I girlbossed too close to the sun 😵‍💫 (forcing a flare for diagnostics + having a little too much fun!!) — so I’m calling in sick for real this week and giving my body the rest it needs. While I take a breather (and a heating pad nap), I’m revisiting one of my all-time favorite episodes.

This conversation with Dr. Zachary Spiritos, a neuro-gastro-immunologist and advocate for women’s health, changed the way I think about medicine, bias, and being believed.

We talk about why so many women’s symptoms are dismissed, how to actually advocate for yourself in appointments, and what invisible illness really means. If you’ve ever been told “it’s all in your head” — this episode is your reminder that it’s not.

What we cover:
🧠 Why women’s pain is often minimized or misdiagnosed
⚠️ How medical gaslighting shows up — and how to handle it
🥼 What real advocacy looks like in the doctor’s office
💩 The gut-health connection to chronic conditions
💬 Why “trust your body” isn’t just a phrase — it’s a survival skill

Whether you’re fighting to be taken seriously, learning to listen to your body, or just craving validation that you’re not alone — this one still hits.

Thanks for Calling in Sick with us 💛
xx,
Alex

Comment: What’s one thing you wish more doctors understood about women’s health?

TIMESTAMPS: 

Intro

00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling In Sick! 

00:02:15 Alex’s Picks Of the Week (IB Guard, Magnesium) 

My Interview with Dr. Spiritos

00:03:45 Meet Dr. Zachary Spiritos & understanding neuro-gastro-immunology 

00:24:48 Where the disparity in women’s health comes from

00:29:00 The reality of medical gaslighting and how to respond 

00:44:33 How to advocate for yourself in appointments, and have success!

Final Thoughts

00:47:34 What’s next for Dr. Zachary Spiritos 

00:55:00 Dr. Zachary’s final recommendations

00:57:25 Thank you for listening!!! 

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Produced by: Alexandra Wildeson — ⁠https://www.instagram.com/alexandrawildeson/⁠

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Alex’s Picks of the Week:

This week's picks are for all my friends whose tummy hurts!!

✨IB Guard — ⁠ https://amzn.to/47nlDSC

✨Pure Encapsulation (Magnesium Supplementation) — ⁠ https://amzn.to/47nlHlk

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