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In this soul-stirring episode, Sana sits down with Suzannah Weiss — feminist writer, certified sexologist, and author of Subjectified — to explore what it truly means to live a pleasure-filled life. Suzannah shares her deeply personal journey of reclaiming her sexuality after healing from an eating disorder and how embodiment became the key to unlocking authentic desire, joy, and creative freedom.From the myths about women's libidos to orgasm struggles in partnership, Suzannah offers grounded wisdom, practical embodiment tools, and a radical reimagining of foreplay and intimacy that extends far beyond the bedroom. Together, they unpack how mainstream narratives — from Hugh Hefner to hustle culture — strip us of our humanity, and how we can return to wholeness through presence, pleasure, and play.You'll also hear about:Suzannah's healing journey through clothing-optional spacesWhy embodiment is the bridge to intuition, creativity, and alivenessHow she's preparing for her next book by fully embodying the Orgasmic LifeHer transformative DMT experience and what it revealed about hustle cultureAnd why the ultimate subjectification is turning ourselves into machinesThis episode is for the woman ready to feel again — deeply, fully, and on her own terms.Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction1:00 Suzannah's Journey reclaiming her sexuality after healing an eating disorder3:30 What to do if you struggle to have an orgasm with a partner5:00 Contradicting the stereotypes that women desire sex less than men7:34 The importance of embodiment work to connect deeply with our true desires10:00 Practical embodiment practices for beginners 11:30 Suzannah's journey healing from an Eating Disorder and becoming embodied in her sexuality14:54 How the media portrays toxic masculinity and rewards the behavior with icons like Hugh Hefner 18:08 Suzannah's unexpected experience at clothing optional resorts that claimed to be for women's empowerment - but were anything but22:08 How Suzannah would rewrite the rules for sex positive events to be more inclusive24:50 Tips on foreplay outside of the bedroom and intimacy beyond sexual connection30:00 How Suzannah is prepping for her second book by embodying the Orgasmic Life32:45 Creativity and intuition thrives in spaciousness33:55 Suzannah's DMT trip that helped her heal from hustle culture37:17 The ultimate subjectification is when humans turn themselves into performance machinesConnect with Suzannah:www.suzannahweiss.comOrder her bookFollow her on TwitterFollow her on Instagram___________________________________Work with Sana to remove energetic blocks within so you can align with your Highest Self and thrive in love + life:https://www.sanaakhand.com/mentorshipIf you're in LA, Join Growth Club, a membership for high achievers redefining success on their own terms.https://www.joingrowthclub.co___________________________________Follow Sana on Socials:http://www.instagram.com/sanaakhandhttps://www.tiktok.com/@sanaakhandSubscribe to Sana's Substack:https://sanaakhand.substack.com/Follow the Pod on Socials:www.instagram.com/thrivinginlovepodwww.youtube.com/@sana_akhand_________________________________Leave a review on Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thriving-in-love/id1638372129_________________________________To be a guest on the show or share a story, email me at: hi@sanaakhand.com
US retailers push back against tariffs I believe it is good news retailers are not pushing back against the US, but against countries where they buy products from. Companies like Home Depot, Walmart and Target are pushing back against production coming out of China. If a tariff is 10% the companies are pushing for the country to pick up the total cost and when tariffs jumped to 20%, they are getting push back on reducing costs by that amount but still having China producers pick up at least half. The companies are also looking at their profit margins and what they are doing is not increasing prices across the board, but perhaps raising prices on other items that are in higher demand and only raising the price slightly on products with less demand. The companies are also absorbing some of the cost themselves as opposed to passing the entire cost onto the consumer. In the end, the producer, the company, and the consumer will all absorb part of these tariffs and there may not be that much of an increase in price for many of these products. Unfortunately, I'm sure the regular media will find some products that went up dramatically and only discuss those. The big companies are also pushing for alternative places to produce products if China will not negotiate any reduction at all. Some companies are looking at producing the products here in the United States, which would be a win all the way around and I believe it would be the best thing for the United States. Are 401(k) investors starting to panic? A 401(k) is designed to be held for many years and should not be traded based on short term news. Unfortunately, the past month has seen the most trading activity in almost 5 years for 401(k)s. Individual investors added over $30 billion to money market funds in the first week of March alone. That type of activity in money markets has not been seen in the past year. In the first couple weeks of March, trading in 401(k)s was 400% above the normal level as people watched the market decline and they let their emotions take over as they headed to money markets. This is a huge mistake! Decision making seems to be politically driven. If people like the current administration, investors are seeing it as a buying opportunity. On the other hand, if they hate the new administration investors are either looking at going to cash or maybe shifting their investments internationally. Your retirement account is for the rest of your life and an investor should not be making decisions based on the current administration's actions considering it's such a small blip in the timeline of 30, 40 maybe 50 years of investing. Investors should go back to the basics and realize they are investing into American companies based on their earnings and what they are paying for those earnings. The country and the economy will always ebb and flow, but to try and figure out the best time to sell and buy has always been a losing game in the long term. If you have in your 401(k) good quality investments that are not overpriced, don't worry about the short-term movements on a month-to-month basis. You should think about your investment plan not just year to year, but 5, 10, 15 years down the road, maybe even longer. Inflation readings and consumer expectations are telling two different stories The Fed's preferred measure of inflation known as the core PCE showed an increase of 2.8% in the month of February, which was above the expectation of 2.7% and last month's reading of 2.7%. Headline PCE includes the volatile categories of food and energy and showed an increase of 2.5%, which was in line with expectations and matched January's reading. While the core PCE was a little hot, I don't believe that rate of inflation is overly problematic. It would likely not be enough to get the Federal Reserve to lower rates, but it also would not be concerning enough for them to even consider increasing rates. Their wait and see approach is likely still in place and I'm optimistic, even with upcoming tariffs, there should be room to lower rates as we procced through the rest of 2025. Many consumers on the other hand seem very concerned about inflation with the final reading of the University of Michigan's consumer sentiment survey showing expectations for inflation at a 5% rate one year from now and over a five-year horizon, the outlook now is for 4.1%. This marked the first time since February 1993 the reading was above 4%. I do believe these respondents are way off on their forecast and would be shocked if it came to fruition as that would be more than double the Fed's 2% target. We talked about why we don't like this survey in the past, but in case you missed it, the survey is tiny. It appears the survey typically interviews around 600 households each month for the preliminary report and around 800 for the final report. Considering there are over 130 million households in the US, I just don't see the survey as a strong indicator. US retailers push back against tariffs I believe it is good news retailers are not pushing back against the US, but against countries where they buy products from. Companies like Home Depot, Walmart and Target are pushing back against production coming out of China. If a tariff is 10% the companies are pushing for the country to pick up the total cost and when tariffs jumped to 20%, they are getting push back on reducing costs by that amount but still having China producers pick up at least half. The companies are also looking at their profit margins and what they are doing is not increasing prices across the board, but perhaps raising prices on other items that are in higher demand and only raising the price slightly on products with less demand. The companies are also absorbing some of the cost themselves as opposed to passing the entire cost onto the consumer. In the end, the producer, the company, and the consumer will all absorb part of these tariffs and there may not be that much of an increase in price for many of these products. Unfortunately, I'm sure the regular media will find some products that went up dramatically and only discuss those. The big companies are also pushing for alternative places to produce products if China will not negotiate any reduction at all. Some companies are looking at producing the products here in the United States, which would be a win all the way around and I believe it would be the best thing for the United States. Are 401(k) investors starting to panic? A 401(k) is designed to be held for many years and should not be traded based on short term news. Unfortunately, the past month has seen the most trading activity in almost 5 years for 401(k)s. Individual investors added over $30 billion to money market funds in the first week of March alone. That type of activity in money markets has not been seen in the past year. In the first couple weeks of March, trading in 401(k)s was 400% above the normal level as people watched the market decline and they let their emotions take over as they headed to money markets. This is a huge mistake! Decision making seems to be politically driven. If people like the current administration, investors are seeing it as a buying opportunity. On the other hand, if they hate the new administration investors are either looking at going to cash or maybe shifting their investments internationally. Your retirement account is for the rest of your life and an investor should not be making decisions based on the current administration's actions considering it's such a small blip in the timeline of 30, 40 maybe 50 years of investing. Investors should go back to the basics and realize they are investing into American companies based on their earnings and what they are paying for those earnings. The country and the economy will always ebb and flow, but to try and figure out the best time to sell and buy has always been a losing game in the long term. If you have in your 401(k) good quality investments that are not overpriced, don't worry about the short-term movements on a month-to-month basis. You should think about your investment plan not just year to year, but 5, 10, 15 years down the road, maybe even longer. Inflation readings and consumer expectations are telling two different stories The Fed's preferred measure of inflation known as the core PCE showed an increase of 2.8% in the month of February, which was above the expectation of 2.7% and last month's reading of 2.7%. Headline PCE includes the volatile categories of food and energy and showed an increase of 2.5%, which was in line with expectations and matched January's reading. While the core PCE was a little hot, I don't believe that rate of inflation is overly problematic. It would likely not be enough to get the Federal Reserve to lower rates, but it also would not be concerning enough for them to even consider increasing rates. Their wait and see approach is likely still in place and I'm optimistic, even with upcoming tariffs, there should be room to lower rates as we procced through the rest of 2025. Many consumers on the other hand seem very concerned about inflation with the final reading of the University of Michigan's consumer sentiment survey showing expectations for inflation at a 5% rate one year from now and over a five-year horizon, the outlook now is for 4.1%. This marked the first time since February 1993 the reading was above 4%. I do believe these respondents are way off on their forecast and would be shocked if it came to fruition as that would be more than double the Fed's 2% target. We talked about why we don't like this survey in the past, but in case you missed it, the survey is tiny. It appears the survey typically interviews around 600 households each month for the preliminary report and around 800 for the final report. Considering there are over 130 million households in the US, I just don't see the survey as a strong indicator. Companies Discussed: Nike (NKE), Stanley Black and Decker (SWK), Wingstop (WING) & Viasat (VSAT)
Ret FBI Behavior Analysis Chief Breaks Down Karen Read's Contradicting Statements & Actions Did a true crime documentary just tank Karen Read's defense? When you're facing an alleged second-degree murder charge, most folks would advise you to keep your head down, stay quiet, and maybe—just maybe—not hand your unfiltered stream of consciousness to a documentary crew. But that's exactly what Karen Read did in “Body in the Snow”, the HBO Max/ID doc that might double as a cautionary tale for anyone with a pending trial. Tony Brueski and former FBI Behavioral Analyst Robin Dreeke break down Read's on-camera contradictions—from her teary musings of “What if I ran over his foot?” to suddenly being sure she didn't touch a hair on his head. The emotional tone? Weirdly upbeat. The logic? Like a drunk game of Clue with a broken compass. Robin calls it “word salad.” Tony calls it narcissistic. We just call it… yikes. Then there's the blogger—Turtleboy—who Read allegedly had daily contact with, feeding him info while he stirred a digital witch hunt. Online harassment, stalking, intimidation… and it's not even the second trial yet. Is Karen Read the victim of a smear campaign, or her own worst enemy with a podcast mic? #KarenRead #JohnOKeefe #TrueCrimeToday #HiddenKillersPodcast #FBIBehavioralAnalysis #Turtleboy #BodyInTheSnow Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK's Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
