The Flow with BloodStream Media

For years, women with bleeding disorders were told it was "just a heavy period." On the kickoff episode of The Flow with BloodStream, "It's Not Just a Heavy Period," women and clinicians expose what happens when serious symptoms are minimized, normalized, or dismissed entirely. Heavy prolonged periods. Anemia. Bruising. Joint bleeds. Rectal bleeding. Years without answers. Three women share what i...

Research scientist Dr. Bethany Samuelson Bannow talks bodily autonomy, calls for the need for better menstrual tracking methods for individuals with bleeding disorders, and reveals how medical school training often provides minimal education on the period. She encourages listeners to speak openly about their periods to break the stigma, noting that even within religious texts, there are accounts o...

The conversation highlights propaganda-driven myths about hospital birth, how birth centers / collaborative care models can save lives, and ways listeners can support local birth workers' advocacy efforts. Deliver Us (documentary) shares the journey Black midwives around the country - opening birth centers and demanding justice for Black mothers - visit delvierusdoc.com now to learn more!   Progra...

PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) goes far beyond typical PMS, causing debilitating symptoms including extreme depression, intrusive thoughts, and reality distortion. FLOW's Sarah and Jessica sit down with Christina de la Riva, who shares her journey with diagnosis, shame, and initially thinking she was just "handling PMS poorly." Cristina also introduces the archetype of Lilith* as a framewo...

In this episode, hosts Jessica and Sarah FLOW with guest Amy Gaston to explore the groundbreaking future of menstrual aid. Join us to understand the science behind OhmBody's device, its impact on reducing blood loss - and how OhmBody's tech can improve overall quality of life for menstruators.  Amy Gaston highlights the need for better menstrual education and research, and aims for a future where...

Recorded live in session at HFM's Conference for Women with Bleeding Disorders in Detroit, Michigan! Flow is a monthly podcast dedicated to the bleeding disorders community - in October 2025, Flowsters Sarah and Jessica spent time in Michigan to collect powerful personal stories of both medical gaslighting and health advocacy. In this recorded-live episode participants discuss their experiences wi...

Recorded live in session at HFM's Conference for Women with Bleeding Disorders in Detroit, Michigan! Flow is a monthly podcast dedicated to the bleeding disorders community - in October 2025, Flowsters Sarah and Jessica spent time in Michigan to collect powerful personal stories of both medical gaslighting and health advocacy. In this recorded-live episode participants discuss their experiences wi...

Recorded August 23, 2025 in Denver, CO at NBDF's Annual Bleeding Disorders Conference (BDC). Flow thanks NBDF (National Bleeding Disorders Foundation) for the time to Flow with participants in a session at their annual conference! This recorded-live episode captures powerful stories of individuals navigating life with bleeding disorders. Conversations highlight the struggles of diagnosis, the impa...

In this episode, Flowsters Jessica and Sarah welcome Kim Rosas, founder of Period Nirvana. Their candid conversation covers Kim's educational work, her journey with menstrual cups, and her fascination with the evolution of reusable period products.   Their candid conversation covers Kim's journey with menstrual cups and her fascination with the evolution of reusable period products, insights about...

Jennifer Eden brings global experiences to her mission to make organic menstrual products accessible and affordable. Her conversation with hosts Sarah and Jessica highlights the benefits of menstrual education (e.g. in her home country of Australia), and focuses on the responsibility of businesses / business owners to advocate for safe and effective products.   Program Notes:   Episode Links: Bloo...

This month's FLOW delves into the 'Iron Ladies' research - they investigate iron deficiency's prevalence among women with bleeding disorders, the importance of routine screening, the challenges in setting standardized care practices, and the historical exclusion of women from clinical trials. Featuring Dr. Megnahn McCormick, a doctor passionate about treating iron deficiency.   Program Notes:   Ep...

In this episode, FLOWsters from Bloodstream Media share their first encounters with menstruation, coping with period pain, and managing menstrual health. They explore societal taboos, stories of learning about menstruation, and highlight experiences with bleeding disorders. The conversation underscores the importance of education and open dialogue. The team continues Flow's mission to normalize co...

