The YMyHealth Podcast | Wellness and Healthcare Insights for Millennials

Melissa Schenkman and Julie Woon
  • 5.0 (13)
  • Health & Fitness
  • Updated Weekly

A podcast by millennials, for millennials, covering health challenges unique to Gen Y. Get expert insights, practical patient advice, and inspiring survivor stories to help you make informed healthcare choices. Empower your journey with YMyHealth!

  1. 3d ago

    Personalizing Healthcare: Diagnostic Testing and Patient Empowerment

    Ever wondered why getting the right treatment can feel like a game of trial and error? In this episode of the YMyHealth Podcast, Co-Host Melissa Schenkman talks with Hannah Mamuszka, CEO and founder of Alva10, who explains how smarter diagnostic testing can help you get answers sooner—and make more informed decisions about your health. Hannah unpacks the complexities of the healthcare system and highlights the critical role of diagnostic testing in personalized medicine. 🎧Listen now to learn how patients can take control of their health decisions despite systemic barriers and discover how a smarter use of diagnostic tests can save time, money, and improve outcomes for both patients and the healthcare system. Links:Are you a millennial interested in learning more about healthcare issues specifically related to your generation? Start here: https://www.ymyhealth.com/ and follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/ymyhealth_/ Learn more about this episode's guest, CEO and Founder of Alva10, Hannah Mamouska here. **Learn more her company, Alva10 at: https://alva10dx.com/about **Hannah's Sources for Finding the Best Prices for CT Scans, MRIs and More:https://www.healthcostlabs.com/ https://www.carepriceguide.com   https://www.turquoise.health  https://fairhealthconsumer.org   Interested in sponsoring the YMyHealth podcast? We'd love to partner with brands and organizations that align with our mission of providing healthcare education to millennials. Contact us at ymyhealthpodcast@gmail.com for sponsorship opportunities.**Thank You to Our Sponsors**Dr. Sarah Diekman, Director of Diekman Dysautonomia! If you’d like to learn more about our sponsor and her practice that provides care to patients with POTS and Long COVID, go to https://dysautonomiaexpert.com Lucid - One solution for all your business finances: Bookkeeping, Taxes, Tax Credits, and CFO Services, all in one place at (an affordable price). Plus, they offer free IRS tax credit research, finding money you are owed! Learn more and become a client at: https://www.lucid.now/ For practice owners and entrepreneurs, Lucid can take the work of business finances off your long to-do list!

  2. Sep 24

    Health Insurance Innovation: A CEO’s Journey to Personalized Benefits

    Ever picked a health insurance plan and wondered whether it would actually cover what you need? In this episode of the YMyHealth Podcast, Co-Host Melissa Schenkman sits down with Brandy Thompson, CEO and Founder of benefitbay, who shares her inspiring journey from navigating healthcare challenges as a mother of six to creating a groundbreaking platform that offers personalized health insurance benefits. Discover how Brandy’s mission is transforming healthcare access and affordability through innovative solutions like ICRA which stands for Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement, making healthcare work better for families and individuals. 🎧This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in personalized health insurance plans, healthcare innovation, and patient advocacy. Highlights: (00:00) Introduction to Brandy Thompson and benefitbay(00:28) Brandy's healthcare experiences as a mother of six(00:33) Challenges in the traditional health insurance system(01:03) How legislation like ACA and ICRA influence healthcare options(01:26) The role of technology and human empathy in healthcare support(01:31) Building benefitbay: Mission and vision(01:57) How benefitbay empowers employees with personalized choices(02:26) Understanding ICRA and its benefits for individuals(02:47) Red flags in health insurance plans(03:14) Advice for health entrepreneurs and innovators(03:41) Work-life balance and personal sacrifices(04:09) Hope for the future of healthcare and advice for newcomers Links:Are you a millennial interested in learning more about healthcare issues specifically related to your generation? Start here: https://www.ymyhealth.com/ and follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/ymyhealth_/ *Hey listener, we’ve got a favor to ask!*Your thoughts matter. Tell us what episodes, guests, and topics you want more of by taking our short survey. It’s quick, easy, and helps us better serve you. Take the survey HERE.  Learn more about this episode's guest, CEO and Founder of benefitbay, Brandy Thompson here. **Learn more about how you and the company you work for can get benefitbay and make getting health insurance easier here: https://www.benefitbay.com/employees Interested in sponsoring the YMyHealth podcast? We'd love to partner with brands and organizations that align with our mission of providing healthcare education to millennials. Contact us at ymyhealthpodcast@gmail.com for sponsorship opportunities. Learn about YMyHealth's Podcast Co-Host, Melissa Schenkman here: https://www.ymyhealth.com/team/melissa-schenkman **Thank You to Our Sponsors**Dr. Sarah Diekman, Director of Diekman Dysautonomia! If you’d like to learn more about our sponsor and her practice that provides care to patients with POTS and Long COVID, go to https://dysautonomiaexpert.com Lucid - One solution for all your business finances: Bookkeeping, Taxes, Tax Credits, and CFO Services, all in one place at (an affordable price). Plus, they offer free IRS tax credit research, finding money you are owed! Learn more and become a client at: https://www.lucid.now/For practice owners and entrepreneurs, Lucid can take the work of  business finances off your long to-do list!

