Soma Says
A cool medical podcast focusing on women’s health! Grab a seat and catapult yourself into the heart of the most exciting, intriguing, and downright cool world of medicine. Dr. Soma and her guests will share their unique stories and insights and peel back the layers of issues that women commonly face. Just remember, knowledge is power, and it’s ALWAYS ladies first on Soma Says!
Episodes

Friday Feb 21, 2025
Friday Feb 21, 2025
Subscribe to the video podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@SomaMandalsays/videos
🚨 Attention, podcast listeners! 🚨 You won’t want to miss this enlightening episode of Soma Says with Dr. Soma! In this powerful conversation, Dr. Soma is joined by the brilliant Dr. Lauren Ramsey, a board-certified Breast Surgical Oncologist and Medical Director of Breast Surgery at Acclaim Multi-Specialty Group in Fort Worth, Texas.
🎙️ Get ready for an eye-opening journey through the world of breast cancer care and cutting-edge research! Dr. Ramsey breaks down the science behind genetic testing for those at higher risk, shares lifestyle choices that can help lower your cancer risk, and reveals the latest breakthroughs in breast cancer screening.
But that’s not all! Dr. Ramsey introduces her revolutionary BAT™ Radiation Protection Garment, designed to reduce cancer risk for healthcare workers exposed to radiation — a game-changer in the field!
🔬 From the alarming link between alcohol and breast cancer, to the role of hormone replacement therapy, and the promising new screening technologies on the horizon, this episode covers it all. Dr. Ramsey’s personalized approach to cancer care and her passion for patient education and advocacy will leave you inspired and informed.
⏰ Here’s a sneak peek at what’s inside: 00:00 – Introduction and Disclaimer00:41 – The Life-Saving Importance of Genetic Counseling & Testing for Breast Cancer01:20 – Meet Dr. Lauren Ramsey03:16 – Dr. Ramsey’s Inspiring Journey to Breast Surgery05:09 – The Surprising Link Between Alcohol and Breast Cancer Risk08:21 – Lifestyle Changes that Can Reduce Breast Cancer Risk11:16 – How Hormones Play a Role in Breast Cancer Development13:29 – Menopause & HRT: What You Need to Know About Risks19:57 – The Latest Advances in Breast Cancer Screening26:37 – Breast Density and Ultrasounds: What They Mean for You28:43 – Exciting Future Innovations in Breast Cancer Screening30:57 – Genetic Testing for High-Risk Breast Cancer Patients32:23 – Weighing the Risks and Benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy35:02 – Innovative Radiation Protection for Healthcare Workers45:41 – Diet and Lifestyle Tips to Lower Your Cancer Risk47:41 – Conclusion + Contact Information
💡 Whether you’re at risk, a healthcare professional, or just someone eager to stay on top of cutting-edge cancer research, this episode is a must-listen!
🔥 Tune in now and be empowered to take control of your breast health — your future self will thank you!
To learn more about Dr. Lauren Ramsey, please visit https://www.laurenramseymd.com/

Friday Feb 14, 2025
Friday Feb 14, 2025
Subscribe to the video podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@SomaMandalsays/videos
Dr. Soma invites Melissa Murphy Pavone, a certified financial planner and divorce financial analyst, to discuss the importance of financial planning with a special focus on women's unique financial challenges. Melissa shares insights from her extensive experience in the field, emphasizing the intertwined relationship between health and financial wellness. From understanding the financial implications of becoming a caretaker to navigating major life transitions such as divorce, Melissa offers practical advice and stresses the importance of early financial literacy. The conversation also touches on the generational shift in financial roles, the significance of prenuptial agreements, and tips for engaging children in financial education. Dr. Soma highlights the critical role financial stability plays in overall health, advocating for thorough financial preparation and open communication. This episode provides valuable guidance for women at all stages of life aiming to achieve financial empowerment and peace of mind.
--
00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer
00:41 The Importance of Financial Wellness
01:39 Meet Melissa Murphy Pavone
02:28 Financial Planning for Women
08:00 Challenges and Transitions
09:57 Financial Literacy for the Younger Generation
20:40 Planning for Retirement and Healthcare
37:04 Empowering Women in the Workplace
39:21 Conclusion and Contact Information
To learn more about Melissa Murphy Pavone and Mindful Financial Partners, visit https://mindfulfinancialpartners.com/

