What if everything you were taught about sex, desire, and women’s bodies was incomplete — or flat-out wrong?
In this powerful live podcast event, Inside the Well Space host Cathy O’Brien sits down with Dr. Chris Creatura, MD, one of the nation’s leading experts in female sexual medicine, for a candid, science-backed conversation about women’s sexual health, pleasure, pain, and the cultural scripts that shape our experiences.
With over four decades of clinical experience, Dr. Creatura breaks down why women’s pleasure has been historically understudied, how culture impacts desire, and what actually happens to our bodies during perimenopause, menopause, aging, illness, and recovery.
Together, Cathy and Dr. Creatura explore:
- What a “sexual script” is — and how to rewrite your own
- Why pain during sex is common but not normal
- The truth about the orgasm gap
- Why “vaginal dryness” is an oversimplification
- How hormones, blood flow, nerves, and culture affect arousal
- What women should know about estrogen, testosterone, and menopause care
- Why women are often told to “just live with it” — and why that’s wrong
- How knowledge, anatomy, and advocacy empower better care
Timestamps:
00:00 Welcome & live event setup
10:00 Introducing Dr. Chris Creatura, MD & her work in female sexual medicine
15:00 What is sex? Defining pleasure, consent, and personal meaning
20:00 Sexual scripts: how culture shapes women’s sexuality
25:00 Why women center partners first when talking about sex
30:00 The orgasm gap explained — and why it exists
35:00 Gender gaps, race, culture, and whose pleasure is prioritized
40:00 Vaginal dryness vs. sexual pain: what doctors often miss
45:00 Blood flow, hormones, and why “just use lube” isn’t enough
50:00 Anatomy lesson: the clitoris, arousal, and erased biology
55:00 Why women don’t orgasm from intercourse alone — myth busting
1:00:00 Pain during sex, pelvic floor dysfunction, and injury
1:10:00 Masturbation, vibrators, and reclaiming pleasure
1:15:00 Desire, aging, menopause, and changing sexual needs
1:20:00 Hormones 101: estrogen, testosterone, and menopause care
1:30:00 Porn, culture, and how women learn about sex
1:35:00 Attachment, desire, and emotional vs physical arousal
1:40:00 Botox, PRP, lasers & trendy treatments — what actually works
1:50:00 Final takeaways: rewriting your sexual script
About the Guest:
Dr. Chris Creatura, MD is an OB/GYN surgeon, menopause specialist, and the first and only full-time gynecologist certified by the International Society for Women’s Sexual Health as a Fellow in Female Sexual Medicine. She is an Assistant Professor at Weill Cornell Medical College and a nationally recognized expert in sexual pain, desire disorders, and menopause care.
Subscribe to Inside the Wellspace:
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@UC13tfnPU0OHsNxmMXSs6saw
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2TQtov8ByjgieslPS5B1IM
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-wellspace-women-wellbeing-wisdom-with/id1812799800
Visit The Well Space for Women: https://www.insidethewellspace.com/
Follow along on Instagram: @thewellspaceforwomen https://www.instagram.com/thewellspaceforwomen/
When your child is struggling with substance use or mental health challenges—and you have no idea how to help—it can feel like the ground is disappearing beneath you. It’s one of the most devastating and isolating experiences a parent can face, and far too many mothers carry that pain in silence.
Brenda Zane knows that silence intimately. A family advocate, TEDx speaker, and founder of Hopestream Community, Brenda’s work was born from her own life being shattered when her teenage son nearly lost his life to addiction. What began as a desperate fight to save her child became a profound calling: to use her hard-won lessons and the guidance of the professionals who helped her family heal to support other parents navigating the same terrifying uncertainty.
Through Hopestream Community, Brenda has built a global lifeline for mothers and fathers who are overwhelmed by fear, confusion, and heartbreak as they try to guide a struggling child. In this deeply honest and compassionate conversation, Brenda and Cathy talk about what it truly feels like to live in that constant state of worry, why stigma keeps so many parents quiet, and how connection can become the one thing that helps you stay afloat.
Learn more about Brenda Zane: https://brendazane.com/
Explore the Hopestream Community: https://hopestreamcommunity.org/
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Family Resilience and Hope
02:51 Brenda Zane's Journey and the Birth of HopeStream
05:50 Understanding the Struggles of Parents
08:59 The Impact of Substance Use on Families
11:56 The Role of Community in Healing
14:56 The Evolution of Substance Use Among Youth
17:50 Mental Health and Substance Use: A Complex Relationship
20:50 Navigating the Challenges of Parenting
23:51 The Importance of Self-Care for Parents
26:58 Creating a Supportive Environment for Change
29:45 The Journey of Recovery and Hope
32:55 The Role of Education and Awareness
35:55 Accessing Resources and Community Support
38:49 Final Thoughts and Encouragement for Parents
What if that nightly glass of wine you feel you’ve “earned” has never really been about the wine at all, but about exhaustion, overwhelm, and the quiet autopilot patterns that build themselves into your life without your consent?
