MOTHER-podcast with Karina Vazirova
MOTHER-podcast
MOTHER is a movement of bold ideas about the female body.
We will be diving into fascinating science and new technology pushing the boundaries of the female experience as we know it.
The show is hosted by Karina Vazirova, CEO and co-founder of FemTech Lab (www.femtechlab.com), a global ecosystem supporting startups in women’s health, and producer of the DECODING THE FUTURE OF WOMEN (www.d3cod1ng.com) conference in London.
The name for the podcast "MOTHER" is inspired by the creative force inside us all - the force that creates ideas, businesses, spaces, communities, and life itself.
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Top 10 MOTHER-podcast with Karina Vazirova Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best MOTHER-podcast with Karina Vazirova episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to MOTHER-podcast with Karina Vazirova for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite MOTHER-podcast with Karina Vazirova episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
Deena Emera, PhD - A Brief History of The Female Body, Evolution and A Look Into the Future
MOTHER-podcast with Karina Vazirova
04/10/24 • 52 min
Our bodies are a byproduct of millions of years of evolution. MOTHER-nature, as the most iterative technologist, has orchestrated the female form - from the menstrual cycles to orgasms, from pregnancies to menopause. But, how? Why did our biology evolve to be exactly the way it is today?
Deena Emera, PhD is an evolutionary geneticist, author, educator and senior scientist at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging. In her latest hit book "A Brief History of the Female Body" she draws on her vast expertise as a biologist, her experience as a mother of four children, and her love of teaching to look far into our evolutionary past, illuminating how and, more importantly, why the female form has transformed over millions of years and its effects on women's health.
Enjoy!
Want to become a MOTHER-sponsor and create some magic together? Reach out to us: https://shorturl.at/0RHLM
(0:00) Intro
(01:10) Unexpected benefits of knowing our evolutionary biology
(04:40) Mother-child conflict during and after pregnancy
(15:43) Evolutionary purpose of the menstrual cycle
(18:32) The endometrium as an embryo sensor
(23:42) How studying the endometrium can help cure cancer
(25:22) Female orgasm from the evolutionary perspective
(33:02) Menopause as a rare evolutionary trait
(38:12) Delaying menopause: current state of the art and goals
(42:06) Reproductive choice
(44:16) The dynamic between biological and technological evolution
(47:34) Current tensions between females and males
Links:
Deena's book "A Brief History of the Female Body" - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Brief-History-Female-Body-Evolutionary-ebook/dp/B0BB8SCVDQ
Deena's Boston Globe article "Reproductive choice is at the core of being a female mammal" - https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/07/20/opinion/reproductive-choice-is-core-being-female-mammal/
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Alisa Vitti - Menstrual Cycle as the 5th Vital Sign and Longevity Biohacking For Women
MOTHER-podcast with Karina Vazirova
02/21/24 • 61 min
What if our menstrual cycle holds the answers to health and longevity?
Meet Alisa Vitti, the MOTHER of the #cycle-syncing movement.
While attending Johns Hopkins, Alisa was diagnosed with PCOS. Her doctor painted a grim picture of her future and offered birth control as the only solution. Not willing to accept this as the only option, Alisa went on a quest to find alternative ways to heal. Through this journey, she’s become a thought leader for women’s hormonal health, a pioneer in FemTech, a US patent holder for her tech, and an advocate for gender equality in nutrition research. As a researcher and author, Vitti has published 2 best-selling books—WomanCode and In the Flo. She uncovered the Infradian Rhythm and created The Cycle Syncing® Method which became a viral wellness movement on social with 5 million #cyclesyncing. She’s spoken on every stage from TED to SXSW and has been featured everywhere from the NYTimes to Forbes to Vogue, as well as hundreds of podcasts. In 2001, Alisa founded Flo Living (https://floliving.com/) - the next-gen hormone care platform helping women get to the root cause of their symptoms with its personalized programs, supplements, and a top-ranked hormone care app. Today, she is focused on shifting the cultural conversation around hormone care and gender inequality in research and biohacking—leading the way to a better future for women’s health.
(00:00) Intro
(01:29) The Infadian Rythm and why all women need to know about it
(08:34) How hormones influence overall health
(10:30) Long-term effect of PMS on health and longevity
(19:02) Why our menstrual cycle is the 5th vital sign of health
(23:00) Biomarkers of menstrual health and how to measure them
(26:10) Why menstrual blood is not a waste product
(31:31) Female lens on the current biohacking trends
(42:33) Continuous Glucose Monitoring ("CGM") and the importance of blood sugar levels
(44:46) How to perform an endocrine disruptor sweep
(45:57) Alisa's take on in potential of Artificial Intelligence in women's health
(50:43) What's next for Flo Living
(51:40) The bigger picture: What the Female Cycle can teach humanity beyond our health
Links:
Flo Living - https://floliving.com/
Woman Code (book) - https://shorturl.at/amJW9
In The Flo (book) - https://shorturl.at/aqMS6
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Nina Patrick, PhD - Could Psychedelic Therapy Be a Game Changer for Women's Health?