Thursday Feb 06, 2025
Thursday Feb 06, 2025
Subscribe to the video podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@SomaMandalsays/videos
In this episode of Soma Says, Dr. Soma is joined by Amy Goldsmith, a registered dietician and nutritionist, to discuss the manifestation of eating disorders during menopause and midlife. Amy shares her expertise on how hormonal changes can impact eating behaviors and body satisfaction. The conversation covers the importance of understanding the relationship with food and exercise, the rise of orthorexia, and the psychological and societal pressures women face. Dr. Soma and Amy also delve into practical advice on nutrition, the benefits of strength training, and the necessity of self-care and mental health support during this challenging stage of life.
00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer
00:41 Meet Amy Goldsmith: A Registered Dietician
01:28 Eating Disorders During Menopause
02:05 Personal Experiences and Observations
03:37 Challenges of Perimenopause
04:27 Weight Gain and Body Changes
05:14 The Role of Providers and Misconceptions
07:48 Eating Disorders and Perimenopause
13:31 Orthorexia and Social Media Influence
17:02 Addressing Eating Disorders
19:27 Societal Pressures and Body Image
24:29 Ayurvedic Insights and Quick Fix Culture
25:45 Impact of Diet on Nervous System
27:36 Hormonal Changes and Lifestyle Adjustments
29:22 Challenges of Midlife and Reinventing Yourself
32:05 Importance of Sleep and Grounding Techniques
36:11 Eating Disorders Across Life Stages
43:36 Supporting Each Other Through Challenges
44:59 Conclusion and Where to Find More Information
Learn more about Amy Goldsmith, RD at https://kindrednutrition.com/

Thursday Jan 30, 2025
Thursday Jan 30, 2025
Subscribe to the video podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@SomaMandalsays/videos
In this episode of Soma Says, Dr. Soma interviews Anjana Sreedhar, author of 'Healthcare of a Thousand Slights: Connecting Legacy to Access to Healthcare'. Anjana delves into the historical and ongoing healthcare disparities in the U.S., highlighting systemic issues affecting women and marginalized communities. They discuss the impact of societal views on women, healthcare access barriers, the Roe v. Wade overturn, and the multifaceted challenges faced by Native Americans. Anjana emphasizes the interconnected systems affecting health and shares stories from her book that illustrate these inequities. As an NYU Perlmutter Cancer Center strategist, Anjana also shares insights on operational strategies for equitable healthcare access.
00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer
00:48 Meet Anjana: Advocate for Social Justice in Healthcare
01:29 Exploring Healthcare Disparities
03:11 Personal Experiences with Healthcare Inequities
04:16 The Journey Behind 'Healthcare of a Thousand Slides'
08:21 Challenges in Women's Health
14:48 Impact of George Floyd and Systemic Inequities
28:22 Native American Healthcare Disparities
31:39 Future Directions in Women's Health
39:01 Healthcare Systems Around the World
43:21 Reflections on U.S. Healthcare Reform
46:21 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
To read more about Anjana Sreedhar, visit https://anjanasreedhar.mystrikingly.com/
To order Health Care of a Thousand Slights visit https://bookshop.org/p/books/health-care-of-a-thousand-slights-connecting-legacy-to-access-to-healthcare-anjana-sreedhar/15910867?ean=9781636765082&next=t&source=IndieBound&ref=https%3A%2F%2Fanjanasreedhar.mystrikingly.com%2F

Thursday Jan 23, 2025
Thursday Jan 23, 2025
Subscribe to the video podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@SomaMandalsays/videos
In this episode of Soma Says, Dr. Soma speaks with Dr. Shelly Prasad, a multifaceted healer, chiropractor, and womb shaman. Dr. Prasad shares her remarkable journey of discovering profound healing through the sacred use of cannabis, discussing how it compares to other plant medicines like psilocybin and ayahuasca. She explains her transformative self-healing practices, including body-mind synchronization and somatophobia - the fear of the body. The discussion delves into the nuances of ceremonial cannabis use, its ancestral roots, and its potential to unlock higher consciousness and true healing. Dr. Prasad also touches on the importance of integration and the challenges posed by the current legal and societal framework around plant medicines. This episode provides deep insights into the therapeutic potentials of sacred plant medicines and Dr. Prasad's mission to guide individuals to their inner healer.
00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer
00:35 Exploring Cannabis and Consciousness
01:42 Meet Dr. Shelly Prasad
02:29 Personal Journey and Discoveries
05:35 Understanding Somatophobia
07:23 The Role of Plant Medicine
13:07 Guided Sacred Cannabis Journey
28:49 Challenges and Overcoming Somatophobia
33:15 Guided Cannabis Ceremonies: A Slow Approach
33:29 Understanding the Endocannabinoid System
33:47 Recreational vs. Medicinal Cannabis Use
35:10 Sacred Cannabis Ceremonies for Healing
36:58 Personal Healing Journey: Chiropractic and Cannabis
40:28 The Role of Cannabis in Spiritual Practices
41:32 Cannabis vs. Other Plant Medicines
42:35 Integration and Guidance with Cannabis
48:35 Challenges in the Medical System
53:26 Synthetic vs. Natural Plant Medicines
57:45 Connecting with Dr. Shelly Persad
58:56 Censorship and Social Media Challenges
01:00:51 Final Thoughts and Wisdom
To learn more about Dr. Shelly Persad, please visit: https://www.drshellypersad.com/
To read Somatophobia, please visit Amazon