Jenn Kautsch, founder of Sober Sis—a global community of more than 40,000 women reframing their relationship with alcohol without shame or labels—shares her deeply personal shift from disciplined, wellness-minded mother by day to habitual “wine o’clock” drinker by night. She reveals how an innocent moment of relaxation can slowly transform into a routine that’s hard to undo, and how she found herself caught in the “detox to retox” cycle long before she realized it was happening.
In this episode of Inside the Wellspace with Cathy O’Brien, Jenn brings clarity to the often misunderstood world of gray area drinking and the subtle ways it weaves itself into everyday life. She unpacks the cultural pressures that glorify “mommy wine time,” the early signs that alcohol may be taking more than it’s giving, and why true change begins with awareness rather than willpower. Jenn also shares the origins of Sober Sis and the 21-day reset that has helped thousands of women break free from patterns that no longer serve them.
Learn more about Sober Sis: http://linktr.ee/sobersis
Follow Jenn @sobersis: https://www.instagram.com/sobersis/?hl=en
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Gray Area Drinking
03:01 Jenn's Personal Journey with Alcohol
05:56 The Impact of Motherhood on Drinking Habits
08:55 Understanding the Detox to Retox Loop
11:59 The Gray Area of Drinking
15:02 The Decision to Stop Drinking
17:54 The Importance of Willingness Over Willpower
21:01 Gaining Insights from Alcohol-Free Living
23:59 Progress Over Perfection in Sobriety
24:47 Navigating Alcoholism and Its Impact
26:16 The Shift from External to Internal Change
28:19 The Birth of Sober Sis
30:45 Creating a Community for Support
32:34 The Holistic Approach to Sobriety
35:09 Scaling the Sober Sis Movement
36:58 Connection as the Antidote to Addiction
39:56 Understanding the Science Behind Alcohol
42:48 The Importance of Reflection and Curiosity
45:57 Sober-Minded Living and Its Broader Implications
49:52 The Challenge of Moderation
52:00 Understanding Alcohol's Role in Our Lives
53:39 Self-Reflection and Personal Growth
56:39 The Power of Community and Connection
58:14 Embracing Change and Self-Discovery
Subscribe to Inside the Wellspace: YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@UC13tfnPU0OHsNxmMXSs6saw Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2TQtov8ByjgieslPS5B1IM Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-wellspace-women-wellbeing-wisdom-with/id1812799800Visit The Well Space for Women: https://www.insidethewellspace.com/Follow along on Instagram: @thewellspaceforwomen https://www.instagram.com/thewellspaceforwomen/
If the word money makes your shoulders tense, you’re not alone.
For so many women—smart, capable, accomplished women—finances still feel confusing, stressful, or like something we “should” have figured out by now. Meanwhile, we’re juggling households, careers, kids, and responsibilities… but rarely stopping long enough to ask:
“Am I actually financially well?”
Emily Green, Head of Wealth Management at Ellevest, the women-focused investment platform founded by Sally Krawcheck, joins inside the Wellspace with Cathy O’Brien to explore what true financial wellness really means.
Emily has spent her career helping women rewrite their financial stories—first on Wall Street at J.P. Morgan, and now at Ellevest, where she’s redefining what wealth management looks like when centered around women’s real lives, emotions, and goals.
Learn more about Ellevest: https://www.ellevest.com/
Subscribe to Inside the Wellspace:
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@UC13tfnPU0OHsNxmMXSs6saw
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2TQtov8ByjgieslPS5B1IM
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-wellspace-women-wellbeing-wisdom-with/id1812799800
Visit The Well Space for Women: https://www.insidethewellspace.com/
Follow along on Instagram: @thewellspaceforwomen https://www.instagram.com/thewellspaceforwomen/
Timestamps:
00:00 Understanding Financial Wellness for Women
02:03 The Gender Investment Gap
06:22 The Importance of Financial Education
09:29 Finding Your Financial Foundation
12:22 Aligning Values with Financial Goals
15:06 Overcoming Money Mindsets
18:11 Lifestyle Creep and Financial Stress
20:23 Navigating Career and Financial Choices
24:02 Navigating Financial Goals and Self-Belief
30:10 The Importance of Flexibility in Financial Planning
36:13 Understanding Financial Accounts and Investments
45:16 Empowering Women Through Financial Literacy and Values-Based Investing
Ever feel like meditation “isn’t for you”? But what if the problem isn’t you, it’s the approach?
