Episode Description: In this deeply moving episode of Wellness Wednesday , host Helen sits down with Laura Belk — founder of Nurturing Nations and mother of nine — to discuss the beauty, heartbreak, and transformative power of adoption. From adopting children with special needs across continents to building a nonprofit that rescues and educates abandoned children in Ghana, Laura shares her remarkable journey of love, sacrifice, and relentless advocacy. This episode covers: The shocking reality o...
Jul 02, 2025•59 min•Season 4Ep. 189
In this episode of Wellness Wednesday , Helen is joined by Dr. Jim Heid, a seasoned family physician with decades of experience in women’s health, including over 1,000 births. Together, they take a deep dive into the biology of the menstrual cycle and the importance of cycle awareness for both women and their partners. Key topics include: A breakdown of the follicular and luteal phases, and what’s happening hormonally and physiologically during each stage The role of cervical mucus in fertility,...
Jun 04, 2025•50 min•Season 4Ep. 188
In this vulnerable conversation, Helen sits down with Diana Jorda—a mental health professional with a powerful story of healing and purpose. Diana opens up about growing up as a military child in a Filipino-Chamorro household, the impact of emotional neglect, and the pressure to perform and “keep it together” in her work. She shares how trauma shaped her early identity, and how entering the mental health field forced her to confront, unpack, and ultimately heal the parts of herself she had hidde...
May 07, 2025•55 min•Season 4Ep. 187
Seattle’s LGBTQ+ community faces unique challenges when it comes to mental health and access to care. In this episode, Christopher Archiopoli shares his journey as a queer advocate and discusses the barriers many face when seeking compassionate mental health support. From personal experiences to systemic issues, we dive into the realities of mental health care, the power of peer support, and how we can all do better in treating others with dignity and compassion. Tune in for a thoughtful convers...
Apr 02, 2025•37 min•Season 4Ep. 186
In this deeply moving episode of Wellness Wednesday , Helen sits down with Joann Andrews, who shares her powerful story of adoption, resilience, and discovering her biological roots. From growing up in a loving foster home to uncovering the truth about her family and birth parents through DNA testing, Joann's journey is one of hardship, healing, and the transformative power of love. This conversation explores the complexities of adoption, identity, and the courage it takes to seek the truth whil...
Mar 05, 2025•39 min•Season 4Ep. 185
Dr. Clay Brigance returns to our podcast for an in-depth conversation about the ways reproductive loss impacts couples and some strategies that can help. Disclaimer: 3W Medical for Women is a program of Women's Accessible Medical Services, PS (WAMS). The information shared in this podcast is the opinion of the speaker, or speakers. Medical information is not intended as individual medical consultation, but for general education only. Always consult your own health professional for personalized a...
Feb 05, 2025•1 hr•Season 4Ep. 184
Helen and 3W staff members share their reflections and highlights from 2024. Disclaimer: 3W Medical for Women is a program of Women's Accessible Medical Services, PS (WAMS). The information shared in this podcast is the opinion of the speaker, or speakers. Medical information is not intended as individual medical consultation, but for general education only. Always consult your own health professional for personalized advice regarding medical decisions.
Jan 01, 2025•40 min•Season 4Ep. 183
Faith Franz of Island Sound Counseling ( https://islandsoundcounseling.com ) and Jynger, a client of hers, join us to discuss the benefits of a newer psychotherapy approach known as A.R.T. therapy. Disclaimer: 3W Medical for Women is a program of Women's Accessible Medical Services, PS (WAMS). The information shared in this podcast is the opinion of the speaker, or speakers. Medical information is not intended as individual medical consultation, but for general education only. Always consult you...
Dec 18, 2024•49 min•Season 4Ep. 182
Today's guest is Kristina Kovalevich, founder of Femininity in Business, author, and semifinalist of Miss Washington USA 2019. Join us for this inspirational episode as she discusses her experience overcoming PCOS, the importance of femininity in business, and what true female empowerment means to her. Follow Kristina: www.kristinakovalevich.com Instagram: @kristina.kovalevich Disclaimer: 3W Medical for Women is a program of Women's Accessible Medical Services, PS (WAMS). The information shared ...
Dec 04, 2024•41 min•Season 4Ep. 181
A most special guest and survivor of childhood sexual abuse, Andra, returns to our podcast to share about her experience healing traumatic memories with the popular new therapeutic technique known as EMDR. If you have questions for Andra and would like to connect with her, let us know by emailing info@3wmedical.org To hear Andra's story as told on her first Wellness Wednesday appearance, visit https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-7a2ex-10c21f9 Disclaimer: 3W Medical for Women is a program of Women's Ac...