  3. Sep 17

    Understanding Dementia: Early Diagnosis and Holistic Brain Health

    Have you ever worried about a parent’s memory—or wondered what you can do for your own brain health? In this episode of the YMyHealth Podcast, Co-Host Melissa Schenkman talks with renowned neurologist and U.S. Air Force Veteran, Dr. Catherine Madison, as they explore the latest advances in dementia and Alzheimer's care. Learn about the early signs of memory loss, the critical importance of early diagnosis, and holistic approaches to brain health. Discover practical steps for prevention and lifestyle interventions that support cognitive function and planning for the future. This episode is essential listening for caregivers and anyone interested in proactive brain health. 🎧Tune in now to learn why getting answers sooner matters and practical ways to plan ahead to protect your brain health and your loved ones, as well as care for those in your life living with dementia or Alzheimer's disease.  And share this info on one of today's hottest health topics with your friends! Highlights:(00:00) Introduction to dementia and Alzheimer's(02:07) Dr. Madison's background and journey into dementia care(04:14) Current landscape and recent advances in treatment(06:17) The significance of early diagnosis and new medications(07:26) Research developments and future therapies(09:51) Understanding dementia as a horizontal illness affecting families(11:44) Recognizing normal vs. abnormal memory changes(13:25) Early signs of dementia and behavioral changes(14:14) The concept of anosognosia and its implications(17:11) How breakdowns in brain networks affect memory and planning(19:04) Approaching loved ones about memory concerns(22:26) Responding to repetitive questions and agitation(23:51) Managing panic and urgency in seeking diagnosis(25:36) Pathways for diagnosis and treatment options(27:14) Why Dr. Madison wrote her book and its key insights(29:33) Summary of key takeaways and hope for the future(41:14) Final thoughts and encouragement for proactive planning Links:Are you a millennial interested in learning more about healthcare issues specifically related to your generation? Start here: https://www.ymyhealth.com/ and follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/ymyhealth_/ *Hey listener, we’ve got a favor to ask!*Your thoughts matter. Tell us what episodes, guests, and topics you want more of by taking our short survey. It’s quick, easy, and helps us better serve you. Take the survey HERE.  Learn more about this episode's guest, Dr. Catherine Madison, a renowned neurologist and Founder of the Dolby Brain Health Center in San Francisco at: https://www.mdmemorycare.com/personal-story **Purchase Dr. Madison's AMAZING book at Barnes & Noble here or at Amazon here. Here book is titled, Navigating Memory Loss - Essential Questions and Answers on Alzheimer's and Dementia.  Interested in sponsoring the YMyHealth podcast? We'd love to partner with brands and organizations that align with our mission of providing healthcare education to millennials. Contact us at ymyhealthpodcast@gmail.com for sponsorship opportunities. Learn about YMyHealth's Podcast Co-Host, Melissa Schenkman here: https://www.ymyhealth.com/team/melissa-schenkman Thanks again to our sponsor, Dr. Sarah Diekman, Director of Diekman Dysautonomia! If you’d like to learn more about our sponsor and her practice that provides care to patients with POTS and Long COVID, go to https://dysautonomiaexpert.com

