The importance of what you’re feeling is not all in your head, most symptoms women in perimenopause & menopause experience are down to unaddressed hormone imbalances. You do not need to be referred to a psychiatrist!
This month we are joined by Kenna Stevenson, MD & David Zava, PhD discussing topics such as:
- The Bioidentical Hormone Restoration model of care (BHRT)
- The landmark CHOIICE study that followed women ages 35-70 over 3 years looking at hemostatic, immune, inflammatory, Cardiovascular & quality of life outcomes
- Findings from the CHOIICE study: Women get symptom relief & do better at every level when their hormone levels are restored & balanced (those in highest stress groups saw the biggest improvements!)
- Why it all begins with non-invasive saliva testing to detect imbalances of the ‘Big 5 Hormones’: Progesterone, E2, DHEA, T + Cortisol
- Why the standard blood draw is not helpful in evaluating hormone levels
- Debunking the myth that transdermal/topical progesterone does not protect against overgrowth of the uterine lining
- Why rubbing topical hormone cream into the skin very effectively raises hormones to healthy levels, that are NOT trackable in blood tests but are in saliva
- How Progesterone used at bedtime induces calming of the brain + helps you achieve REM sleep
- Keeping the brain healthy with hormone restoration; neuroprotective effects of balanced hormones
- Cardiovascular disease: the leading cause of death among women worldwide + how hormones in balance protect against it
- Why transdermal/topical use of hormone is the way to go = lower to no risk of forming blood clots, even in women with a history of stroke
- Why physiologic levels of estrogen and progesterone are perfect for the postmenopausal woman to help keep us young, protect our skin, our heart, our brains
- Why Estradiol, the master female hormone is called the 'angel of life'
- Why mother nature created progesterone to work in concert w/ estrogen
- The power of creativity, handwork, drawing, painting, knitting, beadwork etc. to reduce stress hormones & lift the spirit
- Estriol's favorable effects for protecting against breast cancer tumors, UTIs & skin health
- Hormone balancing is all about the science + should be about data not dollars + should be about standing on a foundation of truth, science not selling. “Men who refuse to change their thinking is like standing water breeding reptiles of the mind.” – William Blake
- Safety of bioidentical hormones for post-menopausal women 65+
Resources:
- Kenna’s current research: The Dream Study – Calling All Women 50+! I have funding from the Dream Science Foundation to study dreams & sleep in postmenopausal women aged 50+ - if interested in participation please send an email to www.doctorkenna.com
- Dr. Zava’s published research: https://www.zrtlab.com/research/published-articles/ Ongoing, collaborative research projects include but not limited to: Brain Health, Autism, ADD, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), etc. www.zrtlab.com
- The CHOIICE Study: effects of compounded bioidentical transdermal hormone therapy on hemostatic, inflammatory, immune factors; cardiovascular biomarkers; quality-of-life measures; and health outcomes in perimenopausal & postmenopausal women. Kenna Stephenson , Pierre F Neuenschwander, Anna K Kurdowska
- Addressing the Missing Links in Cardiovascular Aging Elliot Dinetz, Claudia Zeballos-Palacios, Claudia A Martinez Dove Press
"Percutaneous progesterone delivery via cream or gel application in postmenopausal women: Du JY, Sanchez P, Kim L, Azen CG, Zava DT, Stanczyk FZ. Menopause 2013; 20(11):1169-1175. See article abstract
- What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Breast Cancer, How Hormone Balance Can Help Save Your Life -Dr. John Lee, M.D., David Zava, Ph.D.
- Awakening Athena & The Gospel of Women’s Health -Kenna Stevenson, M.D.
Connect w/ Kyle & Candace:
Candace Burch:
Kyle McAvoy:
Join your hosts, Kyle McAvoy, N.P. and Candace Burch, Health Educator, as we sit down with the founder of the women’s fashion company Argentwork. Back in 2015, Sali was working in the world of hi-tech when she came across an article that stated that women, more than men, were judged on their appearance. At that time, men were wearing hoodies and tee shirts and moving up in their companies while women in the same field were struggling with how to get the same recognition.
