Autoimmunity and the Good Girls: Behind-the-Page with Sara Hirsh Bordo

Have you tried what feels like everything you can think of to support your health but are still struggling? Do you often prioritize the needs of your family or friends over yourself? Self-permission, or prioritizing your own well-being, is a crucial and often overlooked element of health, specifically for women with autoimmune conditions. Episode 5 features Dr. Kelly Green, a clinical addiction and relationships psychologist and author who has taught everywhere from Harvard Medical School to Rutgers to St Edwards in the US and now is leading a new practice in Australia. We discuss the roots and impacts of the 'good girl' and caretaker identities that women like me have often adopted from a young age and how conditioning influences self-worth, addiction patterns and the importance of self-permission to foster genuine wellness and authenticity. In this episode, we cover: The formation of caretaker and 'good girl' identities in childhood The impact of conditioning on women's self-worth and behaviors How societal norms shape our permission and conditioning Practical steps for women to reclaim their innate self and reduce caregiver guilt This conversation promises a transformative insight into how societal norms directly undermine women’s wellness. Ready to go deeper?Pre-order my new book, AUTOIMMUNITY & THE GOOD GIRLS, now! Available June 2, 2026 in the U.S., and July 28 internationally.Find it wherever books are sold. A portion of my proceeds support the Society for Women’s Health Research. Learn more: www.goodgirlsbook.com Resources & Links: Website: www.restorativepsychology.com.auInstagram: @drkellyegreen Link to article: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/addiction-and-relationships/202301/the-power-of-restorative-feminism A WOMEN RISING® PRODUCTION Written, Directed and Produced by Sara Hirsh Bordo Editor and Consulting Producer: Eric Larner Post-Producer: Caroline Aylward “Metamorphosis” by MILCK, Licensed courtesy of Resin8 Management

Did you know there is a direct connection between the trauma you experience as a child and your health as an adult? And that you can work with your nervous system to rewire old patterns and help boost your immune system? It’s not just about what happens to us; it’s about how we process and heal from those experiences. The nervous system plays a crucial role in our health and learning to nurture it is key to reclaiming our well-being. If you’re struggling with chronic illness or just want to better understand your body, this conversation is for you. Episode 3 features Somatic Trauma Specialist, Trauma-Informed Reiki Izzy Swanson, TCYM. In this conversation, we explore the profound connection between trauma, energy work and autoimmune conditions. I’d like to share a compassionate warning for the content ahead: The following conversation includes brief references to trauma I experienced as a young girl and in my 20s. I invite you to step away at any moment should you find it too sensitive and I thank you for choosing to protect yourself- now and always. Main Topics: The use of Reiki and trauma-informed techniques to treat energy blockages related to trauma and autoimmunity How childhood trauma and cumulative stress influence physical health and autoimmune diseases The role of the nervous system in trauma responses and health outcomes The impact of societal and familial "good girl" conditioning on women’s health and trauma Intergenerational trauma, mother wounds, and their influence on self-regulation and healing How reprogramming self-beliefs can lead to remission of autoimmune symptoms The scientific basis linking chronic trauma, nervous system dysregulation and immune system crises Practical ways to create safety and healing through energy work and self-awareness Izzy’s work helps empower women to prioritize their well-being and foster healing. Ready to dive deeper? Pre-order now! Available June 2, 2026 in the U.S. and in 10 other countries on July 28th. Get your copy wherever your favorite books are sold. A percent of the author's proceeds will benefit the Society for Women's Health Research. More about the book can be found at: www.goodgirlsbook.com Resources and Links: Izzy’s Website: www.transformationreiki.com Instagram: @transformationreiki A WOMEN RISING® PRODUCTION Written, Directed and Produced by Sara Hirsh Bordo Editor and Consulting Producer: Eric Larner Post-Producer: Caroline Aylward “Metamorphosis” by MILCK, Licensed courtesy of Resin8 Management

What if I told you that the pain you’re experiencing is actually a protective mechanism that can be healed? Or that your chronic symptoms can be alleviated entirely? Episode 1 features highlights from my interview with the incredible Nicole Sachs, LCSW: a best-selling author, psychotherapist, and internationally recognized leader in MindBody medicine. She is the creator of JournalSpeak®, a groundbreaking practice that has transformed the lives of thousands struggling with chronic pain, anxiety, and other conditions. And as the host of the podcast The Cure for Chronic Pain and founder of BreakAwake, Nicole has created a global community for healing. We met for the first time last summer. I asked for her approach on working with women like me, with autoimmune disease- how she explains how we might have arrived at our diagnosis, how empowerment fits into the experience of that diagnosis, and how compassion for where we’ve been can help us make new decisions for how we want to live differently going forward. Pre-order now! Available June 2, 2026 in the U.S. and in 10 other countries on July 28th. Get your copy wherever your favorite books are sold. A percent of the author's proceeds will benefit the Society for Women's Health Research. More about the book can be found at: www.goodgirlsbook.com Main Topics: Empowerment in autoimmune health and breaking free from societal programming Reframing autoimmune diagnosis as a system working perfectly in protective mode The importance of understanding normal developmental responses to emotional and physical stress Strategies for women to set boundaries and reclaim their power amidst social and familial pressures How societal collective shifts can accelerate women’s healing journeys Discover how shifting perspectives from blame to empowerment can transform living with autoimmune disease. FOR MORE ON NICOLE: JournalSpeak The Cure for Chronic Pain Podcast Nicole Sachs' Website Mind Your Body - the book Substack: https://nicolesachs.substack.com/ Instagram @nicolesachslcsw TikTok @nicolesachslcsw YouTube @thecureforchronicpain A WOMEN RISING® PRODUCTION Written, Directed and Produced by Sara Hirsh Bordo Editor and Consulting Producer: Eric Larner Post-Producer: Caroline Aylward “Metamorphosis” by MILCK, Licensed courtesy of Resin8 Management