Are you a person who is a problem solver and has an entrepreneurial spirit for making the world a better place? In this episode, YMyHealth podcast Co-Host, Melissa Schenkman, talks with Dr. Erica Barnell, the Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer of Genescopy, a health diagnostics company that produced the first FDA-approved, RNA-based noninvasive colorectal screening test. Dr. Barnell, a fellow millennial, who co-founded the company at 24 years old, shares her journey from scientific research to healthcare entrepreneurship to prevent colorectal cancer and save lives. Our conversation highlights how she has navigated uncertainty, broken through barriers as a female founder, and is redefining success on her own terms. Plus, she talks about key milestones in entrepreneurship, challenges she has faced as a female founder, and shares valuable advice for aspiring health entrepreneurs. 

If you’ve ever felt the pull to do something bigger (or different), her story is a reminder that the leap is rarely linear—but it can be worth it!

🎧Listen now to this inspiring episode to hear Dr. Erica Barnell's valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs!

Why are so many women not realizing they have ADHD until their 20s, 30s, or even 40s? And why does it suddenly feel harder to manage over time? In this episode of the YMyHealth Podcast, Co-Host Melissa Schenkman talks with Bailey Pilant, Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified ADHD expert, who unpacks the often-overlooked realities of ADHD in women—from missed diagnoses to the very real impact of female hormones.

🎧Tune in now to learn about how ADHD presents differently in women, the role your hormones play, and how we can help better support those in our lives who are navigating our busy, on-the-go world with this condition.

What if the way your brain works isn’t something to “fix”—but something to understand? In this insightful episode of the YMyHealth Podcast, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Bailey Pilant gets real about her personal journey with ADHD and autism (two neurodivergent conditions), and how finally understanding her neurodivergence changed everything—from how she sees herself to how she supports others.

She talks with Co-Host Julie Woon about what it actually looks like to navigate a world that isn’t built for neurodivergent minds—and why neurodivergent-affirming therapy and finding the right community can be game-changers. Bailey breaks down the difference between feeling “off” and feeling understood, and why that distinction matters more than most people realize.

This conversation goes beyond personal insight—it’s about rethinking the system itself. From therapy approaches to broader cultural shifts, Bailey shares what needs to change so neurodivergent individuals aren’t just getting by—but are actually supported in ways that help them thrive.

🎧Tune in now to learn and better understand neurodivergence from Bailey and help be a part of the change to transform mental health support in your community and beyond! And don't forget to share this episode with a friend!

Let’s be real—mental health conversations are happening more than ever, but when it comes to suicide, a lot of us still don’t know what to say… or where to start. In this episode of the YMyHealth Podcast, Co-Host Melissa Schenkman sits down with Eileen Chapman, Senior Suicide Prevention Specialist at the Wounded Warrior Project, to have the kind of honest, practical conversation about suicide prevention among veterans and civilians that we don’t hear often enough—but really need.

With 14 years of experience supporting veterans and their families, Eileen breaks down what the real risk factors look like, what actually helps, and how everyday people (yes, you) can make a difference. From recognizing warning signs to showing up for someone who might be struggling, this episode takes something that feels overwhelming and makes it feel a little more human—and a lot more doable. Plus, she shares insights on the innovative Wounded Warrior Project suicide prevention programs that are combating suicide successfully. 

The truth is, supporting mental health isn’t just for professionals—it’s for all of us. And sometimes, the smallest actions—checking in, listening, taking care of ourselves—can be the very things that help save a life.

🎧Tune in now to learn the steps you can take to recognize who among you is struggling and what you can do to intervene and save lives.

Ever catch yourself reacting to something and think, wait… where did that response come from? This episode of the YMyHealth podcast dives into the layered, often invisible world of intergenerational trauma—the emotional and behavioral patterns we inherit without even realizing it.

YMyHealth Podcast Co-Host, Julie Woon, is joined by licensed mental health counselor Shruthi Nair, who breaks down the different types of inherited trauma, how they can show up emotionally and behaviorally in your day-to-day life, and why so many of us carry stories that didn’t start with us.  From family dynamics to cultural influences, this conversation connects the dots in a way that just clicks.

Shruthi, who has a subspecialty in working with the South Asian Community (and is South Asian herself) and with Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), shares ways to heal and break the cycle of intergenerational trauma across cultures and communities.

🎧Tune in now to learn three steps you can use to begin your own healing journey and share this episode with a friend!
Whether you’re deep into your self-growth era or just starting to ask bigger questions, this episode will leave you thinking differently (in the best way).those newly diagnosed. The conversation highlights the resilience of the cancer community and the necessity of connection and support, especially for those diagnosed with  colorectal cancer under age 50.