This was just the catalyst that Sali needed to quit her job and create an apparel company designed for women to build confidence as they dressed for work, as well as gender equity in many types of work environments.
From their website:
Attitude, Meet Ambition
Through confident clothes and an inspiring community, Argent is creating a movement that’s all about self expression in and out of the workplace, versatility as a power move, and radical equality when it comes to paychecks, pockets, and everything in between.
We all face challenges in our everyday lives and as women, we know we still have a ways to go in the workplace in terms of recognition and financial compensation. Listen in as Sali describes her own journey as a young professional woman and mother. She started her company before the COVID pandemic and faced multiple challenges as she and her team navigated their way through this unexpected obstacle. Despite her role as CEO and mother of two children, she has maintained her focus on staying balanced. Consistent exercise and finding time for pauses are two of her key strategies in this area.
Her goal is to help other women learn how to use fashion in a way that helps them feel powerful and confident in all kinds of situations. With a focus on fit, high quality fabrics, functionality and sustainability, Argentwork is working to create a community of like-minded women who can support one another.
Sali also shared a powerful collaboration with Supermajority and their iconic Hot Pink Suits, a campaign reminding women that we are the super majority and highlighting the importance of voting. You can read more about it in The New York Times.
CONNECT WITH SALI:
Presently, the best way to learn more is through their website: ww.argentwork.com. They offer stylists as well as consignment to help you find your personal style. Use the code WTF15 for a 15% discount!
There are 3 brick and mortar stores as well: 2 in NYC and one in DC. Stay tuned for more possibilities by following them on Facebook, Instagram and Tik Tok.
Connect with Kyle & Candace:
Candace Burch:
Kyle McAvoy:
Our guest today is Victoria Jane Hamilton, fondly known to all as “VJ”. VJ lives near Yorkshire in the U.K. and is a functional nutritionist and autoimmune expert.
Her passion for this work stems from her personal journey. As a five year old, she had alopecia areata (a type of hair loss) and in her teens, she struggled with severe fatigue and skin issues. It took a few more decades to learn that she had Chronic Fatigue Syndrome along with psoriasis. By working with a functional provider, she was able to address her gut issues. She also worked on an anti-viral protocol and has kept her symptoms under control for over 10 years.
Common symptoms of autoimmune conditions include severe fatigue, skin issues, joint pain, hair loss, brain fog and constipation. 70-80% of these conditions affect women, suggesting a hormonal link.
VJ loves to work with clients of all types. Her starting point includes a comprehensive health and symptom history, which then guides her to do additional testing. These can include viral, mold, hormone, genetic and food sensitivity testing. Common viruses such as Epstein Barr, CMV and Herpes 6 are often implicated in these conditions. MTHFR and other genetic variant testing are often quite helpful as well. The microbiome is a focus for healing once imbalances are uncovered.
Join us for a fascinating conversation with an expert and learn if some of the symptoms you (or someone you know) may be struggling with are related to some of these common disorders (examples include Multiple sclerosis, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Sceleroderma, Rheumatoid Arthritis). You will learn some of the tools you will need to move towards diagnosis and healing.
VJ’s contact information:
Website: https://theautoimmunitynutritionist.com
Podcast: The Autoimmune Reset
VJ is accepting new clients and would love to work with you as needed.
Connect with Kyle & Candace:
Candace Burch:
Kyle McAvoy:
Join Kyle and Candace in one of their candid conversations with each other as they discuss relevant topics for women that either outrage, encourage or intrigue them. With the news coming at all of us so fast all the time, your hosts at Women Talking Frankly are here to help keep YOU informed about issues that are relevant to all women.
These topics include:
~New legislation in the U.K. and the U.S (approx. 15 states so far) designed to promote education, support and possible insurance coverage for menopausal symptoms
~A courageous pilot in the U.K., Suzanne Morgan, worried about how menopause could impact her career - so she created “Menopause Cafes” and a WhatsApp group to support women in menopause
~A Menopause Liquid study at Oregon Health Sciences University is looking at the components of menstrual flow and how it might relate to heavy bleeding, endometriosis, infertility, diabetes, immune issues and other health problems
~Alisa Vitti on cycle syncing: a way for women to learn more about their bodies. Check out www.floliving.com for more info
~Planned Parenthood is facing an ethical dilemma: Continue to accept federal funding in order to provide comprehensive GYN care to millions of women or provide pregnancy terminations
~Dr. Jolene Brighten and her work on “Beyond Birth Control” - check out DrBrighten.com for more info. Also check out her podcast episode on Estrogen Replacement!
