A Journey to Whole Woman Health

Jamie Erwin, MD & Mary Kathryn Nader, PhD/LPC
  • 4.8 (23)
  • 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. ***Sign up for our NEWSLETTER: https://jointhejourney.myflodesk.com/newsletter

  1. 1d ago

    Women Who Lead: Called To More Than Medicine- Dr. Rebekah Naylor

    Send us Fan Mail Women Who Lead: Called to More Than Medicine- Dr. Rebekah NaylorWomen Who Lead | A Journey to Whole Woman Health What happens when you say YES to God's calling—even when you have no idea where it will lead? For pioneering surgeon, medical missionary, and extraordinary woman of faith Dr. Rebekah Naylor, that one faithful yes led her across the world, into operating rooms where few women had gone before, and into decades of leadership that would transform countless lives. In this inspiring episode of our Women Who Lead series, Dr. Jamie Erwin and Dr. Mary Kathryn Nader sit down with Dr. Naylor to explore a remarkable journey of courage, calling, perseverance, and purpose. As the only female surgical resident at Parkland Hospital during her training, Dr. Naylor learned to earn respect through hard work, excellence, and quiet determination. At just 30 years old, she answered God's call to serve in India, where she spent decades as a surgeon, educator, and eventually hospital leader at Bangalore Baptist Hospital. But this conversation is about so much more than an extraordinary career. Dr. Naylor shares what it means to trust God when the path is uncertain, how faith sustained her through difficult leadership decisions, and why caring for yourself is essential when your life's work is caring for others. For Jamie, this conversation is especially personal. Dr. Naylor inspired her dream of becoming a physician when she was just eight years old and later became her surgical attending, mentor, and fellow board member at Mercy Clinic of Fort Worth. In this episode, we explore: Recognizing God's calling and finding the courage to follow itBreaking barriers as the only woman in a surgical residencyIntegrating faith and medicine through life's most difficult momentsLeading Bangalore Baptist Hospital through growth, uncertainty, and changeFinding peace and purpose when leadership feels overwhelmingProtecting your spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being while serving othersNavigating unexpected life transitions with faithBringing medical care and compassion to underserved communities through Mercy Clinic of Fort WorthThe wisdom Dr. Naylor would share with the next generation of women leadersOne of our favorite reminders from this conversation: You don't need an impressive title, a medical degree, or a mission field across the world to make a difference. God can use you exactly where you are. Whether you're a physician, a mother, a leader, a woman navigating a new season, or someone searching for your purpose, this episode will remind you that faithfulness often begins with a simple yes. About our guest Dr. Rebekah Naylor is a pioneering surgeon, medical missionary, educator, and longtime healthcare leader. After completing surgical training at Parkland Hospital, she spent decades serving at Bangalore Baptist Hospital in India. Her career has included surgical practice, hospital administration, medical education, and global medical missions. She continues to serve her community through Mercy Clinic of Fort Worth, helping provide compassionate healthcare to those who might otherwise go without it. Support Mercy Clinic of Fort Worth Mercy Clinic provides free healthcare to underserved individuals in Fort Worth through the generosity of volunteer medical professionals, community members, and donors.  Visit Mercy Clinic's website to learn about volunteering, donating, and supporting Dinner for Mercy on November 17. https://www.mercy-clinic.org/dinner-for-mercy Join the Journey If this conversation encouraged you, share it with a woman who inspires you, leave us a review, and subscribe to A Journey to Whole Woman Health. Our mission is to Educate. Empower. Encourage. Sign up for our NEWSLETTER: https://jointhejourney.myflodesk.com/newsletter Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. Support the show

