The SavvyCast

Jamie Tarence

The SavvyCast is a podcast of the Family Savvy blog, where Jamie Tarence will host savvy guests to discuss real life topics that affect us all. Food and family. Marriage and divorce. Fitness and health. The Enneagram and relationships. Each episode is designed to entertain, educate and inspire all who listen. Everyone is welcome at the table! So grab a cup of coffee, and let's talk.

  1. 3d ago

    I Thought Intimacy with My Husband Would Never Be the Same. I Was Wrong (And Here's What Fixed It!)

    Vaginal dryness hit me out of nowhere at almost 59, years after I'd entered menopause, and intimacy with my husband started to feel like sandpaper. For about eighteen months, I was convinced I had lichen sclerosus, a chronic inflammatory skin condition, which left me depressed and wondering if intimacy would ever be the same. In this episode, I'm sharing the whole story: the biopsy, the flare-ups, the steroid cream, and the appointment where my urogynecologist finally gave me an answer I never saw coming (that gave me my life back). I'm also walking you through everything I do now to care for that part of my body, from HRT and vaginal estrogen to the products I use (and the ones I've stopped using). This isn't medical advice, just my personal experience. If you've been quietly dealing with dryness, itching, or painful intimacy, I hope this conversation helps you feel less alone and a lot more hopeful for what's ahead!   WHAT TO EXPECT IN THIS EPISODE: How vaginal dryness in menopause hit me suddenly in my late fifties, years after I'd entered menopause My biopsy result (lichen simplex chronicus), the steroid cream I used, and why I still believed I had lichen sclerosus The exam that revealed one of the worst yeast infections my urogynecologist had ever seen, and how quickly treatment turned things around Why I now give my vaginal health the same attention I give my face How I got serious about HRT, including labs every three months with a wellness team and a compounding pharmacist My experience with vaginal estrogen: the tablet, the cream, and the Estring I use now The everyday changes that have helped: chemical-free toilet paper, a pH-balanced boric acid wash, no panty liners, hyaluronic acid suppositories, and waxing My biggest takeaways: get more than one opinion, don't diagnose yourself, and be your own advocate   LINKS & RESOURCES Dr. Brent Parnell, Alabama Center for Urogynecology and Pelvic Pain Revaree Plus by Bonafide - Use code FAMILYSAVVY for 20% off! pH-D Boric Acid Wash on Amazon Replens Vaginal Moisturizer on Amazon Joylux reliefHER Vaginal Hydration Melts   WHERE TO LISTEN If this episode encouraged you, I'd love for you to take a few minutes to rate and review The SavvyCast! It means so much to me, and it helps more women, like you, find these conversations and resources. Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube   ENJOYED THIS EPISODE? CHECK THESE OUT! The Device Nobody Talks About That Gave Me My Life Back Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube   What Kills Romance in Marriage in Your 50s and 60s (And How to Get It Back When It Feels Hopeless) Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube   What Nobody Tells You About Sex & Intimacy with Your Spouse in Your 50s & 60s (Part 2) Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube

  2. 3d ago ·  Bonus

    You Might Also Like: The Oprah Podcast

    Introducing She Escaped the Unthinkable and Chose Her Own Beginning from The Oprah Podcast. Follow the show: The Oprah Podcast BUY THE BOOKS! I Choose My Beginning: A Story of Courage and Activism https://amzn.to/4j14o11 The Last Girl: My Story of Captivity, and My Fight Against the Islamic State https://amzn.to/4dwNaVF Nadia Murad was just 21 when ISIS attacked her village in northern Iraq. She was taken captive and endured unimaginable abuse before she escaped and went on to become one of the world's most powerful voices for survivors of genocide and wartime violence. A Nobel Peace Prize laureate and human rights activist, Nadia first shared her experience in her bestselling memoir, The Last Girl. Now, in her new book, I Choose My Beginning, she explores what it means to move forward and build a life beyond her past. Oprah and Nadia talk about the difference between surviving and healing and why she continues to speak out for the victims of the Yazidi genocide who are still missing. Nadia also opens up about finding love, getting married and creating a life that includes both her activism and her own happiness. Human rights lawyer Amal Clooney joins the conversation to talk about their work together seeking justice for ISIS crimes against the Yazidi people. 00:00:00 - Welcome Nadia Murad, author of “I Choose My Beginning” 00:05:40 - Why she chose to speak out 00:08:52 - Nadia wanted to rescue her niece 00:12:00 - Winning the Nobel Peace Prize 00:15:00 - Perceptions of survivors 00:18:00 - Online criticism 00:20:50 - Why Oprah admires Nadia 00:23:20 - Meeting Amal Clooney 00:27:00 - Cases for Yazidi women 00:31:30 - What Amal learned from Nadia 00:35:30 - Life in the refugee camp 00:37:35 - Falling in love 00:41:30 - Thousands of Yazidi people still missing 00:43:45 - The aftermath of war 00:51:00 - Nadia declined an operation 00:53:50 - Survival is not the end 00:56:00 - Building a new life Follow Oprah Winfrey on Social: https://www.instagram.com/oprahpodcast/ https://www.facebook.com/oprahpodcast/ https://www.instagram.com/oprah/?hl=en https://www.facebook.com/oprahwinfrey/ DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