~Delve into what makes a ‘Super Ager.’ Dr. Eric Topol: it’s not (just) genetics - but sleep, diet, exercise, the environment, and your immune system. (Think Blue Zones: there has been some pushback on the original research but there is still quite a bit of important info that came out as a result!) Listen to a podcast on this HERE.
~Caffeine & its health benefits: how it can improve your medical outcomes later in life
~Candace Is inspired by Suleika Jaouad, wife of Jon Baptiste and the author of Between Two Kingdoms (a must read!) and The Book of Alchemy, A Creative Process for an Inspired Life
You won’t want to miss this one - it is chock full of information for women of all ages!
Our upcoming podcasts:
- A candid discussion with our two most listened to guests: Dr. David Zava and Dr. Kenna Stephenson. Learn about their latest research on women’s health and hormones and what is bugging them as well.
- An interview with V.J. Hamilton, a functional provider who specializes in auto-immune disorders.
Additional Resources:
Alissa Vitti on Cycle synching
https://www.floliving.com/blog/the-cycle-syncing-method
The Woman Code, by Alissa Vitti
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58652739-woman-code
Menopause: 50 Things You Need to Know: What to Expect During the Three Stages of Menopause, by Felice Gersh, MD
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59313286-menopause
The Blue Zones, by Dan Buettner
https://danbuettner.com/blue-zones/
The Omnivore's Dilemma, Michael Pollan
https://michaelpollan.com/books/the-omnivores-dilemma/
Connect with Kyle & Candace:
Candace Burch:
Kyle McAvoy:
Join us for an insightful conversation about the problem of endometriosis and pelvic pain (that affects 10% of women) with one of the leading laparoscopic surgeons in the U.S., Dr. Shanti Mohling.
Although this is a very common disorder, most people - including physicians and caregivers - don’t know enough about it, leading to many women getting inadequate care. 50-80% of women with infertility have endometriosis, but this is often overlooked during their treatment plan.
Risk factors include genetics, environmental and developmental causes, gut health, immune dysfunction and the impacts of stress.
In addition, many women with endometriosis are estrogen dominant yet are usually put on oral contraceptives, which may not be the best treatment. Although it may not be preventable, early detection and optimization through better diet, appropriate supplements, physical therapy and the use of progesterone can improve a woman’s quality of life.
Dr. Mohling also discusses other causes of pelvic pain as well as the also misunderstood condition of vulvodynia (pain in the vulva region).
If you or someone you know is struggling with painful periods, heavy bleeding and /or infertility, you won’t want to miss this interview with an expert and compassionate surgeon.
Contact with Shanti:
@shantimohlingmd
Connect with Kyle & Candace
Candace Burch:
Info@yourhormonebalance.com
Kyle McAvoy:
kylebmcavoy@gmail.com
When Maria Ponzi was just a toddler, she helped her trailblazing parents plant grapes in what was one of the earliest vineyards in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. As a grownup and President of Ponzi Vineyards, Maria grew the family winery into a world class destination and global brand.
As the curator and speaker of “The Four-Ounce Pour," she encourages audiences to create a life of greater meaning and impact through intention and balance.
Maria currently serves as Director of the Center for Wine Education and Studies at Linfield University in McMinnville, Oregon, which is where we caught up with her.
Here’s just a sampling of what we talked about:
- The role education plays in encouraging mindful or limited drinking
- Interpreting The WHO statement: there is no safe amount of alcohol consumption
- Can moderate wine consumption be a healthier option?
- Current recommendations, studies, health benefits related to drinking wine
- Are certain wines ‘better' - lower alcohol %, lower sugar content, less additives, etc.?
- Ways to make it safer to drink wine
Learn more about Maria HERE!
