G-Chats With Giana Jarrah

G-Chats With Giana Jarrah

I’m Giana Jarrah, founder and CEO of With Meraki Co., and your biomedical engineering big sister, here to break barriers around vaginal health, reproductive wellness, and more. This podcast is a nod to "G": me, Giana; "girlhood," celebrating our journeys; and a throwback to my Lehigh days, where "G-chats" were monthly check-ins with dorm advisors. Join me for unfiltered conversations about understanding your body, reclaiming your health, and finding empowerment. Whether you’re curious about science or just want to hang out with G, this is your space. Let’s learn and grow together! 💖

  1. 07/25/2025

    Let's Walk Through The Feminine Hygiene Aisle... Ep 29

    In this episode, I’m diving into the feminine hygiene aisle to break down what these products are really doing to our bodies. From Summer’s Eve washes, deodorant sprays, and wipes to Vagisil anti-itch creams, powders, and even bloating relief pills, I’m sharing the hard truth about what’s marketed to us as “feminine care.” These products often use phrases like “pH balanced,” “gynecologist tested,” or “odor-blocking,” but behind the pretty packaging and clinical buzzwords is a whole lot of misinformation, microbiome disruption, and unnecessary shame.We’ve been told that we need to wash, wipe, spray, and powder ourselves into being “fresh,” but in reality, a lot of these products are harming the very balance they claim to protect. I talk about why douches are dangerous, how fragrances and preservatives can trigger irritation and infections, what “Lactobacillus ferment” actually is in your feminine wash, and why bloating during PMS might have nothing to do with water weight at all.If you’ve ever stood in the feminine care aisle confused, curious, or convinced something was wrong with your body, this series is for you. I’m here to unpack the science, the marketing, and the root causes so you can make informed choices and actually support your reproductive health without falling for the same tired industry myths.Subscribe to follow along as I take you through the feminine hygiene aisles of different stores, episode by episode, and shine a light on what’s really worth using and what needs to go.

    50 min
  2. 07/18/2025

    Black Women Deserve Better: Exposing the Health Disparities No One Talks About Ep 28

    📚 Cited Studies & Data SourcesMaternal Mortality Rates-Black women are 3–4x more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women.Source: CDC Reproductive Health Report, 2020Hypertension and Heart Disease-Black women have the highest rates of high blood pressure among all groups in the U.S.Source: American Heart Association (Go Red for Women, 2018)Pain Bias in Medicine-Half of white medical trainees held false beliefs that Black patients feel less pain.Source: Hoffman KM et al. PNAS, 2016. PMID: 27044069Underdiagnosis in Endometriosis-Black women with endometriosis face delays in diagnosis and more advanced disease at diagnosis.Source: Bougie O et al., Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am, 2022. PMID: 35514542Fibroids Prevalence and Severity-Black women are 2–3 times more likely to develop fibroids and experience more severe symptoms.Source: Baird DD et al., Am J Obstet Gynecol, 2013. PMID: 12548202BV and Recurrent Infections-Black women have significantly higher rates of BV and are less likely to receive targeted treatment.Source: Donald J. Alcendor. Evaluation of health disparity in bacterial vaginosis and the implications for HIV-1 acquisition in African American women. Am J Reprod Immunol 2016; 76: 99–107.Clinical Research Representation-Black women are significantly underrepresented in reproductive health studies.Source: Clark LT et al., J Natl Med Assoc, 2022. PMID: 30545650🖤 Organizations to Support & FollowBlack Mamas Matter AllianceWebsite: https://blackmamasmatter.org Leading voice in advocating for Black maternal health and birth justice.SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Justice CollectiveWebsite: https://www.sistersong.netNational organization focused on reproductive justice through a human rights lens.The Afiya Center (Texas-based)Website: https://www.theafiyacenter.orgAdvocacy and direct support for Black women and girls impacted by reproductive oppression.National Birth Equity Collaborative (NBEC)Website: https://birthequity.orgWorks to optimize Black maternal and infant health outcomes.Black Women’s Health ImperativeWebsite: https://bwhi.orgThe first nonprofit created by Black women to help protect and advance the health of Black women and girls.Action Steps for Listeners✅ If you’re a Black woman:-Track your symptoms and bring written notes to every appointment.-Ask about microbiome, hormonal, and inflammatory root causes—not just quick fixes.-Consider working with a culturally competent doula, midwife, or pelvic health therapist.-Advocate for second (or third) opinions, you are not being “extra.”Check out Black-led wellness and advocacy communities (like @thevaginachronicles, @blackmamasmatter, or @balancedblackgirl).If you’re not a Black woman:-Amplify Black voices in healthcare conversations.-Donate to or volunteer with Black-led orgs.-Challenge bias when you see it whether it’s in conversation, a waiting room, or at a policy table.-Educate yourself on historical and current injustices and take that awareness offline into action.For Everyone:-Demand better research representation in clinical trials.-Support Black-founded wellness and health brands.-Call out medical misogyny and racism when you see it.-Share this episode because real change starts with real conversations.

    35 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

I’m Giana Jarrah, founder and CEO of With Meraki Co., and your biomedical engineering big sister, here to break barriers around vaginal health, reproductive wellness, and more. This podcast is a nod to "G": me, Giana; "girlhood," celebrating our journeys; and a throwback to my Lehigh days, where "G-chats" were monthly check-ins with dorm advisors. Join me for unfiltered conversations about understanding your body, reclaiming your health, and finding empowerment. Whether you’re curious about science or just want to hang out with G, this is your space. Let’s learn and grow together! 💖