Nov 20, 2024•37 min•Season 4Ep. 180
The birth mother of 3W CEO Helen Nguyen's adopted son joins our podcast for an open conversation about their experiences with adoption. Hear both mothers' perspectives–of giving up and of receiving a son–in one of our most personal episodes on record. Disclaimer: 3W Medical for Women is a program of Women's Accessible Medical Services, PS (WAMS). The information shared in this podcast is the opinion of the speaker, or speakers. Medical information is not intended as individual medical consultati...
Nov 06, 2024•58 min•Season 4Ep. 179
Medical Assistant and Miss World America pageant hopeful Aishy Kumar joins 3W Medical for Women CEO Helen Nguyen to share her story of a childhood health emergency that changed her life forever and what has inspired her to lead a life driven by compassion. Disclaimer: 3W Medical for Women is a program of Women's Accessible Medical Services, PS (WAMS). The information shared in this podcast is the opinion of the speaker, or speakers. Medical information is not intended as individual medical consu...
Oct 23, 2024•42 min•Season 4Ep. 178
Licensed naturopath and 3W medical provider Adeola shares the essentials about Ozempic: what it is, who it's for, and whether there are any potential side effects. Learn if this seeming weight loss wonder is right for you or if you should consider other alternatives for your situation. Disclaimer: 3W Medical for Women is a program of Women's Accessible Medical Services, PS (WAMS). The information shared in this podcast is the opinion of the speaker, or speakers. Medical information is not intend...
Oct 09, 2024•28 min•Season 4Ep. 177
Army veteran and security worker Tori Murphy shares her insights and observations on domestic violence in marriage, the military, and society at large. Disclaimer: 3W Medical for Women is a program of Women's Accessible Medical Services, PS (WAMS). The information shared in this podcast is the opinion of the speaker, or speakers. Medical information is not intended as individual medical consultation, but for general education only. Always consult your own health professional for personalized adv...
Sep 25, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Season 4Ep. 176
3W Medical Director Dr. Susan Rutherford shares her commentary on three recent developments, controversies, or stories in reproductive health. Articles mentioned: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2004/020687s010-lbl.pdf https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-marketing-authorization-enables-increased-access-first-step-syphilis-diagnosis https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/health/dozens-of-pregnant-women-some-bleeding-or-in-labor-being-turned-away-from-er...
Sep 11, 2024•55 min•Season 4Ep. 175
Couples therapist and founder of Shiloh Counseling, Dr. Clay Brigance, joins us for a vulnerable conversation on the overlooked topic of reproductive grief among men. To learn more about Dr. Brigance and his practice, visit shilohcounselingllc.com Disclaimer: 3W Medical for Women is a program of Women's Accessible Medical Services, PS (WAMS). The information shared in this podcast is the opinion of the speaker, or speakers. Medical information is not intended as individual medical consultation, ...
Aug 28, 2024•59 min•Season 4Ep. 174
Today on Wellness Wednesday, Helen sits down with Maria Lancaster, president and co-founder of Embryo Adoption Services of Cedar Park, to learn more about embryo adoption in general as well as Maria's own personal experience with it. Connect with Maria and her organization at: 1-888-959-7712 maria@adoptembryos.org adoptembryos.org donateembryos.org Disclaimer: 3W Medical for Women is a program of Women's Accessible Medical Services, PS (WAMS). The information shared in this podcast is the opinio...
Aug 14, 2024•41 min•Season 4Ep. 173
Trigger warning: Child sex abuse and trafficking. This podcast is not intended for children younger than the age of 12. On today’s episode of Wellness Wednesday we are joined by Brea, a young woman from Washington state, as she shares her story of being trafficked from the young age of just eight years old. Brea comes onto our podcast to uncover the realities and myths of child sex trafficking in the United States, why child sex trafficking is not just something that happens in foreign countries...
Jul 31, 2024•1 hr 16 min•Season 4Ep. 169
Did you know that eating certain foods throughout different points of your menstrual cycle can help alleviate symptoms of PMS, improve your menstrual health, and contribute to your overall health and wellness? Curious to know what those foods are? Tune in to today's throwback episode from 2023 where Nicole Bendayan, Certified Nutritionist, gives us the answers! Want to get in touch with Nicole or take her masterclass? Follow Nicole on Instagram/TikTok: @nicole.bendayan Nicole's website: https://...
Jul 17, 2024•46 min•Season 4Ep. 170
Trigger warning: Eating disorders and body image Join us today with licensed mental health counselor, Bekah Watanabe, LMCHA, as she discusses the growing prevalence of eating disorders and negative body image amongst young women. Tune in as she and Helen share about how childhood narratives, culture, and social media can impact our eating behaviors and the ways we perceive our bodies, as well as the complexities on why someone may be struggling with an eating disorder. Resources: Learn more abou...