Thursday Jan 16, 2025
Thursday Jan 16, 2025
Subscribe to the video podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@SomaMandalsays/videos
On this episode of Soma Says, Dr. Soma interviews Marjorie Nass, creator of the Pericycle Lift program for high-achieving women navigating perimenopause and menopause. They discuss how traditional methods may not always address root issues and the importance of lifestyle adjustments, particularly through the principles of Ayurveda. Marjorie shares her journey from a high-stress corporate life to becoming a yoga teacher and Ayurvedic coach, emphasizing the significance of aligning with natural rhythms for better health and well-being. They also explore practical tips for improving sleep, managing stress, and adjusting eating habits to thrive during menopause. This episode offers insightful strategies to help women embrace this life stage with confidence and vibrancy.
00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer
00:44 Introducing the Pericycle Lift
01:36 Marjorie Nass's Journey to Wellness
03:35 The Importance of Daily Rhythms
05:28 Embracing Menopause with Ayurveda
07:50 Practical Lifestyle Changes for Better Health
14:39 Client Success Stories
22:38 Understanding Ayurveda's Personalized Approach
23:35 Seasonal Adaptations in Ayurveda
26:03 Connecting with Your Body Through Yoga
27:08 Listening to Your Body's Signals
30:12 Hormones and Lifestyle Changes
36:05 The Role of Pelvic Floor Therapy
38:19 Attracting and Supporting Patients
42:57 Final Thoughts and Contact Information
To learn more about Marjorie Nass, please visit https://marjorienass.com/

Thursday Jan 09, 2025
Thursday Jan 09, 2025
Subscribe to the video podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@SomaMandalsays/videos
In this episode of Soma Says, Dr. Soma welcomes Dana E. Sherwin, founder of The Thinking Patient, to discuss the importance of patient advocacy, communication, and preparation in healthcare. Dana shares insights from her 35-year career in healthcare administration and personal experiences with a chronic illness. The conversation highlights strategies for improving patient-doctor interactions, the significance of asking the right questions, and the critical role of patients in their own healthcare. Dana also emphasizes the need for better integration of resources and support systems from healthcare providers and employers to enhance patient care.
00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer
00:43 Meet Dana E. Sherwin
01:36 Dana's Background and Career
08:46 Personal Health Journey
15:21 The Thinking Patient Framework
20:37 Challenges in Healthcare
27:26 The Importance of Medication Reconciliation
28:54 Effective Question Asking in Medical Appointments
29:40 Research Insights on Patient Preparedness
30:35 Three Key Questions for Better Health Outcomes
32:36 Patient Advocacy and Communication Strategies
34:58 Navigating Doctor-Patient Relationships
42:41 The Role of Employers in Healthcare
43:47 Future of Healthcare: Technology and Integration
51:34 Concluding Thoughts and Resources
How to learn more about Dana E. Sherwin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/desherwin/
Learn more about Dana's consulting firm: https://www.thethinkingpatient.com/

