Episodes

  • Menstrual Equity in STEM: Barriers in the Laboratory Environment with Dr. Monica Fabra

    Menstrual Equity in STEM: Barriers in the Laboratory Environment with Dr. Monica Fabra
    Jun 1 2026
    Happy Menstruation Monday! Welcome back to Kick Cramp’s Ass. Today is a groundbreaking day on the show as we step directly into the pristine, highly demanding world of science and academia to expose an invisible hurdle. Welcome to Episode 9: "Menstrual Equity in STEM: Barriers in the Laboratory Environment with Dr. Monica Fabra."When we think of structural barriers for women and menstruating individuals in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), we often talk about funding gaps, glass ceilings, or systemic bias. But what happens when the literal physical infrastructure of a laboratory—or the rigid protocols of field research—completely fails to accommodate baseline human biology?In this episode, we sit down with the brilliant Dr. Monica Fabra to dismantle the unique biological and systemic challenges faced by menstruating scientists. From the psychological weathering of navigating a high-stakes lab setting during a heavy cycle, to the literal biohazard safety issues of managing menstrual hygiene while locked in Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), we expose how a lack of menstrual equity directly impacts productivity, mental wellness, and retention in science.What we unpack in today’s episode:The Invisible Lab Leak: The physical and spatial realities of navigating clean rooms, bio-safety cabinets, and field research while menstruating.PPE & Safety Protocols: The hidden health hazards of delayed menstrual hygiene management caused by rigid safety gear and restricted facility access.The Biopsychosocial Impact: Deconstructing the psychological weathering, anxiety, and performance pressure built into a highly competitive, hyper-masculine STEM culture.Restructuring Workflows: Actionable policy recommendations for universities, research hubs, and laboratory directors to design inclusive, adaptive work environments.The Great Scientific Data Gap: The shocking lack of objective, data-backed research on how menstrual health directly impacts scientific workers—and how we begin to fill it while fiercely protecting health data.CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction to Menstrual Equity in STEM06:14 Unique Barriers for Menstruating Scientists10:56 The Biopsychosocial Model and Psychological Impact15:37 Menstrual Hygiene Management in Lab Settings22:58 Restructuring Workflows for Menstrual Needs27:55 The Need for Data on Menstrual Health in STEM34:50 Advocating for Systemic Change in STEM39:42 Breaking the Stigma: Conversations About Menstruation48:10 Protecting Health Data in Research53:45 Advice for Future STEM Students57:25 Navigating Resistance in Advocacy01:02:55 Podcast Outro (2026).mp4 Resources & Links:STEM the Flow Research SurveyContact STEM the FlowFollow STEM the Flow on InstagramDonate to STEM the FlowCheck out STEM the Flow’s websiteWe manifest a positive, productive, and peaceful day and menstrual cycle journey ahead!Connect with Us:Receive our newsletters and tips by subscribing to our SubstackFor additional menstrual wellness content, subscribe to our YouTube, Instagram, Threads, or LinkedInYoga, Breathwork, and Mindfulness Resources: Pilates for PeriodsReady to make your own content? Become a friend of ⁠⁠Riverside.fm⁠Visit our website for any additional resources and tools.
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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Beyond the Shroud—Dismantling the Global Stigma of Menstruation

    Beyond the Shroud—Dismantling the Global Stigma of Menstruation
    May 25 2026

    Happy Menstruation Monday!

    Welcome to Season 4, Episode 8 of Kick Cramp’s Ass with host Brittany Walker, MS, RYT-500.

    Today, we are dismantling the invisible walls of cultural shame in today’s episode. When society tells you that your natural biological baseline is gross, dirty, or unsanitary, it isn't just an insult—it's a systemic tactic that actively stalls healthcare funding, delays clinical diagnoses, and leaves individuals isolated. In this deep dive, we break down how the stigma of a period creates a profound confidence gap, causing chronic stress and social absenteeism in schools and workplaces globally.

    We are moving past the polite boundaries of passive awareness. Today, we claim our digital sovereignty and provide a clear, tactical roadmap to normalize human biology from the kitchen table to the clinical office.

    Key Topics

    • Breaking the Silence: Why moving from passive awareness to radical biological exposure is the only way to disrupt systemic shame.

