A Journey to Whole Woman Health

Jamie Erwin, MD & Mary Kathryn Nader, PhD/LPC
  • 5.0 (17)
  • MEDICINE

A Journey to Whole Woman Health is a podcast for women of all ages who want to care for their bodies, minds, and souls with wisdom, courage, and confidence. Hosted by Dr. Jamie Erwin, board-certified OB/GYN and women’s health expert, and Dr. Mary Kathryn Nader, Licensed Professional Counselor with a doctorate in counseling specializing in women’s mental health, this podcast brings together medical science, emotional insight, and faith-centered encouragement. Each episode explores the real issues women face across every season of life—hormones, mental health, fertility, pregnancy, loss and grief, work-life balance, fitness, nutrition, relationships, identity, and spiritual growth. Through honest conversations, evidence-based education, and deeply relatable stories, Dr. Erwin and Dr. Nader help women feel informed, seen, and supported. This is a space where expertise meets authenticity, where science meets soul, and where women are reminded they are not broken—they are becoming whole. Our mission is simple: To educate, empower, and encourage women to pursue whole-woman health with clarity, compassion, and faith. Whether you’re navigating young adulthood, motherhood, midlife, or reinvention, this podcast is your companion on the journey.

Episodes

  1. 14H AGO

    Episode 11: The Truth About Forgiveness (And Why You’re Struggling With It)

    Send us Fan Mail Forgiveness is one of the most talked about—and most misunderstood—parts of emotional and spiritual health. In this episode of A Journey to Whole Woman Health, we break down what forgiveness really is, what it’s not, and why so many women struggle with it. If you’ve ever thought:  “I can’t forgive because I can’t forget…”  “They don’t deserve my forgiveness…”  “Forgiving means I have to let them back into my life…” This episode will change the way you see forgiveness. We discuss:  • The biggest myths about forgiveness  • Why forgiveness is not the same as reconciliation  • Why “forgive and forget” is not the goal  • How unforgiveness affects your mental, emotional, and physical health  • A simple, research-based framework (the REACH model) to help you move forward  • Why forgiveness is a decision—not a feeling This conversation is for the woman holding onto hurt, resentment, or regret—and wondering how to finally let go. You don’t have to stay stuck. 🎧 Listen on Apple & Spotify  📺 Watch on YouTube

    25 min

  2. APR 8

    Episode 10: Infertility, Pregnancy Loss, and Hope: Julie’s Story, Part 2

    Send us Fan Mail In this moving continuation of Julie’s story, Drs. Erwin and Nader talk about the long road through infertility, miscarriage, pregnancy after loss, and what it means to keep hoping when your heart has been broken. Julie vulnerably shares what it was like to see another positive pregnancy test after multiple losses, to walk through pregnancy while bracing for bad news, and to slowly learn how to hold both fear and hope at the same time. We also discuss the emotional toll of infertility, the trauma that can linger in medical spaces, and how friends, family, churches, and healthcare providers can better support women walking this road. This episode is for the woman who is grieving, waiting, wondering, or trying to trust again. It is also for the people who love her and want to know how to show up well. In this episode, we discuss:  infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss  pregnancy after miscarriage  the emotional impact of trauma and anticipatory fear  how to support women walking through infertility  what not to say  faith, community, and finding hope in the waiting  the ministry Waiting in Hope  a beautiful story of redemption and answered prayer This episode also highlights Legacy Place Retreat, a ministry that supports couples facing infertility, childlessness, and loss. If this conversation encouraged you, share it with a friend, leave a review, and subscribe to A Journey to Whole Woman Health so you do not miss future episodes.

    30 min

  3. APR 1

    Episode 9: Infertility, Loss, and the Flicker of Hope- Julie's Story (Part 1)

    Send us Fan Mail Infertility is one of the most silent and emotionally complex journeys a woman can walk. In this deeply personal episode, we sit down with our first in-studio guest, Julie Davila, to talk about the reality of unexplained infertility, the heartbreak of pregnancy loss, and the resilience it takes to keep hoping when nothing seems to work. Julie shares her story of:  Years of infertility with no clear diagnosis  Failed IVF and the emotional toll  A delayed diagnosis of stage 4 endometriosis  Multiple surgeries and healing  Unexpected pregnancy at age 39  And the grief of miscarriage We also break down:  What “unexplained infertility” really means  The 4 key factors required for pregnancy  Why endometriosis is often missed  The mental health impact of infertility and loss This episode is raw, honest, and filled with truth for any woman navigating infertility, miscarriage, or unanswered questions. You are not alone in this.

