Épisodes

  • Fighting Period Poverty in Houston: Closing the Hygiene Gap with Edith Bellizaire
    May 11 2026
    Happy Menstruation Monday!In this powerful episode, we are joined by Edith Bellizaire, a visionary nonprofit leader and a leading voice in the fight for menstrual equity in Houston, Texas. As the founder of a dedicated grassroots organization, Jane’s Special Packs, Edith is on a mission to ensure that no student or worker in the Houston area is forced to choose between their dignity and their daily responsibilities.We dive deep into the Biopsychosocial impact of period poverty, moving beyond the physical need for supplies to explore how a lack of menstrual hygiene access creates a confidence gap. Edith shares firsthand accounts of how missing basic necessities leads to chronic absenteeism in schools and lost wages in the workforce, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities.Key highlights from this conversation include:The Houston Landscape: A look at the specific challenges facing the Houston community and the logistics of distributing thousands of period products to those in need.The Psychology of Access: How consistent access to menstrual care restores confidence and allows menstruators to participate fully in their education and professional lives.Beyond the Product: Why community education and period-positive workshops are essential to dismantling the deep-seated stigma that perpetuates period poverty.Advocacy in Action: Edith’s roadmap for local policy change and how listeners can move from passive awareness to active community advocacy.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to Period Poverty Awareness04:13 Meet Edith Belizaire: A Champion for Menstrual Equity05:55 Identifying Gaps in Menstrual Hygiene Access07:42 The Psychological Impact of Period Poverty10:21 Creating Dignity Through Jane's Special Packs11:59 Debunking Myths About Menstrual Health15:42 Leveraging Awareness Months for Community Engagement20:47 Shifting Conversations Around Menstrual Equity in Houston24:56 Breaking the Stigma of Menstrual Conversations26:56 Understanding the Biopsychosocial Model30:22 The Impact of Menstrual Health on Daily Life32:59 Advocating for Menstrual Equity34:32 Empowerment Through Support and Education36:22 Vision for Jane's Special Packs38:25 A Future of Menstrual Equity in Houston45:36 Podcast Outro (2026).mp4Resources & Links:Pilates for Everyone: A 30 Minute International Pilates Day CelebrationMenstrual Hygiene Day GiveawayExhale the Stress Away Breathwork ChallengeConnect with Edith Bellizaire or Jane's Special Packs:Website: https://janesspecialpacks.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janesspecialpacks/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Janes-Special-Packs/61565936121790/We manifest a positive, productive, and peaceful day and menstrual cycle journey ahead!Connect with Us:Receive our newsletters and tips by subscribing to our SubstackFor additional menstrual wellness content, subscribe to our YouTube, Instagram, Threads, or LinkedInYoga, Breathwork, and Mindfulness Resources: Pilates for PeriodsReady to make your own content? Become a friend of ⁠⁠Riverside.fm⁠Visit our website for any additional resources and tools.
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    46 min
  • The Mind-Body Mirror: Mental Health and Menstrual Wellness
    May 4 2026
    Happy Menstruation Monday!In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we are investigating the bidirectional relationship between psychological well-being and reproductive health. Utilizing the Biopsychosocial Model, this episode explains how systemic stress—also known as the weathering effect—contributes to menstrual dysfunction and chronic pain.We provide a comprehensive guide to menstrual advocacy, featuring a Doctor’s Office Script to help patients navigate PMDD screenings and hormonal testing. Additionally, we celebrate International Pilates Day with movement modifications for every phase of your cycle and introduce our Vagus Nerve Breathwork Challenge to help mitigate the biological impacts of anxiety and depression.Key TopicsThe bi-directional relationship between mental health and menstrual cyclesHow stress triggers hormonal changes affecting periodsThe role of inflammation and systemic stress in reproductive healthPractical tools: breathwork and Pilates for menstrual healthAdvocacy and systemic change in menstrual health careTakeawaysStress impacts menstrual health through hormonal and inflammatory pathways.Breathwork can activate the vagus nerve to reduce systemic stress.Movement, especially Pilates, supports pelvic blood flow and reduces pain.Effective advocacy involves precise communication with healthcare providers.Understanding PMDD versus PMS is crucial for proper diagnosis and support.Chapters00:00 The Mind-Period Connection02:46 Advocacy and Dignity in Menstruation07:46 Understanding Stress and Hormonal Impact17:08 Navigating Healthcare: Questions for Your Provider21:35 Movement and Breathwork for Menstrual Health26:23 Reclaiming Your Flow and Final Thoughts29:39 Podcast Outro (2026).mp4Resources & Links:The Cortisol Connection: Why Stress is the Secret Enemy of Your Period episodePilates for Everyone: A 30 Minute International Pilates Day CelebrationExhale the Stress Away: Our 5-Day Mental Health Breathwork ChallengeInternational Association for Premenstrual Disorders (IAPMD) websiteMenstrual Hygiene Day Giveaway We manifest a positive, productive, and peaceful day and menstrual cycle journey ahead!Connect with Us:Receive our newsletters and tips by subscribing to our SubstackFor additional menstrual wellness content, subscribe to our YouTube, Instagram, Threads, or LinkedInYoga, Breathwork, and Mindfulness Resources: Pilates for PeriodsReady to make your own content? Become a friend of ⁠⁠Riverside.fm⁠Visit our website for any additional resources and tools.
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    30 min
  • Reproductive Data Privacy in 2026: What You Need to Know
    Apr 27 2026

