P.S. Blossom: Recent Episodes

Blossom

P.S. Blossom is a podcast series focused on empowering all women, especially Black, Indigenous, and other Women of Color, to advocate for their health care, their way. This series explores issues of race, gender, and class within sexual, maternal, and reproductive health with a specific focus on the autonomy of Black, Indigenous, other Women of Color.

Welcome to P.S. Blossom, powered by Rhia Ventures!

“I wish I had known how to ease into menopause because, growing into womanhood, most women may experience childbirth, and some may or may not. However, I wish I had known more about what my body would go through, and how my hormones would naturally change with my body. I wish someone had actually explained that to me.” — Reshonda Robinson

In The Change, we speak with Reshonda Robinson (She/Her) - a Strategic Empathetic Leader and Human-Centered Analyst. Reshonda carefully and compassionately articulates her own personal journey with menopause, from first learning about it and then going through it, to the legacy she hopes to leave behind for her daughters and other young women.

Join us for this vulnerable and personal story about the experience of going through menopause!

Key Points From This Episode:

An introduction to today’s speaker: Reshonda Robinson.
How she came to learn more about menopause.
She details different avenues she explored for herself while dealing with the symptoms of menopause.
How she learned about menopause initially.
Finding an ethnic gynecologist and having that support.
She talks about how she found the new her and it was worth celebrating!
Reshonda shares some of the challenges she faced during menopause.
Why she takes pride in sharing her menopause story.
The support of her family through menopause.
Resources that would have helped Reshonda get through menopause.
She chronicles the support she received from her healthcare giver.
Her experience with pre-menopause.
Reshonda shares her symptoms and experience with true menopause.
Her holistic approach through menopause and helping with her hormones.
How menopause influenced her mental and emotional health.
The importance of her diet change on her journey.
Reshonda’s goals and aspirations for the future.
Her advice to other women, mothers, and daughters.
Three words to describe her journey.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Follow Reshonda Robinson: LinkedIn

IG: @ps_blossom

Twitter: @PS_Blossom

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P.S. Blossom Team

Executive Producer, Co-Host: ⁠Victoria M. Griffin⁠
Co-Host: ⁠Crystal Pirtle Tyler, PhD⁠
Creative Director: ⁠Lillian Zhao⁠
Production Assistant: Elena Morales

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Reproductive Justice and Venture Capital may seem like unrelated areas of interest, but in reality, they are interconnected in many ways!

Policy expert, writer, educator, and producer, Heidi Williamson, hosts a conversation with Marcela Howell and Ulili Onovakpuri to explore these intersections and imagine an empowered future for all. Kicking off our conversation, we are introduced to Marcela’s work as President, CEO and Founder of In Our Own Voices with the National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda, and Ulili’s role as partner at Kapor Capital.

Sparked by 2020’s protests against police brutality, there has been a movement towards racial justice and equity within and beyond criminal justice. This conversation centers health, reproductive justice, and freedom for all. Join us as we differentiate between sectors, explore both tensions and possibilities, and consider the role that investors can play in ensuring reproductive justice. Thanks for tuning in!

Key Points From This Episode:

Background on host Heidi Williamson, policy expert, writer, educator, producer, and voice for change.
Welcoming Marcela Howell, president, CEO, and Founder of In Our Own Voices: National Black Women's Reproductive Justice Agenda.
An introduction to Ulili Onovakpuri, partner at Kapor Capital, an early-stage, social-impact venture capital firm.
Context for the conversation with 2020’s protests against police brutality in mind.
Understanding that criminal justice is not the only area where racial justice and equity is necessary.
What to bear in mind if you are new to understanding reproductive justice.
Ulili’s relationship with impact investment and what it means to her and the team at Kapor Capital.
Defining reproductive justice and why it is important to this conversation.
Ulili’s perspective on venture capital.
The work of educating investors on access issues faced by poor communities.
How the COVID-19 pandemic revealed inequalities in our world.
Why investment in Black communities benefits everyone.
The importance of reaching out to Black communities to communicate how innovations can help.
Why it is necessary to enter communities to see opportunity.
Why reproductive healthcare is about economics, culture, and more.
The reason behind the inherent lack of trust between Black people and venture capitalists.
Being intentional about having people from the community you are serving on your team.
Why fighting racism is a long-term investment that requires building trust over time.
Potential and possibility demonstrated by a diverse show of support for Black Lives Matter.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Marcela Howell on LinkedIn

National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda

Heidi Williamson on LinkedIn

Hummingbird Black Creative

Ulili Onovakpuri on LinkedIn

Kapor Capital

Rhia Ventures

P.S. Blossom on Instagram

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“That awareness was a relief, but it was also a mourning period. It was an interesting time to be in that space of knowing that having a child was never going to happen for me. Then, [with] the country going into lockdown and me being far away from my family and trying to process all of this at the same time, it was a very interesting time.” — Keisha Leverette [0:07:04]

In Living with Primary Ovarian Insufficiency, we speak with Keisha Leverette (she/her) Vice President of Development and Communications at Rhia Ventures. She generously shares her story of being diagnosed with primary ovarian insufficiency, processing the implications of her condition, and her hopes for awareness building on this topic to help other young women.
Join us for this open-hearted conversation on what it means to live with primary ovarian insufficiency, the importance of awareness, and the power of resilience!

Key Points From This Episode:

The pressure Keisha felt not to fall pregnant as a teen and young woman.
Keisha’s feelings about becoming a parent and why she was never set on having a child.
How she was diagnosed with primary ovarian insufficiency.
The difference between early menopause and primary ovarian insufficiency.
What it was like to process the fact that she wouldn’t be able to have a child during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
An overview of the treatment Keisha is receiving and the high financial costs involved.
Risk factors associated with primary ovarian insufficiency.
Why Keisha is grateful to have a doctor that she trusts.
The factors that have helped her remain resilient through her diagnosis and treatment.
Her hope that more awareness can be built around this issue, especially for young people.
Why she’d love to see more innovative products to help with night sweats.
Keisha’s advice to other women: you shouldn’t feel pressured to be like everyone else!