  4. Jun 18

    Unlocking Longevity: How Peptides and Tech Are Changing the Future of Health

    What if the future of living longer and healthier was built around you? In this episode of the YMyHealth Podcast, Co-Host Melissa Schenkman sits down with Tony Medrano, CEO and Founder of LongevityPlan.AI, to break down the science behind longevity, peptide therapies, and the rise of digital twin technology. He is a three-time Ironman Triathlon Finisher, who has seen and experienced firsthand the health benefits of digital twin technology and peptide therapies both himself in Ironman training and when working with athletes in the NBA, NFL, and on the U.S. Olympic Team. The conversation highlights the existing scientific research behind peptides, what more needs to be done, how they can benefit your health, and the ways in which LongevityPlan.AI is supporting people in their quest for longevity. Tony and his team at LongevityPlan.AI offer clients/patients both membership to their Longevity Club (which includes daily workouts and talks by scientists and healthcare professionals) and peptide therapy plans in consultation with licensed U.S. physicians.  From personalized health strategies to cutting-edge tools designed to help you optimize your body and mind, this conversation explores how technology is changing the way we think about aging — and what that could mean for your future. 🎧Tune in now to discover how personalized health strategies and cutting-edge science can help you build your own longevity plan to live a longer and healthier life—both with and without peptide therapies in the mix. And share this info on one of today's hottest health topics with your friends!  Highlights:(00:00) Introduction to Longevity and Health Optimization(05:44) Understanding Peptides and Their Benefits(12:13) Safety and Efficacy of Peptide Therapies(16:45) The Concept of Digital Twins in Health(24:26) FDA Approval and Quality Assurance in Peptide Therapies(29:35) Longevity Club: Community and Resources for Wellness(33:05) Peptides for Healing and Recovery(37:51) Targeting Inflammation and Fat Reduction(38:48) Mental Acuity and Cognitive Enhancement(43:54) Navigating Peptide Therapy(47:50) Personalized Medicine and Longevity Planning(52:21) Engaging the Medical Community(55:26) Future of Peptide Therapy and Longevity Club *Disclaimer: The information provided in this episode is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical  advice. Our guest, Tony Medrano, while not a physician, works in consultation with licensed U.S. physicians at LongevityPlan.AI, who have take the lead in reviewing medical history, determining which patients are eligible for peptide therapies, and consulting with U.S. licensed pharmacists to determine specific dosing. Links:Are you a millennial interested in learning more about healthcare issues specifically related to your generation? Start here: https://www.ymyhealth.com/ and follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/ymyhealth_/ *Hey listener, we’ve got a favor to ask!*Your thoughts matter. Tell us what episodes, guests, and topics you want more of by taking our short survey. It’s quick, easy, and helps us better serve you. Take the survey HERE.  Learn more about this episode's guest, Tony Medrano here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonymedrano/*Learn about and join LongevityPlan.AI's Longevity Club and check out the company's peptide plans and medical review process here.*Follow LongevityPlan.AI on Instagram @longevityplanai and on their LinkedIn (where they have reseach-based articles) and Facebook pages. And visit them on their new TikTok @longevityplan.ai Interested in sponsoring the YMyHealth podcast? We'd love to partner with brands and organizations that align with our mission of providing healthcare education to millennials. Contact us at ymyhealthpodcast@gmail.com for sponsorship opportunities. Learn about YMyHealth's Podcast Co-Host, Melissa Schenkman here: https://www.ymyhealth.com/team/melissa-schenkman Thanks again to our sponsor, Dr. Sarah Diekman, Director of Diekman Dysautonomia! If you’d like to learn more about our sponsor and her practice that provides care to patients with POTS and Long COVID, go to https://dysautonomiaexpert.com