Lauren Schuivens, certified meditation teacher and founder of Samavira, explores how meditation can be personalized for your mind, body, and lifestyle. She joins Cathy O’Brien on Inside the Wellspace to share her powerful journey from trauma and depression to discovering meditation as a lifeline, training with Buddhist monks in Thailand, and creating the Samavira method—a practice designed to be easy, effective, and enjoyable for everyone.
Learn how to identify your unique meditation style, retrain your brain, manage stress, regulate emotions, and deepen your mind-body connection.
Timestamps:
0:00 – Introduction: The Power of Presence
3:03 – Lauren’s Journey Through Trauma & Depression
5:10 – Discovering Meditation Online & Training with Thai Monks
7:12 – Meditation as a Healing Practice from the Inside Out
9:27 – Becoming a Certified Meditation Teacher
13:08 – Why People Don’t Start or Stick with Meditation
16:08 – Personalized Meditation: Easy, Effective, Enjoyable
19:27 – The Seven Core Meditation Techniques: Overview
31:18 – Tips for Staying Consistent & Progressing
Learn more about Lauren's work:
Samavira: https://linktr.ee/samavira
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauren.schuivens/
SUBSCRIBE:
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@UC13tfnPU0OHsNxmMXSs6saw
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2TQtov8ByjgieslPS5B1IM
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-wellspace-women-wellbeing-wisdom-with/id1812799800
Visit The Well Space for Women: https://www.insidethewellspace.com/
Follow along on Instagram: @thewellspaceforwomen https://www.instagram.com/thewellspaceforwomen/
Your eyes reveal more about your health than you might realize—and women face unique challenges that often go unnoticed until it’s too late.
Dr. Nancy Coles, a leading ophthalmologist and surgeon at Mount Sinai’s New York Eye & Ear Infirmary, sheds light on the silent epidemic affecting women’s vision. Did you know that two-thirds of the world’s blindness occurs in women—much of it preventable? From hormonal shifts and inflammation to autoimmune conditions, dry eye, screen time, and aging, Dr. Coles explains how your eyes reflect your overall well-being—and what you can do now to protect your sight for decades to come.
She joins Cathy O’Brien on Inside the Well Space, to explore why women are disproportionately affected by vision loss, the link between hormones, inflammation, and eye disease, early warning signs for glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration, how autoimmune disorders can show up in your eyes, and simple daily habits to maintain long-term eye health.
Learn more about Dr. Nancy H. Coles ophthalmology practice: https://nancycolesmd.com/
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Eye Health Awareness
02:47 Understanding Women's Eye Health
05:55 The Impact of Aging on Vision
08:45 The Importance of Regular Eye Exams
11:41 Exploring Dry Eye Disease
14:36 Cataracts: Causes and Solutions
17:29 Glaucoma: The Silent Threat
20:48 The Role of Nutrition in Eye Health
23:45 The Future of Eye Care and Technology
26:32 Final Thoughts on Eye Health
What happens when your fairy tale turns into a survival story?
At just 22, Nadine Macaluso thought she had met her prince charming when she married Jordan Belfort — The Wolf of Wall Street. But behind the luxury yachts and glittering parties hid infidelity, narcissistic abuse, and emotional chaos. When she finally broke free, she began the long, courageous journey to heal herself — and later, to help others do the same.
Now known to millions as Dr. Nae, Nadine is a psychotherapist specializing in trauma bonds, narcissistic abuse, and complex PTSD. Her book Run Like Hell helps people recognize, escape, and recover from toxic relationships — and in this powerful, eye-opening episode, she shares her hard-won wisdom on why smart, strong women fall into destructive relationships, the psychology behind power imbalance and “intermittent reinforcement”, how trauma lives in the body and how to begin to heal and how to rebuild trust — in others, and most importantly, in yourself
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro — When fairy tales turn into survival stories
05:00 Nadine’s story: Love, control, and the wake-up call
09:00 What is a trauma bond (and how it forms)
14:00 Who becomes the “victim” — and why it’s not your fault
18:00 Traits of an abuser — the “dark tetrad” explained
21:00 Psychological violence: the invisible abuse
28:00 Healing, boundaries, and rebuilding trust
🔗 Connect with Dr. Nadine Macaluso:
📘 Run Like Hell https://drnae.com/run-like-hell-book/
🌐 Dr Nae: https://drnae.com/
📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealdrnadine/
Subscribe to Inside the Wellspace:
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@UC13tfnPU0OHsNxmMXSs6saw
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2TQtov8ByjgieslPS5B1IM
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-wellspace-women-wellbeing-wisdom-with/id1812799800
Visit The Well Space for Women: https://www.insidethewellspace.com/
Follow along on Instagram: @thewellspaceforwomen https://www.instagram.com/thewellspaceforwomen/
Imagine receiving a cancer diagnosis and feeling completely alone—unsure where to turn or how to cope. That’s the reality for so many patients and families.