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Rhia Ventures

Follow Keisha Leverette on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keisha-leverette-97b33314/

Follow Keisha Leverette on X: https://twitter.com/Aida_44

IG: @ps_blossom

Twitter: @PS_Blossom

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“Women in midlife are incredible! We’re at the peak of our careers, the peak of our power, and when you have menopause symptoms that are interfering with your ability to be your best work self, your best home self, or your best self for you, how do we support women?” — Ann Garnier [0:13:07]

In Support for Every Stage of the Menopause Journey, we speak with Ann Garnier (she/her) at Lisa Health and Midday Health. She joins us to explore the topic of menopause and its impact on women’s health as we age.

Join us for this enlightening look at leveraging technological development to support healthy aging today!

Key Points From This Episode:

Ann’s introduction to working in women’s healthcare with a focus on menopause.
How Lisa Health leverages deep tech to revolutionize the menopause experience.
The app, Midday Health, that Lisa Health has recently launched with Mayo Clinic.
Possible reasons why investment has lagged.
Definitions for pre-menopause, menopause, peri-menopause, and post-menopause.
Common misconceptions about menopause.
Reducing risk during and leading up to the menopause period.
Symptoms that most women will experience during menopause.
What hormone therapy can and cannot address (and why not everyone is eligible).
Research results and use cases comparing holistic treatment and hormone therapy.
Exciting developments in researching hot flushes.
The impact of menopause on chronic disease and healthy aging for women.
The opportunity peri-menopause provides to lower risk and act preemptively.
Lifestyle changes and the huge difference they make, no matter how small.
Mental health and its relationship to physical health.
The growing demand for holistic strategies.
How the political climate is impacting work in women’s health.
Policy changes in the workplace.
Three go-to solutions for anyone entering this life phase
The incredible value of small steps and how Ann is making the world a better place.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Midday Health

Midday Health on Instagram

Midday Health on X

Midday Health on Facebook

Lisa HealthMayo ClinicSRI International

Follow Ann Garnier on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anngarnier/

IG: @ps_blossom

X: @PS_Blossom
Click here to learn more about P.S. Blossom!

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“It's really important when we are doing storytelling that we invite people to understand what storytelling is, that we invite people to find their own narrative and we give them tools to find their own narrative.” — Omisade Burney-Scott

In Surviving and Thriving Through Menopause (Part 2), we’ve got Omisade Burney-Scott (she/her), the creator and curator of the Black Girl’s Guide to Surviving Menopause, back in the hot seat. In this episode, Omisade talks about the value of community and the power of storytelling on the journey through menopause, and why you are never too old to prioritize your sexual health.

Join us for a candid conversation that shines a light on the taboo topics of aging and sex!

Key Points From This Episode:

Invaluable resources to help you deal with menopause.
The intention behind the creation of the Say More deck of conversation cards.
What story circles are and the integral role they play in the Black Girl’s Guide to Surviving Menopause.
The challenge that aging presents to women in the workplace.
How employers can improve their employees' experience of menopause.
The importance of having legislation that protects people going through menopause.
Debunking myths around sex as a menopausal person.
Results from a sex study conducted by the University of Kentucky.
Omisade’s recommended resources for everything relating to sex and aging.
The impact Omisade wants to leave on the world.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Black Girl’s Guide to Surviving Menopause

Follow Omisade Burney-Scott on Instagram: @blackgirlsguidetomenopause

Follow Omisade Burney-Scott on LinkedIn: @omisadeburney

Follow Omisade Burney-Scott on Twitter: @Osunsweetnsour

North American Menopause Society

Menopause Whilst Black

Queer Menopause

Fly, Hip & Ageless

Women’s Body Wisdom (Gabriella Espinosa)

The State of Menopause

The Honey Pot

Black Women’s Health Imperative

Pleasure Activism

Goody Howard

Sex Down South

IG: @ps_blossom

Twitter: @PS_Blossom

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“Menopause is certainly a physiological experience. I also posit that menopause is a cultural and a sociopolitical experience as well.” — Omisade Burney-Scott

In Surviving and Thriving Through Menopause (Part 1), we speak with Omisade Burney-Scott (she/her), the creator and curator of the Black Girl’s Guide to Surviving Menopause. This multimedia platform focuses on shifting the narrative around menopause in marginalized communities. In this episode, Omisade talks about the experiences and realizations that motivated her to found the Black Girl’s Guide and why it is such a vital resource.

Join us for this enlightening conversation about what menopause really is and how you can enhance your own experience of it!

Key Points From This Episode:

Omisade shares her origin story and the focal points of her life.
The mission that drives the Black Girl’s Guide to Surviving Menopause.
Experiences that are common in the perimenopausal stage.
When you are officially characterized as being menopausal.
Why Omisade sees menopause as a cultural and sociopolitical experience as well as a physical one.
The value of story when it comes to social justice work.
Who the Black Girl’s Guide to Surviving Menopause is aimed at.
The language that Omisade was exposed to from a young age relating to menopause.
How society stereotypically views menopausal women.
What Omisade wishes she could tell her 12-year-old self.
Omisade’s two very different birthing experiences.
When she first learned about perimenopause.
Challenges of fundraising for black-led and women-led organizations.
The realizations that motivated Omisade to create the Black Girl’s Guide to Surviving Menopause.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Black Girl’s Guide to Surviving Menopause

Follow Omisade Burney-Scott on Instagram: @blackgirlsguidetomenopause

Follow Omisade Burney-Scott on LinkedIn: @omisadeburney

Follow Omisade Burney-Scott on Twitter: @Osunsweetnsour

North American Menopause Society

Menopause Whilst Black

IG: @ps_blossom

Twitter: @PS_Blossom
Click here to learn more about P.S. Blossom!

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“Even if you’re not going to give birth, I wish for everyone to have a really great reproductive and maternal health and life and postpartum and perimenopausal and postmenopausal, the whole, from puberty to post-menopausal life should be full and whole and supported.” — Lizamarie Mohammed

In Lizamarie Mohammed's Journey through Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Maternal Healthcare System, we speak with Lizamarie Mohammed (she/her), a senior program associate at Rhia Ventures. Lizamarie shares her vastly different experiences with giving birth three times, how the Maternal Healthcare System has shifted and changed along the way, and where it is still ultimately failing us.

Join us for this personal story about pregnancy, postpartum, and motherhood and why it’s important to continue advocating for the right support!