    • The "TMI" Trap & Vocabulary: How ditching childish euphemisms (like "Aunt Flo") and using clinical terms restores our biological authority.

    • Engaging Men as Aligned Allies: Moving the conversation out of the bathroom and into the household as a fundamental matter of public health.

    • Digital Sovereignty & The Mind-Body Mirror: How we use platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and Substack to broadcast a powerful counter-narrative to online hate talk.

    • The Advocacy Pipeline: How structural change begins with daily education at home, solidifies in our schools, and mobilizes through proactive community organizations.

    Takeaways

    • Normalizing precise, clinical vocabulary is our primary tool to dismantle the "TMI" trap and biological shame.

    • Engaging men as aligned allies shifts menstruation from an isolated women's issue to a foundational public health priority.

    • Claiming our digital sovereignty transforms online platforms into powerful engines for systemic advocacy and reproductive education.

    Chapters

    00:00 Breaking the Silence on Menstruation

    01:58 Understanding Menstrual Equity

    04:48 The Social Weathering Effect

    14:16 Dismantling Stigma: A Global Approach

    21:18 Actionable Steps for Change

    27:05 Podcast Outro (2026).mp4

    Resources & Links:

    • “On My Period” Alycia Baumgardner post

    • Devale Ellis’ Approach to Educating His Sons About Periods

    • Exhale the Stress Away: Our 5-Day Mental Health Breathwork Challenge

    • Menstrual Hygiene Day Giveaway

    We manifest a positive, productive, and peaceful day and menstrual cycle journey ahead!

    Connect with Us:

    Receive our newsletters and tips by subscribing to our Substack

    For additional menstrual wellness content, subscribe to our YouTube, Instagram, Threads, or LinkedIn

    Yoga, Breathwork, and Mindfulness Resources: Pilates for Periods

    Ready to make your own content? Become a friend of ⁠⁠Riverside.fm⁠


    Visit our website for any additional resources and tools.

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    27 mins
  • Goodbye PCOS, Hello PMOS: Why the Name Change is a Win for Metabolic Health

    Goodbye PCOS, Hello PMOS: Why the Name Change is a Win for Metabolic Health
    May 19 2026

    Happy Menstruation Monday!

    Welcome back to Kick Cramp’s Ass - Podcast!

    For nearly a century, the term Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) has been the default clinical label for a condition affecting 1 in 10 individuals. The problem? It's a massive misnomer. Many patients diagnosed with PCOS don't have a single cyst on their ovaries, while others are routinely dismissed by the medical system simply because their pelvic ultrasounds look normal.

    As highlighted in a landmark May 2026 feature by The Guardian, a global movement is officially shifting the medical framework away from the ovaries and toward the system by renaming it Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS).

    In this episode, we break down why this clinical rebrand is a monumental win for patient advocacy, early diagnostics, and metabolic health. Looking through our signature biopsychosocial lens, we unpack how moving the conversation from scary cysts to a manageable metabolism repairs decades of medical gaslighting and hands the power back to the patient.

    Key Topics

    • The history and limitations of PCOS diagnosis
    • The significance of the name change to PMOS
    • The biological and systemic understanding of the syndrome
    • Impacts on mental health and patient advocacy
    • Holistic treatment protocols and lifestyle interventions

    Chapters

    00:00 The Shift from PCOS to PMOS

    06:00 Understanding the Historical Context

    14:59 Holistic Approaches to PMOS Management

    21:37 Empowerment Through Knowledge and Advocacy

    27:29 Podcast Outro (2026).mp4

    Resources & Links:

    • Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome article

    • Exhale the Stress Away: Our 5-Day Mental Health Breathwork Challenge

    We manifest a positive, productive, and peaceful day and menstrual cycle journey ahead!

    Connect with Us:

    Receive our newsletters and tips by subscribing to our Substack

    For additional menstrual wellness content, subscribe to our YouTube, Instagram, Threads, or LinkedIn

    Yoga, Breathwork, and Mindfulness Resources: Pilates for Periods

    Ready to make your own content? Become a friend of ⁠⁠Riverside.fm⁠
    Visit our website for any additional resources and tools.

