Soma Says

Voices Unheard: the Silent Struggle of Women in Speech Therapy

Guest: Ashlyn Lelej, MS, CCC-SLP | Founder, Speech Matters Clinic Host: Dr. Soma Mandal, MD Website: speechmattersclinic.com | Instagram: @speechmattersclinic
EPISODE DESCRIPTION
What happens when the healthcare system decides your child's feeding struggles aren't serious enough — or that the therapy your doctor recommended isn't covered? And what does it cost a woman to spend decades not knowing she's autistic?
In this episode of Soma Says, Dr. Soma Mandal sits down with Ashlyn Lelej, speech-language pathologist and founder of Speech Matters Clinic in Charlotte, NC. Since opening her doors in 2009, Ashlyn has built a practice rooted in the belief that every person deserves the right to communicate, connect, and thrive — on their own terms.
Together they pull back the curtain on a field that is quietly foundational to women's and children's health, yet chronically underfunded, undervalued, and misunderstood. From insurance denial playbooks to the sensory roots of pediatric feeding, from late autism diagnoses in women to the neuro-affirming therapy debate — this conversation is equal parts practical and paradigm-shifting.
If you've ever been dismissed by a system that should have been listening, this episode is for you.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE
Why insurance coverage for speech therapy is wildly inconsistent — and where the biggest gaps are right now
How missed or late autism diagnoses in girls and women ripple into school services, mental health, relationships, and self-understanding
What neuro-affirming therapy actually means — and why it's still controversial in some clinical circles
A step-by-step playbook for fighting insurance denials (including the call scripts, manager escalations, code nuances, and grant options most families never hear about)
Why maternal concerns about pediatric feeding are so frequently dismissed — and what parents can do right now
The sensory–feeding connection that changes how we think about picky eating and feeding disorders
How the female-dominated nature of speech-language pathology contributes to the field's chronic undervaluation
What AI means for the future of speech therapy — and why Ashlyn has concerns
How to access Speech Matters Clinic in Charlotte, NC — including how to get evaluated without a physician referral
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS
"Insurance and Research Gaps" [03:29] Ashlyn breaks down where coverage has improved (feeding therapy, autism) and where it has quietly regressed (adult aphasia) — and explains why clinical reality almost always moves faster than the research that insurers are willing to accept.
"Autism Missed in Girls" [05:31] The diagnostic criteria for autism were built around male presentations. Ashlyn walks through exactly what that costs girls and women — in school services, in self-knowledge, in mental health — and what it looks like when a woman finally gets answers in midlife.
"Neuro-Affirming Therapy Debate" [11:01] What does it mean to support someone's communication without asking them to mask who they are? Ashlyn addresses the controversy head-on and explains how SLPs can build social-language skills in a way that affirms rather than erases.
"Insurance Denials Playbook" [14:37] One of the most practically useful segments in this episode. Ashlyn shares real strategies for challenging denials: how to call insurers effectively, when to involve your employer's HR department, how billing codes can make or break a claim, and where to find grant funding when coverage falls short.
"Pediatric Feeding Disorders" [22:30] Feeding challenges in children are among the most emotionally loaded — and most dismissed — concerns a parent can bring to a provider. Ashlyn explains what's really happening, why it matters, and what the research actually says.
"Sensory Roots of Feeding Issues" [26:32] Picky eating is not a parenting failure. Ashlyn connects the dots between sensory processing and feeding difficulties in a way that reframes what families are often told about their children — and themselves.
"Why Speech Therapy Is Underpaid" [29:53] A frank conversation about what it means to work in a field that is over 95% female — and how that reality shapes reimbursement, institutional respect, and the day-to-day experience of practicing clinicians.
CHAPTERS
00:00 — Welcome and Disclaimer
00:57 — Meet Ashlyn Lelej
01:34 — Why She Built a Clinic
03:29 — Insurance and Research Gaps
05:31 — Autism Missed in Girls
07:41 — Midlife Diagnosis Support
09:48 — Why She Chose SLP
11:01 — Neuro-Affirming Therapy Debate
14:37 — Insurance Denials Playbook
22:30 — Pediatric Feeding Disorders
24:10 — When Feeding Concerns Are Dismissed
25:41 — Getting Evaluated Without a Referral
26:32 — Sensory Roots of Feeding Issues
29:53 — Why Speech Therapy Is Underpaid
34:29 — Advice for Practice Owners
37:06 — AI in Speech Therapy
39:00 — Mission: Everyone Can Express
40:48 — Find Speech Matters Clinic
42:21 — Podcast Wrap Up
ABOUT THE GUEST
Ashlyn Lelej, MS, CCC-SLP is a speech-language pathologist and the founder of Speech Matters Clinic, a family-centered practice she established in Charlotte, NC in 2009. With over 20 years of experience spanning private practice, schools, inpatient, outpatient, and home health settings, Ashlyn brings both clinical depth and business-owner perspective to the conversations most providers aren't having. Her areas of focus include pediatric feeding disorders, neurodiversity, aphasia, and the evolving models of speech therapy treatment. She is a passionate advocate for families navigating complex systems — and for the clinicians working inside them.
🌐 speechmattersclinic.com 📸 @speechmattersclinic on Instagram
ABOUT THE HOST
Dr. Soma Mandal, MD is a board-certified internist and nationally recognized expert in midlife and menopause. She is the author of Dear Menopause, I Do Not Fear You and Midlife Masala, and the host of Soma Says — the podcast where women's health gets personal. Dr. Mandal blends Western medicine with Eastern wisdom to deliver no-fluff conversations for women 40 and up navigating perimenopause, hormone health, aging, and beyond.
🌐 somamandalmd.com 📸 @drsomamandalmd on Instagram
CONNECT & SUBSCRIBE
🎧 Subscribe to Soma Says on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you never miss an episode. ⭐ If this episode resonated with you, please leave a review — it helps more women find conversations that actually matter. 📤 Share this episode with a parent, a clinician, or a woman who has ever felt dismissed by the system. They need to hear this.
The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for guidance specific to your situation.