Key Points From This Episode:

An introduction to Lizamarie Mohammed.
Lizamarie’s role at Rhia Ventures.
She recounts her decision to be a surrogate for a family member.
How her experience with pregnancy has changed over the years (and pregnancies).
Not knowing what to expect postpartum.
Realizing that the existing maternal health policies weren’t meeting the needs of people giving birth.
Her experience with providers and feeling supported at the hospital.
How her second birthing experience differed from the first.
She recounts why her second postpartum experience felt like a hot mess.
Her experience breastfeeding and essentially lacking information and support around lactation.
What it meant to have her partner at home with her for the first few weeks.
Her thoughts on the difference between the care and support you receive while pregnant versus that which you receive (or don’t) afterward.
She shares her third birthing experience, this time with a doula and a midwife.
How the maternal health crisis has influenced the type of care received.
How her midwife and doula at her third birth let her down, in the end.
How a shift change (during her third birth) led to a different midwife and a different experience overall.
Her experience with unknowingly having had preeclampsia, with her first birth, and the fact that she was never notified.
The dynamic to think about when you have a toddler and a newborn.
Being allowed to be a person who contains multitudes (during the pregnancy experience).
Her thoughts on the systems still not meeting all the needs, but there is still room for improvement.
The importance of having a network of friends for support.
Figuring out how to also prioritize herself amongst all that motherhood encompasses.
LIzamarie’s personal goals.
An often forgotten piece of the postpartum experience: miscarriages and abortions.
Advice to herself and to others.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Follow Lizamarie Mohammed @LizMohammed

Follow Dina Daines on LinkedIn

IG: @ps_blossom

Twitter: @PS_Blossom

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“Health equity is everywhere. It's not confined to a clinical space, it’s not confined to the hospital or the office, or to healthcare, or big healthcare agencies. Everything that we do can affect our health.” — Mary Fleming

In Using Tech to Overcome Inequity in Maternal Healthcare (Part 2), we continue our discussion with Dr. Mary E. Fleming, the Co-Founder and Senior Vice President for Health Equity of Cayaba Care, the president of The Reede Scholars Inc, and a qualified OBGYN. We discuss the state of postpartum care in our country and the need to prioritize maternal health, not just infant care. We discuss the harmful narratives affecting the care of women of color, Cayaba Care's efforts to challenge them, and how we too can advocate for equity.

Join us for this insightful conversation on how organizations and individuals can invest in postpartum care and health equity!

Key Points From This Episode:

Key factors in the lack of research and development on the part of the US health care industry in the area of postpartum.
What it would look like to focus on maternal health as much as we do the care of the child.
Policies that advocates and individuals can support to boost the quality of care and access to postpartum care.
Some of the harmful and dominant narratives that affect the care and postpartum care of women of color.
Insight into how Cayaba Care is actively working to debunk these harmful narratives.
How Cayaba Care doesn’t just empower the people they serve but also the people they employ.
The barriers that Cayaba Care faced in raising the $12 million in investment funding it secured in 2022 and how Mary envisions the next raise.
How organizations and individuals can invest in postpartum care and health equity.
Three go-to resources that Mary recommends.
Insight into the work of The Reede Scholars Inc.
How Mary is trying to show up as her best self every day to continue using her power to make a difference.
The role of mentorship in Mary’s life and how she supports others.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Follow Mary Fleming:

LinkedIn: Dr. Mary E. Fleming

Cayaba Care

LinkedIn: Cayaba Care

Instagram: Cayaba Care

The Reede Scholars Inc.

Facebook: The Reede Scholars

Instagram: The Reede Scholars

The Commonwealth Fund

SisterSong

Student National Medical Association

IG: @ps_blossom

Twitter: @PS_Blossom
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“For that reason, there are some of us who have decided that they would rather take those risks — of having those adverse outcomes at home because they don't feel like they're going to get optimal care in the hospital. That's scary and very disheartening.” — Mary Fleming.

In Using Tech to Overcome Inequity in Maternal Healthcare (Part 1), we speak with Dr. Mary E. Fleming, the president of the Reede Scholars Incorporated and a qualified OBGYN. She is also a Co-Founder and the Senior Vice President for Health Equity at Cayaba Care, a home-based tech-enabled, maternal health solution that is trying to bridge the gap between traditional prenatal care and postpartum care and the social determinants of health.

In this episode, Dr. Fleming sheds light on why Black and Brown women in this country have higher adverse maternal health outcomes and how Cayaba Care is trying to meet the access and economic challenges faced by their patients to bridge the gap. Join us for this profound conversation about overcoming maternal health inequity!

Key Points From This Episode:

An introduction to Mary Fleming and her work with Cayaba Care.
How women’s health relates to the health of communities and health equity.
Insight into how people can get more involved in health equity.
How Dr. Fleming found her cofounders.
Why Black and Brown women have higher adverse maternal health outcomes and what Cayaba Care does to address this.
What a maternity navigator is and how they support women.
Why home visits are so important and how this helps overcome access challenges.
The community aspect of this care.
What recovery looks like for mothers and birthing parents postpartum.
Tests that a new mother may need after delivery.
What health equity looks like in this space.
The causes of the maternal health inequities that we face.
How maternal health inequities may appear in the different settings of at-home, in-hospital, and birth center deliveries.
What mothers and birthing parents can expect during home-based pregnancy care.
Some of the virtual services offered by Cayaba Care.
The importance of telehealth to the future outcomes of postpartum care and access.
The impact of home-based pregnancy care on mothers and birthing parents.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Follow Mary Fleming:

LinkedIn: Dr. Mary E. Fleming

Cayaba Care

Reede Scholars Incorporated

IG: @ps_blossom

Twitter: @PS_Blossom

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“I think that conversation around, ‘It's just you. Just focus on baby,’ is a very narrow interpretation of what postpartum looks like. It becomes much healthier, much more digestible, and much more doable when we zoom out and look at the whole person.” — Raven Dorsey

In Exploring the Role of a Full-Spectrum Doula (Part 2), we continue our conversation with Raven Dorsey, the Former Deputy Director of Engagement at Paid Leave for All and a Full-Spectrum Doula. We continue talking about intuition and how we can shift the dominant narrative around women dismissing their own expertise and intuition when it comes to having a baby. Raven sheds light on the importance of maternity and paternity leave and the work she was doing through Paid Leave for All. She also provides a wealth of information, insight, and valuable resources where we can learn more.