  5. Jun 11

    How Elizabeth Wachsberg Survived Stage 4 Colon Cancer

    What would you do if your symptoms kept getting brushed off — only to find out it was Stage 4 colon cancer? In this episode of the YMyHealth Podcast recorded LIVE at Fight CRC's 2026 Call on Congress in Washington, DC, co-host Julie Woon, talks with Elizabeth Wachsberg, who shares her story of being diagnosed with colon cancer at 38 after years of misdiagnoses and unanswered questions. Now a Stage 4 colon cancer survivor, she’s shares her journey from misdiagnosis to survivorship and becoming a fierce advocate form early detection. During our discussion, Elizabeth highlights the red flags she wishes people talked about sooner, why younger adults can’t afford to ignore colorectal cancer, and how self-advocacy at doctor's appointments can truly save your life. It’s an honest, eye-opening conversation that could change the way you think about your health and how to navigate it. 🎧Tune in now to learn how to 'trust your gut' and a new way to self-advocate for a colonoscopy!  Highlights: (00:00) Introduction to Elizabeth Wachsberg's Story(01:04) Life Before Diagnosis: Symptoms and Misdiagnoses(03:53) Multiple Doctors and Missed Opportunities(07:07) The Moment of Diagnosis: Tumor in the Colon(09:32) Emotional Impact and Family Support(14:40) Understanding Stage 4 Colon Cancer and Treatment Options(16:31) Hope and the Possibility of Cure(20:04) The Role of Cultural Messaging and Young Adults(22:20) Identity and Survivorship Post-Diagnosis(26:49) Advocating for Yourself in Medical Settings(28:23) Signs and Symptoms to Watch For(29:54) Trusting Your Gut and Taking Action(32:51) Healthy Lifestyle Choices and Myths about Diet and Cancer(35:01) The Impact of Online Misinformation and Personal Decisions(36:26) The Importance of Medical Science and Treatment(39:57) Reflections on Survivorship and Hope(43:04) Allowing Yourself to Have Bad Days(44:03) Looking Forward: The Future of Cancer Treatment and Advocacy(47:02) What Gives Elizabeth Hope Today(47:51) Closing Remarks and Resources Links:Are you a millennial interested in learning more about healthcare issues specifically related to your generation? Start here: https://www.ymyhealth.com/ and follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/ymyhealth_/ *Hey listener, we’ve got a favor to ask!*Your thoughts matter. Tell us what episodes, guests, and topics you want more of by taking our short survey. It’s quick, easy, and helps us better serve you. Take the survey HERE.  Interested in sponsoring the YMyHealth podcast? We'd love to partner with brands and organizations that align with our mission of providing healthcare education to millennials. Contact us at ymyhealthpodcast@gmail.com for sponsorship opportunities. Learn more about this episode's guest, Elizabeth Wachsberg here: *Follow her on Instagram @elizabethwachsberg and on Tiktok @elizabethstage4story Learn about YMyHealth's Podcast Co-Host and Content Marketing Strategist, Julie Woon, here:https://www.ymyhealth.com/team/julie-woon Thanks again to our sponsor, Dr. Sarah Diekman, Director of Diekman Dysautonomia! If you’d like to learn more about our sponsor and her practice that provides care to patients with POTS and Long COVID, go to https://dysautonomiaexpert.com