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    28 mins
  • Fighting Period Poverty in Houston: Closing the Hygiene Gap with Edith Bellizaire

    Fighting Period Poverty in Houston: Closing the Hygiene Gap with Edith Bellizaire
    May 11 2026
    Happy Menstruation Monday!In this powerful episode, we are joined by Edith Bellizaire, a visionary nonprofit leader and a leading voice in the fight for menstrual equity in Houston, Texas. As the founder of a dedicated grassroots organization, Jane’s Special Packs, Edith is on a mission to ensure that no student or worker in the Houston area is forced to choose between their dignity and their daily responsibilities.We dive deep into the Biopsychosocial impact of period poverty, moving beyond the physical need for supplies to explore how a lack of menstrual hygiene access creates a confidence gap. Edith shares firsthand accounts of how missing basic necessities leads to chronic absenteeism in schools and lost wages in the workforce, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities.Key highlights from this conversation include:The Houston Landscape: A look at the specific challenges facing the Houston community and the logistics of distributing thousands of period products to those in need.The Psychology of Access: How consistent access to menstrual care restores confidence and allows menstruators to participate fully in their education and professional lives.Beyond the Product: Why community education and period-positive workshops are essential to dismantling the deep-seated stigma that perpetuates period poverty.Advocacy in Action: Edith’s roadmap for local policy change and how listeners can move from passive awareness to active community advocacy.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to Period Poverty Awareness04:13 Meet Edith Belizaire: A Champion for Menstrual Equity05:55 Identifying Gaps in Menstrual Hygiene Access07:42 The Psychological Impact of Period Poverty10:21 Creating Dignity Through Jane's Special Packs11:59 Debunking Myths About Menstrual Health15:42 Leveraging Awareness Months for Community Engagement20:47 Shifting Conversations Around Menstrual Equity in Houston24:56 Breaking the Stigma of Menstrual Conversations26:56 Understanding the Biopsychosocial Model30:22 The Impact of Menstrual Health on Daily Life32:59 Advocating for Menstrual Equity34:32 Empowerment Through Support and Education36:22 Vision for Jane's Special Packs38:25 A Future of Menstrual Equity in Houston45:36 Podcast Outro (2026).mp4Resources & Links:Pilates for Everyone: A 30 Minute International Pilates Day CelebrationMenstrual Hygiene Day GiveawayExhale the Stress Away Breathwork ChallengeConnect with Edith Bellizaire or Jane's Special Packs:Website: https://janesspecialpacks.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janesspecialpacks/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Janes-Special-Packs/61565936121790/We manifest a positive, productive, and peaceful day and menstrual cycle journey ahead!Connect with Us:Receive our newsletters and tips by subscribing to our SubstackFor additional menstrual wellness content, subscribe to our YouTube, Instagram, Threads, or LinkedInYoga, Breathwork, and Mindfulness Resources: Pilates for PeriodsReady to make your own content? Become a friend of ⁠⁠Riverside.fm⁠Visit our website for any additional resources and tools.
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    46 mins
  • The Mind-Body Mirror: Mental Health and Menstrual Wellness

    The Mind-Body Mirror: Mental Health and Menstrual Wellness
    May 4 2026
    Happy Menstruation Monday!In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we are investigating the bidirectional relationship between psychological well-being and reproductive health. Utilizing the Biopsychosocial Model, this episode explains how systemic stress—also known as the weathering effect—contributes to menstrual dysfunction and chronic pain.We provide a comprehensive guide to menstrual advocacy, featuring a Doctor’s Office Script to help patients navigate PMDD screenings and hormonal testing. Additionally, we celebrate International Pilates Day with movement modifications for every phase of your cycle and introduce our Vagus Nerve Breathwork Challenge to help mitigate the biological impacts of anxiety and depression.Key TopicsThe bi-directional relationship between mental health and menstrual cyclesHow stress triggers hormonal changes affecting periodsThe role of inflammation and systemic stress in reproductive healthPractical tools: breathwork and Pilates for menstrual healthAdvocacy and systemic change in menstrual health careTakeawaysStress impacts menstrual health through hormonal and inflammatory pathways.Breathwork can activate the vagus nerve to reduce systemic stress.Movement, especially Pilates, supports pelvic blood flow and reduces pain.Effective advocacy involves precise communication with healthcare providers.Understanding PMDD versus PMS is crucial for proper diagnosis and support.Chapters00:00 The Mind-Period Connection02:46 Advocacy and Dignity in Menstruation07:46 Understanding Stress and Hormonal Impact17:08 Navigating Healthcare: Questions for Your Provider21:35 Movement and Breathwork for Menstrual Health26:23 Reclaiming Your Flow and Final Thoughts29:39 Podcast Outro (2026).mp4Resources & Links:The Cortisol Connection: Why Stress is the Secret Enemy of Your Period episodePilates for Everyone: A 30 Minute International Pilates Day CelebrationExhale the Stress Away: Our 5-Day Mental Health Breathwork ChallengeInternational Association for Premenstrual Disorders (IAPMD) websiteMenstrual Hygiene Day Giveaway We manifest a positive, productive, and peaceful day and menstrual cycle journey ahead!Connect with Us:Receive our newsletters and tips by subscribing to our SubstackFor additional menstrual wellness content, subscribe to our YouTube, Instagram, Threads, or LinkedInYoga, Breathwork, and Mindfulness Resources: Pilates for PeriodsReady to make your own content? Become a friend of ⁠⁠Riverside.fm⁠Visit our website for any additional resources and tools.
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    30 mins
  • Reproductive Data Privacy in 2026: What You Need to Know