Hidden Killers With Tony Brueski | True Crime News & Commentary
Ret FBI Behavior Analysis Chief Breaks Down Karen Read's Contradicting Statements & Actions Did a true crime documentary just tank Karen Read's defense? When you're facing an alleged second-degree murder charge, most folks would advise you to keep your head down, stay quiet, and maybe—just maybe—not hand your unfiltered stream of consciousness to a documentary crew. But that's exactly what Karen Read did in “Body in the Snow”, the HBO Max/ID doc that might double as a cautionary tale for anyone with a pending trial. Tony Brueski and former FBI Behavioral Analyst Robin Dreeke break down Read's on-camera contradictions—from her teary musings of “What if I ran over his foot?” to suddenly being sure she didn't touch a hair on his head. The emotional tone? Weirdly upbeat. The logic? Like a drunk game of Clue with a broken compass. Robin calls it “word salad.” Tony calls it narcissistic. We just call it… yikes. Then there's the blogger—Turtleboy—who Read allegedly had daily contact with, feeding him info while he stirred a digital witch hunt. Online harassment, stalking, intimidation… and it's not even the second trial yet. Is Karen Read the victim of a smear campaign, or her own worst enemy with a podcast mic? #KarenRead #JohnOKeefe #TrueCrimeToday #HiddenKillersPodcast #FBIBehavioralAnalysis #Turtleboy #BodyInTheSnow Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK's Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
Ret FBI Behavior Analysis Chief Breaks Down Karen Read's Contradicting Statements & Actions Did a true crime documentary just tank Karen Read's defense? When you're facing an alleged second-degree murder charge, most folks would advise you to keep your head down, stay quiet, and maybe—just maybe—not hand your unfiltered stream of consciousness to a documentary crew. But that's exactly what Karen Read did in “Body in the Snow”, the HBO Max/ID doc that might double as a cautionary tale for anyone with a pending trial. Tony Brueski and former FBI Behavioral Analyst Robin Dreeke break down Read's on-camera contradictions—from her teary musings of “What if I ran over his foot?” to suddenly being sure she didn't touch a hair on his head. The emotional tone? Weirdly upbeat. The logic? Like a drunk game of Clue with a broken compass. Robin calls it “word salad.” Tony calls it narcissistic. We just call it… yikes. Then there's the blogger—Turtleboy—who Read allegedly had daily contact with, feeding him info while he stirred a digital witch hunt. Online harassment, stalking, intimidation… and it's not even the second trial yet. Is Karen Read the victim of a smear campaign, or her own worst enemy with a podcast mic? #KarenRead #JohnOKeefe #TrueCrimeToday #HiddenKillersPodcast #FBIBehavioralAnalysis #Turtleboy #BodyInTheSnow Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK's Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
Did a true crime documentary just tank Karen Read's defense? When you're facing an alleged second-degree murder charge, most folks would advise you to keep your head down, stay quiet, and maybe—just maybe—not hand your unfiltered stream of consciousness to a documentary crew. But that's exactly what Karen Read did in “Body in the Snow”, the HBO Max/ID doc that might double as a cautionary tale for anyone with a pending trial. Tony Brueski and former FBI Behavioral Analyst Robin Dreeke break down Read's on-camera contradictions—from her teary musings of “What if I ran over his foot?” to suddenly being sure she didn't touch a hair on his head. The emotional tone? Weirdly upbeat. The logic? Like a drunk game of Clue with a broken compass. Robin calls it “word salad.” Tony calls it narcissistic. We just call it… yikes. Then there's the blogger—Turtleboy—who Read allegedly had daily contact with, feeding him info while he stirred a digital witch hunt. Online harassment, stalking, intimidation… and it's not even the second trial yet. Is Karen Read the victim of a smear campaign, or her own worst enemy with a podcast mic? #KarenRead #JohnOKeefe #TrueCrimeToday #HiddenKillersPodcast #FBIBehavioralAnalysis #Turtleboy #BodyInTheSnow Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK's Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
Malerkotla-an alleged oasis of communal harmony in Indian Punjab. But the reality is different. Contradicting the alleged harmony, Malerkotla has played a pivotal role in the historic and current genocide of Sikhs. In this episode, we chart the anti-Sikh past of the locus and how the myth of peaceful co-existence was born.
Does Jesus treat critics and spectators differently than participants? To a novice casting out demons, Jesus says, "For whoever is not against us is for us." - Mark 9:40. But to the Pharisees being critical of Him delivering a man who was blind and mute, He says, "Whoever is not with me is against me" - Matthew 12:30. Don't run or pick sides between Biblical truth that seems to contradict each other. Contradicting truths are two rails on a train track that keep the train from derailing at speed.
Saying one thing and doing another....this is an idea that is old as sporting itself is. In MMA, these moments are equally common, which means there are quite a few people we could have considered for this one, but didn't make the cut. So like the Jon Jones', Colby Covington's or Sean Strickland's, there's plenty to talk about in today's video.
AI Unraveled: Latest AI News & Trends, Master GPT, Gemini, Generative AI, LLMs, Prompting, GPT Store
AI Weekly Rundown December 22nd to December 29th 2024:
Is Donald Trump's health pick needling a bait and switch on his vaccine views? Plus, even before Trump takes the oath his lawsuit parade looks to muzzle the media. Also, a watchdog report fuels a conspiracy that the feds instigated the insurrection. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
AP correspondent Jackie Quinn reports on a huge voter turnout for this month's presidential election.
(SPOILER) Your Daily Roundup covers Laura Owens' lawyer releases an 8 minute video contradicting himself, People's Sexiest Man is named, a game show blooper that's gone viral, and we now know Hawk Tuah's boyfriend Pookie. Music written by Jimmer Podrasky (B'Jingo Songs/Machia Music/Bug Music BMI) Ads: JLo Beauty - 20% off plus THREE FREE GIFTS, incl 2 quality Face Masks and one Hydrating Beso Balm Cacao Bliss - Promo Code: RealitySteve for 25% off your purchase Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Trump contradicts Vance with communist and fascist remarks. // Heather feature- spiritual debut at the Seattle Opera. // SCENARIOS - Would you buy your child a jersey if you hate the team?
Hour 4 - The guys finish their autopsy on the Red Sox season and make their final diagnoses on what caused the ultimate failure of missing the playoffs. Then, KJ and Jon get into a fiery debate about Jerod Mayo sticking with Jacoby Brissett, but admitting Drake Maye performed better throughout Training Camp. And, remembering the legendary lives of Pete Rose and Dikembe Mutombo.
There are numerous alleged contradictions that skeptics raise to undermine our faith in God's word. We will look at a few of these supposed contradictions and see if they hold up to scrutiny.
House Administration Oversight Subcommittee Chairman Barry Loudermilk (R-GA) intends to bring forward a House resolution laying out all the evidence contradicting the Democrat-led January 6 Select Committee's report. Rep. Loudermilk also explains why he will wait until the next Congress to bring forward criminal referrals. Additional interview with Freedom Foundation Communications Director Maddie Dermon on the potential decertification of the United Teachers of Dade and the government mandates for electric vehicles reflects the Biden-Harris administration's prioritization of union leaders over members. “It's due time that both political parties, especially the Democrats, pay more attention to the interests of our working people in America,” she says.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
It's been suggested Clare County Council's engineers are "contradicting themselves" by denying a request for public lighting in the vicinity of a rural pub. Newly-elected Cree Independent Councillor Dinny Gould has this week called for lighting to be installed outside Carney's Bar in Connolly as he claims it's "extremely dangerous" for staff and customers leaving the premises at night. However, the West Clare Municipal District has said this is "not desirable" as it claims new public lighting columns can't be provided outside of speed-restricted areas where the maximum speed limit applies such as the road in question. Councillor Gould insists given the safety concerns in the area, this response simply isn't good enough.
Two new polls show good news for Kamala Harris as Trump tries to convince America that he won the debate. Is his inner-circle buying it? Plus, the city of Springfield, Ohio sets the record straight with a message for Trump after he claimed migrants were eating cats and dogs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Destiny vs Jake Newfield: Israel vs Palestine DEBATE Steven Bonnell II, known as Destiny, is a live-streamer and political commentator. He was among the first people to stream video games online full-time and received attention as a pioneer of the industry. For the Sake of Argument podcast: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jakenewfield Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4k9DDGJz02ibpUpervM5EY Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/for-the-sake-of-argument/id1567749546 Twitter: https://twitter.com/JakeNewfield Timeline: 00:00 - Why is our country so polarized? 07:39 - Israel Palestine 16:17 - Destiny vs Ilan Pappe 17:34 - Why are there two Contradicting narratives? 21:54 - The importance of Empathy 26:19 - Do our Thoughts Drive our Actions? 35:12 - What does it mean to be Pro-Israel? 36:31 - The Pro-Palestinian Argument 39:32 - Does Zionism mean Expulsion of Arabs? 49:43 - Gaza Desctruction 50:47 - The Blockade 52:40 - Putin and Bashar Al Assad 55:47 - Are Cookies being Blocked from Gaza? 01:03:10 - Coleman Hughes vs Norman Finkelstein 01:08:55 - Hasan 01:10:00 - UN, WHO, Haartetz, Save the Children 01:11:43 - Finkelstein vs Destiny 01:19:03 - Human Shields 01:21:51 - Israeli Leaders 01:29:10 - What's the Solution? 01:33:15 - How Destiny Learned to Learn 01:37:58 - What Conservatives should know --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jake-newfield/support
A political analyst from Heritage Christian University College, Prof. Ebenezer Ayesu, has stated that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, is confusing Ghanaians and contradicting himself regarding his four-year governance cycle
This episode goes back to the basics and is a great place to start on your VBAC journey! Julie joins Meagan today as they talk about many common questions beginning with reasons why providers tell women they can't go for a VBAC. Topics today include: Nuchal cordsBig babiesSmall pelvisesArrest of descentThird-trimester ultrasounds Cervical dilationInductionDue datesThe ARRIVE TrialWhy there is so much contradicting VBAC infoPregnancy intervals EpiduralsMeagan and Julie also reflect on how their perspective toward each of these topics have changed over the years. Allowing for nuance is so necessary when approaching birth. Know that you always have options and never feel pressured to make a decision that doesn't feel right for you.The VBAC Link Blog: Pregnancy IntervalsNeeded WebsiteHow to VBAC: The Ultimate Prep Course for ParentsFull Transcript under Episode Details 04:24 Review of the Week07:48 Intro to the basics09:53 Nuchal cords13:30 Big babies, small pelvises, fluid levels, and third-trimester ultrasounds17:08 How will this change my care?18:47 Cervical dilation25:54 Due dates28:18 Vulnerability and the ARRIVE trial30:44 Inducing a VBAC36:15 Julie's social media story38:29 Contradicting information41:36 Pregnancy intervals46:38 Epidurals54:13 Allowing for nuanceMeagan: What's up, everybody? This is Meagan. We have Ms. Julie with us today and we are going to be talking to you about what we need you to know about VBAC. We obviously like to talk about different topics but Julie and I decided this morning as we were getting ready to record that we need to do an episode on just the basics again. Don't you feel like it's the basics? It's not to shame anyone for not knowing the information. It's honestly to– I don't even want to say the word shame– but providers are not educating their patients. They are just not. We see it time and time and time again where people just don't know. We saw a post, I don't know, maybe a month or so ago. I think maybe Julie sent it to me. It was just saying, “Hey, so can you have a VBAC no matter what reason the C-section was for?” Someone said, “Well, it depends because if it's something like a cord wrapped around the baby's neck, if that was the reason you had your previous C-section and if your last baby had its cord wrapped around their neck and was having struggle, yes. You have you have a C-section.” Julie: I am getting a little salty. I feel like maybe salty is not the right word, but direct. I jumped in and I'm like, “That's actually not true. The cord wrapped around a baby's neck preventing them from descending is a perfect VBAC candidate because it's not anything to do with the pelvis or labor stalling or anything like that.” Anyways. Meagan: Even with that said, even with that said– Julie: People still argued with me. Meagan: Well, but even if it was due to someone being told that their pelvis was too small or their baby didn't descend– Julie: That's also false. Meagan: That's also false. Julie: I mean with actual pelvis trauma where it's actual CPD and is