  6. Jun 4

    Making Surrogacy Accessible: Inside the Surrogacy Foundation

    What does it really take to build a family through surrogacy? In this episode of the YMyHealth Podcast, Co-Host Melissa Schenkman talks with Zach French, Executive Director of The Surrogacy Foundation, who pulls back the curtain on the emotional, financial, and often misunderstood realities of the surrogacy journey. From navigating the entire process from embryo creation to finding a surrogate to childbirth and breaking down barriers to challenging the stigma surrounding surrogacy, this conversation offers an honest look at what it means to create family in today’s world — and why access to that surrogacy matters more than ever. The conversation also highlights the unique work that The Surrogacy Foundation is providing to make surrogacy understandable, accessible, and affordable. Zach and his wife Alexandra (from YMyHealth Podcast Episode 101) are on a mission through their foundation to "propel surrogacy into the mainstream." 🎧Tune in now to learn the six steps of the surrogacy journey, resources, and what today's landscape looks like in the U.S. for family building for millennials and beyond. Highlights:  (00:00) Introduction to Surrogacy and Family Building(02:45) Zach French's Journey and Background(05:46) Understanding the Surrogacy Process(08:28) Building Relationships in Surrogacy(11:15) The Role of Escrow in Surrogacy(14:09) Current Landscape of Surrogacy in the US(17:13) Misconceptions and Awareness of Surrogacy(20:00) The Need for Better Research in Fertility(23:40) The Rising Costs of Surrogacy(26:21) Understanding Infertility and Its Impact(27:31) Barriers to Accessing Surrogacy(30:10) Innovative Solutions for Education and Support(34:50) Overcoming Financial Barriers in Surrogacy(42:34) Addressing Stigma Surrounding SurrogacyLinks:Are you a millennial interested in learning more about healthcare issues specifically related to your generation? Start here: https://www.ymyhealth.com/ and follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/ymyhealth_/ *Hey listener, we’ve got a favor to ask!*Your thoughts matter. Tell us what episodes, guests, and topics you want more of by taking our short survey. It’s quick, easy, and helps us better serve you. Take the survey HERE.  Learn more about this episode's guest, Zach French here: linkedin.com/in/zachhfrench *Learn about The Surrogacy Foundation here. *Follow The Surrogacy Foundation on Instagram @thesurrogacyfoundation and on their LinkedIn and Facebook pages. Organizations Zach highlighted in the episode:  American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM)Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART)Hatch Fertility  Interested in sponsoring the YMyHealth podcast? We'd love to partner with brands and organizations that align with our mission of providing healthcare education to millennials. Contact us at ymyhealthpodcast@gmail.com for sponsorship opportunities. Learn about YMyHealth's Podcast Co-Host, Melissa Schenkman here: https://www.ymyhealth.com/team/melissa-schenkman Thanks again to our sponsor, Dr. Sarah Diekman, Director of Diekman Dysautonomia! If you’d like to learn more about our sponsor and her practice that provides care to patients with POTS and Long COVID, go to https://dysautonomiaexpert.com

  7. May 28

    Surrogacy and Healing: Alexandra French’s Journey from Cancer to Family

    What happens when a life-changing diagnosis completely rewrites the plan for building your family? In this inspiring episode of the YMyHealth Podcast, Co-Host Melissa Schenkman sits down with Alexandra French, who shares her personal journey through breast cancer, surrogacy, and her mission to support others. Now the Co-Founder of The Surrogacy Foundation, Alexandra opens up about her deeply emotional journey to have her daughter through surrogacy. From the hard conversations and  "expecting the unexpected" to the hope, resilience, and support that carried her through, Alexandra shares the real side of what surrogacy looks like behind the scenes. The conversation highlights how Alexandra's journey inspired her mission to help others facing similar paths, breaking down the emotional, legal, and relational realities of surrogacy while showing how her foundation is creating meaningful support for families along the way. 🎧Tune in now to learn the biggest misconception about surrogacy and how it can be a beautiful path to building your family.  Highlights: (00:00) Introduction to Women's Health and Surrogacy(01:21) Alexandra's Cancer Journey and Surrogacy Decision(05:14) Navigating Surrogacy Concerns and Relationships(09:51) Mental Health Challenges in Surrogacy(13:49) Communicating Surrogacy to Family and Friends(17:58) Unexpected Challenges in the Surrogacy Process(20:52) Dispelling Myths About Surrogacy(22:50) The Birth of the Surrogacy Foundation(29:13) Empowerment Through SurrogacyLinks:Are you a millennial interested in learning more about healthcare issues specifically related to your generation? Start here: https://www.ymyhealth.com/ and follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/ymyhealth_/ *Hey listener, we’ve got a favor to ask!*Your thoughts matter. Tell us what episodes, guests, and topics you want more of by taking our short survey. It’s quick, easy, and helps us better serve you. Take the survey HERE.  Learn more about the work of this episode's guest, Alexandra French, Co-Founder of The Surrogacy Foundation here: https://alexandrafrenchatlanta.com/ and learn about The Surrogacy Foundation here.  *Follow The Surrogacy Foundation on Instagram @thesurrogacyfoundation and on their LinkedIn and Facebook pages.   Interested in sponsoring the YMyHealth podcast? We'd love to partner with brands and organizations that align with our mission of providing healthcare education to millennials. Contact us at ymyhealthpodcast@gmail.com for sponsorship opportunities. Learn about YMyHealth's Podcast Co-Host, Melissa Schenkman here: https://www.ymyhealth.com/team/melissa-schenkman Thanks again to our sponsor, Dr. Sarah Diekman, Director of Diekman Dysautonomia! If you’d like to learn more about our sponsor and her practice that provides care to patients with POTS and Long COVID, go to https://dysautonomiaexpert.com