MOTHER-podcast with Karina Vazirova
03/06/24 • 57 min
Could psychedelics be a game changer for women's health?
Nina Patrick, PhD - Head of Innovation at the Champalimaud Foundation Center of the Unknown in Lisbon, a state-of-the-art research facility working on cutting-edge technology in oncology and neuroscience. Her popular newsletter, Nina's Notes, is a bite-sized editorial on science & health topics like longevity, psychedelics, web3, space travel, and the future of medicine.
In this episode, we discussed the latest research and the legality of psychedelic therapy (which is different from taking psychedelics recreationally). Nina explained how psychedelics work on the receptors in the brain, and we discussed how psychedelics can have a huge impact on women’s health - from postpartum depression to eating disorders, to menopause.
If you are interested in this topic and are looking for a credible overview - this episode is for you.
(0:00) - Intro
(1:14) - What is a psychedelic?
(2:30) - Psychedelics and the brain barrier
(3:50) - Examples of psychedelic therapy & ketamine clinics
(07:50) - Legality of Psychedelics
(12:36) - MDMA for treatment of PTSD
(16:53) - Psychedelics v. Antidepressants
(20:25) - MDMA v. Psylocibin
(20:36) - What happens in the brain on psychedelics?
(25:01) - Micro v. Macro-dosing
(28:35) - Women's Health and Psychedelics
(34:32) - Female Hormones
(36:56) - Menopause
(38:22) - Eating disorders
(41:32) - Post-partum depression & Moms Who Mushroom
(47:04) - Words of caution
(52:11) - Other research Nina is interested in
(57:06) - The Future of Medicine
Links:
Nina's Notes - https://www.notes.ninapatrick.xyz
Edition about Psychedelics and Women's Health - https://www.notes.ninapatrick.xyz/p/48-what-we-know-about-the-effect
Edition about the Future of Medicine (Med3) - https://www.notes.ninapatrick.xyz/p/46-med3
Champalimaud Center of the Unknown - https://www.fchampalimaud.org/champalimaud-foundation/champalimaud-centre
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Aella - Shameless Future of Female Sexuality, Kinks, Sex Parties, Religion, and Artificial Wombs
MOTHER-podcast with Karina Vazirova
03/13/24 • 50 min
Are we entering a new dawn of sexual liberation?
Aella is a model, camgirl, escort and internet personality. She has been one of the highest-earning models on OnlyFans, making up to $100,000/month. But what makes her a truly fascinating human is her highly analytical, curious and creative mind. Aella realised that no one was asking questions about sexual preferences in a systemic way. So she taught herself data science and created The Big Kink Survey which went viral online and has been filled out by over 1 Million people. The survey is now the most comprehensive dataset on fetishes, kinks, and sexual preferences.
Naturally, I was curious: What are women into according to the survey results? Turns out, there are fascinating patterns!
In this episode, Aella explained that fetishes are actually on a spectrum, just like sexual preferences. She talked about her "How to Be Good in Bed" blog series for men, her view on the future of the sex profession, the pros and cons of OnlyFans, her hot take on feminism, artificial wombs, psychedelics and much much more.
(00:00) Intro
(01:12) The Big Kink Survey
(01:28) Understanding fetishes
(03:48) Women's fetishes
(12:08) Women's preference for violent porn
(16;51) Aella's sex parties
(18:51) Sexuality and creativity
(19:53) Aella's experience with social shame
(25:30) Spirituality
(30:32) OnlyFans trends
(32:20) Non-nude cam girls
(33:02) Male group psychology on OnlyFans
(34:04) Sex work and safety
(34:54) Escorting
(36:36) Aella's "Date Me" application form
(42:46) How Aella got into sex research
(43;59) New exciting survey Aella is working on
(48:03) Artificial Wombs and Feminism
Links:
Aella's Website - www.knowingless.com
Blog & Research - https://aella.substack.com/
To take the The Big Kink Survey - https://www.guidedtrack.com/programs/u4m797m/run
Twitter - www.twitter.com/aellagirl
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Grace Blest-Hopley, PhD - Psychedelic Use for Female Health, Hormones, Menstrual Cycle, and Menopause
MOTHER-podcast with Karina Vazirova
04/03/24 • 41 min
Could psychedelics start a new era in women's holistic health?
