On Health

Aviva Romm
On Health

From the stuff your mother never told you, to the stuff your doctor never learned, On Health features taboo-busting conversations that demystify and de-stigmatize our bodies, all while bridging the gap between conventional medicine and wellness. Join Yale-trained MD & midwife Aviva Romm and her line-up of expert guests as they discuss everything from periods to menopause, sex to reproductive health politics, and motherhood to mental health. Each week, Dr. Romm will be exploring the science and wisdom of how our bodies work, what makes us well, what gets in the way, and how we can live our best lives on our terms, authentically and bravely. You can expect to learn more about topics such as women's brain health, cesareans, microbiome seeding, women’s sexual health, and much more. Plus, you'll get Aviva’s musings, tips, and guidance from 35+ years of helping women take back their health—and their lives. The new medicine for women is here!

  1. HÁ 4 DIAS

    Have You Been Medically Hexed? The Power of Words to Heal and to Harm

    Have you ever left a doctor’s appointment feeling more defeated than when you arrived? Perhaps a diagnosis felt like a life sentence, or a well-meaning comment planted a seed of fear that lingered for months. This isn’t just bad bedside manner; it’s a phenomenon I call “medical hexing.” It’s the subtle, and sometimes not-so-subtle, way that language in medical settings can disempower us, shaping our beliefs and even our health outcomes.  Today, we’re diving deep into the power of words in medicine – how they can both heal and profoundly harm. In this episode I give you the down-low on: The Concept of Medical Hexing: How negative language and disempowering beliefs, often unintentionally, can act as a "medical hex," influencing our health beyond just our physical symptoms.The Nocebo Effect's Reality: This isn't just "woo-woo." The "evil twin" of the placebo effect, has a neurobiological basis, demonstrating how negative expectations can directly impact our physiology.Words as Physiological Triggers: The language used by healthcare providers directly impacts our brain and body, triggering stress responses, altering hormone levels, and even influencing our immune systems.The Power Imbalance: The traditional doctor-patient power dynamic can amplify the nocebo effect, making us more susceptible to negative suggestions and limiting our ability to advocate for ourselves.Reclaiming Your Agency: It's crucial to recognize your own expertise in your body and health, to question negative prognoses, and to seek out providers who foster trust and empowerment.The Body's Innate Healing Capacity: We must shift away from a disease-focused model and recognize the body's remarkable ability to heal, a capacity that can be enhanced or diminished by our beliefs. For a deeper dive into advocating for yourself within the medical system, be sure to read my book, "Hormone Intelligence." It includes a full chapter dedicated to empowering you to get the supportive, respectful healthcare you deserve.  Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplements Mentioned in this episode: Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplements

    45min
  2. 12 DE MAR.

    Holding On and Letting Go: Modern Friendship in Women’s Lives with Anna Goldfarb

    What if friendships were just as vital to our health as sleep, nutrition, and exercise? Research suggests they might be. But in our fast-paced, modern world, nurturing deep and lasting friendships can feel overwhelming. In this episode, I sit down with journalist and author Anna Goldfarb to explore the evolving landscape of friendship—why it can be so challenging to maintain meaningful connections as we move through different life phases, and what we can do to strengthen the relationships that nourish us the most. Anna’s book, Modern Friendship: How to Nurture Our Most Valued Connections, gave me so many “aha” moments about why friendships shift, how we can show up for each other in a more intentional way, and how to release the guilt we sometimes feel when friendships change. Join us as we unpack: How relationships have changed over time—why past generations had built-in social structures that kept friendships steady, and how today’s hyper-fluid, fast-paced world has reshaped the way we connect.How understanding the difference between “bathtub friends,” “swimming pool friends,” and “memorial friends” can ease the strain in relationships and help us let go of unrealistic expectations.Why some friendships fade over time (and why it’s not your fault!) and how to cope with changing relationships.The impact of social media on our lives and how having ‘friends’ online can leave us feeling more lonely than not. How we can keep connections alive through life changes—from motherhood to career shifts, big moves, and more.What to do when a connection feels out of sync—how to know whether to repair it or let it go. If you’ve ever felt lonely, longed for deeper relationships, or struggled to navigate the shifting nature of connection as life evolves—this conversation is for you. The way we connect in our modern lives is changing, but meaningful relationships are still the key to a healthy, fulfilling life. Have a listen to learn how to nourish the connections that truly matter. Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplements Mentioned in this episode: Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplements

    1h22min
  3. 25 DE FEV.

