Circling the Drain

Ellie Dvorkin Dunn & Julia Granacki
  • 5.0 (60)
  • SEXUALITY
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

A podcast about the period BEFORE you stop getting your period. The concept of a woman "circling the drain" conjures up negative imagery for some, but the origin of this as the name of the podcast has a story. A friend, in her 30's at the time, was listing her ailments to a male physician who clearly had a terrible bedside manner, because he responded to her complaints by shrugging his shoulders in a dismissive fashion and saying something like, "I don't know what to tell you. From now on, you're basically just circling the drain!" Co-hosts Ellie and Julia have been laughing at the audacity of this tone-deaf interaction ever since, and when they decided to start this podcast about the plight of the aging woman, they chose to reclaim and repurpose the phrase in the spirit of humor. Every human on the planet is circling the drain from the moment we are born. The question is, how slowly and gracefully can we spiral? And can we minimize the discomfort while we whirl? Perimenopausal co-hosts Ellie and Julia take a deep dive into the sometimes embarrassing, often hilarious, and always bewildering issues of the hormonal changes that take place in midlife. Through honest accounts, thoughtful interviews, and group panel discussions, their mission is to make you chuckle, make you nod your head in recognition, and hopefully make some scientific progress.

  1. Bad Fish and Good Farts (pilot episode of our brand new podcast, Open Up and Say HA!)

    06/04/2024

    Bad Fish and Good Farts (pilot episode of our brand new podcast, Open Up and Say HA!)

    Send us a text It's the very first episode of our brand new podcast, Open Up and Say HA!: Stories from Underneath the Paper Gown. Have you ever had a bizarre encounter with a medical practitioner? An ER visit gone awry? A weird thing you found on your foot that turned out to be a rare species of parasitic insect? Welcome to Open Up and Say Ha! - Stories from Underneath the Paper Gown. Medical mishaps, misunderstandings, weird bodily functions... our guests are sharing it all. So get ready to laugh so hard you snort your coffee out of your nose, and if you happen to singe your nostrils, head to the doctor and tell us what went down. If laughter is your medicine, open up and say HA! In this episode, co-hosts Ellie and Julia decide to save the guests' experiences for future episodes and instead, share their own bizarre medical encounters with each other. Even though they have been friends for 30 years, they each manage to tell a story that the other has never heard! If you've ever had inexplicable back pain or eaten mysteriously spicy tuna, this one is for you. Support the show Be one of the helpers! SUBSCRIBE to this podcast on APPLE PODCASTS or SPOTIFY and leave us a review on APPLE PODCASTS.

    30 min
  2. Life in the Pause with Monique Cupid and Dixie Lincoln-Nichols

    03/20/2024

    Life in the Pause with Monique Cupid and Dixie Lincoln-Nichols

    Send us a text Monique Cupid and Dixie Lincoln-Nichols are menopausal women who met up during the pandemic to talk about work for a project. Without fail, at every weekly meeting, the conversation drifted to menopause, the symptoms each of them was experiencing, and the frustrations they felt about the lack of support, resources, equity, and community. Together, they formed Life in the Pause, with the mission of transforming the menopause journey into an empowered and celebrated experience through accessible education, resources, and community support. We talk about everything from toxicants in beauty products to doctors leaving 30-something women in the dark to the importance of dance breaks. You know how it is when we get together with two brilliant and fascinating humans... nothing is off limits. We won't apologize for talking about our farts and our pubes. We simply won't. Topics and timestamps 10:50 - How Life in the Pause was born 16:45 - What is a Self-Care Sabbatical? 21:48 - Increasing 30-somethings' awareness of perimenopause 28:15 - The importance of clean ingredients in beauty products 40:40 - Menopause. Needs. More. Attention. Handles and sites Life in the Pause    Life in the Pause Insta Brown Skin Green Beauty Insta    Dixie Lincoln-Nichols   Dixie Lincoln Nichols Insta The Pause Pod The Midlife Glowchaser Dance Break Song: Ready Fi Di Road OUR NEW PODCAST: OPEN UP AND SAY HA! Follow us on Insta @openupandsayha or Facebook and YouTube Channel Podcast site Other Podcasts on the Topic of Peri/Menopause The Pause Pod Hello Menopause A Certain Age Pod Black Girl's Guide to Surviving Menopause Other Links Support the show Be one of the helpers! SUBSCRIBE to this podcast on APPLE PODCASTS or SPOTIFY and leave us a review on APPLE PODCASTS.

