Inside the Wellspace: Women, Wellbeing, Wisdom with Cathy O'Brien

Cathy O'Brien
  • 5.0 (9)
  • HEALTH & FITNESS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Inside the Wellspace is a podcast redefining women’s wellness through a female lens. For too long, women’s health has been treated from a male perspective. Hosted by wellness advocate Cathy O’Brien—who brings 25+ years in global beauty, a master’s in social work, and her own health journey—the show offers real conversations about often-overlooked aspects of women’s health. From hormones and mental resilience to sleep and bone health, Cathy talks with top experts to break down the science and share practical, evidence-based tools. The goal: to help you feel informed, empowered, and in control.

  1. Building, Pivoting & Thriving in Entrepreneurship | Kristen Sgarlato

    2D AGO

    Building, Pivoting & Thriving in Entrepreneurship | Kristen Sgarlato

    Some people have one business idea in their lifetime. Kristen Sgarlato had five before she even turned 31—and each one taught her something new about what it truly takes to start, adapt, and persevere in business. As an award-winning product developer and founder of KES Innovation, a New York-based product development agency, Kristen worked with major beauty brands like Estee Lauder, Tom Ford Beauty, Shiseido, and Beauty by PopSugar. In this conversation, she shares the behind-the-scenes realities of entrepreneurship: the messy middle, the pivots, the failures, and the relentless resilience needed to succeed. From building her first career-development website in college to creating apps, consulting, and ultimately founding KES Innovation, Kristen explains how to trust yourself, build a “toolkit” of skills, leverage mentorship, and surround yourself with the right people to make your vision happen. This episode is a roadmap for aspiring founders and anyone curious about what real entrepreneurship looks like—beyond the highlight reels. Timestamps: 01:51 Kristen’s entrepreneurial journey: Five business ideas before 31 05:21 Growing up in a business-minded family: How parents influenced Kristen’s path 10:19 College experiences that shaped Kristen’s first business idea 11:16 Launching a career-development website: Lessons learned the hard way 13:31 Early insights into payments, web development, and entrepreneurship tools 15:10 First steps in the beauty industry: Internships at Tom Ford Beauty 17:22 Discovering a passion for product development at Shiseido 20:04 Building graphic design and web skills on the side: The start of a second business 22:19 Pivoting roles to gain a full toolkit: PopSugar and international marketing experience 28:09 Mesa: Learning to launch brands from scratch into retail 30:31 COVID-era ventures: Exploring a drop-shipping clothing brand 34:37 The spark for an app idea: Seeing a problem and solving it creatively 38:44 Transitioning to consulting: Building KES Innovation while supporting the app 42:32 Building a team: Hiring strategically and knowing your strengths Learn more about KES Innovation and Kristen Sgarlato: https://www.kesinnovation.com Follow Kristen and KES Innovation on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kesinnovation/?hl=en Subscribe to Inside the Well Space: YouTube: / @insidethewellspacepodcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2TQtov8... Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Visit The Well Space for Women: https://www.thewellspaceforwomen.com Follow along on Instagram: @thewellspaceforwomen

