The Hole Shebang

PMDD: 30 Years of Misdiagnosis and How to Break the Cycle One in 20 menstruating people lives with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and the average time to diagnosis is still 20 years. For Heather Hendrie, it was 30. Heather is a Registered Clinical Counsellor, wilderness therapist and creator of the Awfully Hilarious anthology series, a collection of books using humour to break stigma around periods, sex and the stories we are most often told to keep quiet. In this episode, Kristen and Heather explore what PMDD actually looks like to live with, why the medical system keeps missing it and how storytelling can do what a clinical handout never could. The conversation also covers the science of walk-and-talk nature therapy and what bilateral movement on trail does to the nervous system. What You Will Learn This episode covers what PMDD is in plain language and why it is consistently misdiagnosed as bipolar disorder, depression or identity issues. Heather shares what those 30 undiagnosed years actually looked like month to month and what finally connected the dots. You will also hear about the origin of the Awfully Hilarious anthology series, what the editorial team discovered about desire, identity and courage through the Pillow Talk submissions and why Heather believes humour is one of the most underused tools in health advocacy. The episode closes with the science of what the research shows about nature and nervous system regulation. Episode Breakdown [00:57] PMDD: what 30 undiagnosed years actually looked and felt like [03:31] Premenstrual dysphoric disorder explained in plain language and why diagnosis takes so long [04:21] The perimenopause times a thousand analogy and why PMDD is getting more attention now [07:52] How a terrible date and a phone call became the Awfully Hilarious book series [10:35] Pillow Talk: 18 writers on sex, desire and intimacy from across five countries [13:00] Why some stories required anonymity and how the editorial team protected writers [21:00] Walk-and-talk wilderness therapy in Whistler BC and why the trail changes what is possible [22:46] The science: bilateral movement, birdsong, attention restoration theory and fractal patterns in nature [31:38] What Heather is reading at The Pleasure Principle conference on May 8, 2026 About Heather Hendrie Heather Hendrie is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and wilderness therapist based in Whistler, British Columbia. She holds a Bachelor of Kinesiology from the University of Calgary and a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counselling with a concentration in Transpersonal Wilderness Therapy from Naropa University. She is the founder of True Nature Wilderness Therapy and the creator of the Awfully Hilarious anthology series. Her forthcoming memoir, Where the Eff Is My Red Tent (Caitlin Press), releases September 2026. 🎶 Theme Song: Heaven Is a Place on Earth by Belinda Carlisle Key Topics Covered Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD): symptoms, diagnosis and the 20-year average delay Why menstruating bodies were systematically understudied by medicine The Awfully Hilarious anthology series: origin, mission and all four books Pillow Talk: stories about sex, desire and intimacy from writers across five countries Walk-and-talk wilderness therapy in the Sea to Sky Corridor, BC Bilateral movement and brain hemisphere activation on trail Birdsong, fractals and attention restoration theory The Pleasure Principle conference May 8, 2026 in Hamilton, Ontario Resources and References Mentioned Awfully Hilarious book series - all four books available here including Pillow Talk, Period Pieces and Stories We Never Tell Where the Eff Is My Red Tent by Heather Hendrie - forthcoming memoir from Caitlin Press, pre-sale available now, September 2026 The Cycle: Confronting the Pain of Periods and PMDD by Shalene Gupta - the book Heather references on PMDD history and the fight for DSM inclusion McMaster Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool (PSST) - the validated 19-question screening tool developed at McMaster University to identify PMS and PMDD. This is the tool Heather references in the episode. Available in hardcopy and electronic format. International Association for Premenstrual Disorders (IAPMD) - free PMDD symptom tracker and diagnosis support resources PaRx (Park Prescriptions Canada) - the Canadian program encouraging healthcare providers to prescribe time in nature True Nature Wilderness Therapy - Heather's walk-and-talk therapy practice, accepting clients in BC and western provinces Related Episodes Episode 49: Unlocking the Secrets of Your Hormonal Cycle with Laura Federico - PMDD, cycle tracking and menstrual health Episode 7: Healing the Gut for Hormone Balance with Stephanie Singh - menstrual cycle and hormonal health Episode 16: Move the Body, Heal the Mind with Dr. Jennifer Heisz - the science of movement and mental health Episode 29: Moving from Surviving to Thriving in the Perinatal Period with Dr. Arielle Buch-Frohlich - perinatal mental health advocacy Episode 12: Perimenopause and Hormone Replacement with Dr. Alison Shea - hormones and mental health through midlife Connect with Heather Hendrie Website: heatherhendrie.com Awfully Hilarious books: awfullyhilarious.com True Nature Wilderness Therapy: truenaturewildernesstherapy.com Instagram (books): @awfullyhilarious Instagram (therapy): @truenaturewildernesstherapy Instagram (personal): @heather.hendrie Connect with The Hole Shebang Visit blueberrytherapy.ca to book a pelvic health appointment, browse our team and subscribe to the podcast. Follow us on Instagram: @blueberrytherapypelvichealth The Pleasure Principle conference is May 8, 2026 in Hamilton, Ontario. Tickets at blueberrytherapy.ca.

