Shedding Shame & Increasing Intimacy with Heather Florio

The Holistic Intersection Between Psychiatry and Sex Therapy with Dr. Elisabeth Gordon

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2196001/fan_mail/new] Sexual health is often treated as an afterthought in healthcare—something separate from our mental health, physical health, relationships, or overall well-being. But what if it’s all connected? Dr. Ginger Garner sits down with board-certified psychiatrist and certified sex therapist Dr. Elisabeth Gordon for a compassionate, stigma-free conversation about sexual health through a whole-person lens. Together, they explore how factors like stress, nervous system regulation, pain, hormones, relationships, culture, and body awareness all shape our sexual experiences. Dr. Gordon shares practical guidance for navigating shame, advocating for yourself in healthcare settings, understanding the mind-body connection, and moving away from performance-based ideas about sexuality toward curiosity, pleasure, and connection. Whether you're struggling with pain, low desire, communication challenges, or simply want a healthier relationship with your body, this episode offers validation, insight, and hope. Because sexual health isn’t separate from health - it’s an essential part of it. Read the blog post here! [https://vocalpelvicfloor.com/the-holistic-intersection-between-psychiatry-and-sex-therapy-with-dr-elisabeth-gordon/] Resources: 1. PsychandSexMD.com [http://psychandsexmd.com] 2. Instagram @psychandsexmd [https://www.instagram.com/psychandsexmd/?hl=en] 3. Sexual Medicine Society of North America: [https://www.smsna.org/patients] resource for finding sexual medicine specialists, particularly for sexual function concerns. 4. International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health [https://www.isswsh.org/]: provider directory and educational resources focused on women's sexual health. 5. Society for Sex Therapy and Research [https://sstarnet.org/]: directory of sex therapists and professionals specializing in psychological and relational aspects of sexual health. 6. American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists: [https://www.aasect.org/] certification body and directory for sex therapists, sexuality counselors, and educators. Enjoying The Vocal Pelvic Floor? Leave us a review! [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-vocal-pelvic-floor-with-dr-ginger-garner/id1678127480] Reviews help more people discover the podcast and keep these critical discussions going! Thanks for your support—you’re helping grow this community and amplify the voices that need to be heard. 💛 - If you’ve found value in the content we share on women’s and pelvic health—including topics like endometriosis and pelvic pain—please consider supporting the show with a contribution. Your support helps us continue producing high-quality, evidence-based episodes. At this time, we don’t receive any funding to create the podcast, and production costs are coming entirely out of pocket. Every bit of support makes a meaning. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2196001/support]

Making Peace with Pleasure with Dr. Tom Murray

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2196001/fan_mail/new] What happens when being responsible, disciplined, and always doing the "right" thing starts getting in the way of intimacy, pleasure, and connection? In this episode, Dr. Ginger Garner is joined by sex and relationship therapist Dr. Tom Murray, author of Making Nice with Naughty, for a candid conversation about perfectionism, over-control, sexual shame, and the hidden ways they impact our relationships. Together, they explore how cultural messaging, fear of vulnerability, chronic pain, and nervous system protection can shape our experiences of desire, intimacy, and sexual wellness. If you've ever felt disconnected from pleasure, struggled with performance pressure, or wondered why intimacy feels harder than it should, this episode offers a compassionate and practical perspective on creating more flexibility, curiosity, and connection. Read the blog post here! [https://vocalpelvicfloor.com/making-peace-with-pleasure-with-dr-tom-murray/] Resources: 1. DrTomMurray.com [http://drtommurray.com] 2. APathtoWellness.com [http://apathtowellness.com] 3. PracticeMuse.com [http://practicemuse.com] 4. Email: info@apathtowellness.com 5. Instagram @drtommurray [https://www.instagram.com/drtommurray/?hl=en] @apathtowellness [https://www.instagram.com/apathtowellnessofficial/?hl=en] 6. Facebook: Dr Tom Murray [https://www.facebook.com/triadsexpert/] 7. Youtube: @makingnicewithnaughty [https://www.youtube.com/@makingnicewithnaughty]  8. Making Nice with Naughty Podcast [https://open.spotify.com/show/02DlDUMzkM3kudJeJldKX4] 9. Making Nice with Naughty Book [https://www.amazon.com/dp/0578271389] 1. Audible Version [https://www.audible.com/ac/Making-Nice-with-Naughty-Audiobook/B0CGBXCXL9] 2. Spotify Audiobook [https://open.spotify.com/show/2fJYYUMfn8ZGhK1qh6Q7a2] Enjoying The Vocal Pelvic Floor? Leave us a review! [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-vocal-pelvic-floor-with-dr-ginger-garner/id1678127480] Reviews help more people discover the podcast and keep these critical discussions going! Thanks for your support—you’re helping grow this community and amplify the voices that need to be heard. 💛 - If you’ve found value in the content we share on women’s and pelvic health—including topics like endometriosis and pelvic pain—please consider supporting the show with a contribution. Your support helps us continue producing high-quality, evidence-based episodes. At this time, we don’t receive any funding to create the podcast, and production costs are coming entirely out of pocket. Every bit of support makes a meaning. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2196001/support]