Reclaiming Confidence in Perimenopause: Mindset, Style and Being Seen with Rosie Faulkner

In this episode of Soma Says, Dr. Soma Mandal sits down with award-winning producer, video confidence coach, and midlife advocate Rosie Faulkner for an honest conversation about confidence, identity, aging, and rediscovering yourself during perimenopause and beyond.
Rosie shares her personal experience navigating midlife changes — including weight gain, depression, shifting identity, and the emotional impact of no longer recognizing herself in the mirror. What followed was a powerful realization: accepting your current self doesn’t mean giving up — it means meeting yourself with compassion while still taking steps toward feeling better.
Together, Dr. Soma and Rosie explore the pressure women face around aging, appearance, and “anti-aging” culture — and how authenticity, style, mindset, movement, and small daily actions can help women feel confident and visible again.
🎧 In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why so many women feel disconnected from themselves in midlife
How perimenopause can impact confidence, body image, and identity
The emotional toll of clothes no longer fitting — and what it represents
Why accepting your body and wanting change can coexist
Practical ways to rebuild confidence through style, movement, and mindset
How small daily actions create lasting transformation
Why self-care becomes essential during the “sandwich generation” years
✨ Key themes explored:
Aging gracefully vs. anti-aging culture
Positive self-talk and personal style
Visibility, authenticity, and fear of being seen
Midlife reinvention and confidence rebuilding
Walking, weightlifting, and sustainable wellness routines
Prioritizing yourself without guilt
💫 About Rosie Faulkner
Rosie Faulkner is an award-winning producer, speaker, and video confidence coach who helps women — especially those in midlife — show up confidently on camera and in life. Through coaching, workshops, and online programs, she empowers women to embrace authenticity, rediscover confidence, and stop hiding themselves during seasons of transition.
She is also the creator of the upcoming intimacy-focused course:🔥 Reclaim Your Sexy
Rosie is based in the Washington, DC area and works with clients virtually.
🌐 Connect with Rosie Faulkner
Website: https://www.rosiefaulkner.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RosieFaulkner
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faulkner_rosie/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosiefaulkner/
⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 – Disclaimer and Introduction00:52 – Meet Rosie Faulkner02:03 – Her Midlife Wake-Up Call04:39 – Positive Self-Talk and Style06:01 – Why Identity Shifts in Midlife07:36 – Getting Unstuck Through Action09:36 – Who Rosie Helps Most11:27 – Understanding Perimenopause12:11 – The Aging Gracefully Mindset16:28 – Accepting Change Without Giving Up19:11 – Self-Care During the Sandwich Years23:11 – Starting Small: One Step at a Time24:31 – Client Transformation Story27:24 – Where to Find Rosie27:58 – New Course + Wrap-Up
🎙️ Listen to Soma Says
Now streaming on:
Spotify
Apple Podcasts
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👩‍⚕️ Connect with Dr. Soma Mandal
Website: https://www.somamandalmd.com
Instagram: @drsomamandalmd