    Happy Menstruation Monday!

    In this episode of the Kick Cramp's Ass podcast, Brittany Walker dives into the critical shifts in reproductive health data privacy, especially with the upcoming 2026 HIPAA updates. She emphasizes how women and menstruators need to understand digital privacy and advocacy to protect their sensitive biological information and health autonomy.

    Key Takeaways:

    • The impact of new 2026 HIPAA regulations on reproductive health data privacy

    • The loopholes in current data protections, especially with menstrual tracking apps

    • How to identify apps with end-to-end encryption and local-only storage

    • The risks of consumer health data being sold or subpoenaed without protections

    • The sociopolitical context of Black Maternal Health and systemic disparities

    • The biological effects of chronic social stress, or weathering, on Black women

    • The influence of alcohol on hormonal balance and menstrual health

    • The importance of advocacy and personal agency in healthcare choices

    Timestamps:

    00:00 Introduction to Reproductive Health Advocacy

    05:53 Understanding the 2026 HIPAA Privacy Rules

    12:56 The Importance of Digital Sovereignty

    18:33 Adenomyosis and Black Maternal Health Awareness

    21:16 The Impact of Alcohol on Hormonal Health

    23:40 Empowerment Through Knowledge and Advocacy

    27:10 Podcast Outro (2026).mp4

    Resources & Links:

    • Clue App

    • Euki App

    • Stardust App

    We manifest a positive, productive, and peaceful day and menstrual cycle journey ahead!

    Connect with Us:

    Receive our newsletters and tips by subscribing to our Substack

    For additional menstrual wellness content, subscribe to our YouTube, Instagram, Threads, or LinkedIn

    Yoga, Breathwork, and Mindfulness Resources: Pilates for Periods

    Ready to make your own content? Become a friend of ⁠⁠Riverside.fm⁠
    Visit our website for any additional resources and tools.

    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    27 min
  • The Cortisol Connection: Why Stress is the Secret Enemy of Your Period
    Apr 20 2026

    Happy Menstruation Monday!

    In this episode of Kick Cramp's Ass, Brittany Walker dives into the hidden connection between stress and menstrual health, revealing how chronic stress impacts hormonal balance and causes painful cramps. Learn the science behind cortisol's effect on your cycle and practical strategies to reclaim your rhythm for better health.

