Explore every episode of the podcast The Heal your Bladder Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trailer | 25 Nov 2024 | 00:03:12 | |
Have you ever felt like bladder pain has taken over your life, leaving you questioning if things will ever get better? I’m Mary Cotter, an expert in bladder health and a nutritional therapy practitioner with over 10 years of experience. But before all that, in my 20s, I faced my own interstitial cystitis and chronic UTI crisis. I was at my wits’ end - fearing food, missing out on life, and convinced I’d never feel normal again. But here’s what I learned: healing is possible. That’s why I created You can Heal your Bladder. The podcast for women navigating the physical and emotional toll of bladder pain. Whether it’s IC, recurring or chronic UTIs, I’m here to help you uncover the root causes, restore balance, and find the freedom to love life again. Through my own healing journey, 10+ years of supporting clients, and expert interviews, we’ll explore practical steps and mindset shifts to create a path to freedom that works for you. If you’re ready to leave the late-night Google spirals behind, find real answers, and long-lasting relief from bladder pain, subscribe now. It’s time to take back control, rediscover joy, and know that you can heal your bladder. Mary x To learn more about Mary, go deeper into every topic, find the resources and tools she mentions, or submit a question, check out www.marycotternutrition.com Connect with Mary:
DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on marycotternutrition.com is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek advice from your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you may have heard on the podcast or on the website. | |||
| Ep 1. How I healed my IC naturally and live a normal life | 09 Dec 2024 | 00:39:47 | |
In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, join Mary Cotter, founder of Mary Cotter Nutrition and the Heal Your Bladder programme, as she shares her deeply personal journey of healing from interstitial cystitis (IC) and chronic UTIs. From the carefree days of her early twenties to the debilitating pain that turned her life upside down, Mary recounts her struggles and triumphs. Discover how embracing nutritional support transformed her health and perspective on food and bladder healing. Now an experienced IC nutritional therapy practitioner, Mary is dedicated to helping others find relief from painful bladder syndromes and reclaim their lives. Tune in to hear her story of resilience, hope, and the power of integrative healing. Connect with Mary:
DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on marycotternutrition.com is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek advice from your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you may have heard on the podcast or on the website. | |||
| Ep 4. Stop Blaming Oxalates for your Bladder Pain | 30 Dec 2024 | 00:13:47 | |
In this episode of The Heal your Bladder podcast, we dive into the buzz around the low-oxalate diet for managing interstitial cystitis (IC) and bladder pain. While it’s tempting to try cutting out oxalates in hopes of relief, is this diet really the answer? Join me as we unpack the origins of the low-oxalate theory, its potential downsides, and why it might be doing more harm than good. We’ll explore the vital role of nutrients like magnesium and calcium in calming pelvic tension and supporting bladder healing, and how restrictive diets can rob your body of these essentials. I’ll also share what’s really at the root of IC and chronic bladder pain and how making smarter food choices that work with your body’s natural processes can lead to real, long-lasting relief. If you’re ready to move past food fears and focus on what your body truly needs to heal, this episode is for you. Tune in to take the first step toward finding freedom from IC and bladder pain. If you prefer reading to audio, you’ll love this blog post https://www.marycotternutrition.com/blog/low-oxalate-diet-ic Connect with Mary:
DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on marycotternutrition.com is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek advice from your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you may have heard on the podcast or on the website. | |||
| Ep 3. Why UTIs keep coming back (and what you can do to end them) | 23 Dec 2024 | 00:31:22 | |
