Her Side by Flourish Heights

Food Noise, Weight Loss & GLP-1s?! Let’s Break It Down

GLP-1s — Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro — they are everywhere right now. Your group chat’s talking about them, they’re all over TikTok, and maybe even your doctor’s mentioned them. You’ve probably heard that they help with weight loss or that they ‘quiet food noise’ — but what’s really going on inside your body when you’re on these meds?

And more importantly what should we, as women, actually know when it comes to our hormones, metabolism, and long-term health? Because let’s be real our bodies are not one-size-fits-all, and wellness isn’t just about shrinking down a size.

So today, we’re getting into the real talk: what GLP-1s do, the benefits, the downsides, and how nutrition still plays a major role — whether you’re on them, thinking about them, or just trying to make sense of all the hype. 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. 

Stay Connected:

A research review on GLP-1's:

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10972401/

Follow us on social media:

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

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

Say hello! Email us at hello@flourishheights.com

Subscribe to our quarterly newsletters: Flourish Heights Newsletter

Visit our website: www.flourishheights.com

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

Is Your Bra Secretly Harming Your Health? (w/ Bree McKeen)

Finding a bra that truly fits and feels good can feel impossible but it shouldn’t have to be! In this episode, we sit down with Bree McKeen, the founder of Evelyn & Bobbie, who knows this struggle firsthand. As a 34G woman, Bree experienced years of discomfort, from aching shoulders and headaches to posture problems, before deciding to take matters into her own hands. She left a career in finance to create a brand focused on comfort, support, and solutions that actually work for real women. Tune in to hear her journey and tips for finding a bra that supports both your body and your health. 

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 Bree McKeen

Bree McKeen is the visionary founder and CEO of Evelyn & Bobbie, a brand revolutionizing the intimates industry with a focus on comfort, innovation, and inclusivity. As a 34G woman, Bree endured years of discomfort from traditional underwire bras, experiencing shoulder pain, tension headaches, and posture issues. Determined to find a solution, she left a promising career in finance to create a better alternative.

Drawing from her background in medical anthropology and business, Bree developed the patented EB Core® technology, a structural innovation that offers support without the discomfort of underwires. Since launching in 2019, Evelyn & Bobbie has grown rapidly, now available in over 300 stores across the U.S., with net sales reaching $17 million and a 93% year-over-year growth.

Beyond business success, Bree is deeply committed to honoring the women who inspired her brand. Evelyn & Bobbie is named after her grandmother, Evelyn, a model and starlet who epitomized elegance, and her aunt, Bobbie, a seamstress and entrepreneur who instilled in Bree a passion for design and detail.

Bree's journey reflects her belief that comfort and performance are non-negotiable, and she continues to lead with a vision to redefine what lingerie can and should be.

Connect with Bree McKeen:

IG: @BreeMckeen x Evelyn & Bobbie: @EvelynBobbie

Website: www.evelynbobbie.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

Facebook: @flourishheights

Twitter: @flourishheights

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

Is Your Skin Acting Up? It’s Probs Your Gut

If your skin is freaking out — think acne, dryness, rashes, or unexplained redness — it might not just be your skincare routine. It could be your gut. In this episode, I'm getting into the fascinating gut–skin connection and why what’s happening in your digestive tract often shows up on your face. You’ll learn how imbalances in gut bacteria, inflammation, and even your diet can trigger skin issues, plus practical tips to nourish your gut from the inside out. Your skin health journey might just start with your next bite. 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. 

Stay Connected:

A research review gut-skin connection: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7916842/ 

Join us on 8/20 in NYC with Credo Beauty and beauty wellness experts: https://insideoutbeauty.splashthat.com/

Follow us on social media:

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

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

Say hello! Email us at hello@flourishheights.com

Subscribe to our quarterly newsletters: Flourish Heights Newsletter

Visit our website: www.flourishheights.com

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

What an ER Doctor Wants Every Woman to Know (w/ Dr. Sarah Jamison)

What happens when women show up at the ER with symptoms that are often misunderstood, minimized, or misdiagnosed? In this episode, Dr. Sarah Jamison, an emergency room physician, joins us to break down key women’s health issues in the ER — from severe pelvic pain and ovarian torsion to heart attack symptoms that don’t always “look typical.”

We’re talking about:

• How to spot signs of ovarian torsion or a ruptured ovarian cyst

• What women need to know about heart attack and stroke symptoms

• What an ER can (and can’t) do during an endometriosis flare

• How to advocate for yourself in urgent, high-pressure moments

Whether you’re living with a chronic condition or just want to feel more prepared, this conversation will leave you informed, empowered, and ready to speak up when it matters most. LISTEN UP!!!

*TRIGGER WARNING: This episode briefly includes mention of miscarriage.*

The Flourish Heights Podcast was made for women, by women. To be empowered in health starts with a true connection with your body. Join Valerie Agyeman, Women’s Health Dietitian as she breaks through topics surrounding periods, women’s nutrition, body awareness, and self-care. 

