Femtech Health Podcast – Détails, épisodes et analyse

In this episode, Cherie Hoeger (CEO & co-founder of Saalt) breaks down the “reusable revolution” in period care—menstrual cups, discs, and patented leak-proof underwear—and shows how a B-Corp can combine product innovation with a global mission to end period poverty. You’ll hear practical how-tos, pelvic-floor tips, and a candid look at building a fast-growing fem-tech brand while raising six kids.

Timestamps

00:00 – 01:00 | Why disposable pads can’t solve period poverty
01:00 – 04:00 | Meet Cherie & Saalt’s reusable mission
04:00 – 08:30 | From “diaper-feel” to patented thin-dry underwear
08:30 – 17:30 | Live demo: folding, inserting & removing cups vs. discs
17:30 – 21:00 | Pelvic-floor support, prolapse & bladder leaks
21:00 – 25:30 | 1 % give-back, 130 k donations in 50 countries
25:30 – 33:00 | Founder life: in-office preschool & work-life integration
33:00 – 38:00 | Hanky Panky collab, retail rollout (Target, Whole Foods, REI)
38:00 – 44:00 | Packaging that makes periods “cart-worthy”
44:00 – end | Vision: bring Saalt to every girl & end period poverty

Key Points

• Reusable > Disposable – Cups & discs hold 3-6× a tampon, last 10 + years, and slash monthly costs and waste.
• Patented Period Underwear – Saalt spent 3½ years engineering the thinnest, driest tech on the market—now powering Hanky Panky’s Confidence Panty line.
• Pelvic-Floor Friendly – Discs sit in the posterior fornix (no suction), making them ideal for prolapse, IUDs, heavy lifters, and “sneeze leaks.”
• Life-Changing Donations – 130 k products placed in 50 countries; cups keep girls in school and women at work for 10 years on a single purchase.
• Customer “Saalt Coaches” – Real humans (not chat-bots) guide users through fit, folds, leaks, PCOS, endo, and more.
• Family-First Startup – Cherie & her husband built an on-site preschool and a strict 90-minute “power morning” to juggle six kids and a scaling brand.
• Retail Proof – Instagram-worthy packaging helped Saalt hit Target shelves in year 2; now also in Whole Foods, REI, Walmart Teens, and Walgreens.

Deep Dives

1. The Cup & Disc Advantage
   • 12-hour wear, medical-grade silicone, hypoallergenic.
   • Discs allow mess-free period sex and added pelvic support.
   • “It’s not bigger than a baby’s head—yes, it fits!”
2. Underwear Tech & Hanky Panky
   • Ultra-thin absorbent gusset keeps the surface bone-dry.
   • Holds 3–6 pads’ worth yet feels like everyday lace lingerie.
   • Launched on International Women’s Day; sold out first run.
3. Ending Period Poverty—Reusable or Bust
   • Disposable donations create endless cost and waste cycles.
   • Cups + education end absenteeism for a decade on ~$30.
   • Saalt targets eight high-need regions; 95 % adoption rate.
4. Pelvic-Floor & Athletic Use
   • Disc + period underwear combo recommended for marathoners.
   • Cups can even outperform pessaries for some bladder-support users.
5. Work-Life Integration Blueprint
   • Replace “balance” with optimization.
   • Morning ritual: reading, strength training, two mission-critical tasks before email.
   • In-office preschool boosts retention & gender equity.
6. Future Vision
   • Global accessibility—“Saalt in every country.”
   • Scale 1 % give-back to eradicate period poverty.
   • Keep innovating where stigma once stalled progress (packaging, education, tech).

Notable Quotes

• “Period poverty will never be solved by disposable products.” – Cherie Hoger
• “We’re not selling pads or cups—we’re selling confidence.”
• “A cup in your purse means no more emergency tampon runs.”

Find Saalt: saalt.com | Amazon | Target | Whole Foods | REI | Walmart (Teen line)

In this episode, host Sheree sits down with Amanda DeLuca, co‑founder of Riley—a science‑backed, AI‑powered parenting and mental health app designed to give families data‑driven guidance at every stage. Amanda shares the deeply personal experience that inspired Riley, how the app uses live data and AI to surface insights (from sleep schedules to developmental milestones to postpartum mental‑health support), and what it’s like building a HIPAA‑compliant tool by parents for parents.

