Cycles and Seasons – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode, Jennifer talks with Nicole Lange, LicAc, MAOM, a thought leader and fierce advocate addressing what she sees as a PTSD epidemic in fertility care. As founder of Life Healing Life in Minneapolis, MN, Nicole has pioneered a harm-prevention approach that protects patients from the treatment-induced trauma affecting nearly 50% of people in fertility treatment.

Since 2006, Nicole has revolutionized fertility care through her evidence-based practice that integrates reproductive science with trauma-informed care, traditional Chinese medicine, and nervous system regulation. She maintains the critical 25/75 ratio: 25% addressing reproductive anatomy, 75% supporting whole-person wellness—the factors determining 80% of outcomes.

Key topics discussed:

• Nicole’s wellness journey: navigating trauma and PTSD with western medicine and ultimately finding whole body health and healing with traditional Chinese medicine and a patient-centered model.
• Is there a PTSD epidemic in fertility care? 
• Understanding trauma; how it presents and how people experience it
• Iatrogenic harm or trauma that occurs when treatment is not patient centered addressing the mind-body connection
• Salutogenesis and the creation of health
• Finding meaning in your journey and making it more manageable and tolerable, and tools to do so
• Components of a patient-centered fertility journey include listening and learning
• “Baby Blinders”: when you’re doing all the things to get pregnant, without thinking about you, holistically
• Nicole’s patient-centered fertility work, including addressing trauma

Connect with Nicole:

• Programs and resources at lifehealinglife.com
• Fertility freebies, online courses and content (blog, YouTube, etc.) at lifehealinglife.com/online-fertility-education

Connect with Jennifer:

• Schedule a free Fertility Support Session
• Follow her on Instagram for more tips and insights: @jennredmondinhc

Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with women in your life who can benefit from this information.

Disclaimer: The Cycles and Seasons podcast is for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your healthcare professional regarding any symptoms or medical problems you are experiencing.

In this episode, Jennifer talks with Marina Kay, an Executive Coach and Breathwork Facilitator focusing on stress and burnout prevention in high achievers and entrepreneurs. Her passion is helping women affected by chronic stress feel calm, confident and resilient. She uses full spectrum breathwork protocols, from functional to somatic, helping her clients relax, restore and recharge the body.

Marina is the founder of Women Who Breathe, an online women’s community with live virtual breathwork sessions, courses on nervous system and hormonal health, and quarterly health challenges for women in high stress careers. 

 Key topics discussed:

• Marina's evolution from stress, burnout and hormone imbalance to embracing safety, health and wellness through breathwork and stress management.
• Understanding cortisol and how it functions in the body, and what happens when we have too little or too much. 
• Understanding your cortisol through self reflection and intuition and/or testing cortisol.
• Circadian rhythm, your sleep/wake cycle and hormone production. 
• How breathwork helps tame hormone chaos and promote calm.
• Practical breathwork techniques.

Connect with Marina:

• WomenWhoBreathe.com
• Instagram: WomenWhoBreathe
• YouTube
• InsightTimer

 Connect with Jennifer

• Schedule a free Fertility or Perimenopause Support Session
• Follow Jennifer on Instagram for more tips and insights: @jennredmondinhc
• Join her email list for exclusive tips, free resources and honest conversations about what it really takes to feel good in your body—through perimenopause, fertility challenges, and everything in between. Plus, you’ll be the first to know about upcoming talks, programs and ways to connect.

Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with women in your life who can benefit from this information.

Disclaimer: The Cycles and Seasons podcast is for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your healthcare professional regarding any symptoms or medical problems you are experiencing.

 Episode 11: Sleep Wisdom for Women

In this episode Jennifer talks with Jen Patenaude, the founder of Jennifer Eve Wellness. With a passion for guiding entrepreneurs and busy executives to their best selves, she specializes in transforming sleep from a mere afterthought to the cornerstone of peak performance and wellness. 

• Key topics discussed: 
• Root causes of poor sleep 
• Sleep hygiene and sleep environment 
• Synching up your body’s rhythm with nature’s rhythm 
• Melatonin orchestrates the sleep process 
• Tips for restorative sleep 
• Sleep and fertility, perimenopause and hormone health 

Resources Mentioned: 

• Connect with Jen Patenaude: Website; Instagram; LinkedIn 
• Free Sleep Quiz 

Connect with Jennifer Redmond: 

• Schedule a free Fertility or Perimenopause Support Session
• Follow her on Instagram for more tips and insights: @jennredmondinhc

Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with women in your life who can benefit from this information.
 
