What happens when a long-term marriage evolves beyond monogamy?

In this episode of FEM, MD, Dr. Lauren Umstattd sits down with clinical psychologist and relationship coach Dr. Rachel Meir to explore what it actually looks like to open a relationship—and why more people are questioning traditional models of love.

Dr. Meir shares her personal story of being married for over 20 years before coming out as bisexual, opening her marriage, and ultimately building a committed triad relationship. Together, they unpack the emotional, logistical, and cultural realities of non-monogamy—from communication and jealousy to family reactions and societal expectations.

This conversation isn’t just about polyamory. It’s about identity, honesty, and what it means to build a relationship that actually fits your life.

In this episode, they discuss:

• What polyamory actually is (and what it isn’t)
• Opening a long-term marriage—how it really happens
• Jealousy, insecurity, and emotional regulation
• The logistics of a “throuple” relationship
• Navigating family, career, and social judgment
• How communication—not structure—is what makes relationships work
• Why vulnerability is the foundation of any healthy relationship

Whether you’re curious about non-traditional relationships or simply want a deeper understanding of connection, this episode will challenge assumptions about love, commitment, and what’s possible.

Subscribe for more conversations on career, identity, and modern womanhood in medicine.

Dr. Rachael Meir is a sex-positive, LGBTQIA+ affirming, and kink-aware psychologist and sex/relationship coach who helps people explore ethical non-monogamy—including polyamory, open relationships, and swinging— without the fear of judgment, jealousy, or damaged relationships. As a bisexual woman in a polyamorous triad with her partners, Aaron and Kasey, she brings both personal and professional expertise. Dr. Meir is the author of 50 Questions to Ask Before Opening Your Relationship, a practical and compassionate guide to help individuals and couples navigate non-monogamy with confidence and clarity.

Host: Dr. Lauren Umstattd

Connect with Lauren: @lauren_umstattd_md

Guest: Dr. Rachel Meir

Connect with Rachel: @drrachaelmeircoaching

https://www.drrachaelmeir.com/retreat-2026 - Thriving Throuples Retreat https://www.drrachaelmeir.com/

Produced by: The Hippocratic Collective

See more shows and content at hippocratic-collective.com

What does it actually take to build a successful surgical practice—and a life outside of it?

In this episode of FEM, MD, Dr. Lauren Umstattd sits down with double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Lindsey Pennington to talk about the realities of modern surgical careers: from patient red flags and pricing decisions to working with your spouse, motherhood, and building a business that’s actually sustainable.

They get candid about the “era of yes” early in your career, why learning to say no is critical, and how protecting your time can completely change your practice—and your life.

Dr. Pennington also shares:

• The biggest patient red flags (and why ignoring them backfires)
• How she built and scaled her private practice
• What it’s really like working with your husband in the OR
• The tradeoffs between revenue, time, and family
• Why she stopped focusing on money—and what happened instead
• Leadership, burnout, and the shift from surgeon to CEO

This is a conversation about ambition, boundaries, and building a career on your own terms.

Host: Dr. Lauren Umstattd

Connect with Lauren: @lauren_umstattd_md

Guest: Lindsey Pennington, MD

Connect with Lindsey: @penningtonfacialplastics

https://penningtonfacialplastics.com/

Produced by: The Hippocratic Collective

See more shows and content at hippocratic-collective.com

What if the most dangerous relationships don’t look dangerous at first?

In this episode of FEM, MD, Dr. Lauren Umstattd sits down with psychotherapist Vanessa Reiser to unpack the reality of narcissistic abuse—how it starts, why it’s so hard to leave, and why even highly trained professionals aren’t immune.

From love bombing and future faking to gaslighting and trauma bonding, this conversation breaks down the patterns that keep people stuck—and the subtle warning signs most of us miss. Vanessa also shares her own story of escaping an abusive relationship and spending years navigating a system that often fails victims.

They explore:

• The difference between narcissistic traits vs. narcissistic personality disorder
• Why some “dark traits” can actually fuel professional success
• The cycle of abuse—and why it feels addictive
• Red flags in dating that are often dismissed as “personality quirks”
• Why autonomy—not avoidance—is the real protection
• How to support a friend without pushing them further in

This is not just about relationships. It’s about power, identity, and the uncomfortable truth that not everyone is wired the same way.

If you’ve ever felt confused, drained, or like you’re losing yourself in a relationship—this episode will help you name it.

And once you can name it, you can start to leave it.

Host: Dr. Lauren Umstattd

Connect with Lauren: @lauren_umstattd_md

Guest: Vanessa Reiser, LCSW

Connect with Vanessa: @vanessareiserlcsw

https://morewithbrookemartin.com/

Narcissistic Abuse: A Therapist’s Guide to Identifying, Escaping, and Healing from Toxic and Manipulative People: https://www.amazon.com/Narcissistic-Abuse-Therapists-Identifying-Manipulative/dp/0306833174

Presented by: ‪@HippocraticCollective‬

Vanessa Reiser is a mother, author, entrepreneur, 2X Ironman and psychotherapist licensed in New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Florida, specializing in narcissistic and cult abuse. She is also the founder of Tell a Therapist, LLC and is best known for her run across the state of New York (285 miles in 11 days) in a wedding dress to raise awareness for narcissistic abuse. She also subsequently ran across NJ, CT, MA & RI with plans to traverse Maryland June 5, 2026. Her insights are both personal and professional, giving her a unique lens into this insidious form of domestic abuse. She recently published "Narcissistic Abuse: A Therapist's Guide to Identifying, Escaping, and Healing from Toxic and Manipulative People," available at Hachettebookgroup.com

Vanessa holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Southern California with a focus on community organizing. Vanessa is also a social media influencer, sharing life-changing information that is educational and validating to those impacted by narcissistic abuse. Vanessa has been interviewed by prestigious news and media outlets like People Magazine, The New York Times, Fox News, MSN, and The New York Post.