    45 min
  2. Your Skin Tells A Story: Cancer, Trauma & Healing | Dr. Angela Lamb

    FEB 4

    Your Skin Tells A Story: Cancer, Trauma & Healing | Dr. Angela Lamb

    Your skin is not just cosmetic. It is one of the most powerful indicators of what is happening inside your body. Dr. Angela Lamb, MD, board certified dermatologist, Mount Sinai Associate Professor, and leader in oncodermatology, unpacks how skin reflects health, stress, trauma, cancer treatment, and healing. From chemotherapy rashes and hair loss to delayed diagnoses and dismissed symptoms, this conversation reframes skin as a medical signal, not a side effect you are supposed to tolerate. Dr. Lamb explains why dermatology should be part of cancer care from day one, how early intervention changes outcomes, and what your skin can reveal long before lab results do. Grounded in science, clinical experience, and compassion, this episode empowers listeners to listen to their bodies, advocate for care, and understand that visible changes deserve serious attention. Timestamps:  00:00 Intro: How your skin reflects your internal health and trauma 00:43 Introducing Dr. Angela Lamb and her expertise in Medical Dermatology 01:32 What is Onco-dermatology? Caring for skin during cancer treatment 02:59 Dr. Lamb’s personal story: Growing up as the child of a physician 04:30 Building a niche in complex medical skin conditions and side effects 06:45 The importance of a team-based approach in cancer care 09:02 Understanding skin trauma: Acne, eczema, and hair loss during treatment 11:45 The "Secret Sauce" of medicine: Empathy and building patient relationships 14:30 A humbling learning moment: Taking empathy to the next level 16:32 Hair as identity: Navigating alopecia and the emotional impact of hair loss 20:30 The Stress-Skin Connection: Can lifestyle changes reverse skin issues? 23:45 Diet and Skin: The concept of "Sometime Foods" and elimination diaries 28:50 Listening to your body: Why "muscling through" symptoms is dangerous 31:10 Essential tests for women: Mammograms, colonoscopies, and basic blood work 34:20 Mindful living: Preserving energy and avoiding toxic environments 37:55 Skin Cancer 101: Understanding Basal, Squamous, and Melanoma 42:35 The ABCDEs of Melanoma: What to look for on your own body 45:10 Sun Protection: The truth about SPF, UV radiation, and reapplying 48:40 Chemical vs. Mineral Sunscreens: Which one is right for you? 51:15 Practical tips for cancer patients: Fragrance-free care and gentle routines 54:30 Final Thoughts: Having agency and control over your skin journey Learn more about oncodermatology and skin cancer awareness: https://angelalambmd.com/ Follow Dr. Angela Lamb: @angelalambmd Subscribe to Inside the Wellspace:  YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@UC13tfnPU0OHsNxmMXSs6saw  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2TQtov8ByjgieslPS5B1IM  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-wellspace-women-wellbeing-wisdom-with/id1812799800 Visit The Well Space for Women: https://www.insidethewellspace.com/ Follow along on Instagram: @thewellspaceforwomen https://www.instagram.com/thewellspaceforwomen/

    56 min
  3. Find Your Therapist, Find Yourself | Sol Health's Melinda Gong

    JAN 21

    Find Your Therapist, Find Yourself | Sol Health's Melinda Gong

    Mental health care should be accessible, human, and empowering — not clinical, intimidating, or out of reach. Melinda Gong, founder of Sol Health, shares how her virtual therapy platform is creating safe, supportive spaces for young adults and emerging clinicians alike. She reveals the challenges facing Gen Z and Millennials today, the importance of emotional resonance over clinical jargon, and how innovative therapy modalities—from CBT and DBT to EMDR and somatic work—can support mental wellness. Melinda explains how Sol Health pairs clients with the right therapist, fosters a community for clinicians, and provides affordable access to high-quality care. This episode reframes therapy as a human connection, emphasizing the importance of being seen, heard, and supported while navigating life’s challenges. Learn more about Sol Health: https://www.solhealth.co/ Follow Sol Health: https://www.instagram.com/solhealth.co/ Follow Melinda Gong: https://www.instagram.com/melindagongg/ Timestamps:  Subscribe to Inside the Wellspace:  YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@UC13tfnPU0OHsNxmMXSs6saw  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2TQtov8ByjgieslPS5B1IM  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-wellspace-women-wellbeing-wisdom-with/id1812799800 Visit The Well Space for Women: https://www.insidethewellspace.com/ Follow along on Instagram: @thewellspaceforwomen https://www.instagram.com/thewellspaceforwomen/

    1h 1m
  4. Your Gut Is Controlling Your Mood, Hormones + Skin | Longevity Dietician Ella Davar | Live Event

    JAN 7

    Your Gut Is Controlling Your Mood, Hormones + Skin | Longevity Dietician Ella Davar | Live Event