Get 20% Riley with 20% off with the code: FEMTECH20 - https://www.rileyapp.com/

Guest Bio

Amanda DeLuca

• Co‑founder & Chief Product Officer, Riley
• 15+ years in tech product management, especially health‑tech
• Personal journey from first‑time mom overwhelmed by postpartum anxiety to building Riley
• Connect with Amanda on LinkedIn:
   https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandacdeluca/

Key Topics & Timestamps

00:00 – 02:00 | Why Riley Exists

• Amanda and her husband “product‑managed” pregnancy—and watched it all vanish in the first sleepless nights.
• The frustration of 3 AM questions with no expert help at your fingertips.

02:00 – 08:00 | From Personal Pain Point to Product Idea

• Real‑world data is everywhere—but parents need a trustworthy filter.
• Amanda’s background building user‑centered tech and her year of research in family‑tech before Riley.

08:00 – 14:00 | Core Riley Features

• Tracking & Insight Engine: Turn feeding, diaper, sleep logs into actionable trends.
• Golden Window™ Sleep Scheduler: AI‑driven nap and bedtime calculator that adapts live.
• Contextual Guidance: From solids introduction to toddler tantrums, Riley surfaces “what the data really says.”

14:00 – 20:00 | Supporting Parental Mental Health

• Under‑reported reality of postpartum depression/anxiety—even high‑functioning parents feel shame.
• How Riley’s clinical advisory board and embedded questionnaires help flag “yellow‑flag” moments.
• Medication, rest, and community as pillars of postpartum recovery.

20:00 – 26:00 | Building with Privacy & Safety in Mind

• HIPAA‑compliance explained: why it matters and how Riley keeps your family’s data secure.
• No user data is used for AI model training; personal logs stay private.

26:00 – 32:00 | The Magic Moments & Future Roadmap

• Hyper‑personal touches (e.g. suggesting Japanese vocabulary when traveling in Japan).
• VIP community beta: high‑touch feedback loops with founders and early users.
• Upcoming features: peer “high‑fives” at 3 AM, deeper provider integrations, expanded mental‑health screening.

Top Quotes

“There is no normal newborn—every baby charts their own course, and parents need a guide, not a generic 400‑page book.”“It shouldn’t take an economics degree to know what’s good data—and that insight gap is what Riley was built to close.”“Putting your own oxygen mask on first is not selfish—it’s the only way you can care for your little ones.”

Resources & Links

• Amanda’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandacdeluca/
• Riley App: https://rileyapp.com
• Founder pricing: $10 /mo (annual); $12 /mo (quarterly); $15 /mo (monthly)
• Learn more about HIPAA compliance in consumer health apps:
  • U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services – HIPAA Overview: https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/privacy/index.html

In this episode, I spoke with Bethany Ayers about her experiences as an occupational therapist and her work in AI with Athelas. We discussed how technology, especially AI, can help bridge the gap between clinical needs and organizational needs in healthcare. Bethany shared insights on how the right technology can enhance human connection and improve patient care, while also addressing issues like burnout among healthcare professionals.

We also delved into Bethany's personal story of being adopted and how it has shaped her approach to healthcare and life. Her experiences have given her a deep sense of empathy and compassion, which she brings to her work in healthcare. We discussed the importance of supporting young mothers, whether they choose to keep their babies or place them for adoption, and the need to remove stigma and shame from these situations.

Timestamps:
(0:00) - Intro

(00:01:04) - Bethany's Journey in Healthcare

(00:03:25) - The Role of Technology in Healthcare

(00:06:01) - Overcoming Fears of AI in Healthcare

(00:14:11) - Addressing Burnout in Healthcare Professionals

(00:24:18) - The Shift Towards Cash-Based Models

(00:32:41) - Bethany's Personal Adoption Story and Its Impact

Host Bio:

This podcast is hosted by Sheree Dibiase, PT ICLM. She is a nationally recognized women's health physical therapist who owns seven private clinics — one of the biggest networks in the US. She has spent 30+ years practicing in the oncology, pelvic floor, and prenatal postpartum healthcare spaces. She was also a professor for seven years a Loma Linda University where she taught kinesiology.

