Women's Wellness Authority

What if the leaking, urgency, dryness, painful sex, or heaviness you’ve started noticing in your 40s or 50s isn’t just aging—but a sign your pelvic floor needs support?In this episode, Diana sits down with pelvic floor specialist Khyati (Cathy) Merchant, PT, founder of Lotus Physical Therapy and Pelvic Health, to break down how perimenopause and menopause impact your pelvic floor, core, posture, and emotional health.They talk about:How estrogen changes affect your vaginal tissues, bladder, and support musclesWhy symptoms can feel like recurrent UTIs—even when tests come back “negative”The emotional and nervous system connection to pelvic pain and tensionHow posture, TMJ, and whole-body movement tie into pelvic floor functionPractical ways to support your pelvic floor in this stage of life, from moisturizers and lubrication to movement, breath, and pelvic PTWhy getting a pelvic floor “baseline” in your 30s, postpartum, and again in perimenopause can be a game-changerIf you’ve ever felt dismissed or told “that’s just what happens as you get older,” this conversation will remind you: you don’t have to suffer through this alone—and you do have options.Guest: @lotusptph Host: @womenswellnessauthorityEducational only. Not medical advice. Please consult your own provider.

Pelvic floor specialist Khyati Merchant, PT joins Diana to unpack what every woman deserves to know about her pelvic floor—during pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond.We talk about early signs to watch for, why leaking or pelvic pressure isn’t “just part of motherhood,” the nervous system connection, and simple breathing and movement strategies you can start today. Khyati also shares how pelvic floor dysfunction can impact long-term health if left untreated—and why pelvic PT should be part of routine care for women.Empowering, compassionate, and loaded with clarity, this episode is a must-listen for every woman at every stage.Connect with Khyati: lotuspth.com | @lotusptphConnect with Diana: @womenswellnessauthority

If you’ve ever felt bloated, foggy, anxious, or exhausted—and kept hearing “your labs look normal”—this episode is the clarity you’ve been searching for.Functional nutrition expert Dr. Kate Ricciardi joins me to break down what your gut is really trying to tell you. From childhood antibiotics and acne to IBS, constipation, skin issues, and chronic inflammation, we unpack how gut dysfunction shows up in the body and what to do about it.We talk about: Why bloating happens The gut-brain connection How your gut impacts hormones, mood & immunity What leaky gut is What your poop says about your health The truth about probiotics & prebiotics • Foods that support a strong gut The role of functional testing A roadmap for healing without the guessworkYour symptoms are not random—they’re messages. And understanding your gut may be the key to feeling like yourself again.#womenswellnessauthority, #guthealth, #microbiome, #bloatingrelief, #functionalnutrition, #gutbrainconnection, #womenshealthpodcast, #holistichealthforwomen, #ibsrelief, #healyourgut

Feeling exhausted, irritable, and stuck with weight that won’t budge—even though your labs are “normal”? You’re not alone.In this episode of Women’s Wellness Authority, I sit down with Lindsey Clements, a functional nutrition and lifestyle coach and U.S. military veteran, who helps women decode what their bodies are trying to say through symptoms, labs, and daily habits.We talk about:The blood work women should be asking for (beyond the basic panel)Why “common” symptoms like brain fog and burnout are not the same as “normal”How thyroid function, insulin resistance, vitamin D, iron, and cortisol tie into energy and weightThe hidden impact of under-eating, skipping meals, and pushing harder in workoutsWhy strength training and muscle matter so much in your 30s, 40s, and beyondA balanced look at GLP-1 medications, like Ozempic, and how to use them as a tool—not a quick fix. Lindsey’s philosophy is all about sustainable change, self-advocacy, and doing less, not more. If you’ve had a feeling that something is “off” in your body, this episode will help you feel informed, validated, and empowered to take the next step.Follow Lindsey @coachlindsayclements#womenswellness, #hormonehealth, #functionalnutrition, #metabolismhealth, #womenshealthover30, #womenshealthover40, #insulinresistance, #thyroidhealth, #strengthtrainingforwomen, #womenswellnessauthority, #brainfog, #burnoutrecovery, #glp1, #holistichealth, #fitforher