Toxic Truths: Why Modern Medicine Ignores Your Symptoms: With Dr. Loretta Friedman

In this episode of Soma Says, Dr. Soma Mandal sits down with Dr. Loretta Friedman — a Directional Non-Force Technique® chiropractor, integrative clinical nutritionist, and founder of Synergy Health Associates — to explore what happens when patients don’t feel well… even when everything looks “normal” on paper.
With over 25 years of clinical experience, Dr. Friedman brings a unique perspective shaped by her early career as an operating room nurse in cardiothoracic and transplant medicine, followed by her transition into integrative and functional care.
Her work focuses on inflammation, metabolic health, lymphatic function, and personalized treatment — particularly for women navigating midlife changes. She is also known for developing proprietary approaches such as Lymph-Biologics™, a specialized form of lymphatic drainage, and her “Aging Analysis” testing methodology.
🎧 In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why chronic symptoms are often missed in traditional medical models
What “toxicity” and inflammation mean from an integrative perspective
The role of the lymphatic system in chronic disease and overall health
Why some patients don’t feel well despite “normal” lab results
How stress, hormones, and metabolism intersect in midlife women
The benefits — and limitations — of both conventional and integrative approaches
🌿 Key themes explored:
A different lens on inflammation and detoxification
The importance of listening to patient symptoms, not just lab values
Lifestyle foundations: nutrition, sleep, stress, and light exposure
Individualized care vs. protocol-driven medicine
The evolving conversation around women’s health and midlife wellness
🩺 About Dr. Loretta Friedman
Dr. Loretta Friedman is a New York–based practitioner specializing in:
Integrative and functional medicine
Lymphatic drainage and detoxification
Clinical nutrition and metabolic health
Women’s health and anti-aging care
She has been in practice for over two decades and is recognized for her work in lymphatic health and holistic approaches to chronic illness.
📚 Book
The Lymph Link (available on Amazon)
🌐 Connect with Dr. Friedman
Website: https://synergyhealthassociates.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/synergyhealthassociates/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LorettaFriedmanDNFT
⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 – Meet Dr. Friedman01:00 – From Nursing to Chiropractic01:56 – Directional Non-Force Technique Explained05:01 – Why Chronic Illness Gets Missed06:13 – Toxicity and Inflammation Basics09:20 – Lymphatic Protocols and Testing11:43 – Supporting Lymph Through Diet12:31 – Stress, Metabolism, and Energy15:18 – Integrative Medicine: Pros and Cons16:55 – Midlife Stress and Hormones22:43 – Ideal Model of Care24:56 – Her Book The Lymph Link + Where to Find Her25:59 – Closing and Final Thoughts
👩‍⚕️ Connect with Dr. Soma Mandal
Instagram: @drsomamandalmd
Website: https://www.somamandalmd.com