Guest Links:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethany-ayer/

Brought to you by...

https://lakecitypt.com/ - Pelvic floor physical therapy at home

https://pelvicfloorpro.com/ - Pelvic floor exercises app

Keywords

Femtech, Women's Health, Pelvic Floor, Breast Cancer, Prenatal & postpartum

This episode we welcome Dr. Rebeca Segraves, a thought leader in women's health and the founder of Enhanced Recovery After Delivery.

With a rich background as a physical therapist, Dr. Segraves shares her inspiring journey into the field of women's health, fueled by her own experiences with surgical recovery.

She reflects on her early struggles with a leg discrepancy and the challenges of a lengthy recovery process.

From these experiences, she developed a passion for ensuring that everyone has access to early and successful recovery, particularly after childbirth.

Join us as we explore the gaps in women's health education and the innovative solutions being implemented to drive the movement forward.

Don't miss this enlightening conversation about the importance of recovery and support in women's health!

Timestamps:
(0:00) - Introduction to Dr. Rebeca Segraves
(1:01) - Journey into Early Recovery and Women's Health
(4:02) - Addressing Gaps in Postpartum Care
(7:35) - Developing Clinical Guidelines for Postpartum Recovery
(10:26) - Educating Providers to Expand Pelvic Health Access
(18:08) - Contracting and Credentialing with Hospitals
(30:17) - Standardizing Postpartum Therapy Protocols
(35:18) - Education and Capacity Building in Pelvic Health
(40:55) - Personal Resilience and Mental Health Strategies
(46:49) - Live Q&A Session: Challenges in Maternity Payments

Host Bio:

This podcast is hosted by Sheree Dibiase, PT ICLM. She is a nationally recognized women's health physical therapist who owns seven private clinics — one of the biggest networks in the US. She has spent 30+ years practicing in the oncology, pelvic floor, and prenatal postpartum healthcare spaces. She was also a professor for seven years a Loma Linda University where she taught kinesiology. 

Brought to you by...

https://lakecitypt.com/ - Pelvic floor physical therapy at home

https://pelvicfloorpro.com/ - Pelvic floor exercises app

Keywords

Femtech, Women's Health, Pelvic Floor, Breast Cancer, Prenatal & postpartum

In this episode, I spoke with Beth Battaglino, President and CEO of HealthyWomen.org, a pioneering national women's health resource center. Beth shared her fascinating journey from program assistant at Columbia Hospital for Women to becoming a nurse and leading one of the first comprehensive women's health websites. We discussed the evolution of women's health information access, from mailing physical information packets to launching digital resources that reach millions.

Beth emphasized HealthyWomen's commitment to providing medically vetted, accessible health information for women aged 35-64. We explored current focus areas including obesity treatment access, mental health support, and maternal care improvements. Beth highlighted the importance of partnerships in expanding reach and the power of real women's voices in health education.

Timestamps:
(0:00) - Intro
(03:45) - Journey into Women's Health
(12:20) - Evolution of Health Information Access
(18:30) - Importance of Medically Vetted Information
(25:15) - Maternal Healthcare and Support
(32:40) - Current Women's Health Priorities
(42:10) - Power of Partnerships
(48:25) - Future Focus on Aging Smart and Well

Host Bio:

This podcast is hosted by Sheree DiBiase, a women's health physical therapist specializing in pelvic health, oncology care, and prenatal/postpartum health. With over 30 years of experience, she owns multiple clinics and is passionate about improving access to women's healthcare education and services.

Keywords:
Women's health, health education, maternal care, mental health, obesity treatment, medical information, healthcare access, aging well, partnerships, digital health resources, medically vetted content, women's advocacy, healthcare innovation, patient education, preventive care, postpartum support, healthcare technology

In this episode, I spoke with Ashley Crafton, CEO of Galena Innovations, about her journey from labor and delivery nurse to medical device innovator. Ashley shared how she developed the Hannah Cervical Cup to prevent preterm labor, inspired by her experiences caring for women losing babies. We discussed her growth as an entrepreneur, including pitching techniques and pursuing further education.

Ashley emphasized the need to address four critical areas in maternal health: mental health disorders, postpartum hemorrhage, gestational hypertension, and preterm birth. Her story exemplifies how healthcare professionals can drive change by identifying problems and developing practical solutions in the medical field.