Disclaimer: The Cycles and Seasons podcast is for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your healthcare professional regarding any symptoms or medical problems you are experiencing.
 

Episode 10: PCOS and Fertility

In this episode, Jennifer talks about PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) with Dr. Aaron Styer. Dr. Styer is a reproductive endocrinologist and the co-founding partner and co-medical director of CCRM Fertility Boston. 

One in 10 women have PCOS in some form: it’s one of the most common endocrine disorders. This episode provides wide ranging information on how PCOS may be diagnosed and treated and how to best manage your fertility if you’re trying to conceive with PCOS.

Key topics discussed:

• What PCOS is, and its varied symptoms
• Testing and treatment for PCOS
• The role of nutrition and lifestyle in managing PCOS
• Your menstrual cycle is a vital sign and a good indicator of your health
• PCOS and pregnancy 
• The use of GLP agonists (weight loss drugs) for PCOS and fertility

Resources mentioned:

·       Dr. Aaron Styer, CCRM Fertility Boston 

Connect with Jennifer:

• Follow Jennifer on Instagram for more tips and insights: @jennredmondinhc

Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with women in your life who can benefit from this information.

Disclaimer: The Cycles and Seasons podcast is for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your healthcare professional regarding any symptoms or medical problems you are experiencing. 

Episode 9: Perimenopause after Infertility

In this episode, Jennifer talks about how the emotional and physical aspects of perimenopause can be difficult to navigate after a fertility journey, and she offers strategies to help support you.

Key topics discussed:

• Perimenopause, which signals nearing the end of your reproductive years, can trigger past emotions tied to infertility, including loss
• The role of self-compassion and self-care
• Perimenopause symptoms can bring back memories or mirror changes you experienced when trying to conceive
• Strategies to support you

This episode provides the perspective that perimenopause after infertility can be challenging, but information and strategies will help you more easily manage this transition.

Resources Mentioned:

·       Schedule your free Perimenopause Support Session

Connect with Jennifer:

• Follow Jennifer on Instagram for more tips and insights: @jennredmondinhc

Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with women in your life who can benefit from this information.

Disclaimer: The Cycles and Seasons podcast is for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your healthcare professional regarding any symptoms or medical problems you are experiencing.

Episode 8: Acupuncture for Fertility

In this episode, Jennifer talks with Erin Walker, a Licensed Acupuncturist who specializes in fertility and perinatal care. Erin is the owner of Boston Integrated Health in Boston, MA,

Key topics discussed:

• Erin’s journey to becoming an acupuncturist who specializes in fertility
• All the ways acupuncture can support your whole body, including your menstrual cycle and fertility
• The philosophy behind acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine
• What happens in an acupuncture session
•  The benefit of working with a fertility acupuncturist when you’re trying to conceive naturally or with fertility treatment – and what treatment might look like
• What the research does – and doesn’t – say regarding acupuncture and fertility
• The Yin and Yang of your menstrual cycle
• What Arvigo Mayan Abdominal Massage is, and how it can benefit your fertility and encourage connection to your body

This episode provides the perspective that taking a whole-body approach to fertility, which acupuncture supports, can enhance fertility and your overall health and wellbeing.

Resources Mentioned:

• Erin Walker, Licensed Acupuncturist: BostonIntegrativeHealth.com 
• AllPaths Family Building Professional Resource List
• Find a Practitioner: ABORM (The Acupuncture and TCM Board of Reproductive Medicine)

Connect with Jennifer:

• Schedule a free Fertility Support Session
• Follow her on Instagram for more tips and insights: @jennredmondinhc

Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with women in your life who can benefit from this information.

Disclaimer: The Cycles and Seasons podcast is for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your healthcare professional regarding any symptoms or medical problems you are experiencing.

Episode 7: Nutrition in Perimenopause

In this episode, Jennifer talks about how the right nutrition can not only boost hormone health and improve overall well being, it can help manage some symptoms related to perimenopause including hot flashes, weight gain, poor sleep, achy joints and erratic energy. 