The Silent Cardiometabolic Crisis in South Asians - with Dr. Namratha Kandula

In this episode of Soma Says, Dr. Soma Mandal sits down with Dr. Namratha “Nammi” Kandula — Professor of Medicine and Preventive Medicine at Northwestern University and a leading investigator in the MASALA Study — to unpack a critical and often overlooked topic: cardiovascular risk in South Asian populations, especially women.
Drawing from her clinical training at Bellevue and public health work in Bangladesh, Dr. Kandula shares how culture, migration, and social determinants of health shape disease risk in ways traditional medicine often misses.
Together, they explore the groundbreaking MASALA Study (Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America) — a long-term research initiative designed to better understand why South Asians face disproportionately high rates of diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease — even at lower body weights.
🎧 In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why South Asians have higher cardiometabolic risk — even when “healthy”
The surprising diversity within South Asian diets and metabolic outcomes
How stress, discrimination, and acculturation impact long-term health
The protective role of community, culture, and social support
What women need to know across the life course — from pregnancy to menopause
🩺 Key takeaways for women:
A history of gestational diabetes is a major long-term risk marker
Postmenopausal changes can increase cardiovascular risk, including calcium buildup
The importance of screening for lipoprotein(a) and tracking waist circumference
Why strength training, sleep, and stress management are essential — not optional
How to advocate for better, more personalized preventive care
This is a must-listen for women navigating midlife health, clinicians seeking deeper insight into health disparities, and anyone interested in the intersection of culture, biology, and prevention.
⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 – Welcome and Disclaimer01:01 – Meet Dr. Kandula01:40 – Residency at Bellevue02:46 – Public Health Work in Bangladesh05:42 – Why Focus on South Asian Health09:19 – Origins of the MASALA Study12:51 – Key Cardiometabolic Risk Findings15:25 – South Asian Diet Patterns17:34 – Culture and Social Support20:15 – Stress and Discrimination24:22 – Family Stress and Health24:39 – Preventive Care for Women25:27 – Pregnancy History as Risk26:29 – Menopause and Calcium Rise27:04 – Genetic Risk and Lipoprotein(a)27:40 – Strength Training and Sleep29:15 – Gendered Stress and Support32:31 – Key Tests and Markers35:40 – Statins and Lifestyle Choices37:49 – South Asian Diabetes Biology39:49 – Community Outreach and Action41:52 – Healthcare Access and Dignity43:30 – Representation and Reception45:00 – MASALA Study Next Steps45:59 – Closing and Signoff
👩‍⚕️ Connect with Us
Connect with Dr. Kandula: https://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/faculty-profiles/az/profile.html?xid=15620
Follow Dr. Soma Mandal:Instagram: @drsomamandalmdWebsite: https://www.getcare.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/provider/soma-mandal/5921600

The Fountain of Youth: Can Plastic Surgery Really Turn Back the Clock?

In this episode of Soma Says, Dr. Soma sits down with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Hisham Seify of Newport Beach for a thoughtful conversation about how aesthetic medicine has evolved — and how it increasingly overlaps with integrative health, longevity, and midlife wellness.
Over the past two decades, aesthetic goals have shifted dramatically. The focus is no longer “bigger” or dramatically altered — it’s healthier, more natural, and aligned with overall wellbeing. Together, Dr. Soma and Dr. Seify explore what that means for women navigating perimenopause and menopause.
They discuss common midlife changes including post-pregnancy abdominal laxity, breast sagging and volume shifts, facial aging around the eyes and neck, and how genetics and lifestyle factors — including sun exposure, stress, inflammation, smoking, alcohol, and diet — influence how we age.
Dr. Seify explains the difference between non-surgical and surgical facial options by decade, how he defines “natural” rejuvenation (often referencing younger photographs rather than filtered trends), and how he counsels patients influenced by social media aesthetics like the “cat eye.”
The episode also explores regenerative aesthetics, including:• Exosomes (used locally in accordance with FDA regulations for skin rejuvenation and hair restoration)• Advances in micro-fat and nano-fat grafting• Laser treatments as part of long-term skin maintenance
They address breast changes during midlife — including fat redistribution, glandular loss, ptosis, and large-breast symptoms — and review options such as lift, augmentation (with implants or fat), reduction, and advances in breast cancer reconstruction.
Dr. Seify also shares insight into his practice’s GLP-1 weight-management clinic using medications such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, discussing how weight loss affects surgical candidacy, timing, medical clearance, and the importance of weight stability before surgery.
The conversation debunks common misconceptions:• Surgery will not make you look like someone else• Liposuction does not prevent weight gain• Aging does not stop• Botox and fillers are powerful tools — but only when used conservatively
Above all, this episode emphasizes safety, research, and choosing board-certified surgeons through reputable professional societies — and pursuing aesthetic procedures for yourself, not for trends.
Episode Timeline
00:00 – Welcome + Medical Disclaimer00:52 – Meet Dr. Hisham Seify: Modern Plastic Surgery Meets Longevity01:53 – How Beauty Standards Changed: From “Bigger” to Natural + Healthy Aging02:38 – Midlife Body Changes & the “Mommy Makeover” Timeline03:35 – Facial Aging by Decade: Non-Surgical vs Facelift/Neck Lift04:17 – What Really Drives Aging: Sun, Lifestyle, Stress & Inflammation05:33 – Genetics and Defining “Natural” Results in Rejuvenation07:02 – Regenerative Aesthetics Explained: Exosomes, Lasers & Integrative Protocols08:48 – Breast Changes in Perimenopause/Menopause: Lift, Augmentation, Reduction10:12 – GLP-1 Weight Loss Meds in Aesthetic Practice: What Changes for Surgery13:26 – Timing Surgery After Weight Loss: Stability, Labs & Long-Term Outcomes14:13 – The “Cat Eye” Trend: When Aesthetic Requests Go Too Far15:04 – Social Media vs Reality: Setting Safe, Realistic Expectations16:18 – Working With Other Doctors: Timing, Labs & Medical Clearance17:12 – Recovery Factors That Matter: Nutrition, Sleep, Stress & Smoking18:18 – Biggest Plastic Surgery Myths (Celebrity Noses, Lipo & Aging)19:22 – Overrated Trends: Botox & Fillers — Great Tools, Risky When Overdone20:16 – What’s Next in Aesthetics: Fat Grafting & Minimally Invasive Rejuvenation22:44 – What “Aging Well” Really Means (Beyond Surgery)24:39 – Final Takeaways: Research, Board Certification & Safety First25:18 – Where to Find Trusted Surgeons + Dr. Seify’s Resources
🎙 Connect with Dr. Hisham SeifyWebsite: https://newportplastic.comLocation: Newport Beach, California
🎙 Connect with Dr. SomaWebsite: https://somamandalmd.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SomaSays/videos
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share with a woman navigating midlife who wants clarity — not confusion — about aging and aesthetics.

