Living Well with PMDD
This podcast is about living a great life with pmdd (premenstrual dysphoric disorder). Heidi's goal is to be a blessing and a comfort to you and to inspire you. Newer episodes have an array of topics: parenting, losing weight, hormones, relationships, money, health, and more. Heidi is a certified life coach (since 2021), mom of 5, and a PMDD Survivor...among other things. 😉 Happy to have you here. Take actionFor more information, check out https://heidibradfordcoaching.com Resources --PMS and Period Support Supplements by Semaine Health...available online or at WalmartMusic Island Breeze by Surf House Productions | https://surf-house-productions.bandcamp.comMusic promoted by h...
PMDD Current Events
Hi all! Hope you're having a great week!
Pop in to hear about the newly formed PMDD Policy Council and join if you're interested!
Take Aways
Christina Bohn Memorial 5K is Saturday, October 17th, 2026.Notes from the PMDD Policy Council Town Hall from September 2026.Many people want to improve PMDD care. Money needed for researchA better standard of care established to avoid the EXTREMES currently available.Reimbursement for carePMDD classified as a Neuro-endocrine disorder rather than a mental health disorderSupport the show
Want more support? ❤️Click here for a free...
Mutism: A Lesser Known Symptom of PMDD
Are you looking for more support around PMDD? Look no further. We have 12 spots and you have a few days to join the PMDD Support Group starting Tuesday, October 6th, 2026! To join us click here: https://heidibradfordcoaching.com/group/. To hear details about it, listen here. Cost is $425 for four months of support led by me, Heidi Bradford.
We usually hear about verbal outbursts and yelling related to PMDD, but it can affect some women differently. Being quiet and nearly mute can also happen. You will hear SaavikofVulcan and DemBohns interaction about mutism...
Do Not Despair - Advice from 1974 that rings true today
YOU are invited to join the PMDD Support Group starting October 6th! To join us click here: https://heidibradfordcoaching.com/group/. To hear details about it, listen here.
Do you experience discouragement or feel depressed sometimes? Today I will share 12 ways we can help lift our spirits and not despair. I'm sharing from a talk given in 1974! Yes, that's a while ago. It still applies today! I love this talk. I listen to it again and again.
Ezra Taft Benson gave these 12 ways in a talk given to a group of men. I will add a...
Dinner Prep Idea That Makes Dinnertime Easier
YOU are invited to my PMDD Support Group. Listen to the details here and sign up to join here: https://heidibradfordcoaching.com/group/. We start October 6th, 2026!
Dinnertime can be rushed and hectic. Here's one tip to help dinnertime be less chaotic.
Take Aways
Preparing the pieces that will make up dinner ahead of time will make cooking dinner go more smoothly.5 stepsCreate a menu (think simple)Commit to follow your menu - do a second lookGet groceries for the weekDo the pieces earlier (at noon or the night before)Fo...PMDD Support Group
Would you like more support with PMDD? Now is your chance! I'm opening a small support group October 6th. Limit of 12 participants. Listen to today's episode for details and join here: https://heidibradfordcoaching.com/group/
I will be hosting a 4 month support group for women with PMDD. October through January, join me weekly on zoom for classes and coaching that will help you live better with PMDD. You will GROW and have FUN.
Areas of growth that we'll focus on are: intellectual, physical, social, and spiritual. Beyond that we will tackle...
When Things Go Wrong (Like Our Summer of 2026 Did)
Each of us experience things going wrong. It stinks. It can make us question our choices, who we are, and if God really cares about us.
Our family recently went through things going wrong. I will share about that and offer advice on how to deal with things going wrong in ways that give your soul the attention it deserves as well as helping you to move on.
Want more support? ❤️Click here to talk with me. I'm currently offering a free 20 minute consultation call to help you get clear on where you are and how to...
How to NOT Shut Down When Things Get Hard with guest Anji Harris
Have you ever quit a job, stopped a project, or ended a relationship suddenly? Did it feel like you were just shutting down? I invited Anji Harris, a marketing guru and prolific writer, to share with us her experiences of shutting down and her tried-and-true strategy for avoiding shut-downs in the future. You can find more from Anji at https://www.youtube.com/@livelovedreamnow/videos
Take Aways
"Yes, He [God] had delivered me from that suicide attempt, but what didn't go away were the triggers. The situations and the circumstances that would pull me ba...The Impressions You're Making That You Didn't Realize You're Making
Do you realize the impressions you're making? 🙃
Let's consider the impressions you are making in the world. In this episode, I specifically discuss how GROSS I look as a person from only reading doctor's notes from past appointments. Seriously, THAT IS NOT ME.
