Cycles and Seasons

Jennifer Redmond
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  • Nutrition
  • Updated weekly

Cycles and Seasons is a podcast for all women in all seasons of life. Hosted by integrative nutrition coach and hormone health expert ,Jennifer Redmond, each episode dives deep into the phases of a woman’s life, offering holistic insights on hormonal health, fertility, perimenopause, and menopause. Whether you're seeking to optimize your fertility, find balance during perimenopause, or embrace the changes of menopause, this podcast provides expert advice, real-life stories, and practical tips to help you thrive at every stage. 

  1. 3 days ago

    Episode 43: PCOS is now PMOS

    In this episode Jennifer talks with Dr. Maya Barsky about the recent renaming of PCOS to PMOS (Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome), what it means for diagnosis and treatment, and how this shift can empower women to better understand and manage their health.  Dr. Barsky is a double board-certified physician in Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility. She serves as a Lead Physician at the Center for Advanced Reproductive Services and is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, at UConn School of Medicine. Dr. Barsky also holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Investigation, where her thesis research focused on Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS). She is passionate about helping individuals and couples from all walks of life navigate their family-building journeys with compassionate, evidence-based care. Her clinical interests include PMOS, reproductive surgery, diminished ovarian reserve, recurrent pregnancy loss, fertility preservation, and third-party reproduction. Key topics discussed:  Why PCOS was renamed to PMOS (Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome) and what the new name better reflects about the condition.The history of the condition from Stein-Leventhal syndrome (1935) through its evolution as an endocrine, metabolic and genetic disorder.The three diagnostic criteria for PMOS (hyperandrogenism, polyfollicular ovaries/elevated AMH, and irregular cycles) and why only two of three are needed for diagnosis.How PMOS affects the whole body throughout life, including endocrine, metabolic, cardiovascular, mental health and reproductive systems, not just during reproductive years.Why up to 70% of women were diagnosed late under the previous name, and the challenges of diagnosing PMOS in adolescents and in women approaching menopause.PMOS and fertility: why it is not a diagnosis of infertility, how irregular ovulation affects conception, and the range of treatment options from lifestyle changes to letrozole, IUI and IVF.The role of lifestyle changes in managing PMOS: high-protein diet, reduced carb load, at least 150 minutes of movement per week, hydration and sleep. GLP-1 medications (Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound) and their potential benefits for PMOS, and why they must be discontinued 1–2 months before trying to conceive. Supplements for PMOS: the importance of prenatal vitamins with folic acid for those trying to conceive, and inositol as an alternative to metformin.Dr. Barsky’s message to women who suspect they may have PMOS: there is no “typical” PMOS patient, the condition is not your fault and every woman deserves a clear diagnosis and a whole-person care planResources Mentioned: Center for Advanced Reproductive Services (UConn Fertility) Connect with Dr. Maya Barsky Instagram: @MayaBarskyMD Website: uconnfertility.comConnect with Jennifer: Schedule a free Fertility Support SessionFollow Jennifer on Instagram for more tips and insights: @jennredmondinhcI would be so grateful if you would subscribe, leave a review and share this episode with women in your life who can benefit from this information. Disclaimer: The Cycles and Seasons podcast is for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your healthcare professional regarding any symptoms or medical problems you are experiencing.