Dr. Grace Blest-Hopley is a Neuroscientist with 10 years of experience researching cannabis, cannabinoids, and psychedelics. She is the founder of Hystelica - the first research organisation in the world focused on understanding women's biology for safe and effective psychedelic use. Grace currently serves as the Chief Scientific Officer at NWPharma Tech and is also the Research Director at Heroic Hearts Project, a charity connecting military veterans with mental trauma to psychedelic therapy options: ayahuasca, psilocybin, and ketamine.
In this episode, you'll hear about the incredible potential of psychedelics in women's health.
Enjoy!
Want to become a MOTHER-sponsor and create some magic together? Reach out to us: https://shorturl.at/0RHLM
(0:00) Intro
(01:16) What is a psychedelic?
(02:33) Why is it important to study psychedelics for women separately?
(11:24) Safety of psychedelic use for women
(13:50) Hystelica's research into psychedelics for women
(15:42) Microdosing and menopause
(19:32) Anti-inflammatory properties of psychedelics
(21:31) Evidence that women process trauma differently
(23:59) The exact mechanism between trauma and disease
(28:44) Neuroscientist's definition of trauma
(31:11) Women in combat and PTSD
(33:52) How indigenous women use of psychedelics
(36:39) Big goal in psychedelics for women's health: Big Data
(38:56) How can anyone participate in Hystelica's research?
Links:
Grace's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/grace-blest-hopley-msc-akc
Hystelica - https://www.hystelica.com/
Hystelica's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/wearehystelica/
Heroic Hearts - https://www.heroicheartsuk.com/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sophie Cohen - The Evolution of Female Sexuality, Creativity, Power and Self-Exploration
MOTHER-podcast with Karina Vazirova
10/02/24 • 39 min
Is there a link between female sexuality, creativity and power?
Meet Sophie Cohen, the founder of a cult underground erotic theatre company House of Vixens, a film director, an ex-stripper, and a sex coach who helps people discover their sexuality and eroticism. This show is about pushing the boundaries of the female experience. To do that, we have to look in the shadows. And that is exactly where female sexuality lives today. This episode is not really about sex. It is about how our sexuality interplays with our sense of inner confidence, creativity, and even health.
Enjoy!
Want to become a MOTHER-sponsor and create some magic together? Reach out to us: https://shorturl.at/0RHLM
(00:00) Intro
(01:21) What is eroticism?
(03:10) What are the key barriers for women to experience sexuality fully?
(04:50) Is there a connection between sexuality and inner confidence?
(06:00) Sophie's creative work: House of Vixens, film and live performances
(11:29) How does sexuality interplay with creativity?
(13:30) What's the difference between a kink and a fetish?
(17:20) How female sexuality and preferences change throughout life
(25:00) Myth or true: Does our monthly cycle influence arousal?
(27:40) Pelvic floor nerve endings and the range of a female orgasm
(34:00) Religion and sexuality
(35:50) How female sexuality shaped history
(37:20) Sophie's plans for the future
Links:
Sophie's Website (with info about upcoming experiences, film, and coaching) - https://thesophiecohen.com/
Sophie's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thesophiecohen/
House of Vixens - houseofvixens.com (follow @houseofvixens_official on Instagram)
Mandrake Salon by Sophie Cohen, at the Mandrake Hotel in London - https://www.themandrake.com/mandrake-salon
The RedRoom (film) - https://filmfreeway.com/TheRedRoom817
Books Sophie mentioned:
"My Secret Garden: Women’s Sexual Fantasies" by Nancy Friday
"A Curious History of Sex" by Kate Lister
"Licentious Worlds: Sex and Exploitation in Global Empires" by Julie Peakman
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Ariella Shikanov, PhD - Artificial Ovary, Delaying Menopause and Big Ideas in Ovarian Biology
MOTHER-podcast with Karina Vazirova
10/23/24 • 40 min
What would it take to create an Artificial Ovary?
Meet Ariella Shikanov, professor of biomedical engineering at the University of Michigan. Earlier this year, her team at Shikanov Lab made history when they created a new Map of the Ovary.
With the support of the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, Ariella's team mapped gene expression in various regions of the ovary, marking a major milestone in our understanding of reproductive biology.
Enjoy!
