The Flow with BloodStream Media

FLOW gathers a panel of Bloodstream Menstrautors to discuss PMS, aka " The Great Rage" - !  PMS'ing Panel: Amy Board, Mel Forrest, Jessica Richmond, Sarah Watson With 100 symptoms and not enough cultural comprehension PMS is under-discussed socially and under-investigated medically… Join us for an episode that shines light on relational strain during PMS, the psychological weight of PMDD, learning...

FLOW welcomse new co-host Sarah Watson, Licenesed professional counselor, AASECT (A-SACHT) Certified Sex Therapist to the team! Jessica and Sarah continue Flow's mission to normalize conversation around menstruation- this month, with returning guest, Michelle Ryzak. Michelle and Sarah have known each other since summer camp, and they share their experience managing bleeding disorders, motherhood,...

Christie and Jessica speak to Dr. Heather Hirsch MD, MS, NCMP about the close of reproductive years - as they close out the year, and season 01! Dr. Hirsch describes menopause as part of the full spectrum of menstrual experience and highlights the importance of including obstetrics as part of the complete medical history of mensturating patients.  Plus, the FLOW team unpacks the stereo-types of "h...

In FLOW episode 11, Jessica and Christie host a panel conversation on sexism. Panelists Sara, Jean, and Dr. Weyand share openly about their experiences of extreme menstruation - from both the patient and provider perspective - and how sexism has affected their ability to receive or deliver treatment. The episode addresses internalized and externalized sexism, medical hierarchy, disparity of opport...

In episode 10, the Flow team hands the conversation over to 3 non-menstruating men to unpack what they know about menstrual health and extreme conditions. They cover the generational gap in education, the information they get from Tik Tok, and how the pop-media explains hormonal spikes during the menstrual cycle as "women be moody" ... candid and compassionate conversation leads the way on this ep...

In episode 09, the Flow team speaks with Damaris from The Period Movement. Dama shares the multiple ways that EVERYONE can get involved in The Period Movement - including how to advocate for new legislation, how to host a community product drive and how Period.org's resources can help young people to normalize speaking about the experience of having a period!  PLUS the pink tax - is it affecting y...

In episode 08, the Flow team talk about the complexity of Endometriosis (part 2, cause Endo is Complex!)   Dr. Jocelyn Fitzgerald, Urogynecologist and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgeon, joins Jessica and Christie to unpack the complexity of endometriosis - symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options.  PLUS: the importance of having women working in ALL parts of the medical field, the obstacle of insuran...

In episode 07, the Flow team talk Endometriosis (part 1 - because Endo is Complex!) BloodStream Podcast host. Amy Board joins hosts Jessica and Christie to unpack complex experiences of endometriosis.  The Flow team speak to Lauren from Endo Black about her journey as a patient and advocate (rallying for patient led research and for accurate representation), and to Alison about her patient journey...

In episode 06, Christie and Jessica sit back down with Girlology's Dr. Melissa Holmes to ask "What are hormones?" and "What do hormones do in the body?" More hard hitting questions include: How do hormones regulate menstruation? Can hormones cause abnormal physical symptoms? What are the benefits and risks of hormone replacement therapy (birth control)? What hormones shift during menopausal years?...

In episode 05 "What is the patient experience?" our Flow team takes a look at patient stories from three different menstruators: How does a doctor miss a woman's second vagina?  What is a near-death first period experience like? What does it look like to face racism when seeking treatment? Christie and Jessica speak with Brittany Jacobs, Michelle Ryzak, and Teonna Woolford about their varied exper...

In episode 04 "What else could it be…?" our Flow team takes a look at other conditions that affect menstruation. Christie and Jessica speak with Nkem Osian of The White Dress Project (fibroids advocacy organization @wecanwearwhite) and learn about PMDD / PCOS / other menstrual-acronyms from the incredible edu-tainer Doctor Kerry-Anne Perkins (@callmedoctor.p)! Program Notes: Menstruators can exper...

In episode 03, our Flow team unpacks disordered bleeding. We hear from a member of the bleeding disorders community about her experience with diagnosis and managing a bleeding disorder through pregnancy; and we speak to Dr. Paula James, hematologist, superhero, and founder of Let's Talk Period! Program Notes: Menstruators can experience a variety of disorders related to their reproductive health....

In episode 02, our Flow tea m tackles the myriad of abnormal occurrences that may accompany menstruation. We get to speak with Dr. Shaveta Malik, OBGYN about all that and more - PLUS we talk about the stigma of period shame, first periods, and resources to learn about the history of disparities in healthcare. Program Notes: Menstruators can experience a variety of abnormalities related to their re...

In episode 01, our Flow team reviews the anatomy of "inside and outside parts", answers patient questions and offers tips for parents preparing to support their child's first period.  Public health advocate Christie VanHorne & intersectional feminist writer Jessica Richmond are joined by Girlology's Dr. Melissa Holmes to unpack the range of variables that occur during female reproductive years.  P...

FLOW is a monthly show for women with bleeding disorders, menstruating individuals who experience extreme bleeding, and those looking for more access to menstruation-health information. Maybe you have a diagnosed bleeding disorder you are trying to navigate or maybe you are searching for answers to your irregular bleeding or maybe you'd just like to talk about it freely for once! Join our hosts, J...