  8. May 21

    100 Episodes of Millennial Health Stories

    What happens when a podcast built on real stories, hard conversations, and health empowerment hits 100 episodes? 🎙️ Join us as we celebrate the 100th episode of the YMyHealth Podcast!!! In this special milestone episode, YMyHealth Podcast Co-Hosts Julie Woon and Melissa Schenkman share behind-the-scenes insights, as they reflect on the moments that inspired and surprised them, the impactful stories YMyHealth Contributors have shared, what's connected  listeners as they navigate their healthcare, and the YMyHealth Podcast's future plans to empower your health journey. 🎧Tune in now to here details on some of our most favorite episodes and on what's coming for Season 2 of 2026  this fall. Highlights: (00:00) Celebrating 100 Episodes: A Milestone Reflection(02:46) The Journey of YMyHealth Podcast(05:51) Themes of Openness and Personal Stories(08:40) Caregiving: The Unsung Heroes(11:24) Invisible Struggles: Mental Health and Chronic Illness(13:55) Prevention and Health Literacy(16:48) Research and Its Importance in Healthcare(19:48) Men's and Women's Health: Unique Challenges(22:22) The Role of Policy and Advocacy(25:23) Entrepreneurship in Healthcare(28:20) Future Directions: Navigating the Healthcare System(31:04) Community Engagement and Support(33:49) Looking Ahead: Season Two PlansLinks:Are you a millennial interested in learning more about healthcare issues specifically related to your generation? Start here: https://www.ymyhealth.com/ and follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/ymyhealth_/ *Hey listener, we’ve got a favor to ask!*Your thoughts matter. Tell us what episodes, guests, and topics you want more of by taking our short survey. It’s quick, easy, and helps us better serve you. Take the survey HERE.  We are SO grateful for those whose skill sets and financial support helped bring the YMyHealth Podcast to life!! A big thank you to our sponsor, Dr. Sarah Diekman, Director of Diekman Dysautonomia! If you’d like to learn more about our sponsor and her practice that provides care to patients with POTS and Long COVID, go to https://dysautonomiaexpert.com Sarah Jane Ponce, Founder and COO at Digital Lumad and Podcast Director/ProducerBrand Strategist- (*You can get in touch here.) Kendall Hackett and Jasmine Duncan of Kendall Media Co - Learn more about there company and social media content creation by visiting here. *Interested in sponsoring the YMyHealth podcast? We'd love to partner with brands and organizations that align with our mission of providing healthcare education to millennials. Contact us at ymyhealthpodcast@gmail.com for sponsorship opportunities. Learn about  YMyHealth's Podcast Co-Hosts: Founder, Melissa Schenkman here: https://www.ymyhealth.com/team/melissa-schenkman Content Marketing Strategist, Julie Woon, here: https://www.ymyhealth.com/team/julie-woon

See All (107)

5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

A podcast by millennials, for millennials, covering health challenges unique to Gen Y. Get expert insights, practical patient advice, and inspiring survivor stories to help you make informed healthcare choices. Empower your journey with YMyHealth!

Information