    35 min

  2. 17 Jun

    Episode 42: Don't Be an Athena; Medical Gaslighting and Silent Endurance

    In this episode Jennifer talks with Kayla Branstetter about the Greek myth of Medusa and Athena as a lens for understanding medical gaslighting, reproductive trauma and the cultural expectation that women endure their pain in silence.  Kayla is an English instructor at Crowder College, where she teaches literature, creative nonfiction, and composition. She is a published writer whose work has appeared in more than 40 journals worldwide, and the author of the creative nonfiction book Off With Her Head. A TEDx speaker and educator, her work centers on women’s health, narrative medicine, reproductive trauma, and the cultural expectations placed on women’s bodies and resilience. She is currently completing a Doctorate of Education in Healthcare, with research focused on narrative medicine and women’s healthcare.  Her forthcoming book, Don’t Be an Athena, examines reproductive health, medical gaslighting and the myth of silent endurance through storytelling, research and at times, dark humor. Key topics discussed:  The Greek myth of Medusa and Athena, and how it shaped the title and framework of Kayla’s book, Don’t Be an AthenaHow society tends to demonize women’s reproductive choices and experiences, from teen pregnancy and miscarriage to IVF, abortion and choosing not to become a motherKayla’s own experiences with infertility, miscarriage and medical gaslightingThe idea of “silent endurance” and where the centuries-old expectation that women must suffer quietly comes fromMissouri’s maternal and infant mortality rates, restrictive abortion laws and the challenges of accessing reproductive healthcare in rural areasThe need for comprehensive sex education and more supportive, paid parental leave policiesKayla’s dissertation research on narrative medicine, the role of AI in healthcare and improving doctor-patient communicationThe difference between treating “the chart” versus “the human,” and how storytelling builds trust between doctors and patientsWhat folk medicine traditions can teach modern medicine about accessibility and human connectionEndometriosis, the importance of self-advocacy, and how cultural expectations can make it harder for women to seek careResources Mentioned: Don’t Be an Athena: Women’s Stories of Surviving Medical Misogyny. Kayla’s forthcoming book, releasing July 20th and available for pre-order nowOzark Hollow PressKayla’s TEDx talk, “Don’t Be an Athena” (TEDxMSSU)“Blood,” a short story by Zdravka Evtimova that Kayla discussed with her class while talking about folk medicineThe work of Dr. Rita Charon, a founding figure in the field of narrative medicineConnect with Kayla Branstetter https://kaylabranstetter.wordpress.com/InstagramLinkedInFacebook (personal profile — she welcomes friend requests!)Connect with Jennifer: Schedule a free Fertility Support SessionFollow Jennifer on Instagram for more tips and insights: @jennredmondinhcI would be so grateful if you would subscribe, leave a review and share this episode with women in your life who can benefit from this information. Disclaimer: The Cycles and Seasons podcast is for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your healthcare professional regarding any symptoms or medical problems you are experiencing.

    41 min

  3. 20 May

    Episode 41: Navigating the Emotional Journey of Third-Party Reproduction with Alicia Abdella

    In this episode Jennifer talks with Alicia Abdella, MSW, LICSW,  about the emotional and psychological dimensions of third-party reproduction, including egg donation and gestational surrogacy. Alicia is the founder of On the Path Counseling and Consultation, a specialized psychotherapy practice supporting individuals and couples through the emotional challenges of reproductive health. With 15 years of clinical experience, Alicia and her team of licensed therapists provide compassionate counseling for those navigating fertility struggles, IVF, pregnancy loss, third-party reproduction, and complex family-building decisions. Her practice is based in Andover, Massachusetts, with virtual services available in New Hampshire, Maine, Florida, and Massachusetts. Key topics discussed:  What egg donation and gestational surrogacy are, and who uses themThe wide range of emotional starting points when considering donor egg or surrogacyWhy partners are rarely at the same emotional place at the same time, and how to navigate thatNormalizing ambivalence – you don’t have to be 100% on board right awayHow the loss of a genetic connection reshapes feelings about bonding and parenthoodDisclosure decisions: navigating social stigma, family, culture and religionKnown vs. anonymous donors and surrogates: short-term and long-term considerationsWhy true anonymity is no longer realistic in the age of direct-to-consumer DNA testing (23andMe, Ancestry.com)Bonding with a baby you didn’t carry - what gestational surrogacy looks like emotionally for intended parentsThe role of community and peer connection as a coping toolWhat to expect from a therapy session or formal consult with a reproductive mental health professionalASRM guidelines for mental health professional involvement in donor and gestational carrier cyclesResources Mentioned: Fertility Forward — a support program in partnership with Terra Fertility (Boston area)American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) — asrm.org (practice guidelines for third-party reproduction)Connect with Alicia: On the Path Counseling and ConsultationEmail: abdela@onthepathcc.comConnect with Jennifer: Schedule a free Fertility Support SessionFollow Jennifer on Instagram for more tips and insights: @jennredmondinhcI would be so grateful if you would subscribe, leave a review and share this episode with women in your life who can benefit from this information. Disclaimer: The Cycles and Seasons podcast is for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your healthcare professional regarding any symptoms or medical problems you are experiencing.

