The Arc Woman Podcast

🧬 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....

👩‍⚕️ 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...

🎗️ 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 an...

🤍 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 li...

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 diet...

🧠 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. ⚖️ T...

🍷 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 impac...

🍽️ 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...

🧬 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...

🌀 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 pers...

🩵 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 actual...

🦋 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...

✨ 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 lesso...

🩸 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...

🎙️ 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 co...

🎙️ 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...

🎙️ 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, a...

🎙️ 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 t...

🎙️ 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 no...

🎙️ 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-scree...

🎙️ 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...

🎙️ 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 o...

🎙️ 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 car...

🎙️ 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 bri...

🎙️ In this episode of The Arc Woman Podcast, we delve into the fascinating world of intimate health with the esteemed Dr. Moira Bradfield Strydom. Dr. Moira is not only the founder of Intimate Ecology clinical and education services but also a Naturopath, educator, and researcher with a wealth of experience spanning over two decades. 🔬 With a keen interest in recurrent vaginal infections, optimal...