Pelvic Floor Fitness: Why Kegels Alone Will Never Be Enough Pelvic floor exercises are about far more than squeezing. In this episode of The Hole Shebang Podcast, Kristen Parise sits down with Kim Vopni, The Vagina Coach, to talk about why standard Kegel protocols fall short and what a comprehensive approach to pelvic floor fitness actually looks like. Kim is a certified fitness professional, menopause support practitioner, author of three books and creator of the Buff Muff Method. With over 21 years in pelvic health, she has helped thousands of women apply real training principles to the pelvic floor at every stage of life. In This Episode [01:27] Kim's origin story: from fearing childbirth to becoming The Vagina Coach [05:39] How a joke at a business conference became a global pelvic health brand [09:25] Why "just do your Kegels" misses the mark and what pelvic floor fitness actually requires [16:03] What to know when you receive a prolapse diagnosis [17:44] Kim's prolapse surgery decision after nine years of symptoms and the shame she carried [22:30] Innovation in the pessary and femtech space [27:31] What are hypopressives and what does the research say [33:54] First steps when you start noticing pelvic floor changes [38:32] The stat that should alarm every clinician: 46% of women stop exercising because of their pelvic floor [39:13] Vaginal estrogen, HRT and becoming the CEO of your body [43:28] Lessons from hosting Between Two Lips: sleep apnea, PRP and avulsion screening [49:56] Why collaboration between pelvic PTs and fitness professionals matters What You Will Learn Why the pelvic floor needs progressive training just like any other muscle group and how to move beyond three sets of 10 Kegels. How a prolapse diagnosis can become a catalyst for improved overall health when you build the right care team. Why pessaries are a tool rather than a failure and how they can be used preventively. What role vaginal estrogen plays in preventive care across the menopause transition. About Kim Vopni Kim Vopni is a certified fitness professional, menopause support practitioner and author of Your Pelvic Floor: A Practical Guide to Solving Your Most Intimate Problems. She is the creator of the Buff Muff Method, founder of Kegels and Cocktails, host of the Between Two Lips podcast and creator of a professional certification program for fitness and movement professionals. Theme Song: "I Lived" by OneRepublic Resources Mentioned Estrogen Matters by Avrum Bluming and Carol Tavris The Great Menopause Myth by Kristin Johnson and Maria Claps Hot Flash Inc Podcast by Ann Marie McQueen Your Pelvic Floor by Kim Vopni Related Episodes of The Hole Shebang Ep 21: Pessaries with Kristen Parise and Dr. Maureen MacDonald Ep 23: Understanding Pelvic Organ Prolapse with Dr. Carolyn Best Ep 44: Rock Star to Pelvic Floor Revolutionary with Dr. Bruce Crawford Ep 57: Perimenopause Isn't All in Your Head with Jessica Caceres Ep 62: Purple Pessaries and AI Fitting with Derek Sham Connect with Kim Vopni Website: vaginacoach.com Instagram: @vaginacoach Podcast: Between Two Lips Buff Muff Method: buffmuff.com Connect with The Hole Shebang Visit blueberrytherapy.ca and subscribe to The Hole Shebang Podcast. Follow on Instagram @blueberrytherapypelvichealth. Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help more people find this conversation.