    48 min

  4. 12 May

    Episode 40: The Legal Side of Building Your Family with Janene Oleaga

    In this episode Jennifer talks with Janene Oleaga, a family formation lawyer and reproductive rights advocate, about the legal side of building a family through assisted reproduction. Janene demystifies the role of a reproductive attorney and offers clear, grounding guidance for anyone navigating surrogacy, egg donation or donor conception.  Key Topics Discussed: Janene explains what a reproductive attorney does and why reaching out before you begin your family-building journey - before selecting a surrogate, donor, or signing with an agency - can make a meaningful difference.She describes what to expect from an initial consultation, and why her goal is for clients to leave feeling informed and more settled amid the uncertainty of the fertility journey.Surrogacy law is governed at the state level and varies widely. Janene breaks down what that means for intended parents, especially when surrogacy arrangements cross state lines.She walks through what a gestational surrogacy agreement covers and why she describes it as the roadmap for the entire journey, from embryo transfer through establishing legal parentage.Janene addresses surrogacy in the news honestly, distinguishing between bad actors and the hundreds of ethical arrangements that never make headlines.For those using an egg or sperm donor, Janene explains the difference between closed, semi-open and fully open arrangements, and why true anonymity is no longer a realistic promise in the age of consumer genetic testing.She offers practical guidance on how to find a reproductive attorney, what questions to ask, and why - beyond credentials - trusting your gut matters most when building your team.Janene speaks to the importance of legislative advocacy and reminds listeners that your personal story is your most powerful tool when talking to representatives. Resources Mentioned: Oleaga Law LLCAllPaths Family BuildingAmerican Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys (AAAA)American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM)New England Fertility Society (NEFS)The Society for Ethics in Egg Donation and Surrogacy (SEEDS)Connect with Janene Oleaga: IVFESQ.comInstagram: @IVFESQ Connect with Jennifer: Schedule a free Fertility Support SessionFollow Jennifer on Instagram for more tips and insights: @jennredmondinhcI

    35 min

  5. 5 May

    Episode 39: Mother's Day and Infertility

    Episode Summary In this episode Jennifer shares a check-in and love note to her community as Mother's Day approaches. She knows how difficult the holiday can be for women on a fertility journey, and offers gentle, practical ideas for navigating the day in a way that honors wherever you are. Key Topics Discussed: Mother's Day can be an incredibly painful time for women who are trying to conceive or have experienced pregnancy loss, and it's okay to feel all of it.The holiday comes with unavoidable noise - ads, emails, store displays - and Jennifer wants you to give yourself permission to opt out, unsubscribe and step back from social media if you need to.Mother's Day brings its own complicated layers when it comes to our relationships with our own mothers, and Jennifer speaks openly from personal experience.If you can't sit the day out, Jennifer offers practical strategies for getting through it,  from limiting your time to planning ahead for the moments when feelings hit hard.Ways to spend the day that feel nourishing and restorative, including leaning on your comfort list, spending time in nature and connecting with your support system.Jennifer reminds listeners who have partners to let that person in, because they're navigating the day too.She closes with a loving challenge and journal prompts to help you reflect on how you can mother yourself this Mother's Day.Journal Prompts: This Mother's Day, I can mother myself by ________________________________.My ideal way to spend this Mother's Day is ________________________________.My ideal day is _________________________________________________________________.Connect with Jennifer: Schedule a free Fertility Support SessionFollow Jennifer on Instagram for more tips and insights: @jennredmondinhcI would be so grateful if you would subscribe, leave a review and share this episode with women in your life who can benefit from this information. Disclaimer: The Cycles and Seasons podcast is for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your healthcare professional regarding any symptoms or medical problems you are experiencing.

