Dear Aunt Flo

Elisa Summiel-Bey

Dear Aunt Flo, hosted by Elisa Michelle, is a podcast dedicated to embracing the challenges of "that time of the month." Elisa will be sharing the nitty gritty about her experience with Endometriosis. Join her and this new community as we engage in candid conversations about periods; breaking the silence surrounding women's health. Through storytelling, open discussions, and hopefully expert interviews, we will explore the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of our menstrual cycles. This podcast aims to foster a supportive and safe environment, challenging stigmas, and offering insight. illustratedmelanin.substack.com

  1. 2026 Welcome Back + Updates | DAF Ep 022

    FEB 24

    2026 Welcome Back + Updates | DAF Ep 022

    It’s been a long time since I’ve yapped on here. Let’s catch up about my last surgery and what’s to come. Disclaimer Reminder: I am not a doctor so everything you will hear from me is out of my own personal experience and whatever research I did on my own time. I will try to reference where I got info from in the show notes if necessary. But don’t come for my non existent medical degree. This is a podcast about menstrual cycles. If you have one, had one, will have one, I welcome you to this safe space. If you don’t have one but are a partner of someone who does, I also welcome you to this safe space. What I won’t tolerate is those who don’t experience a menstrual cycle shaming or degrading those who do. So if you’re in the comment section or the q&a section and leave behind anything other than love. Be blessed somewhere else cause you will be blocked here. ------------------- If you’re new here and just joining our period party, welcome! Whether you listen or watch, I hope you interact with us in the comments on Youtube and share this with a friend. If you’re watching on Youtube be sure to subscribe, like, and follow us to get all the juicy notifications. If you’re listening on Apple or Spotify please take a few minutes to leave us a review! 💛 Affirmation of the Episode: I choose life If you’re on your own healing journey with Endo, fibroids, or chronic pain, I hope this reminds you that you’re not alone. Drop a comment and let me know: What home remedies or healing practices have helped you feel more like yourself again? 🖤 Subscribe @elisa_michelle on Youtube to stay connected 🎧 Listen on Apple + Spotify at Dear Aunt Flo 📬 Share this with a friend who needs a little reminder to keep going Get full access to Drawn to Heal with Elisa Michelle at illustratedmelanin.substack.com/subscribe

    19 min
  2. 09/09/2025

    Romanticizing Life Without Endometriosis | Ep. 021

    Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be God’s favorite and have seamless periods that last only 3 days? Where you feel zero pain and no heavy bleeding or bloating or irritability or fatigue…shall I go on? Let’s romanticize what a normal to me period would look like. I’m having surgery in less than 20 days. To support, you can contribute to my surgery fund or check out my art and stationery—links are in the description and show notes. Disclaimer Reminder: I am not a doctor so everything you will hear from me is out of my own personal experience and whatever research I did on my own time. I will try to reference where I got info from in the show notes if necessary. But don’t come for my non existent medical degree. This is a podcast about menstrual cycles. If you have one, had one, will have one, I welcome you to this safe space. If you don’t have one but are a partner of someone who does, I also welcome you to this safe space. What I won’t tolerate is those who don’t experience a menstrual cycle shaming or degrading those who do. So if you’re in the comment section or the q&a section and leave behind anything other than love. Be blessed somewhere else cause you will be blocked here. If you’re new here and just joining our period party, welcome! Whether you listen or watch, I hope you interact with us in the comments on Youtube and share this with a friend. If you’re watching on Youtube be sure to subscribe, like, and follow us to get all the juicy notifications. If you’re listening on Apple or Spotify please take a few minutes to leave us a review! 💛 Affirmation of the Episode: Life is good and I have the power to make good things happen If you’re on your own healing journey with Endo, fibroids, or chronic pain, I hope this reminds you that you’re not alone. Drop a comment and let me know: What home remedies or healing practices have helped you feel more like yourself again? 🖤 Subscribe @elisa_michelle to stay connected 🎧 Listen on Apple + Spotify at Dear Aunt Flo 📬 Share this with a friend who needs a little reminder to keep going Support Here: https://gofund.me/468221cf Shop Elisa's stationery: https://shop.illustratedmelanin.com Shop Mensah's Art:https://ajencyartsstore.square.site/s/shop Get full access to Drawn to Heal with Elisa Michelle at illustratedmelanin.substack.com/subscribe

