, reminding us that behind every innovation is a human story.
In This Episode, We Cover
✔️ The ethical challenges shaping today’s fertility industry
✔️ How empathy can guide innovation in family-building services
✔️ Mary’s journey from fertility clinic executive to industry consultant
✔️ The emotional realities of fertility struggles and patient burnout
✔️ Balancing rapid innovation with ethical responsibility
✔️ What it takes to lead with compassion while scaling a business
✔️ The future of ethical entrepreneurship in reproductive health
Timeline
00:00 Introduction to Mary Fusilo and Family Solutions International
03:49 The Evolution of Family Solutions International
06:32 Personal Journey and Challenges in Fertility
09:42 The Changing Landscape of IVF and Patient Care
12:46 Ethics and Pricing in Fertility Services
15:50 Navigating the Emotional Journey of Family Building
18:47 The Importance of Education and Counseling
21:58 Red Flags in the Fertility Industry
25:22 Technology's Role in Fertility Treatment
28:29 The Intersection of Bioethics and Fertility
31:42 Future Directions in Fertility Services
45:18 Exploring Ethical Dilemmas in Fertility
51:21 Navigating the Complexities of IVF
56:40 The Role of Technology in Fertility Treatments
01:03:41 The Impact of AI and Genetic Testing
01:06:15 Insurance and Government's Role in Reproductive Health
01:11:10 The Emotional Journey of Building a Family
01:20:59 Introduction to Redefine Her Podcast
01:21:26 Call to Action for Engagement
Mentioned in the Episode:
Maven Clinic provides a comprehensive guide.
AMA supports insurance coverage for fertility treatments.
Fertility Fraud is a legit concern.
Kabuki Springs Day Spa in San Francisco's China Town.
Learn how IVF works, the importance of coverage, and how employers can offer support.
Connect with Mary Fusillo🌐 Website: https://familysolutionsinternational.com/
💻 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thedonorsolution/
📱 Social: https://www.facebook.com/3SistersSurrogacy/
🎧 Podcast: @the_eggsplanation_pod
RedefineHER Podcast Credits
🎙 Host: Brenda Armstrong
🎧 Producer: Tarryn Long
💼 Sponsor: CH2 Solutions connects purpose-driven organizations with top-tier nearshore engineering talent—helping you build high-performing, diverse teams without compromising on quality, speed, or budget. Whether you're scaling a health tech platform or launching your next innovation, CH2 delivers expert support that aligns with your mission and moves your vision forward.
📜 Disclaimer ⚠️ This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. ©2025 RedefineHER Podcast. Please share with credit and direct link.
In this powerful episode of RedefineHER, host Brenda Armstrong sits down with Judith Nowlin, maternal health innovator, FemTech pioneer, and CEO of Nest Collaborative to uncover the systemic failures in postpartum care and the bold innovations reshaping breastfeeding support.
From her early days as a childbirth educator and doula to founding iBirth and scaling Nest Collaborative into the nation’s leading virtual lactation platform, Judith shares what it really takes to build solutions that work for moms.
Together, they unpack the hidden barriers families face, including insurance illusions, cultural biases, and systemic gaps, and reveal how technology, advocacy, and payer reimbursement can finally bring equity to maternal care.
Judith also opens up about the emotional toll of breastfeeding struggles, the intersection of mental health and postpartum burnout, and the importance of balancing startup life with self-care and family.
This is an unfiltered conversation about postpartum care, innovation, and the future of maternal health.
In This Episode, We Cover
✔️ Why so few U.S. infants are exclusively breastfed at 6 months and what systemic failures are behind those numbers
✔️ The hidden illusion of “network adequacy” in insurance coverage for lactation care
✔️ How Nest Collaborative’s telehealth model is expanding access to real support for families
✔️ Judith’s journey from doula to FemTech founder
✔️ Why payer reimbursement could be the most radical innovation in women’s health today
✔️ The emotional and mental health impact of breastfeeding struggles on new mothers
✔️ How self-care rituals, including Judith’s morning coffees, anchor resilience and balance
✔️ The future of postpartum advocacy and why equity in maternal health cannot wait
Timeline
00:00 The Postpartum Marathon
02:10 Barriers to Breastfeeding
05:24 Judith's Personal Journey
11:28 The Role of Education in Childbirth and Breastfeeding
17:57 Identifying Gaps: The Need for Postpartum Support
19:59 The Birth of iBirth: Bridging the Education Gap
27:23 Transitioning to Nest Collaborative
32:08 Navigating the Gray Areas of Healthcare
34:07 The Power of Collaborative Decision Making
36:09 Integrating Technology in Maternal Care
38:08 The Journey of iBirth and Baby Scripts
39:54 Advising Female Founders in Health Tech
41:42 The Role of Nest Collaborative in Postpartum Care
42:31 Reimagining Breastfeeding Support through Telehealth
47:13 Addressing Mental Health in Maternal Care
51:42 Building Trust and Accessibility in Lactation Services
58:16 Navigating Insurance and Reimbursement Challenges
01:03:28 Navigating Insurance Challenges in Lactation Care
01:08:34 The Role of Advocacy in Maternal Health
01:12:53 Self-Care Strategies for Healthcare Professionals
01:18:06 Creating a Supportive Environment for New Parents
01:22:44 The Future of Women's Health Advocacy
Mentioned in the Episode:
Connect with Judith Nowlin
RedefineHER Podcast Credits
📜 Disclaimer ⚠️ This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. ©2025 RedefineHER Podcast. Please share with credit and direct link.