Join us for this enlightening conversation about trusting your intuition, advocating for your rights, the postpartum journey, and the role of a Full-Spectrum Doula!

Key Points From This Episode:

The educational tools that Raven recommends for her clients.
Why you should be mindful when viewing birth videos.
Shifting the dominant narrative around women dismissing their own expertise and intuition.
How telehealth fits into this picture with regards to the issue of access.
The Paid Leave for All campaign and its’ work.
Information about the Family and Medical Leave Act and how it relates to maternity and paternity leave.
How returning to work less than three months after birth affects the postpartum period.
Navigating the emotional aspect of going back to work and judgment that you should be at home with your child.
How parents can find out if they have access to paid family leave.
What needs to be done to push for better parental leave in the USA.
Insight into what investing in the postpartum space looks like.
Resources for anyone looking for a Doula or looking to become a Doula.
How you can find out more about Raven.
Raven’s goal to help people find more ease and beauty in the maternal health space.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Follow Raven Dorsey:

Website: ravenmariedorsey.com

LinkedIn: Raven Dorsey

Instagram: ravenmdorsey

Twitter: @RavenmDorsey

Paid Leave for All

Evidence Based Birth Podcast

New York Times article on Black Doulas in New York

Mama Glow

The Educated Birth

Paid Leave for All: Take Action

IG: @ps_blossom

Twitter: @PS_Blossom

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“Being a Doula is literally serving, attending to all the different things that come up during the labor, birth process, postpartum, abortion; so all the things. All of those life-beginning or ending processes, serving all those aspects of it.” — Raven Dorsey.

In Exploring the Role of a Full-Spectrum Doula (Part 1), we speak with Raven Dorsey, the Former Deputy Director of Engagement at Paid Leave for All and a Full-Spectrum Doula. Raven explains what a Full-Spectrum Doula is, what postpartum care entails, and how she supports mothers in overcoming the challenging moments in this period to regain a sense of self.

Raven sheds light on the value of creating a pregnancy and postpartum plan, establishing your resources and the members of your village, and how a doula can empower you in your birth and postpartum period. Join us for this enlightening and empowering conversation about the benefits of working with a Doula!

Key Points From This Episode:

An introduction to today’s guest Raven Dorsey.

How she balances her work as both an advocate and a Doula, and why she decided to do both.

Raven’s transition from labor and advocacy work to postpartum work.

How long the postpartum period lasts after birth.

Why your first poop after you have a baby can be so unpleasant.

Other things that take new mothers by surprise.

The value of creating a pregnancy and postpartum plan and establishing your resources and the members of your village.

At what point Raven, as a Full-Spectrum Doula, enters the process.

The different types of doulas that people can work with.

How Raven’s experiences with births at home, in birth centers, and in hospitals differ.

Where people can get the best information and support to start planning their births.

The difference between a Midwife and a Doula.

How Doulas empower mothers to tune into their intuition and trust their choices.

What free births are and Raven’s thoughts on them.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Follow Raven Dorsey:
LinkedIn: Raven Dorsey
Instagram: ravenmdorsey
Paid Leave for All: Paid Leave for All
IG: @ps_blossom
Twitter: @PS_Blossom

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*TRIGGER WARNING:* Abortion

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“You don't have to have a traumatic, devastating moment in your life to decide, ‘I'm not ready to have a child.’ That framing seems so harmful to me because it's simply a choice.” — Erika Seth Davies

In Any Reason Is a Good Enough Reason to Access Abortion, we speak with Erika Seth Davies (she/her) at Rhia Ventures about her abortion story and how having reproductive rights and access to abortion care set the stage for her (and her future children’s) life. She opens up about her feelings around her decision and explains how her choice ultimately made her a better parent.

Erika’s work has always been focused on racial justice, which extends to reproductive justice for black women in particular. Join us for this vulnerable yet inspiring conversation about the importance of bodily autonomy and making the right decisions for yourself, guilt-free!

Key Points From This Episode:

An introduction Erika Seth Davies, CEO of Rhia Ventures.
How her access to abortion care set the stage for her (and her future children’s) life.
The stigma and shame surrounding abortion.
Erika’s feelings around her decision and the support she had.
Why she chose to share her story on the podcast.
Erika shares her abortion story. [07:08 - 8:58]
What informed her decision to carry her second pregnancy to term.
How her choice made her a better parent.
Why she feels it’s important to communicate bodily autonomy to her children.
How her work at Rhia Ventures has empowered her.
The racial justice work she was involved in prior to becoming the CEO of Rhia Ventures.
What she learned during her time in West Africa.
How the historical oppression of the physical bodies of black women plays out today.
Erika’s advice to push, know, and trust yourself and your decisions.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Follow Erika Seth Davies:

LinkedIn: Erika Seth Davies

Rhia Ventures

IG: @ps_blossom

Twitter: @PS_Blossom
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*TRIGGER WARNING: * Abortion and Fetal Anomaly

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“The best advice someone gave to me was to be kind to yourself. Make the decision with your partner. Make a decision together, and then forgive yourself for that decision.” — Alice Zheng

In Our Family's Fabric: The Patient Perspective, Alice Zheng (she/her) at RH Capital speaks about her unique perspective on abortion, drawn from her experience personally and as a clinician. She shares her late-stage abortion experience (close to 24 weeks) after discovering her child had congenital birth defects.

We celebrate you dictating life on your terms this month and every month. You and your lived experiences are enough. Join us for this eye-opening first-hand account filled with powerful practical insights for clinicians and those grappling with baby loss!