Feeling overstimulated, exhausted, or craving calm? 🫁 In this powerful episode, Melissa Anderson, RN, shares how somatic breathwork can help women release stress, regulate their nervous systems, and reconnect with their feminine energy.Learn how breath can restore balance between the doing (masculine) and being (feminine), why women are 5x more sensitive to stress, and how a 3-minute daily breathwork practice can change everything—starting today.🌬️ Take a breath, slow down, and come home to yourself—one inhale at a time.Melissa Anderson, RN, is an Energy and Breathwork Coach who helps women regulate their nervous systems, release stress, and reconnect with their feminine energy through somatic breathwork. After years in traditional nursing, Melissa discovered the power of the breath as a pathway to healing, safety, and self-connection. Today she guides women to “find home within” through simple daily practices that restore calm, balance, and inner peace.📲 Connect: @essentialwellnessbymelissa🌐 Linktree

The moon mirrors our own cycles of reflection, release, and renewal—and when we tune into that rhythm, everything shifts. 🌙 In this episode, host Diana Ruszkowski welcomes back Reiki practitioner Lori Ogden to explore how moon phases and Reiki energy work together to support emotional balance and self-awareness.Learn simple lunar rituals, journal prompts, and grounding breath practices, then experience a guided distance Reiki session you can replay anytime for calm and clarity.#reikihealing, #mooncycles, #energyhealing, #womenswellness, #holistichealth

What if the “clean” products in your bathroom weren’t as safe as you think? In this empowering conversation, pharmacist Amy Enos joins host Diana Ruszkowski to uncover the truth about hidden toxins in personal-care and cleaning products—and how to make simple, stress-free swaps that actually protect your health.After losing her mother to stage 4 kidney cancer, Amy made it her life’s mission to educate people about the ingredients hiding in our everyday products. Her personal story fuels a professional passion for transparency, awareness, and empowerment.Learn how to spot greenwashing, why the word “fragrance” is a red flag, and which ingredients are quietly disrupting your hormones. Amy also shares her no-shame approach to building a low-tox lifestyle one product at a time—because progress, not perfection, is what truly creates change.🎧 Topics include:Why the personal-care industry is so under-regulated30 ingredients to avoid (and why “-eth” endings matter)How fragrance loopholes hide thousands of chemicalsThe power of small, consistent swaps for long-term health✨ Connect with Amy: @lowtoxpharmacist | lowtoxpharmacists.comDiana's Favorites from Young Living: https://bit.ly/DianasYLFavorites Amy's Favorite Products: https://purehavennontox.com/?share=womenswellnessauthority #lowtoxlifestyle, #womenswellnessauthority, #wellnesspodcast, #holistichealth, #cleanbeauty

What if the thing you’ve been told creates success—stress—is actually what’s holding you back? In this conversation, Erin Wallen, Stress Freedom Coach and I break down the science of the nervous system and why “busy” isn’t a badge of honor. You’ll learn simple, evidence-based practices that help you trade hustle for ease—without sacrificing ambition.In this episodeThe real cost of living in fight/flight (and why 80% of women feel it daily)The mental, emotional, and physical signs of stress you might be ignoringThe 4 Patterns of Ease and how to practice them in minutes a dayTools you can use right away: body scans, the physiological sigh, evidence journalingWhy ease turns your prefrontal cortex back on (clarity, creativity, executive function)Community regulation: why we heal faster togetherHow less stress → more success (performance bell curve explained)Try this todayWhile brushing your teeth, do a 30-second body scan. Name where you feel tension.Do 2–3 rounds of the physiological sigh (inhale, top-off inhale, long exhale).Start an evidence journal: jot one small win that flowed when you chose ease.Connect with ErinInstagram: @joybyerinEmail: erin@erinwallencoaching.comFree group: The Gratitude Collective (100-day prompts & weekly giveaways)Program: The Power of Ease (6-week foundations + lifetime quarterly coaching)Share & review If this episode resonated, share it with a friend and leave a 5-star review—it helps other women find the show #womenswellnessauthority, #stressfreedom, #nervoussystem, #easeoverhustle, #burnoutrecovery, #highachievingwomen, #momentrepreneur, #mindbodyhealth, #physiologicalsigh, #bodyscan, #gratitudepractice, #successmindset, #holistichealing, #selfregulation, #mentalhealth