I also see that my approach to doctor's appointments has been leaving incorrect impressions of myself and my health. I used to approach doctor's appointments as: get right to the point. Here is the problem. What do you think? Don't waste their time!!
Not Anymore. They get to see the happy...
Revelations From Hindsight
👉FEEDBACK REQUESTED. Click here: http://heidibradfordcoaching.com/survey This quick survey will help me create more of the content, support, and resources that matter most to you. It takes less than 3 minutes, and your input means so much.
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An unexpected phone call this morning led me to a new realization. Listen in to hear the revelation that surfaced and maybe a revelation of your own will surface for you.
Take Aways
NEW support coming!! Stay tuned.Trent and I found out that my medical clearance did not come...Why Going From Structured to Unstructured is Hard and How To Make It a Better Experience
Hello! 🎉 New and fun things are coming! Tune in next week to hear about what I've been working on. Still offering a free 20 minute consult call. Book here: https://heidibradfordcoaching.com/free/. You know you want to! Don't be shy. Come talk!
Last week, I helped at a young women's youth camp. It was delightful. The transition back to life was a bit rocky, but not nearly as bad as it has been in the past. In the past, I wouldn't know what to do with the angst that often comes from moving from one phase to ano...
What To Do When Your Routines Are Thrown Off
We all know the feeling... things are going great and then BAM. Something happens that makes interrupts your smooth sailing. Maybe it's an interruption of your usual self-care routines. Maybe a loved one is sick and needs your care and support. Whatever the disruption, I have a process to help you FEEL GROUNDED in those moments. It leads you to getting back on track whether that means backtracking or continuing "off-track."
Listen in for my 3 Rs to feeling grounded when disruption or interruption happens. This is a simple, 3-step process to follow. You can write the 3 Rs on...
A Miracle: God Gave Us a Dryer
Today I am sharing a miracle. God gave us a dryer... for $28.
I'm Heidi. A certified life coach who loves helping people. Right now you can hop on a 20 minute call with me for free. This is perfect for you if you're feeling stuck or need some support, let's talk. Click here for that.
Take Aways
Our family is moving overseasDo we store our dryer or keep it for 2 months so we can dry clothes until we leave? No good dryers on Facebook marketplaceGod provided... listen to find out howSupport th...
Mother's Day Peace Challenge
If you struggle with Mother's Day, you're not alone. Today I'll share an idea I had about 10 years ago. It was nearing Mother's Day and I had a desire to show my kids that I appreciated them making me a mother. I chose to buy them each a book for Mother's Day. Listen in to hear my Mother's Day Peace Challenge inspired by that experience. Or watch here.
Take Aways
Review of my episode: A Tribute to My Mom: Things I Wish My Mom Had Known 50 Years Ago from May 6, 2024.Many women...5 Things No One Tells You About PMDD
Get faster results on your pmdd journey by talking with me. Click here to schedule a quick 20 minute conversation. We'll discover your best next step in alleviating your pmdd.
5 Things No One Tells You About PMDD
No "one-size-fits-all" solution. Many ways to treat it.YOU know best.You'll still be human. (Even after you find a good treatment, you'll have ups and downs to deal with.)Doctors are not well versed in pmdd.Resilience and Support make the biggest difference.Take Aways
When looking for solutions t...Scheduling and Timing Decision Making to Have Better Experiences
LET'S CELEBRATE! THIS IS THE 100TH EPISODE! 🎉
I chose a topic that has helped me immensely in honor of this being the 100th episode. Enjoy the stories I share throughout. Maybe you can see yourself in some of them.
Take this with a grain of salt. It's meant to be general information. Tailor this to your own wisdom and experience.