#PostpartumCare #BreastfeedingSupport #MaternalHealthInnovation #NestCollaborative #JudithNowlin #VirtualLactation #WomensHealthTech #LactationConsultant #MaternalMentalHealth #FemTechLeadership #BreastfeedingEquity #PayerReimbursement #InsuranceGaps #Ibirth #Babyscripts #FutureOfMaternalHealth #WomensHealthPodcast #Breastfeeding
Welcome to the RedefineHER Podcast, where Women's Health Innovation meets real-world impact.
In this episode, your host, Brenda Armstrong sat down with Sarah Klein, founder of Anu Yoga School, teacher, mother, myth-lover, and guide for those ready to return to themselves.
Sarah has two B.S. degrees from the University of Vermont in Health Psychology and Human Development and Family System studies.
She is an E-RYT-500 with well over 500 hours of training. She is a certified Health and Wellness coach through the Institute of Integrative Nutrition, with continuing education in hormonal health and Ayurvedic studies.
Since 2008, Sarah has considered herself privileged to share and serve by spreading the spark of Yoga.
She sees sharing Yoga as a true honor. She intends to convey the teachings of Yoga from the heart, igniting a fire of self-curiosity in her students and inspiring them to pursue a lifelong practice as a path for personal growth.
Sarah believes that through the potent teachings of Yoga, we can shift humanity's current trajectory.
Together they explored the honest, messy, and beautiful path of yoga teacher training, not just for those who want to teach, but for those who are ready to remember who they are.
In This Episode, We Cover:
✔️ How Sarah’s journey from health coach to yoga educator revealed a deeper calling
✔️ The transformative power of the 8 limbs of yoga and Patanjali’s Sutras
✔️ What mythology teaches us about ourselves as modern women
✔️ Why self-study isn’t selfish, it’s sacred
✔️ How yoga teacher training creates a ripple effect across families, communities, and generations
Timeline:
00:00 Introduction
02:15 The Path of Yoga
05:30 From Corporate Wellness to Anu Yoga School
10:45 The Psychological Aspect of Wellness
15:00 Commitment and Consistency
20:30 Anu Yoga School's Approach
25:00 Conclusion and Call to Action
Connect with Sarah Klein:
RedefineHER Podcast Credits
🎙 Host: Brenda Armstrong – https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendaarmstrong1/
🎧 Producer: Tarryn Long – https://www.linkedin.com/in/tarrynlong/
💼 Sponsor: ITEOM Talent Partners | Connecting purpose-driven organizations with top-tier talent to build thriving, diverse teams.
More at redefineherpodcast.com
📜 Disclaimer:⚠️ This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. ©2025 RedefineHER Podcast. Please share with credit and direct link.
#AshtangaYoga #YogaPhilosophy #EmbodiedMythology #YogaTeacherTraining #ConsciousMovement #TantricYoga #HeartCenteredYoga #DivineFeminine #YogaAndStorytelling #BhaktiYoga #SpiritualAwakening #SomaticHealing #MythicalStorytelling #BreathworkHealing #SacredMovement #AwakenYourShakti #InnerAlchemy #YogaForEmpowerment #LivingYourDharma #EnergeticAlignment #ChakraActivation #MysticYoga #ShadowWorkYoga #YogaSoulJourney #YogaAndMyth #EmbodiedWisdom #SacredFeminine #VinyasaFlow #YogaLife #YogaPodcast #YogaCommunity #FeminineEmbodiment #YogaWisdom #SacredPractices #EmbodiedRitual #YogaMagic #YogaTransformation #GoddessEnergy #YogaForWomen #ConsciousYoga #YogaHealing #MythAndMovement #ArchetypalHealing #SpiritualYoga #YogaJourney #YogaStudioLife #TantricWisdom #YogaIntuition #SomaticStorytelling #YogaAwakening #YogaConsciousness #ModernMysticism #DharmaJourney
In this powerful episode of RedefineHER, host Brenda Armstrong sits down with Joanna Balogh-Reynolds, VP of Product Strategy at Progyny, to explore how women’s health is undergoing a digital, clinical, and cultural revolution.
From her early days as a transplant ICU nurse to now leading industry defining partnerships, including Progyny’s innovative collaborations with Oura Ring and Cigna, Joanna shares what it really takes to redesign healthcare with continuity, compassion, and collaboration at its core.
Together, they unpack the emotional and economic cost of fragmented care, the hidden impact of menopause and chronic conditions in the workplace, and why point solutions are no longer enough.Joanna makes a bold case for integrated women’s health strategies, solutions that are data-driven, tech-enabled, and designed for the realities of women’s lives.