    Moving Beyond Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome to Find Happiness with Emma Seppälä

    Have you ever felt torn between dreaming big and staying realistic? Between trusting your instincts and wondering if fear is holding you back? In today’s conversation, we’re diving deep into what it truly means to reclaim your personal sovereignty—the ability to stand fully in your own power, free from self-doubt, external expectations, and the weight of comparison. My guest today, Dr. Emma Seppälä, is a psychologist, researcher, and bestselling author dedicated to helping people cultivate happiness, resilience, and self-leadership. As a Yale lecturer and the Science Director at Stanford’s Center for Compassion and Altruism Research, she’s spent years studying what actually helps us thrive—not just succeed. Together, we explore: The social science behind self-doubt and imposter syndrome—and how to break free from it.The inner critic: where it comes from, why it keeps us small, and how to find inner quiet.The role of meditation and breathwork in rewiring our nervous systems for resilience.How comparison culture and social media impact our self-worth—and how to navigate them with sovereignty.Why we need to redefine success and self-worth in a world that constantly tells us who we should be.Daily practices to help you stay rooted in self-trust, confidence, and joy. This conversation is full of powerful takeaways, practical tools, and a deeply personal look into how we all wrestle with self-doubt—even those of us who have spent decades doing this work. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re enough, struggled with self-judgment, or wanted to free yourself from limiting beliefs, this episode is for you. If this episode resonates with you, share it with a friend who might need a reminder of their own power. And if you love it, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—it helps other women find this show! Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplements Mentioned in this episode: Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplements

    1h13min
  4. 12 DE FEV.

    Why You Can’t Spoil Your Baby: The Science of Nurture and The Truth About Sleep Training with Greer Kirshenbaum

    “You’re holding your baby too much.” “Just let them cry it out.” “You’ll spoil them if you respond every time they cry.” If you’ve ever heard these words—or wondered yourself whether nurturing your baby too much could backfire—you’re not alone. But the science is clear: responding to and connecting with our babies doesn’t spoil them; it builds their brains for lifelong emotional resilience and mental health. In this episode of On Health, I’m joined by neuroscientist, doula, and infant sleep specialist Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum, author of The Nurture Revolution: Grow Your Baby’s Brain and Transform Their Mental Health. We’re diving into: Why babies need co-regulation, not early independenceThe neuroscience behind sleep training—and why much of it conflicts with infant brain developmentHow small, intentional nurturing acts can buffer against stress and even heal intergenerational trauma And because so many parents today are raising children without the village we deserve, we’ll also talk about what it means to nurture our babies—and ourselves—sustainably. If you’ve ever felt torn between instinct and conventional parenting advice, this episode will give you clarity, confidence, and science-backed reassurance. Tune in now. Links and ResourcesGreer’s book, The Nurture Revolution Greer Kirshenbaum’s websiteGreer’s workshops, resources, and coaching for parents and professionalsSafe cosleeping guidelines from the Mother-Baby Behavioral Sleep Lab at University of Notre Dame Aviva’s podcast on colic in babies Join The Mama Pathway, Aviva’s complete pregnancy, postpartum, and new mama journey  Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplements The Mama Pathway is not your average childbirth education program. It's a powerful virtual membership community and online education experience where traditional midwifery wisdom and modern medicine meet to support you on your most empowered path through pregnancy, birth, and beyond. Go to avivaromm.com/mama-pathway to learn more Mentioned in this episode: The Mama Pathway is not your average childbirth education program. It's a powerful virtual membership community and online education experience where traditional midwifery wisdom and modern medicine meet to support you on your most empowered path through pregnancy, birth, and beyond. Go to https://avivaromm.com/mama-pathway to learn more Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplements

    1h17min
  5. 29 DE JAN.