legitimately diagnosed and that type of thing. Honestly, most people are good candidates for VBAC but we are going to talk about that. Meagan: Yeah, we're going to talk about that today because it's obviously something that we are really passionate about and it's something that we want you guys to know so let's talk about it. 04:24 Review of the WeekMeagan: We do have a Review of the Week. You guys, it's a really long one and I might have specifically been waiting for Julie to come on with me so she can read it because she's a lot better at reading long reviews sometimes. I'm just going to pass the time over to Julie to read this amazing review. Julie: Now I feel pressure, man. Meagan: Don't mess up. Julie: The pressure's on. Are you ready for this? This review says, “This is such a tremendous resource for VBAC mamas.” See? There I go. I knew it. I'm going to start BBAC mamas. Try and translate that, Paige. Anyway, okay. It's fine. I'm going to circle back around. “This is such a tremendous resource for VBAC mamas. I sadly only discovered your podcast after my VBAC in April 2022 but having caught the birth bug during my prep for that birth, I still listened to each episode as if I'm preparing for my VBAC all over again. I think having a special place for this very unique scenario helps those planning and hoping for a successful VBAC feel less alone, more supported, and very well-informed. “The balance of evidence-based information with the age-old practice of sharing birth stories makes this one of the best birth resources out there. I only wish I had this when I was planning my VBAC but maybe someday I'll get to share my own story and help inspire a fellow Woman of Strength. “Prepping for and achieving the unmedicated birth of my daughter absolutely flipped a switch in me and I feel determined to become a birth worker one day.” I feel like all of us go through that, right? “Knowing that this podcast team also has a course for prospective doulas like me thrills me to my core. I want to be there for other anxious, hopeful VBAC mamas like me and the amazing work that you are doing is changing birth and lives everywhere. Keep it up. It is so needed and appreciated. Adrianne.” I love that so much. I feel like that's all of us like you and me. We all go through this journey like, Hey, I had a really bad birth experience or I had a really bad one and then an empowering one and I want to be part of this change so that other people don't have to suffer like I did. I love that and I feel like almost all birth workers' stories start like that. I know mine did and yours too, Meagan. We all are there at some point. Meagan: We are. Yeah. I couldn't agree more. I definitely have been there. 07:48 Intro to the basicsMeagan: Okay, all right. Let's talk about the basics. What basic do you want to talk about first? We were talking about just a second ago where we were like, Hey, this was being told to you and you are being told you may not get to have a VBAC. So maybe we just start with reasons people are told that they have to have a C-section and they can't have a VBAC. Julie: My gosh. I want to speak to a couple of different points in that direction. I have a couple of different ideas in my head. First of all, I feel like it's important to acknowledge that we are all ignorant to things at some point. Right? We all have to learn that VBAC is an option at some point or maybe we always knew. For me, I feel like I never was like, Oh, I can have a vaginal birth? I just always thought I could have one, but I also feel like the age-old “once a C-section, always a C-section” thing is so ingrained in some parts of our culture that you really do have to have that awakening that, Oh, I can do this. It is safe.So I just want to acknowledge that. Sometimes, even for me, I'm scrolling through Facebook and I see this post about something or the ARRIVE trial with induction at 39 weeks is safer and it's really easy to eye roll or it's really easy to be like, Oh my gosh, how come you don't know this? But I feel like let's circle back when I see these things and remember that we all start somewhere. Not all of us have access to supportive providers, supportive hospital systems, supportive families, supportive providers. We don't all have access to those things. If you're advanced in your VBAC thoughts or thinking or whatever, I encourage you to still stay on the episode because you never know when you're going to learn something new. You never know when something is going to click right for you and you never know when you're going to gain the perspective that you need. If you are a seasoned VBAC pro, please also stick along with us. 09:53 Nuchal cordsJulie: I feel like I hear a new reason why someone is told they can't have a vaginal birth every day. Not every day, that's a little dramatic. Meagan: But a lot. Julie: It still surprises me. I've been a doula in the birth scene for 9 years now and I still get that cord prolapse one. I have never heard that as a reason why someone would have a repeat C-section. I mean, I had a VBAC client. She was trying for a VBAC at home and it ended up in a hospital transfer. The baby's cord was wrapped around her neck four times. They had to cut the cord in four places to get the baby out via C-section. Meagan: I remember you saying that. Julie: Yeah, that baby was stuck so tightly in there. In those circumstances, that C-section was necessary. That baby was not coming out, but that doesn't mean she can't try for another VBAC. I think she is done having kids, but that is completely circumstantial and specific to that pregnancy. So I feel like that's a really important thing to note is that most things are circumstantial. Even stalled labor or arrest of dilation or failure to progress or a big baby or whatever these things are circumstantial. The cord around the neck preventing baby from coming down– totally circumstantial. I feel like even the American Pregnancy Association– did I say that right?-- says that 90% of women who have had C-sections are good candidates for VBAC. I think that's important to note is that if you're being told that you are not a good candidate for a VBAC, I would really question why because most of the time, you are a good candidate. Big baby, sure. That's one. We can throw these around. People say, “Oh, your baby is too big. You have to have a C-section.” That is not evidence-based. Even ACOG says that big babies are not a reason for either induction or automatic C-sections. Meagan: Suspected big babies. julie; Right, suspected big babies. Meagan: Let's just say that they're not always big. Julie: They are not always big and we know this is something we automatically know like, everybody knows this but not everybody does. Your ultrasound measurements can be off by 1-2 pounds in either direction. They can measure small or big. The only accurate way to determine how big your baby is is to weigh it after it is born. Meagan: To birth your baby. Right, to birth your baby. Julie: Not only that, but big babies come through petite pelvises all the time. Babies' heads mold and squish through pelvises that flex and open and move to work together. The baby and the pelvis are this really cool diad where they have this great relationship of working together and the pelvis opens and the baby's head smooshes together. Anyway, I feel like that's probably the biggest thing that I'm hearing lately, “My baby's too big and my provider won't let me.” Or there was a post in the community today that Meagan shared with me and she said, “Is it really possible to have a VBAC after a C-section? Because I feel like you always have to have C-sections. Is it really possible to have a vaginal birth after a C-section?” We need to remember that we live in a country and in a world where many people still have this way of thought. Many people don't question their options and many people, most people go in and just automatically schedule a C-section because that's what their provider says, that's what's most convenient, and they don't take the initiative to learn and ask questions. 13:30 Big babies, small pelvises, fluid levels, and third-trimester ultrasoundsJulie: it's a failure in the system. We were just talking about this before. Meagan, go ahead. Meagan: Yeah, I was just going to circle back around with the size thing. What I'm seeing more is people doubting their ability because we have people saying, “Well, your baby is this size,” but the reason why they are even saying that is because I'm seeing an increase in third-trimester ultrasounds. Julie: Yes. Third-trimester ultrasounds are trouble. Meagan: They are trouble. Julie: Just routine to check on baby's size and check fluids– no. Just say no to third-trimester ultrasounds unless there is a valid concern for baby. Meagan: Yeah. Yeah. It is getting me. It is getting me that I'm seeing it so often. It's just getting me irked a little bit. Julie: Gosh, Meagan, I swear though. The reason you are getting irked is because we have seen these things go south so many times. Guess what happens? They go in for a third-trimester ultrasound and there are no published statistics for this. I don't know. I haven't looked. But I feel like people go in and they get their third-trimester ultrasound and then they are like, “Well, my baby is measuring big,” and then they start to get worried like, “I don't know if I can have a big baby,” because their provider is like, “Oh, your provider is measuring big.” Their provider is saying it like that. It casts doubt. It casts that doubt in their mind and that little seed of doubt gets planted. That little seed of doubt gets nourished like, “We will let you try for a VBAC but your baby is kind of big so we will just have to see how it goes,” and then these parents get set up for wanting to have an earlier induction for big baby because they don't want their baby to get too big or just scheduling a repeat Cesarean because they are terrified of a bigger baby and the problems that a big baby could have which are not actually that many. The risk of shoulder dystocia I feel like doesn't increase significantly more with big babies. We just think it does. Smaller babies get shoulder dystocia just like bigger babies do. Or, “Oh, my fluids are too big or too little,” and those ultrasound measurements are just so inaccurate first of all, but most of what they find isn't evidence-based either. You're walking into a situation where your provider will cast doubt on you whether intentionally or not. I don't want to villainize providers because most providers I don't think have ill intentions. They are just doing what they know and doing what they are comfortable with. But that happens nonetheless. So if your provider is recommending a third-trimester ultrasound, here is something that I encourage people. Ask them, first of all, why. If they will be like, “Oh, just to check on baby and check the size.” I feel like you can politely decline unless you want to. It's fun to see your baby and things like that, but what would change? This is what you can ask your provider. “What will change in my plan of care based on what we find in the ultrasound?” What will change? What direction would shift? What answers are we looking for? What will change in my care based on what we find in the ultrasound? If your provider says, “Well, we just want to make sure that your baby is not too big,” that's a red flag. Right? Meagan: Yes. Julie: “We want to make sure your waters are okay,” which could be a legitimate reason. If you are measuring more than 10 weeks ahead or behind, it's probably a good idea to get your fluids checked by ultrasound but if you are only measuring 3 or 4 weeks ahead or behind, that's not necessarily an evidence-based reason to do that. I would just ask that. I mean, that's a good question to ask for any type of intervention or checks or whatever.17:08 How will this change my care?Julie: “You want a cervical check at 36 weeks? Okay. What would change in my care? What are we looking for? What would change in my care plan if this happens and if that happens?” because most of the time, cervical checks before labor– actually cervical checks during labor too– don't tell us anything. They don't tell us anything. I just missed a birth a month ago or about three weeks ago because a first-time mom went from 3 centimeters– she was at 3 centimeters for 12 hours and went from 3 centimeters to baby in less than an hour and a half. Cervical checks tell us nothing. Anyway, before I get off on a little more of a soapbox there. Sorry, I've been rambling. Meagan: You're just fine. I absolutely love that you pointed that out and that you specifically said that it can really apply to anything in your care. What does this thing do or how does it change my care? I just think everybody should take that nugget from this episode right now and just hold onto it tightly. Put it right in your pocket and keep that because you nailed it right there. How does this change my care? If you're getting things like she said, yeah. That's dumb. It's silly. Or with a cervical exam, it's like, “Oh, we just want to see what your BISHOP score is. We just wanted to see if you're progressing.” Why? At 36 weeks? First of all, that's preterm. Second of all, to actually be, especially if we never made it to 10 centimeters before in our first labor, the chances of us being very dilated at 36 weeks–18:47 Cervical dilationMeagan: Okay. This is going to lead me to the next thing that we see all of the time. The chances of you being dilated at 36 weeks is pretty low actually. This is something else I see that breaks my heart actually in our community and not even just in our community, in other communities, and honestly even in consults I've had people talk about this. “Oh, I'm 37 weeks or 38 weeks and I'm not dilated so my doctor is telling me that it's probably not going to happen.” Do you see this all the time, Julie? “Oh, guys. I'm so sad because I'm 38 weeks and my provider is telling me that I'm not dilated so I probably need to schedule a C-section the next week.” Women of Strength, if you are not dilated at 36, 37, 38, 39 or even 40, even 41 weeks honestly, that's okay. Your body will do it. Some bodies don't do it until they are in labor. They just don't. Julie: Yeah, and honestly at 36 or 37 weeks, anytime before labor starts