The Paower Pod

Paola Galeano
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The Paower Pod is a deep dive into the resilience of the human spirit — where we explore the silver linings that emerge from life’s darkest moments. Hosted by Paola Galeano, this podcast centers around the raw and real experiences of navigating endometriosis, women’s health struggles, and all the messy, beautiful, powerful parts of being human. With personal stories, expert insights, and open conversations, The Paower Pod is a space for anyone craving honesty, hope, and a reminder that even in the hardest times, there’s always a spark of light.

Episodes

  1. 05/05/2025

    PMDD Diaries, Part 2 — The Crash (aka Bathroom Floors & Black Holes)

    This is Part 2 of a 3-part series chronicling one of the hardest PMDD episodes I’ve had in a while. In Part 1, I thought I had beat it—cheering myself on for "feeling follows action" and riding the high of showing up for a single call (which, yes, I know sounds ridiculous... but also, no, it doesn’t). This episode was recorded just two days later—and it’s where everything unraveled. I talk about what it’s like when the “awareness” that helped earlier in the week stops creating space. When the descent happens anyway. When the dark cloud swallows you whole and even knowing it’s PMDD doesn’t save you from how real it feels. There are laughs in here. There’s a metaphor I drew. But there’s also despair, bathroom floor moments, and that hollow, dangerous silence that can creep in when you’re going through it alone. A third, lighter episode is coming—one where the sun comes back out. But this one? This is the crash. Thank you for listening. You are not alone.

    24 min

  2. 21/04/2025

    PMDD Diaries, Part 1 — The (Naive) Triumph Before the Crash

    Welcome to Part 1 of a 3-part series recorded during a particularly rough PMDD week. I recorded this episode thinking I had cracked the code—two days in, feeling surprisingly okay, and fully convinced that this time... I was different. Spoiler alert: I wasn’t. The days that followed got darker, harder, and far more intense than I expected—but I’m still glad I captured this early “I’m doing great!!” moment. It’s a reminder that progress is real even when it doesn’t last, and that documenting the whole arc matters. In this episode, I reflect on: The illusion of having "figured it out" The awkwardness of creating while not fully myself Fidgeting, grammar errors, and my war with the word “like” The strange shame of having only two meetings in a day when you’re your own boss And what it means to show up just for yourself I almost didn’t post this because it’s rambly and imperfect—but that’s exactly why I am posting it. I’m learning to release things that don’t feel fully “ready,” to not tie my worth to polish or productivity, and to let mistakes live out loud instead of haunt me in silence. This is the beginning of a week that really rocked me—but it’s also part of a story arc I needed to tell. Thank you for listening. Part 2 and 3 are on their way.

    41 min

  3. 09/04/2025

    Stress, Swans, and Size Ups — Notes from the Hormonal & Menopausal Frontlines

    This week, I reflect on my experience at the Power of X Summit (a Women's Health conference) and finally open up about a medication called Lupron (which medically induces a temporary menopause). I share how it impacted me, what I wish I knew, and the surprising connection it gave me to women navigating menopause. I also talk about reframing stress and self-talk, resisting inner spirals (hello, Black Swan vs. White Swan), and the power of calling a friend. Plus, a small-but-big shift: I bought bigger pants—and stopped body-shaming myself—so I could focus on the actual bigger issues at hand: like moving women’s health toward a more equitable future. And finally, I start a new ritual: one affirmation card to guide the week. 💛

    39 min

  4. 20/03/2025

    Surgery Prep & Recovery – The Things I Wish I Knew

    In this episode, I give a high-level rundown of the surgeries I’ve had over the years—from my first ablation with cauterization to my most recent (and real deal) excision surgery three years ago, featuring some fun bonus add-ons like a neurectomy, appendectomy, and myomectomy (because, why stop at one?). But really—I breeze through those because what I really wanted to focus on is how to prepare for surgery: ✨ The day before, the day of, and the days/weeks that follow✨ Lewks: What to wear to the hospital (comfort is king)✨ How to make your home feel cozy and healing-ready✨ A little TMI bathroom talk (because let’s be real, you need to know) This episode is lighthearted because why not bring a little levity to the game? I’m a very expressive person (hi, hyperbole), but this is just my story—every body is different. My goal isn’t to scare anyone away from surgery but to share what I wish I had known, because one of the hardest parts of my last surgery was not expecting it to be so hard—before or after! But in the end? It was the best thing I ever did. Hope these little nuggets help, and best of luck to anyone preparing for surgery. Sending you all the well wishes! 💛 and P.S. - a reminder to honor your scars - visible or non. You're stronger and better because of them!

