When Fibroids, Fertility, and Hormones Collide: A Conversation with Dr. Cheruba Prabakar | Golden Hour, Episode 49

Matrescence in the Making: The Identity Shift No One Talks About in Motherhood with Aarti Bhatnagar | Golden Hour, Episode 53

What if the biggest transformation of motherhood starts long before birth? In this deeply honest conversation, Dr. O sits down with entrepreneur and new mother Aarti Bhatnagar to explore the emotional, physical, and identity-shifting journey of becoming a parent. From IVF and embryo creation to pregnancy, birth, postpartum anxiety, and the concept of matrescence (the profound transformation into motherhood), Aarti shares the parts of the journey she never expected—and wishes more women talked about openly. Together they discuss: ✔️ IVF and embryo creation as preparation for motherhood ✔️ Why motherhood felt "so far removed" from Aarti's identity ✔️ The concept of matrescence and the hidden transformation of becoming a mother ✔️ The reality of postpartum anxiety and the fourth trimester ✔️ Why women aren't adequately prepared for postpartum life ✔️ The surprising joy of motherhood ✔️ How community and support change everything ✔️ What every future parent should know before starting a family One of the most powerful moments in the episode is Aarti's reflection that motherhood may already exist within us—dormant until the moment it is needed. Whether you're trying to conceive, pregnant, postpartum, considering parenthood, or simply curious about the realities of modern motherhood, this conversation offers honesty, validation, and hope. #Motherhood #Matrescence #IVF #Postpartum #PostpartumAnxiety #FertilityJourney #Women'sHealth #Pregnancy #Parenthood #FourthTrimester #NewMom #OBGYN #MaternalMentalHealth Thank you for listening ❤ PODCAST LINKS: - Podcast Website: ⁠https://goldenhour.fm⁠ [https://goldenhour.fm⁠] - YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@GoldenHourFM?ref=bs [https://www.youtube.com/@GoldenHourFM?ref=bs] - Apple: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/golden-hour/id1768847425?ref=bs [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/golden-hour/id1768847425?ref=bs] - Spotify: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/goldenhourfm?ref=bs [https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/goldenhourfm?ref=bs] - RSS: ⁠https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2401875.rss?ref=bs [https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2401875.rss?ref=bs] SOCIAL LINKS: - Instagram: https://instagram.com/goldenhour.fm?ref=bs [https://instagram.com/goldenhour.fm?ref=bs] - Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@goldenhour.fm?ref=bs [https://www.tiktok.com/@goldenhour.fm?ref=bs]

Beyond the Diagnosis: What PCOS & Endometriosis Really Mean for Women with Allara CEO Rachel Blank and Dr. Heather Huddleston | Golden Hour, Episode 52

PMOS, formerly PCOS, and endometriosis affect millions — yet most women still struggle to get accurate diagnoses, effective treatment, or compassionate care. In this episode, I’m joined by Rachel Blank, founder and CEO of Allara, and Dr. Heather Huddleston, reproductive endocrinologist, CMO of Allara, and director of the UCSF PCOS Clinic, to break down the truth about these conditions and the future of women’s hormonal and metabolic health. We discuss:  • Why PMOS and endometriosis are still so misunderstood • How misdiagnosis and dismissal impact women’s long-term health • Fertility, insulin resistance, metabolic health & hormonal balance • What comprehensive PMOS and endometriosis treatment should look like • The connection between whole-health care and improved outcomes • Allara’s virtual-first model and how it expands access nationwide • The research, innovations, and breakthroughs on the horizon If you’re managing PMOS or endometriosis, trying to conceive, exploring hormone health, or working in women’s health innovation — this conversation is essential. #PCOS #endometriosis #womenshealth #metabolic health #hormonalimbalance #fertility #infertility #allarahealth #PCOSsymptoms #endometriosistreatment #insulinresistance, #infertilitycauses #chronicconditions #womenshormonecare #womenshealthmatters Thank you for listening ❤ PODCAST LINKS: - Podcast Website: ⁠https://goldenhour.fm⁠ [https://goldenhour.fm⁠] - YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@GoldenHourFM?ref=bs [https://www.youtube.com/@GoldenHourFM?ref=bs] - Apple: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/golden-hour/id1768847425?ref=bs [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/golden-hour/id1768847425?ref=bs] - Spotify: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/goldenhourfm?ref=bs [https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/goldenhourfm?ref=bs] - RSS: ⁠https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2401875.rss?ref=bs [https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2401875.rss?ref=bs] SOCIAL LINKS: - Instagram: https://instagram.com/goldenhour.fm?ref=bs [https://instagram.com/goldenhour.fm?ref=bs] - Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@goldenhour.fm?ref=bs [https://www.tiktok.com/@goldenhour.fm?ref=bs]