and you're not dilated, guess what? Your cervix is doing exactly what it's supposed to do which is keeping your baby safe and keeping your baby in until it's ready to come out. I can't reiterate that enough. You're not supposed to be dilated before it's time for the baby to come out. I say supposed because some bodies shift and change a little bit sooner and that's okay. But whenever I was a doula, I mean I don't get to talk to people prenatally as much anymore since I'm just doing birth photography, but I would always say, “You know what? If you want a cervical check, that is totally fine. You get to decide. You get to make the choice about whether you get a cervical check or not.” But if having a cervical check, if you go in and you have a cervical check and you know that if you're not dilated at all that it is going to make you depressed and frustrated, then don't do it. If you go in and you're like, “Hey, I'm prepared to be low, hard, and closed and I just want the information because I love information,” and you are not going to be sad if you hear that you are low, hard, and closed, then sure. Get one if you want. But just know that anything beyond being low, hard, and closed is just– Meagan: Lucky, great, awesome. Julie: Lucky, sure, great and awesome, but it's also not an indicator because guess what? I've also had a client, a first-time mom, walk around at 4 centimeters dilated for 10 days and then she went into labor and had a 24-hour labor at home and ended up in a hospital transfer and a C-section. I swear. Your cervix is not telling you anything before labor and during labor most of the time, it's not telling you anything. It's telling you that you have progressed this far. It's doesn't tell you how anything is going to go in the future. It doesn't tell you how anything is going to look moving forward. It just doesn't. Meagan: Yeah. So if you are having someone tell you, “You're not dilated” or “Oh, it's probably not going to happen. You should probably schedule a C-section–”Julie: Just say, “Julie Francom said–” Meagan: If you want that, do that. But if it's not what you want, don't let someone bully you into believing that your body is not working when it's actually doing exactly what it's supposed to be doing. Julie: Exactly. that's the thing too. Sometimes at the end of pregnancy, it is hard. Being pregnant is hard. Being close to your due date is hard. Everybody is asking you, “Have you had your baby yet? What are you going to do? What are your plans for induction?” We've all been there and it is really, really hard to stay strong. I feel like some people could just benefit by just saying no. Just saying no because it's so easy if your baby is measuring big or if you feel like your cervix is hard and closed. Be like, “Aw, flip man. I'm going to be pregnant forever and my baby is going to be big and it's going to have a hard time coming out so I might as well schedule a C-section.” If you feel like you could be easily swayed by those things which a lot of people are. It's so easy to be swayed by those things, especially at the end of pregnancy. Then maybe just say no. Obviously there is nuance here so if there is a true medical need and there is some medical concern for baby or if there is some worry for your cervix being in preterm labor or things like that, obviously those are valid reasons but if it's a just because, I'm not a big fan of doing medical things just because. Meagan: Just because I agree. Yeah. Exactly. If there's no real reason, then just because doesn't. Unless you want it. Unless that's really what you want. 25:54 Due datesMeagan: Okay, so we talked about babies. We talked about dilation before due dates and can we also talk about due dates? Julie: Ew. Meagan: Ew. Julie: Yeah, just kidding. That was weird. I don't know why I said that. I'm a weirdo sometimes. Meagan: Well, due dates are hard. Due dates are a really hard topic because especially after the ARRIVE trial which Julie Francom herself wrote the blog about the ARRIVE trial if I recall. I don't think I did. I think you did.Julie: I'm pretty sure I did. Meagan: I think you did. I feel like since the ARRIVE trial, we really have seen a major shift in due dates. Julie: You mean induction? A major shift in interventions? Meagan: Well, sorry. Induction because of due dates. Julie: Right. Gotcha. Meagan: We see people at 38 weeks being checked, not dilated, being told that they either like I said, have to have a C-section or have to be induced in the next week because they are 39 weeks but really, do we have to? We do not. We do not have to. A lot of bodies do go over that 40-week mark. I think it's important to know when you are approaching your due date that you may start getting an influx of pressure to do those things, to sweep your membranes, to induce, to schedule a C-section, and I think that is something that I find frustrating. I mean, you guys, obviously as a doula, I work with a lot of pregnant people and Julie even being a photographer now, I'm sure you have situations where you are like, Oh, this person is being induced now, and now you're planning and induction. We'll get to induction in a second. But the pressure that starts coming at people at 38 or 39 weeks for induction or a scheduled C-section is unreal to me when sometimes we just need to let the body be. Julie: Yep. Meagan: Right? 28:18 Vulnerability and the ARRIVE trialJulie: I agree so much. It's so funny because we all know that induction is safe and we're going to talk about that in just a minute. It's safe for VBAC when it's necessary. it does slightly increase the risk of uterine rupture and a couple of other things, but it's frustrating when we have providers taking advantage of this vulnerable group of people. Meagan: Very vulnerable. Julie: By offering induction at 39 weeks and who doesn't not want to be pregnant anymore at 39 weeks? I think everybody. There's a small group of people who just like being pregnant and that's totally fine. I like being pregnant but by my last one, I was like, Get this baby out! I was content for baby to pick their birthdate every time, but with the last one, I was like, Get this baby out! Anyway, I feel like most providers don't think they are taking advantage of these people when they are offering 39-week inductions, but it really is. It's taking advantage of a woman in a vulnerable position and could skew their birth plans in ways that they don't want. It's hard to say no when you are that pregnant and unless you have a super strong resolve which even the strongest resolve can weaken in that type of emotional and hormonal state. It's really frustrating because we have this ARRIVE trial that was published in– what was it? It wasn't 2020. Meagan: 2019. Julie: In 2019 and the medical world jumped on that so fast. They were like, Yes. Let's induce at 39 weeks. Meagan: It was a leech situation. Julie: Yes. And then now that multiple studies have proved it invalid and it has been picked apart and even ACOG doesn't recommend that anymore. It doesn't stand by the validation of the ARRIVE trial, there have been multiple studies showing otherwise since then, but guess what? Oh my gosh. This is so frustrating. It normally takes 10-15 years for the medical community to catch on to updated information, but this one took on so fast and now it is going to take 10-15 years to undo that. Meagan: To go back. I agree. Julie: Yeah. It's frustrating. Meagan: It is. It's so frustrating. 30:44 Inducing a VBACMeagan: It's hard to see so many people, like you said, in a vulnerable state feel that pressure of induction. I think where I even struggle more is seeing people in the last weeks of their pregnancy which can be hard because they are uncomfortable and Julie wanted to get that baby out. They actually can be some of the most precious times with your other kids before your family grows and your husband before you have a baby and you are a family of three or your partner. They can be really great spaces and a place where we can really get our head in the space for labor and delivery and for birth. But we have so many people out there being scared that they are going to have to have a scheduled C-section. We know that even though evidence shows induction for VBAC is safe and reasonable, there are many people and many providers out there all over the world who absolutely refuse to induce a VBAC. They refuse and induction. It's either a scheduled C-section, spontaneous labor, or that's it. Those are your options. We see so many people out there spending these last few weeks that could be so amazing and getting ourselves in that positive headspace in frantic mode because they are trying to induce themselves. They are trying to do all of the things. Julie: Yeah, they are like, Oh my gosh. My provider is going to schedule a C-section at 40 weeks or induction at 39. Meagan: What can I do to get this baby out? Julie: Yep. Meagan: It makes my heart hurt because it just really isn't where you deserve to be in your last weeks of pregnancy. Let me tell you one thing, when you are so hyper-focused on getting your baby out, tension and cortisol is high in the body and when we are stressed, that's typically not a space where we can let our cervix go and have a baby. So when we are doing those things, we are entering a space full of tension and we are already setting ourselves up for a harder experience. Julie: Mhmm, it's true. You go in there ready to fight then your cortisol levels are high and cortisol is the opposite of oxytocin which gets baby out. Your stress hormones are fighting your baby coming out and it's not optimal. Can it happen? Yeah, sure. People do it. But it's going to be harder. Meagan: It is. Julie: It's just going to be harder. Meagan: It is. Like I said, back to the head space, it really puts us in the wrong head space. It just is not optimal. Know that if you are receiving pressure to have a baby because you're not being supported in an induction that you should just change your provider. No, really. You need to take a step back and decide if that provider is the right choice for you and if that's the right space for you to be birthing in and if what you are doing in your mind and to your body because a lot of people do some crazy things, is really what is going to be the best for your labor journey. Julie: And sometimes, people don't have that much of a choice too. Sometimes, that's the only choice you have. Sometimes, home birth is illegal in your state for VBAC even and– Meagan: You have no providers in your area. Julie: You have one hospital within 6 hours and sometimes that's going to be your only choice and it sucks that people have to choose between that and an unassisted birth at home which I feel like if you are going to have an unassisted birth at home, that's a whole other topic. You should do it because you are educated and informed and that's what you want not because you don't want to have this horrible hospital birth where you are going to have to fight the whole time. Meagan: Yeah. It's a tricky spot. To Julie's point, we understand that. There are so many people who are just flat-out restricted and they feel like they are walking in with their hands tied behind their back and just have no choice. But there are other options too. There are other options. But laboring at home a little longer or just saying no. Just saying no which is really hard. Julie: Yeah, it is really hard especially when you are in labor. Especially, maybe you have this resolve and your partner doesn't have that resolve. Maybe you can't find a doula in your area. You can't afford one. It really sucks to be your own biggest supporter and believer in birth. You have to have other people in the room who are just as resolved and want this for you as much as you do if you are birthing in that type of environment. 36:15 Julie's social media storyJulie: Okay, back to basics. What are we doing next? Oh, let me tell this story about induction. I think this is so funny because there are so many people who think that induction isn't safe and they think that induction isn't safe for a VBAC to go past 40 weeks so you have a provider who won't induce you and won't let you go past 40 weeks so what are you supposed to do? It's really interesting because I hired someone recently to post on my social media recently for my birth photography. She is a birth photographer and doula and has attended many births before. She just recently shifted over to social media and website management for birth photographers. She knows that I'm really passionate about VBAC so I want one post a week to be about VBAC. She'll write up posts for me to approve and one of the things that she wrote up for me about VBAC was things you can do to– I think it was things you can do to increase your chances of having a VBAC or something like that. In her post, she even made the comment and I'm glad I read through these all in detail because she said something that, “We know that induction isn't safe for VBAC because it increases the chance of uterine rupture.” She said in my post that is on my page that is supposed to be written in my words that induction isn't safe. I deleted it. I shot her a little message to be like, Hey, VBAC induction is safe. Does it slightly increase the risk of uterine rupture? Yeah, it does, but as long as it's managed well, the increased risks are very, very small. Meagan: Still pretty low. Julie: Yeah. It was just so funny that someone who has been in the birth world still for so long operating on more of an evidence-based side of things has that view still. I don't know. It's just interesting. We all have things that we need to learn still. Meagan: We do. We are always learning and we are even still learning here at The VBAC Link. It's just important to know that if you see information and you're like, Oh, I already know that, you still need to check it out and see if there is something new to that. 38:29 Contradicting informationMeagan: Okay, so back to the basics. We've talked about the pelvis. We've talked about induction. We're talking about due dates. We are talking about the cervix dilating. We've talked about baby sizes. What else do we have? Julie: Epidurals. Meagan: Oh yeah. Epidurals. Julie: This is so funny. The opposites. It's the same thing about the opposite. VBAC has to be induced before 40 weeks. I will not induce VBAC at all. You have to have a C-section by 40 weeks. All of these things. Epidurals are the same way. You have to have an epidural placed in order to do a VBAC and then we also have you cannot have a VBAC with an epidural. Meagan: Yeah. Yes. I've seen that. Julie: Isn't that so stupid? I'm sorry. I just think it's so stupid, all of these polarizing things. It's so funny because sorry, time out. I will let you talk about that. I promise I will let you talk about that. I think it's so funny because we know that Facebook can do so much good and it can also do so much bad. There will be a post like, “Hey, my provider said I have to have an epidural with a VBAC,” and there will be 50 comments on there and every comment will be different like, “Oh, yeah. You absolutely have to. It's safest in case you have to have an emergency C-section.” Then the next comment will say, “No, you don't. You can't because then you won't notice the signs of uterine rupture.” Everyone says something different and it's really funny because it's the same thing about the length between pregnancies or C-sections to VBAC. People will be like, “My doctor said it has to be 18 months from birth to birth. My doctor said that you can't get pregnant within a year of having a C-section. My doctor said–” or they say. I love it when people say, “They say 18 months birth to birth is best. They say don't get pregnant within 9 months. They say 2 years between births is the best.” Who is they, first of all? Who is they? Whenever someone says they, I say, “Who is they?” Because there are so many sources and everybody is so resolute in their answers. “My doctor said this. They said that this is the right answer. 