In this episode, we delve deep into the relentless cycle of recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) and uncover effective strategies to break free once and for all. If you're exhausted from dealing with frequent or persistent UTIs, and you’re desperate to know how to stay infection-free after finishing antibiotics, this episode is for you. I understand the fear, the dread, and the constant worry of wondering when the next UTI may strike. But there is hope. With the right nutritional approach, you can break this cycle. We'll explore the reasons why UTIs keep coming back (it’s not just because you enjoyed a tumble with your belle or beau), reveal the crucial role of key nutrients and probiotics in supporting bladder health, and explain how to strengthen your body's natural defences. Learn practical tips on maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria, supporting your immune system, and protecting your bladder's mucosal lining to enjoy more bladder harmony. Tune in now to discover how you can take control of your bladder health and prevent future infections so you can live without the constant fear of another UTI. If you prefer reading to audio, you’ll love this blog post https://www.marycotternutrition.com/blog/what-to-do-about-utis Connect with Mary:
DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on marycotternutrition.com is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek advice from your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you may have heard on the podcast or on the website. | |||
| Ep 2. The IC Diet is a Lie | 16 Dec 2024 | 00:25:02 | |
In this episode, "The IC Diet is a Lie," Mary Cotter, founder of Mary Cotter Nutrition and the Heal Your Bladder programme, debunks the myths surrounding the interstitial cystitis (IC) diet. Drawing from her personal journey and professional expertise, Mary challenges the common advice to avoid all acidic foods for IC and chronic bladder pain relief. She explains why this misinformation can be harmful and shares what foods you should actually be eating to help you on your healing journey. Tune in to discover the physiology behind acidic foods, dietary tips that will propel your IC healing forward, and tried-and-tested strategies for long-term bladder pain relief. It’s time to stop fearing food and start seeing it as your powerful ally in healing from bladder pain. If you prefer reading to audio, you’ll love this blog post https://www.marycotternutrition.com/blog/why-you-shouldnt-follow-the-ic-diet-and-what-foods-to-eat Connect with Mary:
DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on marycotternutrition.com is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek advice from your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you may have heard on the podcast or on the website. | |||
| Ep 5. The truth about UTI testing: What your doctor won’t tell you | 06 Jan 2025 | 00:28:42 | |
In this episode of the Heal your Bladder podcast, we’re uncovering the truth about UTI testing and what your doctor might not tell you. If you’ve ever been told your urine culture test came back “normal” despite experiencing all the symptoms of a UTI, this episode is for you. I’ll explain why culture tests often fall short, how advanced genetic testing like PCR and Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) can reveal what cultures miss, and what this means for anyone dealing with chronic UTIs or interstitial cystitis (IC). We’ll dive into the strengths and limitations of these testing methods, so you can understand what’s really going on in your bladder and how they fit into a broader strategy for bladder healing. If you’re ready to get to the root of your bladder issues with more reliable and actionable urinary testing, tune in for the insights you need to truly advocate for your health. If you prefer reading to audio, you’ll love this blog post https://www.marycotternutrition.com/blog/why-ic-could-be-a-uti Connect with Mary:
DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on marycotternutrition.com is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek advice from your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you may have heard on the podcast or on the website. | |||
| Ep 6. Navigating intimacy, UTIs, and bladder pain: Expert tips from sex educator Olivia Teahan | 13 Jan 2025 | 01:03:48 | |
I’m thrilled to be joined by Olivia Teahan, a sex educator and founder of the Sx Sláinte project (slawn-che), which provides concise, relevant, and shame-free perspectives on sex. We’ll be tackling some of the most pressing concerns for women navigating intimacy while facing challenges like chronic bladder pain, the fear of UTIs, and perimenopausal changes that can make intimacy feel uncomfortable or even daunting. Olivia’s work empowers adults to cultivate healthier, more pleasurable connections with their own bodies and with others. Drawing on her background in law, public health, and psychosexual therapy training, she creates engaging workshops and resources that break down stigmas around health and intimacy. With her passion for women’s empowerment, LGBT+ health, and more, Olivia brings a compassionate and practical approach to navigating sexual wellness with ease and confidence, even in the face of health challenges. We dive into some of the most pressing concerns for women navigating intimacy when faced with challenges like chronic pain, fear of UTIs, and perimenopausal changes. Olivia shares:
