Reproductive Left: Recent Episodes
Reproductive Left
Reproductive Left is a podcast by Mabel Wadsworth Center, a feminist, nonprofit, sexual and reproductive healthcare provider in Bangor, ME. After a three year hiatus, we are back with new hosts: Catherine Chavaree (she, her) and Aspen Ruhlin (they, them). Join us as we explore topics that impact our sexual and reproductive health and lives.
New episodes the last Friday of the month!
Welcome back for our second episode of the Summer 2026 season of Reproductive Left! Join our host Aspen for a conversation with Destie Hohman Sprague of Maine Women's Lobby to talk about feminist advocacy and fighting for gender justice.As mentioned in the caption of our last episode and in this conversation with Destie, the anti-trans ballot question that was expected to be on the ballot in November here in Maine is no longer set to be on the ballot. Hooray! Illegal/improper signature gathering can have that effect. That ruling has been appealed, but we're not expecting to see that ballot question reinstated, what with it never having had enough valid signatures to qualify in the first place. You can keep up to date on this and other gender justice topics through the Maine Women's Lobby website and newsletter, along with the folks at the Free and Fair Schools Campaign, all linked below.https://www.mainewomen.org/https://www.freeandfairschools.com/Image: Maine Women's Lobby logo
Join us as we kick off our 2026 Summer Season with an interview with Gia Drew (she/her) of EqualityMaine! In this episode, we chat LGBTQ+ advocacy in Maine, finding joy in movement work, and fighting against attacks on the trans community.Speaking of attacks on the trans community--as of the airing of this episode, the anti-trans ballot question is now slated to no longer be on the ballot this November. Hooray! Those who are advocating for this ballot question (boo) are trying to appeal this decision as over 12,000 signatures were invalidated, leaving the initiative without enough signatures to qualify for the ballot. We will keep you up to date as this situation develops, but this update is good news.Learn more:https://www.equalitymaine.org/https://www.freeandfairschools.com/Image: EqualityMaine logo
Join our host Aspen for the final episode of our Winter 2026 season! This month, we're diving into the history of the hormonal birth control pill and how it was created. Big heads up for medical racism, medical sexism, and eugenics. How was the first birth control pill created? What does colonialism and the mistreatment of Puerto Ricans have to do with it? How did Catholicism play a factor? How do we balance the history of harm with the benefits birth control provides? While we don't have enough time to touch on everything around this important history, answer these questions and more in this episode of Reproductive Left!Sources:https://www.npr.org/2023/06/01/1179378121/the-story-of-how-the-birth-control-pill-was-invented-and-testedhttps://www.history.com/articles/birth-control-pill-history-puerto-rico-enovidImage: Reproductive Health Supplies Coalition via Unsplash
https://www.organon.com/news/organon-announces-us-food-and-drug-administration-approval-of-supplemental-new-drug-application-extending-duration-of-use-of-nexplanon-etonogestrel-implant-68-mg-radiopaque/
Join us as we kick off our Winter 2026 season with an episode about condoms! How long have they been around? How useful are they? How many kinds are there? How will our host sneak in a pasta analogy? Answer these questions as we dive into the world of condoms!Image: Deon Black via Unsplash
Join us for our last episode of the Fall 2025 Season! Our host Aspen is back with more hot takes--this time, focusing on body hair and its removal, particularly through a gendered lens. When did it become common for women in the US to remove their body hair, and why? Why do so many razor commercials targeted at women feature a woman shaving her already hairless legs? What makes so many men insist that women having body hair is unhygienic? Join Aspen as they strive to answer these questions and more on this episode of Reproductive Left!Image: Billie via Unsplash
misogynists trick other people online into fulfilling their kink. We hope you enjoy this wild start to the season!Image: Glenn Carstens-Peters via Unsplash
We're wrapping up our Summer 2025 season with an interview with our very own Nurse Practitioner MaryAlice to discuss endometriosis! Join our host Aspen as they ask MaryAlice all of the questions you didn't know you had about endometriosis. What is it? How is it diagnosed and treated? Is there any hope of relief for those with endometriosis? What's the deal with the state of endometriosis research? Listen to this episode to answer these questions and more! We'll see you for our Fall 2025 season at the end of September.Image created via Canva
https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/nutrition-and-dietetics/diet-cultureImage: Ekaterina Grosheva via Unsplash
We're kicking off our Summer 2025 season with an interview with Dr. Meaghan, local pelvic floor physical therapy extraordinaire! What even is the pelvic floor? Who has one? (Hint: everyone who has a pelvis) Can anything be done about pelvic pain? Answer these questions and more in this episode of Reproductive Left!Learn more about Dr. Meaghan and her services at her website -> https://www.refinephysicaltherapy.com/Check out her screening tool to see if pelvic floor physical therapy might be a good idea for you here -> https://bit.ly/4kBUIIlImage via refinephysicaltherapy.com
For our final Winter 2025 episode, our host Aspen is joined by Mabel's provider Dr. Nicole to discuss menopause and perimenopause! What are they? How common is menopause? What can people do to manage it? Answer these questions and more in this episode of Reproductive Left! We'll see you again in May to kick off our Summer 2025 season.Image: Ricardo Gomez Angel via Unsplash