Connect w/Kyle & Candace
Candace Burch:
YourHormoneBalance.com
Info@yourhormonebalance.com
Kyle McAvoy:
kylebmcavoy@gmail.com
Kyle & Candace are joined today by Susan Merenstein, RPh, who has 44 years of pharmacy practice under her belt and over 21 years of clinical experience in hormone therapy. She has owned her own pharmacy, Murray Avenue Apothecary, for 18 years and its sister company, Lab Naturals, Inc, for 7 years.
Susan specializes in Hormone Balance and Health consultations (24 years) and her expertise as a Holistic Pharmacist has led to positive changes in the health, well-being and quality of life of many of her clients. Susan is a walking encyclopedia on all things to do with women’s health and hormones - and in this episode we go deep into a discussion of the pillars of women’s health and the best ways to maintain a strong foundation as we move throughlife!
Kyle, Candace and Susan discuss:
- The main foundations of every woman’s health: diet, exercise, sleep, how we handle stress
- How to ramp up support of our foundational health as we age
- The particular challenges of perimenopause & menopause
- Susan’s Top 5 Supplements for women + why do we need to take them and how do we take them?
- How to sort through the huge array of supplements available online and in multiple stores and choose a brand that has high quality & known benefits, but doesn’t break the bank
- Our latest favorite things
- Advice we'd give our younger selves
Susan’s motto: “Be aware of your symptoms, get educated and take a proactive role in your health”
Learn more about Susan and her supplement and consulting services at: https://labnaturals.com/
CONNECT W/CANDACE + KYLE
Candace Burch:
YourHormoneBalance.com
Info@yourhormonebalance.com
Kyle McAvoy:
kylebmcavoy@gmail.com
Weight loss drugs have been around forever but there is a new kid in town, GLP1 drugs: names like Ozempic, Wagovy, and Zepbound, to name a few.
Wondering how these came about? Are they safe? Are they effective?
Are they for me? Who are the best candidates? What about the cost?
Kyle and Candace sit down and dig in with their local compounding pharmacist friend (owner of Lloyd Central Compounding Pharmacy) and explore all of these questions and more.
Join us and learn:
~ How were these drugs originally used? Where do they come from (a gila monster???)
~ How do they work?
~ What are the most common side effects?
~ Who can use them?
~ How effective are they? How much weight can I expect to lose?
~ What happens when you go off of them: do you gain the weight right back? Is there anything I can do to prevent this from happening?
~ What about diets like Keto? Mediterranean? How do I know what is best for me?
~ What about the shortage of these medications?
~ Does insurance cover them? What is the cost?
~ Controversies around compounded versions
~ How do these medications work for weight loss? For diabetes?
~ We have heard that there are MANY benefits on a wide variety of medical conditions: what are they (cardiovascular, neurogenerative, plus)?
~ Are you hopeful that these medications will have long term health benefits?
WTF Moment: Candace had commented to a man at the gym that he looked great, and he admitted to being on one of these drugs and then said, “I can eat whatever I want now” and she was aghast that this was NOT the best way to make lasting changes.
Kyle’s favorite thing: Immune shots - these are available to buy but so easy to make at home and a great way to transition from winter into spring and keep yourself from getting sick. (See more in our most recent newsletter HERE!)
Candace’s inspiration: Dr. Katarina Dalton - a pioneer in the world of women’s health, she coined the term ‘PMS’ and unlocked some of the secrets of progesterone: (See more in our most recent newsletter HERE!)
Natalie's favorite thing: finding the time to walk and feel grounded: a reminder to pause, take some deep breaths, walk barefoot if you can and soothe your nervous system.
CONNECT W/CANDACE + KYLE
Candace Burch:
YourHormoneBalance.com
Info@yourhormonebalance.com
Kyle McAvoy:
kylebmcavoy@gmail.com
In this episode, we’re talking frankly about the growing number of younger women (<50 years old) being diagnosed with breast cancer. According to new estimates released Thursday by the American Cancer Society, between 2012 and 2021, breast cancer has been rising faster (1.4% per year) among “younger” women under age 50, than overall rates (1% a year). Add to that younger women tend to have more aggressive forms of this disease. WTF?!