  2. Oct 28

    Women Who Lead: When God Calls, Say Yes-Donna Floyd's Story of Faith and Purpose

    Send us Fan Mail When God Calls, Say Yes: Donna Floyd's Story of Faith and Purpose Women Who Lead | A Journey to Whole Woman Health What happens when God calls you to something you never planned, never imagined, and have absolutely no idea how to accomplish? For Donna Floyd, founder and executive director of Justin's Place in Fort Worth, Texas, the answer was simple: say yes and trust God with the rest. In this inspiring episode of our Women Who Lead series, Dr. Jamie Erwin and Dr. Mary Kathryn Nader sit down with Donna to explore how opening her family's home and heart to a teenage boy named Justin became the beginning of a life-changing mission to empower single mothers and break cycles of generational poverty. Donna shares the remarkable story of founding Justin's Place, building The Nest—a beautiful residential community providing stability, support, and opportunity for single mothers and their children—and witnessing what she describes as God's provision and miracles along the way. But this conversation is about much more than starting a nonprofit. It's about recognizing your calling, finding purpose in a new season of life, leading through uncertainty, and trusting that the experiences and relationships throughout your life may be preparing you for something you haven't yet imagined. In this episode, we explore: The power of one yes: How welcoming a teenager into her family changed Donna's life and inspired Justin's Place.Finding your calling: How Donna recognized God's direction and learned to move forward without having all the answers.Breaking generational poverty: How Justin's Place empowers single mothers through stable housing, community, counseling, education, and career development.Leading through challenges: The emotional weight of serving vulnerable families, raising millions of dollars, and learning to trust God's provision.Purpose in the second half of life: How Donna discovered an unexpected new calling as her own children grew older.Faith and whole woman health: Why Donna believes spiritual connection is the foundation of her relationships, leadership, and personal well-being.One of the most powerful reminders from Donna's story is that you don't need to have everything figured out before taking the first step. Sometimes the greatest opportunities to make a difference begin with a simple act of obedience. Whether you're navigating a life transition, wondering about your purpose, considering a new opportunity, or simply looking for encouragement to take that next step, this conversation will remind you that meaningful leadership often begins with an open heart and a willingness to serve. Learn more about Justin's Place Visit https://justinsplace.org to learn about The Nest, volunteer opportunities, and ways to support single mothers and children in the Fort Worth community. Join the Journey If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend who might need a reminder that her next chapter can be filled with purpose. Subscribe to A Journey to Whole Woman Health for more conversations at the intersection of physical health, mental health, and faith. Sign up for our NEWSLETTER: https://jointhejourney.myflodesk.com/newsletter Educate. Empower. Encourage. Join the Journey. Support the show

  3. Oct 21

    Women Who Lead: Beyond the Headlines-Faith, Motherhood & Leadership with Madison Sawyer

    Send us Fan Mail What happens when the life you've worked so hard to build doesn't go according to plan? In this episode of our Women Who Lead series, Dr. Jamie Erwin and Dr. Mary Kathryn Nader welcome Emmy Award-winning journalist and CBS News Texas anchor Madison Sawyer for a heartfelt conversation about leadership, infertility, motherhood, faith, and the lessons learned when life requires us to surrender control. Madison is a familiar face to North Texas viewers, but behind the polished television presence is a woman who has navigated unexpected career opportunities, the emotional challenges of infertility and IVF, a complicated pregnancy, and the daily demands of balancing a high-profile career with raising a young family. In a particularly personal part of this conversation, Madison reflects on her high-risk pregnancy, including a diagnosis of vasa previa, and the special relationship she shares with Jamie, who is also her OB-GYN. Together, they explore the importance of trusting your medical team, finding support during difficult seasons, and recognizing that even the most prepared and accomplished women cannot control every outcome. Madison also shares what it's really like to wake up at 2 AM for morning television, how she processes the emotional weight of covering difficult news stories, and why she's learning that being a whole woman isn't about keeping every burner on high. In this episode, we discuss: How mentors helped Madison recognize opportunities she never imagined for herselfWhat leadership looks like when we recognize potential in othersNavigating infertility, IVF, and the uncertainty of waitingMadison's experience with vasa previa and a complicated deliveryWhy connection and community matter during difficult seasonsThe realities of working motherhood and a demanding television scheduleProtecting mental health while telling emotionally difficult storiesLearning to set boundaries, prioritize, and let go of perfectionWhat it truly means to be a whole womanOne of our favorite takeaways: Just because you have the capacity to keep every burner on high doesn't mean you need to. Our priorities shift with the seasons of life, and sometimes the wisest thing we can do is allow something to simmer while we give our attention to what matters most. Whether you're navigating a season of waiting, building your career, raising a family, or simply trying to figure out how to do it all, we hope Madison's story leaves you feeling encouraged, understood, and reminded that you don't have to have everything figured out. Join the Journey. A Journey to Whole Woman Health brings together science, mental health, and faith to educate, empower, and encourage women through every season of life. If this conversation resonates with you, share it with a friend, subscribe to the podcast, and join us for more inspiring conversations in our Women Who Lead series. Support the show

