The Matriarchy

The Matriarchy with Lisa and Kath

A women-focused podcast bringing education, curiosity, and empowerment to every episode. Discover stories from history, science, culture, and current events, including women’s history, STEM breakthroughs, and social impact. Each conversation is designed to inform, inspire, and uplift, connecting listeners with ideas that matter. Perfect for curious minds, lifelong learners, and those seeking thoughtful discussions on empowerment, discovery, and growth.

  1. The Matriarchy Ep 21: Caring for the Whole Mother - Postpartum Depression, Maternal Health, and Equity

    9H AGO

    The Matriarchy Ep 21: Caring for the Whole Mother - Postpartum Depression, Maternal Health, and Equity

    Maternal health in the United States is in crisis — and improving maternal health must start with addressing the disparities facing Black mothers. Black maternal health outcomes remain significantly worse than those of other groups, with Black women experiencing higher maternal mortality rates and more severe complications. Postpartum depression, one of the most common complications of childbirth, is a critical and often overlooked part of this maternal health emergency. In this episode, we explore how postpartum depression and maternal mental health directly influence maternal health outcomes from pregnancy through the first year after birth. Untreated postpartum depression doesn’t just affect mood — it impacts physical recovery, chronic stress, bonding, breastfeeding, and long-term maternal health. When maternal mental health is ignored, overall maternal health suffers. Dr. Karen Sheffield-Abdullah, a maternal health researcher and co-investigator for the MomGenes study, shares how new research is advancing more personalized approaches to postpartum depression care. We discuss how genetics, lived experience, stress, and structural inequities intersect — especially in Black maternal health — and why culturally responsive research is essential to improving maternal health outcomes for all communities. We break down what postpartum depression (PPD) is, how it differs from the “baby blues,” and the early warning signs to watch for in the first 2–6 weeks postpartum. We also examine how systemic barriers in screening, diagnosis, and access to care disproportionately affect Black maternal health and contribute to preventable maternal mortality in the United States. You’ll gain practical, evidence-based tools to support maternal mental health, including stress regulation strategies, mindfulness practices, and actionable ways partners, families, doulas, and clinicians can better support maternal health during pregnancy and the fourth trimester. If you care about reducing postpartum depression, strengthening maternal health, and advancing Black maternal health equity, this episode offers insight, solutions, and a clear call to improve outcomes for mothers across the United States. Postpartum depression Maternal health Maternal mental health Black maternal health Maternal mortality United States Perinatal mental health Pregnancy mental health Postpartum recovery Fourth trimester Women’s health #BrookeShields

    1h 6m
  2. The Matriarchy Ep 20: WWII Pacific War Crimes - The Untold Stories of Women

    FEB 14

    The Matriarchy Ep 20: WWII Pacific War Crimes - The Untold Stories of Women

    In this powerful episode, forgotten stories of women and communities impacted by World War II in the Pacific are brought to light. From the tragedy of Chinese comfort women and systemic sexual slavery to the horrors of Unit 731 and the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong, the discussion explores hidden WWII Pacific war crimes that continue to shape the present. Through the work of Jenny Chan, Director of Pacific Atrocities Education, more than one million pages of declassified documents from the U.S. National Archives have been carefully reviewed and scanned, uncovering new evidence about overlooked war crimes in the Pacific Theater of World War II. This extensive research has resulted in several books focused on underrepresented histories, including violence against women, human experimentation, and civilian suffering during WWII. The episode examines why these untold narratives matter today, how historical memory influences modern conversations about justice and accountability, and what can be learned from survivors’ experiences. With experience hosting discussions featuring guests such as bestselling author James Bradley, this conversation highlights how thoughtful dialogue about World War II history can inspire education, awareness, and meaningful change. Listeners interested in WWII history, Pacific Theater war crimes, women’s history, human rights, and historical justice will gain deeper insight into stories that demand to be remembered. World War II Pacific Theater Pacific War Crimes Comfort Women Unit 731 Women in WWII Japanese Occupation of Hong Kong Human Rights History WWII Atrocities

    1h 8m
  3. The Matriarchy Ep 18: USAID Explained - How Soft Diplomacy and Foreign Aid Shape Global Influence

    JAN 15

    The Matriarchy Ep 18: USAID Explained - How Soft Diplomacy and Foreign Aid Shape Global Influence

    USAID is not charity—it saves lives and is essential to American safety and global security. In this episode, we feature an exclusive interview with a former USAID Foreign Service officer and explore how the U.S. Agency for International Development developed soft diplomacy to shape global affairs, promote stability, and counter rival powers. From humanitarian relief and disaster response to health programs, education, economic development, and democracy promotion, discover how USAID strengthened international relationships, protected Americans, and prevented crises before they reached U.S. borders. Hear firsthand stories revealing the human impact, challenges, and realities of global development work—from fighting infectious diseases like Ebola and Zika to improving food security and fostering economic partnerships. We also examine how the recent dismantling of USAID has not only compromised U.S. safety and security but been catastrophic for frontline workers, crippling assistance around the world. Learn how USAID once protected communities abroad, safeguarded Americans, supported U.S. businesses, countered misinformation, and built pro-American sentiment worldwide—and importantly, learn how you can help. Keywords:  USAID, US foreign aid, humanitarian assistance, soft diplomacy, global influence, health programs, economic development, democracy promotion, disaster relief, national security, international development, USAID workforce, foreign policy, international aid, global health, development programs, Matriarchy

    1h 22m
4.3
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

A women-focused podcast bringing education, curiosity, and empowerment to every episode. Discover stories from history, science, culture, and current events, including women’s history, STEM breakthroughs, and social impact. Each conversation is designed to inform, inspire, and uplift, connecting listeners with ideas that matter. Perfect for curious minds, lifelong learners, and those seeking thoughtful discussions on empowerment, discovery, and growth.