Christina Merrill, founder and CEO of the Bone Marrow & Cancer Foundation and creator of the Cancer Buddy App, shares her remarkable journey building a lifeline of hope and support for people facing cancer. From launching free programs that provide housing, financial aid, emotional care, and therapy, to developing innovative digital tools like Cancer Buddy and Carelines that connect patients, survivors, and caregivers, Christina has dedicated her life to making sure no one goes through cancer alone.
Christina joins Cathy O’Brien on Inside the Wellspace to share how she turned empathy into national impact, the evolution of the Bone Marrow & Cancer Foundation, inspiring patient and donor stories, and how the Cancer Buddy app is transforming support and connection.
Learn more about Christina's work:
Bone Marrow & Cancer Foundation: https://bonemarrow.org/donations/give-donation/
Cancer Buddy App: https://bonemarrow.org/cancerbuddy/
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Introduction to the Cancer Journey
02:46 Christina Merrill's Story and Foundation
05:43 The Evolution of Services Offered
08:52 Innovative Support Programs and the Cancer Buddy App
11:48 Navigating Young Adult Cancer Experiences
14:40 The Importance of Community and Connection
17:54 Patient Navigation and Mental Health Support
20:39 Financial Assistance and Medication Support
23:41 Carelines and Fundraising Initiatives
26:44 Future Plans and Community Engagement
29:41 The Role of Young Professionals in Cancer Advocacy
32:46 The Importance of Nutrition and Wellness
35:31 Conclusion and Call to Action
SUBSCRIBE:
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@UC13tfnPU0OHsNxmMXSs6saw
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2TQtov8ByjgieslPS5B1IM
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-wellspace-women-wellbeing-wisdom-with/id1812799800
Visit The Well Space for Women: https://www.insidethewellspace.com/
Follow along on Instagram: @thewellspaceforwomen https://www.instagram.com/thewellspaceforwomen/
Have you ever caught yourself saying yes when every part of you wanted to scream no? That’s not weakness — it’s survival.
Dr. Ingrid Clayton, clinical psychologist, trauma expert, and author of “Fawning: Why the Need to Please Makes Us Lose Ourselves and How to Find Our Way Back,” unpacks the fawn response — the trauma survival pattern we’ve been taught to applaud as “being nice,” “helpful,” or “easygoing.”
Dr. Clayton joins Inside the Wellspace with Cathy O’Brien to share how chronic fawning disconnects us from our true selves, how it shows up in our relationships, and what it really takes to heal. Drawing from her own story and two decades of clinical experience, she reveals how reclaiming your voice and learning to “unfawn” can transform your sense of agency, authenticity, and safety.
Guest Resources:
Dr. Ingrid Clayton - https://linktr.ee/Ingridclayton
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Fawning and Trauma Responses
02:50 Understanding the Fawn Response
05:50 The Journey to Recognizing Fawning
08:48 Fawning in Relationships and Power Dynamics
11:53 Identifying Fawning in Ourselves
14:56 The Impact of Fawning on Self-Identity
17:56 Personal Journeys and Breaking Free from Fawning
20:43 Navigating Anger and Self-Agency
23:45 The Role of Hormones and Aging in Fawning
28:47 The Complexity of Forgiveness
33:25 Understanding Conflict and Triggers
34:43 Redefining Relationship Chemistry
36:51 The Journey of Unfawning
38:54 Owning Our Trauma
40:42 The Importance of Radical Honesty
43:20 Dissociation and Overwhelm
45:35 Understanding Trauma and Its Impact
47:29 Exploring Trauma Therapy Modalities
52:41 Finding the Right Therapist
54:44 The Power of Shared Stories
SUBSCRIBE:
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@UC13tfnPU0OHsNxmMXSs6saw
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2TQtov8ByjgieslPS5B1IM
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-wellspace-women-wellbeing-wisdom-with/id1812799800
Visit The Well Space for Women: https://www.insidethewellspace.com/
Follow along on Instagram: @thewellspaceforwomen https://www.instagram.com/thewellspaceforwomen/
You might not see it. You might not hear it. But coercive control is happening all around us—often in the relationships we least suspect. It’s the invisible thread that weaves through all forms of abuse, and when children are involved, its impact can last generations.