This episode continues our Winter 2025 season as our host Aspen explores PCOS! What is PCOS? Who's affected? Where do the ovarian cysts come in? Answer these questions and more in this episode of Reproductive Left!Image created via Canva
For our Winter season, we thought we'd focus on topics below the belt, and we're kicking things off by unpacking some common misconceptions around sex and genitalia! Join Aspen as they dive into the mysteries and misunderstandings of vulvas, penises, and more.Image: Taras Chernus via Unsplash
In this episode, we wrap up our Fall Into Responsibility season with an interview with Jamie Beck of Dignity First! For those unfamiliar, Dignity First is an organization based in Bangor with a mission to, "cultivate a permanent supportive village for unhoused people and intentional neighbors." Together, we explore what responsibility means in relation to not just the work of Dignity First but of caring for our whole community, including our unhoused neighbors.Learn more at the Dignity First website here-> https://www.dignityfirst.me/
In this episode, we continue our Fall Into Responsibility season with an interview with Lisa Sockabasin of Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness! Fun fact--we can thank Lisa for our season theme and the importance of looking at responsibility as something rooted in care rather than shame. In this episode, we explore her perspective of responsibility, particularly in relation to the work of Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness.Learn more at the WPHW website here-> https://wabanakiphw.org/Listen to the Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness podcast "Aunties on Air" here-> https://wabanakiphw.org/about/aunties-on-air/Image via Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness FB of their logo
Join us for the first episode of our Fall Into Responsibility season! In this season, we'll be approaching the idea of responsibility not as something rooted in shame, but as something rooted in care. We're kicking off the season with an interview with Amy Roeder of the Together Place Peer Run Recovery Center in Bangor! Along with talking about the important work of Together Place, we'll be diving into questions like "what does it mean to be responsible to yourself?" and "what does it mean to be responsible to your community?"Image via the Together Place FB page of the mural on their building
Thank you for joining us for the final episode of our "Hope is a Discipline" summer season! This month, we'll dig into one of our host Aspen's favorite topics--abortion advocacy. We know that anti-abortion sentiments certainly exist today, but have they always been around? How long have people been having abortions anyway? Why are there so many abortion rallies with people dressed in green?Thanks for listening, and we'll see you in September for our fall season!Image: Reed Naliboff via Unsplash
For our second episode of our summer "Hope is a Discipline" season, our host Aspen interviews Karen of MCEDV, the Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence! In this episode, we discuss how systems of violence are connected, including the connections of intimate partner violence and acts of mass violence, with a focus on how we build a safer world.Content warning for discussion of violence (though this episode does not go into specific detail of instances of violence).MCEDV website: https://www.mcedv.org/A Call for Change Helpline: https://acallforchangehelpline.org/
We're kicking off our Summer "Hope is a Discipline" Season with some Pride Season Prep as we head into June! Anyone who has listened to our host Aspen before has probably heard them reference the quote "hope is a discipline" from prison abolitionist Mariame Kaba, which can be summarized as viewing hope not simply as an emotion, but as a deliberate choice and something that requires work. This month's episode gets into some LGBTQIA+ Pride history, along with how to build a better world for queer folks.Image: Raphael Renter via Unsplash
Join Aspen for the final episode of the Winter Access series as they interview someone familiar--Abbie Strout-Bentes! Abbie is the Executive Director of SAFE Maine, a fierce feminist, and the original host of Reproductive Left. In this episode, the pair tackle the role of abortion funds, how they impact access to care, and how you can help.Learn more about SAFE Maine at their website: https://www.safemaine.org/Image: Gayatri Malhotra via Unsplash
Join Aspen as they chat with fierce feminist friend Elayne Richard from GRR! In our second Winter Access series episode, we tackle the topic of anti abortion centers (also often called crisis pregnancy centers) and how they negatively impact access to not just abortion care, but all competent sexual and reproductive healthcare.You can learn more about GRR! at their website: https://grandmothersforreproductiverights.org/Image via Aspen Ruhlin of unofficial GRR! mascot Tina Turner Tiger
Reproductive Left is kicking off 2024 with our Winter Access season! We're starting out chatting about sterilization and access to this care, including a short interview at the end with the fabulous Dr. Rachel. She'll chat about her work providing vasectomies at Mabel Wadsworth Center, while Aspen will set the groundwork for sterilization more generally in the first portion of the show. What even is sterilization? Who gets it, and how? What barriers do people face to getting electively sterilized? What does this have to do with ovarian and cervical cancer? Join us to answer these questions and more!