In This Episode, We Cover:
✔️ Why fragmented care models are failing women and how Progyny is solving it
✔️ How the Progyny x Oura Ring partnership is uncovering real-time symptom data
✔️ Why pelvic floor therapy should be standard in women's health coverage
✔️ The emotional and financial cost of unmanaged menopause in the workplace
✔️ A spotlight on Midovia, the new workplace accreditation for menopause support
Timeline:
00:00 Redefining Women's Health
02:42 Joanna's Journey from Nursing to Leadership
05:40 The Importance of Integrated Care
08:25 Barriers to Quality Care for Women
11:11 Building Effective Partnerships in Healthcare
13:58 Understanding Women's Health Needs
16:30 The Role of Technology in Women's Health
19:06 Wearable Tech and Women's Health Insights
27:55 The Power of Data in Women's Health
30:12 The Emotional and Systemic Costs of Fragmented Healthcare
32:51 Innovations in Women's Health: Menopause and Beyond
36:28 The Comprehensive Women's Health Journey
38:29 Building Effective Product Teams
42:08 Celebrating Milestones in Women's Health
44:31 Shifting Perspectives on Women's Health Challenges
47:13 Self-Care and Leadership
48:58 Legacy and Impact in Women's Health
📌 Mentioned in the Episode:
Connect with Joanna Balogh-Reynolds:
RedefineHER Podcast Credits
🎙 Host: Brenda Armstrong – https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendaarmstrong1/
🎧 Producer: Tarryn Long – https://www.linkedin.com/in/tarrynlong/
💼 Sponsor: ITEOM Talent Partners | Connecting purpose-driven organizations with top-tier talent to build thriving, diverse teams.
More at redefineherpodcast.com
📜 Disclaimer:⚠️ This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. ©2025 RedefineHER Podcast. Please share with credit and direct link.
#WomensHealth #HealthcareInnovation #DigitalHealth #MenopauseSupport #PelvicFloorHealth #FertilityCare #OuraRing #Cigna #IntegratedCare #WorkplaceWellness #CaregivingSupport #HolisticHealthcare #WomensHealthEquity #ValueBasedCare #PopulationHealth #WomenInTech #NurseLedInnovation #HealthTechPodcast #Progyny #FutureOfHealthcare
If nasal spray leaked like women’s hormone meds do, pharma would’ve fixed it by Tuesday.But in the world of fertility, miscarriage, and women’s health, founders like Dr. Lara Zibners are still waiting for the system to catch up.
In this unfiltered, hilarious, and deeply personal episode of RedefineHER, host Brenda Armstrong sits down with Lara, physician, entrepreneur, and co-host of Unstable Vitals, to unpack the wild journey of starting a healthtech company in midlife…while raising kids, earning an MBA, and managing hormone injections.
From stashing syringes in her bra to calling out gender bias in venture capital, Lara shares how her fertility struggles sparked the founding of Calla Lily Clinical Care, a startup transforming hormonal and miscarriage care.
Whether you're a founder, a femtech fan, or someone who's ever questioned the absurdity of women’s healthcare, this episode will make you laugh, rage, and rethink everything.
Why This Episode Matters
✨ Women’s health remains underfunded, under-engineered, and wildly overdue for disruption. Lara reminds us that innovation often starts with lived experience and a lot of resilience.
We dive into:
✔️ The shocking gaps in hormone drug delivery
✔️ How Lara’s fertility journey became the blueprint for Calla Lily Clinical Care
✔️Building a women’s health startup in midlife
✔️ Pitching to VCs who don’t understand miscarriage
✔️ How comedy became a lifeline through the Unstable Vitals podcast
✔️ What Lara believes must change in women’s health and how she’s doing it anyway
Timeline:
00:00 The Birth of CaliLily Clinical Care
05:36 Personal Journey Through Infertility
11:17 The Adoption Experience
16:59 Challenges in Fertility Care Systems
22:38 Innovating Women's Health Products
23:06 Empowering Women's Health Conversations
28:34 Redefining Identity and Age
36:52 Mentorship and Collective Action
43:42 Navigating Leadership and Integrity
49:27 Ethical Decision-Making in Business
52:20 Hiring for Culture and Fit
53:28 Embracing Non-Traditional Talent
56:34 The Intersection of Comedy and Medicine
01:02:48 Addressing Miscarriage and Women's Health
01:09:45 Advice for Future Innovators in Women's Health
📌 Mentioned in the Episode:
- HelpUsAdopt: https://HelpUsAdopt.org- 100 Women at UNC (Mentorship program)- ATLS UK (Advanced Trauma Life Support)- SWRETAC Yoga for First Responders: https://swretac.com/
Connect with Lara Zibners:
RedefineHER Podcast Credits
🎙 Host: Brenda Armstrong – https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendaarmstrong1/
🎧 Producer: Tarryn Long – https://www.linkedin.com/in/tarrynlong/
💼 Sponsor: ITEOM Talent Partners | Connecting purpose-driven organizations with top-tier talent to build thriving, diverse teams.
More at redefineherpodcast.com
📜 Disclaimer:⚠️ This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. ©2025 RedefineHER Podcast. Please share with credit and direct link.