f you've had a cesarean birth, whether it was recent or decades ago, this episode will change how you think about your scar and your recovery. Registered massage therapist Nicole Nifo joins Kristen Parise to break down what actually happens to your body during a C section, why your scar affects far more than what you see on the surface and how specialized scar therapy can restore function at any stage of life. Nicole also shares her own experience with three cesarean births including an emergency cesarean where her uterus tore from the incision into her cervix. What You'll Learn in This Episode This conversation covers the anatomy of a cesarean, what is actually cut during the procedure and how scar tissue forms through approximately seven tissue layers. Nicole explains how scar restrictions can contribute to back pain, pelvic floor tension, incontinence and core dysfunction. She walks through her approach to C section rehabilitation including manual scar release, the Dolphin Neurostim microcurrent technology and functional movement retraining. The episode also digs into the emotional side of cesarean recovery, why so many people struggle to touch their scars and what that tells us about unprocessed birth trauma. Key Topics Covered What happens to your body during a cesarean section, the seven layers from skin to uterus, and how the procedure has evolved to include gentle cesarean techniques that support immediate bonding and breastfeeding. The gap in postpartum care after surgical birth and why being discharged with only a "what not to do" list fails cesarean parents. How the Dolphin Neurostim uses microcurrent point stimulation to soften scar tissue, reduce adhesions and improve mobility in both new and decades old scars. The connection between C section scar tissue and pelvic floor dysfunction, including why many cesarean parents experience tight pelvic floors, pain with intercourse and stress incontinence. Early postpartum movement including shallow squats, marching, chest opening stretches, hip flexor stretches and desensitization techniques for the scar. The emotional component of scar healing, nervous system upregulation after birth and the practice of placing hands over the incision while affirming safety and healing. About Nicole Nifo Nicole Nifo is a Registered Massage Therapist with over 20 years of experience specializing in C section rehabilitation and scar therapy. After experiencing an emergency cesarean with her first baby, followed by two planned cesareans, Nicole made it her mission to give postpartum parents the recovery support the medical system doesn't provide after six weeks. She combines manual scar release techniques with the Dolphin Neurostim, a clinically proven microcurrent tool used in over 60,000 hospitals worldwide. Nicole is the creator of the C Section Recovery Method, a 12 week online program, and has just joined the Blueberry Therapy team in Hamilton, Ontario. Theme Song: "Larger Than Life" by Backstreet Boys Resources Mentioned The Dolphin Neurostim microcurrent device for scar release therapy Nicole's C Section Recovery Method 12 week online program Nicole's Early Recovery Guide (zero to six weeks post cesarean), available through her Instagram Connect with Nicole Nifo Website: Fully Alive Wellness Instagram: @csectionrecoverycoach Book with Nicole at Blueberry Therapy in Hamilton, Ontario Related Episodes You Might Love Episode 78: The Bounce Back Lie and What Postpartum Recovery Actually Looks Like with Michelle Gauvreau Episode 66: The New Postpartum Exercise Guidelines That Ditch the Six Week Rule with Dr. Margie Davenport Episode 11: Postpartum Pelvic Floor Health with The Vagina Whisperer Dr. Sara Reardon Episode 9: Understanding Severe Maternal Morbidity with Dr. Giulia Muraca Visit blueberrytherapy.ca and subscribe to The Hole Shebang Podcast. Connect with The Hole Shebang on Instagram @blueberrytherapypelvichealth