Take Aways
Scheduling events and vacations based on your menstrual cycle can increase your odds of having good experiences. Schedule commitments that you're planning, hosting, or attending to take place durin...PMDD Awareness with Marybeth Bohn: Part 3
Continuing our talk with Mary Beth Bohn. :) YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_SlnEvCiRE&t=2s
Take Aways
Therapies that may help: ACT, EMDR, or hypnotherapy.Various dietary supplements have helped.Lifestyle changes can improve (meaning decrease) pmdd symptoms.REMEMBER: TRIAL AND ERROR IS IMPORTANT. WHAT HAS WORKED FOR SOMEONE ELSE MAY OR MAY NOT HELP YOU.Some memories may show up only during the luteal phase. More research is needed, but pmdd can affect memory.Reproductive hormones are STEROIDS. Steroids affect the brain a lot. Women with pmdd should consider li...PMDD Awareness with Marybeth Bohn: Part 2
More with Mary Beth Bohn, co-founder of the Christina Bohn Foundation. Video slides are utilized so this one would be especially helpful to watch! Here's where it is on YouTube: https://youtu.be/taO0-OYAQf4
Take Aways
00 - About the Annual Christina Bohn Memorial 5K, establishing the first state recognized PMDD Awareness day (in Missouri), and about Mary Beth and her husband stepping into PMDD Awareness after Christina's death.Here is the 7 minute video... about high level overview about pmdd and Christina.07:35 - Education about the menstrual cycle and pmdd including powerpoint slides by...PMDD Awareness with Marybeth Bohn - Part 1: Christina's Story
Christina Bohn was misdiagnosed for years. Christina lived with a debilitating disorder: premenstrual dysphoric disorder. She didn't know about pmdd and her mental health issues were not linked to her menstrual cycle until it was too late. Her mother is joining me today to share Christina's story and increase awareness and understanding of pmdd. We want you, your doctor, your family, and everyone to know about pmdd. Let's decrease unnecessary suffering. Let's get women the support they need. Let's help to decrease misdiagnosis of health problems. You can watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E...
Staying Positive When Things are Hard
Today I share about some areas of my life where I have wanted to disconnect. We all go through things that are hard for us. Listen in for some examples of this for me currently and a reminder to think about the good too.
Take Aways
"The joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives." -Russell M. Nelson When we only focus on the negative or only focus on the problems or what we perceive as problems, things that we ne...Whole Food, Plant Based Diet to Reduce PMDD Symptoms with Special Guest Berea Lavin
My amazing friend, Berea Lavin, has found something that has ELIMINATED her pmdd symptoms. She's 3 cycles into it working for her. She's had symptoms for years... starting around age 16.
When she told me she felt SO GOOD, I asked if she would come and share details with us. She agreed!
Take-Aways
00:00 to 15:00 Berea's background with pms and pmdd and the role God plays in her life15:38 Berea tells us about her eating and exercise choices that are helping; all about a whole food, plant based diet29:15 How Berea deals with temptations32:07 Discussing d...Mistakes I've Made Recently With Natural Progesterone Supplements
Happy Spring! Have you ever done something stupid, but it took doing it a few times to realize it was stupid? That's what happened to me in January of this year regarding my natural progesterone supplements. Listen in to hear what I've learned.
Next week: Special Guest sharing about how her whole food, plant-based eating + exercise has eliminated her pmdd symptoms.
April is PMDD Awareness month. Special Guest Marybeth Bohn will be with us. She lost her daughter to pmdd in 2021.
Take Aways
I still sometimes make stupid decisions even t...Is Your Health Signaling That You're In a Bad Relationship?
Last week, I shared how a health challenge can inadvertently make you think your marriage is terrible. But what if it IS terrible?
Today I'll address the negative effects a bad relationship can have on your health. This may be why your health is bad...it's your body's response to the relationship. We'll look at how to assess if the relationship is bad or if your perception and emotions are skewing your vision of the relationship. Also available on YouTube here.
Take Aways
Physical effects of being in a bad relationship: increased str...Handling Health Challenges in a Marriage
Today we look at an analogy of hiking with an uncomfortable shoe and how it relates to being in a marriage while experiencing a health challenge. Watch the show here.
If you'd like personal support, please reach out to me.
Take Aways
A health challenge can throw a wrench in so many areas of a marriage that it can cause the marriage to want to collapse and decay. Bad stuff is going to happen sometimes.Hiking analogy. How does having an uncomfortable shoe affect the experience would have on a hike? Just as an...Two Roads to Feeling Better: Action and Connection
Want to feel better? I'd love to help. Book a 30 minute call with me here.
Today, come with me to look at two approaches to feeling better. We'll look at the benefits of both and how to utilize them in your life.