    You Might Also Like: The Oprah Podcast
  3. Oct 16

    Intrusive Thoughts and OCD: What You Need to Know

    Intrusive thoughts and OCD are often misunderstood—and OCD is sometimes reduced to a joke about being organized or particular. In reality, obsessive-compulsive disorder can be debilitating, and getting the right diagnosis and treatment matters. In this episode, I'm joined by mental health counselor Tyler Palmquist to talk about intrusive thoughts and OCD, what compulsions can look like, and why some common anxiety strategies may actually reinforce the OCD cycle. Tyler explains exposure and response prevention (ERP), the evidence-based treatment he uses with clients, and shares practical guidance for finding qualified help. We also discuss how OCD can affect children and adults, how loved ones can support someone without strengthening compulsions, and how faith and professional counseling can work together. If you or someone you love feels trapped by intrusive thoughts, checking, reassurance-seeking, or rituals, I think this conversation will bring clarity, hope, and encouragement. WHAT TO EXPECT IN THIS EPISODE: Why casually saying "I'm so OCD" misses how disruptive and debilitating OCD can be The difference between obsessions, compulsions, and the safety behaviors that keep the OCD cycle going How OCD differs from generalized anxiety—and why repeated reassurance can sometimes make symptoms worse Common OCD themes, including checking, contamination, relationship fears, harm, scrupulosity, and taboo intrusive thoughts How OCD may appear in children and adults, and why symptoms can change or intensify during different seasons of life What exposure and response prevention (ERP) involves and why practice between therapy sessions matters How family members can offer compassionate support without reinforcing compulsions How diagnosis, medication, therapy, faith, and collaboration between providers can work together Where to find an ERP-trained therapist and what to know about virtual counseling and state licensure LINKS AND RESOURCES Tyler Palmquist and Trinity Counseling Get Started with Trinity Counseling International OCD Foundation: Find Help International OCD Foundation: How Do I Find Help for OCD? NOCD Therapist Directory WHERE TO LISTEN If this episode encouraged you, I'd love for you to take a few minutes to rate and review The SavvyCast! It means so much to me, and it helps more women find these conversations and resources. Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube ENJOYED THIS EPISODE? CHECK THESE OUT! How Mental Health Can Be Managed for a Full and Productive Life Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube A Licensed Therapist Shares Practical Advice on Navigating Grief Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube

