The Arc Woman Podcast

🎙️ In this solo episode I'm breaking down one of the most popular adaptogens in the wellness space what it actually does in the body, why it's so well suited to modern life, and why the "it's natural so it's safe" framing is genuinely getting people hurt.

🧠 I cover the full mechanism HPA axis modulation, GABAergic activity, cortisol reduction, thyroid hormone interactions, and why withanolides having a steroidal backbone means this herb is hormone pathway active, not just a simple calming supplement.

⚡ We get into the research study by study cortisol, anxiety, sleep, strength, subclinical hypothyroidism, and PMOS i...

🎙️ In this solo episode I'm breaking down one of the most misunderstood supplements in the wellness space because no, berberine is not "nature's Ozempic", and by the end of this you'll know exactly why that comparison is clinically lazy and what berberine is actually doing in your body.

🔬 I cover the full mechanism, AMPK activation, insulin signalling, GLUT4 upregulation, PCSK9 inhibition, leptin sensitivity, and why berberine's comparisons to metformin are far more scientifically valid than any GLP-1 analogy.

🦠 We get into what I think is the most fascinating part of the research, berberine's impact on the gut mic...

🎙️ The anti-choice movement in Australia is getting louder, more organised, and more willing to spread outright misinformation. So in this episode, I brought in two experts to fact-check the claims being made publicly, right now, in this country, one by one.

⚖️ I'm joined by Kayla, a practising midwife with deep knowledge of health policy on the ground, and Georgia, a criminologist working in policy who knows exactly how laws are made, misrepresented, and used against women. Together, we go through the most repeated anti-abortion claims in Australia, fetal rights under international law, late-term abortion statistics, born alive rhetoric...

🩺 In this episode I'm joined by Dr. Maree Bilandzic, molecular cancer biologist, ovarian cancer advocate, and the first scientist in the world to identify and characterise leader cells in ovarian cancer a discovery that is fundamentally changing how scientitsts understand why this disease keeps coming back.

🔬 We get into why ovarian cancer is called the silent killer, why treatment hasn't changed in over 30 years, and what it actually means that this cancer starts in the fallopian tube something we only discovered a decade ago.

⚡ Dr. Bilandzic breaks down her landmark leader cell research what leader cells ar...

🏛️ Journey from ancient Venus figurines to futuristic GLP-1 prescriptions as this episode uncovers the long story of how women have been praised for shrinking themselves, eating less, and calling it virtue.

🔍 We chart the recurring pattern: every time women gain political ground, a new beauty ideal emerges to shrink them back. From suffrage and the flapper craze, to second wave feminism and Twiggy, to third wave and heroin chic, and now the most educated generation of women facing a resurgence of extreme thinness.

📊 The numbers nobody puts next to each other: what the 1,200-calorie diet sits alongs...

🎙️ In this episode, I break down what PCOS actually is beyond the label walking you through its underlying pathophysiology, what’s really happening at a hormonal and metabolic level, and why it’s so often misunderstood.

⚡ From there, I unpack the Rotterdam criteria and how PCOS is diagnosed, including where women are commonly misdiagnosed or overlooked, and what a thorough, accurate workup should actually include.

🧬 We then move into the four distinct types of PCOS insulin-resistant, inflammatory, post-pill, and adrenal exploring how each presents differently and why this distinction completely changes the approach to treatment.

🥗 Buildin...

🎙️ In this episode, I unpack what Professor Philippe Grandjean at Harvard describes as a chemical pandemic and reveal how the very system meant to shield us is missing the hidden toll women are bearing in their bodies today.

⚡Continuing from this, we journey through the world of EDCs, pesticides, flame retardants, forever chemicals, phthalates, microplastics, and synthetic textiles, exploring what the latest research reveals about their effects on fertility, endometriosis, PCOS, pregnancy outcomes, and the next generation of daughters.

🧬 Building on these findings, I dive into the molecular story: how these chemicals hijack the HPO axis, ramp...

🎙️ Magnesium is involved in over 600 enzymatic reactions in the body and yet roughly half of all women aren't getting enough of it. This episode covers where magnesium comes from, why modern diets and farming practices have left us depleted, and why the standard blood test your doctor orders is almost certainly missing the full picture.