Key topics discussed:

•  Bio individuality: There’s no one right way to eat for everyone.
•  The 14-Day Reset
•  The Perimenopause Plate: Protein, veggies, healthy fat
•  Daily and weekly nutrition for perimenopause
•  Meal planning and prep
•  The benefits of fueling and nourishing your body in perimenopause

This episode provides the perspective that nutrition in all its forms will support you in this season and can help ease the symptoms of perimenopause

Resources Mentioned:

• 14-Day Reset Waitlist

Connect with Jennifer:

• Schedule a free Perimenopause Support Session
• Follow her on Instagram for more tips and insights: @jennredmondinhc

Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with women in your life who can benefit from this information.

Disclaimer: The Cycles and Seasons podcast is for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your healthcare professional regarding any symptoms or medical problems you are experiencing.

Episode 6: Reflections and Intentions

As 2024 draws to a close, on this episode we’ll take some time to reflect on the year you’ve lived and take some time to envision the one you’re about to create.

Whether you're navigating fertility challenges or the ups and downs of perimenopause, this conversation offers you tools, insights and inspiration for a meaningful transition into 2025.

Key topics discussed:

• Reflecting on 2024 and where you are today
• Setting intentions for 2025
• A fertility client’s reflections for 2024
• Nutrition tips for energy and hormonal health
• 4-7-8 breath work for grounding
• The importance of support for fertility and perimenopause

This episode provides the perspective that you can approach the New Year feeling empowered and more resilient regardless of the season you’re in.

I'm wishing you so much love and good health in 2025!

Resources Mentioned:

• Journal Prompts
  • What went well for you this year?
  • What challenged you, and how did you grow through it?
  • What moments of joy, connection, or resilience stood out?
  • Fertility: Where are you today in your fertility journey?
  • Perimenopause: This phase is not an ending but a transition into a new      chapter. What does that mean for you?

Connect with Jennifer:

• Schedule a free Fertility or Perimenopause Support Session
• Follow Jennifer on Instagram for more tips and insights, or DM her your questions: @jennredmondinhc

Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with women in your life who can benefit from this information.

Disclaimer: The Cycles and Seasons podcast is for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your healthcare professional regarding any symptoms or medical problems you are experiencing.

Episode 5: Fertility and the Holidays

In this episode, Jennifer talks with Kate Weldon LeBlanc, the executive director of All Paths Family Building about managing the holidays when you're on a family building journey. Kate leads the strategic vision of the organization and works collectively with the staff, Board of Directors and professional members to grow the services of AllPaths Family Building. Kate has a strong personal and professional commitment to the AllPaths mission.

Key topics discussed:

• Kate’s personal connection to the AllPaths mission
• Winter holidays can amplify hard feelings related to family building
• Tips for coping with the holidays
• All Paths support services, including peer-led support groups
• All Paths advocacy work and policies that may be forthcoming regarding fertility and family building with the incoming administration

This episode provides the perspective that self-care isn’t selfish and if you’re on a family building journey, you need to “find your people”.

Resources Mentioned:

• AllPaths Family Building
• AllPaths Family Building Support Groups

Connect with Jennifer:

• Schedule a free Fertility Support Session
• Follow her on Instagram for more tips and insights: @jennredmondinhc

Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with women in your life who can benefit from this information.

Disclaimer: The Cycles and Seasons podcast is for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your healthcare professional regarding any symptoms or medical problems you are experiencing.

Episode 4: Fertility Yoga

In this episode, Jennifer talks with Kerry Hinds, the owner and founder of Fertile Body Yoga, a virtual yoga studio that is dedicated to supporting women navigating their fertility journey - whatever it may look like.

Key topics discussed:

• Kerry’s fertility journey: IUI and IVF in Germany, failed fertility treatment, miscarriage and loss, taking a pause, and 2 children conceived without fertility treatment
• What fertility yoga is, and how it supports fertility
• How fertility yoga goes beyond movement to support you physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually
• Who can benefit from fertility yoga and why it is safe and nurturing when you’re trying to conceive with or without fertility treatment
• The science behind fertility yoga
• Tips for modifying yoga poses when you’re trying to conceive
• The ripple effect of fertility yoga

Resources Mentioned:

• Research on Stress and Fertility and How Yoga Can Help
• Free Fertility Yoga Class
• Free 2WW Meditation

Connect with Jennifer:

• Schedule a free Fertility Support Session
• Follow her on Instagram for more tips and insights: @jennredmondinhc

Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with women in your life who can benefit from this information.

Disclaimer:The Cycles and Seasons podcast is for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your healthcare professional regarding any symptoms or medical problems you are experiencing.