    42 min

  5. 17/03/2025

    The Bright Side

    This week marks three years since my surgery—the last time I really want to acknowledge it. Endometriosis has been both the greatest challenge and the greatest gift of my life. That surgery was one of the most painful and dark periods I’ve ever endured, but today, I reflect on all the good that has come from moments that felt BaaAAaaad. In this episode, I realize it’s less about my pain and more about:💛 A love letter to my mother, whose presence has been everything💛 A love letter to my friendships, which have carried me through and teach me that magic is everywhere💛 A love letter to pain itself, for bringing me closer to a version of myself that feels more whole. For teaching me that death and decay clear space for sunshine. This is a nighttime, cozy episode—because it felt right to honor what has happened. But after tonight, I just want to look forward, armored with the lessons I’ve learned and new ways of embracing the world around me. Thank you so much for being here. 💛

    44 min

  6. 13/03/2025

    Knock, Knock, Twist, Twist, Stab, Stab: Early Experiences with Endo Pain

    This episode is a much more raw, somber account of my journey with endometriosis—how I first experienced pain, the confusion, the exhaustion, and the long road to figuring out WTF is happening. I walk through the beginnings of my period, when endo came on early, all the way up to my first surgery. I talk about:✨ The physical psychotic pain—alien blood clots, nausea, mental fatigue, and all the other shameful, disgusting, and somatic experiences that were uncomfortable✨ The years of trying to piece it all together, feeling lost in my own body✨ What it actually felt like, beyond just "bad cramps" But don’t worry—this isn’t me complaining (at least I truly hope it does not come off that way! I aim to explain.) And then I wrap it up with some silver linings:🌱 The trees on my block have finally been rescued!📖 And Brene Brown (and more friends!) saved me this week. This isn't a "day in the life"—it's years in the life. Thank you for listening. 💛

    1h 2m

  7. 11/03/2025

    Endo 101 & Other Musings

    Welcome back to The Paower Pod! First off—THANK YOU to everyone who tuned in to the first episode. I’m beyond grateful for your support. This one ran a little long (oops!), but I’ll aim for 30-40 minutes in the future. We're also still here in the 1 take business because your girl has not yet learned how to edit. Will she ever? Who knows. This week, I’m testing out a few new segments while diving into the main topic: a foundational 101 on endometriosis. While I originally planned to keep my opinions out of it… well, that didn’t last long (oops, again!). In this episode, I also share:✨ Things I’m loving this week✨ Lessons learned & challenges faced (this week’s were pretty banal, but I promise we’ll get into deeper topics soon)✨ Silver Linings Illuminated (TM) aka aha moments✨ Evaluating where I’m at with my goals—this week, checking in on my Recalibration Station✨ A shoutout to two incredible women in honor of Women’s History Month✨ A lyric reading to close things out—because, why not? I so appreciate you being here. Would love to hear your thoughts—DM me, comment, or just vibe along.

    1h 14m

  8. 04/03/2025

    Hello. Is this what they call a Pilot?

    Hi! Welcome to The Paower Pod! Wow. Thank you so much for being here. It means so much to me - more than you know. What is this? So glad you asked. This is me, jumping into one of the things that bring me so much joy. Talking! (And listening, I swear). About all the things. For so long I've wanted to talk about my 23 year long journey with Endometriosis and all that comes with it. But over the past several years, I've really learned to care more about the underbelly of the human spirit; how we get to choose our lives AS WELL AS the lens(es) in which we look at them. So many things can be true at the same time. In this episode, you will find that I have thoroughly embraced IMperfection. I did it in one take. Not sorry! Why? Because I overthink so many other areas of my life already (starting a business is, um...hard). And I needed a respite from all that. I wanted to try my hand at just hitting "start". Most importantly, I wanted to learn how to embrace the notion of having fun. Not everything has to be so manufactured, precise, clean, perfect. If I were to wait for that, I would never do it. I've waited too long in too many areas of my life. It's gotten too old and too boring. OK but why now? March is a very special month for me always. It's Endometriosis Awareness Month! It's also Women's History month. And it's the month I finally just started a podcast for the hell of it. I invite you to have patience with me as I work out what this show will look like. I can't wait to bring you beautiful conversations with incredible people, challenges I experience, and reframes to find the silver lining in dark times. Much love and Paower to you, always.

    28 min
  • 8 Episodes

About

The Paower Pod is a deep dive into the resilience of the human spirit — where we explore the silver linings that emerge from life’s darkest moments. Hosted by Paola Galeano, this podcast centers around the raw and real experiences of navigating endometriosis, women’s health struggles, and all the messy, beautiful, powerful parts of being human. With personal stories, expert insights, and open conversations, The Paower Pod is a space for anyone craving honesty, hope, and a reminder that even in the hardest times, there’s always a spark of light.

Information

  • Creator
    Paola Galeano
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    8
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Paola Galeano
  • Show Website
    The Paower Pod