Midlife Career Calm: Quiet Change Explained

In this intimate solo episode of Soma Says, Dr. Soma explores a quiet but powerful experience many women face in midlife: the growing sense that the professional identity that once fit no longer feels aligned.
Rather than framing this discomfort as burnout, failure, or ingratitude, Dr. Soma reframes it as information—a signal of growth, clarity, and evolving values. Drawing from her clinical experience and lived insight, she unpacks how biological shifts, emotional maturity, and deeper self-awareness intersect to change our relationship with work during midlife.
You’ll hear Dr. Soma describe the three most common paths of professional change in midlife—the quiet pivot, the parallel expansion, and the full reinvention—and why none of them mean you chose “wrong” earlier in your career. This episode is an invitation to pause, listen inward, and trust yourself during a season of recalibration.
If you’ve ever thought “Everything looks good on paper—so why does this feel different?”, this conversation is for you.
Episode Timeline
00:00 — Introduction and setting the scene00:33 — Understanding midlife professional change02:12 — The biological and emotional impact of midlife06:30 — The three types of midlife professional change08:53 — Signals and challenges women often ignore11:01 — Final reflections, reassurance, and permission to trust yourself
Connect with Dr. Soma
🌐 Website: https://somamandalmd.com🎙️ Subscribe to Soma Says on Apple Podcasts📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SomaSays
If this episode resonated, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review — it helps more women find conversations that honor midlife as a time of clarity, not crisis.
And if you know a woman quietly questioning her professional life, consider sharing this episode with her. Sometimes permission is the most powerful gift we can offer.

Root Cause Wellness: Beyond Conventional Healthcare

In this insightful episode of Soma Says, Dr. Soma Mandal sits down with Kristen Blake, a functional nutritionist and women’s wellness coach dedicated to helping women heal from the inside out.
Kristen shares the personal health struggles that led her to build Kristen Blake Wellness, and walks listeners through her root-cause approach—a method that integrates personalized nutrition, targeted lifestyle changes, and nervous system support to address the deeper imbalances driving symptoms.
Together, Soma and Kristen explore the foundations of women’s metabolic and hormonal health:• the connection between gut health and hormone balance,• how blood sugar impacts mood, energy, and midlife weight changes,• the role of functional lab testing,• the effects of chronic stress on metabolism, and• how to break free from diet culture and rebuild a nurturing relationship with food.
They also highlight the importance of collaborative care between nutritionists and physicians to support women through perimenopause, menopause, and beyond.
This conversation is a must-listen for any woman navigating midlife who wants to feel energized, balanced, and deeply supported in her body.
⏱️ Timeline
00:00 — Introduction and Disclaimer00:52 — Meet Kristen Blake: A Journey to Wellness01:31 — Kristen’s Personal Health Struggles02:22 — Discovering the Power of Nutrition03:31 — From Personal Healing to Professional Practice05:09 — The Importance of Root Cause Wellness12:19 — Functional Lab Testing Explained15:12 — Gut Health and Hormone Balance18:50 — Reframing Food and Diet Culture21:17 — Balancing Blood Sugar for Better Health22:02 — Building Trust with Patients23:31 — Overcoming Limiting Beliefs25:08 — The Impact of Stress on Women’s Health28:31 — Morning Routines for Better Health30:34 — Collaborative Care for Women’s Health31:31 — Debunking Nutrition and Hormone Myths34:34 — Embracing Aging and Healthspan39:22 — What’s Next for Kristen Blake Wellness
🔗 Connect with Kristen Blake
🌐 Website: https://www.kristenblakewellness.com📸 Instagram: @kristenblakewellness💼 Coaching & Programs: Available via her website
🔗 Connect with Dr. Soma Mandal
🌐 Website: https://www.somamandalmd.com🏥 Medical Director of Women’s Health — Hackensack Meridian Health, JSUMC📚 Midlife Masala — available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo & BookBub🎧 Soma Says Podcast — Apple Podcasts & YouTube (@SomaSays)📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsomamandalmd💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/somamandalmd
⭐ Support the Podcast
If this episode helped you understand your body, hormones, or health habits more deeply, please follow, subscribe, and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your support helps more women discover science-based, compassionate guidance for thriving in midlife.