Jul 03, 2024•54 min•Season 4Ep. 171
Whether suffering the loss of an unborn child, recovering from an abortion, or grieving infertility, in today’s model of Reproductive Grief care, it is not uncommon for women to be left feeling unseen, unheard, and dismissed. According to licensed clinical professional counselor, Megan Baker Welles, what we tend to find in typical healthcare facilities is stigma, a lack of clear grieving rituals, and insensitivity to grief. Tune in to today’s episode where she proposes an alternative model for R...
Jun 19, 2024•55 min•Season 4Ep. 168
On this throwback episode of Wellness Wednesday, we talk about our very diverse and awkward experiences of "the Sex Talk." Join Helen, Lauren, and Theresa as they reminisce on their middle school years and discuss how working in reproductive health has influenced their mindset around sex and well-being. Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is the opinion of the speaker, or speakers. Medical information is not intended as individual medical consultation, but for general education on...
Jun 05, 2024•41 min•Season 4Ep. 167
The first three months of a newborn’s life is often referred to as “the Fourth Trimester,” a time of intense change, learning, and sacrifice for parents. Thankfully, parents don’t have to be alone in the chaotic season of the fourth trimester! Join us for today’s episode of Wellness Wednesday, where we get to chat with Carolyn and Laura, two Nashville-based postpartum doulas, where they share with us the significant role doulas can play in parents’ lives, and why there is no shame in asking for ...
May 22, 2024•28 min•Season 4Ep. 166
A runaway at just 14 years old, Jess Echeverry experienced life as homeless young girl on the streets until she was 21. Several years later, Jess is now the founder of SOFESA, a non-profit dedicated to helping homeless and low-income families in Southern California since 1999. Tune in to today's episode as we hear Jess' personal story, her insight on the complexities and spectrum of homelessness, and how her experience led to her approach to healing homelessness through SOFESA. Learn more about ...
May 08, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Season 4Ep. 165
We're so excited to have our Executive Assistant (previously Operations Manager), Lauren, back to tell us the wonderful and exciting story of the birth of her daughter, Lottie! When it comes to pregnancy and birth, sometimes things don't always goes as planned. What Lauren expected to be a more smooth-sailing birth process turned out to be a bit more complex than she hoped for after she hit 42 weeks of pregnancy. Join us for this week's episode of Wellness Wednesday as we get the full details on...
Apr 24, 2024•45 min•Season 4Ep. 164
We have a new Physician Assistant! Join us for today’s episode of Wellness Wednesday where we get to chat with one of our new providers, Heather Diebler, who has worked as a PA for 20 years and is now helping us to provide compassionate women’s healthcare in the Seattle U-District. Get to know Heather more as she tells us about her journey in medicine, why she chose to become a PA, and what she loves about working at 3W Medical. Are you in need of accessible women's health services? Book an appo...
Apr 10, 2024•19 min•Ep. 163
TW: This episode discusses topics such as suicide, anxiety, and depression. Listener discretion is advised. On today's episode of Wellness Wednesday, we are joined by Bekah Louie, LMHCA, a licensed mental health counselor here in the Seattle area. As an Asian-American female therapist, Bekah understands the importance of cultural sensitivity and inclusion, and strives to create a space for people of all stories and backgrounds to find healing. Her great message for listeners is this: "You're not...
Mar 27, 2024•42 min•Season 4Ep. 162
THROWBACK EPISODE: What is vaginal hygiene, and how much is too much? Should you wax or shave? What are best practices for keeping it clean and healthy down there? What are common misconceptions women have about vaginal smell? Join us for this episode of Wellness Wednesday as we discuss caring for the "vaginal ecosystem" with our nurse practitioner, Christi! Resources from our provider: Daily Vaginal Microbiota Fluctuations Associated with Natural Hormonal Cycle, Contraceptives, Diet, and Exerci...
Mar 13, 2024•28 min•Ep. 161
Are you a student in university looking to pursue medicine? Curious to know about what it is like to work to shadow medical professionals in a women's clinic? Join us for today's Wellness Wednesday episode where we sit and chat with one of our lovely Medical Assistants, Aleksandra! Tune in as she shares about her pre-med journey, shares some advice for fellow students who are pursuing medicine, and discusses the ways working for 3W Medical has impacted her outlook on patient care. Want to get in...
Feb 28, 2024•18 min•Season 4Ep. 160
THROWBACK EPISODE: Not all abuse looks like abuse. Sometimes it even looks like love–as in the case of love bombing. But what is love bombing? And what are the signs your love interest is actually just a manipulative love bomber? Helen and Lauren explain the red flags you should watch out for our Valentine's Day episode of Wellness Wednesday! Disclaimer: 3W Medical for Women is a program of Women's Accessible Medical Services, PS (WAMS). The information shared in this podcast is the opinion of t...
Feb 14, 2024•27 min•Season 4Ep. 159