To shed more light on why and what we can do to protect ourselves, we turn to naturopathic physician, Alison McAllister, on all thing’s womanhood and protecting ourselves against breast cancer. Dr. Alison has been a clinical consultant at ZRT Laboratory for over 20 years and has taught thousands of doctors how to use bioidentical hormone therapy. She completed her medical doctorate in 1999 at the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon, and her residency at Cancer Treatment Centers and Southwestern Medical Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she became interested in hormones in helping survivors of cancer.
Here’s a sampling of what we cover in this eyepopping conversation:
Our favorite ways to reduce exposure:
Alison Favs:
Environmental Working Group - follow the science https://www.ewg.org/
Hydroflask - stainless steel water bottles https://www.hydroflask.com/
Planet Lunchbox - detox the lunchbox https://www.planetbox.com/
Kyle Favs:
The GROVE Collaborative - plastic-free cleaning and household products
Candace Favs:
Thrive Market – Save on organic and non-GMO foods https://thrivemarket.com/
Kitsch Rice - water shampoo and conditioner https://www.mykitsch.com/
Bonus read:
Alison RAVES about this book: Having Faith, An Ecologist's Journey to Motherhood
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/287060/having-faith-by-sandra-steingraber/
CONNECT W/CANDACE + KYLE
Candace Burch:
YourHormoneBalance.com
Info@yourhormonebalance.com
Kyle McAvoy:
kylebmcavoy@gmail.com
*Don't miss this episode: it is chock full of news about our podcast and how you can become part of our conversation!*
At the beginning of each year, Kyle and Candace catch up on the last year and look ahead to the new one.
For our newer listeners, Kyle gives a brief bio of both hosts and also refers you to our first 2 episodes to learn more:
Episode 2 - Hormonal Health: The 10 Essential Truths
Menopause is having a moment all over the world. We have 51 plus episodes plus 3 years of blogging about women’s health.
Our next chapter: create a community for our listeners, a way to have a dialogue with YOU.
Here is what we will be offering:
Facebook page: search for Women Talking Frankly: new posts every MWF: write a review (all it takes is 25 characters!), drop a mention
Podcast release: first Wednesday of each month: topical and timely
New segments each episode: WTF moments / Our favorite things / Things that inspire us
Monthly newsletter: third Wednesday of each month: filled with tips, inspirations, links to our favorite things, recipes, etc.
Calendar of Podcasts: expect a relevant new episode each month: for example, why are certain cancers on the rise in younger people, a dive into the GLP1 diet drugs (like Ozempic), + are hormones okay for older women???
Naomi Watts is on the interview circuit. She went through menopause at 36 and was completely gobsmacked. A quote from her interview: if you are a woman and you live long enough, you WILL go through menopause. Here is a clip from her interview:
https://www.whqr.org/2025-01-21/naomi-watts-new-book-reflects-on-the-hidden-parts-of-menopause
One of our favorite episodes was “The Happy Menopause” with Jackie Lynch (a British nutritionist). Have a listen:
https://www.whqr.org/2025-01-21/naomi-watts-new-book-reflects-on-the-hidden-parts-of-menopause
Kyle and Candace then share their WTF moments, a few of their favorite things plus things that inspired them.
Kyle’s hopes for 2025: increasing connections with old and current friends, strengthening her core, and continuing to explore her creative side with drawing and painting.
Candace’s hopes for 2025: nourishing relationships and delving more into her hobby of painting (how ironic that they have similar goals!).
An episode that explores creativity is:
https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/women-talking/ep-47-youre-never-too-old-to-L0KpWjQ3_xZ/
You now have to tune in to hear the entire conversation.
Grab a cup of tea, curl up and enjoy this lively and inspiring episode.
You don’t want to miss this one.
And don’t forget: we want to hear from YOU.
CONNECT W/CANDACE + KYLE
Candace Burch:
YourHormoneBalance.com
Info@yourhormonebalance.com
Kyle McAvoy:
kylebmcavoy@gmail.com
Carol Petersen is an accomplished compounding pharmacist and certified nutritional practitioner with decades of experience helping patients improve their quality of life through bio-identical hormone replacement therapy. She is a widely recognized expert on the remarkable benefits of Progesterone. Candace and Kyle sat down with Carol for part 2 of this fascinating interview about the story of Progesterone and the remarkable benefits of this versatile hormone, AKA “the great balancer.”