    Main Topics Covered:

    • The role of the HPA-HPG axis crosstalk and how stress hijacks hormonal balance

    • The concept of the pregnenolone heist and its impact on progesterone levels

    • How cortisol sunburns the internal environment, intensifying cramps and inflammation

    • The influence of menstrual cycle phases on cortisol levels and stress response

    • Practical lifestyle changes, including dietary, psychological, and social tips, to reduce stress and support hormonal health

    • The importance of early cycle stress management to prevent painful periods

    • Scientific insights from meta-analyses by Hamidovic et al. (2020) and Haas et al. (2024)

    • The power of intentional peace and self-care as a form of biological intervention

    Timestamps:

    • (00:00) - Introduction to Stress and Menstrual Health
    • (05:43) - Understanding the HPA and HPG Axes
    • (09:50) - The Impact of Stress on Menstrual Symptoms
    • (14:02) - The Science Behind Stress and the Menstrual Cycle
    • (20:20) - Strategies for Managing Stress and Hormonal Health
    • (25:17) - Empowerment and Reclaiming Your Health

    • We manifest a positive, productive, and peaceful day and menstrual cycle journey ahead!

      Resources:

      Period Psychology: How Your Mind, Body, and Society Shape Your Period

      Connect with Us:

      Receive our newsletters and tips by subscribing to our Substack

      For additional menstrual wellness content, subscribe to our YouTube, Instagram, Threads, or LinkedIn

      Yoga, Breathwork, and Mindfulness Resources: Pilates for Periods

      Ready to make your own content? Become a friend of ⁠⁠Riverside.fm⁠
      Visit our website for any additional resources and tools.


    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    28 min
  • The Law of Menstrual Dignity: Unpacking Ohio’s HB 29 with Kayelin Tiggs
    Apr 13 2026

    Happy Menstruation Monday!

    In this week’s episode of Kick Cramp's Ass - The Podcast, host Brittany “B” Walker dives into Ohio's groundbreaking House Bill 29, the nation's first law explicitly addressing menstrual dignity in correctional facilities. Join us as we explore the journey from advocacy to legislation, and the broader fight for menstrual equity and human rights for incarcerated women. In this episode:

    • Kayelin Tiggs shares her journey from pageantry to legislative activism fighting menstrual deprivation

    • The significance of House Bill 29 as the first comprehensive law of its kind in the U.S.

    • How discrimination, denial, and withholding of menstrual products impact incarcerated menstruator’s health and dignity

    • The importance of hygiene provisions, including shower access and disposal bins, in correctional settings

    • The role of education and advocacy in advancing menstrual equity beyond legislation

    • Addressing stigma, reentry challenges, and the broader systemic issues in correctional healthcare

    • Future steps: expanding advocacy efforts and addressing ingredient transparency in menstrual products

    Timestamps:

    00:00 - Introduction to Menstrual Dignity Advocacy

    04:56 - Kayelin Tiggs: Journal to Menstrual Equity

    11:11 - Understanding House Bill 29

    20:23 - The Impact of House Bill 29

    26:47 - Beyond Products: Hygiene and Education

    32:29 - Stigma and Dehumanization in Prisons

    35:11 - Combatting Stigma Around Incarceration and Menstruation

    42:24 - Addressing the Financial Gap in Prisons

    45:14 - Building Coalition for Menstrual Equity

    46:30 - Product Ingredient Transparency in Correctional Facilities

    49:28 - Impact of Basic Healthcare on Reentry

    53:22 - Turning Advocacy into Legislative Action

    Resources & Links:

    • Ohio House Bill 29 (Law)

    • Ohio Coalition for Menstrual Equity

    • First Step Act - federal legislation on prison reform

    Connect with Kayelin Tiggs:

    • Kayelin Tiggs on Instagram

    • Kayelin Tiggs' Email

    Upcoming initiatives to watch:

    • Amendments to federal policies on menstrual products in incarceration

    • Advocacy for ingredient transparency in prison-provided menstrual products

    • Expansion of legislation modeled after Ohio’s Law at national levels

    Final note:

    When we challenge stigma and policy gaps, we affirm our shared humanity. This law underscores that dignity should never be compromised, regardless of someone’s incarceration status. Let Kayelin’s inspiring journey motivate you to be an upstander in your community — because meaningful change begins with action.