Timestamps:

(05:30) - The Problem of Preterm Birth 

(07:37) - Developing the Hannah Cervical Cup

(12:30) - Overcoming Challenges as an Entrepreneur

(19:00) - How the Cervix Works During Pregnancy

(37:14) - Education for Medical Device Entrepreneurs

(46:51) - Four Key Areas to Improve Maternal Health

Host Bio:

This podcast is hosted by Sheree Dibiase, PT ICLM. She is a nationally recognized women's health physical therapist who owns seven private clinics — one of the biggest networks in the US. She has spent 30+ years practicing in the oncology, pelvic floor, and prenatal postpartum healthcare spaces. She was also a professor for seven years at Loma Linda University where she taught kinesiology.

Brought to you by...

https://lakecitypt.com/ - Women's health physical therapy.

https://pelvicfloorpro.com/ - Pelvic floor physical therapy from home.

Keywords:

Maternal health, preterm labor, medical device innovation, nursing, entrepreneurship, cervical cup, collagen research, pitch competitions, grant funding, Johns Hopkins, NIH grants, mental health, postpartum care, labor and delivery, women's health, medical research, startup funding, healthcare innovation, pregnancy complications, medical education

Mia Chorney, a healthcare expert with over 30 years of experience and co-founder/CMO of The Pause Technologies, discusses women's heart health and menopause in this episode. She shares her personal journey with heart issues and how it led to her passion for women's cardiovascular health. Mia emphasizes the importance of recognizing heart disease symptoms in women, which often differ from those in men. The conversation covers various aspects of women's health during perimenopause and menopause, including hormone replacement therapy, the use of wearables for health tracking, and the importance of proper nutrition and exercise. 

Timestamps:

(10:03) Less than 6% of women are on hormone replacement therapy despite many being eligible, due to misconceptions and lack of knowledge.

(20:13) The Pause App uses AI and evidence-based literature to help women navigate menopause, offering personalized guidance and a de-identified community.

(29:36) Wearable devices like the Apple Watch can provide valuable health data and motivation for improving sleep, activity levels, and overall well-being during menopause.

(38:19) Sleep is crucial for overall well-being, affecting mood, weight management, and general health, especially for women getting less than seven hours of sleep per night.

(44:31) Adequate protein intake becomes increasingly important as women age, especially during perimenopause and menopause, to maintain muscle mass, tone, and metabolism.

Host Bio:

This podcast is hosted by Sheree Dibiase, PT ICLM. She is a nationally recognized women's health physical therapist who owns seven private clinics — one of the biggest networks in the US. She has spent 30+ years practicing in the oncology, pelvic floor, and prenatal postpartum healthcare spaces. She was also a professor for seven years at Loma Linda University where she taught kinesiology.

Brought to you by...

https://lakecitypt.com/ - Women's health physical therapy.

https://pelvicfloorpro.com/ - Pelvic floor physical therapy from home.

Keywords:

women's health, menopause, perimenopause, heart health, cardiovascular genetics, hormone replacement therapy, wearable technology, AI, The Pause, lifestyle modifications, protein intake, sleep patterns, data-driven healthcare, cardiovascular symptoms, pelvic health

Dr. Melanie Santos, a urogynecologist specializing in pelvic floor disorders and reconstruction, delves into the often-overlooked issues surrounding pelvic organ prolapse, bacterial vaginosis, and yeast infections. Dr. Santos shares insights on the importance of addressing these conditions and the stigma that often prevents women from discussing them. The conversation also highlights innovative solutions like the Cern device that uses visible light therapy to treat vaginal infections without the need for antibiotics or antifungals.

Timestamps:

(00:34) Vaginitis is the number one reason premenopausal women seek medical care and one of the most common reasons for ER visits.

(05:41) Dr. Santos explains that pelvic floor issues can occur later in life due to hormonal changes, weakening muscles, and other medical conditions that develop with age.

(13:34) Over 21 million women in the US have bacterial vaginosis, but only about 15-16% are aware they have it.

(23:05) The Cern device uses safe visible light therapy to treat vaginitis without antibiotics or antifungals, avoiding side effects and not harming good bacteria.

(34:51) Dr. Santos emphasizes the growing importance of virtual healthcare platforms to expand access to women's health services, especially in underserved areas.