Preeclampsia: How Personalized Testing Is Changing Pregnancy Care with Carrie Haverty | Golden Hour, Episode 51

Pregnancy care has long relied on a “wait and see” approach — identifying risk only after symptoms appear. In this episode, Dr. O sits down with Carrie Haverty, MS, CGC, Vice President of Medical Affairs at Mirvie, to explore how that model is beginning to change. Carrie is a board-certified genetic counselor and national leader in women’s health diagnostics. She leads clinical strategy for Mirvie’s diagnostic portfolio, including the Encompass™ test, a 2025 TIME Invention of the Year, which uses cell-free RNA to assess placental health and identify pregnancies at increased risk for preeclampsia. Drawing on her background in high-risk prenatal care and leadership roles at institutions such as Massachusetts General Hospital and Sutter Health, Carrie explains why earlier risk identification matters, how biologically informed diagnostics can support more preventive pregnancy care, and what it will take to move obstetrics beyond reactive medicine. This conversation covers: * Why preeclampsia remains a leading cause of maternal morbidity * How placental biology offers earlier insight into pregnancy risk * What predictive diagnostics could mean for patients and clinicians * The role of advocacy and leadership in changing maternal health outcomes A must-listen for anyone who was affected by preeclampsia in their pregnancy or knew a loved one affected by the illness. It's also an important episode for those interested in the future of pregnancy care, maternal health innovation, and closing gaps in outcomes through earlier, smarter intervention. #MaternalHealth #Preeclampsia #Pregnancy #OBGYN #WomensHealth  Thank you for listening ❤ PODCAST LINKS: - Podcast Website: ⁠https://goldenhour.fm⁠ [https://goldenhour.fm⁠] - YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@GoldenHourFM?ref=bs [https://www.youtube.com/@GoldenHourFM?ref=bs] - Apple: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/golden-hour/id1768847425?ref=bs [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/golden-hour/id1768847425?ref=bs] - Spotify: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/goldenhourfm?ref=bs [https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/goldenhourfm?ref=bs] - RSS: ⁠https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2401875.rss?ref=bs [https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2401875.rss?ref=bs] SOCIAL LINKS: - Instagram: https://instagram.com/goldenhour.fm?ref=bs [https://instagram.com/goldenhour.fm?ref=bs] - Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@goldenhour.fm?ref=bs [https://www.tiktok.com/@goldenhour.fm?ref=bs]

Rebuilding Postpartum: Access, Equity, and Community Care with 4th Trimester ED Rachel Scandling | Golden Hour, Episode 50

The first weeks after birth are supposed to be tender, supported, and deeply cared for. But for far too many women—especially low-income, immigrant, and asylum-seeking mothers—postpartum becomes a period of isolation, fear, and survival. In this episode, Dr. O sits down with Rachel Scandling, Executive Director of 4th Trimester, a nonprofit transforming postpartum care for the families most often left behind. Based in Southern California and along the U.S.–Mexico border, 4th Trimester provides practical support, emotional care, and advocacy rooted in dignity and community. Together we talk about:  • What postpartum care should look like • The realities facing moms navigating trauma, immigration, housing instability, or lack of healthcare access • How community-based support can prevent crises and save lives • Why “postpartum deserts” are a growing public-health problem • What every new parent deserves—but rarely receives • How clinicians, policymakers, and advocates can help rebuild postpartum systems • And what gives Rachel hope for the future of maternal health Whether you’re a new mom, a clinician, a doula, or someone fighting to improve women’s health outcomes, this conversation is a powerful reminder that postpartum care is not a luxury—it’s a lifeline. Keywords: postpartum, 4th trimester, maternal health, postpartum depression, birth recovery, immigrant families, community care, postpartum support, women’s health, birth justice, perinatal mental health, postpartum resources, birth trauma, equitable healthcare About 4th Trimester |  4th Trimester believes the weeks and months after birth should be a time of deep care. They are a nonprofit organization changing how new mothers and birthing people experience the postpartum period. Many of their team has been through the trenches of postpartum themselves and know how isolating it can feel without enough support. Headquartered in Pasadena, and serving southern California and along the U.S./Mexico border, 4th Trimester serves those most often left behind by traditional systems, including low-income, immigrant, asylum-seeking, and disaster-impacted families. They provide practical support, emotional care, and advocacy that puts parents' needs first. Rachel Scandling, Executive Director Bio | Rachel brings nearly 20 years of leadership experience across LA’s public, academic, and nonprofit sectors. A hands-on leader and systems thinker, her career has spanned fundraising, programming, and management for organizations of all sizes, with a consistent focus on supporting women. Before joining 4th Trimester, Rachel led the graduate producing program at CalArts and served as Producing Director of its Center for New Performance. She’s a member of Loud Community, a woman-led network advancing community care, and did her graduate studies in intersectional feminist practices in the arts at Wesleyan University. Rachel is a mom of two and lives in Los Angeles. Thank you for listening ❤ PODCAST LINKS: - Podcast Website: ⁠https://goldenhour.fm⁠ [https://goldenhour.fm⁠] - YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@GoldenHourFM?ref=bs [https://www.youtube.com/@GoldenHourFM?ref=bs] - Apple: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/golden-hour/id1768847425?ref=bs [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/golden-hour/id1768847425?ref=bs] - Spotify: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/goldenhourfm?ref=bs [https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/goldenhourfm?ref=bs] - RSS: ⁠https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2401875.rss?ref=bs [https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2401875.rss?ref=bs] SOCIAL LINKS: - Instagram: https://instagram.com/goldenhour.fm?ref=bs [https://instagram.com/goldenhour.fm?ref=bs] - Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@goldenhour.fm?ref=bs [https://www.tiktok.com/@goldenhour.fm?ref=bs]