#RedefineHER #S1E12 #LaraZibners #CallaLilyClinicalCare #WomensHealthStartup #HormoneTherapy #FertilityInnovation #MidlifeFounder #ProgesteroneProblems #MiscarriageSupport #FemtechFounder #HealthTechStartup #MedicalGenderBias #StartupLife #WomenInHealthTech #FounderJourney #VentureCapitalBias #UnstableVitals #ComedyInMedicine #HealthcareRevolution #HormonalHealth #WomenInBusiness #MentalHealthMatters #MotherhoodAndStartups #MBAAt50 #DisruptiveHealthcare #FounderResilience #WomensWellness #VCFunding #PersonalHealthJourney #HealthTechDisruption
What happens when we stop fearing our finances and start treating money as a tool for wellness, freedom, and legacy?
In this powerful and practical episode, Brenda sits down with Behi Shafiei, Founder & CEO of Wealth Bridge Consulting and creator of Confessions of a Founder, for a raw conversation on financial empowerment, legacy building, and taking up space in systems that were never designed for us.
Behi shares her journey as an Iranian-Canadian immigrant, former government advisor, and top 1% national sales leader who left traditional finance to build an education-first, values-based model that prioritizes access, equity, and real-life strategy.
Together, they unpack what it takes to move from financial anxiety to clarity, why women need customized wealth strategies, and how money becomes a form of self-protection, especially for caregivers, immigrants, and founders.
From budgeting and insurance to tax planning and mindset shifts, this episode delivers clarity, confidence, and real-world tools for anyone ready to change their financial future.
We dive into:
✔️ Why financial literacy is a foundational part of wellness
✔️ How to manage cash flow, taxes, and investments with confidence
✔️ The 3 pillars of long-term wealth-building
✔️ Critical illness and disability insurance, what it is and why it matters
✔️ Why immigrant entrepreneurs and women need custom financial plans
✔️ How to shift from shame and avoidance to strategy and power
Timeline:
00:00 The Importance of Financial Conversations for Women
02:56 Understanding Wealth and Self-Worth
06:10 The Historical Exclusion of Women in Financial Systems
08:59 Mindset Barriers and Financial Empowerment
11:52 Practical Steps for Financial Clarity
15:08 Budgeting as a Strategy for Freedom
17:57 Building a Financial Foundation for Young Women
20:52 Risk Mitigation and Financial Security for Women
23:50 Navigating Financial Challenges in Midlife
26:47 Health and Wealth: The Interconnection
30:08 Preparing for the Unexpected in Health and Finances
38:44 Safeguarding Your Financial Future
40:01 The Impact of Financial Stress on Leadership
43:36 The Importance of Clarity in Financial Planning
45:58 Embracing Vulnerability in Financial Conversations
49:48 Navigating Instability as an Entrepreneur
53:12 Incorporating Cryptocurrency into Wealth Management
57:15 Redefining Financial Success and Empowerment
01:03:35 Overcoming Intimidation in Financial Discussions
📌 Mentioned in the Episode:
– The Psychology of Money – Morgan Housel
– Be Your Future Self Now – Benjamin Hardy
– Dialed In – Dr. Donna Sinclair
– The Voice of Knowledge – Don Miguel Ruiz
– Becoming Supernatural – Dr. Joe Dispenza
– Katherine Folkendt – Femtech Insider
Connect with Behi:
💡 Want to build wealth on your terms? Learn more about inclusive, education-first financial strategies at WealthBridgeTO.ca or message Brenda@redefineherpodcast.com for future collaborations.
RedefineHER Podcast Credits
🎙 Host: Brenda Armstrong – https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendaarmstrong1/
🎧 Producer: Tarryn Long – https://www.linkedin.com/in/tarrynlong/
💼 Sponsor: ITEOM Talent Partners | Connecting purpose-driven organizations with top-tier talent to build thriving, diverse teams.
More at redefineherpodcast.com
Disclaimer:
This podcast is for educational use only and not personalized advice. Consult licensed professionals before acting on any information. Behi Shafiei and Wealth Bridge Consulting are licensed in Ontario, Canada; content is not intended for use elsewhere. Listeners are responsible for legal compliance. No liability is assumed.
#financialempowerment #womenandwealth #generationalwealth #moneymindset #financialliteracyforwomen #wealthbuildingstrategies #cashflowplanning #immigrantentrepreneurs #legacybuilding
What happens when we stop normalizing women’s pain and start leading with trust, innovation, and truth?
In this game-changing episode, Brenda sits down with Mary Byerly, VP of Marketing at Hologic, to explore how we can reshape the future of women’s health through early diagnostics, bold storytelling, and breaking the stigma around periods, fibroids, and hysterectomy.
Mary shares her personal turning point, realizing she didn’t truly understand her body until well into her medical sales career and how that revelation fueled a 20+ year mission in women’s health, medical innovation, and marketing with purpose.
They dig into shocking truths, like how men’s procedures are reimbursed at higher rates than women’s, why 80% of women will have fibroids but most are undiagnosed, and how Hologic is transforming awareness through platforms like Know Your U and Better Is Possible.
From endometriosis to fibroid ablation, this episode redefines how we advocate, innovate, and care for women.