Dr. Christine Cocchiola—clinician, coach, professor, survivor, and leading expert on coercive control—uncovers the truth about this insidious form of abuse. She joins Cathy O’Brien on Inside the Wellspace to break down how power and control dynamics take root, why victims stay, and how subtle boundary-shifting can erode autonomy and self-worth over time.
Dr. Cocchiola shares her personal story, professional insights, and the practical tools she uses to help survivors recognize manipulation, document patterns of harm, and begin the process of healing. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the unseen mechanisms of abuse—and how to support those trapped within them.
Guest Resources:
Dr. Christine Cocchiola — https://linktr.ee/dr.cocchiola_coercivecontrol?utm_source=linktree_profile_share
Website - https://www.coercivecontrolconsulting.com/
Social - https://www.instagram.com/dr.cocchiola_coercivecontrol/?hl=en
Listen: Perfect Prey: A Coercive Control Podcast https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/perfectpreypodcast/
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Understanding Coercive Control
06:46 The Dynamics of Power and Control
13:54 Recognizing Red Flags in Relationships
21:04 The Impact of Coercive Control on Families
25:43 The Cult of Coercive Control
27:24 Financial Abuse and Its Impact
29:47 Navigating Family Court Challenges
31:20 The Trauma of Children in Abusive Environments
34:24 Malicious Fracturing of Attachment
38:03 The Cycle of Abuse and Grooming
40:32 Recognizing the Signs of Abuse
45:41 The Danger of Leaving an Abusive Relationship
47:55 Supporting Children Through Trauma
SUBSCRIBE: YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@UC13tfnPU0OHsNxmMXSs6saw Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2TQtov8ByjgieslPS5B1IM Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-wellspace-women-wellbeing-wisdom-with/id1812799800Visit The Well Space for Women: https://www.insidethewellspace.com/ Follow along on Instagram: @thewellspaceforwomen https://www.instagram.com/thewellspaceforwomen/
Some stories grab you—and don’t let go.
Katie Thurston, the fan-favorite from The Bachelor and The Bachelorette, joins Inside the Wellspace with Cathy O’Brien to share a story no one expected. Just after moving to New York with her husband, comedian Jeff Arcuri, Katie was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer—a life-altering moment that tested her fear, resilience, and hope.
She opens up about navigating treatment, confronting uncertainty, and finding laughter and light even in the darkest moments. Katie also emphasizes the power of early detection, advocating for yourself in the medical system, and leaning on love and community when life shifts in unimaginable ways.
Heart-wrenching, inspiring, and unflinchingly authentic, Katie’s story offers perspective, guidance, and hope for anyone facing life’s toughest challenges.
TIMESTAMPS:
Introduction to Katie Thurston - 0:00
Life Before Diagnosis - 5:00
The Diagnosis and Initial Reactions - 10:00
Navigating Treatment and Personal Life - 20:00
Advocacy and Community Support - 30:00
Reflections and Future Outlook - 40:00
SUBSCRIBE: YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@UC13tfnPU0OHsNxmMXSs6saw Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2TQtov8ByjgieslPS5B1IM Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-wellspace-women-wellbeing-wisdom-with/id1812799800Visit The Well Space for Women: https://www.insidethewellspace.com/ Follow along on Instagram: @thewellspaceforwomen https://www.instagram.com/thewellspaceforwomen/
When was the last time you felt truly seen, heard, and supported in a doctor’s office? For millions of women, the answer isn’t simple.
Reproductive rights advocate and OB-GYN PA-C Nikki Vinckier explores the gaps, biases, and systemic challenges in women’s healthcare. She joins host Cathy O'Brien to share her journey from clinician to national advocate, the inspiration behind her upcoming book We Deserve More, and the mission of her organization, Take Back Trust—empowering women to navigate reproductive healthcare with knowledge, confidence, and agency.
Together, they discuss trauma-informed care, miscarriage, menopause, reproductive health myths, and how women can advocate not only for themselves but for their friends and communities.