    Ancestral Wisdom: Food, Herbs, and Healing Across Women’s Lifecycles with Felicia Cocotzin Ruiz

    In this episode Felicia Cocotzin Ruiz, known as the Kitchen Curandera, and I explore the profound role of ancestral wisdom in women’s health. Felicia shares her journey of carrying forward her great-grandmother’s curanderismo practices and how food, plants, and rituals can transform the way we heal and care for ourselves across life’s stages. From pregnancy to postpartum to the wisdom years of menopause, this episode is filled with insights on using food and herbs as medicine, as well as creating nourishing rituals that reconnect us to our roots. Whether you're on a hormone healing journey, a new mama, or navigating perimenopausal or menopausal changes, or simply curious about ancestral healing, this episode offers practical wisdom to guide you. What You'll Learn How ancestral wisdom shapes the way we approach women’s healthFood as medicine: how nourishing traditions support healing in postpartum and beyondHerbs every woman should know for pregnancy, postpartum, and menopauseCreating rituals and honoring transitions in women’s life cyclesWhy connecting to your roots matters for holistic healing Links and Resources Learn more and register for Herbal Academy's FREE 2025 Virtual Herbalism ConferenceLearn more about Felicia Cocotzin Ruiz and her book Earth Medicines at her website, Kitchen CuranderaStudy herbal medicine with Aviva as a student in her Herbal Medicine for Women course Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplements Mentioned in this episode: Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplements

    1h13min
  6. 15 DE JAN.

    Pelvic Floor Secrets Every Woman Should Know From Pregnancy to Menopause with Sara Reardon, The Vagina Whisperer

    Imagine living with the constant fear of leaking when you sneeze, jump, or can’t find a bathroom in time. Now add in the struggles of constipation, painful sex, or uterine, bladder, or rectal prolapse. These aren’t just occasional annoyances—they’re signs of pelvic floor dysfunction, which affects millions of women every year. This episode of On Health is for every woman—whether you’re preparing for pregnancy, recovering postpartum, navigating menopause, or striving to age safely and independently. Pelvic health isn’t just about avoiding discomfort; it’s about living with freedom, dignity, and resilience. I’m joined by Sara Reardon, aka The Vagina Whisperer, a trailblazing pelvic floor physical therapist who’s breaking the silence around this essential but often ignored topic. We dish on:Why Pelvic Health Matters for Every Woman: Pelvic health impacts so much more than you might realize—intimacy, bladder and bowel control, core strength, and even your ability to stay active and independent as you age.Practical Tools for Prevention and Healing: Sara shares expert tips on preparing your pelvic floor for birth, postpartum recovery, and building strength at every stage of life.Breaking the Silence and Shame: We dive into the stigma surrounding pelvic floor issues and why compassionate care is the first step to healing. The Surprising Link Between Pelvic Health and Aging: Did you know that urinary and stool incontinence are among the leading reasons older adults end up in nursing homes? Learn how strengthening your pelvic floor now can safeguard your independence later. As Sara says, "You could live 30 to 50 years postmenopausal, and what you do now can make all the difference in how you live those years—whether you’re traveling, hiking, and socializing, or staying home because of discomfort or embarrassment." Small, proactive steps like pelvic floor exercises, proper bathroom habits, and therapy can transform your health—not just today, but for decades to come. Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplements The Mama Pathway is not your average childbirth education program. It's a powerful virtual membership community and online education experience where traditional midwifery wisdom and modern medicine meet to support you on your most empowered path through pregnancy, birth, and beyond. Go to avivaromm.com/mama-pathway to learn more Mentioned in this episode: Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplements The Mama Pathway is not your average childbirth education program. It's a powerful virtual membership community and online education experience where traditional midwifery wisdom and modern medicine meet to support you on your most empowered path through pregnancy, birth, and beyond. Go to https://avivaromm.com/mama-pathway to learn more