Talking points covered in Parts 1 and 2 of our interview:
Resources:
Women in Balance Institute https://womeninbalance.org/
The Wellness by Design Project
https://thewellnessbydesignproject.com/
Take Charge of Your Health Radio
https://takechargeofyourhealth.podbean.com/
CONNECT W/CANDACE + KYLE
Candace Burch:
YourHormoneBalance.com
Info@yourhormonebalance.com
Kyle McAvoy:
kylebmcavoy@gmail.com
Carol Petersen is an accomplished compounding pharmacist and certified nutritional practitioner with decades of experience helping patients improve their quality of life through bio-identical hormone replacement therapy. She is a widely recognized expert on the remarkable benefits of Progesterone. Candace and Kyle sat down with Carol for part 1 of this fascinating interview about the story of Progesterone and the remarkable benefits of this versatile hormone, AKA “the great balancer.”
Talking points covered in this episode:
CONNECT WITH CAROL:
The Wellness by Design Project https://thewellnessbydesignproject.com/
Take Charge of Your Health Radio
https://takechargeofyourhealth.podbean.com/
CONNECT W/CANDACE + KYLE
Candace Burch:
YourHormoneBalance.com
Info@yourhormonebalance.com
Kyle McAvoy:
kylebmcavoy@gmail.com
Today, Candace and Kyle are sharing their interview with Dr. Jenny Tufenkian, N.D., a naturopath with a proven track record of helping patients heal from long term illnesses thought to be incurable!
Drawing on a deep toolbox built from decades of studying and practicing naturopathic medicine, Dr. Jenny works with each patient long-term to explore the “5 Root Causes” of all disease – with a specific focus on chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), anxiety, and depression. In recent years, she has broadened her scope to tackle more amorphous health syndromes such as autoimmune disease and long haul Covid.
Over the years, Dr. Jenny has helped thousands of patients grapple with these complicated conditions and has overseen health breakthroughs that are nothing short of amazing. Listen along with Candace and Kyle as they learn more about:
ABOUT DR TUFENKIAN
Dr. Jenny Tufenkian is available for one-on-one consultations online or in person at her clinic “Enjoy Full Health” LLC - located at 1616 SE Ankeny St., Portland OR 97214.
--> To learn more or to schedule an appointment, call 503-894-9677 or schedule an appointment online.
CONNECT W/CANDACE + KYLE
Candace Burch:
YourHormoneBalance.com
Info@yourhormonebalance.com
Kyle McAvoy:
kylebmcavoy@gmail.com
In this episode, the hosts of Women Talking Frankly interview Susan Douglas.
Sue has worked in Technology since graduating from Oregon State in 1984, almost 40 years now, for Companies such as Dell, InfoSys, and NEC. Because fighting bad actors is particularly a passion for her, the last 10 years, Sue has specialized in Cyber Security. She currently works for Fortinet, the #3 cybersecurity corporation in the world. She also volunteers with the FBI Citizens Academy.
Sue goes over guidelines for actions that will help prevent us from getting scammed:
Sue also educates us about additional ways we can protect ourselves, from password protection, two step authentication, security software, etc.
Bottom line: DON'T FRICKING CLICK!!!
USE YOUR CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS.
When in doubt, hang up, don’t respond to a text or email.
This is the ‘stranger danger’. We learned NOT to open the door to strangers. We need to adapt to the world we live in and avoid the strangers in cyberspace.
Sue has additional resources to share:
The $50K Scam: New York magazine’s money columnist wrote about being conned out of $50,000 by crooks pretending to be from Amazon and government agencies: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/16/your-money/scam-new-york-magazine-amazon-ftc-cia.html
How to Protect Your Personal Information Online: https://my.aarpfoundation.org/article/how-to-spot-scams/
What to Do After You've Experienced a Scam: https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2024/what-to-do-after-scam.html
CONNECT W/CANDACE + KYLE
Candace Burch:
YourHormoneBalance.com
Info@yourhormonebalance.com
Kyle McAvoy:
kylebmcavoy@gmail.com
In our latest episode, Candace and Kyle have the pleasure of talking to Sharon Cook, and Claudia Herber, artist friends and co-owners of an art gallery in wine country Oregon. https://currentsgallery.com/
Each of these women practices an art all their own, Claudia as crafter extraordinaire of native gourds and Sharon as an intuitive painter. As you will pick up in this inspiring interview, though they create very different works of art, Sharon and Claudia both approach their artwork as an adventure, one that speaks to them and brings them joy....especially at this time in life when expressing feelings through creative outlets keeps us young. As the brilliant sculptor Louise Nevelson once said, "I never feel age when I am making art." Listen and Enjoy!