In this episode of Flow, hosts Jessica Richmond and sex therapist Sarah Watson are joined by guests Jade and Leslie (Bloodstream Media / Believe Limited teammates)  to play a game called 'MiTV, Menstruation in Television'! They review and rate the accuracy of menstruation portrayals in various TV shows and films, including 'Euphoria', 'Orange is the New Black', 'Game of Thrones', 'Grease', 'Big Mo...

In honor of Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month, Flow is talking about advocacy in action for Factor 7 Deficiency. Our guest Stacy shares challenges with extreme menstrual pain and dismissed symptoms, emphasizing the importance of persistence while navigating a broken healthcare system where rare conditions are poorly understood. Despite facing systemic hurdles, keeping up with current research and...

Miller values health data security - that's why she created the secure cycle tracking app "SARA". And SARA is just one milestone amongst her efforts to support innovation in period care: in this episode of FLOW, Jessica Richmond and Sarah Watson welcome Miller Morris. Their convo highlights the healthcare system's need for  renewal,  the significance of healthcare standards like HIPAA in cycle tra...

Midwife Morgan and a sex therapist Laura join Jessica and Sarah to discuss The Cycle Book (available now!). The authors share frustrations with lack of data privacy of many digital tracking apps - as well as concerns about the inaccuracy of information provided!    Laura also shares her experience returning to birth control and coping with PMDD and Morgan discusses her endometriosis and anemia man...

This episode of FLOW features Lisa Williams, from Hello Again! Lisa shares her personal journey with fibroids, a hysterectomy, menopause, and how discovering cannabis-based vaginal suppositories dramatically improved her quality of life. The conversation touches on the value of cannabis in treating various health issues and how a supportive community to openly discuss challenges is essential!   Pr...

On this month's FLOW, peak behind the curtain of the award-winning comedic web-series Stop the Bleeding!     The guests share personal stories about learning about and dealing with hemophilia, periods, and the significance of portraying these issues through their characters on STBhemo.com - and the joys of benign part of an ( animated ) series that tackles choosing pride, dismantling shame, and ra...

In this live episode from the Hemophilia Foundation of Michigan's Conference for Women and Teens, hosts Jessica and Sarah create an open dialogue about menstruation, aiming to normalize the conversation and encourage self-advocacy.    They invite participants (virtual and in person) to discuss their menstrual journeys, touching on subjects such as heavy bleeding, inadequate medical support, and th...

Dr. Erin Ellis specializes in the complexities of hormone balance. On this month's FLOW, she unpacks the essential role environmental factors play in overall well-being. Her practical approach focuses on how combined lifestyle choices can / do have a positive impacting hormonal balance and menstrual health! Re: Extreme Menstruation  "You don't need to suffer - you don't! And that goes with anythin...

Alexandra  brings an innovative approach to the discussion on reproductive health. She has a passion for empowering individuals with knowledge about their bodies, and a commitment to breaking down complex topics - and thus she is positioned as a valuable and relatable voice in the field of reproductive health education.    Flow with us to gain educational insights into all aspects of reproductive...

This month on Flow - learn effective strategies for understanding and managing uterine fibroids and alternative treatments for heavy periods. Charlene Modeste is a menstrual health advocate and holistic wellness enthusiast; she brings a wealth of personal experience and knowledge to the conversation. From our Flow with Charlene Modeste: "I'm an expert on me. You may be a doctor and an expert in yo...

The World Health Organization calls for menstrual health to be recognized, framed, and addressed as a health and human rights issue, and that all menstruators should be able "to live, study, and work in an environment in which menstruation is seen as positive and healthy and not something to be ashamed of and to be able to participate in work and social activities fully."    And FLOW echoes that c...

Amy Board, host on the Bloodstream podcast (!) slides into the FLOW host chair for a special Mother's Day episode.    Amy interviews her mom, Jenny, about intense menstrual cycle experience and how advocacy for proper care has revolutionized her mom's quality of life. Drawing from her own challenges, Jenny offers practical insights into managing heavy menstrual flow and underscores the importance...

A little education goes a long way. Mariam Saparamadu is passionate about bridging the gap between cultural experiences inside and outside the home.   "If you are working with someone that continues to dismiss you and make you feel small, then they are not the provider for you… and you can find another provider." - Mariam Saparamadu   First tampon use when learning to swim in your 30's, cultural a...