    We manifest a positive, productive, and peaceful day and menstrual cycle journey ahead!

    Connect with Us:

    Receive our newsletters and tips by subscribing to our Substack

    For additional menstrual wellness content, subscribe to our YouTube, Instagram, Threads, or LinkedIn

    Yoga, Breathwork, and Mindfulness Resources: Pilates for Periods

    Ready to make your own content? Become a friend of ⁠⁠Riverside.fm⁠
    Visit our website for any additional resources and tools.

    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    1 h et 4 min
  • Period Psychology: How Your Mind, Body, and Society Shape Your Period
    Apr 6 2026

    Happy Menstruation Monday! Welcome to the kickoff of season four of the Kick Cramp's Ass Podcast!

    Brittany Walker introduces her journey toward integrating holistic health with her expertise in psychology and nutrition to revolutionize our understanding of menstrual health. This episode explores how to treat the menstrual cycle as a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors.

    In this episode:

    -Brittany’s personal transition from a purely biological view of health to adopting the biopsychosocial model

    -The significance of mental, social, and environmental factors in menstrual health

    -How high stress and social environments influence hormonal balance and cycle regularity

    -The three pillars of the biopsychosocial model: Biological, Psychological, and Social

    -Specific strategies to support each pillar, including nutrition, mindfulness practices, and environmental awareness

    -The impact of societal stigma and access to care on menstrual health outcomes

    -Research findings highlighting psychological flexibility and social support as buffers against severe menstrual symptoms

    -Practical tools like cycle tracking, yoga, breathwork, and boundary setting to enhance menstrual well-being

    -The importance of viewing the period as a reflection of overall life health and interconnected systems

    Timestamps:

    00:00 - Welcome and Celebrations

    04:11 - The Biopsychosocial (BPS) Model Unveiled

    07:07 - Understanding the Three Pillars: Biological, Psychological, Social

    12:09 - Interactions of the Three Pillars During the Menstrual Cycle

    15:48 - Research and Evidence Supporting the Biopsychosocial Approach

    19:10 - Practical Applications for Supporting BPS

    24:24 - Podcast Outro

    Thank you for tuning in and prioritizing your menstrual health. Check the show notes for links and resources, and stay connected for more episodes that empower your holistic wellness.

    Resources & Links:

    Understanding PMD and PMDD: A Holistic Guide to Better Periods Episode

    Yoga, Breathwork, and Mindfulness Resources: Pilates for Periods

    Connect with Us:

    Receive our newsletters and tips by subscribing to our Substack

    For additional menstrual wellness content, subscribe to our YouTube, Instagram, Threads, or LinkedIn
    Visit our website for any additional resources and tools.

    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    25 min
  • Bye Bye Fibroids
    Jul 22 2025

    Happy Menstruation Monday!

    In this season finale of Kick Cramp's Ass - The Podcast, host Brittany “B” Walker reflects on the growth and insights gained during the season, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based approaches to menstrual health. The episode highlights the significance of Fibroid Awareness Month, discussing the impact of uterine fibroids on menstruators, particularly black women, and offering holistic management strategies. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to advocate for their health and stay engaged with the community as the podcast prepares for its next season.

    Key Takeaways:

    • This season felt a little more concise and that's by design.

    • We've been on a mission of intense growth and enhancement.

    • The goal is to ensure that the information we share is evidence-based.

    • Fibroids can cause debilitating issues for many menstruators.

    • Black women experience a higher risk of fibroids and more severe symptoms.

    • A balanced diet can help manage fibroid symptoms.

    • Be patient; it could take up to six months to see results based on consistent treatment.