Is cancer in your family? Genetic testing can feel overwhelming, but it can also bring clarity, peace of mind, and even life-saving options. In this episode of Women’s Wellness Authority, host Diana Ruszkowski talks with genetic counselor Rio Stenner about hereditary cancer, genetic testing myths, and how one person’s results can impact an entire family. Together, they explore what genetic counseling really is, why it matters, and how knowledge empowers women to make confident health decisions.Resources: 🔗 Connect with Rio: https://www.lakewyliegenetics.com/ ✨ If this episode inspired you, share it with a friend and subscribe so you never miss what’s next.#genetictesting, #geneticcounseling, #hereditarycancer, #womenshealth, #cancerprevention, #dna, #familyhealth, #womenswellness, #healthadvocacy, #wellnesstips

Fertility is more than a numbers game. In this episode of Women’s Wellness Authority, I sit down with Dr. Katie Wood, pharmacist and holistic fertility practitioner, to talk about the real factors that shape fertility—and the hope that comes with understanding your body.We cover: • Why your menstrual cycle is your “fifth vital sign” • How stress, nutrition, and toxins impact fertility • Common myths about age, PCOS, and AMH • The overlooked role of male fertility • How emotional healing and energy play a part in conceptionThis is a must-listen for any woman who wants to feel more empowered about her reproductive health—whether you’re trying to conceive today or simply preparing for the future.🔗 Connect with Dr. Katie Wood: Instagram @the_wellness_pharmacist orHer Website at https://happynourishedmotherhood.com/ 🎧 Listen to her podcast: Finally Get Pregnant Naturally 📌 Related Resource: Episode 131 – The #1 Mistake Women Make When Tracking Their Fertile Window https://finallygetpregnantnaturally.captivate.fm/listen#fertilityjourney, #womenswellness, #naturalfertility, #holistichealth, #mindbodyspirit, #cyclehealth, #consciousconception, #rootcausehealing, #fertilitysupport, #hormonehealth, #wombhealing, #wellnessauthority

Have you ever wondered why your mind says one thing but your body knows another? That’s where Human Design comes in—a powerful system that blends astrology, chakras, and energy mapping to show you how you’re uniquely wired.In this episode of Women’s Wellness Authority, Diana sits down with Christina Rothstein, M.S. Ed., educator, literacy coach, and Human Design practitioner, for a deep dive into the basics of Human Design. Christina explains what a body graph is, the difference between types, strategy, and authority, and why this framework is different from personality tests like Myers-Briggs or Enneagram.You’ll also hear Christina give Diana a live Human Design reading—revealing her type as a Generator with Sacral Authority and unpacking what that means for decision-making, energy flow, and leadership. Along the way, they explore how Human Design can transform parenting, relationships, and even business.If you’ve been curious about Human Design—or just want clarity on how to live more in alignment—this conversation is an empowering place to start.🎧 Tune in to learn:What Human Design is (and how it works)Why understanding your design is important The difference between defined and undefined centersHow to use your unique chart for parenting and partnershipsThe power of living by what truly lights you up💡 Ready to explore your own chart? Christina is offering listeners $50 off a Human Design reading at evergreenandwell.com.Follow Christina at:https://www.instagram.com/christina.rothstein/https://www.instagram.com/evergreen.and.well/ Christina Rothstein, M.S. Ed. is a literacy specialist and executive function coach with over 20 years of experience supporting children and adolescents. She began her career at the Landmark School in Massachusetts, later working in both private and public schools, and now helps students and families through personalized interventions and advocacy. Christina is passionate about bridging the gap between language and literacy, fostering growth through compassionate curiosity, and sharing her love for natural living and mindset work.#humandesign, #humandesignchart, #humandesignreading, #generatortype, #sacralauthority, #definedcenters, #selfdiscovery, #authenticself, #alignmentjourney, #mindbodyconnection, #wellnesspodcast, #personalgrowth, #innerwisdom, #selfawareness, #energyalignment