    33 min

  4. MAR 25

    Episode 8: Anxiety Explained: Why You Feel Out of Control (and How to Take It Back)

    Send us Fan Mail Anxiety is one of the most common—and most misunderstood—experiences women face. From racing thoughts and constant worry… to full-blown panic attacks that feel physical and overwhelming, anxiety can show up in ways that leave you feeling out of control and unsure of what’s happening in your own body. In this episode of A Journey to Whole Woman Health, Dr. Mary Kathryn Nader breaks down anxiety in a way that is both clinically grounded and deeply relatable. Together, we explore:  • What anxiety actually is (and how it’s different from depression)  • Why anxiety is often rooted in a lack of control and future-focused thinking  • What’s happening in your brain during a panic attack  • The anxiety cycle—and why avoidance actually makes it worse  • How your thoughts (not just your circumstances) drive anxiety  • Practical tools to interrupt anxious spirals in real time  • The connection between anxiety, hormones, pregnancy, and life transitions  • When to consider therapy, lifestyle changes, and medication One of the most powerful takeaways?  👉 It’s not the trigger—it’s what we tell ourselves about the trigger. This conversation will help you better understand your mind, your body, and how to move from panic to peace. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, stuck in your thoughts, or like your mind won’t slow down—this episode is for you. Resources & Takeaways: • Identify your “thoughts about the trigger” • Practice reframing (from panic → pause) • Prioritize sleep, nutrition, and movement • Limit inputs that increase anxiety (social media, news) • Seek support—you don’t have to do this alone Connect with us: Follow along for more education, encouragement, and real conversations about women’s health. 🎧 Listen on Apple + Spotify  📺 Watch on YouTube Support the Podcast: If this episode encouraged you: • Share it with a friend • Leave a review • Subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for individualized medical or mental health care.

    23 min

  5. MAR 18

    Episode 7: An OBGYN, a Gorilla, and a C-Section: The Story You Won’t Believe

    Send us Fan Mail What do you do when the Fort Worth Zoo calls and asks an OBGYN to help save a pregnant gorilla? You show up, of course! In this unforgettable episode, Dr. Jamie Erwin shares the remarkable story of being called to perform an emergency C-section on a critically ill gorilla with severe preeclampsia. What followed was a behind-the-scenes medical collaboration between veterinarians, physicians, and zoo staff to save both mother and baby. From secret phone calls while on vacation…  to assembling a medical team…  to riding in a van with an anesthetized gorilla… This story is equal parts medicine, wonder, and faith in unexpected callings. Dr. Erwin  reflects on what this extraordinary experience taught her about courage, teamwork, and staying faithful to the work in front of you—even when you never know where it might lead. And yes… there’s even a baby gorilla named Jameela. In This Episode We Discuss • How a practicing OBGYN became the zoo’s primate consultant  • Why gorillas can develop pregnancy complications similar to humans  • The signs of severe preeclampsia in both humans and primates  • How an emergency C-section was performed inside the zoo hospital  • What it’s like to deliver a baby gorilla  • The emotional moment when the baby was named  • Why unexpected doors open when we remain faithful to our calling Key Takeaway Sometimes the most extraordinary opportunities arrive when we are simply doing the work we’ve been called to do. Faithfulness in the ordinary can open doors to the unimaginable. Connect With Us If this episode encouraged you, please share it with a friend, leave a review, and subscribe so you don’t miss future conversations. Follow along for more conversations at the intersection of science, mental health, and faith. Podcast Mission A Journey to Whole Woman Health exists to educate, empower, and encourage women in every season of life through conversations rooted in science, mental health, and faith.

    46 min

  6. MAR 11

    Episode 6: Compassion Fatigue- When Caring for Everyone Starts Costing You

    Send us Fan Mail If you’ve ever felt emotionally exhausted, overwhelmed by everyone else’s needs, or like you simply have nothing left to give, you may be experiencing compassion fatigue. In this episode of A Journey to Whole Woman Health, Dr. Jamie Erwin and Dr. Mary Kathryn Nader discuss the hidden cost of caregiving and why so many women feel emotionally overspent. Compassion fatigue is different from burnout. While burnout is often related to workload and bureaucracy, compassion fatigue comes from caring deeply for others and witnessing their suffering over time. It is especially common among women and those in caregiving roles such as healthcare providers, therapists, teachers, pastors, and mothers. Dr. Nader shares insights from her doctoral research on compassion fatigue and explains the difference between self-oriented empathy and others-oriented empathy—a shift that can help caregivers continue to serve others without becoming emotionally depleted themselves. Together, Jamie and Mary Kathryn discuss the signs of compassion fatigue, why it happens, and practical ways to recharge physically, emotionally, and spiritually. If you are someone who spends your life helping others, this episode is for you. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: • What compassion fatigue is and how it differs from burnout  • Why women are especially vulnerable to compassion fatigue  • Emotional, physical, and spiritual warning signs to watch for  • The difference between empathy and sympathy  • Why “putting yourself in someone else’s shoes” can sometimes make things worse  • How defining your role can protect your emotional energy  • Practical rituals to help transition in and out of caregiving spaces  • Why hobbies, friendships, and rest are essential for caregivers

    36 min

  7. MAR 4

    Episode 5: You’re Not Crazy. You’re in Perimenopause.