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, 24 months, 3 years.”Everyone is so firm in their answers. How freaking confusing is that? Meagan: Very. Julie: P.S. the optimal range for births actually hasn't had any definitve say yet because there are different studies that show different lengths, some as short as 6 months between pregnancies. Some are as long as 24 months between births. Is it between births? Is it between pregnancies? I just laugh every time I get on Facebook and see these people who all say, “They say” in their resolve. I don't know. I just think it is so interesting and can be so overwhelming and confusing which is why we started The VBAC Link so we can bring you the evidence so that you know. Sorry, go ahead and let's talk about epidurals. I had to go on that tangent. Meagan: Well, you just brought that up and that's another big basic. When can I get pregnant? 41:36 Pregnancy intervalsMeagan: When can someone get pregnant? We'll buzz back to epidurals. Julie: Yeah, luckily we wrote a blog. We will link it in the show notes with the studies cited. Meagan: A lot of people are confused. Is it birth to birth? Is it birth to conception? Right? Julie: Yeah. Yeah. Meagan: Do you want to talk about that? I'm going to sneeze. Hold on. Julie: Yeah. It's really interesting because you are getting these different numbers– 6 months, 9 months, 24 months, 15 months. You're getting all of these different numbers then you are also getting these different ranges. Between birth to birth, so between the time when your C-section baby is born to when your VBAC or your attempted VBAC baby is born is different than from the time you have your C-section to the time you conceive the baby. 18 months birth to birth is 9 months pregnancy to pregnancy so 6 months pregnancy to pregnancy is 15 months birth to birth. Of course, everyone is confused. That's all I have to say about that. What do you want to add, Meagan? Meagan: It is confusing. It is absolutely so confusing and I think when you are talking to a provider, it's important to talk to them about their view on intervals because there are different views. People, like she said, do have different views. People will say, “If you are pregnant before 15 months from birth to conception” or not before 15, before 24 months even sometimes or before 18 months, that's not okay when it really might be from birth to birth. We do have a blog about it. We're going to link it so you can see the studies and how they view it, but I also want to point out that if you are being told you absolutely can't VBAC because you have a shorter interval, say from birth to conception is whatever, 15 months. You conceived 15 months after your C-section and providers are saying, “No, it's too close,” there are studies that show and talk about an increased risk of uterine rupture but I also want to point out that a lot of people do it with no complications. Julie: A lot of people do it. What it all comes down to is what is the acceptable level of risk to you and can you find a provider who is willing to take on that risk with you? In our blog, I'm just remembering off the top of my head. It might not be 100% true but one of our studies showed that a 6-month pregnancy interval so after you have your C-section, you get pregnant 6 months or beyond, there is no increased risk of uterine rupture. Within that 6 months, there is an increased risk of uterine rupture. I think it is 2.4% up from 0.5%. Now, a 2.4% risk, I think it's that. I think it's 2.4%. You'll have to look at the blog. I'll send you on a treasure hunt for the blog. But that level of risk might be acceptable for some parents and providers and it might not for other parents. For me, I would go totally try it. I would do it because that means I have a 97.5% chance of not having a uterine rupture. Heck yeah. That's pretty solid to me, but it might not be solid to you. That's what matters. The other one showed that an 18-month pregnancy interval is optimal. 24 months birth to birth, I think, was the other one. We are having a bunch of different ranges and all three studies that were cited the blog are credible studies. The real answer to that pregnancy interval question is we don't know what is the optimal pregnancy interval. We just don't know. They say, they will tell you– I feel like most people and most providers are about on the 18 months birth to birth side. Some providers want 12 months between pregnancies. Meagan: Yeah. I see a lot of people saying that. I even see 12-24 months or 12-18 months before conception. I see a lot of conception as well. It's just important to talk to your provider about that and when you are looking at the studies and you see a 15-month, see what it is talking about. Is it talking about C-section to VBAC or to birth or to conception? Julie: Yeah. 46:38 EpiduralsMeagan: Okay, epidurals. We were talking about it a minute ago where so many providers say, “Yes, you have to have an epidural. No, you can't have an epidural.” I think I've shared this story before. The only uterine rupture I have ever witnessed in my life was with an epidural. I'm going to guess that she probably had a delayed feeling because I'm assuming she would have felt it sooner and this pain. She felt it later on and when she felt it, it was above where the epidural site numbed so up in her rib area, up below the breast. That was where she felt it with an epidural. There weren't any heart decels or anything like that. There were other signs of things like a stalled dilation and things like that but she still felt it with an epidural. A lot of providers are telling people that they can't have an epidural. I think that this scares a lot of people. Julie: Mhmm. Meagan: Birth unmedicated can scare someone who doesn't want to birth unmedicated so the thought of going unmedicated can scare someone to the point where they are like, I'll just schedule a C-section. My point in sharing this story is that even with an epidural, you can often still feel a uterine rupture happening and there are usually other signs that are happening even before that that are pointing things out. There is a pretty, I think it's a debate in the medical world, on if epidurals actually increase Cesarean. Have you seen the blogs and different things? Julie: I absolutely do think they do. I've seen it. My gosh. Meagan: I know. I know. A lot of the evidence out there or a lot of the opinions out there on the blogs and the National Institute of Health publications and things like that show that maybe not, but then there are things that show actually it does seem like it can. Julie: I think it's how you act when you have the epidural. If you have a nurse in there who is content on changing your positions every 30 minutes or whatever, I don't know. Maybe not. Keep the pelvis moving. But if you are flat on your back for 20 hours, then yeah. It probably increased that risk. Meagan: Yeah. There's not a lot of evidence showing that it for sure does increase the risk of Cesareans but as doulas and people who have gone into a lot of births– obviously, there are a lot of providers who have gone to way more births than we have as doulas. I don't know if it's a cause, but it does seem to correlate. It can correlate and there are a lot of different things. We see an epidural come into play and I actually have seen moms dilate really fast. I have seen an epidural be the best tool–Julie: That's true. That's true. Meagan: –for a laborer to get a vaginal birth. I really, really, really have seen this, and not even just vaginal birth after Cesarean, just vaginal birth. Julie: That's true. There is a lot of nuance there for sure. Meagan: But to what you are saying, a lot of the time it really does depend on what comes after the epidural. A lot of the time after an epidural comes in, we know that there are two things for sure that have a higher chance of happening. One, you have a higher chance of sitting and doing nothing. Just hanging out like Julie said. Not really moving, working with the pelvic dynamics, and getting baby out and down. And two, we know that PItocin often comes into play after an epidural because a lot of the time, it can stall labor. We want to get labor going again and sometimes instead of just waiting and letting the body– I use the body acclimate a lot, but really, the body has to acclimate so much in labor. We are going from home to a hospital. We have to acclimate from that place to the car to the hospital and then we are getting there and we are not even just acclimating to that space. We are acclimating to new voices. Julie: Mhmm, new smells, new sensations, new temperature, new germs– that's probably not really a thing. Meagan: Yeah. It's not even just being in a different place. It's all of the things that come with the different place. So we get an epidural and our body is like, Oh, cool. I can rest. This is my opinion, okay? I don't have any research to show this. But my opinion is that when an epidural is placed and a body “stalls”, that is our body saying, “Thank you. I'm going to take this opportunity to rest.” Can it continue laboring at some point? Yes. Will it always? Maybe not. Maybe Pitocin does need to come into play at that point because it has decreased our bodies' ability to register and acclimate, but sometimes I feel like with getting the epidural, we need to just acclimate to that and see what happens versus just immediately starting Pitocin and acclimate to new ways to change. But yeah, did you want to say anything, Julie?Julie: It's interesting because I like that and I feel like sometimes that is exactly what a body needs maybe not necessarily for the body as much as for the psyche to just be able to rest and relax and let go because a tense body and a tense mind sometimes isn't going to be very efficient at laboring because of that. Again, we talked about this before with the cortisol levels so if you can get someone to relax easier and let the body take over what it is supposed to do intuitively or instinctually– and it doesn't always and it's okay if it doesn't and it's okay if we need other things to help us, but sometimes just that rest and relaxation and that 30-minute power nap is exactly what the body needs to continue on throughout the rest of it. I think a lot of people when they are going for a VBAC think they need to go unmedicated to have their best chances. While yeah, that may or may not be true, it just is completely dependent on the person and the labor and how things go and how long it is and all of those types of things. I just think about the cascade of interventions. 54:13 Allowing for nuanceJulie: I was going off on a daydream over here when you were talking about the cascade of interventions because we always demonize that a little bit or villainize it like, Oh, the cascade of interventions as soon as you get to the hospital or as soon as you get the epidural or as soon as you whatever. You know, it's true. We've seen it a dozen times, but I've also seen the cascade of interventions help parents have the exact birth that they wanted as well. So like with all things in birth, there is that nuance there. I've used the word nuance a lot and I feel like maybe it's a thing for my life lately and everything that we have to allow for the nuance and we can't be super rigid in our thinking. I think maybe at the beginning of The VBAC Link, Meagan, you and I did a lot of that villainizing of the cascade of interventions. But as we have grown and talked more to people and had more experience as doulas and in the birth space, I feel like we are allowing ourselves to be a little more fluid in that thinking and allow for that nuance to come into play. Meagan: Yes. Yes. 100%. Julie: But I will say this. I will say this with 200% certainty, okay? There is no nuance allowed here. People who tell you that you have to have an epidural for a VBAC are 100% full of crap. This is why. Because the reason why they say you have to have, and I say “they say”, I'm saying they like your provider or anyone who says that. The reason why is because in case of a uterine rupture, the epidural is already placed and they can get you back for a C-section faster and not have to put you under general anesthesia which is riskier. That is true. General anesthesia is riskier than an epidural. That is 100% true. It is safer overall to have an epidural for your C-section than it is to go under general anesthesia. Now, here is where I call B.S. because even with an epidural placed and dosed, when you have an epidural going, it is not at the strength it needs to be in order to do a C-section without feeling any pain. Meagan: It's not enough. Julie: From the moment the epidural is dosed up, now keep in mind it takes time for the anesthesiologist to come in and everything like that too, you're looking at a minimum of 12 minutes if the anesthesiologist is there and pushing the bolus. 