Soma Says

The Vein Game: Navigating Unseen Complexities in Women’s Health

In this inspiring episode of Soma Says, Dr. Soma welcomes Dr. Tonie Reincke—a board-certified vascular and interventional radiologist and the founder of Reincke Vein Center in Sugar Land, Texas. With nearly three decades of experience, Dr. Reincke shares her extraordinary journey from ICU nurse to leading vein specialist, highlighting the power of perseverance, compassion, and patient-centered care.
Together, they discuss the emotional challenges of medical training, the hidden impact of vein disease on women’s health, and the most effective treatments for varicose and spider veins. Dr. Reincke also dives into her community outreach efforts and how education is transforming lives, one patient at a time.
Whether you're a provider, patient, or simply curious about the future of vein health, this episode is full of insight and heart.
🔗 Learn more about Dr. Tonie Reincke: https://reinckeveincenter.com📩 Contact Dr. Soma: www.somamandalmd.com | info@somamandalmd.com
⏱ Episode Timeline:00:00 – Introduction and Disclaimer00:52 – Meet Dr. Tonie Reincke01:03 – Dr. Reincke's Background and Journey03:02 – Personal Reflections and Family Background04:04 – Challenges and Emotional Growth in Medical Training07:09 – Midlife Women’s Health and Vein Issues09:16 – Understanding Varicose Veins and Treatment Options14:08 – Dr. Reincke's Career Path and Specialization16:08 – Founding the Reincke Vein Center17:39 – Patient Education and Community Outreach21:37 – The Importance of Staying Connected to Humble Beginnings22:12 – When to Take Vein Health Seriously22:49 – Consultations and Seeking Specialist Advice24:19 – Impact of Vein Health on Lifestyle27:29 – Treatment Options and Recovery Times29:17 – Understanding Varithena and Other Procedures33:34 – Contraindications and Patient Selection37:21 – Future Plans and Educational Outreach38:56 – Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Breaking Barriers and Sowing Seeds of Change: A Conversation About Surrogacy

In this episode of Soma Says, Dr. Soma welcomes Eloise Drane, the founder and CEO of Family Inceptions, the first Black woman-owned surrogacy and egg donation agency in the U.S. With extensive personal experience as both an egg donor and gestational surrogate, Eloise shares her inspiring journey and discusses the challenges and joys of helping families build their futures. The discussion highlights key topics, including the need for insurance coverage in fertility care, addressing the lack of accessibility and information in reproductive health—especially for women of color—and the importance of patient advocacy. Eloise also takes us through the rigorous screening process for surrogates and the importance of trust and relationships in the surrogacy process. This episode serves as a call for better education in reproductive health and patient advocacy across the healthcare system.
Timeline for Apple Podcasts:
00:00 - Introduction and DisclaimerDr. Soma sets the stage for the episode, introducing Eloise Drane and the impactful conversation about fertility and surrogacy.
00:52 - Meet Eloise Drane: A Trailblazer in FertilityLearn about Eloise’s background as the founder of Family Inceptions and her groundbreaking work in the surrogacy and egg donation space.
01:49 - Challenges in Fertility Care AccessEloise discusses the ongoing challenges in accessing fertility care, especially for underrepresented communities.
03:04 - Eloise's Journey: From Kidney Donor to Surrogacy AdvocateA deep dive into Eloise’s personal experiences as both a kidney and egg donor, and how these shaped her advocacy work in surrogacy.
04:24 - Starting Family InceptionsEloise shares her motivation behind starting Family Inceptions and the importance of creating an inclusive, supportive environment for families and surrogates.
05:23 - The Evolution of Surrogacy and Egg DonationExplore how the surrogacy and egg donation industries have changed over the years and the role Family Inceptions plays in that transformation.
07:54 - Educating Women on Reproductive HealthThe conversation highlights the need for greater education on reproductive health and fertility options, especially for women of color.
10:54 - The Importance of Self-Advocacy in HealthcareEloise emphasizes how critical it is for individuals to advocate for themselves within the healthcare system, particularly in fertility and surrogacy.
12:49 - Addressing Systemic Issues in Fertility CareEloise addresses the systemic barriers in fertility care, including disparities in care and access to necessary resources for marginalized groups.
20:32 - Eloise's Personal Inspiration and MissionEloise shares the personal experiences and motivations that drive her passion for changing the fertility landscape.
22:55 - Navigating the Industry as a Person of ColorEloise opens up about her unique experiences navigating the surrogacy industry as a Black woman, highlighting the need for representation.
26:41 - Outdated Medical TrainingAn insightful conversation about how outdated medical training can impact fertility care and how new approaches are needed.
29:19 - Advocating for YourselfEloise stresses the importance of patient advocacy in every aspect of healthcare, especially in reproductive health.
31:48 - Understanding SurrogacyA detailed explanation of the surrogacy process and what prospective parents and surrogates should know.
37:08 - Surrogacy Screening ProcessEloise walks us through the rigorous and essential process of screening surrogates to ensure the safety and well-being of all parties involved.
44:08 - Educational Events and ResourcesLearn about the educational events and resources available through Family Inceptions to empower and educate prospective parents and surrogates.
46:38 - Final Thoughts and Contact InformationEloise offers her final thoughts on the future of surrogacy and fertility care, sharing how listeners can connect with Family Inceptions and get involved.
Connect with Eloise Drane:Website: https://familyinceptions.com/Instagram: @familyinceptionsFacebook: Family Inceptions
Connect with Dr. Soma Mandal (Host):Website: https://www.somamandalmd.com/Instagram: @drsomamandalmdFacebook: Dr. Soma MandalTwitter: @SomaMd1YouTube: Soma Says Podcast