    Send us Fan Mail Perimenopause isn’t a diagnosis. It’s not a disease. And you’re not “losing it.” It’s a hormonal transition — and most women are completely unprepared for it. In this episode, we break down: What perimenopause actually is (and what it’s not)Why your labs can be “normal” but you feel anything butThe brain-hormone connection no one explainsMood shifts, sleep disruption, anxiety, hair shedding, and cycle chaosWhen to consider hormone therapy — and when not toLifestyle foundations that truly move the needleThis is not fear-based medicine.  This is physiology.  This is empowerment. If you’ve ever thought: “Why do I feel like a different person?”“Why didn’t anyone warn us about this?”This episode is for you. In This Episode We Discuss: • The hormonal rollercoaster of fluctuating estrogen  • How progesterone changes impact sleep and anxiety  • The myth of the “normal lab test”  • How perimenopause affects high-performing women  • Exercise, muscle mass, and metabolic shifts  • Hair shedding and cortisol  • When symptoms are a signal — not a weakness  • How to advocate for yourself in the medical system

    52 min

  8. FEB 25

    Episode 4: Perfectionism: How It Holds Us Back and How to Break Free

    Send us Fan Mail Perfectionism often disguises itself as high standards, productivity, or success — but underneath, it can drive anxiety, burnout, and self-doubt. In this episode, we explore how perfectionism shows up in women’s lives, why it’s so common, and how it impacts mental health, relationships, and self-worth. We talk about: The difference between healthy ambition and perfectionismWhy perfectionism often develops as a coping strategyPractical ways to loosen its grip and move toward self-compassionIf you’re tired of feeling like you’re never doing enough — this conversation is for you.

    37 min

  9. FEB 18

    Episode 3: Finding the Right OB-GYN: Advocating for Yourself in Women’s Health Care

    Send us Fan Mail Too many women leave medical appointments feeling unheard, rushed, or dismissed — especially in obgyn care. In this episode, we talk about how to find the right OB-GYN and what a truly supportive patient-provider relationship should look like.  This episode is about empowering women to expect — and demand — better care.

    39 min

  10. FEB 18

    Episode 2: Finding the Right Therapist: What to Look For, What to Avoid, and When to Move On

    Send us Fan Mail Finding a therapist can feel overwhelming — especially when you don’t know what “good therapy” is supposed to feel like. In this episode, we break down how to find the right therapist for you. We talk about different credentials, red flags to watch for, as well as how to know if therapy is actually helping. We also discuss: How to advocate for yourself in therapyWhy it’s okay to switch therapistsWhat progress really looks like in mental health careWhether you’re starting therapy for the first time or wondering if your current therapist is the right fit, this episode will help you approach the process with clarity and confidence.

    39 min

  11. FEB 18

    Episode 1: Welcome to A Journey to Whole Woman Health

    Send us Fan Mail Welcome to A Journey to Whole Woman Health— a podcast about women’s health, mental well-being, and learning how to care for ourselves with clarity, confidence, and compassion. In this introductory episode, we share why this podcast exists, who it’s for, and what you can expect in the episodes ahead. We talk about the gap many women feel between medical care and mental health support — and why addressing both is essential for true wellness. This is a space for evidence-based medicine, honest conversations, and practical guidance for women navigating pregnancy, midlife, motherhood, career, relationships, and change. If you’ve ever felt dismissed, overwhelmed, or unsure where to turn with your health — you’re in the right place.

    29 min
  • 11 Episodes

5
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

A Journey to Whole Woman Health is a podcast for women of all ages who want to care for their bodies, minds, and souls with wisdom, courage, and confidence. Hosted by Dr. Jamie Erwin, board-certified OB/GYN and women’s health expert, and Dr. Mary Kathryn Nader, Licensed Professional Counselor with a doctorate in counseling specializing in women’s mental health, this podcast brings together medical science, emotional insight, and faith-centered encouragement. Each episode explores the real issues women face across every season of life—hormones, mental health, fertility, pregnancy, loss and grief, work-life balance, fitness, nutrition, relationships, identity, and spiritual growth. Through honest conversations, evidence-based education, and deeply relatable stories, Dr. Erwin and Dr. Nader help women feel informed, seen, and supported. This is a space where expertise meets authenticity, where science meets soul, and where women are reminded they are not broken—they are becoming whole. Our mission is simple: To educate, empower, and encourage women to pursue whole-woman health with clarity, compassion, and faith. Whether you’re navigating young adulthood, motherhood, midlife, or reinvention, this podcast is your companion on the journey.

Information

  • Creator
    Jamie Erwin, MD & Mary Kathryn Nader, PhD/LPC
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 A Journey to Whole Woman Health
  • Show Website
    A Journey to Whole Woman Health

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