EmpowHer: A Medical and Mental Health Podcast

Tight-Lipped Conversations: Breaking the Silence Around Vulvovaginal Pain - Noa Fleischacker Executive Director of Tight Lipped - Episode #5

Noa Fleischacker is the Executive Director of Tight Lipped, an advocacy organization by and for people with chronic vulvovaginal and pelvic pain conditions. Tight Lipped was born out of Noa’s personal experience navigating the healthcare system with pelvic floor dysfunction and vestibulodynia. Her decade of professional and volunteer work as a community and political organizer helped her to see “the personal as political” in her own experience as a patient and motivated her to create a platform to share these stories publicly and bring patients together to fight for change. Noa's work with Tight Lipped and her personal story has been featured in the Oprah Daily, Washington Post, LA Times, Glamour Magazine, WHYY, The Pulse, and numerous other podcasts. In this powerful episode of EmpowHer Podcast, hosts Chedva Berger, LCSW and Riva Preil, DPT sit down with Noa Fleischacker, Executive Director of Tight Lipped, who shares her raw and eye-opening journey living with chronic vulvar and pelvic pain—including undergoing a Pap smear under general anesthesia and being repeatedly dismissed by providers. Together, they unpack the very real physical and mental health impact of pelvic pain, the medical gaslighting so many patients experience, and why accurate diagnosis, and evidence-based care are critical to healing. Noa also reveals how her personal struggle sparked Tight Lipped, a growing advocacy movement working to break stigma, build community, and demand better care—reminding listeners that pelvic pain is common, valid, and never something you should endure in silence. If you found this conversation helpful, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend.  Stay connected with us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/revitalizepelvichealth/?hl=en]  @revitalizepelvichealth to hear about upcoming episodes.  Have a question or topic you'd like us to cover? Send us an email at empowher.podcast25@gmail.com —we’d love to hear from you! And remember—your health, your voice, your power. Until next time! Tight Lipped Resources: * Link to resources within Tight Lipped: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1z3TXrUhOtSrbmaq2_22tsQKhmBnw4uNNwIdbzq1xAG4/edit?gid=186584906#gid=186584906 [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1z3TXrUhOtSrbmaq2_22tsQKhmBnw4uNNwIdbzq1xAG4/edit?gid=186584906#gid=186584906]  * https://www.tightlipped.org/join [https://www.tightlipped.org/join] General Pelvic Pain Jewish Community Resources: * https://sheli.org/ [https://sheli.org/] * https://tahareinu.com/ [https://tahareinu.com/]

Food for Thought - A Conversation about Nutrition and Neurodivergence- Jackie Silver RDN- Episode #4

Jackie Silver is a Registered Dietitian and founder of Jackie Silver Nutrition, a virtual private practice specializing in supporting neurodivergent kids, teens, and adults with ADHD, autism (ASD), and intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD). Her team offers neurodiversity-affirming, nonjudgmental, and weight-inclusive care. Jackie earned her Master of Health Science in Nutrition Communication from Toronto Metropolitan University and has specialized training in mindful eating and sensory-based feeding therapy. She and her team support clients across Ontario, Canada, and several U.S. states, including New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, helping with meal planning, selective eating, food aversions, digestive health, chronic disease management, and more. In her free time, Jackie enjoys rock climbing, yoga, pilates, swimming, traveling, visiting museums, and spending time with family and friends. In this episode, Chedva Berger, LCSW, and Riva Preil, DPT talk with Jackie Silver, RDN. They unpack evidence-based care and explore how diet culture shapes our relationship with our bodies. Jackie shares tools for fostering a healthier relationship with food, practicing body neutrality, and making small, sustainable habit shifts. You’ll hear strategies for navigating busy family schedules and holidays, along with support for sensory aversions and ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder). We’ll also look at how executive function, ADHD medication, IBS (Irritable bowel syndrome), and the gut–brain connection influence eating. Plus, you’ll get simple, doable wins—freezer-friendly meals, grab-and-go options, and small “micro goals” that boost dopamine and make everyday nourishment easier. If you found this conversation helpful, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend.  Stay connected with us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/revitalizepelvichealth/?hl=en]  @revitalizepelvichealth to hear about upcoming episodes.  Have a question or topic you'd like us to cover? Send us an email at empowher.podcast25@gmail.com [empowher.podcast25@gmail.com] —we’d love to hear from you! And remember—your health, your voice, your power. Until next time! Resources:   * Website: https://jackiesilvernutrition.com/ [https://jackiesilvernutrition.com/]  * Free download “Neurodivergent Grab & Go Food List”: https://jackiesilvernutrition.com/grab-and-go-foods-list/ [https://jackiesilvernutrition.com/grab-and-go-foods-list/] * Free 15-minute Discovery Call Bookings: https://l.bttr.to/htZ1u [https://l.bttr.to/htZ1u]  * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/accessiblewellness/ [https://www.instagram.com/accessiblewellness/]