    23 min
  3. 30 Days Until Surgery and I Need Help

    08/26/2025

    30 Days Until Surgery and I Need Help

    In this episode of Dear Aunt Flo, I share a raw update on my Endometriosis journey. After years of being dismissed by doctors, I finally found a specialist who truly understands my condition—and she doesn’t want to remove my uterus. The catch? She’s out of network, and the surgery costs are overwhelming. I open up about the highs and lows of navigating this disease, starting a fundraiser, and why asking for help is both necessary and humbling. If you’ve ever felt unseen in your healthcare journey, this one’s for you. To support, you can contribute to my surgery fund or check out my art and stationery—links are in the description. Affirmation: I am loved. ------------------- Show Links Mentioned: Support here: https://gofund.me/468221cf Shop Elisa's stationery: https://shop.illustratedmelanin.com Shop Mensah's Art: https://ajencyartsstore.square.site/s/shop ------------------- Disclaimer Reminder: I am not a doctor so everything you will hear from me is out of my own personal experience and whatever research I did on my own time. I will try to reference where I got info from in the show notes if necessary. But don’t come for my non existent medical degree. This is a podcast about menstrual cycles. If you have one, had one, will have one, I welcome you to this safe space. If you don’t have one but are a partner of someone who does, I also welcome you to this safe space. What I won’t tolerate is those who don’t experience a menstrual cycle shaming or degrading those who do. So if you’re in the comment section or the q&a section and leave behind anything other than love. Be blessed somewhere else cause you will be blocked here. ------------------- If you’re new here and just joining our period party, welcome! Whether you listen or watch, I hope you interact with us in the comments on Youtube and share this with a friend. If you’re watching on Youtube be sure to subscribe, like, and follow us to get all the juicy notifications. If you’re listening on Apple or Spotify please take a few minutes to leave us a review! Follow the show on Instagram ⁠@dearauntflo.pod⁠  Follow Elisa's journey on Youtube ⁠@elisa_michelle Get full access to Drawn to Heal with Elisa Michelle at illustratedmelanin.substack.com/subscribe

    23 min
  4. Let’s Catch Up: What’s New with Aunt Flo & Fertility | Ep. 019

    07/01/2025

    Let’s Catch Up: What’s New with Aunt Flo & Fertility | Ep. 019

    It’s time for a much-needed life update! In this episode of Dear Aunt Flo, I’m catching you up on everything I’ve been navigating since April—from holistic remedies (hello, okra water 👀) to finding the only Endometriosis specialist in San Diego. There’s been acupuncture, therapy, a game-changing business accelerator, and a whole lot of listening to my body. Here’s what I cover: ✨ Healing updates since my January hospital stay ✨ Acupuncture & therapy (shoutout to The Loveland Foundation) ✨ Holistic treatments I’ve tried (castor oil, fibroid cleanse, herbal teas & more) ✨ MRI results + conflicting doctor advice ✨ The power of finding community and sharing “war stories” with fellow Endo warriors ✨ Why I’m staying committed to joy, movement, and reclaiming my body 💛 Affirmation of the Episode: Breathe and be well. If you’re on your own healing journey with Endo, fibroids, or chronic pain, I hope this reminds you that you’re not alone. Drop a comment and let me know: What home remedies or healing practices have helped you feel more like yourself again? 🖤 Subscribe @elisa_michelle to stay connected 🎧 Listen on Apple + Spotify at Dear Aunt Flo 📬 Share this with a friend who needs a little reminder to keep going ------------------- Disclaimer Reminder: I am not a doctor so everything you will hear from me is out of my own personal experience and whatever research I did on my own time. I will try to reference where I got info from in the show notes if necessary. But don’t come for my non existent medical degree. This is a podcast about menstrual cycles. If you have one, had one, will have one, I welcome you to this safe space. If you don’t have one but are a partner of someone who does, I also welcome you to this safe space. What I won’t tolerate is those who don’t experience a menstrual cycle shaming or degrading those who do. So if you’re in the comment section or the q&a section and leave behind anything other than love. Be blessed somewhere else cause you will be blocked here. ------------------- If you’re new here and just joining our period party, welcome! Whether you listen or watch, I hope you interact with us in the comments on Youtube and share this with a friend. If you’re watching on Youtube be sure to subscribe, like, and follow us to get all the juicy notifications. If you’re listening on Apple or Spotify please take a few minutes to leave us a review! Follow the show on Instagram ⁠@dearauntflo.pod⁠  Follow Elisa's journey on Youtube ⁠@elisa_michelle Get full access to Drawn to Heal with Elisa Michelle at illustratedmelanin.substack.com/subscribe

