The Dusty Muffins

The Dusty Muffins
  • 4.9 (27)
  • HEALTH & FITNESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to The Dusty Muffins, where three menopause specialists unite to inspire, empower, and uplift you through the wild ride of menopause and perimenopause. We're here to answer your burning questions, educate, and advocate with a touch of humor and a lot of heart. Whether you're curious, confused, or ready for authentic discussion, pull up a chair and join us. Remember: while we're clinicians, we're not your doctors. This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. We encourage you to partner with your own medical clinician to address your unique health needs. This is The Dusty Muffins, where menopause meets sisterhood and strength! CONTACT: Rebbecca Hertel, DO, MSCP Osteopathic Midlife Health Rebbecca Hertel Consulting, LLC Website Instagram Linkedin Facebook Substack Aoife O’Sullivan, MD, MSCP Portland Menopause Doc LLC Website Instagram Linkedin Christine Hart Kress, DNP, MSCP Website Instagram Linkedin Become a supporter of this podcast: TheDustyMuffins333@gmail.com

  1. Trust Your Gut: How Your Microbiome Shapes Menopause with Cynthia Thurlow

    3D AGO

    Trust Your Gut: How Your Microbiome Shapes Menopause with Cynthia Thurlow

    What if the key to navigating menopause with more energy, clarity, and vitality was living inside you all along? In this fascinating and game-changing episode of The Dusty Muffins, our expert trio—Dr. Aoife O'Sullivan (MD, MSCP), Dr. Christine Hart Kress (DNP, MSCP), and Dr. Rebbecca Hertel (DO, MSCP)—sit down with Cynthia Thurlow (NP), CEO and host of the Everyday Wellness Podcast, and author her new book The Menopause Gut, to explore the profound link between your gut microbiome and your menopause experience. This isn't just about digestion—it's about how the trillions of organisms in your gut influence everything from your mood to your bones. Cynthia brings her deep expertise to a conversation that will transform how you think about midlife health. In this episode, you'll discover: 🦠 The Microbiome-Menopause Axis: How your gut health directly impacts hormonal balance, metabolism, and the severity of menopause symptoms like brain fog and weight gain. 🌾 Fiber: Your Unsung Hero: The critical role fiber plays in estrogen metabolism—and why most women aren't getting nearly enough to support healthy hormonal transitions. 👶 The Origins of Your Microbiome: How delivery method and breastfeeding shape lifelong gut health, and what that means for women navigating midlife. 🧪 To Test or Not to Test: The truth about gut microbiome testing—what it can reveal, when it's clinically relevant, and how to use that information effectively. 🚰 Leaky Gut & Autoimmunity: The connection between intestinal permeability and the rising rates of autoimmune conditions in women, plus actionable steps to protect yourself. Tune in for an episode that connects the dots between your gut, your hormones, and your overall well-being. It's time to listen to your body—from the inside out. The Dusty Muffins: 📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/thedustymuffins 🔗 Linktree → https://linktr.ee/thedustymuffins Hosts: 👩⚕️ Dr. Aoife O'Sullivan → https://www.instagram.com/portlandmenopausedoc 👩⚕️ Dr. Rebbecca Hertel → https://www.instagram.com/drrebbeccaherteldo 👩⚕️ Dr. Christine Hart Kress → https://www.instagram.com/christinehartkress_dnp Cynthia’s Book: The Menopause Gut explains why so many women hit midlife feeling like their bodies suddenly stopped cooperating, despite doing “all the right things.” This conversation connects gut health to hormones, inflammation, and aging in a way that removes shame, self-blame, and confusion, and replaces it with clarity and relief. Cynthia tailors each conversation to meet your audience exactly where they are. Guest – Cynthia Thurlow: 📸 Instagram → @cynthia_thurlow_ 🌐 Website → https://themenopausegut.com 🔗 Substack → https://www.liinks.co/cynthiathurlow 🧪 Home Testing Partner → https://www.viome.com Disclaimer: The Dusty Muffins are doctors, but they're not YOUR doctors. This is for entertainment and informational purposes only. Always consult your own healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.