Beyond Talk: Unlocking Your Trauma’s Hidden Power with Critical Memory Integration

Episode Description:In this episode of Soma Says, Dr. Soma speaks with Estefana Johnson, Executive Director of Arise Alliance, about her transformative work in trauma counseling and the creation of the Critical Memory Integration (CMI) method.
Estefana shares her personal journey, including the challenges she faced as a Latina navigating the mental health field, and the deep impact of cultural and early-life experiences on emotional well-being. Together, they explore how CMI differs from traditional therapies—focusing on integrating rather than desensitizing memories—and how this powerful approach is changing lives.
You'll hear:
00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer
00:52 Personal Journey into Mental Health
01:55 Guest Introduction: Estefani Johnson
03:21 Critical Memory Integration (CMI) Overview
03:58 Cultural Influences on Mental Health
05:44 Understanding Critical Memories
08:24 CMI in Practice: Techniques and Benefits
17:04 Personal Transformation Stories
18:49 The Impact of CMI on Patients
21:47 Personal Reflections and Experiences
24:44 Recognizing Signs of Trauma
26:10 Understanding Trauma and Integration
27:51 The Role of Caregiving and Personal Boundaries
29:31 The Importance of Self-Care and Authenticity
32:27 Desensitization vs. Integration
34:46 The Continuous Journey of Healing
37:07 Training and Expanding CMI
43:18 Connecting with the Community
45:19 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
Guest Links – Estefana Johnson🔗 Website: https://arisealliance.org
Connect with Dr. Soma Mandal🌐 Website: www.somamandalmd.com📸 Instagram: @drsomamandalmd▶️ YouTube: Soma Says Podcast
🎧 If this episode moved you, please leave a review, share it with someone who needs to hear it, and subscribe to Soma Says for more life-changing conversations.

Rewrite Your Diagnosis: What This Therapist Wants Every Woman to Know

In this inspiring episode of Soma Says, Dr. Soma Mandal interviews Virginia “Gin” Oman — a transformational expert, licensed clinical mental health counselor, certified life coach, personal trainer, and harp therapist. Diagnosed with progressive multiple sclerosis in the late 1980s and told she’d never walk again, Gin rebuked expectations. She used the healing power of the mind-body connection, movement, music, and intuition to reclaim her life — going from wheelchair-bound to cycling and eventually serving as the MS Association’s National Ambassador.
 
🌟 Topics Covered
Resilience and defying the odds
Mind-body healing, intuition, and small daily steps
Sound and movement therapy for trauma and chronic illness
Building a life of purpose and inspiring hope
⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 – Intro & Disclaimer00:53 – Meet Virginia "Gin" Oman01:19 – Gin's Journey with MS04:35 – Intuition & Overcoming Adversity09:39 – Crafting a Unique Therapeutic Practice11:21 – Music & Movement as Medicine18:10 – Therapy’s Triumphs & Trials22:29 – Learning to Ride Again26:05 – Becoming a Voice for Hope26:40 – Inner Voice & Small Shifts28:49 – From Ashes to Flight29:27 – Writing for Healing30:48 – The Joy of Helping Others34:26 – Daily Rituals for Balance35:52 – Gratitude & Nature’s Role41:42 – Engaging the Audience42:10 – Final Thoughts + Contact Info
👥 Connect & Learn More
Virginia “Gin” Oman
Instagram: @virginiaomanofficial 
Website: virginiaoman.com
Dr. Soma Mandal aka "Dr. Soma"
Instagram: @drsomamandalmd 
Website: somamandalmd.com