Thursday Jan 02, 2025
Thursday Jan 02, 2025
In this episode, Dr. Soma hosts Alina Wilson, the founder of Bridgeport Laser and Wellness Center and author of 'Thoughtful Aging.' They delve into the societal pressures and internal conflicts women face about beauty and aging. Alina shares her journey, emphasizing self-acceptance and thoughtful aging. She advocates for a shift from external validation to internal appreciation and discusses the importance of seeking comprehensive, informed healthcare. Tune in to explore how aesthetics can be approached holistically, promoting both external and internal well-being.
00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer
00:44 The Power of Self-Love
02:03 Guest Introduction: Alina Wilson
02:59 Alina's Journey and Insights
05:24 The Anti-Aging Industry and Society
07:22 Principles of Thoughtful Aging
08:49 Hormones and Aging
10:56 Navigating Aesthetic Choices
12:41 The Psychology of Beauty
24:52 Generational Influences and Authentic Living
26:50 The Struggle for Self-Identity
27:27 Curiosity and Growth Mindset
27:44 Makeup as Social Currency
29:46 Cultural Pressures on Appearance
32:38 Holistic Health and Longevity
36:14 Navigating Medical Advice
43:39 Advocating for Yourself
48:01 The Power of Compassion
48:28 Final Thoughts and Resources
To learn more about Alina Wilson, visit https://www.bpwcenter.com/
To read Thoughtful Aging, visit https://www.bpwcenter.com/book/

Saturday Dec 14, 2024
Saturday Dec 14, 2024
In this episode of 'Soma Says,' Dr. Soma welcomes Morgan Taylor, Chief Nursing Officer at Archer Review, to discuss the current challenges and innovations in nursing education. Morgan shares her journey from pediatric nursing at Duke University Hospital to her global health outreach and her efforts in enhancing nursing practices through education and technology. The conversation delves into the alarming rate at which nurses are leaving the profession, the impact of COVID on nursing education, and the importance of mentorship. Morgan also discusses her projects aimed at making nursing education more accessible and effective, highlighting the balance between tech advancements and hands-on training. The episode underscores the critical need for well-educated, empathetic nurses and explores strategies to fortify the future of healthcare.
00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer
00:45 Meet Morgan Taylor: Chief Nursing Officer
01:43 Challenges in Nursing: High Turnover Rates
03:05 Morgan's Journey in Nursing Education
06:21 Impact of COVID on Nursing
11:38 Innovations in Nursing Education
21:24 Future of Nursing Education
34:28 Peer Learning and Collaboration
39:31 Conclusion and Contact Information
To learn more about Morgan Taylor, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/morgan-clark-taylor
You can also find more information about her at https://nurses.archerreview.com/private-tutors/Morgan

Sunday Dec 08, 2024
Sunday Dec 08, 2024
Subscribe to the video podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@SomaMandalsays/videos
In this episode of 'Soma Says,' Dr. Soma welcomes Melanie Summers, the founder of 'I Speak Organized.' Melanie shares her journey from helping a friend with chronic disorganization to becoming a prominent figure in the organization industry. She discusses her approach to helping busy women and professionals, especially those with ADHD, declutter their lives. Melanie offers practical tips such as 'putting the house to bed,' and insightful strategies for maintaining organization. The conversation touches on the holistic benefits of organization for physical and mental health. Additionally, Melanie shares resources like her YouTube channel, books, and public speaking engagements to further assist those looking to lead a more organized and fulfilling life.
00:00 Introduction to Today's Guest: Melanie Summers
00:43 Disclaimer and Show Start
01:25 Melanie's Journey into Professional Organizing
04:35 Challenges and Solutions in Home Organization
11:38 Organizing for Mental Health and Well-being
25:16 Practical Tips for Staying Organized
28:52 Teaching Kids Organizational Skills
32:41 Resources and Final Thoughts
To learn more about Melanie Summers and her organizing business, please visit: https://ispeakorganized.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ispeakorganized/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ispeakorganized/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ispeakorganized

Widely regarded as one of America’s top physicians in midlife women’s health, Dr. Soma Mandal is a board-certified Internist who has helped thousands of women to successfully navigate getting older and reinvent themselves along the way. Earning her MD at New York University School of Medicine, and a prestigious research fellowship at Oxford University in England, Dr. Mandal brings a fresh perspective to the topic of women’s health, skin health and aging, particularly for women of color.
Fusing traditional Western medicine with her Eastern roots, Dr. Mandal’s approach combines the best of both worlds. Her unique approach provides women with a much-needed, easy-to follow process, making the forties and fifties plus, fabulous.
AWARDS AND CREDENTIALS
Medical Advisor at Health.com and Verywell Health, part of the Dotdash Meredith family
Medical Expert at Pillar4Media
DISTINCTIONS
Exceptional Women In Medicine: 2020, 2021, 2022
REGIONAL GUIDES
Jersey's Best Magazine Top Doctors: 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
Jersey's Best - Top Doctors for Women's Health: 2018
New York Magazine: Top Doctors: 2021, 2022, 2023
Super Doctors 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021
Millburn- Short Hills Magazine Top Doctors 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021