RESOURCES / QUOTES MENTIONED:
How the Arts Can Benefit Your Mental Health (No Talent Required)
Drawing, music and writing can elevate your mood. Here are some easy ways to welcome them into your life.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/22/well/mind/art-mental-health.html
How Art Heals: 5 Ways That Art Makes Everything Better
The Big Impact of a Small Hobby
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/01/well/mind/coronavirus-health-benefits-drawing-art-hobbies.html
I knew that drawing could change my mood. When I started doing it on a regular basis, I discovered it could change my life. It may now be keeping me out of the hospital, or more.
There’s scientific evidence for the health benefits of a drawing practice. A 2016 study at Drexel University found significantly lower levels of cortisol after 45 minutes of making art.
It’s not just making art that improves health and mood. Almost any hobby or act of leisure helps. A 2013 study at Pennsylvania State University found that gardening, sewing, completing puzzles and other relaxing activities lowered blood pressure.
_ NYT author, John Donohue
“As I worked with my patients, I realized that …self-expression through art brought forth a transforming self-discovery. Many of these women were unable to articulate their deepest feelings, but their emotions poured out through their hands into an art form. I noticed that those who completed a project gained a sense of mastery and competence, even if they felt overwhelmed by other aspects of daily living.
_Kenna Stephenson, M.D. / Awakening Athena, Ch. 5: The Value of Handwork (painting, sculpting, woodworking, weaving, knitting etc.)
CONNECT WITH CLAUDIA + SHARON:
The Artwork of Claudia Herber
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNovqs_tbwQ
Claudia Herber
https://currentsgallery.com/pages/claudia-herber
Sharon C. Cook - Oil and Cold Wax artist
https://sharonccookartist.com/
The Artwork of Sharon Cook
https://currentsgallery.com/pages/sharon-cook
Currents Gallery, Mcminnville, Oregon
CONNECT W/CANDACE + KYLE
Candace Burch:
YourHormoneBalance.com
Info@yourhormonebalance.com
Kyle McAvoy:
kylebmcavoy@gmail.com
Join Candace and Kyle for a fascinating discussion about the modality of hypnotherapy and how it can create lasting changes in someone’s life.
Guest: Amy Green Smith is a hypnotherapist, public speaker, personal improvement coach, and experienced podcaster with over nine years and 500+ episodes under her belt. One of her main goals is to help people move beyond their ‘limiting beliefs.’
Visit her website and podcast, The Bold Faced Truth, which addresses the issue of people-pleasing and many more topics: Amy Green Smith's Website.
Covered in this Episode:
Ways to Connect with Amy Green Smith:
Some of Amy's Favorite Influences:
Tune in to this insightful episode and discover how hypnotherapy can help you banish toxic thinking and boost your self-confidence!
CONNECT W/CANDACE + KYLE
Candace Burch:
YourHormoneBalance.com
Info@yourhormonebalance.com
Kyle McAvoy:
kylebmcavoy@gmail.com
We begin with Teena’s story, where she describes starting music lessons at 7-years-old on “traditionally female” instruments like violin and piano, but later found that it was guitar and percussion that spoke to her …. “It was like a steam train after that, no one could stop me.” Teena takes us behind the scenes of her groundbreaking career as a musician playing with Johnny Lee Hooker and as lead percussionist with the Van Morrison band; how she transitioned from ‘rocker’ to sound therapist.