  4. Oct 14

    Women Who Lead: Betsy Price on Service, Strength & Taking the Leap

    Send us Fan Mail Women Who Lead: Betsy Price on Service, Strength & Taking the Leap What does leadership really look like? Sometimes it looks like City Hall. Sometimes it looks like volunteering at your child's school, raising a family, building a business, serving your community—or simply being willing to step forward when someone says, “You should do this.” In the first installment of our new Women Who Lead series, we sit down with former Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price to talk about the woman behind the title. Betsy shares how a lifetime of service—from volunteering as a young girl to PTA leadership, business ownership, public service, and eventually becoming Fort Worth's longest-serving mayor—shaped her understanding of leadership. But this conversation goes far beyond politics. We talk about the people who encouraged Betsy to take chances she wasn't sure she was ready for, navigating leadership as a woman, the role faith has played in her biggest decisions, and what leadership has required of her family and personal life. And because this is A Journey to Whole Woman Health, we also ask: How do you care for yourself while carrying responsibility for so many others? For Betsy, movement has always been non-negotiable. She shares why physical and mental wellness go hand in hand, how she protected time for exercise even during her busiest years as mayor, and why relationships, faith, family, service, and staying physically active remain central to her definition of a healthy life. One of our favorite parts of the conversation comes when we ask Betsy what she would tell women in their 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond. Her message? There is no age when your opportunity to grow, serve, pivot, or begin again expires. In this episode, we talk about: • How Betsy's earliest experiences with service shaped her life • Going from business owner and PTA mom to public office • Why sometimes we need someone else to see our potential first • Navigating leadership in traditionally male spaces • Why service matters more than titles • Protecting marriage and family while carrying enormous responsibility • The connection between physical activity and mental wellness • Why exercise became a non-negotiable during Betsy's years as mayor • Faith, prayer, and making difficult decisions • Leading with honesty when you don't have all the answers • What Betsy would tell women in their 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, and 70s • Why midlife may be one of the best times to take a leap of faith • What it means to be a “whole and healthy woman” Our biggest takeaway: Leadership doesn't require a title. It begins when we recognize what we've been given and choose to use it in service of someone else. Wherever you are in your own journey, perhaps the question isn't, “Am I qualified to lead?” Maybe it's simply: Why not me? Join the journey. A Journey to Whole Woman Health — where science, mental health, and faith come together to educate, empower, and encourage women in every season of life. Support the show

  5. Oct 7

    Midlife, Motherhood & Making Space for Yourself- Welcome Back!

    Send us Fan Mail We’re back for Season Two of A Journey to Whole Woman Health! After a summer break, Jamie and Mary Kathryn are catching up on a season filled with travel, family milestones, big goals, and some pretty significant transitions. Mary Kathryn shares about her family’s three-week home exchange in Denmark and the bittersweet experience of sending her daughter, Lydia, off to college. She opens up about the unexpected moments of grief that come with launching a child—and the continual surrender of motherhood as our children grow into lives of their own. Jamie takes us to Australia for the Sydney Marathon, her sixth marathon and third World Major. After months of training through the Texas heat, she crossed the finish line in 4:00:31—a new personal best. She shares what made this race different, how she stayed mentally strong, and why she’s learning to stop and savor an accomplishment instead of immediately asking, What’s next? But the conversation becomes about much more than travel, college, or running. Jamie and Mary Kathryn talk about something many women lose somewhere in the middle of careers, motherhood, marriage, and caring for everyone else: Something that is just yours. For Jamie, that’s running. For Mary Kathryn, it’s tennis. Your thing may look completely different—but having something you enjoy simply because you enjoy it can be an important part of staying connected to yourself in midlife. In this episode, we talk about: The transition into a new season of motherhoodSending a child to college and learning to let goMary Kathryn’s three-week Denmark home exchangeJamie’s Sydney Marathon and her 4:00:31 PRMental toughness and doing hard thingsWhy women need hobbies and interests of their ownLearning to celebrate an accomplishment before chasing the next goalWhat we learned over the summerWhy we’re continuing the podcast—even when we’re not quite sure where we find the timeOur vision for Season Two and what’s aheadAt the heart of it all is the reason we started A Journey to Whole Woman Health: to educate, empower, and encourage women—and to be the trusted expert friends you can come back to each week for honest conversations about physical health, mental health, and faith. We’re so glad you’re back with us for Season Two. If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend, leave a review, and subscribe so you don’t miss the conversations ahead. A Journey to Whole Woman Health Science. Mental Health. Faith. The Whole Woman. Support the show

  6. Aug 12

    Episode 28: Season 1 Finale-What We Learned, Your Questions Answered & What's Next

    Send us Fan Mail One season. Twenty-eight episodes. Countless conversations. In this special Season 1 finale, Dr. Jamie Erwin and Dr. Mary Kathryn Nader pause to reflect on what they've learned from launching the podcast, the lessons that surprised them, and the moments that impacted them the most. They answer listener questions about self-care, perimenopause, perfectionism, and their favorite episodes from Season 1 while sharing honest encouragement for anyone afraid to start something new. You'll also get an exciting preview of topics coming in Season 2—including women's leadership, GLP-1 medications, menopause, midlife health, and more. Whether you've listened from the beginning or are just joining us, thank you for being part of this journey. In this episode you'll hear about: What starting a podcast taught us about courage and imperfectionWhy waiting until you're "ready" keeps you from growingOur favorite self-care habitsThe biggest myths about perimenopauseFavorite moments and guests from Season 1Topics coming in Season 2How you can help support the podcastThank you for listening, sharing, reviewing, and walking alongside us this season. We can't wait to see you again in Season 2. Support the show