    17 min
  5. Why I Quit Alcohol + Chose Myself | Ep. 018

    06/17/2025

    Why I Quit Alcohol + Chose Myself | Ep. 018

    It’s been a minute, but your favorite period podcast is back! In this episode of Dear Aunt Flo, I’m catching you up on life, healing, and the surprisingly easy decision to quit alcohol after a brutal endometriosis flare that landed me in the ER. ✨ We talk about: How my cycles have changed The decision to stop drinking & what pushed me there What I miss most (spoiler: red wine) Listening to my body as I prepare for future fertility Navigating social spaces sober A mocktail moment that reminded me joy is still possible If you're navigating Endo and wondering if alcohol might be making things worse, this one’s for you. 🧘🏾‍♀️ Affirmation of the episode: I am stronger than my circumstances. 🎥 If you’re new here, I’d love if you subscribed to stay updated on all things wellness, womanhood, and period realness. 💌 Share with a friend who needs this reminder. 🎧 And don’t forget to leave a review on Apple or Spotify! 👇 Let’s chat in the comments: Have you given up alcohol for your health? Was it hard? What changed? ------------ Disclaimer Reminder: I am not a doctor so everything you will hear from me is out of my own personal experience and whatever research I did on my own time. I will try to reference where I got info from in the show notes if necessary. But don’t come for my non existent medical degree. This is a podcast about menstrual cycles. If you have one, had one, will have one, I welcome you to this safe space. If you don’t have one but are a partner of someone who does, I also welcome you to this safe space. What I won’t tolerate is those who don’t experience a menstrual cycle shaming or degrading those who do. So if you’re in the comment section or the q&a section and leave behind anything other than love. Be blessed somewhere else cause you will be blocked here. ------------------- If you’re new here and just joining our period party, welcome! Whether you listen or watch, I hope you interact with us in the comments on Youtube and share this with a friend. If you’re watching on Youtube be sure to subscribe, like, and follow us to get all the juicy notifications. If you’re listening on Apple or Spotify please take a few minutes to leave us a review! Follow the show on Instagram ⁠@dearauntflo.pod⁠  Follow Elisa's journey on Youtube ⁠@elisa_michelle Get full access to Drawn to Heal with Elisa Michelle at illustratedmelanin.substack.com/subscribe

    14 min
  6. No Script, Just Vibes | Endometriosis Updates | Ep. 017

    04/01/2025

    No Script, Just Vibes | Endometriosis Updates | Ep. 017

    Elisa discusses some updates about her Endometriosis and what she’s currently doing to naturally shrink her cyst and heal her body. A recent MRI appointment will hopefully garner some answers and oh yeah, she started acupuncture! This episode really is all vibes and no direction so sit back and enjoy.  Fibroid Bitters: https://adivanaturals.com/products/organic-fibroid-bitters-16oz  ------------------- Disclaimer Reminder: I am not a doctor so everything you will hear from me is out of my own personal experience and whatever research I did on my own time. I will try to reference where I got info from in the show notes if necessary. But don’t come for my non existent medical degree. This is a podcast about menstrual cycles. If you have one, had one, will have one, I welcome you to this safe space. If you don’t have one but are a partner of someone who does, I also welcome you to this safe space. What I won’t tolerate is those who don’t experience a menstrual cycle shaming or degrading those who do. So if you’re in the comment section or the q&a section and leave behind anything other than love. Be blessed somewhere else cause you will be blocked here. ------------------- If you’re new here and just joining our period party, welcome! Whether you listen or watch, I hope you interact with us in the comments on Youtube and share this with a friend. If you’re watching on Youtube be sure to subscribe, like, and follow us to get all the juicy notifications. If you’re listening on Apple or Spotify please take a few minutes to leave us a review! Follow the show on Instagram ⁠@dearauntflo.pod⁠  Follow Elisa's journey on Youtube ⁠@elisa_michelle Get full access to Drawn to Heal with Elisa Michelle at illustratedmelanin.substack.com/subscribe