Healing Through Intimacy: A Look into Sex Therapy-Dr. Shy Krug PH.D., CST, C-PST, CGT - Episode #3

Dr. Shy Krug is a licensed psychologist and AASECT and IAPST certified sex therapist, Certified Gottman Therapist, and is Assistant Professor of Psychology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Dr. Krug is the founder and director of Blue Anchor Psychology, a group practice in New York City and Bergen County which focused on sex therapy, couples therapy, sexual compulsivity, and generalist mental health care. Dr. Krug was formerly a staff psychologist at the James J. Peters VA Medical Center where he completed a postdoctoral fellowship in the assessment and treatment of PTSD where he also co-founded the Sexual Health Clinic. Dr. Krug specializes in trauma, anxiety, mood, sexual disorders, and couples therapy.  In this episode, hosts Chedva Berger, LCSW and Riva Preil, DPT sit down with Dr. Shy Krug, a licensed psychologist and certified sex therapist, to unpack what sex therapy is, how it works, and who it helps. They cover common issues that show up in the bedroom, why consent and open dialogue matter, and how trauma, anxiety, meds, hormones, and medical conditions can affect desire and arousal. You will hear about sensate focus, responsive versus spontaneous desire, the circular model of sexual response, and the PLISSIT roadmap for care. They discuss when to add pelvic floor PT, how partners can support each other, how to find a qualified sex therapist, and simple ,practical steps to make intimacy feel safer, more connected, and more enjoyable. If you found this conversation helpful, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend.  Stay connected with us on⁠⁠ Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/revitalizepelvichealth/?hl=en]⁠⁠ @revitalizepelvichealth to hear about upcoming episodes.  Have a question or topic you'd like us to cover? Send us an email at ⁠empowher.podcast25@gmail.com [ empowher.podcast25@gmail.com]⁠—we’d love to hear from you! And remember—your health, your voice, your power. Until next time! Dr. Shy Krug’s Resources: * ⁠⁠Website⁠⁠ [https://www.blueanchorpsychology.com/providers/dr.-krug] * ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/drshykrug/?hl=en] @drshykrug * ⁠⁠AASECT⁠⁠  [https://www.aasect.org/referral-directory]and ⁠⁠IAPST [https://www.iapst.org/listing?keyword=]⁠⁠ website-you can search for a certified sex/psychosexual therapist. General websites to find a therapist: * ⁠⁠Alma⁠ [https://secure.helloalma.com/providers-landing/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=paid&utm_campaign=Google+%7C+Brand+%7C+Client-Tristate+%28NY%2CNJ%29+%7C+Search&utm_id=22999895679&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22999895679&gbraid=0AAAAACwfxhra34NxNdApMifVUy_yy4AxP&gclid=CjwKCAjw_-3GBhAYEiwAjh9fUPHhpsdVxOxmIA6PIydMcqc5CQT1MBgcWXaxcjhyZM-GVVMU58EzhBoCtqwQAvD_BwE] * ⁠Headway⁠ [https://care.headway.co/lp/get-care?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=22670631772&utm_adgroup=180531787403&utm_content=get-care&utm_term=headway%20find%20a%20therapist&page_variant=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22670631772&gbraid=0AAAAAoLs-VWAK3UCMlAwShpwzYB-WorpN&gclid=CjwKCAjw_-3GBhAYEiwAjh9fUFuXjvyrfVG4bJwrSdWuQ8Rm-ohI6sLozurL2VeGt7U_O4VdEEzwzRoCkrQQAvD_BwE] * ⁠Psychology Today⁠⁠ [https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/new-jersey?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=668897941&gbraid=0AAAAAD_gfuxlJiDKFiyxgq1144Qe7Mx9k&gclid=CjwKCAjw_-3GBhAYEiwAjh9fUOMmxB9deQFDMdNkvA9aua5y-RoPOxYO1AyMnGdpsyCQXMXcS1bT6hoCEIcQAvD_BwE] * ⁠OK Clarity⁠⁠ [https://okclarity.com/] (Jewish Community Resource) Please note, the content on this podcast is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice.  In addition, this podcast is for mature audiences only (age18+). If you're under 18, we recommend discussing with a parent or guardian before listening. Produced and Edited By Zalman Michel