Red Light Therapy & Pelvic Health: What the Research Actually Says with Dr. Genevieve Newton & Liz Frey

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2196001/fan_mail/new] What does red light therapy actually do and where does it fit in pelvic health care? In this episode of The Vocal Pelvic Floor, Dr. Ginger Garner is joined by Dr. Genevieve Newton, DC, PhD, and pelvic health physiotherapist Liz Frey, MScPT, FCAMPT, to explore the science and clinical applications of photobiomodulation.  Together, they unpack the research behind red and near-infrared light therapy and discuss its potential role in supporting chronic pelvic pain, endometriosis, postpartum recovery, menopause, tissue healing, sexual wellness, and rehab outcomes. This grounded, science-informed conversation separates hype from evidence while highlighting how light therapy may serve as a supportive adjunct in pelvic health and whole-body healing. Read the blog post here! [https://vocalpelvicfloor.com/red-light-therapy-pelvic-health-what-the-research-actually-says-with-dr-genevieve-newton-liz-frey/] Resources: 1. FringeHeals.com [http://fringeheals.com] : all products and product info is here, but we also have a lot of consumer education content 1. Consumer Education content [https://fringeheals.com/blogs/blog] 2. Fringe University [https://www.fringe-u.com/] : continuing education site; on this site we have educational videos about red light therapy including a free one for pelvic health 3. Instagram @fringeheals [https://www.instagram.com/fringeheals/?hl=en] 4. For more info or questions, email us at Hi@fringeheals.com Enjoying The Vocal Pelvic Floor? Leave us a review! [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-vocal-pelvic-floor-with-dr-ginger-garner/id1678127480] Reviews help more people discover the podcast and keep these critical discussions going! Thanks for your support—you’re helping grow this community and amplify the voices that need to be heard. 💛 - If you’ve found value in the content we share on women’s and pelvic health—including topics like endometriosis and pelvic pain—please consider supporting the show with a contribution. Your support helps us continue producing high-quality, evidence-based episodes. At this time, we don’t receive any funding to create the podcast, and production costs are coming entirely out of pocket. Every bit of support makes a meaning. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2196001/support]

The Estrogen-Gut Connection Every Woman Should Know with Kimberly Kushner

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2196001/fan_mail/new] Kimberly Kushner returns to The Vocal Pelvic Floor  for a deeply validating and educational conversation on the connection between gut health, hormones, pelvic pain, libido, and chronic illness. Together with Dr. Ginger Garner, Kimberly explores how symptoms like bloating, constipation, fatigue, painful periods, low libido, and nervous system dysregulation are often interconnected—especially for women navigating endometriosis, POTS, MCAS, hEDS, perimenopause, and complex pelvic pain. Drawing from both clinical expertise and lived experience, Kimberly shares practical, holistic insights on estrogen metabolism, the gut microbiome, mast cell activation, stress, sleep, nutrition, and why personalized care matters so much for women with complex chronic conditions. This episode is a powerful reminder that your symptoms are real, connected, and deserving of compassionate, whole-person care. Read the blog post here! [https://vocalpelvicfloor.com/the-estrogen-gut-connection-every-woman-should-know-with-kimberly-kushner/] Resources: 1. EndoNaturopath.com [http://endonaturopath.com] 2. Kimberly’s Instagram: @endonaturopath [https://www.instagram.com/endonaturopath] 3. Kimberly’s YouTube Channel: EndoNaturopath [https://www.youtube.com/@Endonaturopath] 4. Bristol Stool Chart [https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/bristol-stool-chart] Enjoying The Vocal Pelvic Floor? Leave us a review! [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-vocal-pelvic-floor-with-dr-ginger-garner/id1678127480] Reviews help more people discover the podcast and keep these critical discussions going! Thanks for your support—you’re helping grow this community and amplify the voices that need to be heard. 💛 - If you’ve found value in the content we share on women’s and pelvic health—including topics like endometriosis and pelvic pain—please consider supporting the show with a contribution. Your support helps us continue producing high-quality, evidence-based episodes. At this time, we don’t receive any funding to create the podcast, and production costs are coming entirely out of pocket. Every bit of support makes a meaning. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2196001/support]