What You’ll Learn:
- Trauma-informed gynecology and systemic gaps in care
- How reproductive healthcare intersects with politics and social justice
- Misconceptions about abortion, miscarriage, and contraception
- Preparing for appointments and advocating for your own health
Resources :
Take Back Trust: @takebacktrust
Timestamps:
00:00 The Importance of Reproductive Healthcare
06:50 Nikki's Journey in Reproductive Health
11:31 Understanding Trauma-Informed Care
15:57 Take Back Trust: Empowering Women
24:14 The Release of 'We Deserve More'
30:08 Building Community Through Knowledge
44:48 Trusting Yourself in Healthcare
SUBSCRIBE: YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@UC13tfnPU0OHsNxmMXSs6saw Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2TQtov8ByjgieslPS5B1IM Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-wellspace-women-wellbeing-wisdom-with/id1812799800Visit The Well Space for Women: https://www.insidethewellspace.com/ Follow along on Instagram: @thewellspaceforwomen https://www.instagram.com/thewellspaceforwomen/
What if something as simple as your breath could transform your health, calm your mind, and reconnect you to your intuition?
In this episode of Inside the Well Space, host Cathy O’Brien sits down with breathwork guide, yoga teacher, and soul reader Céline Antoine. With over 20 years of experience in yoga, meditation, and energy work, Céline has helped thousands of students release stress, let go of old patterns, and reconnect with the wisdom of their heart.
You’ll learn:
- How intentional breathwork can reduce anxiety, create clarity, and even spark altered states of consciousness—without external substances
- The difference between yoga pranayama and transformational breathwork
- Why so many of us are disconnected from nature and how breath can bring us back home to ourselves
- The power of soul readings and connecting with your guides
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 – Introduction & Power of Breath
01:47 – Meeting Céline & Yoga Background
05:11 – Journey to India & Ashram Experience
07:47 – Yoga Philosophy & The Yoga Sutras
09:49 – Breathwork in Yoga vs. Transformative Breathwork
11:31 – Emotional Release & Healing through Breathwork
13:45 – Shutting Down the Critical Mind
17:17 – Circular Breathwork Technique
19:58 – Layers Beyond the Physical & Mental
20:48 – Leaving New York for Shelter Island
22:18 – Following Intuition & Gut Feelings
24:52 – Breathwork vs. Substances for Healing Trauma
25:13 – Soul Readings & Spiritual Guidance
27:19 – Questions for Soul Readings & Spirit Guides
Sexism isn’t just in politics or culture—it’s in our bodies, our health, and the way we move through the world every single day.
On this episode of Inside the Wellspace, Cathy O’Brien sits down with globally renowned activist, author, and journalist Laura Bates—the force behind the viral Everyday Sexism Project. What started as a simple website sharing women’s daily experiences of harassment became a global movement, collecting more than 200,000 stories from over 25 countries and sparking worldwide conversations about gender inequality. Laura has since written 10 books, spoken at the United Nations, advised governments, and worked directly with schools to confront misogyny at its roots.
Laura unpacks her latest book, The New Age of Sexism: How the AI Revolution is Reinventing Misogyny. From deepfake pornography and sex robots to AI healthcare bias and discriminatory algorithms, she exposes how technology is amplifying old inequalities in disturbing new ways. Together, Kathy and Laura explore the public health crisis of everyday sexism, the impact on women’s mental and physical well-being, and the urgent need to reshape the systems that shape our lives.
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Introduction to Everyday Sexism
07:02 The Birth of the Everyday Sexism Project
14:02 Impact on Education and Awareness
21:59 The Role of AI in Reinventing Misogyny
34:57 The Need for Systemic Change and Regulation
What if the aches, leaks, or discomfort you’ve been ignoring are actually your body asking for help?
Kate Fishman, PT, DPT, OCS, Cert. MDT, PRPC, CYT, is a Senior Physical Therapist at NYPH - Weill Cornell who specializes in pelvic floor health. She joins Cathy O’Brien on Inside the Wellspace to explore the often-overlooked world of pelvic floor health. They dive into the prevalence of pelvic floor dysfunction, its symptoms, and why awareness is the first step toward reclaiming your health.
Kate shares how physical therapy can make a profound difference and explains the deep connection between pelvic floor wellness and overall physical and emotional well-being. They also cover practical strategies—from breathing techniques to lifestyle habits—that can empower you to take control of your pelvic health and feel confident in your body again.
What You’ll Learn in this Episode:
- Pelvic floor dysfunction is common and can affect anyone.
- Physical therapy can significantly improve pelvic floor function.
- Symptoms include urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and sexual dysfunction.