    11 min

  6. 28 Apr

    Episode 38: Living with Endometriosis

    In this episode Jennifer sits down with Nicole Tanionos, an 18-year-old high school senior, patient advocate and co-founder of The Endometriosis Alliance of Massachusetts (TEAM). Nicole shares her deeply personal journey living with endometriosis since middle school, and the remarkable advocacy work that has grown from it. Nicole's story is a reminder that the signs may be there long before a diagnosis, and that understanding your history can be a powerful part of navigating your path forward. Key topics discussed:  Endometriosis affects approximately 1 in 10 women of reproductive age and can take 4 to 11 years to diagnose, a reality Nicole knows firsthand.Nicole's symptoms began in middle school and included migraines, severe bloating ("endo belly"), constipation, and increasingly painful, irregular periods - symptoms she initially thought were unrelated.Nicole shares an all too common, long and frustrating road to diagnosis, including being dismissed by doctors, seeing nearly a dozen specialists, and learning to fight to be believed. She opens up about the emotional and psychological toll of living with a chronic, underdiagnosed illness, and why mental health is an inseparable part of the conversation. Nicole talks candidly about what life looks like after treatment, including the ongoing challenges and what it has meant for her future plans. Driven by her own experience, Nicole co-founded TEAM to advocate for better education, improved medical training, and legislation that could shorten the diagnostic journey for others. She shares a story about a chance conversation at a backyard gathering that may have changed a young woman's life, and explains why that kind of ripple effect keeps her going.Nicole speaks honestly about the fears and uncertainties that come with an endometriosis diagnosis at a young age, including what it may mean for her future fertility.Resources Mentioned: Survey for Endometriosis PatientsSwinging for Hope, Golf Tournament to Support Endometriosis Awareness, supported by TEAM Endometriosis Conference, October 24, 2026, Save the DateBelow the Belt documentaryConnect with The Endometriosis Alliance of Massachusetts: endoteam.orgConnect with Jennifer: Schedule a free Fertility Support SessionFollow Jennifer on Instagram for more tips and insights: @jennredmondinhcI would be so grateful if you would subscribe, leave a review and share this episode with women in your life who can benefit from this information. Disclaimer: The Cycles and Seasons podcast is for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your healthcare professional regarding any symptoms or medical problems you are experiencing.

    43 min

  7. 21 Apr

    Episode 37: National Infertility Awareness Week - "More Than"

    In this episode Jennifer talks with Lauren Hart Clancy, Executive Director at All Paths Family Building, about National Infertility Awareness Week. Lauren is a public health professional, maternal health and family building advocate, pediatric sleep and development practitioner, and perinatal behavioral health coach. After spending her career in the hospital and healthcare industry she founded The Village Advocate to support individuals navigating fertility, pregnancy, postpartum, and early parenthood. She also co-founded and led the Boston Chapter of Chamber of Mothers for two years. Lauren first came to AllPaths seeking support during her own family building journey and then spent several years as a volunteer, leading peer support groups and annual fundraising efforts, before assuming her current role. Key Topics Discussed Lauren's family-building journey: a male factor infertility diagnosis, multiple IVF cycles, failed transfers, pregnancy loss and changing clinicsHow Lauren found AllPaths  and the moment she, "first experienced what it felt like to find my people"Her path from support group participant to AllPaths peer group leader to Walk Committee volunteer to Executive DirectorNational Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW) 2026 theme "More Than" Losing your identity on the journeyParticipating in NIAW when you're not comfortable being public about your storyAllPaths peer-led support groups, how they work and why lived experience leadership matters.Finding support when you don't know what your path is going to look likeWhat gives Lauren hope: Growing openness and a shift toward patient-focused careHow to get involved with AllPaths: support groups, the podcast, the Walk and board committeesWords to Remember "The sooner that you find your people, the easier this is going to be, no matter what the outcomes are.""There's no medal or award for doing this alone.""There are people and organizations out there that will hold you how you need to be held."Resources Mentioned #NIAW. Search on social media for events, Instagram Lives and resourcesAllPaths Family Building. Support groups, advocacy, professional directory, podcast and programmingAllPaths Podcast. Family-building stories, searchable by topicChamber of Mothers. Non-partisan nonprofit and grassroots movement uniting moms for a better America; Boston chapter co-founded by Lauren Hart ClancyFootsteps for Family Building Walk. AllPaths annual fundraising eventRESOLVE: The National Infertility and Family Building Association.  Empowers people navigating their fertility journey through trusted information, community support, and grassroots advocacyThe Village Advocate. Supports individuals and families from preconception through early parenthood; founded by Lauren Hart ClancyConnect with Lauren: Instagram: @villageadvocateEmail: lhclancy@allpathsfb.orgConnect with Jennifer: Schedule a free Fertility Support SessionFollow her on Instagram for more tips and insights: @jennredmondinhcDon't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with women in your life who can benefit from this information.

