FLOW - straight talk about extreme periods

Recorded live in session at HFM’s Conference for Women with Bleeding Disorders in Detroit, Michigan! Flow is a monthly podcast dedicated to the bleeding disorders community - in October 2025, Flowsters Sarah and Jessica spent time in Michigan to collect powerful personal stories of both medical gaslighting and health advocacy. In this recorded-live episode participants discuss their experiences with extreme symptoms, the need for narrative medicine, and the recuring lack of testing for rare conditions. Program Notes: Episode Links: Bloodstream Media: https://www.bloodstreammedia.com/ HFM Conference for Women: https://hfmich.org/october-3-5-2025national-conference-for-women-with-hemophilia-and-rare-factor-deficiencies/ On Burnout / Emily Nagoski: https://www.ted.com/talks/emily_nagoski_and_amelia_nagoski_the_cure_for_burnout_hint_it_isn_t_self_care How’s Your Flow? We wanna know (Calendly link): https://calendly.com/flowtalk/flow-talk-period-pain-stories Presenting Sponsor: #Takeda, visit bleedingdisorders.com to learn more. Connect with BloodStream Media: Find all of our bleeding disorders podcasts on BloodStreamMedia.com BloodStream on Facebook BloodStream on Twitter BloodStream on Instagram BloodStream on TikTok BloodStream on LinkedIn Check out Believe Limited’s Other Work: Bombardier Blood: bombardierblood.com My Beautiful Stutter: mybeautifulstutter.com/ Stop The Bleeding!: stbhemo.com The Science Fair: thesciencefair.org On the Shoulders of Giants: https://www.ontheshouldersfilm.com/

Recorded August 23, 2025 in Denver, CO at NBDF’s Annual Bleeding Disorders Conference (BDC). Flow thanks NBDF (National Bleeding Disorders Foundation) for the time to Flow with participants in a session at their annual conference! This recorded-live episode captures powerful stories of individuals navigating life with bleeding disorders. Conversations highlight the struggles of diagnosis, the impact of medical gaslighting, and the essential role of self/collective-advocacy. Program Notes: Episode Links: NBDF - find your chapter! https://www.bleeding.org/ Dismissed - new documentary from Bloodstream media - host a screening near you! https://www.dismissedfilm.com/ Flow with us on Instagram www.instagram.com/howsyourflow How’s Your Flow? We wanna know (Calendly link): https://calendly.com/flowtalk/flow-talk-period-pain-stories Presenting Sponsor: #Takeda, visit bleedingdisorders.com to learn more. Connect with BloodStream Media: Find all of our bleeding disorders podcasts on BloodStreamMedia.com BloodStream on Facebook BloodStream on Twitter BloodStream on Instagram BloodStream on TikTok

In this episode, Flowsters Jessica and Sarah welcome Kim Rosas, founder of Period Nirvana. Their candid conversation covers Kim’s educational work, her journey with menstrual cups, and her fascination with the evolution of reusable period products. Their candid conversation covers Kim’s journey with menstrual cups and her fascination with the evolution of reusable period products, insights about her in-store menstrual care oasis and menstrual museum materials, and perhaps, most importantly in our modern world: battling misinformation online. Program Notes Episode Links: Period Nirvana: https://www.periodnirvana.com/period-museum-exhibit/ Bloodstream Media: https://www.bloodstreammedia.com/ How’s Your Flow? We wanna know (Calendly link): https://calendly.com/flowtalk/flow-talk-period-pain-stories Presenting Sponsor: #Takeda, visit bleedingdisorders.com to learn more. Connect with BloodStream Media: Find all of our bleeding disorders podcasts on BloodStreamMedia.com BloodStream on Facebook BloodStream on Twitter BloodStream on Instagram BloodStream on TikTok BloodStream on LinkedIn Check out Believe Limited’s Other Work: Bombardier Blood: bombardierblood.com My Beautiful Stutter: mybeautifulstutter.com/ Stop The Bleeding!: stbhemo.com The Science Fair: thesciencefair.org On the Shoulders of Giants: https://www.ontheshouldersfilm.com/