    1h 4m
  3. The Ambassador of Fun with Robin Gelfenbien

    03/06/2024

    The Ambassador of Fun with Robin Gelfenbien

    Send us a text Lately, as we have gotten older and our preferences have changed, we have been wondering, "What is fun?" Robin Gelfenbien, the self-proclaimed Ambassador of Fun, is the perfect person to answer that question. Right out of college, Robin was chosen out of thousands of people to drive the Oscar Meyer Wienermobile, and her experience provided excellent fodder for her acclaimed solo show "My Salvation Has a First Name: A Wienermobile Journey”. She has had several other fun jobs from creator and producer of the storytelling series and podcast "Yum's the Word" to co-hosting the podcast "Hello Menopause" to producing Isaac Mizrahi's podcast "Hello Isaac". Robin inspires us with her stories of involving strangers in all kinds of fun, but we also talk about things like thinning hair and anxiety, two very common and un-fun symptoms of perimenopause. If you are like us and are re-defining your definition of fun (there is nothing wrong with skipping that party!), this episode is for you. Topics and timestamps 12:35 - Thinning hair is not fun 23:18 - Anxiety is also not fun 31:12 - Driving the Oscar Meyer Wienermobile is the most fun 40:44 - Hosting and producing podcasts is also fun 42:52 - In midlife, what is the definition of fun? Handles and sites Robin's website Robin's Insta Yum's the Word Youtube Yum's the Word Podcast Robin's Facebook Robin's Tik Tok List of Resources Mentioned Midlife Doesn't Have to Be a Crisis by Jancee Dunn Robin telling her airplane story on YouTube No, YOU Tell It! "Fly By" featuring Ellie as host and Robin as a writer/storyteller An Old Medicine Grows New Hair for Pennies a Day, Doctors Say Oscar Meyer Wienermobile and Hot Dogger Community Hello Menopause Podcast Hello Isaac Podcast Other Links Erin's Faces Affiliate Link Julia G Wellness https://circlingthedrainpodcast.buzzsprout.com/ Support the show Be one of the helpers! SUBSCRIBE to this podcast on APPLE PODCASTS or SPOTIFY and leave us a review on APPLE PODCASTS.

    59 min
  4. Age Out Loud with Katie Fogarty

    02/21/2024

    Age Out Loud with Katie Fogarty

    Send us a text Katie Fogarty will make you feel like turning 50 is the best thing that could ever happen to you. She is the host of A Certain Age, an age-positive podcast that helps you live your best evolving midlife—loud and proud. She is also the creator of the Age Out Loud movement, a platform which aims to spotlight as many stories of midlife awesomeness as possible. On top of all that, she is the founder and CEO of The Reboot Group, helping professionals build great careers, which includes encouraging reinvention in midlife. We talked about the stupidity of lying about your age, the importance of finding doctors who get it, and Julia's definition of "trash panda rage". We also talk about how Ellie may not be able to hit the high notes anymore, but she can still do the high jumps in ballet class. If you need a boost of inspiration, look no further than this episode. Topics and timestamps 9:40 - Not realizing you are in perimenopause until you are on the other side 13:00 - Launching A Certain Age podcast right before turning 51 21:10 - The art of career reinvention 26:11 Working as a board member of Let's Talk Menopause 29:45 - Children's awareness of menopause 33:35 - The Age Out Loud movement Handles and sites A Certain Age Podcast A Certain Age Insta A Certain Age facebook Age Out Loud Insta The Reboot Group List of Resources Mentioned School Spirits Why Ballet Might be the Best Exercise for Midlife Let's Talk Menopause Support the Menopause Research and Equity Act of 2023 Dr. Helen Fisher Other Links Erin's Faces Affiliate Link Julia G Wellness Support the show Be one of the helpers! SUBSCRIBE to this podcast on APPLE PODCASTS or SPOTIFY and leave us a review on APPLE PODCASTS.

