Soma Says
Welcome to Soma Says, the podcast where women’s health gets personal. Hosted by Dr. Soma Mandal—board-certified internist and nationally recognized expert in midlife and menopause—this show brings you no-fluff conversations about the health issues that matter most to women 40 and up. From hot flashes to hormone therapy, anxiety to aging, Dr. Soma blends the best of Western medicine with Eastern wisdom to help you feel informed, empowered, and supported through every stage of midlife and beyond. Whether you’re navigating perimenopause, facing big life transitions, or just want to better understand your changing body, Soma Says offers expert insights, heartfelt stories, and practical tools to help you rewrite your health story—with confidence. 🎧 New episodes every week. Subscribe and join the conversation. Learn more at www.somamandalmd.com and follow @drsomamandal on Instagram.
Episodes

Oct 8, 2024
Oct 8, 2024
26 min
Subscribe to the video podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@SomaMandalsays/videos
Breast Cancer Awareness with Dr. Soma Mandal and Dr. Alison Price
In this special episode of 'Soma Says,' Dr. Soma hosts a live session at Poduty LIve Fest 2024 in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month with Dr. Alison Price, a breast surgical oncologist. They discuss the updated breast cancer screening guidelines advising mammograms starting at age 40, the impact of early detection, and the role of breast density in screening. Dr. Price demystifies misconceptions about breast cancer risk factors and the role of hormone replacement therapy. They explore emerging screening technologies and the positive outcomes of early interventions. The episode highlights the importance of individualized risk assessment and ongoing patient education to improve breast health outcomes.
00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer
00:42 Special Episode for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
01:18 Live Session Introduction
02:16 Changes in Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines
04:49 Breast Density and Legislative Changes
06:09 Individual Risk Factors and Screening
07:16 Modifiable and Non-Modifiable Risk Factors
08:22 Mammography and Other Screening Modalities
09:27 Misconceptions About Breast Cancer
13:25 Hormone Replacement Therapy and Breast Cancer
18:54 Future of Breast Cancer Detection
21:37 Success Stories and Patient Impact
23:48 Conclusion and Social Media
Dr. Price is a breast surgical oncologist with a practice at Summit Health in New Providence, NJ www.summithealth.com/doctors/alison-price-md

Oct 3, 2024
Oct 3, 2024
35 min
Subscribe to the video podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@SomaMandalsays/videos
In this episode, host Dr. Soma engages in a deep conversation with Dr. Krystal Culler, a holistic brain health expert and founder of the Virtual Brain Health Center. Dr. Culler shares her insights on brain health, the importance of lifestyle factors, and the mission of her center which aims to serve 100,000 brilliant brains in 10 years. They discuss the evolving understanding of brain health, its relationship with heart health, and the latest research and screening tools available. Dr. Culler also busts common myths about brain health and emphasizes the importance of early detection and personalized care plans. Additionally, they explore the role of family support in dementia care and highlight the resources available at the Virtual Brain Health Center, including a comprehensive brain health directory and educational programs. This episode is a treasure trove of information for those looking to prioritize their brain health and support their loved ones.
00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer
00:46 Meet Dr. Krystal Culler
01:51 The Mission of the Virtual Brain Health Center
02:54 The Importance of Brain Health
06:03 Lifestyle Factors and Brain Health
09:30 Myths and Misconceptions About Brain Health
12:04 Screening and Early Detection
14:50 Supporting Patients and Families
20:52 Current Research and Future Directions
32:42 Resources and Final Thoughts
To learn more about Dr. Culler and the Virtual Brain Health Center, please visit https://virtualbrainhealthcenter.com/

Sep 27, 2024
Sep 27, 2024
31 min
Subscribe to the video podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@SomaMandalsays/videos
Understanding and Managing Pelvic Pain: Insights from Dr. Leia Rispoli
In this episode of Soma Says, Dr. Soma hosts Dr. Leia Rispoli, a double board-certified physician in physical medicine, rehabilitation, and pain management. Dr. Rispoli shares her expertise on interventional pain management, focusing on pelvic pain. She details her approach to treating conditions like endometriosis, chronic UTIs, and pelvic floor dysfunction using innovative non-surgical interventions such as neuromodulation, ultrasound-guided procedures, regenerative medicine techniques, and Botox. The discussion emphasizes the importance of listening to patients, personalized care, and the emerging treatments in the field. Dr. Rispoli also highlights the complexities of pelvic pain and offers valuable insights into the emotional and physical impacts on patients.
00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer
00:47 Meet Dr. Leia Rispoli
01:49 Understanding Pelvic Pain
04:23 Comprehensive Approach to Pelvic Pain
05:18 Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Explained
07:11 Emotional and Psychological Impact of Pelvic Pain
19:53 Non-Surgical Interventions for Pain Management
24:14 Success Stories and Future Modalities
28:49 Final Thoughts and Contact Information
Dr. Rispoli's website: https://www.leiarispolimd.com/