Vagus Nerve Secrets: The Egg Device Every Woman Show Know About

🧠 Episode Summary:In this powerful episode, Dr. Soma interviews Celine Vignal, founder of Seesaw Health, about her personal journey with chronic migraines and how it inspired the creation of a cutting-edge women’s health tech company. Celine shares how her debilitating symptoms led to the development of Seesaw Health’s patented egg biosensor and breathwork app, which combine neuroscience-backed 0.1 Hz breathing techniques and real-time data to activate the vagus nerve and reduce inflammation.
Together, they explore how consistent breathwork can help regulate hormonal fluctuations, migraines, and menopausal symptoms—and why personalized, holistic tools are the future of women's health.
🕰️ Episode Breakdown:00:00 – Introduction and Disclaimer00:52 – Meet Celine Vignal and Seesaw Health03:07 – Personal Journey with Chronic Migraines05:35 – The Science Behind Seesaw Health16:19 – Daily Use and Benefits of the Device29:49 – Broader Applications and Future Plans31:59 – Privacy and Data Security36:03 – Conclusion and Contact Information
🌐 Learn More About Seesaw Health:Website: https://www.seesaw.healthInstagram: @seesaw.health
🔗 Connect with Dr. Soma Mandal:Website: www.somamandalmd.comInstagram: @drsomamandalYouTube Channel: Soma SaysApple Podcasts: Soma Says Podcast

Redefining Wealth After Divorce: Financial Tips for Midlife Women

🎙️ Money Mavericks: How Women Are Redefining the Rules of Wealthwith Melissa Murphy Pavone
In this empowering episode of Soma Says, Dr. Soma welcomes back Melissa Murphy Pavone, founder of Mindful Financial Partners and a seasoned financial advisor with over 25 years of experience. As a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA), Melissa brings not just numbers—but compassion, strategy, and clarity—to the table when helping women navigate the complex financial terrain of divorce.
They dive into the emotional and financial realities many women face during and after separation, from hidden financial pitfalls to the power of preparation. Melissa shares how women can protect their assets, gain financial literacy, and confidently take charge of their futures.
Whether you're contemplating divorce, in the middle of one, or supporting someone who is—this episode is full of practical insights and thoughtful guidance to help you move forward with strength and purpose.
🔑 Topics Covered:00:00 – Introduction and Disclaimer00:52 – Meet Melissa Murphy Pavone01:38 – Understanding Financial Challenges in Divorce02:28 – The Role of a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst03:27 – Common Financial Issues Women Face05:17 – The Importance of Financial Literacy and Support11:42 – Planning Ahead: Pre-Divorce Essentials14:50 – Melissa’s Mission and Why She Does This Work16:12 – Divorce Myths and Creative Solutions18:40 – Key Documents and Post-Divorce Transitions24:34 – Real Stories of Financial Empowerment31:42 – Final Thoughts and How to Connect
🌐 Learn more about Melissa:Website: mindfulfinancialpartners.comLinkedIn: Melissa Murphy PavoneInstagram: @mindfulfinancialpartners
📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube:Subscribe to Soma Says Podcast here → https://www.youtube.com/@SomaSays/videos

Hangry to Healthy: Science Backed Nutrition for Midlife Women

In this inspiring episode of Soma Says, Dr. Soma Mandal sits down with Amy White, board-certified holistic nutritionist, functional nutrition & lifestyle practitioner, and certified life coach. As the founder and CEO of The Simplicity of Wellness, Amy shares her journey from healing her daughter’s gut issues to transforming the health of thousands of midlife women.
Amy unpacks her signature Hangry to Healthy™ program and how it helps women balance hormones, break free from food guilt, and create sustainable, science-backed habits—without restrictive diets. From understanding how food acts as information, to addressing metabolic shifts and hormonal imbalances in perimenopause and menopause, Amy offers empowering insights and tools for lasting wellness.
You’ll also hear about her private AI coaching platform designed to support clients in real time with personalized nutrition guidance. If you're navigating the complexities of midlife health, this episode is for you.
Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction and Disclaimer00:52 – Meet Amy White: Transforming Women's Health02:36 – Amy's Personal Journey into Nutrition05:39 – Understanding Food as Information06:33 – Tailored Nutrition Strategies for Midlife Women07:07 – The Role of Habits in Health15:50 – Addressing Food Guilt and Collecting Data21:50 – Innovative Tools for Nutrition Coaching25:10 – Stress Eating and Awareness26:32 – Hormonal Imbalances and Gut Health27:30 – Rebalancing Metabolic Hormones28:17 – Managing Insulin Resistance30:51 – Hangry to Healthy Program33:55 – GLP-1 Medications and Weight Loss40:49 – Perimenopause, Menopause, and Weight Management43:33 – Client Success Stories47:46 – Conclusion and Contact Information
Connect with Amy White:🌐 Website: https://www.thesimplicityofwellness.com📸 Instagram: @thesimplicityofwellness📧 Free Resources & Program Info: https://www.thesimplicityofwellness.com/resources