Michelle Gauvreau is a certified nutrition coach, fitness instructor, published writer, product developer, public speaker, and trusted television nutrition correspondent with nearly two decades of experience in the health and fitness industry. She began her career as Assistant Editor at RK Publishing for MuscleMag and Oxygen Magazine, later serving as Advertising Director and health writer with Inside Fitness and IFM Media. She has competed at the provincial and national level in bikini fitness representing Ontario and Canada, and is the founder of The Michelle Method, a philosophy built on sustainable nutrition, self-love, and helping women build a lifestyle they can maintain for life. She is a mom of three and a dedicated fur mama. In this episode, Michelle and Kristen dig into the real story of postpartum recovery. Michelle had her first son at 30 and her second at 41, following a complicated delivery that required both a C-section and a surgical repair at 36 weeks. Her recovery the second time was dramatically faster, and she attributes it entirely to what she did differently. What listeners will learn: Why consistent movement and clean nutrition during pregnancy is the most powerful investment in postpartum recovery How to build back postpartum in phases from zero to two weeks through to four to five months, including when to add impact and how to listen for warning signs What postpartum nutrition should focus on, including protein, fiber, hydration, collagen, and the breastfeeding-specific adjustments that are often overlooked How postpartum and perimenopausal symptoms can overlap for women having babies in their late 30s and 40s The truth about C-section overhang and why pelvic floor physio plus nutrition addresses it far more effectively than surgery Resources and References Mentioned: Dr. Margie Davenport's postpartum return to exercise guidelines: Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines for Postpartum Inner Wealth amino acid supplements (mentioned by Michelle for perimenopause symptom support): search Inner Wealth on Instagram Theme Song: I'm Every Woman by Chaka Khan Connect with Michelle Gauvreau: The Michelle Method website @themichellemethod on Instagram Connect with Kristen and Blueberry Therapy: Blueberry Therapy website The Hole Shebang Podcast @blueberrytherapypelvichealth on Instagram

If you're experiencing brain fog, unexplained weight gain, crushing fatigue, or night sweats during perimenopause, this episode will help you understand what's actually happening in your body—and what you can do about it. Daphne Kostova is a certified holistic nutritionist, registered natural nutrition clinical practitioner, and hormone balancing coach who specializes in helping women over 40 restore their energy, balance their hormones, and achieve sustainable weight management. After experiencing severe perimenopausal symptoms in her early thirties following years of restrictive dieting and over-exercising, Daphne went back to school to understand what her body truly needed—and now she helps other women do the same. In this episode, you'll learn: Why your metabolism hasn't actually broken, and what's really changed in your body between your twenties and your forties The four pillars of hormone balance: gut health, liver function, adrenal health, and thyroid support—and why all four matter Common nutrition mistakes women make during perimenopause, including why intermittent fasting often backfires How chronic stress you don't even recognize anymore is affecting your cortisol, insulin, thyroid, and ability to lose weight Why foundational hormone support through nutrition is essential even if you're taking bioidentical hormones The role of sleep, meal timing, and movement in supporting balanced blood sugar and energy throughout the day What "living in the gap" means and why waiting for the "right time" to prioritize yourself keeps you stuck Theme Song: "Unwritten" by Natasha Bedingfield Daphne chose this song as a reminder that we're all constantly evolving and that perfectionism often keeps us frozen. Life is always unwritten, and that's okay. Resources Mentioned: Free Masterclass: Hormone Balance Over 40 - Daphne explains the four pillars in depth and how to support them through personalized nutrition and lifestyle changes. Connect with Daphne Kostova: Website: DK Wellness Instagram: @daphnekostova Facebook: DKwellness Free Masterclass: Hormone Balance Over 40 Free Discovery Call: Book Your Call More from The Hole Shebang: Visit blueberrytherapy.ca for pelvic health resources and to learn more about our Hamilton-based clinic. Subscribe to The Hole Shebang Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts. Connect with us on Instagram @blueberrytherapypelvichealth