For our final episode of the Fall Autonomy season, join Aspen as they interview Hannah Lord (doula, lactation specialist, and Mabel's volunteer extraordinaire). What role do doulas play in autonomy for pregnant people? What even is a doula? How does lactation and the ways we feed our babies play into autonomy, especially for marginalized birthing parents? Listen to this episode as Aspen and Hannah tackle these questions and more!Image: Junior REIS via Unsplash
For our second episode of our Fall Autonomy season, join Aspen as they interview Casey Faulkingham of Partners for Peace about the intersections of domestic violence and autonomy. How do these topics intersect? What is reproductive coercion? How can loved ones of those experiencing abuse help in a meaningful way? Aspen and Casey address these questions and more!Learn more about Partners for Peace at https://www.partnersforpeaceme.org/Partners for Peace helpline: 1-800-863-9909Power and Control Wheel and Equality Wheel: https://www.theduluthmodel.org/wheels/Image: Sydney Sims via Unsplash
Kicking off our Fall Autonomy season we have an interview with Julie Jenkins and Christie Pitney of Abortion Freedom Fund. Join us as we discuss autonomy for pregnant people in the context of abortion funds, medication abortion, and accessing care in a post-Dobbs US.Abortion Freedom Fund focuses on funding telehealth abortion care nationally, and you can learn more about their work at abortionfreedomfund.org.Check out the "Plan C" documentary at https://www.plancpills.org/documentaryImage: Abortion Freedom Fund logo
For our final episode of the Hot Mabel's Summer season, our host Aspen dives into the intersections of trans health and abortion. Even if you're already familiar with the fact that trans people also have abortions, there are other connections and commonalities you might not be as familiar with! Listen along, and we'll see you again in September.Image credit: Patrick Perkins via Unsplash
We're back with the second episode of Hot Mabel's Summer with a Pride Month interview with Professor Nancy Lewis! Why is teaching about LGBT Studies important? How has teaching this topic changed over the years? Just how much are queer people cut out of the education we receive? Listen to have these questions (and more) answered!Image credit: Delia Giandeini via Unsplash
We're kicking off Hot Mabel's Summer with a dive into what we've been up to with the Maine legislature this session! Host Aspen interviews OG host Abbie to discuss the wide array of bill topics we've given testimony on, along with the marathon week of abortion-related bills we saw earlier this month! Speaking of, now is a great time to call your legislator about LD 1619 and why you want them to vote in support of it.Learn more about some of the bills we've supported this session here: https://www.mabelwadsworth.org/get-involved/advocacy/Image via Aspen Ruhlin of the Maine State House
To wrap up our Winter Activism series (yes, we know we're ten days into Spring), we have an exciting interview on Community Organizing with activist and friend of the Center Representative Ambureen Rana. What is Community Organizing? How do you get involved in activism? How did Ambureen take the leap into legislative work? Join us to answer these questions and more!Resources:Deepa Iyer "Social Change Now: A Guide for Reflection and Connection" --> https://www.socialchangemap.com/Image credit: Melany Rochester via Unsplash
In this month's episode, we're continuing our Winter Activism series with an interview with Dr. Jacquelyn Gill! Not only is she an Associate Professor of Climate Science and a paleoecologist, but she's someone cool enough to have her own Wikipedia page.What does the environment have to do with feminism? Is this the same as ecofeminism? Can we still do something about climate change? Listen as we tackle these questions and more!Image credit: Markus Spiske via Unsplash
Couldn't make it to our event honoring what should have been the 50th anniversary of Roe v. Wade on Sunday, January 22nd? Here it is recorded from you! We were joined by abortion doula, clinic worker, and author extraordinaire Hannah Matthews. Check out her bio below!Hannah Matthews is a writer, abortion funder and care worker, and doula based in Portland, Maine. Her work has been published in or is forthcoming from The New York Times, ELLE, Esquire, McSweeney’s, Catapult, and other publications, and she has previously written for the Planned Parenthood Federation of America blog. Hannah is represented by Jade Wong-Baxter of the Frances Goldin Literary Agency, and her debut book, You or Someone You Love: Reflections of An Abortion Doula, forthcoming from Atria (Simon & Schuster) on 5/2/23, is available for preorder now. More information about Hannah and her work can be found at her website https://www.hannahmatthews.me/.Image: Gayatri Malhotra (via Unsplash)
What better way to wrap up a season themed around pleasure than to revisit an important tool for pleasure--lube! This episode features sexual health rockstar, Nurse Practitioner, and former Mabel's staff member Lindsey Piper.Osmolality and pH and stigma, oh my! Join our host Aspen as they delve into the slippery world of sexual lubricant. What's the deal with osmolality? This isn't chemistry class, so why does pH matter? Who needs lube? We'll answer all of these questions and more in this episode of Reproductive Left, featuring an interview with Nurse Practitioner Lindsey Piper!Image: Deon Black (via Unsplash)References:badvibes.org/whats-in-your-lube…nce-of-lubricants/apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/han…A7D2D46?sequence=1
Continuing our Fall theme of pleasure, Aspen is back this month to talk about kink! What is it? Why are people kinky? Is it all whips and chains? What's with all the hype about Fifty Shades of Gray? Join our host to learn all this and more!Image: Warm Orange via Unsplash
We're back! For the Fall 2022 season of Reproductive Left, we thought there was nothing better to focus on than pleasure. In this episode, Aspen dives into masturbation to discuss the myths, magic, and benefits of this particular brand of self-love. Listen and learn what cereal, gender stereotypes, and Texas politicians have to do with this messy topic. While you're at it, go love yourself!Image: Dainis Graveris via Unsplash
Welcome back for part 2 of our interview with Viva Ruiz of Thank God for Abortion! Viva and Aspen continue to discuss the importance of abortion access, and how religion is not as cut-and-dry anti abortion as you may think. Thank God for Abortion can be found on Facebook, Instagram, or thankgodforabortion.com Image: Malvestida via Unsplash
This month's episode of Reproductive Left is part one of an exciting interview with Viva Ruiz of Thank God For abortion! Join Viva and Aspen as they discuss religion, abortion, and autonomy, and how religion absolutely can and should be abortion-positive.