    • Know your body and listen to it; track your cycle diligently.

    • You are your own best advocate when it comes to health.

    • Let's commit to knowing our bodies and supporting each other.

    Chapters

    00:00 Season Finale Reflections and Growth

    08:20 Understanding Uterine Fibroids

    16:42 Empowerment and Advocacy for Fibroid Awareness

    23:29 Looking Ahead: Season 4 and Community Engagement

    27:41 Outro (Mobile).mp4

    Referral Episodes:

    Holistically Healing Fibroids

    The First in My Family Without a Fibroid

    Fibroid Organizations and Advocates

    1. Fibroid Queen

    2. The Fibroid Pandemic

    3. The Fibroid Foundation

    4. Womb Bae

    5. Fibroid Fighters

    6. Sasha Rose Health Coaching

    Additional Information:

    ⁠Subscribe⁠ to keep up with the latest news, events, and resources.

    Shop at the ⁠KCA Store⁠ (grab your Cramp Elixir)

    Indulge in our ⁠Resource Center⁠

    Check out our ⁠Magazine⁠

    Practice yoga, pilates, meditation, and breathwork atPilates for Periods.

    Subscribe to our Youtube channel: Kick Cramp’s Ass and Pilates for Periods

    Schedule a complimentary Menstrual Therapy consultation

    Ready to make your own content? Become a friend of ⁠⁠Riverside.fm⁠

    We manifest a positive, productive, and peaceful menstrual journey ahead!

    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    28 min
  • Is Mona Ghosh the Next J. Marion Sims?
    Jun 16 2025

    Happy Menstruation Monday!

    In this episode of the Kick Cramp's Ass Podcast, host Brittany “B” Walker delves into the unethical practices in gynecology, focusing on the historical and contemporary exploitation of Black women in medicine. The discussion begins with the controversial legacy of Dr. J. Marion Sims, known for his inhumane experiments on enslaved women, and transitions to the recent case of Dr. Mona Ghosh, who was sentenced for healthcare fraud that harmed her patients. The episode highlights the ongoing issues of medical racism and the need for awareness and change in healthcare practices.

    Key Takeaways:

    • The legacy of Dr. J. Marion Sims is controversial due to his unethical experiments on enslaved women.

    • Dr. Mona Ghosh's case reflects a modern parallel to historical medical exploitation.

    • Listening to one's intuition is crucial when it comes to health decisions.

    • Many women of color have been disproportionately affected by unethical medical practices.

    • Historical exploitation of Black women in medicine has created a lasting mistrust in healthcare.

    • Medical experimentation on marginalized groups often occurs without informed consent.

    • The Tuskegee syphilis study exemplifies the long history of medical neglect towards Black communities.

    • Healthcare fraud can have devastating impacts on patients' lives and trust in the system.

    • The importance of acknowledging historical injustices in addressing current health disparities.

    • Empowerment and education are key in advocating for better healthcare practices.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Historical Medical Ethics

    02:47 "I AM" Power Statement

    04:54 Dr. J. Marion Sims: A Controversial Legacy

    15:57 Dr. Mona Ghosh: Modern Medical Malpractice

    22:14 Historical Context of Medical Exploitation

    28:34 Contemporary Issues and Resources

    Additional Information:

    ⁠Subscribe⁠ to keep up with the latest news, events, and resources.

    Shop at the ⁠KCA Store⁠ (grab your Cramp Elixir)

    Indulge in our ⁠Resource Center⁠

    Check out our ⁠Magazine⁠

    Practice yoga, pilates, meditation, and breathwork atPilates for Periods.

    Subscribe to our Youtube channel: Kick Cramp’s Ass and Pilates for Periods


    Schedule a complimentary Menstrual Therapy consultation

    Ready to make your own content? Become a friend of ⁠⁠Riverside.fm⁠

    We manifest a positive, productive, and peaceful menstrual journey ahead!

    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    32 min