What does proactive relationship care actually look like? In this conversation, Dr. Jessica O'Reilly breaks down the simple daily practices that prevent relationship breakdown and explains how cancer survivors can rebuild intimacy when bodies and identities have fundamentally changed. What You'll Learn: Why relationship quality (not just having a partner) is what impacts cardiovascular health, mental health, and longevity The 1-5-30 formula for maintaining relationships proactively: one minute daily, five-minute weekly check-ins, and thirty-minute monthly dates How to start intimacy conversations after cancer diagnosis without jumping straight to "what will sex look like?" Why practicing clinical and pleasure language out loud matters for healthcare providers Communication strategies for couples when one partner is navigating chronic illness or cancer treatment About Dr. Jessica O'Reilly: Jess O'Reilly (@SexWithDrJess) is a sex and relationship expert with a background in education and behavioural and organizational psychology. Her research and passion involves teacher training in sexual health and she works primarily with business leaders to improve relationships from the boardroom to the bedroom. Jess is also a television personality, author, podcast host (@SexWithDrJess Podcast) and award-winning international speaker who has facilitated hundreds of corporate workshops and retreats in 45+ countries from Lebanon to Switzerland. Theme Song: "All Over the World" by Proteje and Lila Iké Key Topics Covered: Dr. Jess's journey from high school teacher to relationship expert The gap in sexual health education for teachers (only 15.5% of Canadian teacher education programs had mandatory sex ed training) How Western culture centers intimate partnerships and why that makes relationship quality even more critical The protective health mechanisms of quality relationships Why couples wait too long before seeking support Using popular culture (Netflix, TikTok, streaming content) to start difficult conversations The sexual values interview as a foundation for rebuilding intimacy Teaching children anatomical language for safety and empowerment Resources & References Mentioned: Book referenced by Kristen: Women's Anatomy of Arousal by Sheri Winston Weekly relationship check-in questions (available through Dr. Jess's resources Connect with Dr. Jessica O'Reilly: Website: Happier Couples Instagram: @sexwithdrjess Podcast: Sex with Dr. Jess Podcast Keynote Speaker Announcement: Dr. Jessica O'Reilly is the keynote speaker at The Pleasure Principle Conference on May 8, 2026 in Hamilton, Ontario. Her session, "Pleasure as Practice: Eroticism, Desire, and Connection After Cancer," will provide healthcare professionals with practical strategies for supporting cancer survivors' sexual health. Learn more at blueberrytherapy.ca. Visit blueberrytherapy.ca | Subscribe to The Hole Shebang Podcast | Connect with The Hole Shebang on Instagram @blueberrytherapypelvichealth

Dr. Jordin Wiggins is a naturopathic doctor, author of The Pink Canary, host of The Pleasure Principles podcast, and an intimacy coach for high-achieving women. Her journey into women's sexual health started in grade 10 with debilitating pelvic pain that felt like "somebody was shoving a knife in between my vagina and my rectum." Doctors dismissed her pain as psychological, offering antidepressants because they couldn't see the problem on imaging. It wasn't until naturopathic medical school that she learned about pelvic floor physiotherapy—the answer she'd been searching for. That experience of being dismissed by healthcare, combined with horrible reactions to birth control, shaped her mission: understanding why 50% of women globally suffer from sexual dysfunction and why so many successful women have everything they thought they wanted but feel completely unfulfilled. In this conversation, Jordin introduces super traits—personality strengths like empathy, loyalty, tolerance, and hard work that make you extraordinary in your career and relationships. But when there are no boundaries around these traits, women build their entire relationship around their partner's moods and comfort, carrying all the emotional labor while their own needs shrink smaller and smaller. What happens in the bedroom becomes a mirror of what happens outside the bedroom. What You'll Learn: How being gaslit about pelvic pain shaped Jordin's approach to women's health, why she ran a successful 7-figure women's health clinic that almost swallowed her whole, what super traits are and why conventional advice doesn't work for women who have them, the four hidden patterns that destroy intimacy in relationships, why "just communicate better" doesn't address power dynamics, the difference between desire that's gone versus desire buried under resentment, how to start examining your relationship without making things