Thank God For Abortion can be found on Facebook, Instagram, or thankgodforabortion.com
Image: Manny Becerra via Unsplash
In this month's episode of Reproductive Left, our host Aspen interviews Quinn Gormley, the Executive Director of MaineTransNet. The two discuss trans health, abortion access, Reproductive Justice, and where the three intersect.
MTN is a community based organization led by trans people for trans people. They provide peer-to-peer support groups, social and community events, advocacy for the transgender community across Maine, and education on trans cultural competency. MaineTransNet's mission is, "to support and empower transgender people to create a world where they can thrive."
Resources:
mainetrans.net
https://www.sistersong.net/reproductive-justice
Image: Sierra Houk via Unsplash
Join us where we left off in the previous episode with part 2 of the interview with Cait Vaughan! Aspen and Cait continue the conversation and discuss how other elements of oppression interact with our attitudes around substance use, pregnancy, and parenting.
Resources: Repro Legal Defense Fund -> reprolegaldefensefund.org/
National Advocates for Pregnant Women -> www.nationaladvocatesforpregnantwomen.org/
Movement for Family Power -> www.movementforfamilypower.org/
NWLC--forced sterilization -> nwlc.org/resource/forced-ster…n-the-united-states/
"Killing the Black Body" by Dorothy E. Roberts
Image credit: Kelly Sikkema via Unsplash
In this month's episode of Reproductive Left, join our host as they interview reproductive health advocacy powerhouse Cait Vaughan about substance use, pregnancy, and parenting. This topic has a lot of myths and misunderstandings, from the actual impact of substance use on pregnancy to what even "counts" as a substance. Join us in March for part 2!
Resources: Repro Legal Defense Fund -> https://reprolegaldefensefund.org/
National Advocates for Pregnant Women -> https://www.nationaladvocatesforpregnantwomen.org/
Movement for Family Power -> https://www.movementforfamilypower.org/
NWLC--forced sterilization -> https://nwlc.org/resource/forced-sterilization-of-disabled-people-in-the-united-states/
"Killing the Black Body" by Dorothy E. Roberts
Image: Anna Civolani (via Unsplash)
Join Aspen as they interview Mabel Wadsworth Center Nurse Practitioner Finn about PrEP, an important HIV prevention medication. What is PrEP, and who is it for? Why don't more people know about it? Aspen and Finn answer these questions and more in this month's PrEPisode!
Image: Stillness InMotion (via Unsplash)
To finish up 2021, Aspen is exploring the ins and outs of hymens! What really is the hymen, anyways? Does a hymen by any other name perpetuate the same patriarchal sexual values? Why is the image for this episode a crown? Join us to answer these questions and more!
Image: Nathan Mcgregor (via Unsplash)
In this episode of Reproductive Left, join Aspen as they chat with Sarah Haas (they/she), local queer sex educator, about fertility care. What are the barriers to accessing it? What's the bad fertility advice we're all tired of hearing? What are the different barriers faced by cisgender/straight people seeking fertility care and LGBTQ+ people? Listen as we answer these questions and more!
Image: Dainis Graveris (via Unsplash)
Happy Spooky Season! For our October episode, join Aspen as they explore the history of witches, midwives, and where the two overlap. From the history of witch hunts that Hollywood never told you to the present realities of childbirth. Grab some candy corn, light some candles, and enjoy!