12 minutes for the epidural to take effect enough to have surgery. Now, listen to me. If it is a true emergency and a catastrophic uterine rupture, you do not have 12 minutes to save the baby. You will be put under general anesthesia because minutes matter. Seconds matter in those true emergent situations. So, Karen, if you have an epidural placed and it's a true emergency, then you will have to be put under general anesthesia. If it's not a true emergency, then guess what? You have enough time for a spinal block which takes effect in about 3-5 minutes. Go into the OR. You can still have your baby out in 15 minutes or more but usually what we see called an emergency C-section, they're like, “All right. Baby's heart rate is not looking good. Let's get the doctor in here. Let's have you put your scrubs on. Oh, look Dad. Let's get your scrubs on.” You get dressed and you are getting wheeled in the OR 45 minutes later, that's not an emergency. Having an epidural placed when you don't want one or need one– some people need one and some people want one and that's fine. Having an epidural placed is preparing you for surgery. It's preparing you for surgery. That's why I say there is no room for nuance because you just can't magically make an epidural surgical strength in minutes. You just can't. There's no nuance there. It doesn't happen. Meagan: Okay. We'll just end right there. You guys, there are so many things but hopefully, we covered a lot of the basics. Know that you always have options even if you feel like sometimes you don't have options, there probably is another option there. It's crazy, but there really is so keep looking at your options. Look at your blog. Look at the show notes. We'll create and leave the links today. Check out our How to VBAC course. It's going to cover a lot of information and help you hopefully find the right stats and evidence-based information so when you see posts on Facebook or TikTok or anything like that that are saying things like, “If your baby's cord was wrapped around their neck the first time, you can't have a VBAC the second time,” or if you are told that your pelvis was too small the first time and you can't have a VBAC or going on and on, that you will be able to know the evidence-based information. All right, okay. All right. Julie: Yeah. Meagan: See you guys later. Julie: Bye! ClosingWould you like to be a guest on the podcast? Tell us about your experience at thevbaclink.com/share. For more information on all things VBAC including online and in-person VBAC classes, The VBAC Link blog, and Meagan's bio, head over to thevbaclink.com. Congratulations on starting your journey of learning and discovery with The VBAC Link.Our Sponsors:* Check out Dr. Mom Butt Balm: drmombuttbalm.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vbac-link/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Tom Korski, Managing Editor of Blacklocks Reporter joined Alex Pierson to discuss Trudeau appeared on CBC and seemed rather confused by comments Jagmeet Singh said that no one in the NDP caucus is a concern. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Welcome to episode 300! Thank you so much for being here, whether you're new to the podcast or been listening for years, I appreciate you being here. I'm sending you so much love. We're creating our own movement in this corner of the internet where we are becoming well women, where we are learning how to heal, thrive, energized, so that we can be radiant. That is available for you right here on the Gut Goddess Show with 300 episodes to help you. So, let's dive into this episode… Today, I want to take things back to basics and look at eating. Eating 101 in a world where you are told probably five contradictory things every single day on Instagram about what you should or should not be eating so - what the heck do you eat? As a Holistic Nutritionist and Coach, I'm going to be sharing with you the 5 different areas or structures that you want to be following and thinking about when it comes to food. You can fit in whether you're vegetarian, high-carb, low fat or plant-based. Applying these principles will really help your hormones, your mental health, weight loss if that's necessary and desired, and also help with your gut health. Let's dive in! Resources Book your free call with me here If you want to work with me, I have spaces in my new program, Bloom. Beat the Sweet: Sugar Detox & Recipe Collection
Welcome back T&J fam! We are excited for each episode, but this episode holds extra value to us! Josh opens up about his recent study of the four gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. We discuss the theories behind how these were written and the different pictures of Jesus each paints. Josh acknowledges how one of the biggest critics of scripture helped him better see Christ for who he is and discusses how it seems like the four gospels contradict each other. This proves to be one of the most enjoyable episodes for us to record, so we hope you enjoy it just as much! Don't hesitate to reach out with thoughts, questions, or feedback. large23onsweetwheat@yahoo.com
Sponsor: This week's podcast is sponsored by Wix Studio - the web platform built for agencies and enterprises. Sarah Presch, Digital Marketing Director at Dragon Metrics, returns to the podcast to discuss the social psychology behind how we search. What are cognitive biases? Social identity theory What is confirmation bias? Can misinformation online make a big impact? Google's role in the spread of misinformation Contradicting search results depending on the search term Is this also true in other languages? What can we do to combat misinformation and confirmation bias? Follow Sarah: Twitter: https://twitter.com/sarah_presch LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-pokorna/ Website: https://www.sarahpresch.com/ Links/resources: Sarah's article: https://www.dragonmetrics.com/confirmation-bias/ An excellent companion piece by Jamie Indigo: https://www.searchenginejournal.com/digital-disinformation-fight-manipulation-seo-industry/380344/ Sarah's previous appearance on Search With Candour: https://withcandour.co.uk/blog/the-importance-of-cultural-understanding-in-seo-with-sarah-presch
Chris Williams and Chris Hassel discuss Lisa Bluder retiring, Jan Jensen taking over, and what's next for Iowa basketball. Diving into Kirk Ferentz's comments about the QB situation, the Hawks get a receiver from the portal, and what NIL could look like in the near future. All this and more presented by Fareway Meat & Grocery. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Join the Black Team Broadcast as we welcome Raider Cody to the show. On todays episode we are going to get into: - Jayden & Nabers on IG Live - Jack Jones hurt Pats fans feelings - Contradicting draft reports - Top 30 visits - Cody dethrones Roman - Big 3 and Walkback Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
For the online coach who feels like an imposter or feels like a fraud - THIS IS FOR YOU. Join the membership Pivot to Profit here: https://jessica-parr.mykajabi.com/membership What we're chatting about in this episode: Social media is an experiment and it's okay to publish imperfect content. Personal branding and online business involve evolution and growth. Being open, transparent, and vulnerable in sharing opinions and beliefs is important. Creating a space where one can freely express and evolve is crucial. imposter syndrome, contradicting oneself, social media, content creation, evolution, growth, personal branding, online business --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jessicaparr/message
Hour 3 - Keefe and Fitzy look more into Robert KRaft's comments and the odd reasons he gave for Calvin Ridley not signing with the Patriots. Also, his draft wants and needs sound very contradictory. Then, its Tier Tuesday and the guys rank the teams in the MLB before a new season begins. And, learn about the newest presidential candidate in Keefer Madness.
Steelers' GM Omar Khan said that the Steelers are putting full faith in QB Kenny Pickett for next season. How is it possible for him to say that when the team is also pushing a "fair quarterback competition" message through the offseason as well?
Nick Sirianni's comments yesterday had us scratching our heads because of things he said and did over the past few weeks.
Miles Free challenges Carli Kistler-Miller and David Wynn to determine the contradicting nature of precision machining. For More Information visit www.pmpa.org/podcasts
The Eggisode. Eggs - a humble yet controversial food staple, often dubbed as nature's multivitamin. We're cracking open the truth about this protein-packed, vitamin-rich food item that's been a part of human diet for thousands of years.Keto Dude says to eat 6 a day with bacon and half a pound of cheese. Arnold ate 10-15 a day. But some health professionals consider that crazy. Contradicting research and a hot debate surrounding eggs have left us all scrambling for concrete answers. We'll be sifting through the historical controversy, delving into the nutrition science, and seeking answers.Find episode links, notes and artwork at:https://blog.dirobi.comThis show is for informational purposes only. None of the information in this podcast should be construed as dispensing medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Do you feel lost in the contradicting health info online? If you don't know where to turn or who to trust, this episode of The Gut Show is for you! In the most unbiased way I can, I talk about why these contradictions exist, how to navigate them, and how to find information you trust. In this episode, we cover: Why do these contradictions exist [4:09] Who is sharing this information [7:44] Short vs long term benefits[13:53] Scientific vs anecdotal evidence [16:54] What is considered evidenced based [22:48] So how do you know who to trust [27:20] The message itself [29:17] Trends vs science [30:51] Are you the center of your care [32:52] Mentioned in this episode: Schedule a consult call: bit.ly/gutivateconsult Join the MASTER Method Membership: https://www.ibsmastermethod.com/master-method This episode is sponsored by FODZYME, the world's first enzyme blend that targets FODMAPs, gas-causing carbohydrates and common gut triggers. Mixing FODZYME with your food allows the enzymes to integrate and break down the FODMAPs lactose, GOS, and fructan, before they can affect your gut. Through a unique formula and powder form for maximum efficacy, FODZYME can help you reduce overall FODMAP load, support better digestion and enable nutritional diversity for optimal health. Say goodbye to digestion drama with the help of FODZYME. Learn more at fodzyme.com and use code GUTSHOW at checkout to save 20% off any single order Connect with Erin & the Gutivate team: IG: @erinjudge.rd or @gutivate Website: www.gutivate.com FREE: IBS Fundamentals Mini Course: https://www.ibsmastermethod.com/ibs-fundamentals-sign-up Join The GUT Community: The Facebook group for those with IBS and digestive health conditions to connect, encourage one another, and dive deeper into the topics we cover on The Gut Show. Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thegutcommunity Track your symptoms & understand your body better: My Gut Journal is a 90 day gut tracker to build awareness in your mind & body. Get yours at https://gutivate.com/store/mygutjournal
A cloud of mystery and suspicion surrounds the case of Oakley Carlson, a 6-year-old girl from Oakville, Washington, who has not been seen since early 2021. As more details about her family's life come to light, serious concerns about the child's safety have intensified. Oakley Carlson's "last credible sighting" occurred on February 10, 2021. However, her parents, Andrew Carlson and Jordan Bowers, reported to the Grays County Sheriff's Office that their last encounter with Oakley was much later, on November 30, 2021. By December of that year, she was reported missing. Officials handling the case have labeled her disappearance and the associated details as "suspicious." Diving deeper, the Grays County Sheriff's Office has termed the nature of Oakley's disappearance as "criminal." In the ongoing investigation, both Bowers and Carlson have emerged as the primary persons of interest. Their history presents several troubling allegations. Among the chief concerns is an alarming claim that Bowers and Carlson allegedly deprived Oakley's sibling of essential medicine for an extended period, around 15 months. According to the Sheriff's Office, this medicine was imperative for the child's physical well-being, and the lack thereof put her at significant risk, even possibly leading to a fatal outcome. The recent publication of an opinion by the Washington State Court of Appeals on August 1 has further spotlighted the couple's questionable history with their children. This release followed after the Grays Harbor County Sheriff's Office sought the court's permission to access juvenile records connected to Bowers and Carlson's offspring. The court document revealed that since April 2013, the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) has undertaken 11 in-depth investigations into the family. This included eight distinct cases that involved allegations ranging from domestic violence to drug use, abuse, and significant medical neglect. One particular concern involved Oakley's sibling, referred to as DC in court documents, who suffers from a rare genetic syndrome resulting in a developmental disability. This condition necessitates daily injections for the child. Past accusations pointed towards Bowers' untreated mental health issues and a neglect to seek services for the child back in June 2017. Despite initial probes by the DCYF, there was no extended investigation as the intake was "screened out." Matters became more alarming a month later when another report surfaced, alleging the lack of medicine for DC, coupled with allegations of domestic violence and methamphetamine use within the home. Following these revelations, Oakley and DC were separated and put under different care, while another sibling was placed under the custody of his biological father. In a concerning development from January 2021, officials received inputs about visible scratches and bruises on Oakley's face. When questioned, Bowers and Carlson demonstrated a blatant lack of cooperation. Furthermore, prior to Oakley's disappearance, Bowers reportedly informed Oakley's school about a fire at their residence, which she alleged Oakley started. Upon school authorities visiting Oakley's residence, the child was conspicuously absent. The parents' narrative has been inconsistent. They have suggested that they simply "lost track" of Oakley, with Carlson eventually reporting her missing in December. Contradicting their account, Oakley's grandfather claimed he hadn't seen the child since Christmas 2020. Following these murky claims, both Carlson and Bowers were apprehended for obstruction. Disturbing insights from DC highlighted the severity of the situation. DC disclosed to authorities that Oakley had ignited the house fire using her mother's torch and was subsequently subjected to physical abuse as punishment. DC's testimony further indicated potential locations for Oakley, suggesting she might have been "under her mother's bed or in the woods." Furthermore, she voiced fears for Oakley and another sibling, JC, strongly implying they were "not safe in their mother's care." Another sibling, referred to as BB-P in legal documents, backed up these claims, suggesting a history of abuse by Bowers towards Oakley and JC. A particularly chilling revelation indicated that Oakley was occasionally confined in a locked 'cell' beneath the staircase. In an unrelated development, KCPQ-TV confirmed that Bowers was sentenced on August 7 in a separate identity theft case, which has no links to her daughter's puzzling disappearance. With layers of complexity, this case is a chilling reminder of the often-unseen troubles lurking beneath the surface in many households. As investigations continue, the primary hope remains the safe discovery and return of Oakley Carlson. Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
Hidden Killers With Tony Brueski | True Crime News & Commentary
A cloud of mystery and suspicion surrounds the case of Oakley Carlson, a 6-year-old girl from Oakville, Washington, who has not been seen since early 2021. As more details about her family's life come to light, serious concerns about the child's safety have intensified. Oakley Carlson's "last credible sighting" occurred on February 10, 2021. However, her parents, Andrew Carlson and Jordan Bowers, reported to the Grays County Sheriff's Office that their last encounter with Oakley was much later, on November 30, 2021. By December of that year, she was reported missing. Officials handling the case have labeled her disappearance and the associated details as "suspicious." Diving deeper, the Grays County Sheriff's Office has termed the nature of Oakley's disappearance as "criminal." In the ongoing investigation, both Bowers and Carlson have emerged as the primary persons of interest. Their history presents several troubling allegations. Among the chief concerns is an alarming claim that Bowers and Carlson allegedly deprived Oakley's sibling of essential medicine for an extended period, around 15 months. According to the Sheriff's Office, this medicine was imperative for the child's physical well-being, and the lack thereof put her at significant risk, even possibly leading to a fatal outcome. The recent publication of an opinion by the Washington State Court of Appeals on August 1 has further spotlighted the couple's questionable history with their children. This release followed after the Grays Harbor County Sheriff's Office sought the court's permission to access juvenile records connected to Bowers and Carlson's offspring. The court document revealed that since April 2013, the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) has undertaken 11 in-depth investigations into the family. This included eight distinct cases that involved allegations ranging from domestic violence to drug use, abuse, and significant medical neglect. One particular concern involved Oakley's sibling, referred to as DC in court documents, who suffers from a rare genetic syndrome resulting in a developmental disability. This condition necessitates daily injections for the child. Past accusations pointed towards Bowers' untreated mental health issues and a neglect to seek services for the child back in June 2017. Despite initial probes by the DCYF, there was no extended investigation as the intake was "screened out." Matters became more alarming a month later when another report surfaced, alleging the lack of medicine for DC, coupled with allegations of domestic violence and methamphetamine use within the home. Following these revelations, Oakley and DC were separated and put under different care, while another sibling was placed under the custody of his biological father. In a concerning development from January 2021, officials received inputs about visible scratches and bruises on Oakley's face. When questioned, Bowers and Carlson demonstrated a blatant lack of cooperation. Furthermore, prior to Oakley's disappearance, Bowers reportedly informed Oakley's school about a fire at their residence, which she alleged Oakley started. Upon school authorities visiting Oakley's residence, the child was conspicuously absent. The parents' narrative has been inconsistent. They have suggested that they simply "lost track" of Oakley, with Carlson eventually reporting her missing in December. Contradicting their account, Oakley's grandfather claimed he hadn't seen the child since Christmas 2020. Following these murky claims, both Carlson and Bowers were apprehended for obstruction. Disturbing insights from DC highlighted the severity of the situation. DC disclosed to authorities that Oakley had ignited the house fire using her mother's torch and was subsequently subjected to physical abuse as punishment. DC's testimony further indicated potential locations for Oakley, suggesting she might have been "under her mother's bed or in the woods." Furthermore, she voiced fears for Oakley and another sibling, JC, strongly implying they were "not safe in their mother's care." Another sibling, referred to as BB-P in legal documents, backed up these claims, suggesting a history of abuse by Bowers towards Oakley and JC. A particularly chilling revelation indicated that Oakley was occasionally confined in a locked 'cell' beneath the staircase. In an unrelated development, KCPQ-TV confirmed that Bowers was sentenced on August 7 in a separate identity theft case, which has no links to her daughter's puzzling disappearance. With layers of complexity, this case is a chilling reminder of the often-unseen troubles lurking beneath the surface in many households. As investigations continue, the primary hope remains the safe discovery and return of Oakley Carlson. Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
A cloud of mystery and suspicion surrounds the case of Oakley Carlson, a 6-year-old girl from Oakville, Washington, who has not been seen since early 2021. As more details about her family's life come to light, serious concerns about the child's safety have intensified. Oakley Carlson's "last credible sighting" occurred on February 10, 2021. However, her parents, Andrew Carlson and Jordan Bowers, reported to the Grays County Sheriff's Office that their last encounter with Oakley was much later, on November 30, 2021. By December of that year, she was reported missing. Officials handling the case have labeled her disappearance and the associated details as "suspicious." Diving deeper, the Grays County Sheriff's Office has termed the nature of Oakley's disappearance as "criminal." In the ongoing investigation, both Bowers and Carlson have emerged as the primary persons of interest. Their history presents several troubling allegations. Among the chief concerns is an alarming claim that Bowers and Carlson allegedly deprived Oakley's sibling of essential medicine for an extended period, around 15 months. According to the Sheriff's Office, this medicine was imperative for the child's physical well-being, and the lack thereof put her at significant risk, even possibly leading to a fatal outcome. The recent publication of an opinion by the Washington State Court of Appeals on August 1 has further spotlighted the couple's questionable history with their children. This release followed after the Grays Harbor County Sheriff's Office sought the court's permission to access juvenile records connected to Bowers and Carlson's offspring. The court document revealed that since April 2013, the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) has undertaken 11 in-depth investigations into the family. This included eight distinct cases that involved allegations ranging from domestic violence to drug use, abuse, and significant medical neglect. One particular concern involved Oakley's sibling, referred to as DC in court documents, who suffers from a rare genetic syndrome resulting in a developmental disability. This condition necessitates daily injections for the child. Past accusations pointed towards Bowers' untreated mental health issues and a neglect to seek services for the child back in June 2017. Despite initial probes by the DCYF, there was no extended investigation as the intake was "screened out." Matters became more alarming a month later when another report surfaced, alleging the lack of medicine for DC, coupled with allegations of domestic violence and methamphetamine use within the home. Following these revelations, Oakley and DC were separated and put under different care, while another sibling was placed under the custody of his biological father. In a concerning development from January 2021, officials received inputs about visible scratches and bruises on Oakley's face. When questioned, Bowers and Carlson demonstrated a blatant lack of cooperation. Furthermore, prior to Oakley's disappearance, Bowers reportedly informed Oakley's school about a fire at their residence, which she alleged Oakley started. Upon school authorities visiting Oakley's residence, the child was conspicuously absent. The parents' narrative has been inconsistent. They have suggested that they simply "lost track" of Oakley, with Carlson eventually reporting her missing in December. Contradicting their account, Oakley's grandfather claimed he hadn't seen the child since Christmas 2020. Following these murky claims, both Carlson and Bowers were apprehended for obstruction. Disturbing insights from DC highlighted the severity of the situation. DC disclosed to authorities that Oakley had ignited the house fire using her mother's torch and was subsequently subjected to physical abuse as punishment. DC's testimony further indicated potential locations for Oakley, suggesting she might have been "under her mother's bed or in the woods." Furthermore, she voiced fears for Oakley and another sibling, JC, strongly implying they were "not safe in their mother's care." Another sibling, referred to as BB-P in legal documents, backed up these claims, suggesting a history of abuse by Bowers towards Oakley and JC. A particularly chilling revelation indicated that Oakley was occasionally confined in a locked 'cell' beneath the staircase. In an unrelated development, KCPQ-TV confirmed that Bowers was sentenced on August 7 in a separate identity theft case, which has no links to her daughter's puzzling disappearance. With layers of complexity, this case is a chilling reminder of the often-unseen troubles lurking beneath the surface in many households. As investigations continue, the primary hope remains the safe discovery and return of Oakley Carlson. Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
Today Heather is joined by one of her favorite guests, eating disorder expert, dietitian, and biblical truth seeker, Amy Carlson. Amy and Heather dig into some of the messaging around food that they've observed floating around from Christian content creators. Today, the duo gets real and analyzes some of these messages. With an MS in Nutrition and more than twenty-five years of experience working with women with eating disorders and disordered eating, Amy challenges us to think about God as being with us on our eating journey instead of against us. A lot of the messaging around food coming at Christians casts food as "temptation" or "evil," but today's conversation looks at how God really intended us to relate to food and why demonizing food is not the best way to find a healthier relationship with it. Instead, we can invite God into this space and into our relationship and struggles with food. Heather and Amy also discuss the dangers in using Bible verses and stories to support disordered eating habits. Amy vulnerably shares how scripture played a role in her own journey into an eating disorder and how confusing and dangerous it can be to miss the context and goal of God's word and verses like, "commit your ways to the Lord and your plans will succeed" and twist it into a message of disordered eating. You're going to need to listen to this one twice! Get ready for a thought-provoking episode that just may challenge you to think about your relationship with food in a different way. Whether you've had a restriction-based eating disorder, or wrestling binge eating, if you've dieted all your life, or never been sure of how to handle food in a God-honoring way, this episode will encourage you. If it does, please leave a review. Learn more about Amy Carlson and the Peace With Food app at helloPeacewithfood.com Listen to Heather's other episodes with Amy Carlson about our relationship with food here (some are mentioned in today's show): How to Really Feel Better in Your Body Featuring Amy Carlson, RD Letting Go of “Good” and “Bad” Food Labels Featuring Amy Carlson, RD Is Self Control Really the Solution to Our Food Issues? Featuring Amy Carlson, RD Do I Need More Self-Control to Stop Eating? Feat. Amy Carlson, RD Amy Carlson, RD Shares What to Do if You Need to Lose Weight 2 What if I Really Need or Want to Lose Weight? Feat. Amy Carlson Do Food Choices Make Us Righteous? Diet Culture & Purity Culture Romans 14: Good Foods and Bad Foods? Featuring Amy Carlson Part 2 Should I Fast if I Had an Eating Disorder? A Look at Fasting Daniel Fast, Sugar Fasts, and the Truth About Biblical Fasting Are you ready for the next step to freedom in your body image journey? Check out Heather's new Christian online body image course: The Body Image Freedom Framework. Save $50 by using the code: PODCAST Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