  7. Aug 5

    Episode 27: Pelvic Floor Therapy-The Women's Health Treatment Too Many Women Don't Know About

    Send us Fan Mail One in three women will experience pelvic floor dysfunction, yet many suffer in silence because they think urinary leakage, painful sex, prolapse, or pelvic pain are simply "part of getting older" or "what happens after having babies." They're not. In this episode, we're joined by pelvic floor physical therapist Dr. Haley Miller, who explains what the pelvic floor actually is, why it affects so much more than bladder control, and how pelvic floor therapy can dramatically improve quality of life. We discuss: • Why leaking urine during running, coughing, or laughing is never normal  • Pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and preparing for labor  • Pelvic organ prolapse explained simply  • Painful intercourse and pelvic pain  • Constipation, bowel health, and pelvic floor function  • The surprising connection between your feet, hips, posture, and pelvic floor  • Menopause, estrogen, vaginal health, and urinary symptoms  • What to expect during your first pelvic floor therapy appointment  • Who should consider pelvic floor physical therapy  • Practical ways every woman can protect her pelvic floor Whether you're an athlete, pregnant, postpartum, perimenopausal, menopausal—or simply want to understand your body better—this conversation will empower you with evidence-based information and hope. Remember: You are not broken, and help is available. Support the show

  8. Jul 29

    Episode 26: The Friendship Gap: Why Adult Women Feel Lonely—and How to Find Your People

    Send us Fan Mail Why does making friends feel so much harder as an adult? We may be surrounded by coworkers, children, spouses, neighbors, and hundreds of online connections—and still feel deeply lonely. Motherhood and midlife can make friendship especially complicated as schedules fill up, identities change, and the easy, organic connections of our younger years become harder to find. In this episode, Dr. Jamie Erwin and Dr. Mary Kathryn Nader welcome Emily Youree, owner and CEO of Fort Worth Moms and host of the Momfessions podcast, for an honest conversation about adult friendship, loneliness, vulnerability, and community. Emily explains why we need to let go of the idea of finding one “perfect” friend and instead become open to different friendships for different seasons. The conversation also explores the fear of initiating, the pressure to appear as though we have everything together, and the surprising intimacy of allowing someone to see the laundry on the bed, the messy car, and the realities of everyday life. You’ll hear practical ways to meet new people, strengthen existing friendships, become a more generous friend, and create connection without adding another overwhelming obligation to your life. Most importantly, Emily reminds us that while friendship with others matters, we must also learn to become a compassionate friend to ourselves. In This Episode: Why friendship is an important pillar of healthHow motherhood can increase isolation and lonelinessWhy one friend does not have to meet every needThe danger of searching for the “ideal friend”How friendships can serve different purposes and seasonsWhy friendships rarely happen organically in adulthoodPractical places to meet potential friendsHow to initiate without making it awkwardWhy vulnerability creates deeper connectionThe pressure to appear like the “ideal mom”Making room for friends who think or parent differentlyHow to be the kind of friend you hope to findWhy friendship should enrich your life rather than become another obligationWhat it means to become a friend to yourselfKey Takeaways: Stop searching for one perfect friend. A running friend, neighborhood friend, childhood friend, work friend, or fellow mom can each hold a valuable—and different—place in your life. Adult friendship requires intention. Friendships may no longer form automatically. Someone often has to send the message, suggest coffee, join the group, or put the next lunch on the calendar. Assume the other woman wants connection too. The person who appears to have a full social life may still feel lonely, left out, or grateful to receive an invitation. Let people see real life. You do not need a spotless house, clean car, perfect children, or perfectly managed life before welcoming someone in. Be open to difference. A meaningful friend does not have to parent, vote, think, worship, or live exactly as you do. Curiosity and mutual respect can create stronger relationships. Friendship is not another measure of success. Some seasons naturally leave less margin for social connection. The goal is not to feel guilty but to recognize when you desire more support and take one manageable step. Be a friend to yourself. Notice whether your internal expectations and criticism are harsher than anything you would say to someone you love. Support the show

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4.8
out of 5
23 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. ***Sign up for our NEWSLETTER: https://jointhejourney.myflodesk.com/newsletter

Information

  • Creator
    Jamie Erwin, MD & Mary Kathryn Nader, PhD/LPC
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    33
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 A Journey to Whole Woman Health
  • Show Website
    A Journey to Whole Woman Health

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