Want to become a MOTHER-sponsor and create some magic together? Reach out to us: https://shorturl.at/0RHLM
(00:00) Intro
(03:00) How ovaries work: eggs, hormones, and follicles explained
(06:10) Puberty and how the brain controls your ovaries
(07:30) How your ovaries talk to other organs
(09:00) Key findings from Map of The Ovary research
(12:00) Oncofertility: preserving fertility during cancer treatment
(15:30) The challenge and hope of freezing ovarian tissue
(17:50) Delaying menopause: new approaches to keep ovaries functioning longer
(21:00) The future of artificial ovaries and extending hormone production
(24:00) How the immune system affects ovarian health, PCOS, and endometriosis
(28:00) Women’s immune health and its role in reproduction
(31:00) Ethical questions in ovarian research
(35:00) How delaying menopause could improve quality of life
(37:50) How Ariella’s work is shaping the future of women’s health
Links:
Ariella's X Profile - https://x.com/ariellashikanov
Shikanov Lab at University of Michigan - Research overview, publications, and projects related to preserving ovarian function and artificial ovary development.
https://www.shikanov.bme.umich.edu
Map of the Human Ovary - Spatial Atlas Research - A detailed explanation of the map created by Shikanov Lab, including its implications for fertility research.
https://news.engin.umich.edu/articles/spatial-atlas-of-the-human-ovary
Human Cell Atlas: Ovarian Map - A cellular atlas of the human ovary using spatial transcriptomics and single-cell sequencing data.
https://explore.data.humancellatlas.org/projects/f598aee0-d269-4036-90e9-d6d5b1c84429
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Sioned Fôn Jones, PhD and Lydia Mapstone, PhD - The Fascinating Science of Breast Milk Microbiome
MOTHER-podcast with Karina Vazirova
10/16/24 • 35 min
Could the discovery of breast milk microbiome transform the health of future generations?
Meet Dr. Lydia Mapstone (microbiologist) and Dr. Sioned Fôn Jones (chemist & biophysicist), the founders of BoobyBiome.
Sioned and Lydia explain that a mother’s breast milk contains a unique microbiome. This microbiome influences up to 40% of a baby’s gut and is the key to immune health. Currently, the only way to transfer breast milk microbiome to the baby is through breastfeeding. Even storing milk in the fridge isn’t the same, as exposure to oxygen compromises it. Sioned and Lydia are doing pioneering scientific research and building incredible products, like a "symbiotic" that will supplement formula milk with the necessary bacteria, and a device that preserves the microbiome in milk during storage. In recognition of their important work, they won the Potts Medal for outstanding contribution to science and were named in Forbes magazine's 30 under 30 list.
Enjoy!
Want to become a MOTHER-sponsor and create some magic together? Reach out to us: https://shorturl.at/0RHLM
(00:00) Intro
(01:30) The discovery of breast milk microbiome
(03:00) What is a microbiome?
(04:40) Infant gut microbiome and "dysbiosis"
(05:30) How does our mother's microbiome transfer to us?
(06:40) How infant gut microbiome links to health
(09:00) Consumerisation of microbiome: hypothesis vs scientific fact
(13:00) Breastfeeding rates today
(17:00) The issues with formula milk
(19:30) How breast milk adjusts to the needs of the baby in real time
(21:50) BoobyBiome's pioneering database of breast milk microbiome
(26:30) Breast milk superdonors
(28:20) C-sections and microbiome
(30:20) Booby Biome's ultimate mission
(32:00) Breast milk storage and oxygen exposure
(32:40) Personalised probiotics for women who are breastfeeding
Links:
https://www.boobybiome.com/
Donating breast milk for science:
https://www.boobybiome.com/donate
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/boobybiome
Lydia's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lydia-mapstone-phd-382688168/
Sioned's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sionedfjones/
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Dr. Shawna Pandya - Space Travel, Female Biology, Reproducing on Mars and Scientific Experiments in Zero Gravity
MOTHER-podcast with Karina Vazirova
03/27/24 • 57 min
How does the female body respond to space?
Dr. Shawna Pandya is a scientist-astronaut candidate with Project PoSSUM, physician, aquanaut, speaker, martial artist, advanced diver, skydiver, pilot-in-training, VP Immersive Medicine with Luxsonic Technologies and Fellow of the Explorers’ Club. She is also the Director of the PosSUM Space Medicine Group and Chief Instructor of the PoSSUM Operational Space Medicine Group. Shawna holds degrees in neuroscience (BSc Hons. Neuroscience, University of Alberta), space (MSc Space Studies, International Space University), entrepreneurship (Graduate Studies Program, Singularity University) and medicine (MD, University of Alberta), and is currently completing a fellowship in Wilderness Medicine (Academy of Wilderness Medicine).