- Age, anatomy, and life experiences play a role in pelvic floor health.
- Lifestyle factors like diet, movement, and stress influence pelvic wellness.
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Introduction to Pelvic Floor Health
02:43 Understanding Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
05:33 The Importance of Awareness and Communication
08:42 Common Symptoms and Causes of Dysfunction
11:39 The Role of Age and Anatomy
14:39 Impact of Lifestyle and Habits
17:41 Exploring Treatment Options
20:35 The Connection Between Pelvic Floor and Overall Health
23:45 Practical Tips for Pelvic Floor Care
26:34 The Role of Physical Therapy
29:43 Breathing and Its Impact on Pelvic Health
32:46 Final Thoughts and Empowerment
SUBSCRIBE:
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@UC13tfnPU0OHsNxmMXSs6saw
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2TQtov8ByjgieslPS5B1IM
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-wellspace-women-wellbeing-wisdom-with/id1812799800
Visit The Well Space for Women: https://www.insidethewellspace.com/
Follow along on Instagram: @thewellspaceforwomen https://www.instagram.com/thewellspaceforwomen/
#health #pelvicfloorhealth #KateFishman#womenshealth #pelvicfloorexercises #wellness #healthtips #womenfitness #corestrength #wellnesstips #podcast
Can something as simple as touch change — even save — a life?
Jennifer Cooper Ashton, Clinical Manager for Massage Therapy Services at the Mount Sinai Health System, explores the remarkable physiological and emotional benefits of therapeutic touch. From her early career in dance to becoming a leader in palliative care and wellness, Jennifer shares how massage can calm the nervous system, ease pain, reduce nausea, and lift depression — especially for those navigating illness.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- How therapeutic touch can be life-changing — even life-saving
- The science behind massage therapy for stress relief and symptom management
- Why palliative care is about living well, not just end-of-life
- The role of mindfulness and breathwork in calming the body and mind
- How touch empowers patients in their healing journey
- Why massage therapy should be seen as a necessity, not a luxury
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 The Healing Power of Touch
04:51 Jennifer's Journey to Massage Therapy
09:43 The Impact of Touch on Healing
14:41 Massage Therapy in Hospital Settings
19:43 The Importance of Mindfulness and Breath
24:33 Navigating Wellness in Modern Life
29:42 Palliative Care and Doula Experience
34:31 The Role of Touch in Patient Empowerment
39:36 Bringing Massage Therapy Home
44:28 Final Thoughts on Wellness and Healing
What if the secret to your physical health and emotional balance wasn’t hidden in the latest wellness trend, but in the energy flowing through you right now?
Mare Rubin, a certified yoga and meditation teacher, joins Inside the Wellspace with Cathy O’Brien to explore the timeless link between ancient wisdom and modern wellbeing. Together, they unravel the mysteries of chakras, the science and spirituality behind our energy systems, and how mindfulness can transform the way we move, breathe, and live.
Mare shares her personal journey into yoga and energy work, revealing why true wellness isn’t about following a one-size-fits-all routine—it’s about finding practices that align with your unique needs and rhythms. Along the way, they dive into the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, the role of doshas in shaping our health, and why the heart chakra may just hold the key to unconditional love and deeper connection.
TIMESTAMPS
02:15 Introduction to Energy and Wellbeing
03:57 Understanding Chakras and Energy Work
05:26 The Intersection of Ancient Wisdom and Modern Practices
08:12 Personal Journey into Yoga and Energy Work
13:24 The Individualized Approach to Yoga
14:50 Exploring the Energetic Side of Yoga
15:49 Understanding Prana and Chakras
17:26 The Root Chakra and Its Importance
20:33 The Sacral Chakra and Creativity
23:05 The Solar Plexus Chakra and Transformation
26:39 The Heart Chakra and Unconditional Love
29:05 The Throat Chakra and Expressing Truth
30:53 The Third Eye and Crown Chakras
33:12 Yoga as a Path to Meditation
36:27 Exploring Spiritual Connections in Yoga
37:51 The Essence of Being: Samadhi and Consciousness
39:33 Integrating Hatha, Tantra, and Ayurveda
41:45 Understanding Ayurveda: The Sister Science of Yoga
45:26 The Vedic Texts: Foundations of Yoga Philosophy
47:41 Navigating Life's Dualities: Lessons from the Bhagavad Gita
49:57 Witnessing Yourself: Acceptance and Mindfulness
54:59 Personalizing Your Practice: The Journey of Self-Discovery
What does it really mean to live as a woman in 2025—and how fragile are the rights we take for granted?