Take Aways
We are taught and trained to take action.Taking action often looks like accomplishing tasks, fulfilling responsibilities, or goal setting and achievement.The immediate benefit for taking action is relief. You have a goal. You have steps to get there. Cue relief.Sometimes taking action after ac...The Role Histamines Could Play in PMS
Histamine intolerance is a relatively new thing. Discover how it could be making your PMS symptoms worse. You'll also hear what to change to have less PMS symptoms related to histamine intolerance.
Take Aways
My terrible experience with severe PMS symptoms last week. My symptoms were likely heightened by high histamine levels.About histamines from Healthline.comThe body can get overloaded with histamine and have an allergic response "Histamine intolerance is the temporary state of having too much histamine, which is the part of the immune system that causes allergies and swelling. In addition to...How to do a Calcium Audit for Better Health
Today I will share benefits of calcium and then walk you through performing a calcium "audit." This will help you see where you get your calcium from and help you to know if you are getting enough calcium regularly. You will also hear ways to increase your intake of calcium.
To follow along with the video version on YouTube, click here.
Take Aways
Calcium benefits us by helping us to have strong bones, good cardiovascular health, plays a role in nerve signaling, affects muscle contractions, and aids in blood clotting. https://ancientnutrition.com...Lessons Learned From Living With PMDD for Five years
It's been a while since I've addressed pmdd specifically. I'm excited to do that today and plan to do so off and on going forward. Today I share some things I wish I'd known 3 years ago--when I was early into my pmdd journey. Hopefully these will help you be able to be healthier and live a better life... especially if you have pmdd (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) or other premenstrual issues.
Take Aways
The "5 Keys to Living Well with PMDD" are still applicable. Listen here to review those.Lesson 1: There is no "one-size-fits-all" solution for w...Timeless Strategies for Good Health
It can be easy to get caught up in new or different "health hacks" for good health and wellness. Let's calm ourselves down and tap into timeless wellness strategies instead. These will help with any health goal you have... weight loss, brain fog, joint pain, and insomnia.
In this episode, I (Heidi) share basic, free ways that you can improve your health today.
Take Aways
Here's the list of strategies discussed today.
Getting 10-15 minutes of sunlight every dayMoving your body.LaughingBeing in natureGetting outside in the morningGetting fre...I Gave Up Chocolate For a Year--It Changed My Life
Happy 2026!! Welcome back to the Living Well with PMDD podcast. I hope your new year is starting out wonderfully.
In today's episode, I share with you about a decision I made right before my 17th birthday that changed my life. I decided to go without chocolate for a year.
Summary
Why and when I made the decisionSurprises (and sacrifices) along the way while keeping to my goalResults: then and nowHow you can apply this in your lifeTake Aways
I was inspired by my dad having gone a ye...Top 3 Weight Loss Tools of 2025 (Client Favorites)
Heidi shares her client's top three weight loss tools of 2025. These are the most talked about, most used, and most helpful tools from this year.
Take Aways
#1 The 100 Allowed Urges Worksheet#2 Reminding themself: IT'S OKAY when they mess up#3 Stick with the plan. (This is her individualized plan we made together.)Download a copy of the 100 Allowed Urges Worksheet here and try it for yourself today! It can work for a weight loss goal, a time management goal, or even financial and relationship goals. It's pretty sweet.
The 100 Allowed Urges worksheet c...
Healthy Holidays: Staying Hydrated
Three challenges we face to staying hydrated during the holidays are being on the go, sitting more than usual, and drinking alcohol. Listen in for practical tips to staving off dehydration during this fun, busy, and sometimes unpredictable weeks.
Take Aways
Keep a water bottle with you and stock your carRecognize when you're feeling faint, hungry, or on edge. Question hunger if you've eaten in the last hour. You may just be thirsty.While cozying up to a movie, keep water close byIf drinking alcohol follow these tips: eat food before drinking, limit how m...Healthy Holidays: Diet and Exercise
The holidays are a time for connection, spending time with family and friends, and thinking of Jesus. Tune in to hear some tidbits of advice on enjoying the holidays without neglecting your diet and exercise goals. Follow Heidi's advice so you stick close to your health goals without sacrificing time and attention to your loved ones. Merry Christmas! 🎄
Take Aways
Make decisions ahead of time.Consider each event you plan to host or attend this holiday season. What and how much will you eat?You are beautiful as you are. Any effort you put in t...Healthy Holidays: Sleep and Stress Relief
Glean reasons and tips to prioritize sleep and easy ways to relieve stress over the holidays. Heidi shares insights from this article by the Mayo Clinic.