In this episode Candace + Kyle also discuss:
References:
On health benefits of sound baths:
Contact Teena Lyle:
Aurora Sound and Reiki Therapy
https://aurorasoundandreikitherapy.co.uk/
Zoom consults soon: Watch This Space
Teena recommends:
Guy Douglas – The Gong Guy (online) https://www.gongguy.com/
Michelle Kellogg Mindful Mystic™
Chakra Balancing Reiki & Sound Healing
Sound, Scent and Soul (Trauma work) https://www.theartofsoundhealing.com/treating-trauma-with-sound-therapy/
Koshi Bells, Singing bowls, Energy Chimes, Flutes, Gongs….
https://soundhealinglab.com/products/koshi-chimes
CONNECT W/CANDACE + KYLE
Candace Burch:
YourHormoneBalance.com
Info@yourhormonebalance.com
Kyle McAvoy:
kylebmcavoy@gmail.com
This week’s guest is Shivani Gupta, PhD, an Ayurvedic Practitioner who completed her PhD on Turmeric and its various uses. Shivani’s vision is to support allopathic medicine with the ancient practices of ayurvedic medicine. She started the women-only run company of Fusionary Formulas (https://fusionaryformulas.com). Her formulas are designed to help with inflammation, pain and adequate rest.
Shivani is also a national speaker, the author of an upcoming book, has her own TV show and podcast (Vibrant Health) and a private consulting practice.
In this episode we discuss:
What is ayurvedic medicine?: A system of healing, health and medicine over 5000 years old from India. Goal is to have mind, body and spirit in alignment.
Six main pillars:
Shivani reviews the 3 main doshas; we each have a predominant one and a secondary one. Treatment is aimed at supporting our doshas. Knowing one’s doshas helps us to get in alignment with what we need to live a balanced life.
CONNECT WITH SHIVANI:
CONNECT W/CANDACE + KYLE
Candace Burch:
YourHormoneBalance.com
Info@yourhormonebalance.com
Kyle McAvoy:
kylebmcavoy@gmail.com
On today’s episode, we do a bit of a pivot and learn the causes and treatments of the epidemic of knee pain. Both Kyle and Candace have traveled this journey and have a personal interest in learning more about this topic and sharing this knowledge with our listeners.
Our guest today is Dr. Russell Riggs, who spent 25 years in the ER treating all kind of patients. His interest in treating knee pain grew from his father’s experience, as well as his own, plus from all of the patients he saw in the ER who struggled with this issue.
Many factors have made knee pain one of the top conditions globally: three of the leading causes are obesity, aging and an unprecedented number of knee injuries. Another common cause is the tendency for young athletes to concentrate on one sport while growing up, which can lead to overuse injuries of the knees.
Dr. Riggs co-opened Reflex Knee Clinic in Tigard, OR back in 2011 and has since opened two more: One in Bellevue, WA and a third in Scottsdale, AZ. During today’s episode, we delve into various non-surgical options for knee pain/injuries/conditions.
Some of the topics that we cover during our time with Dr. Riggs:
TAKEAWAYS:
Join us today to learn more about how you can keep and/or get your knees healthy again!
WORK WITH DR RIGGS
CONNECT W/CANDACE + KYLE
Candace Burch:
YourHormoneBalance.com
Info@yourhormonebalance.com
Kyle McAvoy:
kylebmcavoy@gmail.com
Candace and Kyle are delighted to interview British nutritionist and author, Jackie Lynch, founder of the online Well-Well-Well nutrition clinic and host of the hugely popular diet & lifestyle podcast The Happy Menopause - which was shortlisted for the 2022 International Women’s Podcast Awards. She is also the author of The Happy Menopause: Smart Nutrition to Help You Flourish (Watkins, 2020) which was Highly Commended in the 2021 UK Health & Wellbeing Awards. You can visit Jackie on her website www.well-well-well.co.uk. Follow her on social media at @WellWellWellUK.
Here are some of the main areas we covered in our fast paced conversation with Jackie about the key elements of a happy menopause - from practicing optimal nutrition and stress management to taking bioidentical hormones (if you can get them) and creating a positive mindset around the menopause experience:
CONNECT W/CANDACE + KYLE
Candace Burch:
YourHormoneBalance.com
Info@yourhormonebalance.com
Kyle McAvoy:
kylebmcavoy@gmail.com