The Core Connect Podcast

You’ve seen the word everywhere: Flexibility & Mobility, Hyrox & Mobility, Mobility Flow.But what does it actually mean?In this short solo episode, Marianne breaks it down for you: where the term comes from, how it fits into modern fitness, and why it’s so much more than stretching.You’ll learn:The real difference between mobility and flexibilityHow your nervous system plays a role in how you moveWhy mobility is the foundation for strength, posture, and pain-free livingWhy it should be a critical part of your physical routine if you want to get over chronic injuriesWhether you’re a Pilates enthusiast, runner, or just want to move with more ease, this episode will help you understand what your body’s been trying to tell you all along.Mobility is what keeps your body capable. It’s what makes strength usable.If you'd like to take a deeper and more technical dive into the topic, you can listen to this episode with Kevin Hendry: 🎧 Still in Pain? Discover Brain-Based Mobility with Osteopath Kevin Hendry⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/the-core-connect-podcast/id1766482868?i=1000714756562⁠Stay tuned with us as we get prepare your first RAD mobility workshop at the studio.⁠www.coreconnectstudio.com

In this deeply honest conversation, Marianne is joined by Brit Williams, Personal Trainer, author, and mum of 3  for a nuanced discussion about postnatal recovery, identity, and the long game of women’s strength.Brit and Marianne speak candidly about how much grace women need to give themselves after birth and why the “boring stuff” is essential, and even exciting!They also discuss navigating ambition and career alongside the realities of raising children openly.This episode is a reminder that strength is not rushed, recovery is not linear, and doing less but better, at the right time, is often what allows women to do so much more.Listen if you’re navigating postpartum recovery, supporting postnatal women, or simply never got to rebuild properly and would love to know where to start.🏋️‍♀️ Connect with Brit and Marianne at the studio:https://www.coreconnectstudio.com/🔗 On social media:Brit https://www.instagram.com/fitbritcollective/Marianne https://www.instagram.com/marianne.coreconnect/📚Find Brit's book: Mind, Body, Bump: The Complete Plan for an Active Pregnancyhttps://www.amazon.ae/Mind-Body-Bump-complete-pregnancy/dp/1781318581/ref=sr_1_2?crid=25DJ682SBG9S7&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ZRr_IG382nyHphNqJbB6OOJNqbltCU7_tmR3bKvw0C_mDt6LQpSkK3uG46fxCa7t0R7evEpAKylHpjPNusthxIdATndv7G9xADt4q5HELEZspFqXcVJqi7vbRp11_JlP.h6VZlq8Vz9vuY5WJ7eb2WO1xdMwYeR3TJT9Wz0srDoI&dib_tag=se&keywords=brit+williams&qid=1765727277&sprefix=brit+williams%2Caps%2C178&sr=8-2🎧 You might enjoy the following episodes, too:https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/the-core-connect-podcast/id1766482868?i=1000725094764Your postpartum pelvic floor recovery guidehttps://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/the-core-connect-podcast/id1766482868?i=1000727457265A conversation on postnatal recovery, timelines, and empowerment with Matt Marney

Did you know that up to 1% of each filler injection is not eliminated from your body?Or that Botox can lead to major facial distortions over time (and why)?This week, Marianne sat down with Dr Rabia Malik, a GP and skin health doctor known for her no-injectables approach and fabulous results at The Harrods Wellness Clinic. Together, they explored how to age confidently without relying on Botox or fillers, diving into:The real risks of injectables and how these must be explained to women thoroughlyWhy Dr. Malik's chosen to build a no-injectable practice, and the societal pressure she sees daily in her clinic.The alternative path:Supporting your skin’s collagen production naturallyUnderstanding peptides Microneedling and other proven treatmentsThe role of nutrition, lifestyle, and consistent habitsDr Malik and Marianne also discussed how confidence and ultimately beauty come from understanding (and honouring) our essence, not fighting it.This is a grounded and evidence-backed episode for anyone who wants to age well, feel empowered in their choices, and understand what’s really happening beneath the surface of their skin.How to connect with Dr Malik:https://www.instagram.com/drrabiamalik.official/https://drrabiamalik.com/To explore Dr Malik's range of skin products:https://doctorskincollagen.ae/

