Female Hysteria: The Wandering Womb, Medical Gaslighting, and the History of Women's Health

Female Hysteria: The Wandering Womb, Medical Gaslighting, and the History of Women's Health

We've all heard the phrase, "She's hysterical." But where did it come from? In this episode of For the Female Gaze, we explore the disturbing history of female hysteria, from the ancient myth of the wandering womb to Victorian-era treatments that included institutionalization, rest cures, and even manual pelvic massage. We examine how women's emotions, sexuality, grief, and dissatisfaction were medicalized for centuries and how those beliefs continue to influence healthcare today. Join us as we uncover the origins of hysteria, the women who were labeled "too emotional," the rise of sanitariums and asylums, and the modern realities of medical gaslighting, misdiagnosis, and self-advocacy. Because this isn't just history. It's a story that still affects women's lives in 2026.

Mother’s Day Isn’t Happy for Everyone: Origins, Estrangement, Fertility & Social Media Pressure

Mother’s Day can be beautiful, painful, complicated — or all three. In this episode, we unpack the real story behind Mother’s Day, from its surprising origins to the massive commercialization that shaped how we celebrate today. We talk about the pressure created by social media highlight reels and why curated posts don’t define your worth as a mother, daughter, or woman. We also hold space for the experiences that often go unspoken: • navigating parent estrangement • fertility struggles and grief • the emotional weight of expectation • redefining what motherhood and nurturing really mean • why supporting all women matters — because it truly takes a village Whether Mother’s Day brings joy, grief, gratitude, distance, or mixed emotions, this conversation is for you. You are not alone — and your story belongs here.

Through Her Lens - Breaking the Sex Taboo: Consent, Shame, and Healthy Intimacy with Taylor Goff

Why is sex everywhere in media, yet still so hard to talk about in real life? In this episode of Through Her Lens, we sit down with licensed professional counselor and sex therapist Taylor Goff to break down the silence surrounding sex, consent, and intimacy. From growing up without age-appropriate sex education to navigating desire, shame, and communication in adult relationships, this conversation explores how cultural messaging shapes the way we view our bodies and our pleasure. We discuss: • Why so many adults struggle to talk openly about sex • How sexual shame develops and how to unlearn it • What healthy consent and communication really look like in relationships • How partners can reconnect when intimacy changes over time • How parents can have age-appropriate conversations about sex with kids If you’ve ever felt uncomfortable talking about sex, unsure how to communicate your needs, or curious about what a healthy relationship with intimacy looks like — this episode is for you. 🎧 Listen now and start the conversation.

Aging, Visibility & Space Dreams: The Women Who Refused to Be Invisible. The Story of Wally Funk.

Why do so many women say they feel invisible as they age? In this episode of The Female Gaze, we explore the reality of gendered ageism — the intersection of sexism and age bias that impacts women in media, leadership, and the workplace. We unpack why society often celebrates aging in men while quietly sidelining women, and how cultural expectations around beauty, fertility, and productivity shape the way women are valued over time. Then we spotlight extraordinary women who refused to accept invisibility. Join us as we join Wally Funk on her Journey into Space.

What if the word "acceptance" sometimes creates a quiet isolation instead of the inclusion it promises? The history of Autism diagnosis and the story of Temple Grandin.

What if the word "acceptance" sometimes creates a quiet isolation instead of the inclusion it promises? This episode of For the Female Gaze takes a gentle but honest look at the realities of navigating a world built for the "typical." We explore the heart-heavy moments of setting boundaries to protect a neurodivergent child and the exhaustion of seeking a community that truly understands. Joined by guest Danielle Baker, an expert in supporting neurodivergent and trauma-affected youth, we discuss the beauty of the "individual personality" within a hive and the legacy of Temple Grandin. We move the conversation beyond just "tolerating" differences toward a space where neurodiversity is cherished for the resilience and creativity it brings to us all.