Ep 126 Normalize It with Dr. Jessica Zucker: Shame, Stigma & Women’s Stories
Episode description
What happens when we stop whispering about miscarriage and start telling our stories out loud? How can we begin to shed the shame and silence that so often surround women’s health experiences? And why is open dialogue so essential in shifting the cultural narrative around infertility, menopause, and mental health?
In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, Dr. Lora Shahine is joined by psychologist and author Jessica Zucker, founder of the #IHadAMiscarriage movement. Drawing from her own experience of miscarriage and her professional expertise, Jessica shares how storytelling and vulnerability have the power to change the way we view and talk about women's health.
Jessica’s book Normalize It further explores these themes, encouraging women to own their experiences and find connection through honesty and shared truth. Together, Dr. Shahine and Jessica dive into the many ways women are pressured to stay silent about their bodies and emotions—from miscarriage and infertility to menopause and mental health.
In this episode you’ll hear:
- [2:19] Jessica’s personal journey #IHadAMiscarriage
- [5:05] Impact of #IHadAMiscarriage movement
- [12:16] Exploring the themes in Normalize It
- [17:04] Healing potential of storytelling
- [20:55] Breaking down stigma through community
- [25:02] Personal experience integrated with professional practice
- [30:19] Societal pressures on women
- [34:58] Empowerment through shared experiences
- [36:35] The importance of education and open dialogue
Resources mentioned:
Normalize It by Jessica Zucker, PhD
Follow Jessica on IG - @ihadamiscarriage
Inside Amy Schumer - Last F**kable Day (ft. Tina Fey, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Patricia Arquette
Dr. Shahine’s Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations
Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books