The Dismissed Woman

The Tale of Perimenopause, Part One

Perimenopause affects millions of women, yet the symptoms are often dismissed, minimized, or misdiagnosed. In this episode, Nicole and Margaret challenge the silence surrounding this life stage and dive into the real physical and emotional changes women face. They explore how fluctuating hormones impact everything from mood to inflammation to sleep, why so many women feel blindsided, and what needs to change in the medical system. This is an episode for every woman who’s ever been told “it’s normal” when she knew something deeper was happening.We purposely left the "bloopers" in this episode so you can see, in real time, how perimenopause affects us. If you have any of these symptoms and want us to talk about them in Part 2, please email us at thedismissedwoman@gmail.com!

The Tale of the Unseen Battle; A Mental Health Journey

In this episode, Nicole opens up about her mental health journey with a level of honesty that will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled in silence. She shares the moments that shaped her, the patterns she had to unlearn, and the turning points that pushed her toward healing. Margaret and Nicole talk through the stigma, the setbacks, and the small victories that often go unseen. This conversation is a reminder that mental health isn’t a straight line — it’s a process of understanding yourself, asking for help, and choosing to keep going. thedismissedwoman@gmail.com

The Tale of the Alpha Gal

In this episode, Margaret and Nicole have a guest and a listener whose lives have been completely reshaped by alpha‑gal syndrome, the tick‑borne allergy that makes the body react to mammal meat and mammal‑derived products. Together, they unpack what it’s really like to live with a condition most people have never heard of — one that can trigger everything from digestive distress to full‑blown anaphylaxis hours after eating. Our guests share their personal journeys: * how they first realized something was wrong * the confusing, often frightening symptoms that didn’t fit any typical allergy pattern * the long road to getting a correct diagnosis * the lifestyle changes they’ve had to make to stay safe * the emotional and social impact of navigating a condition that’s still widely misunderstood Margaret brings her own family’s experience into the conversation, offering insight into what it’s like to support a loved one with alpha‑gal — the constant label‑reading, the hidden mammal‑derived ingredients, the fear of accidental exposure, and the trial‑and‑error of finding medications and foods that are safe. This episode is honest, educational, and deeply human. Whether you’re living with alpha‑gal, love someone who is, or are just curious about a condition that’s becoming increasingly common, this conversation will leave you informed, grounded, and more aware of the invisible challenges people face every day. Thedismissedwoman@gmail.com

The Tale of the Period Piece

Nicole and Margaret open up about the conversations they’re having with their daughters about periods—what’s normal, what’s not, and why so many girls grow up thinking painful or disruptive cycles are “just part of being a woman.” They unpack the cultural taboo around menstruation, how it shapes girls’ understanding of their bodies, and the serious conditions that often get dismissed as “normal periods.” This episode is an honest, practical guide for parents who want to break the silence and give their daughters real information and confidence.

The Tale of the Mystery Mass

After years of chronic strep throat and sinus infections, Margaret searches for a doctor that will allow her to get her tonsils removed. We explore the long journey of finally getting the surgery, but does that actually alleviate her symptoms? If you have an experience like this, please comment or send us an email at thedismissedwoman@gmail.com!