Integrative Women's Health Podcast Jessica Drummond

“Filmmaking storytelling narratives can create large-scale social change.” - Shannon Cohn
Like many conditions that primarily affect women, endometriosis is a condition that still has more questions than answers. Conventional medicine tries hard to fit it into a one-size-fits-all box that can be treated with birth control pills and surgery, but in truth, it’s highly individual. What works for one may not work for someone else, and the best path forward is through a transformative amount of research funding and radical new approaches to that research.
Today, I’m excited to be joined by producer Shannon Cohn, who is behind the fantastic films “Endo What?” and “Below the Belt.” Shannon is a rockstar in endometriosis advocacy at the highest levels. She’s not just education donors and large funders but also helping individuals share the lived experience of having endometriosis.
In this conversation, we discuss challenges in advocacy and research, the need for a multidisciplinary approach, why systemic change is crucial, Shannon’s endometriosis journey, her films' role in raising awareness and driving policy change, and more.
As you listen, think about how you could get better care if you're managing endometriosis yourself. Also, check out some of Shannon's recent wins in advocating for better research funding and a more multidisciplinary approach to using this funding. I think you’ll be inspired.
Enjoy the episode, and let's innovate and integrate together!

Learn more or watch the video version of this conversation at https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/update-on-the-state-of-womens-health-research-with-shannon-cohn-producer-of-endo-what-and-below-the-belt/.
Connect with me and access our entire platform at IntegrativeWomensHealthInstitute.com (https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/).
Find and follow us @integrativewomenshealth on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@integrativewomenshealth) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/integrativewomenshealth/).

“Don't chase symptoms, optimize systems.” - Dr. Jessica Drummond
For over ten years, Federica Torri dealt with chronic GI symptoms and sometimes debilitating period pain without any answers about why it was happening. Finally, in late 2023, she received excision surgery and an endometriosis diagnosis. Since then, things have improved, but Federica still isn’t where she wants to be in terms of her vision for her health.
In today’s episode, Federica shares her story as a case study to help you learn how we navigate complex chronic illnesses such as endometriosis through the health coaching lens. As part of her health team, you’ll see how we integrate her multidisciplinary practitioners and her day-to-day health behaviors to help her live healthfully with complex chronic illness while recovering from complex surgery.
As you listen, look out for how I break down our seven-step system for working with any women's health, chronic or acute illnesses, not just giving them a list of things to do to get well, but helping them integrate these tools in a way that makes sense for their life, vision, and values.
When your clients leave their appointment with you, the most important thing is that they feel like they are on the path to living their vision. Healing and living with complex chronic illness is a long-term experience, so clients will always have this underlying vulnerability. Our goal is to fit into their lives, what it means to be healthy at this moment, and how that can continue to expand. I hope that this episode will inform your practice and get you thinking in a coaching mindset, even if you’re working in a clinical setting.
If you would like to apply to be a guest case study on a future episode of the podcast, please send an email to support@integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com and include the subject line “Application to be a case study on your podcast.”
Enjoy the episode, and let's innovate and integrate together!


Learn more or watch the video version of this conversation at https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/case-study-endometriosis-with-federica-torri-and-dr-jessica-drummond/.
Connect with me and access our entire platform at IntegrativeWomensHealthInstitute.com (https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/).
Find and follow us @integrativewomenshealth on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@integrativewomenshealth) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/integrativewomenshealth/).

“Health coaching is an opportunity for us to not just serve other women in creating healthier lives but also for us as women as well.” - Lesley Waldron
The decision to become a health coach creates a significant ripple effect. As coaches, we facilitate individual transformations that empower our clients and help them develop healthier relationships with their families and communities. In addition, many of our past students say that their training positively impacted their own lives and those around them, from their health to flexibility with their time and financial freedom.
In today’s conversation, I’m excited to introduce you to Women’s Health Coach Lesley Waldron. After experiencing the power of coaching, Lesley pivoted away from her career as a personal trainer and decided to join the Integrative Women’s Health Institute’s Women’s Health Coach program. Over time, she niched down into a highly successful perimenopause and menopause practice to give her clients the tools and resources to stand independently.
Lesley’s journey is a powerful one. It shows how we can find the balance of working on our passions while caring for our families and other important areas of our lives. It also is a great example of how important it is to be open to evolving your work when life’s challenges present themselves.
Enjoy the episode, and let's innovate and integrate together!