worse, why accountability requires checking for safety first, what it means to come home to your head, heart, and body, and why sex being "for him" while connection is "for us" keeps women stuck. Resources Mentioned: Super Traits Research: Sandra Brown's original research on super traits as personality strengths Free Resource: Super Traits Quiz — Take the quiz to discover your super traits. Jordin notes the quiz sends your top trait, but she can send all results profiles if you DM her on Instagram, as most women have three or four super traits. Theme Song: River by Bishop Briggs Connect with Dr. Jordin Wiggins: Website: Dr. Jordin Wiggins Instagram: @drjordinwiggins Podcast: The Pleasure Principles Book: The Pink Canary by Dr. Jordin Wiggins Visit blueberrytherapy.ca and subscribe to The Hole Shebang Podcast. Connect with The Hole Shebang on Instagram @blueberrytherapypelvichealth

Why Muscle Is Your Longevity Organ with Barbara Birke When your body stops responding to the same old strategies, it's not because you're broken—it's because your hormones are changing, and your body needs something different now. Barbara Birke is a German sports scientist and nutritionist who specializes in supporting women through perimenopause, menopause, and beyond. She studied sports science with a focus on psychology and motivation, managed an orthopedic rehab center, and has spent years teaching women how to build strength, optimize nutrition, and thrive through hormonal transitions. But her most powerful lesson came from her own body in her 40s, when she realized that muscle wasn't just professional advice—it was personal survival. In this episode, you'll learn: Why muscle loss accelerates when estrogen declines (and why muscle quality degrades if you don't actively work against it) How strength training acts as metabolic medicine—pulling sugar from your bloodstream, releasing protective myokines, and improving blood work markers The connection between strength training and bone health, brain health, and mood Why managing stress becomes harder in perimenopause and how to set better boundaries What "strength training" actually means for women who've never lifted weights before How building outer strength creates inner strength and empowerment Theme Song: "Unstoppable" by Sia Connect with Barbara: Website: Optimum-U.com Instagram: @strongwithbarbara Programs: Power & Balance (strength training), Clean Up (nutrition), Thrive Formula (12-week holistic program) If you're feeling dismissed by conventional medical advice or struggling with a body that suddenly won't cooperate, this conversation will give you the framework to understand what's actually happening—and what you can do about it. Subscribe to The Hole Shebang Podcast wherever you listen, and visit blueberrytherapy.ca for more resources on pelvic health and wellness. Connect with The Hole Shebang on Instagram @blueberrytherapypelvichealth

Dee Hartmann is a pelvic health physical therapist who spent nearly three decades specializing in chronic vulvar pain. After treating thousands of women in her Chicago practice, she discovered that conventional approaches were missing critical connections - between old injuries and current pain, between visceral tension and pelvic floor dysfunction, and between pain elimination and pleasure cultivation. In this conversation, Dee shares her journey from treating incontinence to becoming a leading voice in vulvar pain treatment. She explains why pelvic floor dysfunction is a symptom rather than a cause, how seemingly unrelated issues throughout the body contribute to vulvar pain, and why her approach now centers on pleasure as a pathway to healing. What you'll learn: How Dee's own experience having five children in six years led her to specialize in pelvic health Why treating just the vulva or just the pelvic floor isn't enough The five exercises that can decrease vulvar pain before penetration of any kind How pleasure and arousal fit into physical therapy treatment What to look for (and avoid) when seeking pelvic health care Why a multidisciplinary approach matters for chronic pain Dee retired from clinical practice in 2017 and co-authored "The Pleasure Prescription" with Elizabeth Wood. She now travels internationally teaching her approach and speaking about the intersection of physical therapy, sexual health, and pleasure. Theme Song: Don't Stop by Fleetwood Mac Connect with Dee Hartmann: Dee Hartmann Physical Therapy Website: Dee Hartmann Physical Therapy Book: The Pleasure Prescription on Amazon: Find Dee on Facebook and LinkedIn Connect with Blueberry Therapy: Website: Blueberry Therapy Instagram: @Blueberrytherapypelvichealth Subscribe to The Hole Shebang Podcast on your favorite podcast platform