Jennifer Eden brings global experiences to her mission to make organic menstrual products accessible and affordable. Her conversation with hosts Sarah and Jessica highlights the benefits of menstrual education (e.g. in her home country of Australia), and focuses on the responsibility of businesses / business owners to advocate for safe and effective products. Program Notes: Episode Links: Bloodstream Media: https://www.bloodstreammedia.com/ Tampon Tribe: http://www.tampontribe.com/ Tampon Tribe on Social: https://www.instagram.com/tampontribe How’s Your Flow? We wanna know (Calendly link): https://calendly.com/flowtalk/flow-talk-period-pain-stories Presenting Sponsor: #Takeda, visit bleedingdisorders.com to learn more. Connect with BloodStream Media: Find all of our bleeding disorders podcasts on BloodStreamMedia.com BloodStream on Facebook BloodStream on Twitter BloodStream on Instagram BloodStream on TikTok BloodStream on LinkedIn Check out Believe Limited’s Other Work: Bombardier Blood: bombardierblood.com My Beautiful Stutter: mybeautifulstutter.com/ Stop The Bleeding!: stbhemo.com The Science Fair: thesciencefair.org On the Shoulders of Giants: https://www.ontheshouldersfilm.com/

This month’s FLOW delves into the 'Iron Ladies' research - they investigate iron deficiency's prevalence among women with bleeding disorders, the importance of routine screening, the challenges in setting standardized care practices, and the historical exclusion of women from clinical trials. Featuring Dr. Megnahn McCormick, a doctor passionate about treating iron deficiency. Program Notes: Episode Links: Bloodstream Media: https://www.bloodstreammedia.com/ The Iron Ladies Study: The Iron Ladies: Prevalence and Risk Factors of Iron Deficiency in Females With Bleeding Disorders - McCormick - Haemophilia - Wiley Online Library A study presenting the data available through the ATHN dataset on women and girls with bleeding disorders* A Cross-Sectional Study of Women and Girls with Congenital Bleeding Disorders: The American Thrombosis and Hemostasis Network Cohort | Journal of Women's Health *includes a discussion on how participation in the dataset is not complete and how work is being done to remedy this! An article about the impact of Thalidomide on FDA regulation: How medical research changed after thalidomide More in depth on Thalidomide: Clinical Trials in Pregnancy and the “Shadows of Thalidomide”:Revisiting the Legacy of Frances Kelsey - PMC Information about what is identified as a “normal” hemoglobin; and how women who are iron-replete hemoglobin values are similar to men: “These findings highlight sex-based inequities that lead to normalization of disease states and the critical need to update hematologic ranges truly reflective of iron repletion.” Sex, lies, and iron deficiency: a call to change ferritin reference ranges | Hematology, ASH Education Program | American Society of Hematology 2021 article, Iron Ladies: Variation in the Identification and Management of Iron Deficiency in Women with Bleeding Disorders: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006497121030202 How’s Your Flow? We wanna know (Calendly link): https://calendly.com/flowtalk/flow-talk-period-pain-stories HOST: Jessica RIchmond Website: jrich.online IG, @jessicalaurenrichmond Twitter @geniuspills Tik Tok @jrichsocal HOST: Sarah Watson Website: sarahwatsonlpc.com Podcast: Behind The Bedroom Door Facebook: @sarahwatsonlpcsextherapy IG @swsxtherapy Twitter @swsextherapy Presenting Sponsor: #Takeda, visit bleedingdisorders.com to learn more. Connect with BloodStream Media: Find all of our bleeding disorders podcasts on BloodStreamMedia.com BloodStream on Facebook BloodStream on Twitter Check out Believe Limited’s Other Work: BloodFeed: bloodfeed.com Bombardier Blood: bombardierblood.com Hemophilia: The Musical: breakingthroughhemophilia.com My Beautiful Stutter: mybeautifulstutter.com/ Stop The Bleeding!: stbhemo.com Teen Impact Awards: teenimpactawards.com The Science Fair: thesciencefair.org