Key Points From This Episode:

An introduction to today’s guest, Alice Zheng.
Her personal experience with abortion and women’s health in a clinical context.
The story of her terminated pregnancy as a result of a failed embryo transfer.
Details of the decision-making process following the potential diagnosis of a brain condition.
How Alice’s medical training affected her experience.
Recognizing the privilege of support.
Alice’s partner’s role in the decision-making process.
What it was like to experience loss for the first time for Alice and her partner.
The added layer of complexity to the decision due to the condition’s compatibility with life.
What Alice considers the best piece of advice she received: be kind to yourself.
The turbulent days leading up to making a final decision.
Choosing between two procedure options.
Discovering the lack of clinic options for late-term termination.
Alice and her partner’s experience leading up to the procedure and thereafter.
How her medical training empowered her process.
What surprised her about the process as a practitioner.
Why her clinical knowledge was largely irrelevant to her emotional processing.
How the Chinese cultural concept of postpartum recovery applies to losses and terminations.
Recovering from the process.
The challenge of being with friends having pregnancies and babies.
The advice she received to have an ambassador to advocate socially on her behalf.
Long and short-term grief.
Why she chose to give her baby a name.
The power of sharing your experience with others.
Resources such as Ending a Wanted Pregnancy where Alice found support.
How the support of a grief counselor helped.
Successful pregnancies following the loss of Aiden.
The analogy of grief as a ball of yarn in a growing box.
How her personal experience has influenced her work in women’s health.
Summarizing her journey.
Thoughts on healing and grief.
A reminder for listeners who can relate: you are not alone.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Follow Alice Zheng: LinkedIn: Alice Zheng

RH Capital Ending a Wanted Pregnancy

Dr. Pascale Vermont

Surviving the Unimaginable

The Vagina Monologues

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According to the World Health Organization, abortion is an essential component of comprehensive healthcare, but access in the US is increasingly restricted in the wake of Roe v. Wade being overturned which allows individual states to independently decide on the legal parameters concerning abortion care. In the second episode of this two-part series on P.S. Blossom, we are joined by reproductive-justice-informed midwife Dr. Nikia Grayson and Dr. Melissa Madera a.k.a. The Abortion Diarist to dispel some common myths about abortion and discuss the crucial importance of access to quality abortion care for all people, regardless of age, race, or class. Tuning in, you’ll find out how investing in comprehensive reproductive health education relates to abortion care and why a happy and healthy sex life is not just about the absence of disease. We also unpack how Black midwifery is reimagining healthcare provision in the south and the vision behind CHOICES Clinic, Project SANA, and other organizations that are trying to break as many barriers as possible. Finally, Dr. Grayson and Dr. Madera share a wealth of resources and information for those who require financial aid or practical support as they seek the life-affirming abortion care that should be available to everyone. Tune in today for all this and more!

Key Points From This Episode:

Dispelling some of the common myths and misconceptions about abortion.
The importance of investing in comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services.
Why state-mandated abstinence-based education programs are harmful to young people.
Sex-positive healthcare providers and the role of consent in gynecological exams.
Training practitioners from a reproductive justice standpoint.
A big-picture overview of what Roe v. Wade means for abortion access across the country.
The vision behind CHOICES, a full-spectrum sexual and reproductive healthcare clinic.
Restoring Black midwifery in our communities and reimagining healthcare provision.
What Project SANA is doing to expand knowledge about self-managed abortions.
Tips for accessing abortion pills and telehealth support, no matter what state you’re in.
Go-to resources for information, logistics, and financial aid.
Why it’s important to humanize abortion and create spaces to listen and learn in.
How Dr. Grayson and Dr. Madera are using their power to make a difference.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dr. Nikia Grayson on LinkedIn

Dr. Nikia Grayson on Twitter

Dr. Nikia Grayson on Instagram

CHOICES Clinic

Dr. Melissa Madera

Dr. Melissa Madera on Twitter

Dr. Melissa Madera on Instagram

Project SANA

Choix Clinic

The Abortion Diary

The Abortion Diary Podcast

AidAccess.org

Plan C

National Network of Abortion Funds

ARC Southeast

Chicago Abortion Fund

SisterReach

Midwest Access Coalition

Miscarriage and Abortion Hotline

Rhia Ventures

P.S. Blossom on Instagram

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Access to abortion care in the US is increasingly out of reach, thanks to restrictive state laws that target people seeking abortions and their healthcare providers. These barriers to access perpetuate reproductive health inequities, and adolescents, BIPOC, those with lower incomes, and those who have to travel to receive care often face the disproportionate effects of these restrictions. In this two-part series on P.S. Blossom, we are joined by reproductive-justice-informed midwife Dr. Nikia Grayson and Dr. Melissa Madera (a.k.a. The Abortion Diarist) to discuss the crucial importance of access to quality abortion care for all people, regardless of age, race, or class. Dr. Grayson and Dr. Madera walk us through the current state of abortion access in the US, the progress that needs to be made, and what they are doing to help people access the sexual and reproductive healthcare they need. We also take a look at the importance of creating life-affirming communities for those who have had abortions, resources that should be available to patients both pre- and post-procedure, how we can best support young people seeking abortions, and more. Be sure to tune in for a candid and informative discussion about increasing access to safe, affordable, and compassionate abortion care!

Key Points From This Episode:

An overview of the important work that Dr. Grayson and Dr. Madera are doing.
Religious attitudes about sex and abortion that our guests were exposed to growing up.
Why it’s important to talk about sexual health, bodily autonomy, consent, and pleasure.
Dr. Grayson offers insight into the different types of abortion procedures available.
Some of the physical, mental, and emotional effects of having an abortion.
The value of honoring every experience of abortion and creating life-affirming communities.
Resources that should be offered to abortion patients (including compassion).
Access to abortion care for minors who aren’t able to garner parental consent.
Details about payment, insurance coverage, and more.
Information that Dr. Madera wishes she had access to when she had an abortion at 17.
A look at the impact of abortion on family members and others.
The kinds of support that young people need when seeking an abortion.
Everything you need to know about abortion later in pregnancy.
Myths, misinformation, and why Dr. Madera believes technology is a double-edged sword.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dr. Nikia Grayson on LinkedIn

Dr. Nikia Grayson on Twitter

Dr. Nikia Grayson on Instagram

Dr. Melissa Madera

Dr. Melissa Madera on Twitter

Dr. Melissa Madera on Instagram

Project SANA

Choix Clinic

The Abortion Diary

The Abortion Diary Podcast

Rhia Ventures

P.S. Blossom on Instagram

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"I think a life of prosperity begins with a successful early start and making sure that we're birthing our babies into a set of circumstances and scenarios that allow babies to become thriving, contributing, and healthy individuals." – Maya Hardigan

In Where Mom is Served Wholly (Part 2), we continue speaking with Maya Hardigan (she/her), Founder & CEO of Mae, a maternal digital health platform. Maya's lived experiences as a Black woman, mother, and leader have uniquely positioned her to launch and lead her startup to reduce maternal health disparities for Black women. She talks about the disparities that lead to maternal and pediatric deaths.

