Is it a postpartum night sweat, or a perimenopausal one? As more women enter motherhood later in life, postpartum and perimenopause are beginning to overlap in ways no one prepared us for. In this episode of the WTF Series, Ob/Gyn Dr. Stephanie Hack and maternal mental health specialist Dr. Nicole Kumi unpack the physical, emotional, and identity-shifting symptoms that arise when these two transitions collide. If you've found yourself asking the quiet question of “What is happening to me?”, this conversation brings is for you!
When a celebrity mom makes an honest comment about marriage or motherhood and the internet erupts, it often reveals more about us than about her. In this episode of the WTF Series, Dr. Stephanie Hack, board-certified Ob/Gyn and women’s health advocate, joins forces with Dr. Nicole Kumi, maternal mental health specialist and founder of The Whole Mom, to unpack why women’s truths about identity still spark outrage.Together, they explore the deeper, unspoken reality behind the headlines: how motherhood reshapes who we are, why so many women feel disconnected from the person they once knew, and what it takes to reclaim yourself in a world that expects mothers to be grateful, silent, and unchanged.This is a conversation about identity, honesty, and the permission to evolve- without apology.
Why do we ignore the bladder… until the exact moment it refuses to be ignored? In this pre-Thanksgiving episode, Dr. Stephanie Hack is joined by expert urogynecologist Dr. Charelle Carter-Brooks to break down the bladder symptoms that sneak up on women during perimenopause, postpartum, and the busy midlife years. They talk urgency, leaks, “mom jumps,” nighttime peeing, and the pelvic floor habits we were never taught — including the surprising thing most women do on the toilet that actually makes their symptoms worse. If you’ve ever wondered, “Is this normal?” this episode is your clarity.
You’ve done the meal prep, the steps, the Peloton rides after bedtime stories—yet the scale is not "scaling". Now everybody from your group chat to Serena Williams is talking about “the shot.” In this episode, Dr. Stephane Hack, MD, MPH, breaks down GLP-1 medications (like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound) in plain language: what they are, how they work, who they’re really for, and what risks often get glossed over. We’ll talk motherhood, metabolism, perimenopause, endometriosis, fertility, and the pressure to “snap back". Whether you’re a busy professional juggling work, marriage, kids, or just trying to feel at home in your own body again, this conversation is your judgment-free zone to get informed before you decide what’s next for your body.
What starts as a conversation about Tylenol and the latest headlines quickly unfolds into something deeper: mom guilt, medical fear, the weight of responsibility, and what it really means to trust yourself. But this isn’t a heavy lecture—it’s a real, relatable conversation between Dr. Stephanie Hack, MD, MPH, and Dr. Nicole Kumi, PhD, PMH-C, two women, moms, wives, and entrepreneurs sharing the journey we’re all navigating. From raising sons to second-guessing ourselves, we’re talking about the messy, meaningful parts of womanhood with honesty, curiosity, and a little laughter too.
Is Tylenol safe to take while pregnant? In this must-listen episode, Dr. Stephanie Hack, MD, MPH, breaks down the headlines, the science, and what it actually means for pregnancy. Without fear tactics. She gives straight talk, simplified facts, and guidance you can trust. Whether you're expecting, TTC, or just trying to stay informed, this episode helps you make empowered choices- with clarity and calm.References:https://www.whitehouse.gov/articles/2025/09/fact-evidence-suggests-link-between-acetaminophen-autism/https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/ss/ss7402a1.htm?s_cid=ss7402a1_whttps://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/practice-advisory/articles/2025/09/acetaminophen-use-in-pregnancy-and-neurodevelopmental-outcomesStudies:https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2817406?fbclid=IwY2xjawM_pVhleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFnWjJZZ0hMM1JtZEZTbUhyAR5VZwvrkbEtF3B10i6nn4fkdjy35FXCatZssr6o1-YYf96hQmU0D967qmJZEg_aem_ik9OMU65yb45QQo1Ipe67Qhttps://hsph.harvard.edu/news/using-acetaminophen-during-pregnancy-may-increase-childrens-autism-and-adhd-risk/
We’re closing out the season with a bang (and a few brain-busters)! In this interactive episode, Dr. Hack is testing what you think you know about your body (and you do know a lot). From vulvas and vaginas to breasts and beyond, we’re serving up a mix of surprising truths, stubborn myths, and eye-opening facts that even the most well-informed listeners might second guess. Play along, challenge your own knowledge, and walk away feeling even more empowered and informed about your health.