We dive into:
✔️ Why 80% of women will experience fibroids and why most are left untreated
✔️ How reimbursement disparities still exist between male and female procedures
✔️ The power of fibroid ablation as a minimally invasive hysterectomy alternative
✔️ Why period pain isn’t normal and how Hologic is spreading awareness
✔️ How the Trust Equation guides Mary’s leadership in health tech
✔️ How Know Your U and Better Is Possible help women get informed and take action
✔️ Why endometriosis is one of the most overlooked conditions in women’s health
Timeline:
00:00 Understanding Women's Health: A Personal Journey
02:02 Career Transitions: Betting on Yourself
05:09 Building Trust and Relationships in Healthcare
09:03 Empowering Women: Elevating Voices in the Room
11:48 Creating High-Performing Teams in Healthcare
16:09 The Role of Technology in Women's Health Advocacy
19:57 Closing the Gap: Awareness to Action in Women's Health
31:31 The Journey to Better Women's Health
34:02 Innovations in Women's Health Care
38:32 Breaking Stigmas in Women's Health
41:57 Empathy and Understanding in Health Conversations
44:59 Moonshot Ideas for Women's Health
49:09 The Importance of Family in Health Awareness
50:50 Finding Balance in Life and Work
56:04 The Legacy of Passion and Love in Health Advocacy
59:51 Reimbursement Challenges in Women's Health
📌 Mentioned in the Episode:
🔗 BetterIsPossible.com – Painful periods? They aren’t normal. Learn more to advocate for better care. https://www.betterispossible.com
🔗 Know Your U – Your uterus might be telling you something. Take the quiz and get informed. https://www.knowyouru.com
Connect with our guest:
💡 Want to lead in women’s health? The In Women’s Health Mini-MBA gives you insider access to how the industry works, from policy to payers to product, with guest speakers from top companies like Kindbody and Gennev. Learn more at inwomenshealth.comMessage brenda@redefineherpodcast.com with questions.
RedefineHER Podcast Credits
More Details on RedefinHER Podcast:
#womenshealth #fibroids #menstrualhealth #hysterectomyrecovery #endometriosis #healthinnovation #medtech #KnowYourU #BetterIsPossible #periodpain
What if the thing we've been taught to hide could actually heal us?
In this episode of RedefineHER, we sit down with Dr. Sara Naseri, CEO and Co-Founder of Qvin, the first and only company using menstrual blood as a clinical tool for early diagnostics. From FDA clearance to global studies and research partnerships with Stanford, Sara is leading the charge in making menstrual blood mainstream medicine.
We talk about what it means to leave the clinical path for something bigger, why the future of diagnostics is already in your underwear, and how the Q-Pad™ is breaking barriers in access, personalization, and preventative care.
This one is for every woman who’s ever said, "Why didn’t I know this sooner?"
We dive into:
✔️ Why menstrual blood holds over 400 diagnostic biomarkers
✔️ How Qvin developed the first FDA-cleared menstrual pad for lab testing
✔️ Dr. Sara Naseri’s journey from M.D. to startup founder
✔️ The gender data gap in healthcare and how Qvin is addressing it
✔️ Making diagnostics more accessible for women around the world
✔️ Building scientific credibility in a taboo space
✔️ What Qvin’s biobank means for the future of personalized medicine
Timeline:
00:00 Revolutionizing Women's Health Through Menstrual Blood
03:08 The Science Behind Menstrual Blood Diagnostics
06:07 Innovative Solutions for Preventative Care
09:00 The Q-Pad: A Game Changer in Diagnostics
12:08 Expanding Horizons: Future Biomarkers and Applications
15:04 Empowering Women Through Health Technology
17:59 AI and Data Collection in Women's Health
21:05 Global Impact: Reaching Underserved Communities
24:01 The Journey of a Health Tech Founder
26:56 Navigating Challenges as a Leader
29:29 The Power of Resilience and Passion
32:30 Building a Diverse and Resilient Team
34:52 Innovation in Women's Health
36:57 Navigating the Challenges of Fundraising
40:19 Changing Perceptions in Healthcare
45:56 Advice for Female Founders
49:24 Encouraging Innovation in Healthcare
52:14 The Impact of Medical Backgrounds on Entrepreneurship
54:22 Getting Involved with Quinn
Want to lead in women’s health?
The In Women’s Health Mini-MBA gives you insider access to how the industry works, from policy to payers to product, with guest speakers from top companies like Kindbody and Gennev.
Learn more at inwomenshealth.com
Message brenda@redefineherpodcast.com with questions.
Connect with our guests
Website: https://qvin.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/naseri/
RedefineHER Podcast Credits
More Details on RedefinHER Podcast:
Thanks for following and see you on our next episode!
In this bold and refreshingly honest episode, Brenda sits down with Colette Courtion, founder and CEO of JoyLux, to explore what it takes to disrupt taboos, challenge investor discomfort, and redefine the boundaries of women’s health.
What began as a personal struggle with childbirth recovery and perimenopause turned into a lightbulb moment...literally. Colette shares the story behind inventing a first-of-its-kind red light therapy device for vaginal health, and the uphill battle to bring it into the world. Together, they unpack the cultural silence around pelvic health, the emotional toll of pushing through investor bias, and what it meant to hear Halle Berry and Oprah speak her name.
This episode is a rallying cry for anyone building in taboo territory and a love letter to the women who’ve quietly endured, innovated, and changed everything.