Sep 20, 2024
Sep 20, 2024
40 min
Subscribe to the video podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@SomaMandalsays/videos
In this episode of 'Soma Says', Dr. Soma interviews Dr. Heather Hinshelwood, an emergency medicine physician with a Navy background and expertise in integrative and functional medicine. Dr. H shares her journey from treating trauma in the ER to her current practice in South Carolina, focused on restorative health. They discuss the importance of tackling root health issues, effective patient communication, and advocating for women's health, especially around hormone replacement therapy (HRT). They also touch on the socioeconomic and racial disparities in healthcare, emphasizing the need for a holistic, patient-centered approach to treatment. Dr. H provides practical tools for women to advocate for their health and the value of integrating strength training and intermittent fasting into their routines.
00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer
00:47 Meet Dr. Heather Hinshelwood
01:25 Dr. H's Medical Journey
03:17 Transition to Functional Medicine
04:58 Integrative Approach at the Fraum Center for Restorative Health
07:58 Controlled Substance-Free Practice
10:01 Addressing Mental Health
11:44 Challenges Faced by Women and People of Color in Healthcare
18:55 The Importance of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
23:51 Empowering Patients to Advocate for Themselves
36:18 Practical Tools for Better Health
38:37 Conclusion and Contact Information
You can find Dr. Hinshelwood at:
http://fraum.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/Heather%20%E2%80%9CDr%20H%E2%80%9D%20(MD,%20FACEP)%20Hinshelwood

Sep 13, 2024
Sep 13, 2024
41 min
Subscribe to the video podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@SomaMandalsays/videos
In this episode of Soma Says, Dr. Soma welcomes Dr. Isabel Casimiro, an accomplished endocrinologist, and physician-scientist, to discuss the impact of Ozempic and Mounjaro on diabetes and metabolic disease management. Dr. Casimiro shares her inspiring journey from Southern California to her current practice in Hawaii and details her groundbreaking research. She explains the science behind GLP-1 inhibitors, their benefits, potential side effects, and how they are revolutionizing the treatment of metabolic issues. The discussion also covers patient education, lifestyle changes, and the future of these medications in improving health outcomes.
00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer
00:43 Meet Dr. Isabel Casimiro
01:41 Dr. Casimiro's Journey to Medicine
04:02 Understanding How Ozempic and Mounjaro work
07:00 Patient Education and Medication
09:48 Challenges and Side Effects
14:59 Insurance and Accessibility Issues
27:48 Future of Ozempic and Mounjaro
34:20 Practical Health Tips
38:42 Conclusion and Social Media
Learn more about Dr. Isabel Casimiro: https://www.queens.org/providers/2551/isabel-casimiro/
Dr. Casimiro's blog: https://mudphudmama.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/drisabelcasimiro/

Sep 10, 2024
Sep 10, 2024
33 min
Subscribe to the video podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@SomaMandalsays/videos
In this special episode of 'Soma Says', Dr. Soma is joined by Sara Director, a 9/11 survivor and partner at Barasch & McGarry. Sara shares her harrowing experience of witnessing the events of September 11, 2001, and how it propelled her into a career advocating for 9/11 victims. The discussion covers the lasting health impacts of the toxic air in Lower Manhattan, the challenges in recognizing uterine cancer as a 9/11-related illness, and the ongoing efforts to raise awareness and provide support through the Victim Compensation Fund and the World Trade Center Health Program. Sara emphasizes the importance of spreading the word about available resources and the necessity for those affected to come forward and utilize these life-saving programs.
00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement
01:00 Sara's Personal 9/11 Experience
03:40 The Ongoing Impact of 9/11
04:55 Advocacy for Uterine Cancer Recognition
12:44 Challenges and Misconceptions
19:46 Spreading Awareness and Advocacy Efforts
26:28 Balancing Professional and Personal Life
29:20 Conclusion and Call to Action

Sep 6, 2024
Sep 6, 2024
40 min
Subscribe to the video podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@SomaMandalsays/videos
In this episode of 'Soma Says,' host Dr. Soma is joined by Dr. Sina Leslie Smith, an accomplished medical doctor and licensed acupuncturist with extensive training in homeopathic, integrative, culinary, and functional medicine. Dr. Smith shares her personal journey, starting from her early dreams of becoming a surgeon to discovering the transformative power of acupuncture after a debilitating injury. The conversation covers the scientific and traditional aspects of acupuncture, its diverse applications, and common misconceptions. Dr. Smith also discusses her work integrating acupuncture into mainstream medicine, particularly within the Department of Defense, the VA system, and federally qualified health centers. She emphasizes the importance of dietary choices and holistic health practices. The episode concludes with insights into Dr. Smith's educational initiatives
and her book 'Demystifying Acupuncture.'
00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer
00:42 Meet Dr. Sina Leslie Smith
01:38 Dr. Smith's Journey to Acupuncture
04:43 Dr. Soma's Acupuncture Experience
07:05 Integrative Medicine and Acupuncture
07:41 Challenges and Misconceptions
11:05 How Acupuncture Works
24:10 Acupuncture in Modern Healthcare
31:44 Patient Success Stories
34:35 Diet and Lifestyle Tips
37:52 Where to Find Dr. Smith
39:12 Conclusion and Call to Action
Dr. Sina Smith can be found at https://sinasmithmd.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sinasmithmd/
Find her book, 'Demystifying Acupuncture" on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1959608770?maas=maas_adg_5F2C39413B99DDD6F014C0D84E419600_afap_abs&ref_=aa_maas&tag=maas