Decoding Your Soul’s Blueprint: A Conversation with Karen Curry Parker

In this illuminating episode of Soma Says, Dr. Soma Mandal is joined by Karen Curry Parker, founder of Quantum Human Design™, bestselling author, and pioneer in the field of energy psychology.
Together, they explore how Quantum Human Design can help women decode their soul’s blueprint—providing unprecedented clarity, direction, and self-understanding, especially during midlife transitions. Karen breaks down the key differences between traditional Human Design and her upgraded Quantum system, explaining how energetic alignment affects everything from mood and resilience to physiology and hormone balance.
The conversation dives into the deeper stories that shape our identity, the impact of living out of alignment, and how midlife—particularly perimenopause and menopause—can become a powerful awakening decade rather than a crisis.
Listeners will learn how to use Human Design insights to make aligned decisions, transform old narratives, regulate emotional energy, and step into a more authentic, empowered version of themselves.
This episode is rich with wisdom, compassion, and practical tools for anyone seeking meaning, healing, and clarity during one of the most transformative chapters of life.
⏱️ Timeline
00:00 — Introduction and Disclaimer00:52 — Meet Karen Curry Parker: Pioneer in Energy Psychology01:39 — Understanding Quantum Human Design03:31 — The Complexity of Human Stories04:50 — Midlife Reflections and Human Design11:09 — The Power of Cosmic Blueprints17:18 — Physiological Impact of Living Out of Alignment25:21 — Understanding the Chiron Return25:32 — Core Wounds and Personal Growth26:22 — Control and Self-Regulation27:34 — The Awakening Decade for Women30:33 — Caregiving and Emotional Burnout33:49 — Navigating Perimenopause with Human Design36:20 — Incorporating Quantum Human Design39:25 — Personal Transformation and Self-Care45:25 — Reframing Life Through the Hero’s Journey48:14 — The Power of Wellbeing and Community49:34 — Conclusion and Contact Information
🔗 Connect with Karen Curry Parker
🌐 Website: https://www.quantumhumandesign.com📘 Books: Available through her website and major retailers🎧 Podcast: Quantum Revolution📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karencurryparkerofficial/?hl=en💼 LinkedIn: Karen Curry Parker
🔗 Connect with Dr. Soma Mandal
🌐 Website: https://www.somamandalmd.com🏥 (incoming) Medical Director of Women’s Health — Hackensack Meridian Health, JSUMC📚 Book: Midlife Masala— Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo & BookBub🎧 Listen to Soma Says: Apple Podcasts,  & YouTube (@SomaSays)📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsomamandalmd💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/somamandalmd