Today, women constitute approximately 12% of all astronauts. How has being in space affected their menstrual cycles, reproductive health, ovarian longevity, bone density, and hormones?
This is important to think about now, because as Shawna put it: "We are going to space for humanity so we need to do it with all of humanity."
A shared and visionary goal within the space industry is for humans to live and thrive across multiple planets. Human ingenuity is incredible so if someone is dreaming about it, it will eventually happen. And when it does - will we be able to reproduce in space? What will just thinking about it teach us about life and pregnancy? Scientists and entrepreneurs are already looking for answers while you are reading this sentence! From figuring out how to have intercourse in space to exploring whether it is possible to conceive a baby out there.
This spaceship is launching. Join me and Shawna in this episode to get on it ;)
(00:00) Intro
(01:25) What does it feel like to be in space?
(04:15) Why are humans travelling into space? What is the goal?
(07:58) The golden age of commercial space travel is now!
(10:26) How do female astronauts experience space travel?
(12:17) Is it too early to care about female health in space?
(15:58) What happens to the human body in space?
(25:48) Can humans reproduce in space?
(35:41) What's your take on artificial wombs?
(38:10) What's the effect of space travel on ovarian reserve?
(42:27) What's the effect on menopause and perimenopause?
(44:39) Could there be health benefits of going into space?
(46:24) Doing innovative science experiments in space
(49:06) 3D printing in space
(50:28) Women's health research in the space environment
(53:13) Key ethical health considerations about the future of space exploration
(54:27) Shawna's plans for 2024 and closing thoughts
Links:
Shawna's Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnapandya
Shawna's Twitter - https://twitter.com/shawnapandya
Shawna" Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/shawnapandya
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Dr. Louise Newson - HRT, Longevity and the Future of Female Ageing
MOTHER-podcast with Karina Vazirova
04/09/25 • 36 min
Could hormones be the key to longevity?
Dr. Louise Newson is one of the world’s leading voices in menopause and hormone health, a GP, best-selling author, and founder of Newson Health, the largest menopause clinic globally. She has transformed the landscape of women’s health through her groundbreaking work in clinical care, research, education, and public advocacy. Louise founded The Menopause Charity, hosts the UK’s No.1 medical podcast, and developed a free menopause training programme downloaded by over 30,000 clinicians worldwide.
More from MOTHER:
Subscribe to the newsletter: https://themotherverse.substack.com/
Want to create some magic together? Reach out to us: https://forms.gle/zfKWVCbw1ERKUgKB8
Follow Louise:
Website - drlouisenewson.co.uk
Newson Clinic - newsonhealth.co.uk
The Dr. Louise Newson Podcast - https://www.youtube.com/@menopause_doctor
(00:00) Intro
(01:20) Highlights from the UK tour
(03:40) What does a healthy hormone cycle look like?
(06:50) Why is estrogen so central to women’s health?
(09:00) Autoimmune conditions and inflammation
(10:00) Endometriosis and hormone treatment
(11:00) Quick summary of estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone
(12:30) What happens during perimenopause and menopause?
(15:30) What is HRT?
(17:00) Hormone therapy as a longevity tool
(19:10) How does getting started with HRT work?
(20:20) The controversy around the Women's Health Initiative Study in 2022
(23:20) Is hormone therapy unnatural?
(27:10) If you could commission any study...
(28:20) What is inflammation, and why does it matter?
(31:40) Social media, hormone myths, and misinformation
(33:20) How should we redesign our approach to menopause?
(34:50) Lessons about life, nature and the universe
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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FAQ
How many episodes does MOTHER-podcast with Karina Vazirova have?
MOTHER-podcast with Karina Vazirova currently has 21 episodes available.
What topics does MOTHER-podcast with Karina Vazirova cover?
The podcast is about Evolution, Women, Feminism, Podcasts, Technology, Science, Health, Menopause, Sexuality, Longevity and Biology.
What is the most popular episode on MOTHER-podcast with Karina Vazirova?
The episode title 'Grace Blest-Hopley, PhD - Psychedelic Use for Female Health, Hormones, Menstrual Cycle, and Menopause' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on MOTHER-podcast with Karina Vazirova?
The average episode length on MOTHER-podcast with Karina Vazirova is 45 minutes.
How often are episodes of MOTHER-podcast with Karina Vazirova released?
Episodes of MOTHER-podcast with Karina Vazirova are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of MOTHER-podcast with Karina Vazirova?
The first episode of MOTHER-podcast with Karina Vazirova was released on Feb 13, 2024.
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