Image: Ksenia Yakovleva (via Unsplash)
References: Witches, Midwives, and Nurses by Barbara Ehrenreich and Deirdre English https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2019/10/c-section-rate-high/600172/ https://www.statnews.com/2016/04/04/medical-students-beliefs-race-pain/ https://www.pnas.org/content/113/16/4296.abstract https://www.sistersong.net/reproductive-justice
Osmolality and pH and stigma, oh my! Join our host Aspen as they delve into the slippery world of sexual lubricant. What's the deal with osmolality? This isn't chemistry class, so why does pH matter? Who needs lube? We'll answer all of these questions and more in this episode of Reproductive Left, featuring an interview with Nurse Practitioner Lindsey Piper! Image: Deon Black (via Unsplash)
References: https://badvibes.org/whats-in-your-lube/the-science-of-lubricants/ http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/76580/WHO_RHR_12.33_eng.pdf;jsessionid=F2717415C8839529E67BECDA8A7D2D46?sequence=1
Join our host Aspen as they discuss herpes and the stigma surrounding it. Why is such a common virus that usually has a minimal impact on people's lives seen as such a big deal? If someone has herpes, what do they do? What's the deal with cold sores? How many people have herpes? Explore all of these questions and more on this episode of Reproductive Left!
Image: Sincerely Media (via Unsplash)
Reference list: https://slate.com/technology/2019/12/genital-herpes-stigma-history-explained.html https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/herpes-simplex-virus https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7265941/ https://www.instagram.com/safe.slut/
Join our host Aspen and special guest Samaa Abdurraqib as they discuss Samaa's poetry and how different elements of identity influence her work. Along with being a talented and published writer, Samaa is a dear friend, supporter, and board member of Mabel Wadsworth Center.
Image: Nicolas Messifet (via Unsplash)
Join our host Aspen as they discuss the topic of feminist poetry. What is feminist poetry, and who is a feminist poet? Enjoy some of their favorite feminist poets along with favorites from other members of the Mabel Wadsworth Center team as we explore poetry that touches on sexuality, identity, and more!
Image:Laura Chouette (via Unsplash)
Join Cat and Aspen for the final installment of their three-part adventure in exploring gender.
Join Cat and Aspen for part two of a three-part adventure in exploring gender! In this episode, the pair focuses on gender roles in our culture. Our host Aspen could talk about gender all day, the final episode in the series will be released in May.
Join Cat and Aspen for a three-part adventure in exploring gender! In this episode, the pair focuses on a few identity labels and language questions. Our host Aspen could talk about gender all day, and this conversation spread across three episodes is just the tip of the iceberg.
Image: Photo by Sharon McCutcheon on Unsplash
In this episode, Cat and Aspen talk about the successes and shortcomings of the body positivity movement, how the fat acceptance movement has always been led by Black women, and some of the historical influences on diet culture and fatphobia in our society today. Do you know what the eugenics movement and the BMI have in common? Join us to find out and dip your toes into the huge topic that is body positivity!
Photo by AllGo - An App For Plus Size People on Unsplash Theme music by: WinkingFox
On this episode, we make a big announcement regarding the future of Reproductive Left and air a mix-up of past interviews. This gives you a taste of what you can find in the Reproductive Left archives.
On this episode, we talk with Regina Rooney, the education and communication director at the Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence. Regina discusses the role of the coalition in the state of Maine and describes the work of their membership organizations. We explore topics like domestic violence within LGBTQ communities, how partner abuse can look different in teen relationships and reproductive coercion.
We wrap up the episode with our "Ask Mabel" segment where we are hearing women's stories regarding their own experiences with birth control. On this show, Terry talks about using the birth control method fertility awareness.
In this episode, we are discussing the #metoo movement from the perspective of healing. With us is Gail Foss, RN and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor, we talk about how she helps women and men heal after experiencing sexual violence. In the interview, Gail opens up about her own experience and tells us a little bit about what needs to be done to change our culture so this doesn't continue to happen.
In the "Ask Mabel" segment we learn about the Mirena IUD.
On January 18, 2018, we had the privilege of hosting Jamila Perritt MD MPH FACOG for our annual Roe v. Wade celebration. She spoke about her experience as an abortion provider, shared her story along with stories of the women she takes care of and highlighted why reproductive justice is what we all need to be working towards.
Jamila Perritt MD MPH FACOG is a board-certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist who specializes in Family Planning and Reproductive Health. Dr. Perritt is a graduate of Howard University College of Medicine and completed her residency training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia, PA. She completed a Family Planning Fellowship at The Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD. During her fellowship training, Dr. Perritt received a Masters Degree in Public Health from The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. After completion of her fellowship, she returned to her hometown of Washington, DC where she served as the Medical Director at Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington DC, Inc. from 2011-2016.
Dr. Perritt works as a clinical provider in Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia. Additionally, she serves as a reproductive health care consultant where she develops, organizes and facilitates health education workshops and outreach events to diverse communities and community partners on topics including but not limited to HIV/STI treatment and prevention, reproductive justice and access to care, adolescent health, contraception and family planning. She collaborates with various organizations to provide ongoing support and subject matter expertise on sexual and reproductive health, family planning and reproductive justice.