In this deeply personal episode, host Diana Ruszkowski sits down with her mother, Janet Pawul, to share a 37-year journey that began with a healthy newborn who quickly faced complex health challenges—and a mom who refused to be dismissed. Without the internet or online support, Janet followed her gut, asked hard questions, and built a care team that included chiropractic, naturopathy, reflexology, and energy work. The path transformed not only her son, Tim, but Janet herself—leading to 17 years of work in holistic healing and a legacy that shaped Diana’s mission today.In this episode, you’ll hear:What “trusting your intuition” looked like in real time—when answers were scarceThe turning points that shifted Janet from conventional-only to integrative careHow community, faith, and resilience carried a family through uncertaintyWhy no single modality works for everyone—and what it means to keep seekingPractical encouragement for mothers advocating for their children today#warriormom, #womenswellnessauthority, #podcast, #womenshealth, #holistichealth, #motherhood, #healingjourney, #resilience, #faith, #mothersintuition, #advocacy, #familyhealth, #naturalwellness, #mindbodyspirit, #integrativehealth

Ready for the solutions? In Part 2 of my conversation with Dawn Strength, certified integrative nutrition health coach, we move beyond why your body feels different into how to support it naturally.We cover: ✅ The discovery & repair phases for gut healing ✅ How to identify and remove inflammatory foods ✅ Supplements & foods that support gut lining and hormone balance ✅ Nutritional guidelines for protein, healthy fats, and carbs ✅ How cycle syncing and metabolic flexibility can help you feel energized againIf you’re ready to shift from frustration to empowerment, this episode will give you the practical tools you need to feel like yourself again.Dawn Strengths Bio: Dawn Strength is a Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach (INHC) with over four years of experience guiding clients to transform their health using a personalized, root-cause approach. With a background in science and sustainability—holding both a B.S. in Environmental Studies and an M.S. in Sustainability from Slippery Rock University—Dawn blends evidence-based strategies with holistic, lifestyle-centered care. Dawn currently works at Freedom Integrative Wellness, a Functional and Integrative Medicine Clinic in Fort Mill where she is the Health Coach. She also is a board member for ReSET, an organization that empowers youth to recognize, manage, and grow through mental health challenges.Her journey into health coaching was deeply personal. After autoimmune and gut health challenges abruptly ended her collegiate soccer career, Dawn became passionate about the healing power of food, mindset, and nervous system regulation. Today, she helps clients uncover and address the root causes of chronic symptoms through a unique approach that integrates functional nutrition, movement, stress resilience, and whole-person support.Before coaching, Dawn spent over a decade in corporate sustainability and green building design, with a focus on non-toxic living and indoor environmental health—perspectives that still influence her work.Dawn lives in Fort Mill, South Carolina, with her husband, two sons, and their dog. Outside of coaching, you’ll find her hiking, practicing yoga, gardening, or cheering at flag football and ninja warrior competitions.Dawn is passionate about helping others reclaim vibrant health from the inside out—one sustainable habit at a time.Follow Dawn:InstagramLinkedIn

Are you feeling frustrated with stubborn weight gain, cravings, fatigue, or mood swings—even though you’re “doing all the right things”? You’re not alone.In this first part of my conversation with Dawn Strength, certified integrative nutrition health coach, we unpack what’s really happening in perimenopause and beyond, including:How estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone shift over time What cortisol really does to your body under stress How insulin resistance affects your metabolism and fat storage Why the same workouts and diets no longer give the same resultsYour body isn’t working against you—it’s just asking for a new kind of support. Start here to understand the why behind the changes you’re feeling, and in Episode 10 which releases August 13, we’ll dive into the how to feel better again.