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

 

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

Facebook: @flourishheights

Twitter: @flourishheights

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

Why Am I So Tired? (Spoiler: It Might Be Iron)

Ever feel so tired even after a full night’s sleep? Can’t focus? Struggle with mood swings, hair shedding, or heavy periods? You might be low in iron — and you’re not alone. A recent JAMA study found that nearly 40% of girls and women have low iron levels.

In this episode, we’re breaking down what iron actually does in your body, why it matters so much for your energy, hormones, and periods, and how to spot the signs of a deficiency. I’ll share how to check your iron status (and what those labs even mean), how food plays a role, and the top 3 meals I swear by when trying to get more iron in.

We’re also talking about who’s most at risk! If your energy hasn’t been energy-ing lately, this one’s for you. LISTEN UP!

The Flourish Heights Podcast was made for women, by women. To be empowered in health starts with a true connection with your body. Join Valerie Agyeman, Women’s Health Dietitian as she breaks through topics surrounding periods, women’s nutrition, body awareness, and self-care. 

Stay Connected:

Follow us on social media:

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

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

Say hello! Email us at hello@flourishheights.com

Subscribe to our quarterly newsletters: Flourish Heights Newsletter

Visit our website: www.flourishheights.com

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

How to Talk to Men About Your Body (w/ Dr. Shweta Patel)

Let’s be real! Talking to the men in our lives about periods, fertility, or anything related to our bodies can feel super awkward. But it shouldn’t be that way. In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Shweta, OBGYN, to break down why these convos feel so uncomfortable and how to make them way more normal, honest, and supportive.

From PCOS and painful sex to fertility struggles and hormonal acne, we’re covering how to open up these topics with partners, dads, brothers, or even guy friends, without feeling dismissed or overwhelmed.

Plus, we talk about how to raise boys who actually get it when it comes to women’s health. If you’ve ever felt like “he just doesn’t understand,” this one’s for you. LISTEN UP!!!

About Dr. Shweta Patel

Dr. Shweta Patel is a board-certified OB/GYN, the founder of Gaya Wellness, and the author of The Book of Hormones: The Ultimate Playbook for Women’s Health and Hormonal Balance. With over a decade of experience in both military and civilian medicine, Dr. Patel is redefining how women experience healthcare, making it more comprehensive, convenient, and deeply supportive.

After earning her medical degree from SUNY Buffalo in her home state of New York, Dr. Patel was commissioned into the United States Navy, where she served with distinction for 13 years as a medical officer. She later transitioned to private practice in Winter Garden, Florida, where she built a hospital-owned OB/GYN practice.

Dr. Patel launched Gaya Wellness in response to the critical gaps in women’s healthcare that were magnified during the pandemic. Her mission: to create a virtual care experience where women feel heard, empowered, and clear on their health choices every step of the way.

In her bestselling book, The Book of Hormones, Dr. Patel offers a bold and refreshing perspective on hormonal health, challenging outdated medical norms and calling for a more woman-centered approach to care.

When she's not seeing patients or building her wellness platform, you’ll find Dr. Patel spending time with her two dogs, Dash and Mimi, discovering new places, enjoying live music, and indulging in her favorite form of self-care facials.

 

Connect with Shweta:

IG: @TheVirtualGyno

Website: https://www.gayawellness.org/

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Book-Hormones-Ultimate-Playbook-Hormonal/dp/B0DL9T42MP

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

Facebook: @flourishheights

Twitter: @flourishheights

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

We Need to Talk...About My Caffeine Breakup! Anyone Else?!

So, I broke up with caffeine!!! It wasn’t a dramatic moment, just me realizing it wasn’t really working for me anymore. In this episode, I’m sharing what led to the decision, how it’s been going, and what I’ve noticed in my energy, focus, and mood since making the switch. I’m also sharing results from a poll we did with coffee drinkers — turns out a lot of us have mixed feelings about our caffeine habits. If you’ve ever thought about cutting back or just want to hear how it went, this one’s for you. LISTEN UP!

The Flourish Heights Podcast was made for women, by women. To be empowered in health starts with a true connection with your body. Join Valerie Agyeman, Women’s Health Dietitian as she breaks through topics surrounding periods, women’s nutrition, body awareness, and self-care. 

Stay Connected:

Follow us on social media:

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

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

Say hello! Email us at hello@flourishheights.com

Subscribe to our quarterly newsletters: Flourish Heights Newsletter

Visit our website: www.flourishheights.com

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

Pregnant, Queasy, and Confused? You Need This Food Chat (w/ Julianka Bell)

Pregnancy is a lot. Your body’s changing in real time, your cravings make zero sense, and suddenly everyone has an opinion about what you should or shouldn’t be eating. It’s overwhelming, confusing, and honestly? Sometimes just straight-up annoying.

That’s why we’re cutting through the noise in today’s episode and getting into the real stuff. I’m in convo with women’s health dietitian Julianka Bell, who’s worked with tons of moms-to-be and knows how to make nutrition feel supportive, doable, and actually helpful minus the guilt or outdated rules.

Even if you’re not pregnant, but you’re thinking ahead or just want to feel more confident about nourishing yourself in this season, there’s something here for you too.