As we begin this new year, we thought it was important to host an episode that focuses on two topics that are central to women's equality and reproductive justice: paid leave and childcare. Joining us for this episode is Kathy Kilrain del Rio the director of program and development at the Maine Women's Lobby.
We've changed things up in our "Ask Mabel" segment. This year, we are focusing our "Ask Mabel" segment on birth control. On each episode, we will hear from the true expert themselves, women who use birth control. Following their story, our nurse practitioners will answer questions about that specific birth control method. On this episode, Casey explains why she uses birth control pills and Terry Marley-DeRosier, WHNP answers common questions about the method.
Just over a year ago, we interviewed the executive director of the Maine Women's Lobby, Eliza Townsend, about why the federal courts matter and how they impact our daily lives. She highlighted the power a president holds in regards to their nominations and the impact of their appointments. A lot has changed since November 2016 and on this episode, we invited Eliza Townsend back to give us an update on "Why the Courts Matter." To learn more you can visit: www.mainewomen.org/mwl.
In our "Ask Mabel" segment, Nurse Practitioner, Lindsey Piper gives us an overview of all the birth control options and we announce an exciting addition to our podcast starting next year.
With Election Day just around the corner, on this episode, we are talking about women in leadership and the importance of voting. Here with me today is Bangor City Councilor Sarah Nichols. After successfully completing the Emerge Maine training program for Democratic women candidates, Sarah was elected for the first time to public office after winning a 7-way citywide race in November of 2015. Born and raised in Bangor, She studied New Media at the University of Maine and currently works for three feminist organizations; Maine Women’s Lobby, Hardy Girls Healthy Women, and Mabel Wadsworth Center. Additionally, Sarah currently serves on the Emerge Maine Board of Directors. When she isn't working to better the lives of all women and girls you will find her cross-country skiing, hiking, traveling abroad, or enjoying a local beer at her favorite bar, Nocturnem Draft Haus. She talks about why she ran for office, what it is like being the only woman on the council, and she offers some advice for other women who want to run!
After our discussion with Councilor Nichols, one of our current interns, Meghan Frisard, from the University of Maine will be joining to talk about when, how and why to vote this year. Be sure to stick around until the end for our “Ask Mabel” segment where Nurse Practitioner Terry Marley-DeRosier answers your sexual and reproductive health questions!
On this episode, we talk with Sharon Barker, co-founder of Mabel Wadsworth Center and former director of the University of Maine's Women's Resource Center. Shortly after Sharon retired from the University of Maine, the Women's Resource Center abruptly closed. Due to committed student activists, the WRC has reopened without a director or a budget. Sharon explains what happened to the Women's Resource Center (WRC) and why it was so important. We also discuss the overall landscape of women in higher education. In our "ask Mabel" segment, Terry Marley-DeRosier explains the cause and remedies of dysmenorrhea (painful periods).
On this episode of Reproductive Left, our executive director, Andrea Irwin, joins us to discuss a new report by the Abortion Care Network titled: "Communities Need Clinics. She explains the importance of independent abortion care providers in communities across the United States and highlights what makes Mabel Wadsworth Center unique. We also discuss Medicaid expansion and abortion coverage. In our "Ask Mabel" segment, nurse practitioner, Lindsey Piper, joins to answer questions about birth control options.
In this episode, we had the opportunity to interview Victoria Yeboah, a young African leader with the Mandela Washington Fellowship. The Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders is the flagship program of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) that empowers young people through academic coursework, leadership training, and networking. It started in 2014 and this year, the Fellowship has provided 1,000 young leaders from Sub-Saharan Africa with the opportunity to hone their skills at a U.S. college or university with support for professional development after they return home.
The Fellows range in age from 25 to 35 and have established records of accomplishment in promoting innovation and positive impact in their organizations, institutions, communities, and countries. The Fellows represent a diverse group of leaders from 48 countries across Sub-Saharan Africa and 50 percent of Fellows are women. Each fellow is connected with a local leader or organization for mentorship during the program. We had the privilege of being paired with Victoria Yeboah, a midwife and NGO leader who provides sexual and reproductive health education in Wenchi, a rural town in Ghana.
In our "Ask Mabel" segment, Terry Marley-DeRosier, WHNP answers a very common question about bodies after childbirth.
On June 22, 2017, we hosted a Bangor Pride Week event which included lunch, networking, and the opportunity to learn more about the services Mabel Wadsworth Center offers for the LGBTQ+ community. We were thrilled to open our doors during Pride to give our community the chance to see our center and to meet our healthcare providers and staff. We offered an "LGBTQ Health Questions and Answers" program and recorded it for Reproductive Left.
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. On this episode, we speak with Arianna Sessoms, a graduate student who works at the Office of Sexual Assault and Violence Prevention at the University of Maine. We discuss the services they offer students at UMaine and the education programming.
Lindsey Piper, WHNP, joins us for the "Ask Mabel" segment where she answers questions about what sexual assault survivors can expect at an appointment at Mabel Wadsworth Center and tips to prepare for the exam.