Struggling with a lower-ab pooch that won’t budge?Wondering if diastasis is still the reason your core feels weak?Thinking about a tummy tuck, but not sure if you actually need one?Before you go down the surgical rabbit hole, this episode walks you through the 5 essential steps every woman should take first.The ones that can dramatically change your core, your waistline, your healing, and keep you from a rather invasive procedure.We dive into:How to know if your abs exercises are actually helpingWhy protein, collagen, and bone broths matter more than you thinkHow gut health + inflammation make your belly look different overnightThe hormonal shifts that can mimic “belly fat” — even when you’re doing everything rightWhat lasers and radiofrequency can realistically do (and what they can’t)🎧 And if you’ve had a C-section or you’re preparing for a tummy tuck, you might want to listen to this episode:Tackling C-section overhang, Avoiding Surgery and Reclaiming Mobility with Scar Treatment Specialist Emma Hollyhttps://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/the-core-connect-podcast/id1766482868?i=1000672460863Have a wonderful week ahead ⭐

In this personal episode, Marianne shares why it's so important as regulated adults to connect with that wounded part of the self, as well as the transformative insights she's discovered along the way.Drawing from her own experiences, she explores how gentle, intentional work can bring healing and clarity.Marianne also shares three easy exercises you can start with, especially when relationships become triggers.She highlights 3 practical resources for listeners ready to begin their own inner child work:Katie Freiling – An inner child coach offering guidance and somatic exercises to reconnect with the self.https://www.instagram.com/katiefreiling/"Reconciliation" – A book by Thich Nhat Hahn teaching mindfulness and compassionate reflection as a way to nurture one’s younger selfhttps://www.amazon.com/Reconciliation-Healing-Thich-Nhat-Hanh/dp/1935209647Danielle LaPorte – Beautiful audio resources and guidance to lead life the heart-centred way.https://daniellelaporte.com/Whether just are just starting to explore your inner world or seeking practical tools for self-work, this episode is for you.🎧 If this episode supported your healing journey, you may also enjoy:Healing Attachment Wounds and IFS Therapy with Psychotherapist Luz Maria Villagras Surco2https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/the-core-connect-podcast/id1766482868?i=1000703956210

Did you know that cholesterol is actually good for you and your sex hormones?Or that you could control your fertility naturally?In this conversation with fertility educator and nutrition scientist Michelle Snyder, we explore how true cycle literacy goes far beyond contraception or conception.It’s about helping women reclaim their trust in their body.It's about re-balancing power in society.In this episode we talk about:How to track your cycle for conception and contraception purposesWhether apps help us connect or disconnect from our inner knowingThe toxicity of placing fertility efforts solely on women when partner health, environmental and spiritual factors come into playHow motherhood is an opportunity, not just a hinderance to self-knowledge and self-careThe one thing Michelle would change for the next generationResources:📚Deep Nutrition by Catherine Shanahan M.D.  here🔗 Join Michelle and Marianne on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-snyder444/https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariannetafani/Message Marianne on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/marianne.coreconnect/(Michelle is too cool a millennial to have an Instagram account 😂)🎧 If you liked this conversation, you may love this episode with menstrual health educator Chantal Blake:https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/the-core-connect-podcast/id1766482868?i=1000678559124

You’ve seen the word everywhere: Flexibility & Mobility, Hyrox & Mobility, Mobility Flow.But what does it actually mean?In this short solo episode, Marianne breaks it down for you: where the term comes from, how it fits into modern fitness, and why it’s so much more than stretching.You’ll learn:The real difference between mobility and flexibilityHow your nervous system plays a role in how you moveWhy mobility is the foundation for strength, posture, and pain-free livingWhy it should be a critical part of your physical routine if you want to get over chronic injuriesWhether you’re a Pilates enthusiast, runner, or just want to move with more ease, this episode will help you understand what your body’s been trying to tell you all along.Mobility is what keeps your body capable.It’s what makes strength usable.If you'd like to take a deeper and more technical dive into the topic, you can listen to this episode with Kevin Hendry: 🎧 Still in Pain? Discover Brain-Based Mobility with Osteopath Kevin Hendryhttps://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/the-core-connect-podcast/id1766482868?i=1000714756562Stay tuned with us as we get prepare your first RAD mobility workshop at the studio.www.coreconnectstudio.com