    44 min
  2. The Exam Room You Deserve: Trauma-Informed Care with Dr. Heather Quaile

    MAR 1

    The Exam Room You Deserve: Trauma-Informed Care with Dr. Heather Quaile

    What does it mean to truly feel safe in a medical setting? In this powerful and deeply important episode of The Dusty Muffins, our expert trio - Dr. Aoife O'Sullivan (MD, MSCP), Dr. Christine Hart Kress (DNP, MSCP), and Dr. Rebbecca Hertel (DO, MSCP) - are joined by women's health specialist Dr. Heather Quaile for a crucial conversation about trauma-informed care, patient advocacy, and the unseen realities of clinical practice. This episode bridges the gap between clinician and patient, offering eye-opening insights that will transform how you think about healthcare encounters - and how clinicians can do better. In this episode, you'll discover: 🩺 The Exam Room as Sanctuary: What trauma-informed care actually looks like in practice and why every pelvic exam should prioritize patient safety and autonomy above all else. 🚨 Red Flags in Plain Sight: Critical signs of human trafficking that can present in clinical settings - and how healthcare providers are uniquely positioned to intervene and support vulnerable patients. 🗣️ The Power of Permission: Simple yet transformative best practices for sensitive exams, from explaining every step before it happens to creating an environment where "no" is always an option. 🛡️ Advocacy Beyond the Script: How patients can communicate their needs and boundaries effectively, and how clinicians can listen - really listen - to build trust. 💡 Healing Through Awareness: Why understanding trauma isn't just about avoiding harm but about creating opportunities for empowerment and healing within the healthcare system. Tune in for an episode that is as educational as it is essential. Whether you're a clinician looking to level up your practice or a patient seeking to navigate care with confidence, this conversation will change the way you see the exam room. Social Media Links: The Dusty Muffins: 📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/thedustymuffins 🔗 Linktree → https://linktr.ee/thedustymuffins Hosts: 👩⚕️ Dr. Aoife O'Sullivan → https://www.instagram.com/portlandmenopausedoc 👩⚕️ Dr. Rebbecca Hertel → https://www.instagram.com/drrebbeccaherteldo 👩⚕️ Dr. Christine Hart Kress → https://www.instagram.com/christinehartkress_dnp Guest & Important Notes – Dr. Heather Quaile: 📸 Instagram → @drquailenp 🌐 Clenician Training Website → https://theqspot.net 🌐 Website → https://theshowcenter.com ‼️24/7 Human Trafficking Hotline: 1(888) 373-7888‼️ Disclaimer: The Dusty Muffins are doctors, but they're not YOUR doctors. This is for entertainment and informational purposes only. Always consult your own healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.

    55 min
  3. The Hidden Heart Threat Most Doctors Never Talk About: Lipoprotein (a)

    FEB 14

    The Hidden Heart Threat Most Doctors Never Talk About: Lipoprotein (a)

    Your heart is telling a story—but are you running the right tests to hear it? In this eye-opening and essential episode of The Dusty Muffins, our expert trio—Dr. Aoife O'Sullivan (MD, MSCP), Dr. Christine Hart Kress (DNP, MSCP), and Dr. Rebbecca Hertel (DO, MSCP)—sit down with preventive cardiologist Dr. Sunny Intwala to decode what standard cholesterol panels are missing and why menopause is a critical inflection point for heart health. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women, yet so much of the risk remains invisible until it's too late. This conversation is your guide to getting ahead of the curve with cutting-edge prevention. In this episode, you'll discover: 🫀 The Hidden Risk Factor: Why Lipoprotein(a) —a genetic marker you've likely never heard of—is a game-changer for assessing your true cardiovascular risk, and why routine tests won't catch it. 📋 Beyond the Basic Panel: The advanced assessments (like APO-B and coronary artery calcium scores) that provide a much clearer picture of your heart health than standard cholesterol testing alone. 👩‍👧 The Family History Factor: Why your mother's or grandmother's heart story is critical medical data, and how to translate that into actionable prevention. ⚖️ Menopause as a Reveal: How the hormonal shifts of midlife can unmask underlying cardiovascular risks, making this the perfect moment for a heart health deep dive. 💊 Medications, Myths & Momentum: The truth about statins, the genetics passed to you by your parents, new breakthrough medications, and why fear should never stand between you and life-saving cardiovascular disease risk prevention. Tune in for an episode that could literally save your life. It's time to stop guessing and start scanning, testing, and advocating for the heart you'll rely on for decades to come. The Dusty Muffins: 📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/thedustymuffins 🔗 Linktree → https://linktr.ee/thedustymuffins Hosts: 👩⚕️ Dr. Aoife O'Sullivan → https://www.instagram.com/portlandmenopausedoc 👩⚕️ Dr. Rebbecca Hertel → https://www.instagram.com/drrebbeccaherteldo 👩⚕️ Dr. Christine Hart Kress → https://www.instagram.com/christinehartkress_dnp Guest – Dr. Sunny Intwala of Nuvance Health, now part of Northwell Health: 🌐 Nuvance Health → https://www.nuvancehealth.org 📱 Nuvance Health Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/nuvancehealth 📄 MDPI Profile → https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/15/2/740 💼 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunny-intwala-md-mba-2b9a128/ Disclaimer: The Dusty Muffins are doctors, but they're not YOUR doctors. This is for entertainment and informational purposes only. Always consult your own healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.