    Reproductive Data Privacy in 2026: What You Need to Know
    Apr 27 2026

    Happy Menstruation Monday!

    In this episode of the Kick Cramp's Ass podcast, Brittany Walker dives into the critical shifts in reproductive health data privacy, especially with the upcoming 2026 HIPAA updates. She emphasizes how women and menstruators need to understand digital privacy and advocacy to protect their sensitive biological information and health autonomy.

    Key Takeaways:

    • The impact of new 2026 HIPAA regulations on reproductive health data privacy

    • The loopholes in current data protections, especially with menstrual tracking apps

    • How to identify apps with end-to-end encryption and local-only storage

    • The risks of consumer health data being sold or subpoenaed without protections

    • The sociopolitical context of Black Maternal Health and systemic disparities

    • The biological effects of chronic social stress, or weathering, on Black women

    • The influence of alcohol on hormonal balance and menstrual health

    • The importance of advocacy and personal agency in healthcare choices

    Timestamps:

    00:00 Introduction to Reproductive Health Advocacy

    05:53 Understanding the 2026 HIPAA Privacy Rules

    12:56 The Importance of Digital Sovereignty

    18:33 Adenomyosis and Black Maternal Health Awareness

    21:16 The Impact of Alcohol on Hormonal Health

    23:40 Empowerment Through Knowledge and Advocacy

    27:10 Podcast Outro (2026).mp4

    Resources & Links:

    • Clue App

    • Euki App

    • Stardust App

    We manifest a positive, productive, and peaceful day and menstrual cycle journey ahead!

    Connect with Us:

    Receive our newsletters and tips by subscribing to our Substack

    For additional menstrual wellness content, subscribe to our YouTube, Instagram, Threads, or LinkedIn

    Yoga, Breathwork, and Mindfulness Resources: Pilates for Periods

    Ready to make your own content? Become a friend of ⁠⁠Riverside.fm⁠
    Visit our website for any additional resources and tools.

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    27 mins
  • The Cortisol Connection: Why Stress is the Secret Enemy of Your Period

    The Cortisol Connection: Why Stress is the Secret Enemy of Your Period
    Apr 20 2026

    Happy Menstruation Monday!

    In this episode of Kick Cramp's Ass, Brittany Walker dives into the hidden connection between stress and menstrual health, revealing how chronic stress impacts hormonal balance and causes painful cramps. Learn the science behind cortisol's effect on your cycle and practical strategies to reclaim your rhythm for better health.

    Main Topics Covered:

    • The role of the HPA-HPG axis crosstalk and how stress hijacks hormonal balance

    • The concept of the pregnenolone heist and its impact on progesterone levels

    • How cortisol sunburns the internal environment, intensifying cramps and inflammation

    • The influence of menstrual cycle phases on cortisol levels and stress response

    • Practical lifestyle changes, including dietary, psychological, and social tips, to reduce stress and support hormonal health

    • The importance of early cycle stress management to prevent painful periods

    • Scientific insights from meta-analyses by Hamidovic et al. (2020) and Haas et al. (2024)

    • The power of intentional peace and self-care as a form of biological intervention

    Timestamps:

    • (00:00) - Introduction to Stress and Menstrual Health
    • (05:43) - Understanding the HPA and HPG Axes
    • (09:50) - The Impact of Stress on Menstrual Symptoms
    • (14:02) - The Science Behind Stress and the Menstrual Cycle
    • (20:20) - Strategies for Managing Stress and Hormonal Health
    • (25:17) - Empowerment and Reclaiming Your Health


    • We manifest a positive, productive, and peaceful day and menstrual cycle journey ahead!