Beyond Kegels: Breaking Myths and Building Pelvic Strength

In this empowering episode of Soma Says, Dr. Soma Mandal is joined by Maryellen Reider, co-founder of Yarlap, an FDA-cleared pelvic floor strengthening device designed to help women regain confidence, control, and comfort in their daily lives.
Together, they dive deep into the often-ignored world of pelvic floor health, breaking through stigma and silence surrounding urinary incontinence—an issue that affects millions of midlife, postpartum, and athletic women.
Maryellen shares the origin story of Yarlap, the science behind correctly performed Kegels, and why so many women unknowingly perform pelvic contractions incorrectly. She sheds light on the rigorous process of FDA clearance, user customization, contraindications, and the powerful success stories of women who have transformed their quality of life with the device.
The conversation highlights the profound connection between pelvic health, hormones, menopause, postpartum recovery, and overall well-being. Dr. Soma and Maryellen underscore the importance of early intervention, proper resources, and evidence-based tools to support women at every life stage.
Whether you're navigating postpartum changes, the hormonal shifts of menopause, or simply curious about pelvic wellness, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and hope.
⏱️ Timeline
00:00 — Introduction and Disclaimer00:52 — Meet Maryellen Reider: Co-Founder of Yarlap01:12 — Understanding Pelvic Health and Incontinence02:25 — The Creation of Yarlap: A Family Affair03:44 — Challenges and Misconceptions in Pelvic Health05:00 — The Importance of FDA Clearance07:30 — How Yarlap Works: Bridging the Gap in Pelvic Health11:57 — User Experience and Customization17:14 — Contraindications and Postpartum Use18:48 — Personal Stories and Successes20:31 — Breaking the Silence on Postpartum Incontinence21:20 — Menopause and Postpartum: A Shared Struggle21:32 — The Role of Athletes and Active Women22:00 — Modern Approaches to Incontinence Treatment23:46 — The Importance of Pelvic Floor Exercises24:58 — Success Stories: Real Women, Real Results26:03 — Integrating Yarlap into Daily Life26:53 — Empowering Women with Knowledge and Tools27:37 — Navigating Insurance and Financial Options28:10 — Heartwarming Patient Stories34:09 — Final Thoughts and Encouragement
🔗 Connect with Maryellen Reider & Yarlap
🌐 Website: https://yarlap.com📸 Instagram: @yarlap📘 Facebook: Yarlap🛍️ Shop Yarlap: https://yarlap.com/products/the-yarlap-kegel-exercise-kit-system
🔗 Connect with Dr. Soma Mandal
🌐 Website: https://www.somamandalmd.com🏥 (incoming) Medical Director of Women’s Health — Hackensack Meridian Health, Jersey Shore University Medical Center📚 Book: Midlife Masala— Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, & BookBub🎧 Listen to Soma Says: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube (@SomaSays)📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsomamandalmd💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/somamandalmd
⭐ Support the Podcast
If this conversation encouraged you or helped you better understand your pelvic health, please follow, share, and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your support helps more women access empowering conversations about their bodies and their well-being.

The Coherent Body: Reconnecting Through Somatic Practices

In this episode of Soma Says, Dr. Soma Mandal is joined by Sue Choi, founder of The Coherent Body, a somatic awareness and nervous system healing practice that helps women rebuild resilience, presence, and inner stability.
Sue shares her powerful personal journey—from living with chronic depression to discovering the healing potential of yoga, martial arts, and mindfulness-based somatic work. She explains how her method evolved into a trauma-informed, integrative approach that teaches women how to reconnect with the wisdom of their bodies.
Together, Soma and Sue explore the science and art of coherence, how posture and sensory integration shape emotional regulation, and why somatic awareness is essential for navigating hormonal transitions, chronic stress, and midlife change.
Listeners will learn practical tools to regulate the nervous system, cultivate presence, and complement traditional therapy or medical care with body-based practices that promote deep, sustainable healing.
A must-listen for women seeking calm, clarity, and embodied confidence—especially during perimenopause, menopause, or life transitions that demand resilience.
⏱️ Timeline
00:00 — Introduction to Sue Choi and The Coherent Body00:39 — Sue’s Personal Journey and Professional Development02:41 — Understanding Coherence in Body and Mind03:30 — Practical Techniques for Somatic Awareness11:49 — Addressing Women’s Health and Hormonal Transitions17:41 — Integrating Somatic Practices with Traditional Therapy19:42 — Approaches to Trauma and Healing22:16 — Incorporating Somatic Concepts in Clinical Practice43:12 — Final Thoughts and Rapid Fire Questions
🔗 Connect with Sue Choi
🌐 Website: https://www.coherentbody.com📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coherent_body/?hl=en
🔗 Connect with Dr. Soma Mandal
🌐 Website: https://www.somamandalmd.com🏥 (incoming) Medical Director of Women’s Health, Hackensack Meridian Health – Jersey Shore University Medical Center📚 Book: Midlife Masala Available on: • Amazon • Barnes & Noble • Kobo • BookBub🎧 Listen to Soma Says: • Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/soma-says/id1752337105 • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SomaSays/videos📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsomamandalmd💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/somamandalmd
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