    1 hr
  4. The Menopause Reset: Muscle, Metabolism, and Sustainable Health

    FEB 8

    The Menopause Reset: Muscle, Metabolism, and Sustainable Health

    Why does the number on the scale creep up during menopause, and why do old diets suddenly stop working? In this clarifying and empowering episode of The Dusty Muffins, our expert trio—Dr. Aoife O’Sullivan (MD, MSCP), Dr. Christine Hart Kress (DNP, MSCP), and Dr. Rebbecca Hertel (DO, MSCP)—tackle one of the most common and frustrating midlife challenges head-on. This conversation goes far beyond simple "calories in, calories out." The docs break down the hormonal overhaul happening in your body and provide a science-backed, actionable strategy for feeling strong and healthy. In this episode, you’ll discover: ⚖️ The Hormonal Reality: How shifting estrogen and testosterone levels directly impact your metabolism, fat storage, and hunger signals. 💪 Your #1 Metabolic Asset: Why preserving and building muscle mass is the most critical factor for managing weight and energy during menopause—and how to do it. 🍗 The Plate Revolution: The specific dietary shifts you need to make (hint: more protein, smart fats) to support your changing body, not fight it. 🧠 The Stress-Weight Connection: How chronic stress hijacks your hormones and practical strategies to manage it for better metabolic health. 🦠 Gut Health = Hormone Health: The surprising link between your microbiome and your hormonal balance, and why gut health is non-negotiable. Tune in for an episode that replaces shame and confusion with a clear, compassionate, and effective roadmap. It's time to work with your body, not against it. The Dusty Muffins: 📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/thedustymuffins 🔗 Linktree → https://linktr.ee/thedustymuffins Hosts: 👩⚕️ Dr. Aoife O’Sullivan → https://www.instagram.com/portlandmenopausedoc 👩⚕️ Dr. Rebbecca Hertel → https://www.instagram.com/drrebbeccaherteldo 👩⚕️ Dr. Christine Hart Kress → https://www.instagram.com/christinehartkress_dnp Disclaimer: The Dusty Muffins are doctors, but they’re not YOUR doctors. This is for entertainment and informational purposes only. Always consult your own healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.

    41 min
  5. Pain is Not a Part of the Plan: Reclaiming Sexual Health with Dr. Andrea Martin

    FEB 1

    Pain is Not a Part of the Plan: Reclaiming Sexual Health with Dr. Andrea Martin

    Is pain during sex "just something you deal with"? Absolutely not. In this essential and liberating episode of The Dusty Muffins, our expert trio—Dr. Aoife O’Sullivan (MD, MSCP), Dr. Christine Hart Kress (DNP, MSCP), and Dr. Rebbecca Hertel (DO, MSCP)—are joined by sexual health specialist Dr. Andrea Martin to dismantle the myths and address the real issues surrounding women's intimate well-being. This is a candid, no-holds-barred conversation that moves from the bedroom to the doctor's office, giving you the language and knowledge to advocate for your pleasure and health. In this episode, you’ll discover: 🛑 Why "Powering Through" is Dangerous: The real physical and emotional consequences of ignoring pain during sex, and why it should never be normalized. 🗺️ Your Body's Blueprint: A crucial refresher on female anatomy (yes, including the clitoris!) and why knowing your body is the first step to empowerment. 💬 The Truth About Faking It: How pretending to enjoy sex harms both you and your partner, and how to start an honest conversation about pleasure and desire. 🏥 How to Be Your Own Advocate: Practical scripts for talking to your doctor about intimate pain, getting the right referrals (like pelvic floor physical therapy), and challenging misdiagnoses. 🛠️ Real Solutions That Work: From non-invasive treatments for adhesions to managing conditions like painful bladder syndrome, learn about the effective options available to you. Tune in for an episode that replaces shame with solutions and silence with advocacy. Your sexual health is non-negotiable. Disclaimer: The Dusty Muffins are doctors, but they’re not YOUR doctors. This is for entertainment and informational purposes only. Always consult your own healthcare provider for personalized medical advice. The Dusty Muffins: 🔗 Linktree → https://linktr.ee/thedustymuffins 📸 Instagram → @thedustymuffins Hosts: 👩⚕️ Dr. Aoife O’Sullivan → @portlandmenopausedoc 👩⚕️ Dr. Rebbecca Hertel → @drrebbeccaherteldo 👩⚕️ Dr. Christine Hart Kress → @christinehartkress_dnp Guest – Dr. Andrea Martin: 📸 Instagram → @andrea.sexplains.it.all 🌐 Website → https://glowhealthbyandrea.com