Join us for this revealing conversation on the power of voice and support!

Key Points From This Episode:

The role technology can play in maternal health and health equity.
How a pregnant person can access digital care through Mae at limited or zero cost.
Patient privacy and confidentiality at Mae, particularly in light of the Dobbs decision.
Cultural competency as a buzzword versus a lived value for healthcare entities.
What equitable care that supports people of color throughout their perinatal period looks like.
Reasons for high disparities in maternal morbidity and mortality.
Shifting harmful narratives about those on Medicaid and maternal morbidity and mortality.
What companies need to do to support Black mothers in the maternal health space.
Community, reproductive justice, or birth justice organizations companies can partner with.
Three go-to resources Maya recommends and how to find out more about Mae.
How Maya uses her power to make a difference and the type of impact hopes to have.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Follow Maya Hardigan @‌maehealthinc

IG: @ps_blossom

Twitter: @PS_Blossom

Click here to learn more about P.S. Blossom!

Welcome to P.S. Blossom, powered by Rhia Ventures!

"I think a life of prosperity begins with a successful early start and making sure that we're birthing our babies into a set of circumstances and scenarios that allow babies to become thriving, contributing, and healthy individuals." – Maya Hardigan

In Where Mom is Served Wholly (Part 1), we speak with Maya Hardigan (she/her), Founder & CEO of Mae, a maternal digital health platform. Maya's lived experiences as a Black woman, mother, and leader uniquely positioned her to launch and lead her startup to reduce maternal health disparities for Black women. She shares the importance of giving moms a trusted partner and community to talk with during pregnancy and postpartum.

Join us for this enlightening conversation on advocating for self and support!

Key Points From This Episode:

An introduction to Maya Hardigan and what led her into the field of maternal health.
What Mae is and what led Maya to create this particular digital platform.
The doula component to Mae and how they promote the use of doulas.
How Mae navigates the mission-aligned work that it does and the financial model that it uses.
The type of support expectant mothers need during pregnancy and how Mae serves them.
What role Mae plays in creating an idyllic birth experience in its community of users.
The support provided during the postpartum period.
What integrated care is and how it can aid in the quality of care throughout pregnancy.
How Mae supports integrated care in Black maternal health.
Thoughts on alternative birth settings: hospital versus home.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Follow Maya Hardigan @‌maehealthinc

IG: @ps_blossom

Twitter: @PS_Blossom
Click here to learn more about P.S. Blossom!

Welcome to the P.S. Blossom powered by Rhia Ventures!

In The Foremothers & Midwifery Traditions (Part 2), we continue the discussion with Aza Nedhari (she/her), a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) and, Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor (LGPC), about pregnancy, consent, the perinatal period, and visibility. Owner of Blue Sage Midwifery and Co-Founder of Mamatoto Village, Aza provides key resources and shares how she's using her knowledge, experience, and power to make a difference.

Join us for the continuation of this enlightening conversation on the perinatal period and midwifery!

Follow Aza Nedhari @mamatotovillage

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Click here to learn more about Narrative Change and P.S. Blossom!

Welcome to the P.S. Blossom powered by Rhia Ventures!

In The Foremothers & Midwifery Traditions, we speak with Aza Nedhari (she/her), a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) and, Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor (LGPC), about pregnancy, holistic approaches, the perinatal period, and visibility. Owner of Blue Sage Midwifery and Co-Founder of Mamatoto Village, Aza shares her story of how her role in her Godmother’s delivery of a baby in a snowstorm and the births of her children inspired her to venture into this field.

Join us for this enlightening conversation on becoming a midwife and all things midwifery!

Follow Aza Nedhari @mamatotovillage

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Twitter: @PS_Blossom

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Welcome to the P.S. Blossom powered by Rhia Ventures!

In Empowerment and Joy through Self Pleasure, Krista White (she/her) believes in pleasure and the divine joy of love and connection, which motivated her to create the app, Kiki for the Future. Tune in to hear Krista’s story, and insights on sex education, masturbation, desire, and performance. Learn about the practices she hopes to embrace in her life today, with the primary goal of living joyfully. Join us for an inspiring and empowering episode with today’s amazing guest.

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In Pleasure: A Wellspring of Wisdom (Part 2), Ev’Yan Whitney (they/them) and Che Che Luna (they/them) continue to discuss their work in the field of educating others on pleasure and self-love and acceptance. They will tell about their past experiences, and what led them into these passions and how they are empowering others.

Follow: Ev’Yan Whitney & Che Che Luna

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Twitter: @PS_Blossom

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Welcome to the P.S. Blossom powered by Rhia Ventures!

In Pleasure: A Wellspring of Wisdom (Part 1), Ev’Yan Whitney (they/them) and Che Che Luna (they/them) discuss their work in the field of educating others on pleasure and self-love, and acceptance. They will tell about their past experiences, what led them to these passions and how they are inspiring and empowering others.

Follow: Ev’Yan Whitney & Che Che Luna

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Twitter: @PS_Blossom

https://rhiaventures.org/blossom

Welcome to the P.S. Blossom powered by Rhia Ventures!

In The Awakening of The Sexuality Doula, Ev’Yan Whitney (they/them) discusses overcoming expectations and trauma and moving into acceptance and deep love for self. They take us along an incredible journey of finding themselves, leading to them supporting others in their own paths to self-love, acceptance, and discovery as a Sexuality Doula.

Follow: Ev’Yan Whitney

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In Beauty Standards of The Star Trek Princess, Ailea Stites (they/them), Youth Engagement Lead for the Center for Interdisciplinary Inquiry & Innovation in Sexual and Reproductive Health (Ci3) at The University of Chicago offers insight into their personal journey with body hair, beauty standards, and sexuality. As they navigate puberty, young adulthood, and societal expectations they discover more about self-love and unapologetic acceptance.

Listen in as Ailea reminds listeners that worth is inherent and there is no need to conform to arbitrary standards.

Follow: Ailea Stites

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Welcome to the P.S. Blossom powered by Rhia Ventures!