    33 min
  7. Is it IBS? Are We Even Friends if We Don’t Talk About Our Poop? | Ep. 016

    02/25/2025

    Is it IBS? Are We Even Friends if We Don’t Talk About Our Poop? | Ep. 016

    What would this podcast be if we didn’t discuss poop? I saw a thread the other day that said, “In our 40s: Are we even friends if we don’t talk about our poop?” So here I am taking one for the team. Let’s discuss IBS and if we actually have it or if we have Endometriosis of the bowel. Because honestly where hasn’t the Endo grown at this point? Too often doctors dismiss our symptoms and pain for menial things that they can throw medication at, but this has to stop. If you’re a Endo warrior who spends too much time in the bathroom, let’s chat for a while since you’re sitting there anyway and talk about why your IBS may not actually be IBS. ------------------- Disclaimer Reminder: I am not a doctor so everything you will hear from me is out of my own personal experience and whatever research I did on my own time. I will try to reference where I got info from in the show notes if necessary. But don’t come for my non existent medical degree. This is a podcast about menstrual cycles. If you have one, had one, will have one, I welcome you to this safe space. If you don’t have one but are a partner of someone who does, I also welcome you to this safe space. What I won’t tolerate is those who don’t experience a menstrual cycle shaming or degrading those who do. So if you’re in the comment section or the q&a section and leave behind anything other than love. Be blessed somewhere else cause you will be blocked here. ------------------- If you’re new here and just joining our period party, welcome! Whether you listen or watch, I hope you interact with us in the comments on Youtube and share this with a friend. If you’re watching on Youtube be sure to subscribe, like, and follow us to get all the juicy notifications. If you’re listening on Apple or Spotify please take a few minutes to leave us a review! Follow the show on Instagram ⁠@dearauntflo.pod⁠  Follow Elisa's journey on Youtube ⁠@elisa_michelle 📖 Book mentioned: Black Women’s Wellness by Melody McCloud, MD Get full access to Drawn to Heal with Elisa Michelle at illustratedmelanin.substack.com/subscribe

    22 min
  8. My Endo Sent Me to the Hospital | Hello 2025 | Ep. 015

    02/11/2025

    My Endo Sent Me to the Hospital | Hello 2025 | Ep. 015

    This year started off rough to say the least. At the end of 2024, literally the last day, I developed a fever and, a week or so after, I found myself in the hospital with an infection and an 8cm cyst on my ovary. What transpired after that was two more weeks of pain, silence, and an immense hate for antibiotics. I’ll be sharing my full story of what happened, why it happened, and how we are moving forward in 2025. --------------- Disclaimer Reminder: I am not a doctor so everything you will hear from me is out of my own personal experience and whatever research I did on my own time. I will try to reference where I got info from in the show notes if necessary. But don’t come for my non existent medical degree. This is a podcast about menstrual cycles. If you have one, had one, will have one, I welcome you to this safe space. If you don’t have one but are a partner of someone who does, I also welcome you to this safe space. What I won’t tolerate is those who don’t experience a menstrual cycle shaming or degrading those who do. So if you’re in the comment section or the q&a section and leave behind anything other than love. Be blessed somewhere else cause you will be blocked. ------------------- Follow the show on Instagram ⁠@dearauntflo.pod⁠ Follow Elisa's journey on Youtube ⁠@elisa_michelle Get full access to Drawn to Heal with Elisa Michelle at illustratedmelanin.substack.com/subscribe

    43 min
5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Dear Aunt Flo, hosted by Elisa Michelle, is a podcast dedicated to embracing the challenges of "that time of the month." Elisa will be sharing the nitty gritty about her experience with Endometriosis. Join her and this new community as we engage in candid conversations about periods; breaking the silence surrounding women's health. Through storytelling, open discussions, and hopefully expert interviews, we will explore the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of our menstrual cycles. This podcast aims to foster a supportive and safe environment, challenging stigmas, and offering insight. illustratedmelanin.substack.com