    1h15min
  7. 11/12/2024

    Are We Chasing the Wrong Kind of Success? The High Cost of Toxic Achievement Culture with Jennifer Wallace

    Why does it feel like no matter how much we do, it’s never enough—Including—and especially—in our mothering?  It’s no wonder we feel this way! Societal changes have created a culture that ties worth to performance, often at the expense of our health and happiness, while macroeconomic trends that have shifted the way we think about work, education, and success, making it entirely focussed on external standards of achievement.   In this thought-provoking episode, I sit down with Jennifer Wallace, journalist and author of Never Enough, to dive into the toxic achievement culture that’s shaping our lives—and the lives of our kids. Together, we explore how this relentless pursuit of external success is leaving us exhausted, disconnected, and questioning our self-worth. We also dig into what really matters—connection, purpose, and a sense of belonging—and how we can reclaim these values for ourselves and our families. Join us as we go deep into our own personal journeys as women and moms, and along the way talk about:  The Cost of Toxic Achievement: Macroeconomic trends—like rising inequality, job instability, and the increasing cost of living—are amplifying the push to achieve at any cost. But the evidence is clear: more external success doesn’t lead to happier or healthier lives.What We’ve Lost: The modern obsession with productivity has left less time for the things that truly nourish us—community, hobbies, connection, and learning for its own sake.The Power of Mattering: Kids thrive when they feel valued for who they are, not what they accomplish. And it’s up to us as parents to model that sense of worth by healing our own relationship with achievement—including feeling that the our kids’ success is a measure of our own worth, from where they were born to how long they breastfed to what schools they go to and who they are as adults. Healing Generational Wounds: Unexamined beliefs and "ghosts" from our own upbringing often push us toward extrinsic measures of success. By addressing these wounds, we can break the cycle and redefine what matters for ourselves and our kids.Reclaiming What Matters:  Research shows that relationships—not status or money—are the strongest predictors of happiness, fulfillment, and resilience. We explore practical ways to prioritize relationships, joy, and intrinsic fulfillment over endless striving and external rewards. If you’re ready to let go of the pressure to achieve and embrace a more meaningful, connected life, this episode is for you. Share it with a friend who might need the reminder that they’re already enough, and let’s start a movement toward true fulfillment—together. This episode is a compassionate call to reevaluate what really matters. The relentless push for more isn’t the path to happiness, for ourselves, or for our kiddos. Instead, it’s connection, purpose, and a sense of belonging that truly nourish us. 📖 Never Enough by Jennifer Wallace offers even more insights and is a must-read for parents and caregivers. 💬 Let’s continue this conversation on Instagram: @DrAvivaRomm. Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplements Mentioned in this episode: Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplements

    1h4min

Apresentadores e convidados

4,8
de 5
1.344 avaliações

Sobre

From the stuff your mother never told you, to the stuff your doctor never learned, On Health features taboo-busting conversations that demystify and de-stigmatize our bodies, all while bridging the gap between conventional medicine and wellness. Join Yale-trained MD & midwife Aviva Romm and her line-up of expert guests as they discuss everything from periods to menopause, sex to reproductive health politics, and motherhood to mental health. Each week, Dr. Romm will be exploring the science and wisdom of how our bodies work, what makes us well, what gets in the way, and how we can live our best lives on our terms, authentically and bravely. You can expect to learn more about topics such as women's brain health, cesareans, microbiome seeding, women’s sexual health, and much more. Plus, you'll get Aviva’s musings, tips, and guidance from 35+ years of helping women take back their health—and their lives. The new medicine for women is here!

Você também pode gostar de

Para ouvir episódios explícitos, inicie sessão.

Fique por dentro deste podcast

Inicie sessão ou crie uma conta para seguir podcasts, salvar episódios e receber as atualizações mais recentes.

Selecionar um país ou região

África, Oriente Médio e Índia

Ásia‑Pacífico

Europa

América Latina e Caribe

Estados Unidos e Canadá