Learn more or watch the video version of this conversation at https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/menopause-and-caregiving-with-womens-health-coach-lesley-waldron/.
Connect with me and access our entire platform at IntegrativeWomensHealthInstitute.com (https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/).
Find and follow us @integrativewomenshealth on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@integrativewomenshealth) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/integrativewomenshealth/).

A lot of nuance is involved in a woman’s birth control decisions. From the type that makes sense for her to whether or not she wants to use birth control at all, there’s no single best solution for everyone.
Unfortunately, that position doesn’t get much attention in the current media landscape, where sensationalism outperforms accuracy and extreme views overshadow everything else. As educators and influencers, we have to rise above these challenges and provide women with accurate, nuanced information that can guide them in making the best choices for their health.
In March 2024, the Washington Post published an article titled “Women are getting off birth control amid misinformation explosion,” and in this episode, I’m sharing my thoughts on this article and how we, as women's health and wellness professionals, can utilize this type of media attention in our practices. I’m talking about the importance of informed consent, the responsibilities of healthcare professionals in educating women, the complexities of hormonal contraceptives, how profit-driven healthcare influences the media, how healthcare professionals can empower women, and more.
Enjoy the episode, and let's innovate and integrate together!
Learn more or watch the video version of this conversation at https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/the-washington-post-article-on-birth-control-i-have-thoughts-with-dr-jessica-drummond/.
Connect with me and access our entire platform at IntegrativeWomensHealthInstitute.com (https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/).
Find and follow us @integrativewomenshealth on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@integrativewomenshealth) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/integrativewomenshealth/).

“To be able to serve women and bridge that gap so you don't have to access the healthcare system if you don't need to has been a beautiful transition for me.” - Anna Olchowecki
Have you ever felt like you wanted to do more in your career?
There are many factors to consider when making the decision to change your career, follow your passion, and embrace new beginnings. That’s why it’s so valuable to hear from others who have been where you are and learn about their journey and lessons along the way.
Today, I’m excited to introduce you to our Women's Health Coach graduate, Anna Olchowecki. Anna is a nurse in Canada who came from what she calls the crisis medical system. After 20 years of practicing as an RN, she wanted to focus more on preventative care and optimizing health for women in perimenopause and menopause.
Through the program, Anna found a global community of supporters along with the resources she needed to make her career transition and grow a practice she’s excited about. Like many of our graduates, Anna is an innovator, and she’s on a mission to change women’s healthcare in Canada, especially in the workplace.
Anna’s story is filled with insights for anyone interested in the future of women's healthcare, holistic approaches, and the journey of health professionals making the transition into coaching.
Enjoy the episode, and let's innovate and integrate together!
Learn more or watch the video version of this conversation at https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/meet-iwhi-graduate-womens-health-and-menopause-coach-anna-olchowecki/.
Connect with me and access our entire platform at IntegrativeWomensHealthInstitute.com (https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/).
Find and follow us @integrativewomenshealth on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@integrativewomenshealth) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/integrativewomenshealth/).

“Never stop believing in yourself and your ability to heal. Find that healing mindset and be your own best advocate.” - Vashti Kanahele
Productivity culture in the Western world continues to gain traction, making regulating the nervous system and finding community more foundational than sleep, nourishment, and mindfulness. Without that foundation, our tools simply are not as effective.
Many people are living through an epidemic of loneliness, and we find that at the root of many of our clients’ complex illnesses. As coaches, we must help our clients and encourage them to shift into strategies that will strengthen their healing journey. People need communities that are about healing, not only about illness. We can guide them along that path.
Today’s guest, women’s health coach Vashti Kanahele, joins me to talk about her book, Passports and Parasites, and share her experiences living around the world while dealing with her own health challenges.
In this conversation, Vashti and I discuss her path to becoming a women's health coach, the importance of community, what it was like navigating healthcare systems in different countries, the doctor-coach model she employs to support clients with complex chronic illnesses, why nervous system regulation is a foundational element of overall health and wellbeing, the impact of chronic stress on health, and more.
Enjoy the episode, and let's innovate and integrate together!






Learn more or watch the video version of this conversation at https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/passports-and-parasites-share-your-story-and-grow-your-practice-with-womens-health-coach-vashti-kanahele/.
Connect with me and access our entire platform at IntegrativeWomensHealthInstitute.com (https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/).
Find and follow us @integrativewomenshealth on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@integrativewomenshealth) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/integrativewomenshealth/).