When Fibroids, Fertility, and Hormones Collide: A Conversation with Dr. Cheruba Prabakar | Golden Hour, Episode 49

What do fibroids, fertility struggles, painful periods, IVF complications, and confusing hormone symptoms all have in common? They’re often dismissed, misunderstood, or minimized—leaving women to navigate life-altering symptoms without the answers or support they deserve. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Cheruba Prabakar, a board-certified OBGYN and fellowship-trained minimally invasive surgeon specializing in fibroid surgery, fertility-sparing gynecologic care, and hormonal health. She’s also a nationally certified menopause practitioner and an educator who’s reshaping how we understand women’s health across the lifespan. Together, we get into: 🌱 Fibroids & Fertility * How fibroids affect conception, miscarriage risk, and IVF success * When to treat fibroids before trying to get pregnant * What people get wrong about “watchful waiting” 🩺 Hormones, Menopause & Misdiagnosis * Why so many women are told their symptoms are “normal” * What progesterone, estrogen, and perimenopause symptoms really mean * Myths about hormone therapy that urgently need debunking 💛 The Bigger Picture * How racial and diagnostic inequities delay treatment * Why women’s pain keeps getting dismissed * What excellent, whole-person gynecologic care should actually look like This conversation brings clarity to conditions millions of women struggle with: uterine fibroids, endometrial polyps, infertility, heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, perimenopause, and hormonal imbalance. It also offers the kind of practical, evidence-based insight that can change how women advocate for their bodies—no matter their age or stage. This episode gives you the language and the science women should’ve had all along. Dr. Cheruba Prabakar is a board-certified OBGYN and fellowship-trained minimally invasive surgeon dedicated to providing compassionate, personalized care. With advanced expertise in fertility-sparing fibroid surgery and endometrial polyp removal, Dr. Prabakar offers cutting-edge solutions for gynecologic issues, particularly for women navigating IVF and hormonal challenges. Her practice, Lamorinda Gynecology and Surgery, reflects her mission to empower women at every stage of life—from menarche to menopause and beyond—through accessible, sustainable, and holistic care. A nationally certified menopause practitioner, Dr. Prabakar is passionate about educating women and debunking myths surrounding hormone therapy and women's health. She extends her impact globally by supporting educational initiatives for young girls in South India. As a dynamic speaker, Dr. Prabakar has been featured in media outlets such as Arise America and Essence magazine. She delivers engaging talks at webinars, conferences, and events, inspiring women to take control of their health and wellness. #fibroids #womenshealth #obgyn #menopause #perimenopause #midlife #hormones Thank you for listening ❤ PODCAST LINKS: - Podcast Website: ⁠https://goldenhour.fm⁠ [https://goldenhour.fm⁠] - YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@GoldenHourFM?ref=bs [https://www.youtube.com/@GoldenHourFM?ref=bs] - Apple: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/golden-hour/id1768847425?ref=bs [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/golden-hour/id1768847425?ref=bs] - Spotify: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/goldenhourfm?ref=bs [https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/goldenhourfm?ref=bs] - RSS: ⁠https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2401875.rss?ref=bs [https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2401875.rss?ref=bs] SOCIAL LINKS: - Instagram: https://instagram.com/goldenhour.fm?ref=bs [https://instagram.com/goldenhour.fm?ref=bs] - Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@goldenhour.fm?ref=bs [https://www.tiktok.com/@goldenhour.fm?ref=bs]