In this episode, FLOWsters from Bloodstream Media share their first encounters with menstruation, coping with period pain, and managing menstrual health. They explore societal taboos, stories of learning about menstruation, and highlight experiences with bleeding disorders. The conversation underscores the importance of education and open dialogue. The team continues Flow’s mission to normalize conversations around menstruation and educating everyone, not just those who menstruate; as Patrick notes: 'Women's health is human health.' Program Notes: Episode Links: Bloodstream Media: https://www.bloodstreammedia.com/ Patrick Lynch: https://www.believeltd.com/patrick-james-lynch Bella Hunter: https://www.believeltd.com/bella-gadsby Hanna Beary: https://www.believeltd.com/hanna-beary How’s Your Flow? We wanna know (Calendly link): https://calendly.com/flowtalk/flow-talk-period-pain-stories HOST: Jessica RIchmond Website: jrich.online IG, @jessicalaurenrichmond Twitter @geniuspills Tik Tok @jrichsocal HOST: Sarah Watson Website: sarahwatsonlpc.com Podcast: Behind The Bedroom Door Facebook: @sarahwatsonlpcsextherapy IG @swsxtherapy Twitter @swsextherapy Presenting Sponsor: #Takeda, visit bleedingdisorders.com to learn more. Connect with BloodStream Media: Find all of our bleeding disorders podcasts on BloodStreamMedia.com BloodStream on Facebook BloodStream on Twitter Check out Believe Limited’s Other Work: BloodFeed: bloodfeed.com Bombardier Blood: bombardierblood.com Hemophilia: The Musical: breakingthroughhemophilia.com My Beautiful Stutter: mybeautifulstutter.com/ Stop The Bleeding!: stbhemo.com Teen Impact Awards: teenimpactawards.com The Science Fair: thesciencefair.org

In this episode of Flow, hosts Jessica Richmond and sex therapist Sarah Watson are joined by guests Jade and Leslie (Bloodstream Media / Believe Limited teammates) to play a game called 'MiTV, Menstruation in Television'! They review and rate the accuracy of menstruation portrayals in various TV shows and films, including 'Euphoria', 'Orange is the New Black', 'Game of Thrones', 'Grease', 'Big Mouth', and 'The Handmaid's Tale'. The discussion highlights the importance of normalizing menstruation - complete with humorous and heartfelt commentary. Key takeaways? Pop culture is getting better at representing the monthly cycle as it continues to show women supporting each other during menstruation. Program Notes: Episode Links: Euphoria: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRcvQN1lYzw Big Mouth: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEbQ7CQPfNI Orange is New Black: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Quh92wZ7gUw Game of Thrones: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1hF0CbzGDY Grease: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHmHesDYPzw How’s Your Flow? We wanna know (Calendly link): https://calendly.com/flowtalk/flow-talk-period-pain-stories HOST: Jessica RIchmond Website: jrich.online IG, @jessicalaurenrichmond Twitter @geniuspills Tik Tok @jrichsocal HOST: Sarah Watson Website: sarahwatsonlpc.com Podcast: Behind The Bedroom Door Facebook: @sarahwatsonlpcsextherapy IG @swsxtherapy Twitter @swsextherapy Presenting Sponsor: #Takeda, visit bleedingdisorders.com to learn more. Connect with BloodStream Media: Find all of our bleeding disorders podcasts on BloodStreamMedia.com BloodStream on Facebook BloodStream on Twitter Check out Believe Limited’s Other Work: BloodFeed: bloodfeed.com Bombardier Blood: bombardierblood.com Hemophilia: The Musical: breakingthroughhemophilia.com My Beautiful Stutter: mybeautifulstutter.com/ Stop The Bleeding!: stbhemo.com Teen Impact Awards: teenimpactawards.com The Science Fair: thesciencefair.org

In honor of Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month, Flow is talking about advocacy in action for Factor 7 Deficiency. Our guest Stacy shares challenges with extreme menstrual pain and dismissed symptoms, emphasizing the importance of persistence while navigating a broken healthcare system where rare conditions are poorly understood. Despite facing systemic hurdles, keeping up with current research and working with several bleeding disorder foundations helps Stacy move the proverbial needle in accessing treatment. Program Notes: Episode Links: https://ches.education/board https://www.bleeding.org/bleeding-disorders-a-z/types/other-factor-deficiencies/factor-vii How’s Your Flow? We wanna know (Calendly link): https://calendly.com/flowtalk/flow-talk-period-pain-stories HOST: Jessica RIchmond Website: jrich.online IG, @jessicalaurenrichmond Twitter @geniuspills Tik Tok @jrichsocal HOST: Sarah Watson Website: sarahwatsonlpc.com Podcast: Behind The Bedroom Door Facebook: @sarahwatsonlpcsextherapy IG @swsxtherapy Twitter @swsextherapy Presenting Sponsor: #Takeda, visit bleedingdisorders.com to learn more. Connect with BloodStream Media: Find all of our bleeding disorders podcasts on BloodStreamMedia.com BloodStream on Facebook BloodStream on Twitter Check out Believe Limited’s Other Work: BloodFeed: bloodfeed.com Bombardier Blood: bombardierblood.com Hemophilia: The Musical: breakingthroughhemophilia.com My Beautiful Stutter: mybeautifulstutter.com/ Stop The Bleeding!: stbhemo.com Teen Impact Awards: teenimpactawards.com The Science Fair: thesciencefair.org