    45 min
  6. From Fear to Facts: The End of the Black Box Warning

    JAN 18

    From Fear to Facts: The End of the Black Box Warning

    Pop the confetti—it’s a landmark moment for women’s health! In this celebratory and vital episode of The Dusty Muffins, our expert trio—Dr. Aoife O’Sullivan (MD, MSCP), Dr. Christine Hart Kress (DNP, MSCP), and Dr. Rebbecca Hertel (DO, MSCP)—break down the FDA’s historic removal of the black box warning from estrogen products and what it really means for you. For decades, flawed science cast a shadow of fear over hormone therapy, sidelining millions from safe, effective treatment. No more. The docs dive into the past, present, and future of menopause care with clarity and conviction. In this episode, you’ll discover: 📦 Why the "Black Box" Was All Wrong: How outdated, problematic studies created decades of unnecessary fear and confusion around estrogen. 🛡️ The Gold Standard for GSM: Why local (vaginal) estrogen is not only safe but should be the first line of defense for genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), including urinary symptoms. 💊 Your Body, Your Blueprint: The critical importance of individualized hormone therapy—because one-size-fits-all never worked. 🗣️ Your Right to Better Care: How to advocate for yourself with a healthcare system still catching up on the latest evidence, and why you should never settle for dismissive care. 🔮 The Future is Nuanced: How women’s health is evolving beyond just hormones to include holistic, evidence-based practices that prioritize your quality of life. Tune in for an empowering episode that turns a bureaucratic update into a rallying cry for smarter, fearless, and personalized healthcare. The Dusty Muffins: 📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/thedustymuffins 🔗 Linktree → https://linktr.ee/thedustymuffins Hosts: 👩⚕️ Dr. Aoife O’Sullivan → https://www.instagram.com/portlandmenopausedoc 👩⚕️ Dr. Rebbecca Hertel → https://www.instagram.com/drrebbeccaherteldo 👩⚕️ Dr. Christine Hart Kress → https://www.instagram.com/christinehartkress_dnp Disclaimer: The Dusty Muffins are doctors, but they’re not YOUR doctors. This is for entertainment and informational purposes only. Always consult your own healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.

    48 min
  7. The Midlife Conversation You Deserve: A Breast Specialist's Perspective

    11/17/2025

    The Midlife Conversation You Deserve: A Breast Specialist's Perspective

    Navigating the intersection of menopause and breast health can be confusing and fraught with misinformation. In this essential episode of The Dusty Muffins, our specialist trio—Dr. Aoife O’Sullivan (MD, MSCP), Dr. Christine Hart Kress (DNP, MSCP), and Dr. Rebbecca Hertel (DO, MSCP)—sit down with breast health expert Dr. Sabrina Sahni, M.D., to bring clarity and confidence to this critical topic. This is a deep dive into the facts you need to make empowered decisions for your body. They tackle outdated myths, highlight the latest evidence, and provide a clear path forward for personalized care. In this episode, you’ll discover: 🔬 PEt & Breast Health: The Real Story: Cutting through the fear and misconceptions surrounding hormone therapy and its risks, based on current evidence-based practices. 📄 The Critical Role of Breast Density: Why your mammogram report’s mention of "dense breasts" is a key piece of your health puzzle and how it impacts your screening needs. 🧬 Who Needs Genetic Testing? A clear guide on understanding your family history and when to consider genetic testing for breast cancer risk. 🎓 The Education Gap: Why many clinicians are still misinformed about menopause management and how you can advocate for better, more nuanced care. 💪 Your Health, Your Voice: Practical strategies for becoming your own best advocate, ensuring your quality of life is a top priority in every medical decision. The Dusty Muffins: 📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/thedustymuffins 🔗 Linktree → https://linktr.ee/thedustymuffins Hosts: 👩⚕️ Dr. Aoife O’Sullivan → https://www.instagram.com/portlandmenopausedoc 👩⚕️ Dr. Rebbecca Hertel → https://www.instagram.com/drrebbeccaherteldo 👩⚕️ Dr. Christine Hart Kress → https://www.instagram.com/christinehartkress_dnp Guest – Dr. Sabrina Sahni: 🌐 Mayo Clinic Profile → https://www.mayoclinic.org/biographies/sahni-sabrina-m-d/bio-20509454 📸 Instagram → @sabrinaksahnimd Tune in for an episode that replaces anxiety with actionable knowledge, empowering you to take control of your health during midlife and beyond. Disclaimer: The Dusty Muffins are doctors, but they’re not YOUR doctors. This is for entertainment and informational purposes only. Always consult your own healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.