    If you’re bloated, exhausted, anxious, breaking out, or craving sugar nonstop… your gut may be running the show more than you realize.  In this special LIVE episode, Cathy O’Brien sits down with nationally recognized gut health dietician Ella Davar to break down what’s actually happening inside your body — and how to reset your gut, hormones, metabolism, and mood for good. Ella shares her powerful personal story – from Russia to Wall Street to functional gut health expert – the five major factors impacting gut health, and why the “best doctor in the room… is your body.” Timestamps:  00:00 Intro and wby gut health runs everything (cravings, hormones, mood, immune system) 01:04 Ella’s background and how gut health shaped her life 04:50 GutBrain Method and why gut health isn’t taught in medical school 06:27 Cancer treatment experience and lack of nutrition guidance 07:54 What is functional nutrition?  10:15 Longevity nutrition,  functional nutrient choices every meal 15:44 Hormones and life-stage changes and bio-individual approach 18:37 Why most consumer food sensitivity tests disappoint 21:53 Infections: parasites, yeast, H. pylori (and rising cancer rates) 23:06 Why social media gut protocols can be harmful if not personalized 26:40 Sleep and serotonin/GABA created in gut and circadian rhythm link 29:05 Intermittent fasting (12 hours minimum) and resetting your gut 31:44 Ella’s books overview begins 41:45 Sauna benefits and infrared vs regular 43:56 Cold plunges: what feels good and don’t compare to men 45:50 Creatine and evidence and dosing 47:26 GLP-1 conversation: benefits, risks, and food habits 49:41 Peptides: BPC-157 as gut/healing anti-inflammatory 53:28 Testing overview: annual bloodwork, Function Health, Dutch testing 55:27 Magnesium types for sleep and avoiding daily melatonin 01:00 Long exhales activate rest/digest and salivation cue 01:04 Closing advice: food that loves you back and stress management and women’s health 01:07 Model tip: keep two jean sizes and stop expecting one size year-round 01:08 Outro and where to listen and subscribe  Learn more about Ella Davar: bio.site/elladavar @ella.davar https://www.instagram.com/ella.davar Longevity Dietician + Founder of the Gut Brain Method http://bio.site/gutbrainmethod Author of The Foodie Diet + 4 other gut & hormone health books Recorded LIVE in Miami Beach at The Chat Room Podcast Studio  Subscribe to Inside the Wellspace:  YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@UC13tfnPU0OHsNxmMXSs6saw  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2TQtov8ByjgieslPS5B1IM  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-wellspace-women-wellbeing-wisdom-with/id1812799800 Visit The Well Space for Women: https://www.insidethewellspace.com/ Follow along on Instagram: @thewellspaceforwomen https://www.instagram.com/thewellspaceforwomen/

    1h 9m
  5. Why Sex Hurts, Desire Fades, and What Women Can Do About It | Dr. Chris Creatura | Live Event

    12/17/2025

    Why Sex Hurts, Desire Fades, and What Women Can Do About It | Dr. Chris Creatura | Live Event

    What if everything you were taught about sex, desire, and women’s bodies was incomplete — or flat-out wrong? In this powerful live podcast event, Inside the Well Space host Cathy O’Brien sits down with Dr. Chris Creatura, MD, one of the nation’s leading experts in female sexual medicine, for a candid, science-backed conversation about women’s sexual health, pleasure, pain, and the cultural scripts that shape our experiences. With over four decades of clinical experience, Dr. Creatura breaks down why women’s pleasure has been historically understudied, how culture impacts desire, and what actually happens to our bodies during perimenopause, menopause, aging, illness, and recovery. Together, Cathy and Dr. Creatura explore: - What a “sexual script” is — and how to rewrite your own - Why pain during sex is common but not normal - The truth about the orgasm gap - Why “vaginal dryness” is an oversimplification - How hormones, blood flow, nerves, and culture affect arousal - What women should know about estrogen, testosterone, and menopause care - Why women are often told to “just live with it” — and why that’s wrong - How knowledge, anatomy, and advocacy empower better care Timestamps:  00:00 Welcome & live event setup 10:00 Introducing Dr. Chris Creatura, MD & her work in female sexual medicine 15:00 What is sex? Defining pleasure, consent, and personal meaning 20:00 Sexual scripts: how culture shapes women’s sexuality 25:00 Why women center partners first when talking about sex 30:00 The orgasm gap explained — and why it exists 35:00 Gender gaps, race, culture, and whose pleasure is prioritized 40:00 Vaginal dryness vs. sexual pain: what doctors often miss 45:00 Blood flow, hormones, and why “just use lube” isn’t enough 50:00 Anatomy lesson: the clitoris, arousal, and erased biology 55:00 Why women don’t orgasm from intercourse alone — myth busting 1:00:00 Pain during sex, pelvic floor dysfunction, and injury 1:10:00 Masturbation, vibrators, and reclaiming pleasure 1:15:00 Desire, aging, menopause, and changing sexual needs 1:20:00 Hormones 101: estrogen, testosterone, and menopause care 1:30:00 Porn, culture, and how women learn about sex 1:35:00 Attachment, desire, and emotional vs physical arousal 1:40:00 Botox, PRP, lasers & trendy treatments — what actually works 1:50:00 Final takeaways: rewriting your sexual script About the Guest: Dr. Chris Creatura, MD is an OB/GYN surgeon, menopause specialist, and the first and only full-time gynecologist certified by the International Society for Women’s Sexual Health as a Fellow in Female Sexual Medicine. She is an Assistant Professor at Weill Cornell Medical College and a nationally recognized expert in sexual pain, desire disorders, and menopause care. Subscribe to Inside the Wellspace:  YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@UC13tfnPU0OHsNxmMXSs6saw  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2TQtov8ByjgieslPS5B1IM  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-wellspace-women-wellbeing-wisdom-with/id1812799800 Visit The Well Space for Women: https://www.insidethewellspace.com/ Follow along on Instagram: @thewellspaceforwomen https://www.instagram.com/thewellspaceforwomen/