We dive into:
✔️ The moment red light therapy met vaginal health and why it was long overdue
✔️ What it’s like to say “vagina” in a pitch room and watch investors turn crimson
✔️ How celebrity validation can feel like collective healing
✔️ Why handwritten letters from customers matter more than VC applause
✔️ The unshakable mission behind JoyLux and the team that’s stayed since day one
✔️ A powerful reframing: menopause isn’t niche. It’s half the population.
Timeline:
00:00 Breaking Taboos in Women's Health
04:13 The Aha Moment: Innovating for Women's Wellness
06:55 The Underfunding of Women's Health Research
09:14 The Rise of FemTech and Women Entrepreneurs
11:54 Challenges in Fundraising for Women's Health
16:35 Shifts in Investment Perspectives on Menopause
21:39 The Impact of Celebrity Advocacy on Women's Health
27:40 Reflections on Success and Future Aspirations
28:38 The Journey of JoyLux: From Vision to Reality
35:52 Navigating Challenges: The Reality of Small Business
44:13 Building a Community: The Importance of Consumer Feedback
53:52 Future Aspirations: Aiming for a Happy Ending
55:04 Shifting the Narrative: Women's Health is Not a Niche
56:56 Empowering Women's Health Innovations
57:26 Building a Supportive Community for Change
57:37 SPONSORED BY
Connect with our guests
RedefineHER Podcast Credits
More Details on RedefinHER Podcast:
www.iteomtalent.com/redefineherpodcast.com
Thanks for following and see you on our next episode!
In this powerful and deeply human episode, Brenda sits down with Dr. Georgia Gaveras, Chief Medical Officer and Co-Founder of Talkiatry, to unpack what it means to reimagine psychiatric care at scale without losing heart. They open with a raw discussion of Netflix’s Adolescence, exploring the emotional truth behind anger in youth and the urgency of creating emotionally safe environments for teens.
From there, Georgia shares her personal leap from psychiatry’s frontlines to co-founding one of the country’s largest in-network telepsychiatry companies. Together, they discuss the intentionality behind Talkiatry’s tech stack, how to build a clinician-first culture at scale, and what it truly means to design for both care and outcomes.
This is a must-listen for anyone leading in healthcare, parenting in the modern world, or dreaming of systems built with soul.
We dive into:
✔️ The hidden emotional truths in Netflix’s Series “Adolescence”
✔️ What teen anger is really trying to tell us
✔️ Georgia’s journey from the frontlines of psychiatry to co-founding a national mental health platform
✔️ How Talkiatry is rewriting the rules of care by centering both the patient and the clinician
Timeline:
00:00 Building Mental Health Care During a Pandemic
03:00 The Impact of Telehealth on Psychiatric Care
06:09 Understanding Adolescent Mental Health Through Media
09:08 The Role of Anger in Adolescent Mental Health
11:51 Navigating Parenting and Mental Health Conversations
14:55 Transitioning from Clinical Practice to Business
17:50 Scaling Mental Health Care with Technology
21:00 Balancing Efficiency and Empathy in Virtual Care
26:41 The Role of AI in Healthcare
28:04 Balancing Operations and Patient-Centered Care
30:20 Creating a Unified Culture in Mental Health
32:02 Supporting Clinician Wellbeing
34:22 Building Trust in Leadership
36:26 Navigating Challenges in Leadership
38:28 Redefining Success in Value-Based Care
40:58 Improving Patient Outcomes through Quality Care
44:04 Cultural Sensitivity in Psychiatry
44:48 Understanding Diverse Workforce Needs
45:17 Addressing Barriers in Mental Health Access
46:00 Confronting Stigma in Mental Health
49:24 The Future of Psychiatric Care
52:06 Measuring Outcomes in Mental Health
55:29 Building a Supportive Provider Community
56:38 Motivation Behind Mental Health Innovation
58:22 The Importance of Patient-Centered Care
Connect with our guests
RedefineHER Podcast Credits
More Details on RedefinHER Podcast:
www.iteomtalent.com/redefineherpodcast.com
Thanks for following and see you on our next episode!
After over two decades inside the conventional healthcare system, Lynn Joselyn - Physician Assistant, Functional Medicine and Food & Spirit™ practitioner, made a bold decision: she walked away from the only model of care she’d ever known. What followed was a deeply personal health journey, a period of rest and self-discovery, and the eventual birth of Integrated Spectrum of Health, her community-centered, full-color wellness practice in Durango, Colorado.We dive into:✔️ The cracks in traditional medicine, the myth of “doing more”✔️ The radical reminder that wellness is a business✔️ Learning to advocate for yourself✔️ Building a soul-aligned practice and to slow down, soften, and trust ourselvesTimeLine:00:00 The Courage to Walk Away from Conventional Medicine02:55 Recognizing the Flaws in the Healthcare System05:51 The Journey to Holistic Healing08:58 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Embracing Change11:56 The Power of Community and Support15:12 Navigating Chronic Illness and Personal Health Crises17:57 Integrative Approaches to Healing20:57 The Importance of Listening to Your Body24:13 Creating a Personalized Healing Journey27:04 The Role of the Nervous System in Healing32:33 The Power of Community in Healing35:31 Challenging the Status Quo in Healthcare39:57 Navigating Alternative Health Practices42:45 The Wellness Industry and Personal Healing44:59 Motherhood and Personal Boundaries47:38 Integrating Life and Work49:04 The Role of Yoga in Healing51:17 Trusting Yourself in Health Decisions54:02 Future Aspirations for Community Health58:05 SPONSORED BY.mp4
Connect with our guests
RedefineHER Podcast Credits
More Details on RedefinHER Podcast:
www.iteomtalent.com/redefineherpodcast
Thanks for following and see you on our next episode!