This week we watched the SKZ Log for stay week and caught up on the Skz records Contradicting, Hold On, and SKZ Player Party's Not Over. Our links can be found at: https://www.makeastay.com
A cloud of mystery and suspicion surrounds the case of Oakley Carlson, a 6-year-old girl from Oakville, Washington, who has not been seen since early 2021. As more details about her family's life come to light, serious concerns about the child's safety have intensified. Oakley Carlson's "last credible sighting" occurred on February 10, 2021. However, her parents, Andrew Carlson and Jordan Bowers, reported to the Grays County Sheriff's Office that their last encounter with Oakley was much later, on November 30, 2021. By December of that year, she was reported missing. Officials handling the case have labeled her disappearance and the associated details as "suspicious." Diving deeper, the Grays County Sheriff's Office has termed the nature of Oakley's disappearance as "criminal." In the ongoing investigation, both Bowers and Carlson have emerged as the primary persons of interest. Their history presents several troubling allegations. Among the chief concerns is an alarming claim that Bowers and Carlson allegedly deprived Oakley's sibling of essential medicine for an extended period, around 15 months. According to the Sheriff's Office, this medicine was imperative for the child's physical well-being, and the lack thereof put her at significant risk, even possibly leading to a fatal outcome. The recent publication of an opinion by the Washington State Court of Appeals on August 1 has further spotlighted the couple's questionable history with their children. This release followed after the Grays Harbor County Sheriff's Office sought the court's permission to access juvenile records connected to Bowers and Carlson's offspring. The court document revealed that since April 2013, the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) has undertaken 11 in-depth investigations into the family. This included eight distinct cases that involved allegations ranging from domestic violence to drug use, abuse, and significant medical neglect. One particular concern involved Oakley's sibling, referred to as DC in court documents, who suffers from a rare genetic syndrome resulting in a developmental disability. This condition necessitates daily injections for the child. Past accusations pointed towards Bowers' untreated mental health issues and a neglect to seek services for the child back in June 2017. Despite initial probes by the DCYF, there was no extended investigation as the intake was "screened out." Matters became more alarming a month later when another report surfaced, alleging the lack of medicine for DC, coupled with allegations of domestic violence and methamphetamine use within the home. Following these revelations, Oakley and DC were separated and put under different care, while another sibling was placed under the custody of his biological father. In a concerning development from January 2021, officials received inputs about visible scratches and bruises on Oakley's face. When questioned, Bowers and Carlson demonstrated a blatant lack of cooperation. Furthermore, prior to Oakley's disappearance, Bowers reportedly informed Oakley's school about a fire at their residence, which she alleged Oakley started. Upon school authorities visiting Oakley's residence, the child was conspicuously absent. The parents' narrative has been inconsistent. They have suggested that they simply "lost track" of Oakley, with Carlson eventually reporting her missing in December. Contradicting their account, Oakley's grandfather claimed he hadn't seen the child since Christmas 2020. Following these murky claims, both Carlson and Bowers were apprehended for obstruction. Disturbing insights from DC highlighted the severity of the situation. DC disclosed to authorities that Oakley had ignited the house fire using her mother's torch and was subsequently subjected to physical abuse as punishment. DC's testimony further indicated potential locations for Oakley, suggesting she might have been "under her mother's bed or in the woods." Furthermore, she voiced fears for Oakley and another sibling, JC, strongly implying they were "not safe in their mother's care." Another sibling, referred to as BB-P in legal documents, backed up these claims, suggesting a history of abuse by Bowers towards Oakley and JC. A particularly chilling revelation indicated that Oakley was occasionally confined in a locked 'cell' beneath the staircase. In an unrelated development, KCPQ-TV confirmed that Bowers was sentenced on August 7 in a separate identity theft case, which has no links to her daughter's puzzling disappearance. With layers of complexity, this case is a chilling reminder of the often-unseen troubles lurking beneath the surface in many households. As investigations continue, the primary hope remains the safe discovery and return of Oakley Carlson. Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
A cloud of mystery and suspicion surrounds the case of Oakley Carlson, a 6-year-old girl from Oakville, Washington, who has not been seen since early 2021. As more details about her family's life come to light, serious concerns about the child's safety have intensified. Oakley Carlson's "last credible sighting" occurred on February 10, 2021. However, her parents, Andrew Carlson and Jordan Bowers, reported to the Grays County Sheriff's Office that their last encounter with Oakley was much later, on November 30, 2021. By December of that year, she was reported missing. Officials handling the case have labeled her disappearance and the associated details as "suspicious." Diving deeper, the Grays County Sheriff's Office has termed the nature of Oakley's disappearance as "criminal." In the ongoing investigation, both Bowers and Carlson have emerged as the primary persons of interest. Their history presents several troubling allegations. Among the chief concerns is an alarming claim that Bowers and Carlson allegedly deprived Oakley's sibling of essential medicine for an extended period, around 15 months. According to the Sheriff's Office, this medicine was imperative for the child's physical well-being, and the lack thereof put her at significant risk, even possibly leading to a fatal outcome. The recent publication of an opinion by the Washington State Court of Appeals on August 1 has further spotlighted the couple's questionable history with their children. This release followed after the Grays Harbor County Sheriff's Office sought the court's permission to access juvenile records connected to Bowers and Carlson's offspring. The court document revealed that since April 2013, the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) has undertaken 11 in-depth investigations into the family. This included eight distinct cases that involved allegations ranging from domestic violence to drug use, abuse, and significant medical neglect. One particular concern involved Oakley's sibling, referred to as DC in court documents, who suffers from a rare genetic syndrome resulting in a developmental disability. This condition necessitates daily injections for the child. Past accusations pointed towards Bowers' untreated mental health issues and a neglect to seek services for the child back in June 2017. Despite initial probes by the DCYF, there was no extended investigation as the intake was "screened out." Matters became more alarming a month later when another report surfaced, alleging the lack of medicine for DC, coupled with allegations of domestic violence and methamphetamine use within the home. Following these revelations, Oakley and DC were separated and put under different care, while another sibling was placed under the custody of his biological father. In a concerning development from January 2021, officials received inputs about visible scratches and bruises on Oakley's face. When questioned, Bowers and Carlson demonstrated a blatant lack of cooperation. Furthermore, prior to Oakley's disappearance, Bowers reportedly informed Oakley's school about a fire at their residence, which she alleged Oakley started. Upon school authorities visiting Oakley's residence, the child was conspicuously absent. The parents' narrative has been inconsistent. They have suggested that they simply "lost track" of Oakley, with Carlson eventually reporting her missing in December. Contradicting their account, Oakley's grandfather claimed he hadn't seen the child since Christmas 2020. Following these murky claims, both Carlson and Bowers were apprehended for obstruction. Disturbing insights from DC highlighted the severity of the situation. DC disclosed to authorities that Oakley had ignited the house fire using her mother's torch and was subsequently subjected to physical abuse as punishment. DC's testimony further indicated potential locations for Oakley, suggesting she might have been "under her mother's bed or in the woods." Furthermore, she voiced fears for Oakley and another sibling, JC, strongly implying they were "not safe in their mother's care." Another sibling, referred to as BB-P in legal documents, backed up these claims, suggesting a history of abuse by Bowers towards Oakley and JC. A particularly chilling revelation indicated that Oakley was occasionally confined in a locked 'cell' beneath the staircase. In an unrelated development, KCPQ-TV confirmed that Bowers was sentenced on August 7 in a separate identity theft case, which has no links to her daughter's puzzling disappearance. With layers of complexity, this case is a chilling reminder of the often-unseen troubles lurking beneath the surface in many households. As investigations continue, the primary hope remains the safe discovery and return of Oakley Carlson. Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
New IRS Whistleblower Joseph Ziegler dishes on additional evidence to President Joe Biden's knowledge of son, Hunter's business dealings, on the reaction he has received from the federal law enforcement community in light of his testimony, and how Hunter Biden's book was used to prove his tax fraud. Additional interview with investigative journalist Miranda Devine on her new article concerning allegations by ex-business Devon Archer that Hunter Biden would put then-Vice President Joe Biden on the phone with his overseas business associates.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Rob, Grant, and Trevor are back with another Potluck Episode. We discuss a host of odd, interesting, and humorous training topics in this week's show. For Show Notes and Transcripts Visit: www.FastTalkLabs.com/potluck-discussion-structured-training-plans-building-a-base-for-attacks-and-contradicting-the-science Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The second autopsy of Stephen Smith, an LGBTQ activist who died under mysterious circumstances in 2015, has been conducted by an independent forensic team, bringing new details to light. Contradicting initial reports of a hit-and-run, the latest findings raise more questions about the true cause of Smith's death. As the investigation continues, his family remains determined to uncover the truth and seek justice for their loved one. Want to listen to ALL of our Podcasts Ad-Free? Subscribe through Apple Podcasts, and try it for 3 days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: Hidden Killers With Tony Brueski (All Cases) - https://audioboom.com/channels/5040505-hidden-killers-with-tony-brueski-breaking-news-commentary Chad & Lori Daybell - https://audioboom.com/channels/5098105-demise-of-the-daybells-the-lori-chad-daybell-story The Murder of Ana Walshe - https://audioboom.com/channels/5093967-finding-ana-this-disappearance-of-ana-walshe Alex Murdaugh - https://audioboom.com/channels/5097527-the-trial-of-alex-murdaugh The Idaho Murders, The Case Against Bryan Kohberger - https://audioboom.com/channels/5098223-the-idaho-murders-the-case-against-bryan-kohberger Lucy Letby - https://audioboom.com/channels/5099406-nurse-of-death-the-lucy-letby-story Follow Tony Brueski On Twitter https://twitter.com/tonybpod Join our Facebook Discussion Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/834636321133
In Steph and Laura's catch up today, they discuss the insane societal pressures placed on women and how contradictory a lot of the messaging is, they share stories of when they've spotted famous people in the wild (and you'll hear why Steph has never lived down her first encounter with Andy Lee), plus we gave the TikTok #SpillTheTea challenge a go where the entire studio may or may not have ended up covered in tea!! SPECIAL SHARES: Laura - Ted Lasso, Season 3 - Apple TV series Steph - The Imperfects episode 'Chrissie Swan - Honesty' KIC UPDATE: Our KICRUN Club is back and starts today! There are now 3 distances you can choose from - 5km, 10km or our brand new 10-21km program. If you have any questions about the recent updates to KICRUN, we have an explainer blog post at keepitcleaner.com/kicrunexplainedSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nancy Pelosi has repeatedly stated, "America stands with Taiwan." But the State Department claims to still abide by the One China Policy. What's going on here? Plus, Kansas struck down a pro-life amendment in a disappointing post-Roe vote on abortion laws. And Demi Lovato announces she is a woman again ... maybe? Today's Sponsors: With dozens of comfort innovations, Tommy John keeps you feeling super confident AND super cool — from lounging at home to summertime fun. Go to https://TommyJohn.com/WHY for 20% off your first order. Raycon's Everyday Earbuds look, feel, and sound better than ever. Plus, they give you eight hours of playtime and a 32-hour battery life. Go to https://BuyRaycon.com/WHY for 15% off. Go to https://BlazeSocks.com and use promo code SaraSocks to get 20% off TheBlaze's limited-edition patriotic socks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices