Her Side by Flourish Heights

When It's Time to Break Up With Your Doctor (w/ Dr. Jamison)

Have you ever left a doctor's appointment feeling confused, dismissed, or unsure of what to do next? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Sarah Jamison, a board-certified emergency medicine physician, medical news correspondent, and health educator, to talk about how to advocate for yourself in today's healthcare system.

Together, we discuss practical ways to communicate with your healthcare team, questions to ask during appointments, signs it may be time to seek a second opinion or find a new provider, and why speaking up about your symptoms matters. Dr. Jamison also shares insights from both the emergency room and the media world on common healthcare misconceptions and how patients can feel more empowered when navigating their care.

WATCH THE FULL VIDEO ON YT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guTUOyYME5o

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why self-advocacy is an important part of healthcare
• Questions to ask at your next doctor's appointment
• How to prepare for appointments and make the most of your time
• Signs you may need a second opinion
• Red flags that it may be time to find a new doctor
• Common mistakes patients make when communicating symptoms
• How to navigate healthcare with confidence

Her Side by Flourish Heights was made for women, by women. To be empowered in health starts with a true connection with your body. Join Valerie Agyeman, a women’s health dietitian and journalist as she explores overlooked women’s health conversations, blending expert insight with real stories around periods, hormones, nutrition, and body awareness. 

About Dr. Sarah Jamison

Dr. Sarah G. Jamison is a board-certified Emergency Medicine physician who has been in clinical practice for over a decade. She is a native New Yorker and a proud alumna of Spelman College in Atlanta, GA. After finishing medical school at SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY, she went on to complete her residency training in Emergency Medicine at Jacobi and Montefiore Medical Centers. She served as Chief Resident during her final year of residency.

As an emergentologist working on the front of the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Sarah was humbled to win the Essential Heroes Award by Essence Magazine. When she isn't in the ER, Dr. Jamison is very active as a freelance medical news correspondent as well as a “Medfluencer” on social media. She uses her social platforms to promote health education and medical literacy to an audience of over 120,000 followers. In her personal time, Dr. Jamison loves traveling, spending time with her family, and is the proud aunt to 7-year-old Zion, 4-year-old Shiloh, and 1-year-old Arielle.

Connect with Dr. Jamison:

IG: @dr.sarah_jam 

Website: https://drsarahsaidso.com/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dr.Sarah_Jam

Is there a topic you'd like covered on the podcast? Submit it to hello@flourishheights.com

Subscribe to our quarterly newsletters: Flourish Heights Newsletter

Visit our website + nutrition blog: www.flourishheights.com

Follow us on social media:

Instagram: @flourishheights / Women's Health Hub: @hersidebyfh / @valerieagyeman

Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishheights

Want to support this podcast? Leave a rating, write a review and share! Thank you!

Why Aren't the Girls Strength Training?

I heard the girls aren’t strength training...so we’re talking about why strength training matters so much more than just “toning up,” including how it supports muscle, metabolism, bone health, energy, and long-term health as your body changes with age. I also break down why so many women unintentionally skip it, and what to do if you’re a beginner and don’t know where to start. If it’s been on your mind, this will help you actually get going.

Her Side by Flourish Heights was made for women, by women. To be empowered in health starts with a true connection with your body. Join Valerie Agyeman, a women’s health dietitian and journalist as she explores overlooked women’s health conversations, blending expert insight with real stories around periods, hormones, nutrition, and body awareness. 

*This episode is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for guidance specific to your health.

Stay Connected:

Is there a topic you'd like covered on the podcast? Submit it to hello@flourishheights.com

Subscribe to our quarterly newsletters: Flourish Heights Newsletter

Visit our website + nutrition blog: www.flourishheights.com

Follow us on social media:

Instagram: @flourishheights / Women's Health Hub: @hersidebyfh / @valerieagyeman

Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishheights

Want to support this podcast? Leave a rating, write a review and share! Thank you!

Beef Tallow, LED Masks & Glass Skin?! What Actually Works (w/ Dermatologist Mina)

Beef tallow skincare. LED masks. Glass skin routines. TikTok is shaping how we think about beauty – but is it helping or harming our skin? In this episode, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Mina breaks down the science behind viral skincare trends and reveals what’s actually worth your time (and what’s not). We also explore why so many women are suddenly noticing shifts in their 30s and 40s, and how hormones, perimenopause, nutrition, and even weight loss medications are changing the skin in ways most people aren’t talking about.

Her Side by Flourish Heights was made for women, by women. To be empowered in health starts with a true connection with your body. Join Valerie Agyeman, a women’s health dietitian and journalist as she explores overlooked women’s health conversations, blending expert insight with real stories around periods, hormones, nutrition, and body awareness. 

About Dr. Mina:

Dr. Mary Alice Mina, MD, FAAD, FACMS is a Harvard-trained, double board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon. She is the co-owner of Baucom & Mina Derm Surgery in Atlanta and the host of The Skin Real, a globally ranked podcast that breaks down skincare myths and helps people make smarter decisions about their skin health.

With nearly two decades of clinical experience, Dr. Mina is known for her thoughtful, science-based approach to skin health, aging, and aesthetic medicine. Through her podcast, educational content, and patient care, she empowers people to simplify skincare, cut through misinformation, and feel confident in their skin at every stage of life.

Keep up with Dr. Mina at:

IG - https://www.instagram.com/drminaskin/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@drminaskin/videos

Website - https://www.theskinreal.com/

Stay Connected:

Is there a topic you'd like covered on the podcast? Submit it to hello@flourishheights.com

Subscribe to our quarterly newsletters: Flourish Heights Newsletter

Visit our website + nutrition blog: www.flourishheights.com

Follow us on social media:

Instagram: @flourishheights / Women's Health Hub: @hersidebyfh / @valerieagyeman

Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishheights

Want to support this podcast? Leave a rating, write a review and share! Thank you!

But Why Am I Gassy All the Time?

If your stomach feels fine one minute and chaotic the next you are not alone! This episode breaks down why gas and bloating happen, what your body might be trying to tell you, and how to support your digestion in a way that actually feels doable. Listen up!!

Her Side by Flourish Heights was made for women, by women. To be empowered in health starts with a true connection with your body. Join Valerie Agyeman, a women’s health dietitian and journalist as she explores overlooked women’s health conversations, blending expert insight with real stories around periods, hormones, nutrition, and body awareness. 

*This episode is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for guidance specific to your health.

Stay Connected:

Is there a topic you'd like covered on the podcast? Submit it to hello@flourishheights.com

Subscribe to our quarterly newsletters: Flourish Heights Newsletter

Visit our website + nutrition blog: www.flourishheights.com

Follow us on social media:

Instagram: @flourishheights / Women's Health Hub: @hersidebyfh / @valerieagyeman

Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishheights

Want to support this podcast? Leave a rating, write a review and share! Thank you!

At 31, She Survived a Heart Attack (w/ Kisha Stewart)

At the age of 31, shortly after giving birth to her son Diego, Kisha Stewart experienced a life-threatening heart attack caused by a rare and often under-recognized condition called SCAD. What started as what she thought was normal postpartum fatigue quickly turned into chest pain, dizziness, and nausea — symptoms that could have been easily dismissed.

In this episode, Kisha opens up about that terrifying night, the role her intuition played in getting the care she needed, and the challenges of navigating gender bias in the healthcare system. She also shares her journey of rebuilding both her physical health and trust in her body, and offers vital insight into warning signs every woman should know. This is a story of resilience, awareness, and empowerment that every listener can learn from.

About Kisha Stewart:

Kisha Stewart, a nurse and mother of three, survived a near-fatal "widowmaker" heart attack (SCAD) at age 31, just two weeks after giving birth. Despite having a medical background, her symptoms were initially dismissed as anxiety. Now a Go Red for Women advocate, she shares her story to highlight postpartum risks, racial disparities in care and the need for self-advocacy. She documented her experience in the book "Sonata for a Damaged Heart: A Young Mother's Journey of Survival After a Near Fatal Heart Attack.

Keep up with Kisha:

Read her story at the American Heart Association: https://www.goredforwomen.org/en/about-heart-disease-in-women/class-of-survivors/kisha-stewart

IG - https://www.instagram.com/kishaandscad/

Book - https://www.amazon.com/Sonata-Damaged-Heart-Expanded-Survival-ebook/dp/B0CLKZJKW6

Stay Connected:

Is there a topic you'd like covered on the podcast? Submit it to hello@flourishheights.com

Subscribe to our quarterly newsletters: Flourish Heights Newsletter

Visit our website + nutrition blog: www.flourishheights.com

Follow us on social media:

Instagram: @flourishheights / Women's Health Hub: @hersidebyfh / @valerieagyeman

Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishheights

Want to support this podcast? Leave a rating, write a review and share! Thank you!

Afternoon Crashes, Cravings & Weight Gain? It Might Be Insulin Resistance

Have you heard of insulin resistance? It’s one of those things that can sneak up on you without you realizing it. Maybe you’re noticing weight gain in your midsection, afternoon crashes, cravings that just won’t quit, or even irregular cycles — and you’re like, “What is happening with my body?” I see this so often with women, and the good news is, it’s manageable.

In this episode, we’re talking insulin resistance — what it is, why it happens, and how things like meals, movement, sleep, and stress fit into the bigger picture, along with labs and supplements that are often part of the conversation. Listen up!!

Her Side by Flourish Heights was made for women, by women. To be empowered in health starts with a true connection with your body. Join Valerie Agyeman, a women’s health dietitian and journalist as she explores overlooked women’s health conversations, blending expert insight with real stories around periods, hormones, nutrition, and body awareness. 

*This episode is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for guidance specific to your health.

Stay Connected:

Is there a topic you'd like covered on the podcast? Submit it to hello@flourishheights.com

Subscribe to our quarterly newsletters: Flourish Heights Newsletter

Visit our website + nutrition blog: www.flourishheights.com

Resources:

Insulin Resistance Review (NIH): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507839/

Follow us on social media:

Instagram: @flourishheights / Women's Health Hub: @hersidebyfh / @valerieagyeman

Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishheights

Want to support this podcast? Leave a rating, write a review and share! Thank you!

Motherhood After 40: Fertility, IVF & Rewriting the Rules (w/ Beth Gulotta)

Motherhood didn’t unfold the way Beth expected. After becoming pregnant easily at 39, she assumed her second journey would look the same. Instead, she faced multiple miscarriages, failed IVF transfers, and the unexpected discovery of Hashimoto’s — an autoimmune condition that had gone undiagnosed.

WATCH THE FULL VIDEO EPISODE ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/tr_X8EdRDMQ

In this deeply vulnerable episode, Beth shares what the fertility journey really looks like behind the scenes: the grief, the advocacy, the emotional toll, and the pressure of watching time pass.

We talk about:

-The myth of the 35 “cliff”

-Dating with a fertility timeline

-How pressure impacts women’s mental health

-The dark side of the fertility industry

-And the resilience that comes from rewriting the rules

At the end of the episode, Beth shares what she would tell her younger self and offers powerful words for women who feel like they’re behind.

Her Side by Flourish Heights was made for women, by women. To be empowered in health starts with a true connection with your body. Join Valerie Agyeman, a women’s health dietitian and journalist as she explores overlooked women’s health conversations, blending expert insight with real stories around periods, hormones, nutrition, and body awareness. 

Listener Note: This conversation includes discussions of miscarriage, IVF, and pregnancy loss, which may be sensitive for some listeners.

About Beth Gulotta:

Beth Gulotta, LMHC, is a psychotherapist, group private practice owner, boy mom, and host of the Quiet the Clock podcast, where she explores fertility, identity, and the pressure of societal timelines. She is the founder of NYC Therapeutic Wellness, a New York City based group practice, and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in New York State with a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Manhattan College. After years of following the “I should” path into finance before answering the “I want” call to therapy, Beth built a career centered on partnership, self-connection, and emotional healing. Her work is deeply informed by her personal fertility journey, which includes multiple IVF failures, miscarriages, and secondary infertility; she welcomed her first son through natural conception at age 40 and is currently expecting her second child after conceiving naturally at 44, bringing lived experience, nuance, and compassion to conversations often shaped by fear and silence.

Keep up with Beth at:

IG - https://www.instagram.com/quiettheclockpod/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@quiettheclock

Website - https://www.nyctherapeuticwellness.com/

Stay Connected:

Is there a topic you'd like covered on the podcast? Submit it to hello@flourishheights.com

Subscribe to our quarterly newsletters: Flourish Heights Newsletter

Visit our website + nutrition blog: www.flourishheights.com

Follow us on social media:

Instagram: @flourishheights / Women's Health Hub: @hersidebyfh / @valerieagyeman

Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishheights

Want to support this podcast? Leave a rating, write a review and share! Thank you!

10 Blood Tests You Need to Know About — Seriously

Ever get your blood work back and think… okay but what does any of this actually mean?? This episode is for the woman who wants to understand her body instead of just reacting when something feels off.

A recent 2024 Hologic x Gallup survey found that nearly half of women have skipped or delayed a health screening a doctor recommended. Not because they don’t care, but because of things like time constraints, cost, anxiety around tests, or not thinking a screening applies to them.

In this episode, we’re breaking down a huge part of screenings and prevention: blood tests. I’m walking you through 10 blood tests that can reveal major health clues, what they actually tell you, and how knowing your numbers can help you feel more in control of your health — not stressed by it.

Her Side by Flourish Heights was made for women, by women. To be empowered in health starts with a true connection with your body. Join Valerie Agyeman, a women’s health dietitian and journalist as she explores overlooked women’s health conversations, blending expert insight with real stories around periods, hormones, nutrition, and body awareness. 

Stay Connected:

Is there a topic you'd like covered on the podcast? Submit it to hello@flourishheights.com

Subscribe to our quarterly newsletters: Flourish Heights Newsletter

Visit our website + nutrition blog: www.flourishheights.com

Resources:

Why US Women Miss Critical Health Screenings: https://hologic.womenshealthindex.com/sites/default/files/2024-07/Hologic_US_Mini-Report_7.8.24.pdf

Follow us on social media:

Instagram: @flourishheights / Women's Health Hub: @hersidebyfh / @valerieagyeman

Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishheights

Want to support this podcast? Leave a rating, write a review and share! Thank you!

Welcome to Her Side by Flourish Heights!

Her Side by Flourish Heights was made for women, by women. To be empowered in health starts with a true connection with your body. Join Valerie Agyeman, a women’s health dietitian and journalist as she explores overlooked women’s health conversations, blending expert insight with real stories around periods, hormones, nutrition, and body awareness. 

Stay Connected:

Is there a topic you'd like covered on the podcast? Submit it at hello@flourishheights.com

Say hello! Email us at hello@flourishheights.com

Subscribe to our quarterly newsletters: Flourish Heights Newsletter

Visit our website + nutrition blog: www.flourishheights.com

Follow us on social media:

Instagram: @flourishheights / @valerieagyeman / @hersidebyfh

Want to support this podcast? Leave a fab rating + write a review! Thank you!

Anxiety Is Doing a Number on Your Body— Here’s How to Manage (w/ Amoya Robinson)

As the year comes to a close, it’s normal to feel a mix of emotions, pride for what we’ve accomplished, frustration over what didn’t go as planned, and maybe a little anxiety about what the next year will bring. Holidays, family gatherings, and all the social pressure to look, feel, or perform a certain way can make those feelings even stronger. Sometimes it shows up as racing thoughts, a tight chest, or that critical inner voice about your body or choices.

To help make sense of it all, I’m talking with Amoya Robinson, a mental health therapist. We get into why anxiety shows up, how it can affect our daily lives and body image, and share practical ways to manage it without piling on more pressure. LISTEN UP!

Her Side by Flourish Heights was made for women, by women. To be empowered in health starts with a true connection with your body. Join Valerie Agyeman, a women’s health dietitian and journalist as she explores overlooked women’s health conversations, blending expert insight with real stories around periods, hormones, nutrition, and body awareness. 

About Amoya Robinson

Amoya Robinson, LCSW, is the founder of Thrive Therapy & Wellness, a culturally grounded practice redefining what healing looks like for women of color. More than a therapy space, Thrive offers holistic support that honors culture, identity, and emotional transformation through a trauma-informed lens. As a licensed therapist and wellness practitioner, Amoya helps women navigate anxiety, burnout, and life transitions with care that centers their voices and lived experiences.

Connect with Amoya:

IG: @thrivetherapywellness

Website: https://www.thrivetherapywell.com/

 

Stay Connected:

Is there a topic you'd like covered on the podcast? Submit it to hello@flourishheights.com

Subscribe to our quarterly newsletters: Flourish Heights Newsletter

Visit our website + nutrition blog: www.flourishheights.com

Follow us on social media:

Instagram: @flourishheights / Women's Health Hub: @flourishvulva / @valerieagyeman

Want to support this podcast? Leave a rating, write a review and share! Thank you!