Episode Overview Dr. Margie Davenport is rewriting the rules on exercise during pregnancy and postpartum—and the outdated advice about waiting six weeks or avoiding heavy lifting is officially being replaced with actual evidence. As an exercise physiologist at the University of Alberta and the lead researcher behind the 2025 Canadian Postpartum Exercise and Sleep Guidelines, Margie shares the groundbreaking research that's changing how we support people through this massive life transition. What You'll Learn Why the six-week postpartum checkpoint has been completely removed from the new guidelines and what replaced it (hint: it's way more individualized and actually useful) How the Get Active Questionnaire for Postpartum helps you determine when YOU'RE ready to start moving—not when some arbitrary timeline says you should be The shocking research showing that people who lifted heavy (>80% of their 1RM) throughout pregnancy had a 51% reduction in adverse pregnancy outcomes Why the "don't lift more than 20 pounds" advice during pregnancy is based on occupational lifting literature and doesn't apply to intentional strength training How to gradually and safely progress toward 120 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week postpartum using symptom-based cues Why starting exercise during pregnancy is beneficial even if you've never been active before Resources Mentioned Get Active Questionnaire for Postpartum - Use this self-screening tool to determine when you're ready to start your postpartum exercise journey About Dr. Margie Davenport Dr. Margie Davenport is an exercise physiologist and researcher at the University of Alberta, where she founded the Program for Pregnancy and Postpartum Health in 2013. A former national team athlete, Margie has dedicated her career to pushing the boundaries of what we know about exercise during pregnancy and postpartum. She led the development of the 2019 Canadian Pregnancy Exercise Guidelines and the groundbreaking 2025 Canadian Postpartum Exercise and Sleep Guidelines. Theme Song: Survivor by Destiny's Child and My Way by Frank Sinatra Connect with Dr. Margie Davenport: Website: Exercise in Pregnancy Instagram: @DrMargieDavenport Visit blueberrytherapy.ca and subscribe to The Hole Shebang Podcast wherever you listen. Connect with The Hole Shebang on Instagram @blueberrytherapypelvichealth.

Episode Overview: When was the last time you actually looked at your vulva? If you're like most people, the answer is "never" or "I don't even know what I'm looking for." In this eye-opening conversation, nurse practitioner Kathryn Flanigan, Nurse Practitioner, breaks down everything we should have learned about vulvar health—but didn't. What You'll Learn: The crucial difference between vulva and vagina (and why it matters for your health) How to talk to kids about their anatomy using correct terms without awkwardness Common vulvar conditions like lichen sclerosus and when to seek treatment Why the vagina is self-cleaning and what products to avoid How hormonal changes affect vulvar health across the lifespan—from postpartum to menopause Proper vulvar care practices (spoiler: ditch the scented soaps) How to recognize what's normal aging versus what needs medical attention About Our Guest: Kathryn Flanigan is a nurse practitioner with over 25 years of experience in primary care. She's been recognized as Preceptor of the Year three times and specializes in vulvar health and pelvic conditions. After recognizing that her elderly patients lacked the vocabulary to describe vulvar changes, Kathryn dedicated herself to educating both patients and healthcare providers about this under-addressed area of health. She's passionate about giving women across the lifespan the language and knowledge to advocate for themselves. Key Topics Covered: Vulvar anatomy 101 • Stigma and health literacy • Teaching children body autonomy • Vulvar skin conditions • Hormonal changes and vulvar health • Proper vulvar care practices • Patient advocacy • Canadian health resources Resources Mentioned: GynQI.com - Canadian gynecologist-developed resource for vulvar care, lichen sclerosus, menopause, and more FemmeSense Balm The Body Book by Kathy Stinson Connect with The Hole Shebang: Instagram: @blueberrytherapypelvichealth Visit: blueberrytherapy.ca Subscribe to The Hole Shebang Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts

Episode Overview What if the future of pelvic health looks more like Invisalign than one-size-fits-most devices? In this episode, Kristen sits down with Derek Sham, biomedical engineer and founder of Cosm Medical, to explore how precision medicine is finally coming to women's pelvic health. Inspired by his grandmother's struggle with pelvic organ prolapse, Derek is revolutionizing vaginal pessary technology with custom devices designed using AI, digital scanning, and data from thousands of women. What You'll Learn How custom pessaries work and why 1-2 millimeters actually matters for patient outcomes and comfort The shocking innovation gap between men's and women's pelvic health (hint: the prostate market is 10X larger) Why the same surgery gets reimbursed 30% less when performed on women versus men The future of postpartum recovery: "gynothotics" that could prevent prolapse through tissue remodeling How AI is transforming pessary fitting from an art based on experience to data-driven precision medicine What digital scanning technology could mean for moving beyond finger measurements in urogynecology About Derek Sham Derek Sham is a biomedical engineer and founder of Cosm Medical. He previously built the world's most utilized urodynamics system and brings over a decade of experience in medical device development to women's health. Driven by his grandmother's experience with pelvic organ prolapse, Derek is on a mission to bring precision, innovation, and digital technology to a field that has been underserved for decades. Key Topics Covered Custom pessary design and fitting • Postpartum tissue remodeling • Women's health innovation gaps • Healthcare reimbursement disparities • AI-assisted clinical decision making • Digital gynecology platforms • Access and affordability in pelvic health • The entrepreneurship journey in medical devices Connect with Derek Sham and Cosm Medical Website: COSM.care Instagram: @cosm.medical LinkedIn: Derek Sham Resources Visit blueberrytherapy.ca to learn more about pelvic health physiotherapy in Hamilton, Ontario Subscribe to The Hole Shebang Podcast for honest conversations about women's health topics Connect with The Hole Shebang on Instagram @blueberrytherapypelvichealth

Episode Overview: What if perimenopause wasn't the end of your sex life—but the beginning of something completely new? In this honest, educational conversation, Kristen sits down with psychotherapist and sex therapist Taylor McConnachie to talk about what's really happening to your body, your desire, and your voice during perimenopause. What You'll Learn: Why perimenopause can be a "sexual debut"—a chance to completely transform how you experience pleasure How the non-linear model of sexual response explains why your desire has changed (and why you're not broken) What pleasure mapping is and how to rediscover what feels good in your changing body Why that "bullshit meter" you're suddenly feeling is actually a gift—and how to use it The role of differentiation in maintaining sexual connection while honouring your individual experience Practical tools like lube, sex toys, and new ways of communicating about sex About Taylor McConnachie: Taylor McConnachie is a registered psychotherapist, AASECT-certified sex therapist, and certified sexologist. She's the founder of Embodied Sexual Wellness and Psychotherapy, with a physical practice in Simcoe, Ontario, supporting people across the province with sex therapy, pelvic pain support, and sexual wellness education. Taylor's own experience with endometriosis and sexual pain drives her passion for creating safe, shame-free spaces to talk about sex and sexuality. Key Topics Covered: Sexual pain and pelvic health during perimenopause Medical gaslighting and being told "you're too young" for perimenopause Body changes, weight gain, and shifting self-image Vaginal dryness and arousal changes Finding your voice and setting boundaries during midlife The connection between caregiving roles and sexual desire Connect with Taylor: Instagram: @embodiedsexualwellness Website: embodiedsexualwellness.com Resources Mentioned: Climax Conference (Ottawa, November) Non-linear model of sexual response Visit blueberrytherapy.ca to learn more about pelvic health support in Hamilton, Ontario. Subscribe to The Hole Shebang Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Connect with The Hole Shebang on Instagram: @blueberrytherapypelvichealth