Aug 29, 2024
Aug 29, 2024
29 min
Subscribe to the video podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@SomaMandalsays/videos
In this episode of Soma Says, host Dr. Soma welcomes Dr. Aditi Chhada, a renowned gastroenterologist specializing in women's GI health at Gastroenterology Associates of New Jersey. Dr. Chhada shares insights on the impact of hormonal fluctuations on the digestive system, the importance of the microbiome, and effective management strategies for GI symptoms during different stages of a woman's life. Listeners will gain invaluable guidance on dietary changes, lifestyle practices, and the role of probiotics in maintaining gut health across reproductive, perimenopausal, and menopausal phases.
00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer
00:40 Meet Dr. Aditi Chhada
01:55 Women's Health and GI: A Deep Dive
04:36 Hormonal Fluctuations and GI Health
06:07 Menstrual Cycle and GI Symptoms
09:14 Perimenopause and Menopause: GI Issues
11:33 The Role of the Microbiome
13:14 Antibiotics and the Microbiome
14:55 Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations
17:28 Probiotics: Do They Help?
19:39 Common GI Conditions in Women
22:37 Future Research and Final Thoughts
25:24 Conclusion and Takeaways
Dr. Chhada's profile: https://www.ganjllc.com/physician/dr-aditi-chhada/

Aug 23, 2024
Aug 23, 2024
33 min
Subscribe to the video podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@SomaMandalsays/videos
In this educational podcast episode, the Dr. Soma features Dr. Mary Alice Mina, a Harvard-trained dermatologist and Mohs surgeon based in Atlanta. Dr. Mina shares her journey from being a ballet dancer to becoming a dermatologist. She discusses her approach to dermatology, stressing the importance of preventative care for maintaining healthy skin. The conversation delves into a range of topics including skincare routines, the impact of hormones on the skin, the role of the microbiome in skin health, and bringing regenerative medicine into dermatology. Dr. Mina also provides practical tips on using effective and affordable skincare products, highlights the importance of professional treatments, and addresses common skin concerns for aging women.
00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer
00:39 Meet Dr. Mary Alice Mina
01:10 Journey to Dermatology
04:02 Specialization in Procedural Dermatology
05:38 Skin Care and Prevention Tips
15:14 Collagen and Anti-Aging Strategies
21:51 Microbiome and Skin Health
28:22 Future Trends in Dermatology
30:54 Conclusion and Contact Information
Dr. Mina can be found at https://www.theskinreal.com/ and https://www.atlantadermsurgery.com/about/dr-mary-alice-mina
IG: https://www.instagram.com/drminaskin/
Listen to Dr. Mina's podcast at https://www.theskinreal.com/podcast

Aug 16, 2024
Aug 16, 2024
32 min
Subscribe to the video podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@SomaMandalsays/videos
In this episode of Soma Says, Dr. Soma welcomes Erica Wiederlight, a Confidence Coach specializing in guiding individuals through dating, love, sexual empowerment, and self-journeys. Erica shares her personal backstory, her professional journey as a coach and actor, and her passion for helping clients reclaim their confidence and embody pleasure in everyday life. The discussion covers various tools, techniques, and resources available for personal growth and empowerment. Erica also shares insights on her approach to coaching, including the importance of creating safety and integrating pleasure into life. Listeners can expect to learn about the transformative power of embodiment and gain practical takeaways to enhance their well-being.
00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer
00:53 Meet Erica Wiederlight: Confidence Coach
01:28 Erica's Personal Journey
04:33 The Role of Embodiment in Coaching
06:11 Challenges and Transformations
14:06 Resources and Recommendations
15:52 Navigating the Dating World
17:01 Understanding What You Want in Dating
17:49 Building Confidence and Addressing Past Experiences
18:26 Making Dating Fun and Approachable
20:20 Becoming a Love Coach: Training and Education
21:48 Welcome to the Wieder Life Podcast
23:27 Integrating Acting and Coaching
28:59 Virtual Practice and Free Resources
30:35 Final Takeaway Tool for Integrating Pleasure
You can find Erica Wiederlight at https://www.wethelight.org/ and IG https://www.instagram.com/wethelight_llc/
You can also listen to Erica Wiederlight's podcast at https://www.wethelight.org/podcast

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