Is your hair trying to tell you something?In this episode, Dr. Stephanie Hack, MD, MPH sits down with Dr. Isfahan Chambers-Harris—biomedical scientist, trichologist, and founder of Alodia Hair Care—to explore the deep connection between healthy hair and overall wellness. They break down the science behind breakage, thinning, and scalp inflammation, while also uncovering how common hair products may be silently impacting your health. Rooted in research and cultural relevance, this conversation offers practical, holistic steps to help you care for your hair—and your body—from the inside out.If you're ready to reclaim your health from root to tip, this episode is a must-listen.
Mood swings, brain fog, and burnout? It might not just be stress—it could be perimenopause. In this episode, Dr. Stephanie Hack, MD, MPH explores the connection between hormonal changes and depression during the menopausal transition. Backed by clinical evidence and national research studies, she breaks down why this critical phase is so often misunderstood, how to recognize real warning signs, and what steps you can take to protect your mental health. Because yes—healthcare is self-care, and knowledge is power.References:1. Kessler RC, McGonagle KA, Zhao S et al. Lifetime and 12-month prevalence of DSM-III-R psychiatric disorders in the United States. Arch Gen Psychiatry 1994;51:8–19. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]2. Freeman EW, Sammel MD, Liu L, Gracia CR, Nelson DB, Hollander L. Hormones and menopausal status as predictors of depression in women in transition to menopause. Arch Gen Psychiatry 2004;61:62–70. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]3. Bromberger JT, Epperson CN. Depression During and After the Perimenopause: Impact of Hormones, Genetics, and Environmental Determinants of Disease. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2018 Dec;45(4):663-678. doi: 10.1016/j.ogc.2018.07.007. Epub 2018 Oct 25. PMID: 30401549; PMCID: PMC6226029. (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6226029/#R4)4. Behrman S, Crockett C. Severe mental illness and the perimenopause. BJPsych Bull. 2023 Nov 13;48(6):1-7. doi: 10.1192/bjb.2023.89. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 37955045; PMCID: PMC11669460. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11669460/#:~:text=Fluctuations%20of%20hormone%20levels%20and,episodes%20of%20mental%20illness%2C%20including5. https://www.health.harvard.edu/womens-health/perimenopause-rocky-road-to-menopause6. https://www.swanstudy.org/womens-health-info/depression-menopause/7. https://www.swanstudy.org/wps/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SWAN-Fact-Sheets-Depression.pdf8. Santoro N, Epperson CN, Mathews SB. Menopausal Symptoms and Their Management. Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am. 2015 Sep;44(3):497-515. doi: 10.1016/j.ecl.2015.05.001. PMID: 26316239; PMCID: PMC4890704. (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4890704/)9. Kravitz HM, Colvin AB, Avis NE, Joffe H, Chen Y, Bromberger JT. Risk of high depressive symptoms after the final menstrual period: the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN). Menopause. 2022 Jul 1;29(7):805-815. doi: 10.1097/GME.0000000000001988. PMID: 35796553; PMCID: PMC9268212. { https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35796553/ )10. Gibbs Z, Lee S, Kulkarni J. What factors determine whether a woman becomes depressed during the perimenopause? Arch Womens Ment Health 2012;15:323–332.
In need a reset faster than it takes to check your inbox? In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Dr. Stephanie Hack, MD, MPH guides you through a powerful 15-minute guided meditation designed to bring deep peace and restoration. Enjoy the healing rhythm of rain and your breath. In this episode, you'll let go of mental clutter, release emotional tension, and emerge grounded and renewed. Perfect for a midday reset, evening unwind, or any moment you need to come back to yourself.
As the seasons change, even small adjustments to your daily habits can noticeably improve your energy, mood, and overall well-being. In this episode, Dr. Hack introduces her personal method for helping you get back to an active lifestyle. Rooted in clinical recommendations, this method is designed to help you optimize your health with realistic, sustainable steps. Small shifts, big results. Let’s step into your next level of wellness together.Links:https://ladypartsdoctor.com/https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/exercise-during-pregnancyhttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK19961/https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-weight-growth/water-healthy-drinks/index.htmlhttps://www.eatright.org/health/essential-nutrients/water/how-much-water-do-you-need
In this soul-stirring conversation, Dr. Stephanie Hack, MD, MPH, sits down with Dr. René Stokes, MD—renowned psychiatrist and founder of Whole First Psychiatry—for an unfiltered yet deeply nurturing dialogue on birth trauma. With compassion and clinical clarity, they explore how trauma can quietly shape the postpartum experience and emotional health, especially for Black mothers and birthing people. This episode offers validation, insight, and a gentle path toward healing. If you've ever felt unseen in your birthing journey, this one’s for you.
As Black Maternal Health Week begins, Dr. Stephanie Hack, MD, MPH sits down with public health leader Dr. Nina Ashford, PhD to confront the alarming state of Black maternal health in America. Together, they unpack how recent political shifts, federal data suppression, and DEI backlash are putting reproductive justice at risk. Dr. Ashford, Chief of Public Health Services for Montgomery County, brings decades of expertise in policy, practice, and advocacy to help us understand what's at stake—and what we can do to protect our health, our rights, and our communities. This is a conversation about truth, resilience, and the power of collective action in a time of uncertainty.
In this special 100th episode, Dr. Stephanie Hack, MD, MPH, takes a heartfelt look back at three years of podcasting—sharing the highs, the challenges, and the powerful lessons she’s learned along the way. From behind-the-scenes stories to personal growth moments, this episode is a celebration of resilience, purpose, and the incredible community that’s grown around the show. Whether you’ve been here since day one or just tuning in, this milestone episode is a must-listen tribute to the journey so far—and a glimpse at what’s to come.
It takes seven years to become a neurosurgeon—seven years of intense training to master brain surgery. But shockingly, that's also the average time it takes for a woman to receive an endometriosis diagnosis. Why does it take so long, and what can we do about it? In this episode, Dr. Stephanie Hack, MD, MPH is joined by Dr. Mallory Stuparich, MD, a leading minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon, to break down the science, symptoms, and solutions for this misunderstood condition that affects millions of women worldwide.
In this episode Dr. Stephanie Hack, MD, MPH explores the government’s new focus on SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) and what it means for those relying on them for mental health support. She breaks down how SSRIs work, whether they’re truly addictive, and the broader implications of the MAHA commission’s investigation. The conversation also highlights the contributions of Shirley Chisholm and Dr. Mamie Phipps Clark in advocating for mental health access in Black and Brown communities. With evidence-based insights and compassionate discussion, this episode cuts through stigma and champions informed, supportive conversations about mental health.As always, this is a space for evidence-based discussion, personal insight, and compassionate conversation. Let’s tackle the facts, cut through the stigma, and advocate for mental health with knowledge and empathy.
In this powerful first episode of Black History Month, Dr. Stephanie Hack explores the historical and present-day intersections of Black women’s reproductive health and bodily autonomy. From the harrowing history of Lucy, Betsey, and Anarcha—the enslaved women subjected to medical experimentation—to the ongoing fight for self-ownership and healthcare equity, this episode is a call to reclaim our bodies. Dr. Hack shares five actionable steps Black women can take to assert full control over their health and well-being, reminding us that self-care is a form of resistance.
In this episode, Dr. Stephanie Hack, MD, MPH, explores the intersection of health, politics, and history during times of change and uncertainty. As we navigate shifts in leadership, policies, and cultural tides, Dr. Hack invites listeners to consider where we can find light and hope amidst darkness. Tune in to be inspired, informed, and empowered.
Have you ever wondered how you can lower your risk of cervical cancer right now? This episode isn’t just for you—it’s for every woman you care about. Dr. Stephanie Hack, MD, MPH, our trusted OB/GYN and women’s health expert, reveals everything you need to know about preventing cervical cancer at every stage of life. From the power of the HPV vaccine to the life-saving importance of screenings in your 20s, 30s, 60s, and beyond, she breaks it all down in a way that’s practical, empowering, and easy to follow. We’ll also uncover the shocking truth about racial disparities in cervical cancer and how we can work together to create change.As you build your self-care practice for 2025, routine screenings are an essential act of love—not just for yourself but for the women who look up to you, lean on you, and walk beside you. Listen in, then share this life-changing conversation with your sisters, friends, mothers, and daughters—because knowledge saves lives.
Start the year by giving yourself the ultimate gifts of wellness! Join Dr. Stephanie Hack, MD, MPH, OB/GYN and women’s health expert, as she shares five meaningful "gifts" you can give yourself to feel more peaceful, joyous, confident, and connected in 2024. From emotional balance to physical intimacy (yes, we’re talking good sex!), this empowering episode is packed with practical tips and affirmations to help you thrive. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that puts you at the center of your well-being. 2025 is going to be an amazing year!