From Wall Street to the frontlines of mental health innovation, Dr. Sarah Adler has never been afraid to challenge broken systems. In this powerful episode, the founder and CEO of Wave shares her journey to reimagining care through tech-driven, deeply human solutions.
Sarah unpacks the often-overlooked role of social determinants, and she opens up about building Wave, the leadership lessons that came with it, and how mindfulness can help us reclaim our mental well-being in an era of digital overload.
Whether you're a founder, a leader in health, or someone navigating your own wellness journey, this conversation will leave you inspired to rethink what's possible.
We dive into:
✔️ Why personalized mental health care matters
✔️ How AI can enhance (not replace) connection and what it truly means to design for accessibility
✔️ The impact of gender bias in diagnosis and treatment
✔️ Why self-advocacy is a radical act for women navigating health care
Timeline:
00:00 Accessibility in Mental Health Tech
03:04 The Vision Behind WAVE
06:11 Addressing Inequities in Mental Health Care
09:12 Reinventing Mental Health Care
12:11 Proactive vs Reactive Mental Health Care
15:33 Transdiagnostic Approaches in Mental Health
18:31 AI in Mental Health: Balancing Technology and Humanity
21:29 Empowering Women in Mental Health
24:31 Shifting the Narrative: From Pathology to Empowerment
27:42 Navigating Modern Mental Health Challenges
28:56 Mindfulness and Social Media Use
32:20 Leadership Lessons in Healthcare
37:33 Building a Mission-Driven Team
41:23 Balancing Innovation with Clinical Rigor
45:41 Navigating Funding Challenges as a Woman Founder
52:09 The Future of Mental Health Care
56:18 SPONSORED BY.mp4
Connect with our guests
RedefineHER Podcast Credits
More Details on RedefinHER Podcast:
www.iteomtalent.com/redefineherpodcast
Thanks for following and see you on our next episode!
What happens when two powerhouse women step away from the corporate playbook to build something the healthcare industry desperately needs?
In this episode of RedefineHER, we sit down with Rachael Jones and Emily Walker, the co-founders of Syntax Health, a groundbreaking platform that’s bringing transparency and trust to value-based care.
With decades of experience in healthcare leadership and analytics, these women aren’t just talking about change—they’re building it.
We dive into:
✔️ Why healthcare’s biggest problem isn’t cost—it’s lack of trust and transparency
✔️ How Syntax Health is redefining value-based care to work for both providers and payers
✔️ The bold risks they took to launch a startup in a male-dominated space
✔️ Why women in leadership need to step out on the skinny branch and take up space
✔️ How to scale a mission-driven company without burnout—hiring slow, building systems, and leading with purpose
Timeline:
000:00 Breaking Barriers in Healthcare Leadership
02:55 The Genesis of Syntax Health
06:09 Understanding Value-Based Care
09:06 The Challenges of Contract Transparency
12:13 Navigating the Healthcare Landscape
15:03 The Role of Community Health Centers
17:54 Women in Leadership: Overcoming Challenges
21:01 Redefining Leadership Traits
23:54 Creating a Collaborative Environment
27:09 The Impact of Syntax on Patient Care
29:57 Decisiveness in Leadership
32:53 Building Trust and Accountability
36:05 The Future of Value-Based Care
43:04 Decisiveness and Flexibility in Leadership
45:08 Learning from Failures: A Leader's Journey
51:14 Hiring for Culture and Expertise
57:25 Maintaining Team Culture and Preventing Burnout
01:08:11 The Importance of DEI in Healthcare Leadership
01:13:15 Future Aspirations for Value-Based Care
Connect with our guests
RedefineHER Podcast Credits
More Details on RedefinHER Podcast:
www.iteomtalent.com/redefineherpodcast
Thanks for following and see you on our next episode!
Women’s needs have been dismissed, overlooked, and underserved for far too long—but Antonia Saint Dunbar, Co-founder of THINX and founder of Antonia Saint NY, is on a mission to change that.
From rethinking period products to reinventing high heels for ultimate comfort, Antonia has disrupted industries that were never designed with women in mind. In this episode of RedefineHER, we explore her journey of innovation—from solving a personal challenge to transforming intimate apparel and footwear.
But it hasn’t been an easy road. As a woman breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated industries, she’s faced pushback, funding hurdles, and the constant pressure to prove that female-focused solutions are worth the investment. How did she push through the doubts? How did she navigate setbacks, build the right team, and stay resilient?