    47 min
  8. From Silence to Strategy: A Modern Playbook for Menopause

    11/09/2025

    From Silence to Strategy: A Modern Playbook for Menopause

    A new generation is changing the conversation around menopause, and this episode is your front-row seat! The specialist trio of The Dusty Muffins—Dr. Aoife O’Sullivan (MD, MSCP), Dr. Christine Hart Kress (DNP, MSCP), and Dr. Rebbecca Hertel (DO, MSCP)—are joined by author and women's advocate Lauren Tetenbaum for a powerful discussion on taking control of your health journey. This conversation is all about action, access, and advocacy. They tackle how to build a proactive plan for menopause and why a unified front is the future of effective treatment. In this episode, you’ll discover: 🔑 Knowledge as Your Key: How arming yourself with information is the ultimate form of empowerment, transforming you from a passive patient into an informed advocate for your own care. 🩺 The Power of the Dream Team: Why the best menopause care isn't a solo mission, but a collaborative effort that can involve your doctor, a coach, and your entire support network. 🚫 Smashing the Stigma: The importance of breaking generational silence and having open, honest conversations to normalize this universal life transition. 🌟 The Generational Shift: How millennials are proactively preparing, asking tough questions, and demanding better, more personalized healthcare options than ever before. 💼 From Personal to Professional: How Lauren’s own journey fueled her mission to educate and empower women through writing, training, and advocacy. The Dusty Muffins: 📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/thedustymuffins 🔗 Linktree → https://linktr.ee/thedustymuffins Hosts: 👩⚕️ Dr. Aoife O’Sullivan → https://www.instagram.com/portlandmenopausedoc 👩⚕️ Dr. Rebbecca Hertel → https://www.instagram.com/drrebbeccaherteldo 👩⚕️ Dr. Christine Hart Kress → https://www.instagram.com/christinehartkress_dnp Guest – Lauren Tetenbaum (The Counselaur): 🌐 Website → https://thecounselaur.com 📸 Instagram → @thecounselaur Tune in for an energizing and strategic episode that will leave you feeling equipped, supported, and ready to demand the care you deserve. Disclaimer: The Dusty Muffins are doctors, but they’re not YOUR doctors. This is for entertainment and informational purposes only. Always consult your own healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.

    39 min
See All (46)

4.9
out of 5
27 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Dusty Muffins, where three menopause specialists unite to inspire, empower, and uplift you through the wild ride of menopause and perimenopause. We're here to answer your burning questions, educate, and advocate with a touch of humor and a lot of heart. Whether you're curious, confused, or ready for authentic discussion, pull up a chair and join us. Remember: while we're clinicians, we're not your doctors. This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. We encourage you to partner with your own medical clinician to address your unique health needs. This is The Dusty Muffins, where menopause meets sisterhood and strength! CONTACT: Rebbecca Hertel, DO, MSCP Osteopathic Midlife Health Rebbecca Hertel Consulting, LLC Website Instagram Linkedin Facebook Substack Aoife O’Sullivan, MD, MSCP Portland Menopause Doc LLC Website Instagram Linkedin Christine Hart Kress, DNP, MSCP Website Instagram Linkedin Become a supporter of this podcast: TheDustyMuffins333@gmail.com

Information

  • Creator
    The Dusty Muffins
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    46
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright The Dusty Muffins, LLC
  • Show Website
    The Dusty Muffins

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