Whether you’re feeling anxious about your intimate life because of UTIs or bladder pain, or simply looking for guidance on how to feel more at ease, this conversation is packed with actionable advice and supportive insights. Listen in and discover how to reclaim your confidence, find comfort, and build deeper connections. 0:00 Show Intro www.sexsiopa.ie https://www.instagram.com/an_siopa_gneas/ Connect with Mary:
DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on marycotternutrition.com is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek advice from your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you may have heard on the podcast or on the website. | |||
| Ep 7. Healing Bladder Pain with a Mind-Body Approach with Rachel Gofman, Pelvic Pain Coach | 20 Jan 2025 | 00:50:57 | |
In this episode, I sit down with Rachel Gofman, Doctor of Physical Therapy and Pelvic Pain Coach, to explore her incredible journey of healing from IC and chronic pelvic pain using a mind-body approach. After trying every diet, test, and treatment available, Rachel found her breakthrough by addressing the emotional and nervous system components of her symptoms. Rachel now dedicates her career to helping women with conditions like IC (interstitial cystitis), vulvodynia, pudendal neuralgia heal their pain and rediscover safety in their bodies. We dive deep into:
Rachel’s compassionate and expert perspective will inspire anyone struggling with chronic pelvic pain to consider the profound role of the mind-body connection in their recovery. Rachel shares her work and resources for healing chronic pelvic pain through coaching and holistic support. Don’t miss this powerful conversation. It might just change how you view healing. 0:00 Show Intro https://www.instagram.com/thepelvicpaincoach/ Read: The Way Out by Alan Gordon: https://www.curablehealth.com/books/alan-gordon/the-way-out-approach-to-healing-chronic-pain Read: The Source by Dr Tara Swart https://www.taraswart.com/the-source/ Connect with Mary:
DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on marycotternutrition.com is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek advice from your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you may have heard on the podcast or on the website. | |||
| Ep 9. Gwen was told she had IC. Now she's a new person. | 03 Feb 2025 | 00:16:51 | |
In this episode, my client Gwen shares her inspiring journey through the Heal Your Bladder Programme. From a devastating IC diagnosis and debilitating bladder pain to living pain-free and finding the freedom to love life again. For years, Gwen struggled with daily pain, burning, and exhaustion from recurring UTIs and intermittent bladder flares. The pain was draining. Life was bladder-centred, and it felt like everything revolved around her bladder. But when she started the Heal Your Bladder Programme, alongside other supportive therapies, Gwen found the tools to heal and create long-lasting relief. Tune in as Gwen opens up about how her life has changed in just six months. How she went from daily bladder pain to feeling free of it, enjoying restored energy, better sleep, and even a diet she once thought was impossible. Her story is a powerful reminder that with the right support and understanding of your body, healing is possible. If you've ever felt stuck, frustrated, or terrified that life will never feel the same again, this episode is a must-listen. 0:00 - Show Intro Check out our other Heal your Bladder client success stories, here. https://www.marycotternutrition.com/blog/category/Success+stories Connect with Mary:
DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on marycotternutrition.com is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek advice from your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you may have heard on the podcast or on the website. | |||
| Ep 8. How Hormonal Changes in Perimenopause affect your Bladder and Vaginal Health | 27 Jan 2025 | 00:25:35 | |
Are you noticing changes in your bladder or urinary health and wonder if it’s hormonal or possibly linked to perimenopause? You’re not alone! In this episode, we dive into how hormonal shifts, particularly declining oestrogen from our late 30s onwards can influence bladder function, urinary symptoms, and even our susceptibility to UTIs. I’ll share insights into why these changes happen, what your symptoms might mean, and practical steps you can take to support your bladder health during this transitional phase. Whether you’re dealing with urgency, vaginal discomfort, or recurrent UTIs, this episode will help you understand what’s going on in your body and empower you with tools to feel better. Let’s break down the connection between hormonal changes, perimenopause and your bladder so you can approach these changes with clarity and confidence. https://www.marycotternutrition.com/blog/ic-or-menopause Listen to episode 6 with Olivia Teahan for more tips on vaginal health, lubes and moisturisers. https://www.marycotternutrition.com/podcast/navigating-intimacy-and-utis Connect with Mary:
DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on marycotternutrition.com is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek advice from your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you may have heard on the podcast or on the website. | |||
| Ep 10. IC & Chronic UTIs: 4 Lessons I Wish I Knew Sooner (+ A Client Case Study) | 10 Feb 2025 | 00:48:16 | |
In this episode, I’m sharing the four biggest lessons I learned from healing my own IC/chronic UTI naturally. Including: the real cost of continuing with the same mistakes, what changes when we stop making them, and why so many people struggle to take these crucial steps. I’ll also walk you through a real client case study, breaking down the dietary approach I use to support bladder healing. Because true healing isn’t just about cutting out endless foods - You want freedom, not restriction. If you’re looking for a whole-body solution that gets to the heart of the issue, this episode is for you. 0:00 Show Intro Check out episode 1 to hear more about how I healed my IC naturally https://www.marycotternutrition.com/podcast/ep1-i-healed-my-ic-naturally Listen to episode 2 to discover how digestion changes a foods acidity https://www.marycotternutrition.com/podcast/ep2-the-ic-diet-is-a-lie Connect with Mary:
DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on marycotternutrition.com is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek advice from your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you may have heard on the podcast or on the website. | |||
| 5 Must-Have Tools for Overcoming Bladder Pain | 11 Aug 2025 | 00:44:50 | |
In this episode, I’m joined by Eleanor Gardner, physiotherapist and founder of Pelvic Relief, a company dedicated to breaking down barriers in intimate health. Eleanor is on a mission to make evidence-based pelvic health solutions accessible and in this episode, she shares exactly how we can take charge of our own healing from bladder pain syndromes, including IC and chronic UTIs. We dive into some of the most effective tools for pelvic and bladder rehabilitation, including:
We also explore supplements for urinary and vaginal health, covering:
If you're looking for practical tools and expert advice to overcome chronic UTI bladder pain and IC, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss! Timestamps: 00:00 - Show Intro Resources: For more tips on navigating intimacy without the fear of another UTI and how to communicate your needs to your partner with confidence, listen to Season 1, Episode 6 with sex educator Olivia Teahan, “Navigating Intimacy & UTIs” https://www.marycotternutrition.com/podcast/navigating-intimacy-and-utis Connect with Mary:
DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on marycotternutrition.com is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek advice from your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you may have heard on the podcast or on the website. | |||
| Ep 11. “I Got My Life Back”: Esther’s Journey to Living Flare-Free After IC | 04 Aug 2025 | 00:27:29 | |
In this episode, Heal your Bladder graduate Esther shares her journey from struggling with interstitial cystitis, UTIs and food fear to finally healing from it and eating anything she wants now. In this episode, I’m joined by the wonderful Esther, a Heal your Bladder graduate who shares her powerful story of healing from IC after years of relentless UTI flare-ups and pelvic pain. Before joining the Heal Your Bladder programme, Esther was stuck in a cycle of debilitating symptoms, food fear, and exhaustion — often confined to bed multiple days a week. She opens up about her hesitations around investing in herself, the fear that nothing would work, and the turning point that led her to seek a different kind of support. Fast forward over eighteen months, Esther is pain-free, flare-free, and living a life that once felt out of reach. Her original goals were to come off Hiprex safely and feel more at ease with food and everyday life. And now, thanks to the Heal your Bladder programme, she’s done exactly that. She enjoys hiking, wearing jeans (yes — even jeans!), and eating in a way that feels fun and nourishing rather than restrictive and miserable. We talk about the practical changes that helped her get there, including why she chose to go all in with food and lifestyle support rather than simply swapping one pill for another. Esther shares how she slowly shifted from fearing tomatoes to embracing the power of nutrition as a tool for healing from chronic UTI symptoms. If you’re feeling stuck or wondering if true relief is possible, this episode is for you. 00:00 - Show Intro Resources Check out our other Heal your Bladder client success stories, here. https://www.marycotternutrition.com/blog/category/Success+stories Connect with Mary:
DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on marycotternutrition.com is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek advice from your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you may have heard on the podcast or on the website. | |||