Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women—yet it still takes an average of nearly a decade (?!) to diagnose. In this episode, Robin and Lauren share real stories from women living with endometriosis—bringing voice to an experience that’s too often dismissed, misunderstood or brushed off as "period pain".

Together, they break down what endometriosis actually is, the early signs so many of us are taught to ignore, and why diagnosis can take years—often leaving women feeling ignored, unheard, and alone. They also explore the systemic gaps in research and care, along with holistic approaches and lifestyle shifts that can help support the body during endo flare-ups.

Because pain is not the price of womanhood—and you deserve to be heard, believed, and cared for.

If you'd like to donate to research for endometrioses please see organization options below: 
-ENDOMETRIOSIS FOUNDATION OF AMERICA
-ENDOMETRIOSIS ASSOCIATION
-WORLD ENDOMETRIOSIS RESEARCH FOUNDATION (WERF)

In Part 2 of our Period History series, inPhase turns toward the shadow side of the story—how something once revered as sacred became something to hide.

Robin and Lauren trace the cultural shift from ancient societies that honored menstruation as powerful and intuitive, to a world where it became stigmatized, medicalized, and silenced. They explore how the rise of patriarchal structures reframed the female body as something to control, not celebrate—and how that shift rippled through religion, medicine, and society at large.

From the persecution of midwives and healers during the Salem witch trials to the systematic removal of women from positions of authority over their own bodies, this episode unpacks how fear and misunderstanding of female biology shaped centuries of shame. What was once seen as cyclical wisdom became labeled as hysteria. What was once communal became private. Hidden.

But this isn’t just history—it’s context for how we experience our bodies today.
This episode invites you to question what you’ve been taught, reconnect to what was lost, and begin rewriting the narrative around your cycle—not as something inconvenient, but as something inherently powerful.

Plot twist: periods used to be considered powerful. Like, actually powerful.

Robin and Lauren dive into the wild history of menstruation—from Cherokee traditions that viewed menstrual blood as a source of strength, to menstrual huts where women gathered and bled together in community. They also unpack modern concepts like “red witches” and “white witches”—terms used to describe whether your cycle syncs with the full moon or new moon.

Spoiler: somewhere along the way, we went from “menstruating women are powerful” to “hide your tampon up your sleeve.” How did that happen? Let’s find out.

Lauren and Robin talk about postpartum—the parts no one really prepares you for. Lauren opens up about the highs, lows, and unexpected realities of breastfeeding and early motherhood, while Robin opens up about the messy middle of not knowing whether motherhood is her path.

Together, they unpack what they wish women were taught about postpartum, why this phase deserves more support, and how friends, partners, and communities can show up better for the mothers in their lives. Because postpartum isn’t just a moment—it’s a transition that deserves to be seen, supported, and talked about.