Smart Tech, Smarter Women: How AI Is Taking Charge of Our Health Tech

In this episode of Soma Says, Dr. Soma Mandal welcomes Shalvi Singh, AI visionary and founder of Health Engine—a groundbreaking platform using artificial intelligence to bridge the $50 billion gap in women’s healthcare.
From her personal journey with PCOS to building an app that decodes biomarker shifts and predicts women’s health transitions, Shalvi shares how Health Engine is reimagining care for conditions like PCOS, perimenopause, and more. They unpack the importance of integrating AI into traditional care, discuss the potential for clinic partnerships, and address data privacy concerns—all while empowering women to understand and advocate for their bodies like never before.
🔍 Whether you're a healthcare provider, technophile, or just fed up with feeling dismissed in the exam room, this conversation is your front-row seat to the future of women’s health.
Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction and Disclaimer01:06 – Meet Shalvi Singh: AI Visionary and Women's Health Advocate02:48 – Shalvi's Personal Journey with PCOS04:56 – Challenges and Critiques of Traditional Medicine09:55 – The Birth of Health Engine13:42 – AI and Women’s Health: The Future of Proactive Care18:25 – How Health Engine Works21:42 – Community and Support Systems31:03 – Data Privacy and Security in AI33:04 – Conclusion and Future Prospects
Guest Links:💼 LinkedIn: Shalvi Singh📰 TechBullion Feature

Grip or Slip: The Secret to Longevity

In this episode of Soma Says, Dr. Soma welcomes chiropractor and former pro golfer Dr. Terry Zachary to explore a surprisingly overlooked topic: grip strength. From his transition out of professional golf to his work with athletes, musicians, and everyday professionals, Dr. Zachary shares the science and strategy behind Handmaster Plus, a tool that helps train all 27 muscles of the hand, wrist, forearm, and elbow.
They discuss how balanced muscle training can prevent injury, improve recovery, support lymphatic drainage, and even help new mothers and aging adults maintain strength and function. Whether you're navigating menopause, recovering from carpal tunnel, or just typing away at a laptop all day, this conversation will change the way you think about your hands.
Timeline:00:00 – Introduction and Disclaimer01:30 – Welcome Dr. Terry Zachary02:25 – From Golf to Chiropractic: Dr. Zachary’s Journey05:17 – The Birth of Handmaster Plus06:26 – How Handmaster Plus Works15:52 – The Importance of Balanced Muscle Training19:44 – Who Benefits from Handmaster Plus?24:39 – Carpal Tunnel and Rehabilitation27:32 – Middle-Aged Women & Muscle Recovery30:07 – Why Staying Active Matters30:41 – Grip Strength as a Health Indicator32:55 – Training Methods and Patient Stories35:50 – Recovery Exercises for Seniors36:48 – The “Figure Eight” Exercise46:09 – Blood Flow, Lymph Drainage & Hand Health47:35 – What’s Next for Handmaster Plus55:35 – Final Thoughts and Contact Information
👉 Learn more about Dr. Zachary and his work: www.doczac.com

AI Can’t Brew Intimacy: How Lavender Coffee Boutique is Creating Connection

Subscribe to the video podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@SomaSays/videos
In this episode of Soma Says, host Dr. Soma Mandal sits down with Lindsey Sozio, the visionary founder of Lavender Coffee Boutique in Denver, Colorado. With a background in branding and interior design, Lindsay shares how she transitioned from creative agency life to building a woman-owned coffee boutique centered on wellness, ritual, and community.
Together, Dr. Soma and Lindsey explore:
The power of daily rituals and how they support women’s well-being
How Lavender Coffee Boutique blends style, soul, and specialty drinks
The role of connection and intention in building a wellness-focused brand
The highs and lows of entrepreneurship, and how Lindsey maintains balance as a business owner and mom
How Lindsey builds authentic community through marketing and customer experience
Whether you’re a coffee lover, creative entrepreneur, or simply navigating midlife wellness, this episode will leave you inspired to build a life—and business—with heart.
⏱️ Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction to Lindsey Sozio and Lavender Coffee Boutique02:01 – Lindsay's Journey: From Interior Design to Coffee Entrepreneurship05:34 – The Wellness Focus of Lavender Coffee09:30 – Unique Coffee Products and Customer Experience10:58 – Marketing Strategies and Community Building21:37 – Challenges and Successes in Entrepreneurship26:52 – Future Plans and Balancing Life as an Entrepreneur33:48 – The Importance of Human Connection in a Digital Age38:10 – Conclusion and Final Thoughts
✨ Connect with Lindsey Sozio & Lavender Coffee Boutique:🌐 Website: lavendercb.com📸 Instagram: @lavender.cb
🎧 Subscribe to Soma Says and leave a review to help others discover stories of empowered, modern women navigating midlife with strength and soul.