      Resources:

      Period Psychology: How Your Mind, Body, and Society Shape Your Period

      Connect with Us:

      Receive our newsletters and tips by subscribing to our Substack

      For additional menstrual wellness content, subscribe to our YouTube, Instagram, Threads, or LinkedIn

      Yoga, Breathwork, and Mindfulness Resources: Pilates for Periods

      Ready to make your own content? Become a friend of ⁠⁠Riverside.fm⁠
      Visit our website for any additional resources and tools.


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    28 mins
  • The Law of Menstrual Dignity: Unpacking Ohio’s HB 29 with Kayelin Tiggs

    The Law of Menstrual Dignity: Unpacking Ohio’s HB 29 with Kayelin Tiggs
    Apr 13 2026

    Happy Menstruation Monday!

    In this week’s episode of Kick Cramp's Ass - The Podcast, host Brittany “B” Walker dives into Ohio's groundbreaking House Bill 29, the nation's first law explicitly addressing menstrual dignity in correctional facilities. Join us as we explore the journey from advocacy to legislation, and the broader fight for menstrual equity and human rights for incarcerated women. In this episode:

    • Kayelin Tiggs shares her journey from pageantry to legislative activism fighting menstrual deprivation

    • The significance of House Bill 29 as the first comprehensive law of its kind in the U.S.

    • How discrimination, denial, and withholding of menstrual products impact incarcerated menstruator’s health and dignity

    • The importance of hygiene provisions, including shower access and disposal bins, in correctional settings

    • The role of education and advocacy in advancing menstrual equity beyond legislation

    • Addressing stigma, reentry challenges, and the broader systemic issues in correctional healthcare

    • Future steps: expanding advocacy efforts and addressing ingredient transparency in menstrual products

    Timestamps:

    00:00 - Introduction to Menstrual Dignity Advocacy

    04:56 - Kayelin Tiggs: Journal to Menstrual Equity

    11:11 - Understanding House Bill 29

    20:23 - The Impact of House Bill 29

    26:47 - Beyond Products: Hygiene and Education

    32:29 - Stigma and Dehumanization in Prisons

    35:11 - Combatting Stigma Around Incarceration and Menstruation

    42:24 - Addressing the Financial Gap in Prisons

    45:14 - Building Coalition for Menstrual Equity

    46:30 - Product Ingredient Transparency in Correctional Facilities

    49:28 - Impact of Basic Healthcare on Reentry

    53:22 - Turning Advocacy into Legislative Action

    Resources & Links:

    • Ohio House Bill 29 (Law)

    • Ohio Coalition for Menstrual Equity

    • First Step Act - federal legislation on prison reform

    Connect with Kayelin Tiggs:

    • Kayelin Tiggs on Instagram

    • Kayelin Tiggs' Email

    Upcoming initiatives to watch:

    • Amendments to federal policies on menstrual products in incarceration

    • Advocacy for ingredient transparency in prison-provided menstrual products

    • Expansion of legislation modeled after Ohio’s Law at national levels

    Final note:

    When we challenge stigma and policy gaps, we affirm our shared humanity. This law underscores that dignity should never be compromised, regardless of someone’s incarceration status. Let Kayelin’s inspiring journey motivate you to be an upstander in your community — because meaningful change begins with action.

    We manifest a positive, productive, and peaceful day and menstrual cycle journey ahead!

    Connect with Us:

    Receive our newsletters and tips by subscribing to our Substack

    For additional menstrual wellness content, subscribe to our YouTube, Instagram, Threads, or LinkedIn

    Yoga, Breathwork, and Mindfulness Resources: Pilates for Periods

    Ready to make your own content? Become a friend of ⁠⁠Riverside.fm⁠
    Visit our website for any additional resources and tools.
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    1 hr and 4 mins