The Dismissed Woman

In this episode, Margaret and Nicole sit down with Brittany to unravel a story that starts with something almost every woman has been told at some point: “It’s just a rash.” But for Brittany, that rash wasn’t simple, wasn’t harmless, and definitely wasn’t something to brush off. It was the first warning sign of a much bigger fight happening inside her body. Brittany walks listeners through the ear...

Tina’s Story In this episode, Margaret and Nicole share Tina’s story — a journey that begins with quiet symptoms, everyday discomfort, and the kind of gut feelings most people brush aside. What starts as something small becomes a path no one expects: rectal cancer. Through Tina’s voice and lived experience, this episode reveals the truth behind a diagnosis that is often hidden or misunderstood. Li...

In this episode, Margaret and Nicole share two stories that hit close to home — one from a listener, and one from Margaret’s own family — about what happens when women’s symptoms are brushed aside, minimized, or dismissed altogether. The episode opens with a listener’s journey: months (or years) of unexplained symptoms, repeated appointments, and the familiar chorus of “It’s probably stress,” “You...

Pregnancy is often portrayed as predictable and glowing—but for millions of women, it’s anything but. In this episode, Nicole and Margaret confront the reality of pregnancy complications and the systemic issues that leave many women misdiagnosed, dismissed, or unsupported. They discuss the warning signs that should never be ignored, the gaps in maternal healthcare, and the urgent need for better e...

In Part 2 of our perimenopause series, Nicole and Margaret go beyond the basics and dig into the real‑life patterns women experience during this hormonal transition. They break down how fluctuating estrogen and progesterone affect everything from histamine and inflammation to sleep, mood, and energy. They explore why symptoms seem to “stack” in certain phases of the cycle, why some days feel impos...

Perimenopause affects millions of women, yet the symptoms are often dismissed, minimized, or misdiagnosed. In this episode, Nicole and Margaret challenge the silence surrounding this life stage and dive into the real physical and emotional changes women face. They explore how fluctuating hormones impact everything from mood to inflammation to sleep, why so many women feel blindsided, and what need...

In this episode, Nicole opens up about her mental health journey with a level of honesty that will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled in silence. She shares the moments that shaped her, the patterns she had to unlearn, and the turning points that pushed her toward healing. Margaret and Nicole talk through the stigma, the setbacks, and the small victories that often go unseen. This convers...

In this episode, Margaret and Nicole have a guest and a listener whose lives have been completely reshaped by alpha‑gal syndrome , the tick‑borne allergy that makes the body react to mammal meat and mammal‑derived products. Together, they unpack what it’s really like to live with a condition most people have never heard of — one that can trigger everything from digestive distress to full‑blown ana...

Nicole and Margaret open up about the conversations they’re having with their daughters about periods—what’s normal, what’s not, and why so many girls grow up thinking painful or disruptive cycles are “just part of being a woman.” They unpack the cultural taboo around menstruation, how it shapes girls’ understanding of their bodies, and the serious conditions that often get dismissed as “normal pe...

After years of chronic strep throat and sinus infections, Margaret searches for a doctor that will allow her to get her tonsils removed. We explore the long journey of finally getting the surgery, but does that actually alleviate her symptoms? If you have an experience like this, please comment or send us an email at thedismissedwoman@gmail.com!

Episode #1! We are excited to share our experiences with all of you. In today's episode, Nicole shares her story of the time when she knew she had appendicitis, but the doctor thought it was her time of the month or constipation or combination of both. Take a trip down memory lane with us. Do you have a similar story? Send us an email or give a comment. Our email address is thedismissedwoman@g...