Beyond Kegels: What Real Pelvic Pain Care Looks Like with Elizabeth Akincilar & Stephanie Prendergast

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2196001/fan_mail/new] In this episode, Dr. Ginger Garner is joined by pelvic health pioneers Stephanie Prendergast and Elizabeth “Liz” Akincilar, co-founders of the Pelvic Health and Rehabilitation Center (PHRC), for an honest and insightful conversation on pelvic pain, sexual health, and the ongoing gaps in healthcare education and treatment. Together, they discuss why conditions like vulvodynia, vestibulodynia, vaginismus, pudendal neuralgia, and painful sex are still frequently misunderstood or dismissed, leaving many patients feeling unheard and medically gaslit. Stephanie and Liz share their perspectives on what comprehensive pelvic health care should actually look like, why pelvic floor dysfunction is about far more than just muscles, and how providers can better support patients through informed, compassionate, interdisciplinary care. The episode also explores advocacy, patient empowerment, and the future of pelvic health education — from improving clinician training to expanding pelvic health access globally. Read the blog post here! [https://vocalpelvicfloor.com/beyond-kegels-what-real-pelvic-pain-care-looks-like-with-elizabeth-akincilar-stephanie-prendergast/] Resources: 1. PelvicPainRehab.com [http://pelvicpainrehab.com] 2. Pelvic Pain Explained: What You Need to Know [https://www.amazon.com/Pelvic-Pain-Explained-What-Need/dp/0810895919] 3. Subscribe to their blog [https://pelvicpainrehab.com/blog/] 4. Instagram @PelvicHealth [https://www.instagram.com/pelvichealth/?hl=en] 5. TikTok @PelvicPainRehab [https://www.tiktok.com/@pelvicpainrehab?lang=en] 6. YouTube Channel: PelvicHealth [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKIfy8-P10EyTaM-bIbeFbA] 7. Facebook: Pelvic Health and Rehabilitation Center [https://www.facebook.com/pelvicpainphysicaltherapy?fref=ts] 8. LinkedIn: Stephanie Prendergast [https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-prendergast-mpt-9a5b1237/] & Elizabeth Atkincilar [http://linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-akincilar-65713bb?skipRedirect=true&miniProfileUrn=urn%3Ali%3Afs_miniProfile%3AACoAAAH6POMBZ5eYyHSwhf5mM3M0dyEsJ3vG3GQ] 9. Jackson Clinics Foundation [https://www.teachandtreat.org/] (Where Elizabeth teaches the Pelvic Health Program in Kenya) - Donate [https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=CBSRHAPGWTJRU&ssrt=1770061020277] to their PT program in Nairobi 10. Tight Lipped [https://www.tightlipped.org/] 11. International Pelvic Pain Society [https://www.pelvicpain.org/]  12. ISSWSH [https://www.isswshcourse.org/] - International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health 13. Materna Medical [https://www.maternamedical.com/] 14. Milli Dilator [https://www.hellomilli.com/] 15. Kiwi Pelvic Floor Massager [https://thepelvicpeople.com/products/kiwi?srsltid=AfmBOoqCGhGJoNdwXMx4LTkLtxY0Rg-OPU3JovrZ67NdnEPs8TNx5iHJ] Enjoying The Vocal Pelvic Floor? Leave us a review! [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-vocal-pelvic-floor-with-dr-ginger-garner/id1678127480] Reviews help more people discover the podcast and keep these critical discussions going! Thanks for your support—you’re helping grow this community and amplify the voices that need to be heard. 💛 - If you’ve found value in the content we share on women’s and pelvic health—including topics like endometriosis and pelvic pain—please consider supporting the show with a contribution. Your support helps us continue producing high-quality, evidence-based episodes. At this time, we don’t receive any funding to create the podcast, and production costs are coming entirely out of pocket. Every bit of support makes a meaning. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2196001/support]