Guided meditation options: Breathing Meditation by Diana Winston @ UCLA, Empowered Me Meditation by Deepak Chopra
Click here for Heidi's "how to turn your brain off at night" post.
Take Aways
"You may be able to sleep your way to a longer life." -Mayo Clinic article.If you cut your sleep short for a prolonged amount of time, it m...Healthy Holidays: Weight Management Amid the Holiday Cheer
Heidi has you covered this holiday season if you're hoping to stay healthy. This episode begins our 4 part Healthy Holiday series.
Part 1: Weight management among all the treats and seasonal delights.
Part 2: Sleep and stress relief while still enjoying Christmas parties and buying presents.
Part 3: Diet and exercise tips to keep you healthy enough and temper overindulgence.
Part 4: Staying hydrated among the hustle and bustle (and why it's worth focusing on!)
Take Aways
With some planning, you can eat some sweets, indulge a little, and maintain yo...Sandy's Story: From 235 pounds to 164 pounds in 1.5 years
Sandy has lost 70 pounds in the last year and half while receiving coaching and support from Heidi. The benefits have been tremendous. Today we get to hear from Sandy. In some ways, this is Sandy's oral "review" for Heidi Bradford Coaching.
Sandy is 65 years old, lives with her husband, spends time with her children and grandchildren, takes care of her dad, volunteers her time to help in her community, and cares about her health.
Settle in to gain insights and be inspired about becoming a healthier version of you.
Click here to WATCH th...
False Pleasure vs Well Being
Today we'll look at false pleasure, well being, artificial pleasure, and natural pleasure and why you want to increase your natural pleasures and live in the well being cycle.
Take Aways
Artificial pleasures are things that are temporary. They provide a temporary fix or a temporary benefit, and they come with negative consequences.Natural pleasures of life are less intense but come without consequence. Examples of natural pleasures: slow walks in beautiful settings, great reads, a clean closet, great podcasts, scented candles (or diffuser with essential oils), wonderful music, sleeping in, soft cl...The What and Why of A2 Milk: Digestion, Inflammation, and My Personal Experience
There is compelling evidence that A2 milk can make a difference for the better in people's lives. Today we'll look at what A2 milk is and why you might consider trying it in place of regular dairy milk. Heidi shares information from a Good Housekeeping article, an Ancient Nutrition article, and a Lara Briden article.
Take Aways
A2 milk is milk that contains only the A2 beta-casein protein. Most cow's milk in the United States contains both A2 and A1 beta-casein. "The difference between A1 and A2 beta-casein is a single amino acid. This sma...Learning to Tell Yourself "No"
We naturally want WHAT we want, WHEN we want it. But most of us also know that to get everything we want when we want it is not the best thing for us in the long run.
Learning to say "no" to yourself is vital to changing a long-term habit, a current behavior, or achieving a goal. Heidi shares examples and a four part process to saying "no" to yourself.
Take Aways
Saying "no" to yourself is a useful skill to develop.It leads to greater self confidence and peace.Example 1: Long t...5 Ways to Lose Weight Without Dieting
With the holidays coming and hectic lives, we can all use simple reminders on losing weight and staying healthy. Heidi outlines five ways to lose weight without dieting in today's episode. Enjoy!
Take Aways
Take breaks from eating. This helps with insulin resistance and allows your body to access fat to use as fuel rather than sugar.Eat less ultra-processed foods (UPFs).Stop eating your feelings. Stop eating by 7 pm and wait until 11 am to eat. Drinking water is okay.Write down your cravingsIngredients matter. Check them. Our feelings don't usually need to be ov...Losing Weight 101
Trying to lose weight can be tricky. Heidi has been helping men and women lose weight for the past 3 years. This episode explores why we think we can't lose weight, the solutions most people have tried, and a different (hint: emotional) approach to losing weight.
Get the 5 Ways to Lose Weight Without Dieting here.
Ready to lose 20 pounds in the next few months? Info call with Heidi is Friday, October 17th at 11 am Mountain time. Sign up here. (That's 10 am PT/12 pm CT/1 pm...