Miller values health data security - that’s why she created the secure cycle tracking app “SARA”. And SARA is just one milestone amongst her efforts to support innovation in period care: in this episode of FLOW, Jessica Richmond and Sarah Watson welcome Miller Morris. Their convo highlights the healthcare system’s need for renewal, the significance of healthcare standards like HIPAA in cycle tracking apps, and the benefit of integrating digital solutions to enhance period care. Program Notes: Episode Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comma_collective/ Comma Site: https://www.yourcomma.com/ Miller Morris article in Femtech: https://medium.com/authority-magazine/femtech-miller-morris-of-comma-on-how-their-technology-is-revolutionizing-womens-health-59b26c29cf6a How’s Your Flow? We wanna know (Calendly link): https://calendly.com/flowtalk/flow-talk-period-pain-stories HOST: Jessica RIchmond Website: jrich.online IG, @jessicalaurenrichmond Twitter @geniuspills Tik Tok @jrichsocal HOST: Sarah Watson Website: sarahwatsonlpc.com Podcast: Behind The Bedroom Door Facebook: @sarahwatsonlpcsextherapy IG @swsxtherapy Twitter @swsextherapy Presenting Sponsor: #Takeda, visit bleedingdisorders.com to learn more.

Midwife Morgan and a sex therapist Laura join Jessica and Sarah to discuss The Cycle Book (available now!). The authors share frustrations with lack of data privacy of many digital tracking apps - as well as concerns about the inaccuracy of information provided! Laura also shares her experience returning to birth control and coping with PMDD and Morgan discusses her endometriosis and anemia management. Each was motivated to create The Cycle Book when conversations with clients revealed recurring missing information…. “When people are trying to conceive…they are often surprised to find out that the 14 day thing isn't necessarily real, and the getting pregnant at any moment is most definitely not real, that it's actually just a very tiny little window.” Learn more of what you didn’t know you didn’t know - on this month’s FLOW. Program Notes: Episode Links: Morgan Miller - https://softcornermidwifery.com/morgan Laura Federico - a https://www.laurafedericotherapy.com/ The Cycle Book: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/747795/the-cycle-book-by-laura-federico-lcsw-cst-and-morgan-miller-cpm-lm/ How’s Your Flow? We wanna know (Calendly link): https://calendly.com/flowtalk/flow-talk-period-pain-stories HOST: Jessica RIchmond Website: jrich.online IG, @jessicalaurenrichmond Twitter @geniuspills Tik Tok @jrichsocal HOST: Sarah Watson Website: sarahwatsonlpc.com Podcast: Behind The Bedroom Door Facebook: @sarahwatsonlpcsextherapy IG @swsxtherapy Twitter @swsextherapy Presenting Sponsor: #Takeda, visit bleedingdisorders.com to learn more. Connect with BloodStream Media: Find all of our bleeding disorders podcasts on BloodStreamMedia.com BloodStream on Facebook BloodStream on Twitter Check out Believe Limited’s Other Work: Bombardier Blood: bombardierblood.com My Beautiful Stutter: mybeautifulstutter.com/ Stop The Bleeding!: stbhemo.com The Science Fair: thesciencefair.org