The Floor Nobody Talks About-Pelvic floor 101-Dr. Millie Schweky PT, DPT - Episode #2

Originally from Brooklyn, NY, Dr. MillieS chweky is a pelvic floor physical therapist who currently lives in Ra'anana, Israel. Millie treats women throughout the lifespan from new brides to post-menopause. She just wants to be everyone's big sister to help women feel strong, safe, and empowered in their bodies, especially during pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond. She blends science with intuition, brings humor to patient education, and isn’t afraid to talk about the stuff most people whisper about. Whether she's guiding women through pelvic healing or cracking open big truths about birth, sex, or healing trauma, Millie shows up with heart, humor, and the kind of real talk that makes you feel seen. In this episode of EmpowHer, hosts Chedva Berger, LCSW and Riva Preil, DPT sit down with pelvic floor physical therapist Dr. Millie Schweky to talk about real-world women’s health. Millie shares how she entered pelvic floor therapy, what a first visit actually looks like, and why consentand moving at your pace matter. They break down the fear–tension–pain cycle,how trauma can show up in the body, and when teaming with a therapist helps.You’ll get simple prep tips for pregnancy, how to balance strength withsoftness, and smart ways to approach birth settings and “preferences” in thehospital. They also touch on delayed cord clamping, patient rights in the examroom, and Millie’s resources like her Prepared Pelvis course and guides forcomfortable intimacy. Clear, practical, and empowering. If you found this conversation helpful, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend.  Stay connected with us on ⁠⁠Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/revitalizepelvichealth/?hl=en]⁠⁠ @revitalizepelvichealth to hear about upcoming episodes.  Have a question or topic you'd like us to cover? Send us an email at ⁠⁠empowher.podcast25@gmail.com [ empowher.podcast25@gmail.com]⁠⁠ —we’dlove to hear from you! And remember—your health, your voice, your power. Until next time! Millie Schweky’s Resources: Her podcast: * ⁠⁠What They Didn’t Tell You:From Core To Floor⁠⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/show/0XHn1LK09H60g5YgND01JH?si=9ec87164b6644871] * Dial In-Here is how you can listen: Dial in +16417153800, Access code 243551 (type it slowly) * You’ll automatically hear a 3 min intro, dial 1 or 2 or 3etc to hear episodes 1, 2, or 3 etc. New episodes come out every Tuesday. Please share thisinformation with anyone on your circle who does not have access to hearthe show online. Free Informational documents: * ⁠⁠Painful sex⁠⁠ [https://milliedpt.kit.com/80921a7c7a] * ⁠⁠Pregnancy checklist⁠⁠ [https://milliedpt.kit.com/fec34a522f] Social Media: * ⁠⁠Website⁠⁠ [https://millie-schweky.mykajabi.com/] * ⁠⁠Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/milliedpt/?hl=en]⁠⁠⁠ :@milliedpt * ⁠Book [https://milliedpt.square.site/]⁠ a consult * You can find The Prepared Pelvis course on ⁠⁠here [https://milliedpt.square.site/]⁠⁠ and more. Please note, the content on this podcast is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice.  In addition, this podcast is for mature audiences only (age18+). If you're under 18, we recommend discussing with a parent or guardian before listening. Produced and Edited By Zalman Michel