What does it really mean to manifest the life you desire—and how do you start? In this inspiring episode of Women’s Wellness Authority, Diana sits down with life coach and educator Katy Kerschner to talk about the courage it takes to ask for more, live unapologetically, and align with your true path. Together, they unpack the power of mindset, the importance of community, and why small intentional steps can spark big transformation.Katy shares her journey from classroom teacher to holistic coach, and Diana reflects on her own leap into a life more aligned with family, freedom, and purpose. Whether you’re ready for a career shift, personal growth, or a spiritual reset, this episode reminds you that the life you’re dreaming of isn’t just possible—it’s already calling you forward.#manifestation, #mindset, #womenswellness, #lifecoach, #spiritualgrowth, #intuitivehealing, #personaldevelopment, #transformationjourneyKaty Kerschner Bio: Katy Kerschner is the founder of Harmony. Balance. Wellness. She is a proud mother, wellness practitioner, public schools educator, yoga instructor, life coach, retreat host, global activist and nutritional guide. She holds a 200 hour teaching certificate from Saraswati’s Yoga Joint, a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a Minor in dance, Master’s Degree in Education and is certified in Reiki, Raindrop Technique, Applied Vitaflex and Emotional Release.A word from Katy about her love of yoga and healing:“Since I was 16, yoga and movement have been what keep me healthiest; physically, mentally, and spiritually, and the more I connect with people, the greater my passion is to give the gift of wellness to others. My personal yoga and wellness practices have been my guide throughout my adult life, as I explore a myriad of healing modalities to best serve my clients, physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally.”How to access Katy: https://www.instagram.com/katy.kerschner/

What happens when the kids are grown, the house is quiet, and you're no longer sure who you are beyond the roles you've always played? In this heartfelt episode of Women’s Wellness Authority, host Diana Ruszkowski sits down with Kimberly Jarboe, a former educator and stay-at-home mom who completely reinvented herself at 50—becoming a thriving real estate professional after decades of prioritizing everyone but herself.Together, they explore the emotional reality of empty nesting, identity shifts, fear of starting over, and what it really takes to step into your next chapter. Kimberly shares how she moved through doubt, isolation, and the “messy middle” to rediscover her voice, passion, and power—and how her story can inspire yours.If you've ever wondered, “Now what?”—this episode is for you. Reinvention doesn’t have a deadline. It just takes one brave step.#emptynest, #womenswellness, #midlifetransformation, #reinvention, #selfdiscovery, #healingjourney, #motherhoodidentity, #startover

In this heartfelt episode of Women’s Wellness Authority, host Diana Ruszkowski welcomes maternal wellness advocate and founder of Nest and Nurture, Mila Brady, to talk about the often-overlooked reality of postpartum care. Together, they explore what it really takes to thrive in the early stages of motherhood—beyond the baby shower and birth plan.Mila shares her personal postpartum journey during the pandemic and how it inspired her to create community-centered support for new moms. From postpartum rage to emotional planning, nutrition, and building your village, this episode is an empowering reminder: you matter too. Whether you're a first-time mom or juggling multiple children, it's never too late to prioritize your healing, rest, and support.👉 If you’ve ever felt unseen or overwhelmed in your motherhood journey, this conversation will leave you feeling supported, validated, and not so alone.#motherhoodsupport, #postpartumhealing, #maternalhealth, #momlife, #youmattertoo, #postpartumplanning, #mentalhealthformoms, #nestandnurture

In this eye-opening episode of Women's Wellness Authority, I’m joined by Gaye Walden, a certified holistic health coach and founder of Holistic Breast Health in Charlotte, NC. We explore what every woman deserves to know about breast health—beyond the mammogram.Gaye breaks down the difference between mammograms, ultrasounds, MRIs, and the often-overlooked thermography—a radiation-free, FDA-registered screening that offers a proactive, inflammation-focused view of breast health. You’ll learn how dense breast tissue affects screening accuracy, how the lymphatic system plays a critical role in detoxification, and why lifestyle choices like bra type, movement, and product ingredients matter more than you think.This episode is packed with insights for women who want to take charge of their health—not just react to it. If you've ever felt confused or disempowered about your screening options, this conversation will leave you informed, inspired, and ready to advocate for your body.Bonus: Gaye shares actionable tips you can implement today to reduce inflammation and support long-term breast wellness—naturally.👇 Resources & links mentioned in this episode are in the description below.How to Reach Gaye: https://holisticbreasthealth.com/https://www.facebook.com/share/1C321qNdFE/?mibextid=wwXIfr https://www.instagram.com/gayewalden?igsh=YjVybjcyNHhydXJnNational Ultrasound Organization: https://www.herscan.com/ #thermography, #breasthealth, #densebreasts, #functionalmedicine, #womenswellness, #lymphatichealth, #inflammation, #preventivecare #thermography, #breasthealth, #densebreasts, #functionalmedicine, #womenswellness, #lymphatichealth, #inflammation, #preventivecare, #holistichealing, #naturalhealth, #womenshealth, #proactivewellness, #selfadvocacy, #radiationfree, #estrogendominance, #hormonebalance, #detoxsupport, #breastthermography, #integrativehealth, #lymphaticsystem

Could mold be the root cause of your mysterious symptoms? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Diana Stafford, a board-certified MD and mold-literate functional medicine doctor, to explore how mold exposure silently disrupts your health. From fatigue, brain fog, and hormone imbalances to gut issues and chronic inflammation, we unpack why mold is often misdiagnosed or overlooked in conventional medicine.If you’ve ever felt dismissed by doctors or frustrated by unexplained health issues, this episode may finally help you connect the dots.You’ll learn:What mold really is and where it hidesCommon symptoms of mold toxicity and colonizationWhy mold affects people differentlyMold MythsTesting strategies for your home and your bodyDr. Stafford’s 4-phase mold detox protocolHow to protect yourself and your family from mold exposureDiana Stafford, MDDiana Stafford, MD is a Board-Certified Physician and a member of the ISEAI (International Society for Environmentally Acquired Illness) who has been in practice for 10 years.​She completed her medical training at University of Virginia School of Medicine and residency in Washington, DC. She works with patients in an Integrative/Functional Medicine approach to achieve optimal health.​She is also a Mold-Literate Practitioner who treats mold-related illnesses and other health issues related to environmental exposures. Dr. Diana believes that analyzing the root cause of health problems, not just adding another prescription to briefly allay the symptoms, is the true path to health and wellness. Resources: Connect with Dr. Diana on Social Media:https://www.facebook.com/thedetoxdocmd/ https://www.instagram.com/thedetoxdoc_/ https://www.youtube.com/@thedetoxdoc https://www.tiktok.com/@thedetoxdoc https://www.linkedin.com/in/thedetoxdoc/ Website: https://www.doctorstafford.com/ Books Published: Conquering MoldCandida Detox: A Doctor's Guide to Cleansing Candida and Restoring Your Health The Inner Journey: An Overview of Human Digestion, Diagnosing Abnormal Function, and Restoring Balance Plant-Based Non Toxic Cleaner: https://www.youngliving.com/us/en/myaccount/wishlist?listId=66b796f2ea394f000a7765cf&enrollerId=16077796&sponsorId=16077796&userName=Diana#moldtoxicity #moldillness #chronicinflammation #functionalmedicine #toxichealth #brainfogrelief #holistichealing #gutbrainconnection #womenshealthpodcast #rootcausemedicine #detoxprotocol #healyourhome

In this heartfelt and healing episode of Women's Wellness Authority, Diana sits down with her best friend and Reiki Master Teacher, Lori Ogden. Together, they explore the power of Reiki—what it is, how it works, and why it's so much more than “just energy work.”Lori shares her personal path to becoming a Reiki healer, how energy can be channeled both in-person and at a distance, and why Reiki is like “a massage for your soul.” They also debunk common misconceptions and talk about how energy healing can support deep emotional and physical balance.💫 Special Feature: Lori closes the episode with a calming, guided grounding meditation infused with distance Reiki—so find a quiet space and get ready to relax.Whether you're Reiki-curious or already on your spiritual path, this episode invites you to experience healing from the inside out.#reikihealing, #energyhealing, #guidedmeditation, #groundingpractice, #womenswellnesspodcast, #mindbodybalance, #spiritualselfcare, #holistichealingjourney