🧬 We break down what magnesium actually does inside the body: how it unlocks ATP energy production, regulates the nervous system, activates vitamin D, supports estrogen clearance through the COMT enzyme, and sits at the centre of sleep, blood sugar, thyroid function, and hormonal...

🎙️ In this solo episode I'm breaking down one of the most underdiagnosed, under-researched conditions in women's health a disease affecting roughly 1 in 5 women globally that takes an average of 11 years to diagnose, has no dedicated pharmaceutical treatment, and until recently could only be confirmed by removing the uterus entirely.

🔬 I get into the full pathophysiology what's actually happening in the muscle wall of your uterus, how localized hyperestrogenism drives the disease from the inside, and why your blood results can look completely normal while you're in excruciating pain.

⚡ We cover the key molecular mechanisms including aromatase...

🎙️ In this solo episode I'm reflecting on the side of medicine most women know too well and why so many of us keep falling through the cracks.

🔬 I break down medical paternalism, how it's baked into the system, and why the profession actively attracts and rewards a god complex that costs women their health, their autonomy, and their money.

⚡ We get into the patriarchy's role in medicine, from the origin of the word "hysteria" to why your physical symptoms keep getting rerouted into anxiety diagnoses and the very real economic toll that takes on women.

📋 I a...

Irene Lyon is a master somatic practitioner and nervous system educator who has spent over two decades studying the intersection of trauma, movement, and physiology 🧠✨

She holds a Master's degree in Biomedical and Health Science, is a certified Feldenkrais practitioner, a Somatic Experiencing practitioner, and one of the first people in the world to bring nervous system and trauma healing education online reaching over 27,000 people across 90+ countries since 2012.

Irene's approach blends three powerful modalities Somatic Experiencing, the Feldenkrais Method, and developmental trauma work into a framework she calls Neuroplastic Healing Sequencing. Her flagship program SmartBody Smart...

🫀 In this episode I'm joined by Dr. Ami Bhatt, a board-certified cardiologist, Chief Innovation Officer at the American College of Cardiology, and Chair of the FDA's National Digital Health Strategy a woman quite literally reshaping how modern medicine works.

📊 We explore why heart disease is the number one killer of women, why so many cases are missed, and how women's symptoms have been historically dismissed, misread, or attributed to anxiety rather than taken seriously.

💊 Dr. Bhatt unpacks how hormonal shifts across perimenopause change cardiovascular risk, what stress and chronic cortisol actually do to the heart, and why y...

🤰 In this episode I’m joined by Dr Melanie Jackson, a midwife and researcher who transitioned from naturopathy into midwifery to better support women through pregnancy and birth.

🧬 We explore the physiology of labour and birth, including the role of oxytocin, the Ferguson reflex, and how the body is biologically designed to bring babies into the world when supported rather than over-managed.

🏡 We also discuss the differences between hospital birth, home birth with a registered midwife, and free birth, alongside the research gaps and controversies surrounding these approaches.

💧 Dr Jackson unpacks common myths around water b...

🧬 In this solo episode I unpack the growing hype around GLP-1 medications and PCOS, and why research headlines don’t always translate to real women’s bodies.

📊 I explain what the evidence actually shows, including reliable improvements in insulin sensitivity and androgen markers, alongside mixed and inconsistent findings for cycle regularity, ovulation, fertility outcomes, and ovarian structure.

⚖️ We look at the limitations of current research, most studies are short term and conducted in women who are overweight or obese, and why weight loss and metabolic improvements appear to drive many reproductive benefits.

📚 For deeper support, e...

👩‍⚕️ Today I’m joined by Dr Rebecca Mackenzie-Proctor, Fertility Specialist and Gynaecologist at Stellar Fertility in Melbourne and newly appointed lecturer at University of New South Wales. With over a decade of experience and subspecialist training in reproductive endocrinology and infertility, she brings scientific rigour together with a deeply patient centred approach to care.

🧬 We explore IVF and modern fertility treatment, including navigating complex diagnoses, understanding treatment pathways, and what patients can expect when pursuing assisted reproductive technologies.

🌿 We also discuss the value of a holistic approach to reproductive health and how medical treatment, lifestyle factors, and emot...

🎗️ In this episode lets examine the rising incidence of breast cancer in women under 40, a topic that resonates personally due to my family history, including my mother’s diagnosis and multiple relatives affected.