In This Episode, We Cover:
✔️ The striking parallels between designing performance underwear and reinventing footwear
✔️ The challenges of securing funding for female-centric innovations
✔️ How to find and work with the right partners in male-dominated industries
✔️ The reality of running a business while raising three kids
✔️ The role of sustainability in designing products that truly serve women
TimeLine
00:00 Breaking Barriers: The Journey of Antonio St. Dunbar
02:49 From Personal Need to Revolutionary Product
08:20 Empowering Women: The Impact of Thinks
12:42 Transitioning from Personal Care to Footwear
22:29 Challenges in Innovation and Funding
29:10 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
39:03 Innovative Thinking in the Shoe Industry
39:50 Building a Trustworthy Team
41:29 Navigating Equity and Partnerships
42:51 Understanding Contracts and Legalities
44:08 Celebrating Milestones and Future Aspirations
46:11 Balancing Entrepreneurship and Family Life
49:08 The Importance of Support Systems
54:22 Designing for Comfort and Mental Well-being
56:10 Influence of Family on Design Philosophy
01:01:24 The Journey of Entrepreneurship
01:06:15 Empowering Future Generations
01:09:19 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
01:12:04 Supporting Vulnerable Communities
01:15:39 Profit with Purpose
Connect with Antonia Saint Dunbar
RedefineHER Podcast Credits
More Details on RedefinHER Podcast:
www.iteomtalent.com/redefineherpodcast
Thanks for following and see you on our next episode!
Women’s health has been overlooked, underfunded, and underserved for too long, but Alice Eweida, CEO of Pandia Health, is leading a revolution.
From birth control to menopause care, Pandia is harnessing the power of telemedicine, AI, and personalized care to transform how women access and experience healthcare.
This isn’t just about innovation—it’s about empowering women with the healthcare they deserve. If you care about the future of reproductive health, AI-driven medicine, and breaking barriers in women’s wellness, this episode is a must-listen.
In This Episode, We Cover:
✔️ How technology is driving precision medicine and making women’s health more accessible
✔️ The power of storytelling through data to build strong, mission-driven teams
✔️ The challenges of scaling a health tech startup in a male-dominated industry
✔️ The underfunding of women’s health—and what it takes to change the game
✔️ How Alice’s personal experiences fuel her leadership, advocacy, and vision for the future
00:00 Redefining Women's Health
06:51 Navigating Career Changes and Personal Growth
10:32 The Impact of Motherhood on Career
11:37 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
13:00 Leadership and Advocacy for Women
15:41 Transformative Care at Pandia Health
19:38 Precision Medicine and Technology in Women's Health
21:33 Challenges in Business Model Transition
22:54 The Power of Vulnerability in Leadership
24:05 Storytelling and Data in Team Cohesion
26:21 Personalization in Healthcare Messaging
27:12 Building a Sales Culture in Rapid Growth
29:03 Assessing Values Alignment in Partnerships
30:31 Innovative Funding Approaches for Women's Health
33:03 Advice for Women in Male-Dominated Spaces
34:51 Legacy and Impact in Women's Health
35:21 Navigating Healthcare Resources Post-Policy Changes
36:34 Self-Care Strategies for Leaders
37:31 Balancing Life's Demands
38:32 Future of Precision Medicine in Women's Health
Connect with Alice Eweida
RedefineHER Podcast Credits
More Details on RedefinHER Podcast:
www.iteomtalent.com/redefineherpodcast
Thanks for following and see you on our next episode!
What if the way we consume media could actually improve our mental well-being?
In this thought-provoking episode ofRedefineHER, Erica Hines, founder ofMindReels (InnerFrame), shares how she’s transforming the mental health landscape by leveraging AI and neuroscience to drive personal growth and self-discovery.
Erica opens up about her journey from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship, the impact of workplace culture on employee health, and why mental well-being should be treated with the same priority as physical health.
From creating the Health-Related Productivity Loss Index to building an innovative wellness-tech company, Erica offers invaluable insights on authentic leadership, team-building, and redefining how we approach mental wellness—both at work and in life.
In This Episode, We Cover:
✔️ The connection between media consumption and mental health
✔️ Why workplace culture is more than kombucha on tap
✔️ How the Health-Related Productivity Loss Index reshapes how we measure employee well-being
✔️ Scaling a mission-driven startup and navigating the roller coaster of entrepreneurship
✔️ The power of psychological safety in building high-performing teams
✔️ Why investing in mental wellness is a long-term business strategy
00:00 –Introduction to Erica Hines and Mind Reels
04:24 –The Leap from Corporate to Startup Life
09:36 –Mental Well-Being, Imposter Syndrome & Burnout
14:56 –The Hidden Costs of Poor Mental Health in Workplaces
20:42 –How Mind Reels Combines AI, Media & Neuroscience
26:03 –Shaping the Future of Workplace Wellness
30:14 –Aligning Company Values with Employee Well-Being
34:53 –Building Purpose-Driven and Authentic Teams
38:37 –The Ups and Downs of Entrepreneurship
45:45 –Creating Real Change in Mental Health Awareness
50:47 – More Info and Sponsored By
Connect with Erica Hines
RedefineHER Podcast Credits
More details on RedefineHER Podcast: www.iteomtalent.com/redefineherpodcast
Thanks for following and see you on our next episode!