What do we say to parents who have suffered the unimaginable?How do we birth and parent after traumatic childhood events?Should we talk about baby loss and death with our children?All these questions Alana Gallini and Marianne explore in this poignant episode.Alana is a mother of three mini humans earthside who, in 2019, lost her firstborn. She recalls what it felt like, emotionally, logistically, and humanly, to discover her baby’s condition, make the decision to keep Grove from suffering, and go through a termination for medical reasons (TFMR) and stillbirth after 20 weeks’ gestation.It’s a conversation about love and loss that reminds us we don’t only grieve the past. We often grieve the future we, and our loved ones, were robbed of.If you are going through a TFMR, have experienced stillbirth or miscarriage, or simply wonder what it means to honour death with grace in a society that shushes it, this episode is for you.In loving remembrance, we dedicate it to Grove (26.06.2019 👼), beloved child of Alana and Florian Gallini.

If you’re pregnant, you may have been told:“Do 100 Kegels aday to prevent tearing during birth.”  But what if that advice was outdated—and could actually do more harm than good?In this episode, Marianne is busting the myths around pelvic floor training during pregnancy and shifting the focus to what truly prepares you for birth and optimises recovery.Overrecruiting your pelvic floor can lead to dysfunction—leaks, painful sex, hip pain, and even a more challenging birth experience. Instead of old-school practices, Marianne guides you through a more effective approach:🔹Squeeze less—More contractions don’t equal a stronger,more functional pelvic floor.🔹Learn to release—Use movement, breath, and imagery to restore balance and prepare for birth.🔹Strengthen surrounding muscles— And support the pelvic floor by training it functionally that is through full-body movements.Whether you're expecting or working with pregnant clients, this episode will help you rethink pelvic floor training and feel more empowered during this journey.——Marianne Tafani is a perinatal exercisespecialist who has trained over 2,100 new and expecting mothers. The advice in this episode is based on 10 years of clinical expertise, combined with the latest women’s health research and a deep understanding of functional anatomyand neuroanatomy. These educational tips are not a substitute for personalised medical guidance. For tailored support, consult a women’s health physiotherapist.——If you enjoyed this solo episode, you might enjoy listeningto:Prenatal Pilates vs. Prenatal Yoga:⁠https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/rTGeHj0YRQb⁠Should I train my abs during pregnancy?:⁠https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/Psozga3YRQb⁠Releasing Tension with the Sunflower Exercise:⁠https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/Cj062h3YRQb⁠Beyond Kegels: 3 Simple Pelvic Floor Exercises:⁠https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/70SFxb0YRQb

Welcome to the very first episode of The Core Clinic, a brand-new segment of the podcast where Marianne offers real-time guidance to people navigating pelvic floor dysfunction, diastasis recti, and other core concerns.In this episode, Marianne welcomes Zoe Davies, a 40-year-old mother of two and Pilates & yoga instructor trainee, who recently underwent reconstructive pelvic floor surgery. Together, they explore what her ideal postpartum care could have looked like 12 years ago, and what others can learn from Zoe's journey today.All mothers who have delivered vaginally, especially with the assistance of forceps, and those experiencing incontinence, heaviness, or prolapse symptoms will find practical, compassionate insights inside.This episode is a must-listen for anyone who has undergone pelvic floor surgery, is considering it, or wants to take conservative steps to support pelvic health before reaching that stage. ⏰ Timestamps02:09 – Zoe’s journey: from postpartum recovery to surgery11:02 – Discussing stages of prolapse 12:17 – The #1 risk factor for rectal prolapse16:17 – At-home pelvic floor release exercise (rear-end special)23:55 – Why “holding your pee” is outdated advice27:09 – Pelvic floor health, femininity, and sexual wellbeing➕More information🎙 To Practice Better Pelvic Floor Exercises:S1E19 Beyond Kegels: 3 Simple Pelvic Floor Episodeshttps://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/beyond-kegels-3-simple-pelvic-floor-exercises/id1766482868?i=1000674250480💌 Want to be next on the Core Clinic?If you don’t know where to start, have been told “it’s normal,” or are weighing your options and would like to get both personalised guidance and to help others through your story, we’d love to hear from you.📩 Contact Marianne at podcast@coreconnectstudio.com or send a message on Instagram.https://www.instagram.com/marianne.coreconnect/

In this episode, Marianne welcomes Ava Rodriguez, industry titan, fine educator, powerhouse of mobility and inspiring mother of two teenage daughters.Together, Ava and Marianne explore what it really takes to:Rise above industry trends and be recognised for your expertiseBalance raising a family with teaching and mentoring other instructorsBuild a method that truly changes livesBut beyond her credentials, this episode is about discovering Ava’s personality: her drive, her grounded approach, and the authenticity that makes her unforgettable.Here’s the exciting part: Ava is coming to Dubai soon for a workshop with Bodyhack. So if you’re looking to sharpen your skills, grow your brand, and be inspired by one of the best, this conversation is your perfect starting point.Connect with Ava: https://www.movebeyondwithava.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoolv47Y_NckYFunsgTY-H_V7Wn2BME2cvHOKD5SynXtvXgZ3cBMAva's Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/movebeyond.withava/🎧 And if you're a mobility fan, have a listen to this episode: Still in Pain? Discover Brain-Based Mobility with Osteopath Kevin Hendry. https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/still-in-pain-discover-brain-based-mobility-with/id1766482868?i=1000714756562

Too many new mothers are told to “just start doing Kegels” within days of birth.But this advice can do more harm than good. In this episode, Marianne breaks down the myths around pelvic floor recovery and offers a realistic, research-backed timeline for the first 3 months postpartum.Drawing on the work of leading expert Kari Bø and her own years of supporting 2,280 women, she explains why active recovery works in the early days postpartum in the same way active recovery works for athletes post-event. She suggests a timeline for isolated pelvic floor training that actually makes sense, and how to safely progress toward functional strength. Whether you’ve had a straightforward delivery or an instrumental one, this episode will give you clarity and confidence about what your body truly needs in these early months.02:34 – Phase 1 (0–6 Weeks): Why Your Pelvic Floor Needs Rest, Not Squeezes07:45 – Vaginal Resting Pressure: How It Changes in the First Year Postpartum10:25 – Phase 1 Tools: Activating and Loading the “Neighbours” (Deep Abs & Hips)12:43 – Phase 2 (6 Weeks+): When and How to Start Isolated Pelvic Floor Exercises15:30 – Phase 3 (10–12 Weeks+): Functional Prep for Lifting, Running & Daily Life-----🎧 If you are in phase 2, listen to S1E9:https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/the-core-connect-podcast/id1766482868?i=1000674250480🎧 You might also be interested in listening to:S1E17 Healing Your Pelvic Floor with Claire Sparrowhttps://podcasts.apple.com/fr/podcast/healing-your-pelvic-floor-with-claire-sparrow/id1766482868?i=1000681063526S1E23https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/the-core-connect-podcast/id1766482868?i=1000687380937📝 Dive Deeper with the article from Kari Bø et. al.: Recovery of Pelvic Floor Muscle Strength and Endurancehttps://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00192-022-05334-y?utm_source=chatgpt.com-----🔁 Don't forget to share this episode with friends and family who may find it useful. Your share makes a huge difference to how many women can access this information!To connect:https://www.instagram.com/marianne.coreconnect/?hl=fr

🤰Should Your Train Your Abs During Pregnancy?Can using them make diastasis recti worse? Could activating your core harm your baby in any way? 👉In this episode, Marianne breaks down the facts about abdominal training during pregnancy—what's safe, what’s beneficial, and what to avoid.The challenges to our abdominal wall during pregnancy go beyond just abdominal separation (diastasis recti).They also involve how our brain connects to these supportingtissues.Marianne uses two main analogies, the chewing-gum and the foreign language, to help you grasp these concepts and feel more at ease about training your deep abdominals during those 9 months!00:39 What is Diastasis Recti?02:03 Why Sit-Ups are not a Great Idea During Pregnancy 03:50 What are Core Reflexes? The “Brain-Stomach” Connection07:30 6-pack, Obliques, Deep Abs: Do we Train them All?12:47 No, Activating your Deep Abdominals Won’t Hurt your Baby Rather than focusing on surface-level strength, this episodeexplains why deep, stabilising, and reflexive core engagement matters more than ever during pregnancy.Next week, Marianne will cover Pelvic Floor Training duringPregnancy in a similar fashion so you leave with practical insights into what your core craves whilst you are expecting.——Marianne Tafani is a perinatal exercise specialist. She hastrained 2,100 new and expecting mothers to date. The advice provided in this episode is the result of years of clinical expertise confronted with existing women’s health research and knowledge of functional anatomy and neuroanatomy.These tips are not meant to replace an appointment with a women’s health physiotherapist for tailored and medical guidance.

We talk openly about ACL tears and their recovery protocols.But pelvic floor tears? That silence is costing women time, confidence, and long-term health.In this episode, Matt Marney, Pilates educator, personal trainer, meditation teacher, and founder of Wellness Education Dubai, interviews Marianne Tafani, women’s health advocate and creator of the Core Connect postnatal method and studio.Marianne shares the personal story that led to the creation of her postnatal courses.Together, they explore:Realistic timelines for postnatal recoveryThe role of Pilates in rebuilding strength and confidence after birthThe issues with common Pilates cues when it comes to pelvic floor healthWhy education, individualisation, and patience are essential to healingHow movement professionals can better support women during the vulnerable postpartum windowIf you're feeling lost about what steps to take after childbirth to return to exercise or are a practitioner working with postpartum clients, this conversation is filled with clarity, empathy, and practical tools.Connect with Matt on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/wellness_education_dubai/⁠Find out more about Matt's educational programmes: ⁠https://www.wellnesseducationdubai.com/about-me

Do you ever wish you could skip your period? Or wonder why your moods, energy, and focus seem to change throughout the month? What if you could use your cycle to enhance your sports performance, fertility, or even daily life?👀 In this episode, Marianne is joined by Chantal Blake, a menstrual health specialist, former nurse, environmental engineer, mother of three, and author of Peaceful Period. Chantal’s journey spans the globe—from New York City to Algeria, Oman, Yemen, and now Senegal—and her wisdom on the menstrual cycle is both deeply scientific and profoundly empowering.✨ There’s something primal and beautifully transformative about respecting and honoring your cycle.By understanding who you are at different phases—Day 1, Day 14, Day 21—you can connect with your body in ways that unlock your full power. Chantal helps us explore how to embrace the science of menstrual health while offering practical tips to reconnect with the innate wisdom of your body.With her soothing voice and actionable insights, Chantal guides us through the seasons of the cycle—winter, spring, summer, and fall—and shares practices that will help you harness the full potential of your body and mind.🎧 Here’s what you’ll discover in today’s episode:03:15 Chantal’s background: From NYC to med school and environmental engineering 10:32 Leaving a “good job” to move to Yemen in 200816:37 Turning personal loss into a career in menstrual health education20:45 The benefits of vaginal steaming for fertility22:40 Winter: 3 practices to honor your period25:38 Spring: Bonding, connecting, and reading the room31:18 Fall: Embracing the inner critic and using this phase to regroup 49:52 A heartwarming story: Chantal’s grandmother’s first period experience55:31 How fasting, spirituality, and your cycle intersectThis episode is a celebration of self-awareness and the magic of cycles. Get ready to unlock tools for personal empowerment and a deeper understanding of your body.Resources from the Episode📖 ⁠Order Chantal’s book ⁠⁠Peaceful Periods⁠📱 ⁠Connect with Chantal on Instagram⁠🎙️ ⁠Episode #2 with Dr. Aarti on fasting and your cycle⁠If you’re ready to embrace the full spectrum of who you are throughout your cycle, this episode is for you. Tune in and join us on this empowering journey!

Today’s episode is part of the special Studio Owner Series.In this episode, Marianne chats with Jill Harris, a powerhouse of creativity in the Pilates world. With 30 years in the industry, 25 years as a studio owner, and a gorgeous smile on social media, Jill’s impact is profound.Jill is also the visionary behind FitSprings, a piece of equipment developed over nearly a decade to support those with impairments or recovering from injuries, or simply those who like to feel lighter during fun workouts.You won’t want to miss this conversation. Jill shares the challenges she’s faced, including a recent traumatic attack in San Francisco that led to a shoulder injury. Jill is open, generous, resilient, and her insights are invaluable, especially for fellow entrepreneurs seeking inspiration and strength.Whether you’re a fitness professional, an entrepreneur, or someone on a health journey, this episode is packed with wisdom.----Discover the world of FitSprings here:⁠https://www.instagram.com/fitsprings/⁠Jill's Instagram page: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jillharrispilates/⁠

What does it really take to build strong bones and age well? In this episode, I sit down with Gemma Pearson, a clinical Pilates specialist and former dancer, who now runs a thriving practice supporting students with osteoporosis from her home in the South of France.But this conversation is about so much more than osteoporosis. It’s about the power of training your feet and shifting your mindset in the face of conditions and injuries. It's about redefining strength as we age. It's about lifestyle, the Reformer (and whether it's enough for bone health), and why your 1 Rep Max and core strength matter more than you think for balance and mobility.If you’re a woman with bones (which, let’s assume you are) and want to move well for life, this episode is for you!⏳ 02:21 Loss of Estrogen and At-Risk Populations🤰 03:31 Postpartum and Osteoporosis🩰 05:16 From Cruise Ships to Osteoporosis Pilates—Gemma’s Journey❌ 09:16 Old-School Contraindications (Are they still relevant?)🏋️ 16:15 3 Key Exercises for Osteoporosis Clients🚶‍♀️ 21:05 The Dreaded Lunge & Why Strike Matters🦶 26:45 Why You Should Train Barefoot👣 32:47 Longevity Tip: Keeping Your Big Toe Strong!💪 37:53 Strength Training & the 1 Rep Max🏋️‍♂️ 42:10 Barbells and Osteoporosis—A No-Go?🌀 44:44 Strength Training: Is the Reformer Enough?Find Gemma at ⁠https://www.osteoporosispilates.com⁠ oron Instagram at  ⁠https://www.instagram.com/osteoporosis.pilates⁠🎧 If you enjoyed this episode, check out:Heba AbdelGawad on Understanding Pain and NeuroPilates ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/the-core-connect-podcast/id1766482868?i=1000673395437⁠Erik Korem on Sleep, Fitness and Modern Parenting  ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/the-core-connect-podcast/id1766482868?i=1000675162281

Have you heard of vaginal steaming? This ancient practice is making a comeback for a reason—it can help with chronic infections, heavy periods, birth preparation, postpartum healing, and even reconnecting with your inner wisdom 🧘‍♀️Our guest this week bridges the gap between tradition and modern self-care: Liberty Gerderloos is a menstrual cycle specialist known for creating powerful steaming blends that help women master their cycles, free themselves from infections, and recover faster postnatally.In this episode, Liberty shares: 02:12 How growing up in a natural community in Montana led her to the “steam path”13:50 How to use steaming for birth preparation (after 37 weeks)21:09 Why steaming can help with placenta release postpartum23:12 The many benefits of a 30-day postpartum steaming streak 30:22 How it supports pH balance and reduces infection risks31:45 The key factor to address if you struggle with chronic infections 35:18 The best herbs and blends to use for different needsIf you enjoyed this conversation, check out Episode 14 with  Chantal Blake on unlocking the power of your menstrual cycle: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/the-core-connect-podcast/id1766482868?i=1000678559124⁠🔗 Order Liberty’s steaming chair and blends online: ⁠https://www.sheisliberty.com⁠📲 For personalised consultations & blends, connect with Liberty: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/sheisliberty/?hl=fr⁠And don't forget to share this episode if you found it useful and feel called to 🙏 It makes a huge difference to the number of women who may be in pain and could benefit from this information.

No. You probably don’t need that tummy tuck. You definitely don’t need intimate wipes, creams, or whiteners. And you may not even need the IVF treatment you’ve been offered.My guest today, Dr. Gael Abou Ghannam, is an Obstetrics, Gynecology, and fertility specialist who tackles these uncomfortable, often taboo, topics head-on.Trained in Lebanon and Belgium with a specialization in fertility preservation for cancer patients, Dr. Gael has become one of the leading voices for women’s health in the Middle East—a renowned researcher, podcaster, and brilliant obstetrician.In this episode, we dive deep into fertility myths, IVF alternatives, the widespread issue of vaginismus (particularly in the Middle East), the allure and danger of quick fixes, and how pain is too often normalised for women.Dr. Gael also shares how her personal fertility journey transformed her approach to care, making her a more compassionate and holistic doctor.We hope this conversation empowers and inspires you to make informed lifestyle choices that support your health.03:00 - From psychiatry to obstetrics – How Dr Gael fell in love with obstetrics!07:15 - Dr Gael’s IVF journey and some insightful statistics.14:18 - Why unindicated IVF treatments are so common.17:56 - How experiencing IVF made Dr Gael a better doctor. 19:13 - Common side effects of IVF: fatigue, psychological pressure, weight gain,inhibited muscles.22:35 - Vaginismus: what it is, cultural education and taboos.25:48 - Steps to healing vaginismus.27:40 - What pain is and how it gets normalised for women. 32: 10 - A conversation on C-sections.33:30 - The critical role of lifestyle choices for fertility.37:43 - Hygiene vs. the rise of toxic vaginal products in the Middle East.39:38 – Our thoughts on tummy tucks, “mummy make-overs” and quick fixes.Dr. Gael’s Instagram page [⁠https://www.instagram.com/dr.gael/⁠]Sirat Om: [⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/sirat-om-%D8%B3%D9%8A%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D8%A3%D9%85/id1567583278⁠– The first podcast in Arabic to offer stories of unfiltered motherhood. Metle Metlik: [⁠https://metlemetlik.com/en/homepage-english/⁠] – A digital education platform co-founded by Dr. Gael, focused on women's reproductive health and sexual education.Don’t forget to share this episode if you found it helpful or if our voices resonatedwith you !

Fatigue, Hair Loss, Poor Concentration—Could You Be Iron Deficient?Did you know that iron deficiency can develop years before anemia sets in? Or that you'd need anywhere between 8 to 30 kilograms of spinach just to meet your recommended daily iron intake?In this episode, Dr. Dheeraj Khiatani, a Singapore-based General Practitioner and one of Asia's leading experts on iron deficiency, joins Marianne to discuss the essentials of iron absorption and iron loss. Together, they explore:The demographics, dietary habits, and cultural factors that make iron deficiency so common.Why many women go undiagnosed despite suffering from its effects.The benefits of iron infusions for women with ferritin levels under 30ng/ml.Dr. Dheeraj and Marianne also reflect on their personal journeys into this area of nutrition, unpacking the health and financial costs of iron deficiency and its often-overlooked impact on women, notably those of reproductive age, endurance athletes, or women with inflammatory gut conditions.If you're feeling chronically fatigued, or if your ferritin levels are low, this episode is a must-listen!Timestamps:09:56 Iron Infusions vs. Iron Supplements16:30 Coffee, Tea, Milk & Vitamin C: How They Impact Iron Absorption19:45 Heavy Menses? Why You’d Need 10 Steaks Daily to Compensate for Iron Loss24:32 Underdiagnosed: Are We Conditioned to Accept Women Being Chronically Tired?26:46 The Risks of Iron Deficiency to New Mothers and Babies32:57 Why Endurance Athletes Are at Risk37:10 Iron Deficiency in Men: A Potential Red Flag39:30 The 4 Nutrients You Must Screen for Yearly💡 Postpartum? Feeling fatigued?You might also enjoy the episode featuring Dr. Labib, where we dive into clean living, addressing nutritional deficiencies, and actionable tips for thriving in the fourth trimester.⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/the-core-connect-podcast/id1766482868?i=1000677725847