In this solo episode of Inside the Wellspace, host Cathy O’Brien breaks down the historical context, current data, and legislative shifts that shape the experience of being a woman today. From microfeminism to credit access, political representation to bodily autonomy, Cathy connects the dots between the past 50 years of progress and the urgent erosion happening now.
She unpacks the subtle and systemic ways in which gender equality is undermined and calls for a renewed sense of reflection, dialogue, and participation—starting at the local level. With clarity, conviction, and care, this episode is both a history lesson and a wake-up call for anyone who believes in the power of law, voice, and collective momentum.
Listen, reflect, and share. Because equality doesn’t protect itself.
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Understanding Feminism and Microfeminism
01:53 Current Statistics on Women in Society
05:43 Historical Context of Women's Rights
16:28 The Fragility of Women's Rights Today
24:25 The Need for Women in Power
SUBSCRIBE:
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@UC13tfnPU0OHsNxmMXSs6saw
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2TQtov8ByjgieslPS5B1IM
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-wellspace-women-wellbeing-wisdom-with/id1812799800
Visit The Well Space for Women: https://www.insidethewellspace.com/
Follow along on Instagram: @thewellspaceforwomen https://www.instagram.com/thewellspaceforwomen/
What does it take to break free from your past and rebuild a life on your own terms?
At just 26, Jes Chapel is a rising voice at Condé Nast Traveler, covering fashion, travel, and luxury—but her real story runs much deeper. In this raw and revealing conversation, Jes sits down with Cathy O’Brien to share her journey through childhood trauma, the loss of her father, and growing up in unstable, unsafe environments. She opens up about declaring legal independence at 17, the emotional cost of caretaking, and the healing power of writing, education, and chosen family.
This episode is about resilience in its realest form—messy, nonlinear, and deeply human. If you’ve ever felt shaped by your circumstances but still hopeful for something more, Jessica’s story is proof that your past doesn’t have to define your future.
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Introduction and Background
03:02 Defining Resilience and Trauma
05:57 Early Life and Family Dynamics
08:57 The Impact of Loss and Transition
11:53 Navigating Childhood Trauma
14:46 Living with Family and Coping Strategies
15:24 Navigating Caretaking Roles
17:50 Coping Mechanisms and Resilience
20:50 Finding Independence and Stability
23:48 The Journey to Self-Discovery
26:50 Embracing Change and Growth
29:46 Using Trauma as a Catalyst for Change
32:57 Reflections on Grief and Resilience
34:56 Navigating Personal Growth and Self-Compassion
36:29 Breaking Patterns and Family Dynamics
39:33 Choosing Love Over Fear
45:06 Empowerment Through Chosen Family and New Relationships
SUBSCRIBE: YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@UC13tfnPU0OHsNxmMXSs6saw Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2TQtov8ByjgieslPS5B1IM Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-wellspace-women-wellbeing-wisdom-with/id1812799800Visit The Well Space for Women: https://www.insidethewellspace.com/Follow along on Instagram: @thewellspaceforwomen https://www.instagram.com/thewellspaceforwomen/
Have you ever questioned your reality in a relationship?
In this powerful solo episode, host Cathy O’Brien opens up about an issue that affects 1 in 4 reported women: emotional and psychological abuse in relationships.
This isn’t about physical violence—it’s about the coercive, manipulative behaviors that chip away at a person’s identity, self-worth, and sense of reality. With recent high-profile abuse cases in the media, Cathy feels called to speak up and share what she’s learned through years of personal and professional work.
This episode brings language, clarity, and validation to the experiences so many women silently endure. Cathy breaks down critical concepts like gaslighting, coercive control, and emotional abuse, helping women understand the signs, reclaim their power, and know they’re not alone.
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Introduction to Relationship Abuse
03:11 Understanding Coercive Control
06:04 The Impact of Emotional and Psychological Abuse
09:06 Recognizing Signs of Abuse
11:59 The Cycle of Abuse and Its Effects
14:46 The Role of Economic Abuse
18:10 Creating a Safety Plan
20:54 Long-term Effects of Coercive Control
23:45 Support Systems and Resources
27:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
SUBSCRIBE: YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@UC13tfnPU0OHsNxmMXSs6saw Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2TQtov8ByjgieslPS5B1IM Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-wellspace-women-wellbeing-wisdom-with/id1812799800Visit The Well Space for Women: https://www.insidethewellspace.com/Follow along on Instagram: @thewellspaceforwomen https://www.instagram.com/thewellspaceforwomen/