Hit play...you’re gonna love this one. LISTEN UP!

The Flourish Heights Podcast was made for women, by women. To be empowered in health starts with a true connection with your body. Join Valerie Agyeman, Women’s Health Dietitian as she breaks through topics surrounding periods, women’s nutrition, body awareness, and self-care. 

About Julianka Bell

Julianka Bell, MS, RD is a registered dietitian specializing in women's health and nutrition communications, focusing on integrative and functional medicine. With over a decade of experience, Julianka has dedicated her career to simplifying complex nutritional concepts and creating meaningful, actionable health strategies for women across the perinatal journey—from preconception through early motherhood.

A mom of two toddlers, Julianka combines her professional expertise with a deep, firsthand understanding of women's challenges in navigating their health. She is the founder of MotherKin, a private practice that provides one-on-one support to women navigating preconception through perimenopause. Julianka is also the Director of Marketing & Communications at FullWell, a fertility wellness company, where she leverages her expertise in nutrition communications and brand strategy to help elevate the company’s mission of empowering people with science-backed nutrition.

With a BA in Psychology from Temple University and an MS in Nutrition Communications from Tufts University, Julianka brings a unique blend of scientific expertise and empathy to her work. Her approach integrates both evidence-based nutrition and a deep understanding of the personal, emotional, and societal factors influencing women's health. Julianka’s professional philosophy emphasizes authenticity, relatability, and practical guidance, ensuring women have the tools and support to nourish themselves during life’s transformative stages.

 

Connect with Julianka Bell:

IG: @JuliankaBell

Website: https://www.wearemotherkin.com/home

Julianka's favorite Costco snacks in Business Insider: https://www.businessinsider.com/best-snacks-costco-executive-member-dietitian-mom-2025-4

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

Facebook: @flourishheights

Twitter: @flourishheights

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

The Plastic Items I Swapped for a Safer, Healthier Kitchen

I know we spend a lot of time talking about what to eat but today, I want to talk about how we’re cooking and storing that food. Because some of the most common kitchen items like plastic containers and old nonstick pans can quietly mess with our hormones thanks to chemicals like BPA, phthalates, and PFAS.

In this episode, I’m walking you through some kitchen swaps I genuinely think are worth making. No overwhelm, no pressure just small changes that can make a real difference over time.

If you’re looking for easy, practical ways to lower your exposure to toxins and support your hormone health, this one’s for you.

LISTEN UP!

The Flourish Heights Podcast was made for women, by women. To be empowered in health starts with a true connection with your body. Join Valerie Agyeman, Women’s Health Dietitian as she breaks through topics surrounding periods, women’s nutrition, body awareness, and self-care. 

Check out this NIH Fact Sheet on Endocrine Disrupters: https://www.niehs.nih.gov/sites/default/files/health/materials/endocrine_disruptors_508.pdf

Stay Connected:

Follow us on social media:

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

Is there a topic you'd like covered on the podcast? Submit it to 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

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

Yes, Your Hormones Can Mess With Your Teeth (w/ Dr. Arlene Asante)

Girl, I know I’m not the only one who’d rather skip the dentist, but trust me, what you eat, your hormones (yes, pregnancy, menopause, and everything in between) and even your stress levels can seriously impact your mouth...and your overall well-being! Dr. Arlene Asante is here to spill the tea on why those dental visits are non-negotiable and how to keep both your smile and your health on point. You definitely don’t want to miss this one! LISTEN UP!

The Flourish Heights Podcast was made for women, by women. To be empowered in health starts with a true connection with your body. Join Valerie Agyeman, Women’s Health Dietitian as she breaks through topics surrounding periods, women’s nutrition, body awareness, and self-care. 

About Dr. Arlene Asante

Dr. Arlene Asante is a dentist, motivational speaker, life coach, and mentor passionate about transforming lives inside and outside the dental office. A native of Hyattsville, Maryland, she earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Howard University College of Dentistry and completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) program in Bangor, Maine. She specializes in Implantology, Invisalign®, and Cosmetic Dentistry and is a certified Invisalign® provider, with advanced training from institutions like The Phelps Institute for Implantology and The Dawson Academy.

Beyond her dental expertise, Dr. Asante is known for her compassionate, patient-centered approach. She is the founder and president of Enhancing Adolescent Girls for an Evolving Resolution (EAGER, Inc.), a nonprofit mentoring program empowering young women in Baltimore City. She also coaches millennial entrepreneurs, helping them launch nonprofits and develop professional skills.

Dr. Asante has led workshops at Howard University, Morgan State University, and Coppin State University, focusing on leadership, business etiquette, and entrepreneurship. She’s a sought-after keynote speaker and panelist at women’s empowerment events.

In her free time, Dr. Asante enjoys traveling, skydiving, music, reading novels, and spending time with family and friends.

Connect with Dr. Asante:

Dr. Asante on Instagram: @drarleneasante

Website: https://firstclassmilesbethesda.com/

Watch Dr. Asante's oral health tips on Fox 5 DC: https://www.fox5dc.com/video/1555964

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

Facebook: @flourishheights

Twitter: @flourishheights

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