This Fall, P.S. Blossom highlights the influence of sexuality on our lives. Co-Host Crystal Tyler speaks with Andrea Barricas, Founder and CEO of O.school about adult discomfort and the rights of young people. They examine how the intersectionality of one’s identity and lived experiences influences one’s perception and echoing actions within society and sex. Andrea shares how O.school was developed, the freedom of expression and more!

These are unapologetic conversations shifting the narrative.

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Welcome to the P.S. Blossom powered by Rhia Ventures!

Today, on P.S. Blossom Story, we introduce Tomi Dugbo, Interviewer and Social Media Specialist for The Balm and former member of Ci3 Youth Advisory Council at the University of Chicago.

Sit back, prop your feet up, sip on a Shirley Temple and listen in as Tomi shares her experience of early puberty and how that defined the young woman she is today.

We celebrate you dictating life on your terms this month and every month. You and your lived experiences are enough.

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Twitter: @PS_Blossom

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Welcome to the P.S. Blossom powered by Rhia Ventures!

As Summer comes to an end, P.S. Blossom highlights the unique experiences of puberty and adolescence. Do you remember puberty?

This month, we spoke with Brittany McBride (she/her), Associate Director of Sex Education and Training at Advocates for Youth, and Ailea Stites (they/them), Youth Engagement Lead for the Center for Interdisciplinary Inquiry & Innovation in Sexual and Reproductive Health (Ci3) at The University of Chicago.

Grab a seat and listen as they discuss - sexual development and education, young people's intuition, bodily autonomy, the chemical and emotional aspects that influence hormones, consent, and rights to privacy adolescents and parents have individually, racial justice - and more!

These are unapologetic conversations shifting the narrative.

IG: @ps_blossom

Twitter: @PS_Blossom

https://rhiaventures.org/blossom

Welcome to the P.S. Blossom powered by Rhia Ventures!

As Summer comes to an end, P.S. Blossom highlights the unique experiences of puberty and adolescence. Do you remember puberty?

This month, we spoke with Brittany McBride (she/her), Associate Director of Sex Education and Training at Advocates for Youth, and Ailea Stites (they/them), Youth Engagement Lead for the Center for Interdisciplinary Inquiry & Innovation in Sexual and Reproductive Health (Ci3) at The University of Chicago.

Grab a seat and listen as they discuss - sexual development and education, young people's intuition, bodily autonomy, the chemical and emotional aspects that influence hormones, consent, and rights to privacy adolescents and parents have individually, racial justice - and more!

These are unapologetic conversations shifting the narrative.

IG & Twitter: @PS_Blossom

https://rhiaventures.org/blossom

Welcome to the P.S. Blossom powered by Rhia Ventures!

We're kicking off Season 2 with a short conversation between Hosts Victoria Griffin and Crystal Tyler. They discuss the narrative arc and upcoming topics for this season.

Listen in as they talk about reproductive health from a holistic standpoint, dominant and intersectional (counter) narratives, and the recurring themes of pleasure, self-advocacy, and sex-positivity this season.

P.S. Blossom is here to inspire, empower, and amplify the collective voices of Black, Indigenous, Women, and other Birthing People of Color.

These are conversations creating change.

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https://rhiaventures.org/blossom

Today, on P.S. Blossom Story, we introduce Jazmine "da King of the South(KOS)" Walker.

Sit back, prop your feet up, sip on an eggnog cocktail, and listen in as Jazmine shares with us the story of her first orgasm. This experience ultimately shaped her political pursuits and commitment to empowering women of color to be whole, happy, and grounded.

This month and every month, we celebrate you dictating life on your terms. You and your lived experiences are enough.

conversationscreatingchange

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Do adults need sex education?

What does pleasure look like when you center yourself?

Birds do it. Bees do it. Humans definitely do it. But talking about it isn't always easy. This month we talk about sexual pleasure and the politics surrounding it with dynamic professional sexologist Cindy Lee Alves. We unearth how sexual pleasure, as well as sex education, contributes to one's health and wellbeing no matter your stage of life.

conversationscreatingchange

IG: @PS_Blossom & Twitter: @PS_Blossom

https://rhiaventures.org/blossom

Do adults need sex education?

What does pleasure look like when you center yourself?

Birds do it. Bees do it. Humans definitely do it. But talking about it isn't always easy. This month we talk about sexual pleasure and the politics surrounding it with dynamic professional sexologist Cindy Lee Alves. We unearth how sexual pleasure, as well as sex education, contributes to one's health and wellbeing no matter your stage of life.

conversationscreatingchange

IG: @PS_Blossom & Twitter: @PS_Blossom

https://rhiaventures.org/blossom

You might not be hangry. You might have PCOS. Did you know you can have PCOS and not know?

Join us as we talk about PCOS with Dr. Ami Patel, PharmD, BCPS, and Founder of PCOS Healing Adventure. Dr. Patel shares how she discovered she had PCOS and how she navigated that journey with a holistic approach.

This conversation spotlights the causes of PCOS and managing the symptoms and the system.

conversationscreatingchange

IG: @PS_Blossom & Twitter: @PS_Blossom

https://rhiaventures.org/blossom

Did you know there is a science to breastfeeding? Did you know that it isn't supposed to hurt?

Join us as we talk all things breastfeeding with the founder of Holistic Lactation, Jacqueline Kincer, IBCLC. She shares the insights and experiences as a mom of two who struggled along her breastfeeding journey that led to her career as a Lactation Consultant.

This conversation shines a light on a mother's intuition and the importance of supporting fellow breastfeeding moms, people & their babies.

conversationscreatingchange

IG & Twitter: @PS_Blossom

https://rhiaventures.org/blossom

How do we shift a dominant framework steeped in stereotypes? So are you magically equipped to be a parent when you turn 30 years old?

Join us as we take a virtual walk with Ena Suseth Valladares, Director of Programs for California Latinas for Reproductive Justice (CLRJ). She shares her insights and experience on challenging and changing the narrative. We discuss the power of self-advocacy and the importance of people understanding their rights under the law.

Let's unpack the narratives that create culture shifts and create a space where worthiness is an assumed human belief.

conversationscreatingchange

IG & Twitter: @PS_Blossom

https://rhiaventures.org/blossom

How do we shift a dominant framework steeped in stereotypes? So are you magically equipped to be a parent when you turn 30 years old?