    45 min

  8. 14 Apr

    Episode 36: PCOS and Mental Health: An Integrative Approach

    In this episode Jennifer talks with Dr. Michael Hurley, co-founder of Cup of Life Healing Center (Keene & Nashua, NH), specializing in PCOS, fertility and women's health. Dr. Hurley is a licensed acupuncturist, Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine and Fellow of the Acupuncture and TCM Board of Reproductive Medicine Key topics discussed: Understanding PCOS. What it is, how common it is, and its wide range of physical symptoms.PCOS as a hormonal AND metabolic disorder. Why addressing it now matters for long-term health, not just fertilityThe emotional toll of PCOS. Frustration, fear, anxiety, depression, hopelessness and grief that patients commonly experienceHow Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches PCOS. Treating the whole person through acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, functional nutrition and mind-body practicesThe nervous system connection. Why calming the sympathetic (fight-or-flight) nervous system is the first priority in treatment, and how it directly impacts hormonal balance and ovulationYin & yang in modern life. The importance of balancing activity and rest, and what that looks like practicallyChinese herbs and nutrition. How herbal formulas complement acupuncture, and simple dietary starting points (whole foods, reducing processed foods, hydration)How acupuncture can regulate cycles. The HPO (hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian) axis explained, and how treatment can gradually bring cycle lengths toward a normal rangeWorking alongside Western medicine. How acupuncture can support patients using fertility drugs and fertility treatmentMindset shifts and self-compassion. Why "you are not broken" is the most important thing Dr. Hurley wants PCOS patients to knowBetween-session tools. Breathwork, meditation apps, community support, and therapy as complementary practicesClinical hypnotherapy and Reiki. Offered at Cup of Life; how hypnotherapy helps reframe limiting beliefs Resources Mentioned Insight Timer (meditation app)AllPaths Family Building ( support groups, professional directory) P2S Foundations for Natural Fertility. An upcoming course for couples covering the menstrual cycle, PCOS, fertility, and mindset. Follow Cup of Life Healing Center for details.Connect with Dr. Michael Hurley: Website: Cup of Life Healing CenterInstagram: @cupoflifehealingcenterFacebook: CupofLifeHealingCenterLinkedIn: Cup of Life Healing CenterConnect with Jennifer: Schedule a free Fertility Support SessionFollow her on Instagram for more tips and insights: @jennredmondinhcDon't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with women in your life who can benefit from this information. Disclaimer: The Cycles and Seasons podcast is for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your healthcare professional regarding any symptoms or medical problems you are experiencing.

    47 min
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About

Cycles and Seasons is a podcast for all women in all seasons of life. Hosted by integrative nutrition coach and hormone health expert ,Jennifer Redmond, each episode dives deep into the phases of a woman’s life, offering holistic insights on hormonal health, fertility, perimenopause, and menopause. Whether you're seeking to optimize your fertility, find balance during perimenopause, or embrace the changes of menopause, this podcast provides expert advice, real-life stories, and practical tips to help you thrive at every stage. 

Information

  • Creator
    Jennifer Redmond
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    43
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Cycles and Seasons
  • Show Website
    Cycles and Seasons