March 10th is Abortion Provider Appreciation Day, to recognize this important day, Jennifer Thibodeau from the Abortion Care Network joins us on this episode. We discuss what it means to be an independent abortion provider, like Mabel Wadsworth Center, and we explore the challenges we face as a movement.
We switch things up a bit in our "Ask Mabel" segment - this month we ask Andrea Irwin, executive director of Mabel Wadsworth Center, to explain how defunding Planned Parenthood will impact Mabel's and what would happen in Maine if Roe v. Wade were overturned.
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, we decided this was a good month to discuss healthy relationships. Joining us on this episode is Alex Patel, a local Marriage and Families Therapist, with 20 years of experience. We explore what it means to be in a healthy relationship, what to do when conflict occurs, she offers advice for single folks, and promotes the importance of honesty and vulnerability in relationships. Additionally, Alex explains why she isn’t actually the biggest fan of Valentine’s Day.
In our “Ask Mabel”, Lindsey Piper answers questions about Transgender Healthcare at Mabel Wadsworth Center and we explain a little more about our new name!
For the first episode of 2017, Andrea Irwin, executive director of Mabel Wadsworth Center, guest hosts to give our listeners a chance to get to know your host Abbie Strout. On this episode, Abbie discusses how she got involved in reproductive rights and at Mabel Wadsworth Center. She provides an overview of the education and community engagement work at the Center and announces some news.
There wasn't time for our "Ask Mabel" segment this month, but we promise to answer your sexual and reproductive health questions in February.
On this episode, Maggie Campbell, the director of communications and development at the Health Equity Alliance, joins us to discuss World AIDS Day. Maggie talks with us about how stigma impacts people with HIV/AIDS, the harm reduction philosophy of HEAL, and provides prevention tips.
Since the election, we have noticed an increase of interest in IUDs. Many women are worried they will lose birth control coverage with the next administration and are considering getting IUDs inserted prior to January 20th. In our "Ask Mabel" segment, Terry Marley-DeRoiser, WHNP, answers questions about Long Acting Reversible Contraception, including IUDs, providing medically accurate information to help with your decision.
On this episode, we speak with Eliza Townsend, executive director of the Maine Women's Lobby. With the election right around the corner, we discussed the importance of the federal courts and how they impact our lives. Don't forget to vote on November 8th!
We end with "Ask Mabel" where Lindsey Piper, WHNP, answers questions about breast/chest exams!
On today's episode local writer, pianist, and composer, Bundy Boit, joins us to talk about her most recent play. It is titled: An Inner Voice and is about Margaret Sanger’s fight, in the 20th century, for access to birth control information for all women. Bundy has published short stories and essays in diverse anthologies and magazines. Her original music has been performed in churches, schools and on television. She’s the author of four plays with music about 19th and 20th century women. We were thrilled to have her on Reproductive Left. In the "Ask Mabel" segment, Terry Marley-DeRosier, WHNP, answers common questions about the suction abortion procedure.
On this episode, we re-aired the first Reproductive Left show to air on Community Radio WERU. The interview is with Posie Cowan of Blue Hill, Maine. She talks with us about discovering suffrage banners in her family's attic. This took her on quite the adventure as she learned about her grandmother's activism. In the "Ask Mabel" segment, Terry Marley-DeRosier, WHNP, gives us great advice on how to reduce stress.
Picture: 2015 Women's Equality Day Rally
In June, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Whole Woman's Health in the biggest abortion case in decades. On this episode, Andrea Irwin, executive director of Mabel Wadsworth Center, helps us understand what the ruling means and what implications it has for the future. In our "Ask Mabel" segment, Lindsey Piper, WHNP answers questions about birth control and annual exams!
On May 21, 2016, Mabel Wadsworth Center celebrated our 21st Annual Dinner and Auction honoring two inspiring and courageous leaders in reproductive rights: Dr. Paul Savidge and Kathy Kilrain del Rio. In this episode, we hear a client's story about the amazing care she received from Dr. Savidge and the inspiring remarks from Kathy.
On this episode, we get to know Lindsey Piper, WHNP. Lindsey has been working at Mabel Wadsworth Center for over two years. On the show, she tells about her approach to providing care and why she finds it important to work at a health care center that provides a full spectrum of reproductive health services. Lindsey Piper also answers the "Ask Mabel" questions this month!
In this episode, our intern, Amelia Forman-Stiles, discusses the importance of comprehensive sexuality education. As a mother of two she explains why she wants her kids to receive sex ed at school. We end the show with "Ask Mabel" where NP Terry Marley-DeRosier answers questions about vaginismus.
The is the radio cut of our first ever live recording of Reproductive Left. If you'd like to hear the interview in it's entirety, including audience questions, listen to Choice and Chocolate Live Recording (full-length). The interview is with Allison Webster and Hannah Gray from Reproductive Justice New Brunswick. We discuss access reproductive health services in New Brunswick including abortion and how a group of committed activist raised the funds to open a new independent clinic less than a year after the previous clinic closed.