Intro To EmpowHer - Episode #1

In this kickoff episode, hosts Chedva Berger, LCSW and Riva Preil, DPT lay out the mission of EmpowHer. They talk about the real gaps women face in care, why many providers miss pelvic and mental health links, and how this show will bridge both. You will hear why trusting your gut matters, how to advocate for yourself, and when a second opinion makes sense. They explain their balanced view of western and holistic options, remind you that healing is personal, and preview a lineup of expert guests who will share clear tools and answers so you can make informed choices and move forward with confidence. If you found this conversation helpful, don’t forget tosubscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend.  Stay connected with us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/revitalizepelvichealth/?hl=en] @revitalizepelvichealth to hear about upcoming episodes.  Have a question or topic you'd like us to cover? Send us an email at⁠ ⁠empowher.podcast25@gmail.com [ empowher.podcast25@gmail.com]⁠⁠—we’d love to hear from you! And remember—your health, your voice, your power. Until next time! About Your Hosts: Chedva Berger is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes intreating trauma, anxiety, familial and relational conflict, and life transitions, across a spectrum of diverse populations. Chedva’s myriad experiences give her compassion and a deep understanding of human experience. Her practice is psychodynamic, and attachment focused, and utilizes the Internal Family Systems model (IFS), EMDR, Sand Play, and mindfulness-based therapy interventions. Chedva also infuses other modalities into her practice to help meet each client where they are at. Social Media: * ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chedva-michel-berger-lsw-b6938415a] * ⁠⁠Psychology Today⁠⁠ [https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/chedva-berger-toms-river-nj/1138421] Riva Preil, PT, DPT, WCS, BCB-PMD, CLT   Riva is a leading pelvic floor physical therapist. She treats women with various pelvic floor disorders including dyspareunia, interstitial cystitis, vulvodynia, pudendal neuralgia, constipation, incontinence, prenatal and postpartum conditions, pelvic organ prolapse, and chronic pelvic pain. Riva also treats pediatric bladder and bowel dysfunction. She is a Board Certified Specialist in Women’s Health Physical Therapy (WCS),and she received biofeedback certification in treating pelvic floor dysfunction from BCB-PMD. She is also a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT) through the Academy of Lymphatics, allowing her to treat individuals who experience upper and/or lower extremity swelling. She is also trained in Craniosacral Therapy and Visceral Mobilization through the Barral Institute. Riva is the author of This Inside Story: The Woman’s Guide to Lifelong Pelvic Health, available on her website (revitalizephysicaltherapy.com). She is extremely passionate about her work and looks forward to helping many along their healing journeys! Social Media: * Email: riva@revitalizephysicaltherapy.com [ riva@revitalizephysicaltherapy.com] * Instagram [ https://www.instagram.com/revitalizepelvichealth/?hl=en] handle: @revitalizepelvichealth  * ⁠⁠Website⁠⁠ [https://revitalizephysicaltherapy.com/] * ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2fN7UO3lvj6jcfCTZvzFlQ] * ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/revitalizephysicaltherapy] Please note, the content on this podcast is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice.  In addition, this podcast is for mature audiences only (age18+). If you're under 18, we recommend discussing with a parent or guardian before listening. Produced and Edited By Zalman Michel