    43 min
  5. Life's Tough. Laugh More. with Kambri Crews

    02/07/2024

    Life's Tough. Laugh More. with Kambri Crews

    Send us a text How does a child of deaf adults who grew up in a tin shed with no running water or electricity witness her father commit a violent crime and then grow up to be the joyful owner of a comedy venue? Kambri Crews will tell you how! Author of the acclaimed New York Times best selling book Burn Down the Ground and sole owner and operator of Q.E.D. which was voted #1 comedy club in NYC by Time Out NY, Kambri is a damn delight. Her message, "Life's Tough. Laugh More." is evident as she chuckles about light things such as restaurant staff seeing her use sign language and then ignorantly handing her a menu in Braille, and heavy things such as her father attempting murder not once but twice. As Julia says, "If at first you don't succeed...". We also discuss gross habits like picking at your skin and chewing the inside of your own mouth, having to read the instructions for how to boil rice at least fifteen times, and how ice skating in midlife can result in the ass of your dreams. Thanks to all our listeners for your generous donations - we're thrilled to be back and we can't wait to tell you what's next. Topics and timestamps 12:29 - Menopause and then breast cancer 14:35 - Kambri's autobiographical book, Burn Down the Ground, in which a child of impoverished deaf parents witnesses her father trying to kill her mother 23:48 - Processing trauma without traditional therapy 26:00 - How to laugh yourself back from rock bottom 30:20 - How an imaginitive child grows up to run her own events space 36:15 - Ice skating in midlife to optimize joy (and a tight butt) Handles and sites Q.E.D. Astoria Buy books through Q.E.D. instead of other places Kambri's website Kambri's Insta QED Insta QED Facebook Kambri facebook List of Resources Mentioned Cheek biting: Causes, Consequences, and Treatment Something Was Wrong podcast Flaco the Owl’s Year of Freedom From the Central Park Zoo Other Links Erin's Faces Affiliate Link Julia G Wellness Support the show Be one of the helpers! SUBSCRIBE to this podcast on APPLE PODCASTS or SPOTIFY and leave us a review on APPLE PODCASTS.

    1h 1m
  6. ENCORE: Twice a Week Until Death Do You Part with Dr. Rachel Rubin

    12/20/2023

    ENCORE: Twice a Week Until Death Do You Part with Dr. Rachel Rubin

    Send us a text We chose this episode with Dr. Rachel Rubin as our final encore of the year because she is the person who has given us the most practical, valuable, and easily shareable information to help women with their genitourinary functions as they age. Dr. Rubin is a board-certified urologist and sexual medicine specialist who dropped so much knowledge and helpful information into one conversation that our puny little brain-sponges got super-soaked. Listen to learn about the two little-known FDA-approved drugs that actually help women's libidos with no negative side effects, why you should be using local vaginal estrogen twice a week for the rest of your life, and how even a doctor can agree with us that the field of medicine is a disgusting dumpster fire of brokenness. As if that weren't enough, we also talk about the Grow Your C**t Movement, Covid Hemorrhoids, and what the hosts never thought they'd do in their 20's that they have done now. Admit it: you're intrigued. DR. RUBIN'S LINKS Dr. Rubin's Website Dr. Rubin's twitter Dr. Rubin's facebook Dr. Rubin's Insta Dr. Rubin's LinkedIn ARTICLES AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE The Magic of Hormones International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health - ISSWSH Addyi Vyleesi The Grow Your Clit Movement LINKS TO DREAMY PRODUCTS AND SERVICES Erin's Faces Affiliate Link Purely Elizabeth Affiliate Link Julia's Wellness Coaching Website Circling the Drain Podcast Website Support the show Be one of the helpers! SUBSCRIBE to this podcast on APPLE PODCASTS or SPOTIFY and leave us a review on APPLE PODCASTS. Support the show Be one of the helpers! SUBSCRIBE to this podcast on APPLE PODCASTS or SPOTIFY and leave us a review on APPLE PODCASTS.