This episode of FLOW features Lisa Williams, from Hello Again! Lisa shares her personal journey with fibroids, a hysterectomy, menopause, and how discovering cannabis-based vaginal suppositories dramatically improved her quality of life. The conversation touches on the value of cannabis in treating various health issues and how a supportive community to openly discuss challenges is essential! Program Notes: Episode Links: Hello Again: https://helloagainproducts.com/ Lisa Williams: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simplylisawilliams/ How’s Your Flow? We wanna know (Calendly link): https://calendly.com/flowtalk/flow-talk-period-pain-stories HOST: Jessica RIchmond Website: jrich.online IG, @jessicalaurenrichmond Twitter @geniuspills Tik Tok @jrichsocal HOST: Sarah Watson Website: sarahwatsonlpc.com Podcast: Behind The Bedroom Door Facebook: @sarahwatsonlpcsextherapy IG @swsxtherapy Twitter @swsextherapy Presenting Sponsor: #Takeda, visit bleedingdisorders.com to learn more. Connect with BloodStream Media: Find all of our bleeding disorders podcasts on BloodStreamMedia.com BloodStream on Facebook BloodStream on Twitter Check out Believe Limited’s Other Work: Bombardier Blood: bombardierblood.com My Beautiful Stutter: mybeautifulstutter.com/ Stop The Bleeding!: stbhemo.com The Science Fair: thesciencefair.org

On this month’s FLOW, peak behind the curtain of the award-winning comedic web-series Stop the Bleeding! The guests share personal stories about learning about and dealing with hemophilia, periods, and the significance of portraying these issues through their characters on STBhemo.com - and the joys of benign part of an ( animated ) series that tackles choosing pride, dismantling shame, and raising awareness - specifically that women have hemophilia too! Program Notes: Episode Links: Stop the Bleeding! https://www.stbhemo.com/en/our-episodes Queen Noveen Hillary Hawkins How’s Your Flow? We wanna know (Calendly link): https://calendly.com/flowtalk/flow-talk-period-pain-stories HOST: Jessica RIchmond Website: jrich.online IG, @jessicalaurenrichmond Twitter @geniuspills Tik Tok @jrichsocal HOST: Sarah Watson Website: sarahwatsonlpc.com Podcast: Behind The Bedroom Door Facebook: @sarahwatsonlpcsextherapy IG @swsxtherapy Twitter @swsextherapy Presenting Sponsor: #Takeda, visit bleedingdisorders.com to learn more. Connect with BloodStream Media: Find all of our bleeding disorders podcasts on BloodStreamMedia.com BloodStream on Facebook BloodStream on Twitter Check out Believe Limited’s Other Work: Bombardier Blood: bombardierblood.com My Beautiful Stutter: mybeautifulstutter.com/ Stop The Bleeding!: stbhemo.com The Science Fair: thesciencefair.org

In this live episode from the Hemophilia Foundation of Michigan’s Conference for Women and Teens, hosts Jessica and Sarah create an open dialogue about menstruation, aiming to normalize the conversation and encourage self-advocacy. They invite participants (virtual and in person) to discuss their menstrual journeys, touching on subjects such as heavy bleeding, inadequate medical support, and the stigma surrounding periods. Special guests Christine, Francis, and Erica share stories of managing bleeding disorders, receiving late diagnoses, and utilizing various tools and products for relief. The episode passionately encourages advocacy, community support, and broader education on menstrual health. Program Notes: Episode Links: Hemophilia Foundation of Michigan’s Conference for Women + Teens Women with Hemophilia - Documentary Sign Up How’s Your Flow? We wanna know (Calendly link): https://calendly.com/flowtalk/flow-talk-period-pain-stories HOST: Jessica RIchmond Website: jrich.online IG, @jessicalaurenrichmond Twitter @geniuspills Tik Tok @jrichsocal HOST: Sarah Watson Website: sarahwatsonlpc.com Podcast: Behind The Bedroom Door Facebook: @sarahwatsonlpcsextherapy IG @swsxtherapy Twitter @swsextherapy Presenting Sponsor: #Takeda, visit bleedingdisorders.com to learn more. Connect with BloodStream Media: Find all of our bleeding disorders podcasts on BloodStreamMedia.com BloodStream on Facebook BloodStream on Twitter Check out Believe Limited’s Other Work: BloodFeed: bloodfeed.com Bombardier Blood: bombardierblood.com Hemophilia: The Musical: breakingthroughhemophilia.com My Beautiful Stutter: mybeautifulstutter.com/ Stop The Bleeding!: stbhemo.com Teen Impact Awards: teenimpactawards.com The Science Fair: thesciencefair.org