📊 We cover incidence and mortality trends, then systematically unpack core risk factors including genetics (BRCA1/BRCA2 and other high penetrance genes), family history, reproductive and hormonal influences, oral contraceptive use, and established lifestyle contributors.

🧬 We discuss the benefits, limitations, and considerations of screening modalities, including mammography, ultrasound, and MRI in younger populations, weighing radiation exposure against sensitivity. I also outline recommendations for genetic risk...

🤍 In this episode we talk honestly about postpartum intimacy, what happens to your body, your hormones, and your libido after birth, and why so many women feel disconnected from sex but rarely hear that this is completely normal.

🧠 I’m joined by Juliet Allen, a global leading sexologist who works with women and couples to rebuild trust, pleasure, and communication after major life transitions like pregnancy and motherhood.

🌿 Together we explore the physical and emotional shifts that shape intimacy after birth, including healing timelines, body image, identity changes, relationship dynamics, and the nervous system’s role in desir...

In this episode I share the real story of why I stopped being vegan after years of believing it was the healthiest and most ethical way to eat.

I talk about what shifted when my health started to fall apart, including fatigue, brain fog, low B12, iron deficiency, and cycle changes, even though I was eating well and doing everything “right.” We unpack why some women struggle on long term vegan diets, the limits of supplementation, and why listening to your body sometimes means letting go of an identity.

I also reflect on how...

🧠 In this episode of the Ackerman Podcast, host Sarah Honey speaks with clinical psychologist Stephanie Georgiou, who works with women navigating eating disorders and disordered eating patterns.

📖 Stephanie shares her own nine year journey with an eating disorder and reflects on the social pressures, body ideals, and personal experiences that shaped her relationship with food and her body.

⚖️ Together, they unpack the difference between disordered eating and clinical eating disorders, the psychological drivers behind binge eating, and why diet culture often intensifies harm, particularly at times like the New Year when body change is heavily...

🍷 In this episode we explore alcohol through a wide lens, from its deep roots in human history and culture to what it actually is biologically and how it interacts with the body.

🧠 I break down how alcohol is absorbed and metabolised, why the liver treats it as a toxin, and how oxidative stress and inflammation underpin many of its short and long term health effects.

🩸 We unpack alcohol’s impact on the brain, sleep, the heart, and cancer risk, including why alcohol is linked to dementia, atrial fibrillation, and breast cancer in women.

⚖️ I also explain...

🍽️ In this episode we zoom out from food rules and look at the bigger picture of nourishment during the holidays, including connection, presence, nervous system safety, and why being fed goes far beyond what’s on your plate.

🧠 I talk through why routine disruption is not a health crisis, why food has no moral value, and how the 80/20 reality supports long term wellbeing far better than control or compensation.

⚖️ We unpack weight gain anxiety, the thermic effect of food, and why a few indulgent meals do not equal long term fat gain or metabolic damage.

🌿 I explo...

🧬 In this episode we explore histamine overload and mast cell activation syndrome, what histamine does in the body, and why symptoms can escalate across digestion, skin, mood, energy, and hormones.

📖 I walk you through the symptomology and common comorbidities linked to histamine and MCAS, including gut dysfunction, nutrient depletion, autoimmune patterns, and estrogen driven sensitivity.

⚖️ You’ll learn how each major hormone interacts with histamine, why perimenopause often worsens reactions, and how food, supplements, and daily inputs can either raise or lower total histamine load.

🎧 This is a solo episode and you can acc...

🌀 In this episode we explore Candida in a clear and grounded way, from what it actually is to how it lives inside the body, to why it becomes a problem only when the internal ecosystem slips out of balance.

📖 I guide you through the real biology of Candida, including how it originates, how it shifts between different cell forms, and how it builds protective biofilms that allow overgrowth to persist even after treatment.

🔥 You’ll learn the biggest drivers behind recurrent Candida, including low stomach acid, H pylori, antibiotic use, high blood sugar, insulin res...

🩵 In this episode we dive into why exercise sits at the centre of women’s long term health, from metabolic resilience to hormonal stability to the strength that carries you through every life stage.
📖 I’m joined by Dr Alyssa Olenick, an exercise physiologist with a PhD in sports physiology whose research and teaching cut through the noise to give women clear and practical science they can actually use.
🔥 You’ll learn why cycle syncing your workouts is unnecessary, why building muscle mass matters far more than losing weight, and how consistent training becomes one of the most powerful invest...