    1h 7m
  6. Helping a Child Struggling with Addiction: A Mom’s Journey | Hopestream’s Brenda Zane

    12/10/2025

    Helping a Child Struggling with Addiction: A Mom’s Journey | Hopestream’s Brenda Zane

    When your child is struggling with substance use or mental health challenges—and you have no idea how to help—it can feel like the ground is disappearing beneath you. It’s one of the most devastating and isolating experiences a parent can face, and far too many mothers carry that pain in silence. Brenda Zane knows that silence intimately. A family advocate, TEDx speaker, and founder of Hopestream Community, Brenda’s work was born from her own life being shattered when her teenage son nearly lost his life to addiction. What began as a desperate fight to save her child became a profound calling: to use her hard-won lessons and the guidance of the professionals who helped her family heal to support other parents navigating the same terrifying uncertainty. Through Hopestream Community, Brenda has built a global lifeline for mothers and fathers who are overwhelmed by fear, confusion, and heartbreak as they try to guide a struggling child. In this deeply honest and compassionate conversation, Brenda and Cathy talk about what it truly feels like to live in that constant state of worry, why stigma keeps so many parents quiet, and how connection can become the one thing that helps you stay afloat. Learn more about Brenda Zane: https://brendazane.com/  Explore the Hopestream Community: https://hopestreamcommunity.org/ Timestamps:  00:00 Introduction to Family Resilience and Hope 02:51 Brenda Zane's Journey and the Birth of HopeStream 05:50 Understanding the Struggles of Parents 08:59 The Impact of Substance Use on Families 11:56 The Role of Community in Healing 14:56 The Evolution of Substance Use Among Youth 17:50 Mental Health and Substance Use: A Complex Relationship 20:50 Navigating the Challenges of Parenting 23:51 The Importance of Self-Care for Parents 26:58 Creating a Supportive Environment for Change 29:45 The Journey of Recovery and Hope 32:55 The Role of Education and Awareness 35:55 Accessing Resources and Community Support 38:49 Final Thoughts and Encouragement for Parents

    58 min
  7. Sober Curious? Gray Area Drinking and the Wine O’Clock Cycle | Jenn Kautsch