    1h 3m
  7. ENCORE: Like Daughter, Like Mother with Michelle MacDonald and Joan MacDonald

    12/06/2023

    ENCORE: Like Daughter, Like Mother with Michelle MacDonald and Joan MacDonald

    Send us a text For our first encore episode, we chose the inspiring pair of Michelle and Joan MacDonald. Not only are they glorious examples of what a healthy body can achieve after midlife, they seem to have an enviable mother-daughter bond that is beautiful to witness. These women broke the internet after Michelle, a body builder and transformation coach, guided her then 70-year-old mother through a process that resulted in life-changing weight loss and the subsequent elimination of a slew of health problems. Joan's before and after photos can be found at Train with Joan, and you should take a peek before listening to understand the full impact of what these women achieved together. This was our only chat with a mother-daughter duo, and we couldn't have found more mind-blowing specimens. Michelle MacDonald - Your Healthy Hedonista Michelle's Insta Michelle's Facebook Michelle's e-Book The Best of the Basics Joan MacDonald - Train with Joan Joan's Insta Joan's Facebook The Wonder Women My Macros Science, Bitch! Support the show Be one of the helpers! SUBSCRIBE to this podcast on APPLE PODCASTS or SPOTIFY and leave us a review on APPLE PODCASTS.

    57 min
  8. The Larry David of Pilates with Meghann Koppele Duffy

    11/22/2023

    The Larry David of Pilates with Meghann Koppele Duffy

    Send us a text Meghann Koppele Duffy is a cofounder of the Neuro Studio, a premier education and movement company helping people living with neurological conditions move better, and teaching movement professionals the best cutting edge techniques to work with people living with Neurological Conditions. Meghann is a fast-talking, zero BS practitioner who has been called the Larry David of Pilates because she is skilled at "observing weird things". She claims to not be everyone's cup of tea, but who is? It's clear to us that Meghann is passionate about her work and is making an epic difference in the lives of people who want access to movement and freedom from pain. We talk about changes in proprioception throughout our life cycle, adapting to movement as we age, and using humor and honesty in work that can be emotionally difficult. We also teach you what a "cloner" is. Bonus points if you email us your best guess BEFORE listening to the episode! Topics and timestamps 15:40 Meghann's origin story and how she co-founded The Neuro Studio 23:40 Using humor and honesty to diffuse heaviness with clients 30:20 How women's bodies change proprioceptively throughout their life cycle 39:40 How to keep it together when physical work gets emotional 45:35 Meghann's Idea of the Zone of Genius 49:33 Adapting to movement as we age Handles and sites The Neuro Studio Website The Nuero Studio Insta Meghann's Insta Sessions or movement classes with Meghann List of Resources Mentioned What is MS (Multiple Sclerosis)? HELP US CONTINUE THIS PODCAST! Please donate to our Patreon! A contribution as low as $10 will allow us to continue this work for another year. Other Links Erin's Faces Affiliate Link Julia G Wellness Support the show Be one of the helpers! SUBSCRIBE to this podcast on APPLE PODCASTS or SPOTIFY and leave us a review on APPLE PODCASTS.

    1h 10m
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5
out of 5
60 Ratings

About

A podcast about the period BEFORE you stop getting your period. The concept of a woman "circling the drain" conjures up negative imagery for some, but the origin of this as the name of the podcast has a story. A friend, in her 30's at the time, was listing her ailments to a male physician who clearly had a terrible bedside manner, because he responded to her complaints by shrugging his shoulders in a dismissive fashion and saying something like, "I don't know what to tell you. From now on, you're basically just circling the drain!" Co-hosts Ellie and Julia have been laughing at the audacity of this tone-deaf interaction ever since, and when they decided to start this podcast about the plight of the aging woman, they chose to reclaim and repurpose the phrase in the spirit of humor. Every human on the planet is circling the drain from the moment we are born. The question is, how slowly and gracefully can we spiral? And can we minimize the discomfort while we whirl? Perimenopausal co-hosts Ellie and Julia take a deep dive into the sometimes embarrassing, often hilarious, and always bewildering issues of the hormonal changes that take place in midlife. Through honest accounts, thoughtful interviews, and group panel discussions, their mission is to make you chuckle, make you nod your head in recognition, and hopefully make some scientific progress.

Information

  • Creator
    Ellie Dvorkin Dunn & Julia Granacki
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2024
  • Episodes
    71
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Circling the Drain
  • Show Website
    Circling the Drain