Join us as we take a virtual walk with Ena Suseth Valladares, Director of Programs for California Latinas for Reproductive Justice (CLRJ). She shares her insights and experience on challenging and changing the narrative. We discuss the power of self-advocacy and the importance of people understanding their rights under the law.

Let's unpack the narratives that create culture shifts and create a space where worthiness is an assumed human belief.

conversationscreatingchange

IG & Twitter: @PS_Blossom

https://rhiaventures.org/blossom

Today, on P.S. Blossom Story, we continue with our powerful storyteller from South Texas.

Sit back, prop your feet up, sip some cool Sun Tea and listen in as she continues her story about the challenges of accessing abortion care near the US/Mexico border. This month and every month, we celebrate you dictating life on your terms.

You and your lived experiences are enough.

IG & Twitter: @PS_Blossom

https://rhiaventures.org/blossom

Today, on P.S. Blossom Story, we introduce a powerful storyteller from South Texas.

Sit back, prop your feet up, sip some cool ginger beer and listen in as our anonymous storyteller shares her story about the challenges of accessing reproductive care near the US/Mexico border. This month and every month, we celebrate you dictating life on your terms.

You and your lived experiences are enough.

IG & Twitter: @PS_Blossom

https://rhiaventures.org/blossom

Lizamarie Mohammed, Rhia Ventures' new Senior Program Associate, shares her personal experiences and how they shaped her understanding of sexual, reproductive, and maternal health policies as an activist. Her experiences shed a stark light on the challenges that women and people face in the system, as well as the uphill battle in convincing policymakers of the value of reproductive health care.

IG & Twitter: @PS_Blossom

https://rhiaventures.org/blossom

Lizamarie Mohammed, the new Senior Program Associate at Rhia Ventures, shares her personal experiences and how they shaped her understanding of sexual, reproductive, and maternal health policies as an activist. Her experiences shed a stark light on the challenges that women and people face in the system, as well as the uphill battle in convincing policymakers of the value of reproductive health care.

IG & Twitter: @PS_Blossom

https://rhiaventures.org/blossom

Today, on P.S. Blossom Story, we introduce Heidi Williamson.

Sit back, prop your feet up, sip some cool lemonade and listen in as Heidi shares her story of growing up as a teen in rural Georgia with a religious family and how it shaped her experiences in becoming pro-sex, pro-blackness, pro-woman, and pro-queerness. This month and every month, we celebrate you dictating life on your terms.

You and your lived experiences are enough.

IG & Twitter: @PS_Blossom

https://rhiaventures.org/blossom

Erika Seth Davies, the new CEO of Rhia Ventures, shares her insights on racial equity and the role that capital plays in making it a reality. With a background in fundraising and social entrepreneurship, Erika highlights how to center and honor Black women so that everyone benefits.

IG & Twitter: @PS_Blossom

https://rhiaventures.org/blossom

We are excited to continue our storytelling component on P.S. Blossom.

Today, we are honored to share the story of Jasmine Burnett, an activist, herbalist, and leader in the Reproductive Justice movement. Jasmine speaks about the challenges of the intergenerational diagnosis of fibroids and endometriosis - and how she found solace as she managed the symptoms and treatment throughout her journey.

Have a seat, grab a glass of iced tea and listen in.

IG & Twitter: @PS_Blossom

https://rhiaventures.org/blossom

As May comes to a close, we continue to honor and highlight mental health. In this episode of P.S. Blossom, we discuss the intersection of reproductive and mental health as a certified clinical hypnotherapist and counselor Angelique L. Burke and fitness expert and doula Wasidah, name the challenges that hit close to home.

Grab your yoga mat and tune in to Part 2 for a powerfully vulnerable and dynamic discussion.

conversationscreatingchange

Twitter & Instagram: @PS_Blossom

As May comes to a close, we continue to honor and highlight mental health. In this episode of P.S. Blossom, we discuss the intersection of reproductive and mental health as a certified clinical hypnotherapist and counselor Angelique L. Burke, and fitness expert and doula Wasidah, name the challenges that hit close to home.

Grab your yoga mat and tune into Part 1 for a powerfully vulnerable and dynamic discussion.

conversationscreatingchange

Twitter & Instagram: @PS_Blossom

We are excited to introduce our storytelling component to P.S. Blossom. Every month, we will highlight the lived and shared experiences of Black, Indigenous, Women, and People of Color.

In this episode, we highlight the resiliency of one mother's journey with Porsha Summerville Baawuah. Have a seat, grab a cup of your favorite beverage and listen in as Porsha shares a part of her story and gives us a glimpse into her motherhood journey.

IG & Twitter: @PS_Blossom

https://rhiaventures.org/blossom

Can we plan for the cost of a family?! Should we create a business plan for building strong families?

Join us as we dive into an insightful discussion with Jennell Lynch, Founder of Executive Doula on the power of supportive voices and getting back to what your body was built to do in the timeframe it was built to do it. We discuss the cost, companies, and resources needed to create and maintain a family. Are companies making proactive plans for women in the workplace?

Let's unpack the dynamics of family costs within the reproductive and maternal health ecosystem.

conversationscreatingchange

Follow: @executivedoula

IG & Twitter: @PS_Blossom

www.executivedoula.com

Welcome to the P.S. Blossom! We're kicking off this series with a discussion about designing family, the importance of doulas, and advocacy in Black communities.

Executive Director of SisterSong, Monica Simpson, tells us about her journey and how what started as a big sister's desire to protect her own became a lifelong mission. SisterSong’s mission to strengthen and amplify the collective voices of Black, Indigenous, and Women of Color - propels the reproductive justice and birthing movement by standing against reproductive oppression and centering human rights.

These are conversations creating change.

IG & Twitter: @PS_Blossom

https://rhiaventures.org/blossom

Welcome to P.S. Blossom!

This new podcast series focuses on empowering all women, especially Black, Indigenous, and Women of Color, to advocate for their health care, their way. This series will explore issues of race, gender, and class within sexual, maternal, and reproductive health.

Learn more at https://rhiaventures.org/blossom

Follow us on Twitter & Instagram @PS_Blossom