🦋 In this episode we dive into the thyroid what it is, the hormones it makes, and why it’s so central to your health, energy, cycles, and fertility. We cover hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, autoimmunity like Hashimoto’s and Graves’, and the role of stress, nutrients, and life stages in thyroid balance.

📖 I’m joined by Tara Nelson, a naturopath and thyroid specialist with nearly 30 years of clinical experience. Her own journey with Hashimoto’s informs the way she now helps women worldwide to recover and thrive.

🔥 You’ll learn how to recognise thyroid symptoms, the most significant driv...

✨ In this podcast we dive into reproductive anatomy, physiology, hormones, and cycle syncing in a way that’s clear, practical, and empowering. You’ll learn how the HPO and HPA axes shape your health, why your cycle is your fifth vital sign, and how to live in sync with it all.

📖 If you’re ready to go further, my Arc of Fertility course is your complete guide to fertility awareness. With 18 lessons, 12 hours of teaching, and downloadable charts, it covers everything you need to confidently use FAM for birth control or conception. Use code ARCFAM for $50 off.

🔥 You...

🩸 In this episode of The Arc Woman Podcast, we dive deep into the anatomy of period pain—what causes it, how prostaglandins and estrogen dominance play a role, and why it’s not “just part of being a woman.”

🧠 You’ll learn how menstrual cramps are linked to inflammation, stress, gut health, and hormonal imbalances. We break down the functional and naturopathic approach to understanding your pain rather than numbing it.

🌿 From castor oil packs to magnesium and nervous system care, we share practical tools to soothe period pain—both before your bleed and while it's happening.

🎙️ In this episode of The Arc Woman Podcast, we explore the stress cycle—what it is, how cortisol fuels it, and why so many women feel stuck in survival mode.

🧠 We unpack how stress impacts your hormonal rhythm, digestion, thyroid, immune system, and menstrual cycle. You'll learn how your body was designed to respond to short bursts of stress—but not to stay there indefinitely.

💥 Chronic cortisol elevation can wreak havoc, but the good news? You can complete the stress cycle and return to safety with intentional practices.

🌿 We share nervous system tools, somatic techniques...

🎙️ In this episode of The Arc Woman Podcast, we speak with Georgia—a somatic practitioner whose journey through breast implant illness and breast cancer transformed her connection to her body.

💔 She reflects on getting implants at 21, years of unexplained symptoms like seizures and vision loss, and the moment she finally discovered breast implant illness. We dive into the emotional, physical, and financial toll of explant surgery—and the energetic shift that followed.

🐾 Years later, her dog alerted her to a lump on scar tissue. She caught the tumor just in time and chose surgery and radiation—despi...

🎙️ In this episode, we dive into Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)—a severe form of PMS that can cause debilitating symptoms, including extreme mood swings, anxiety, fatigue, and physical discomfort. PMDD often begins up to two weeks before menstruation, severely impacting daily life, work, relationships, and mental health.

🧠 We break down the hormonal shifts, neurotransmitter imbalances, and genetic factors at play in PMDD. Plus, discover how holistic approaches like gut health support, blood sugar balance, and stress management can significantly aid in managing the condition.

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🎙️ Welcome to a special episode of The Arc Woman Podcast, where we explore Estrogen Dominance—what it is, how it manifests, and how you can reclaim balance. From mood swings to weight gain, we’ll break down the root causes and offer holistic approaches to heal your hormones naturally.

🌿 Discover practical tips to restore harmony with lifestyle changes, nutrition, and self-care rituals.

💪 Let’s talk all things estrogen and how to empower your body to thrive again!

In the Estrogen Ease Masterclass, we guide you through understanding and healing estrogen dominance. Dive into the science of es...

🎙️ In this episode of The Arc Woman Podcast, we dive deep into everything iron—covering both iron overload and deficiency. We explore how pathogens feed on iron, how to support absorption, and the vital role iron plays in women's health.

🌿 Learn the signs of iron imbalance, how to prevent and address issues, and gain insight into lab testing for a clearer picture of your health.

🔗 Tune in now to optimize your iron levels and take control of your health!

🎙️ In this episode, we explore the heartbreaking reality of miscarriage, with 1 in 4 women experiencing pregnancy loss before 20 weeks, and the risk doubling for women over 40.