  4. Oct 9

    The Device Nobody Talks About That Gave Me My Life Back

    For as long as I can remember, overactive bladder controlled my schedule. I was making 20 to 30 trips to the bathroom a day, planning travel around restroom stops, and constantly interrupting everyday life. I had no idea there was a treatment that might give me meaningful relief. In this episode, I'm joined by my urogynecologist, Dr. Brent Parnell, and registered nurse Renee Renier to talk about Axonics sacral neuromodulation therapy—the treatment that has changed my life. Dr. Parnell explains how sacral neuromodulation for overactive bladder helps restore communication between the brain, bladder, and bowel, while Renee shares her own experience with overactive bowel and how the therapy transformed her quality of life. We walk through who may qualify, what the temporary trial is like, how the permanent device is implanted and programmed, the differences between rechargeable and recharge-free options, and what patients should know about exercise, travel, MRIs, and long-term follow-up. We also discuss urinary retention, bowel incontinence, bladder Botox, and why stress incontinence requires a different type of treatment. If bladder or bowel symptoms are ruling your days—or if you have been too embarrassed to ask for help—I hope this conversation reminds you that you are not alone and encourages you to speak honestly with a qualified healthcare provider about your symptoms and goals.   IMPORTANT MEDICAL DISCLAIMER AND GUEST DISCLOSURE Important Disclaimer: This podcast episode is provided for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended to and should not be construed as medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of any disease, condition, or health concern. Nothing in this podcast establishes a doctor-patient relationship between the guest and any listener. The information shared is general in nature and reflects the guest's professional knowledge, but it is not a substitute for professional medical advice tailored to your individual circumstances, evaluation by a licensed healthcare provider, or personalized medical care. The guest, podcast host, and podcast team/producers are not liable for any diagnosis, treatment undertaken, or medical decisions made based on information shared in this episode. Nothing in this episode should be construed as medical advice. The information shared reflects general knowledge and is not a substitute for personalized medical care or a doctor-patient relationship. Dr. Brent Parnell has not been compensated for his participation in this interview. He is a paid consultant for Boston Scientific Corporation.   WHAT TO EXPECT IN THIS EPISODE: How Jamie's overactive bladder led to 20 to 30 bathroom trips a day and affected travel, intimacy, and everyday life What sacral neuromodulation is and how it may improve communication between the brain, bladder, and bowel The symptoms Axonics therapy is designed to address, including urinary urgency and frequency, urge incontinence, bowel incontinence, and non-obstructive urinary retention Why overactive bladder and bowel symptoms are not limited to older women Renee's experience with severe bowel urgency and how her life changed after receiving the device What patients can expect during the temporary trial and how providers determine whether someone is a responder How the permanent implant is programmed, adjusted, charged, and managed over time The differences between rechargeable and recharge-free Axonics systems What patients should know about exercise, sex, travel, airport screening, and MRI-conditional requirements How sacral neuromodulation differs from bladder Botox and why neither treatment is considered a permanent cure Why Axonics therapy does not treat stress urinary incontinence and how options such as Bulkamid or a sling differ Dr. Parnell's advice for walking into a urogynecology appointment with clear, specific quality-of-life goals   LINKS AND RESOURCES Axonics Sacral Neuromodulation Therapy — Patient Overview Find a Doctor Familiar with Boston Scientific Incontinence Therapies Axonics Patient Resources Axonics Important Safety Information Dr. Brent Parnell — Alabama Center for Urogynecology and Pelvic Pain Alabama Center for Urogynecology and Pelvic Pain Bulkamid Urethral Bulking System WHERE TO LISTEN If this episode encouraged you, I'd love for you to take a few minutes to rate and review The SavvyCast! It means so much to me, and it helps more women find these conversations and resources. Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube   🎙️ ENJOYED THIS EPISODE? CHECK THESE OUT! How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Can Help Interstitial Cystitis with Hannah Clement Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Women's Health Q&A with OBGYN Dr. Justin Aldred Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube

  5. Oct 2

    Is Your Marriage Making You Better?

    What if the difficult parts of marriage aren't merely problems to solve, but opportunities to grow? In this episode, I'm joined by my husband, Zane, for an honest conversation about how marriage builds character, strengthens faith, and reveals things about us that we may not see on our own. This topic came from a lesson Zane prepared for the young married couples in our small group, and I'll be honest—these deep, reflective conversations don't always come naturally to me! After nearly 39 years of marriage, we've learned that marriage isn't only meant to make us happy or comfortable. It can also become one of the greatest places for God to expose our blind spots, strengthen our character, teach us forgiveness, and help us become more loving, faithful, and self-aware people. We talk about anger, people-pleasing, keeping score, unresolved wounds, personality differences, and the places where we've stopped pursuing each other's hearts. We also share why understanding your spouse's personality can create more compassion without becoming an excuse to avoid growth. This is a deeper conversation, but whether you're newly married or decades into your relationship, I think it will challenge you to see your spouse—and yourself—with fresh eyes. WHAT TO EXPECT IN THIS EPISODE What Zane means when he asks whether marriage can become a path to righteousness Why marriage reveals parts of our character that other relationships may never expose The small-group rule that keeps couples from blaming, fixing, defending, or speaking for their spouse What recurring conflicts may reveal about the areas where God is asking us to grow Jamie's honest struggle with anger and the hurtful words that can surface during conflict How Zane's people-pleasing has sometimes come at Jamie's expense Why curiosity matters and how familiarity can cause us to stop pursuing our spouse's heart How Jamie and Zane have navigated questions and uncertainty surrounding Zane's faith journey What happens when we withhold love, keep score, or wait for our spouse to change first Why unresolved wounds sometimes need to be revisited, even when one spouse would rather move forward The difference between helping your spouse grow and trying to become your spouse's Holy Spirit How personality tools can create greater understanding, grace, and self-awareness in marriage The one way Jamie and Zane each want to love the other differently in this season LINKS AND RESOURCES The Meaning of Marriage by Timothy and Kathy Keller Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas The Enneagram Institute The Myers & Briggs Foundation WHERE TO LISTEN If this episode encouraged you, I'd love for you to take a few minutes to rate and review The SavvyCast! It means so much to me and helps more people find these conversations and resources. Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube ENJOYED THIS EPISODE? CHECK THESE OUT! The Marriage Check-In That Reveals More Than You Expect Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube 38 Years of Marriage: What We Got Right (& What We'd Do Differently) Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube

  6. Sep 25

    Are You Giving Your Marriage the Leftovers?

    Your spouse may have received your best while you were dating, but is your marriage now getting whatever is left after work, children, commitments, technology, and everyone else? In this episode, I'm joined by my husband, Zane, to talk about how to protect your marriage before disconnection turns into a crisis. After 38 years of marriage and eight years of leading a small group for young married couples, we've seen how easily good things can begin competing with the relationship that should be receiving our best. We're getting honest about our own independent tendencies, the areas where we still need to improve, and the boundaries every couple should consider around calendars, children, technology, outside relationships, parents, and in-laws. Whether you've been married for two years or forty, I hope this conversation encourages you to identify one boundary you can strengthen this week so your spouse feels chosen—not simply given what is left over.   WHAT TO EXPECT IN THIS EPISODE: Why your marriage should receive your best instead of whatever is left after work, children, friends, church, and other commitments Why Zane believes your marriage should have veto power over your calendar The importance of consulting your spouse before making major commitments, purchases, or travel plans What our experience with buying a farm taught us about independent decisions in marriage Why couples should protect their mornings and evenings together, and how to stay mindful of phones, extra work, and busy schedules that creep in Why a child-centered home can unintentionally push your marriage aside and how prioritizing your spouse gives children security The boundaries couples should consider with friends, coworkers, coaches, pastors, and other outside relationships Why transparency with phones, passwords, texts, business travel, alcohol, and private conversations matters How emotional and physical affairs can begin slowly and why couples need safeguards before temptation arises Why couples should continue practicing the curiosity, affection, and fun that brought them together How a weekly 15- to 20-minute marriage check-in can uncover concerns before they become a crisis How to set united boundaries with parents and in-laws around holidays, family gatherings, and other expectations The reflection questions that can help you choose one marriage boundary to strengthen this week   LINKS & RESOURCES Genesis 2:24 A Life Update: The Story Behind Our New Lake Home Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube   WHERE TO LISTEN If this episode encouraged you, I'd love for you to take a few minutes to rate and review The SavvyCast! It means so much to me and helps more people find these conversations and resources. Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube   ENJOYED THIS EPISODE? CHECK THESE OUT! The Marriage Check-In That Reveals More Than You Expect Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube 38 Years of Marriage: What We Got Right (& What We'd Do Differently Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube

  7. Sep 18

    The Beauty Treatments I Swear By at 60

    After receiving so many questions about my skincare routine and beauty procedures in midlife, I decided it was time to share everything! In this solo episode, I'm walking you through the beauty treatments I've invested in over the years from veneers and a mommy makeover to a conservative facelift and CO2 laser treatment. I'm also sharing the professional treatments and at-home products I use now to maintain those results. Of course, beauty is not the most important thing in life, and this episode is not a routine you need to copy. Instead, this is simply an honest look at the beauty treatments that have worked for me, what I continue to spend money on, and what I believe has made the biggest difference. Whether you're curious about injectables, microneedling, collagen, LED masks, or self-tanner, I hope you'll come away with some very savvy beauty tips!   WHAT TO EXPECT IN THIS EPISODE: Why getting veneers in my thirties was one of the most dramatic beauty decisions I've ever made What you should know about preserving your natural teeth before getting veneers Why I chose to have a breast lift, breast reduction, and tummy tuck at 55 Why I decided to have an endoscopic facelift and CO2 laser treatment at 57 & what the recovery was really like The reason I declined a brow lift and eyelid surgery Why I choose professional microneedling two or three times a year How often I receive Dysport or Xeomin and why I use very little filler The professional beauty services I won't attempt at home How collagen and Nutrafol have affected my hair, skin, and nails Why I use my CurrentBody LED mask for ten minutes every morning The skincare ingredients I use consistently, including vitamin C and retinoids My very honest (and painful) first experience with Brazilian sugaring   LINKS & RESOURCES PROFESSIONAL TREATMENTS & PROVIDERS Brookwood Dental Care — Dr. Paul Barganier Reveal Beauty — Dr. Michael Clinton Elite Skin — Dr. Jo Herzog MyRainBerry — Jamie's microneedling provider   AT-HOME BEAUTY PRODUCTS The Peachie Spoon Collagen (Use code FAMILYSAVVY for a special discount!) Nutrafol Women's Balance Nutrafol Vegan Formula CurrentBody LED Light Therapy Face Mask - New Series 3 Mask (Use code FAMILYSAVVY for 10% off!) CurrentBody LED Light Therapy Face Mask - Series 2 (Use code FAMILYSAVVY for 10% off!) Barefaced Polishing Pads Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Self-Tan (Use code JAMIET15 for 15% off!)   WHERE TO LISTEN If this episode encouraged you, I'd love for you to take a few minutes to rate and review The SavvyCast! It means so much to me and helps more women, just like you, find the show! Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube   ENJOYED THIS EPISODE? CHECK THESE OUT! My Mommy Makeover: Why I Did It and How It Turned Out Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube   My Morning Wellness Routine: Coffee, Collagen, Creatine, Protein & More Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube

  8. Sep 11

    The Money Talk Every Couple Needs Before Marriage

    Before you say "I do," there are some important financial questions to ask before marriage and avoiding them now can lead to painful surprises later. In this episode, I'm joined by my husband, Zane, to talk through the money conversation every engaged or newly married couple needs to have. After nearly 39 years of marriage and years of counseling couples together, we've seen how deeply money can affect trust, unity, peace, and even the spiritual health of a marriage. We're getting honest about debt, separate vs. shared accounts, financial transparency, saving, investing, and the money stories we each bring from childhood. We also share what worked for us, what we learned the hard way, and why Zane believes living on less than you earn is one of the most important financial habits a couple can build. Whether you're dating, engaged, newly married, or simply ready to have a healthier conversation about money with your spouse, I think this episode will give you plenty to talk about together! What to Expect in This Episode: Why you're not only marrying a person, you're also marrying their financial habits The financial questions every couple should answer before getting married Why full honesty about credit, debt, spending, income, and family obligations is essential to financial intimacy "Our money" vs. "my money": how couples' shared accounts work differently than separate business accounts  Why living on less than you earn is the financial principle Zane considers non-negotiable How to decide together which expenses are essentials and which are luxuries Why saving early matters so much and how compound growth rewards time The importance of contributing to a workplace retirement plan and taking advantage of an employer match when available How each spouse's upbringing can shape fear, security, expectations, and conflict around money Why couples need to define what "enough" means before the pursuit of more becomes endless Links & Resources Die With Zero: Getting All You Can from Your Money and Your Life by Bill Perkins Investor.gov Compound Interest Calculator IRS Information About 401(k) Plans IRS Information About Roth IRAs Official Trump Accounts Information Where to Listen If this episode encouraged you, I'd love for you to take a few minutes to rate and review The SavvyCast! It means so much to me and helps more people find these conversations and resources. Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Enjoyed This Episode? Check These Out! How We're Investing in Our Grandchildren: Trump Accounts, 529s, & Family Traditions Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube The Marriage Check-In That Reveals More Than You Expect Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube

4.8
out of 5
135 Ratings

About

The SavvyCast is a podcast of the Family Savvy blog, where Jamie Tarence will host savvy guests to discuss real life topics that affect us all. Food and family. Marriage and divorce. Fitness and health. The Enneagram and relationships. Each episode is designed to entertain, educate and inspire all who listen. Everyone is welcome at the table! So grab a cup of coffee, and let's talk.

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