    12/03/2025

    Sober Curious? Gray Area Drinking and the Wine O’Clock Cycle | Jenn Kautsch

    What if that nightly glass of wine you feel you’ve “earned” has never really been about the wine at all, but about exhaustion, overwhelm, and the quiet autopilot patterns that build themselves into your life without your consent? Jenn Kautsch, founder of Sober Sis—a global community of more than 40,000 women reframing their relationship with alcohol without shame or labels—shares her deeply personal shift from disciplined, wellness-minded mother by day to habitual “wine o’clock” drinker by night. She reveals how an innocent moment of relaxation can slowly transform into a routine that’s hard to undo, and how she found herself caught in the “detox to retox” cycle long before she realized it was happening. In this episode of Inside the Wellspace with Cathy O’Brien, Jenn brings clarity to the often misunderstood world of gray area drinking and the subtle ways it weaves itself into everyday life. She unpacks the cultural pressures that glorify “mommy wine time,” the early signs that alcohol may be taking more than it’s giving, and why true change begins with awareness rather than willpower. Jenn also shares the origins of Sober Sis and the 21-day reset that has helped thousands of women break free from patterns that no longer serve them. Learn more about Sober Sis: http://linktr.ee/sobersis Follow Jenn @sobersis: https://www.instagram.com/sobersis/?hl=en Timestamps:  00:00 Introduction to Gray Area Drinking 03:01 Jenn's Personal Journey with Alcohol 05:56 The Impact of Motherhood on Drinking Habits 08:55 Understanding the Detox to Retox Loop 11:59 The Gray Area of Drinking 15:02 The Decision to Stop Drinking 17:54 The Importance of Willingness Over Willpower 21:01 Gaining Insights from Alcohol-Free Living 23:59 Progress Over Perfection in Sobriety 24:47 Navigating Alcoholism and Its Impact 26:16 The Shift from External to Internal Change 28:19 The Birth of Sober Sis 30:45 Creating a Community for Support 32:34 The Holistic Approach to Sobriety 35:09 Scaling the Sober Sis Movement 36:58 Connection as the Antidote to Addiction 39:56 Understanding the Science Behind Alcohol 42:48 The Importance of Reflection and Curiosity 45:57 Sober-Minded Living and Its Broader Implications 49:52 The Challenge of Moderation 52:00 Understanding Alcohol's Role in Our Lives 53:39 Self-Reflection and Personal Growth 56:39 The Power of Community and Connection 58:14 Embracing Change and Self-Discovery Subscribe to Inside the Wellspace: YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@UC13tfnPU0OHsNxmMXSs6saw Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2TQtov8ByjgieslPS5B1IM Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-wellspace-women-wellbeing-wisdom-with/id1812799800Visit The Well Space for Women: https://www.insidethewellspace.com/Follow along on Instagram: @thewellspaceforwomen https://www.instagram.com/thewellspaceforwomen/

    56 min
  8. Financial Wellness for Women: How to Take Control of Your Money | Emily Green, Ellevest

    11/26/2025

    Financial Wellness for Women: How to Take Control of Your Money | Emily Green, Ellevest

    If the word money makes your shoulders tense, you’re not alone. For so many women—smart, capable, accomplished women—finances still feel confusing, stressful, or like something we “should” have figured out by now. Meanwhile, we’re juggling households, careers, kids, and responsibilities… but rarely stopping long enough to ask: “Am I actually financially well?” Emily Green, Head of Wealth Management at Ellevest, the women-focused investment platform founded by Sally Krawcheck, joins inside the Wellspace with Cathy O’Brien to explore what true financial wellness really means.  Emily has spent her career helping women rewrite their financial stories—first on Wall Street at J.P. Morgan, and now at Ellevest, where she’s redefining what wealth management looks like when centered around women’s real lives, emotions, and goals. Learn more about Ellevest: https://www.ellevest.com/ Subscribe to Inside the Wellspace:  YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@UC13tfnPU0OHsNxmMXSs6saw  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2TQtov8ByjgieslPS5B1IM  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-wellspace-women-wellbeing-wisdom-with/id1812799800 Visit The Well Space for Women: https://www.insidethewellspace.com/ Follow along on Instagram: @thewellspaceforwomen https://www.instagram.com/thewellspaceforwomen/ Timestamps:  00:00 Understanding Financial Wellness for Women 02:03 The Gender Investment Gap 06:22 The Importance of Financial Education 09:29 Finding Your Financial Foundation 12:22 Aligning Values with Financial Goals 15:06 Overcoming Money Mindsets 18:11 Lifestyle Creep and Financial Stress 20:23 Navigating Career and Financial Choices 24:02 Navigating Financial Goals and Self-Belief 30:10 The Importance of Flexibility in Financial Planning 36:13 Understanding Financial Accounts and Investments 45:16 Empowering Women Through Financial Literacy and Values-Based Investing

    51 min
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About

Inside the Wellspace is a podcast redefining women’s wellness through a female lens. For too long, women’s health has been treated from a male perspective. Hosted by wellness advocate Cathy O’Brien—who brings 25+ years in global beauty, a master’s in social work, and her own health journey—the show offers real conversations about often-overlooked aspects of women’s health. From hormones and mental resilience to sleep and bone health, Cathy talks with top experts to break down the science and share practical, evidence-based tools. The goal: to help you feel informed, empowered, and in control.

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