We discuss the 10 types of miscarriage, hormonal shifts, progesterone, thyroid health, and tracking BBT shifts.

💡 Learn why checking your labs is essential for understanding your body. Get your health analyzed with i-screen’s pathology services—use code ARCWOMAN10 for 10% off at checkout..

🎙️ In this episode of The Arc Woman Podcast, I sit down with Jaclyn Potts from Bloom Psychology to explore how ADHD uniquely affects women. We uncover the fascinating link between estrogen and dopamine throughout the hormonal cycle and how these fluctuations impact ADHD symptoms. ✨ Tune in for practical tips on managing ADHD naturally, including key supplements and nutritional strategies that can support your journey.🔗 Learn more about Jaclyn’s work at Bloom Psychology: bloom-psychology.com.au

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🎙️ In this episode of The Arc Woman Podcast, we’re diving deep into the hidden impacts of hormonal birth control (HBC) on women’s health. With 851 million women worldwide using HBC—60% for non-contraceptive reasons like managing endometriosis or PCOS—it’s time to unveil the truth.🌿 We explore the pill’s dark history, how it functions in the body, and the different types of HBC. Learn about Post-Birth Control Syndrome (PBCS): what it is, common symptoms, and how to alleviate them quickly.🩺 Discover the detrimental effects HBC has on your liver, adrenals, gut, thyroid, skin, metabolism, cardiovascular system, vaginal microbiome, and fertility.💫 Ready t...

🎙️ In this episode of The Arc Woman Podcast, I chat with Emma, a dedicated physiotherapist specializing in women’s pelvic health. Emma, originally from country NSW, brings a wealth of experience, holding a Bachelor of Physiotherapy and a Post-Graduate Certificate in Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation. She now works as a Senior Physiotherapist at the Royal Hobart Hospital and chairs the Tasmanian Branch of the Australian Physiotherapy Association’s Women’s, Men’s & Pelvic Health Group.

🌿 We explore everything from understanding your pelvic floor to managing incontinence and postpartum recovery. Emma’s holistic approach empowers women to reconnect with their bodies at ev...

🎙️ In this episode of The Arc Woman Podcast, we explore the emotional journey of healing after a termination. Krissy, a trauma therapist and somatic practitioner, shares her expertise on how to process grief, heal emotionally, and regain balance.

🌸 Using somatic techniques, embodied processing, and a trauma-informed approach, Krissy offers practical advice to support your healing journey with care and compassion.

💖 If you're ready for personalized support, you can book a session with Krissy at krissykares.com.au, or connect with me at arcwoman.com.au for holistic hormonal healing.

🔗 Tune in and empower yourself to he...

🎙️ In this episode of The Arc Woman Podcast, we dive into the world of cholesterol and its vital role in women’s health. Cholesterol is often misunderstood, but it’s essential for hormone production, brain health, and cellular function. We’ll explore the difference between LDL and HDL cholesterol, debunk common myths, and discuss how your diet and lifestyle choices can impact your cholesterol levels.

🌿 Discover why cholesterol isn’t the enemy it’s often made out to be and learn practical tips for managing it naturally through nutrition, exercise, and stress reduction.

💪 Want to work with me? Book a...

🎙️ In this episode of The Arc Woman Podcast, I sit down with the incredible Aimee Aroha to dive deep into the transformative power of birth. Aimee shares her personal birth stories, offering an inspiring look at the importance of decolonizing birth and moving away from the rigid modern approaches. Together, we explore how to discover what truly works for you, free from medical dogma.

🌿 Aimee brings wisdom on nourishing yourself during the postpartum period, building a supportive community, and even how to involve the men in your life in your journey of motherhood. You can find Aimee on her I...

🎙️ In this episode of The Arc Woman Podcast, we dive into the complex landscape of PCOS, a condition affecting 1 in 10 women of childbearing age. Join me as we unravel the misleading name of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, break down its key symptoms, and explore the underlying causes.

🔍 This episode provides a comprehensive look into the Rotterdam criteria for diagnosing PCOS, highlighting how insulin resistance, gut inflammation, & adrenal dysfunction are often at the root of this condition. We'll debunk common myths, including whether hormonal birth control can cause PCOS, and discuss the role of thyroid health in managing...