Host Bio:

This podcast is hosted by Sheree Dibiase, PT ICLM. She is a nationally recognized women's health physical therapist who owns seven private clinics — one of the biggest networks in the US. She has spent 30+ years practicing in the oncology, pelvic floor, and prenatal postpartum healthcare spaces. She was also a professor for seven years at Loma Linda University where she taught kinesiology.

Brought to you by...

https://lakecitypt.com/ - Women's health physical therapy.

https://pelvicfloorpro.com/ - Pelvic floor physical therapy from home.

Keywords:

urogynecology, pelvic floor disorders, bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, Cern device, vaginal atrophy, telehealth, women's health, pelvic organ prolapse, recurrent vaginitis, maternal health deserts, virtual healthcare platforms

Dr. Neal Lonky, CEO of Histologics and an OBGYN, discusses his revolutionary tissue sampling method for cervical cancer screening. Dr. Lonky shared how his invention, the Kylon fabric, is making colposcopy procedures more compassionate and effective. The Kylon devices significantly reduce patient discomfort compared to traditional metal instruments, while providing high-quality tissue samples for pathologists. 

Timestamps:

(00:56) Dr. Neal Lonky developed Kylon, a medical fabric for compassionate tissue sampling in colposcopy and cervical biopsies.

(16:15) Studies show Kylon devices cause less pain and provide better tissue samples than traditional biopsy methods.

(27:21) Kylon fabric contours to surfaces, removing and storing tissue samples that can be easily sent to labs.

(36:58) Clinicians can contact Histologics for free Kylon samples, with about 60 US labs now processing these samples.

(41:30) Histologics expanded Kylon technology to wound care, creating glove-like devices for gentle debridement.

Host Bio:

This podcast is hosted by Sheree Dibiase, PT ICLM. She is a nationally recognized women's health physical therapist who owns seven private clinics — one of the biggest networks in the US. She has spent 30+ years practicing in the oncology, pelvic floor, and prenatal postpartum healthcare spaces. She was also a professor for seven years at Loma Linda University where she taught kinesiology.

Brought to you by...

https://lakecitypt.com/ - Women's health physical therapy.

https://pelvicfloorpro.com/ - Pelvic floor physical therapy from home.

Keywords:

colposcopy, cervical cancer screening, Kylon fabric, compassionate tissue sampling, biopsy. HPV testing, wound care

Varda Messer and Rebecca Sternberg, co-founders of Aquafit, discuss their innovative approach to intimate wellness and self-care products for women. Their company offers a unique vaginal dilator system that combines hydration, pH balance, and pelvic floor muscle training. Varda and Rebecca share insights on their journey into women's health tech innovation and the challenges they've faced in bringing their products to market.

OFFER:

Go to https://aquafit-intimate.com/ and use the Code: FemTechHealth, for 15% off Aquafit products. T

ake the wellness quiz on Aquafit's website to find answers to better understand your vaginal health. 

Timestamps:

(03:15) Aquafit was founded to create a better alternative to traditional vaginal dilators, addressing issues like vaginismus, postpartum recovery, and menopausal symptoms.

(11:42) The Aquafit system uses a hydrogel technology that responds to muscle pressure, releases active agents, and helps maintain vaginal pH balance.

(19:30) Varda explains how Aquafit's WhatsApp support system provides a safe space for women to discuss intimate health concerns and get personalized advice.

(27:55) Rebecca discusses the challenges of securing funding for women's health products and the importance of changing societal attitudes towards vaginal health.

(36:10) The co-founders emphasize the need for better education and open conversations about women's intimate health across all ages and life stages.

(44:20) Varda and Rebecca share their motivations for continuing their work despite obstacles, highlighting the positive impact they've seen on women's lives.

Host Bio:

This podcast is hosted by Sheree Dibiase, PT ICLM. She is a nationally recognized women's health physical therapist who owns seven private clinics — one of the biggest networks in the US. She has spent 30+ years practicing in the oncology, pelvic floor, and prenatal postpartum healthcare spaces. She was also a professor for seven years at Loma Linda University where she taught kinesiology.

Brought to you by...

https://lakecitypt.com/ - Women's health physical therapy.

https://pelvicfloorpro.com/ - Pelvic floor physical therapy from home.

Keywords:

Femtech, Women's Health, Pelvic Floor, Vaginal Health, Intimate Wellness, Menopause, Postpartum Care, Self-Care