This is the full-length recording from Choice and Chocolate including the audience questions and answers. The interview is with Allison Webster and Hannah Gray from Reproductive Justice New Brunswick. We discuss access reproductive health services in New Brunswick including abortion and how a group of committed activist raised the funds to open a new independent clinic less than a year after the previous clinic closed.
A brief reminder, during cervical cancer awareness month, that whether or not you need a Pap test, every woman needs an annual exam!
In this episode, we are getting to know nurse practitioner and co-founder, Terry Marley-DeRosier. You have been listening to her answer our listener's sexual and reproductive health questions in our "Ask Mabel" segment for over a year! On today's show, Terry discusses her passion for women's health, gives advice for new folks in the field and answers a couple sexual and reproductive health questions!
In this episode Mabel Wadsworth Center's executive director, Andrea Irwin, joins us for an interview about the Texas abortion law that the Supreme Court recently decided to hear. She also discusses how the political attacks on Planned Parenthood impact independent clinics like Mabel's and announces some exciting news! Once again we didn't have time for "Ask Mabel."
To recognize #GivingTuesday we asked clients, volunteers, and supporters why they give to Mabel Wadsworth Center. We'd love to hear why you give - email educate@mabelwadsworth.org and you can donate online http://www.mabelwadsworth.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=11&Itemid=12
On this episode Abbie interviews former NOW (National Organization for Women) activist JoAnne Dauphinee about how feminist activism has changed (or hasn't changed) over the past 40 years.
In the "Ask Mabel" segment Terry Marley-DeRosier answers a question about HPV.
On this episode we talk with Arielle Greenberg, a widely published feminist poet. Arielle discusses how her sex-positive feminist lens influences her writing and her parenting. To learn more about Arielle visit ariellegreenberg.net.
In our "Ask Mabel" segment, Terry Marley DeRosier answers questions about fertility following long-term contraception use and following multiple abortion procedures.
Danna Hayes is the director of public policy at the Maine Women's Lobby. In this episode, we discuss the Lobby's history, their current priorities, and Danna talks about what it has been like for her advocating this past legislative session for abortion rights while being pregnant.
Get to know Mabel Wadsworth Center's new executive director, Andrea Irwin, as she talks about the Affordable Care Act and healthcare in the United States.
As promised, Terry Marley-DeRosier answers questions about menopause in the "Ask Mabel" segment.
In this episode Dr. Sandy Caron answers questions about her research and book on the sex lives of college students. Dr. Caron has taught at the University of Maine for over 25 years and has been collecting data on the sexual attitudes and behaviors of college students. To learn more about her book or to get a copy visit: http://sexlivesofcollegestudents.com/
In our "Ask Mabel" segment, Terry Marley-DeRosier, WHCNP, answers questions and offers advice for women experiencing menopause.
This interview is from March of 2014. We talk with two of our co-founders, Sharon Barker and Phil Worden, about the early days of Mabel Wadsworth Center.
In our "Ask Mabel" segment, Terry Marley-ReRosier, WHCNP answers questions about pap test.
Tips on breast cancer prevention along with resources in the greater Bangor area from Suzanne Brunner, executive director of Caring Connections (http://www.bangory.org/caringconnections).
In our "Ask Mabel" segment, Terry Marley-ReRosier, WHCNP answers questions about pap tests, vaginal infections and abortion care for minors.
It has become more and more common that people are choosing to be childfree. The choice remains stigmatized. In this interview, we talk with Dr. Amy Blackstone about some of the myths and facts about the childfree. To follow Amy's work visit http://werenothavingababy.com/.
In our "Ask Mabel" segment, Terry Marley-ReRosier, WHCNP offers information long acting birth control options.
This episode is from February 2015. In it, Abbie meets with Samaa Abdurraqib, the Reproductive Freedom Organizer at the ACLU of Maine, to discuss the intersection of racial justice and reproductive rights.
This episode is from April 2015. Reproductive Coercion affects millions of women yet it is something we do not often hear about. In this interview, we talk with Catherine Kurr from Spruce Run-Womancare Alliance (www.sprucerun.net) to gain a better understanding of this type of control. Included in this episode are clips from the reader's theater performance, My Body, My Voice.
In our "Ask Mabel" segment, Terry Marley-ReRosier, WHCNP offers information on birth control options for women experiencing reproductive coercion.
Abbie interviews Brianna Bryant from Rape Response Services (www.rrsonline.org) about consent. They discuss how to teach consent starting with young children, how gender stereotypes impact relationships, and the way pop culture influences our understanding of consent.
Herpes is a very common sexually transmitted infection, at the end of the episode Terry Marley-DeRosier, WHNP offers advice on how to talk about it with a new partner in our "Ask Mabel" segment.