🎧Tune in now to learn about Ben's journey and how cancer advocacy and federal healthcare policy work together to create real, lasting change that saves lives!

In this episode of the YMyHealth podcast, co-host Julie Woon sits down with the incredible, Ben White, an early-onset colon cancer survivor and Director of Federal Policy at Fight CRC. Ben shares his personal journey with stage 3, early-onset colon cancer, emphasizing the importance of self-advocacy, the challenges of navigating a diagnosis, and the critical role of support systems. He discusses his transition from military service as a helicopter pilot to full-time cancer advocacy and policy work, the ongoing need for awareness and research in colorectal cancer, and offers advice for those newly diagnosed. The conversation highlights the resilience of the cancer community and the necessity of connection and support, especially for those diagnosed with  colorectal cancer under age 50.

🎧Tune in now to learn about Ben's journey and how cancer advocacy and federal healthcare policy work together to create real, lasting change that saves lives!

What does it really mean to “eat healthy” in a world full of conflicting advice? In this episode of the YMyHealth Podcast—recorded LIVE at Fight CRC’s 2026 Call-on Congress in Washington, DC—co-host Julie Woon sits down with Bill Thach, a rectal cancer survivor first diagnosed at just 33, who continues treatment for a rare subtype called neuroendocrine carcinoma.

Bill shares how his experience as both a patient, who has had nine different lines of treatment, and a research advocate reshaped the way he thinks about food, health, and the information we consume every day. From breaking down what 'ultra-processed foods' actually are to questioning how nutrition advice and research findings are often presented, this conversation challenges listeners to look beyond headlines and think more critically about their choices and interpretations.

Together, they explore how to evaluate scientific studies, spot misleading health claims, and better understand the lifestyle patterns that can impact long-term health. It’s an honest, empowering conversation that encourages you to stay curious, ask questions, and take a more informed approach to your well-being.

What happens when the person you've always seen as unstoppable suddenly isn't? When Antonio Dionizio's father — a Portuguese immigrant, army veteran, former police officer in Portugal, and construction worker who'd never slowed down a day in his life — was diagnosed with Stage 3 colorectal cancer at 63, Antonio, who was in his twenties at the time, was completely unprepared for the journey that was about to unfold.

In this episode of the YMyHealth Podcast recorded LIVE at Fight CRC's 2026 Call on Congress in Washington, DC, co-host Julie Woon talks with Antonio Dionizio, Co-Founder and Vice President of Champions for Colorectal Cancer. He opens up about the guilt of not doing more as a caregiver and being the youngest child in his family, the silence that surrounded his family's fear, how his caregiving journey changed his own approach to health, and how a conversation with a former colleague during COVID sparked his co-founding of the nonprofit organization, Champions for Colorectal Cancer that has since helped catch colorectal cancer early in people under age 50 who might never have thought to get checked out and screened.

His father, who is now a 20+ year colorectal cancer survivor, drives Antonio's advocacy efforts to spread colorectal cancer awareness (especially to millennials and Gen Z) and to destigmatize talking about our bodies and bathroom habits. 

If you've ever been a caregiver, loved one, or simply someone who keeps putting off that screening — this one's for you!

🎧Tune in now and share this episode with your friends and family members!!

IIn this episode of the YMyHealth Podcast, Co-Host Melissa Schenkman talks with Jeremy Echols, a tech expert, stage 4 colon cancer survivor and Fight CRC ambassador. Jeremy shares his journey from initial symptoms that surprised him at first to getting his diagnosis, the challenges he faced within the healthcare system, and the impact of his diagnosis on his mental health. They discuss the importance of advocacy and awareness for colorectal cancer, especially among individuals in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. He  emphasizes the need for having open conversations about your health and advocating for yourself at the doctor's office. Jeremy's story is one of resilience, empowerment, and the importance of supporting others in their health journeys.

🎧Tune in now to learn the symptoms that can disguise themselves and key pieces of advice for navigating the healthcare system when you are not getting answers. Share this episode with the millennials friends and family in your life!

Did you know colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer-related death for people under 50 in the U.S.? It's true. While it can be a tough fact to wrap our generation's minds around, thanks to Fight CRC all of us have access to the tools we need to educate, advocate, and save lives. In this episode of the YMyHealth podcast, co-host Melissa Schenkman talks with Molly Roberts, Vice President of Advocacy from Fight CRC about the critical issue of colorectal cancer awareness.

They explore the importance of colorectal cancer advocacy at all levels of government, personal stories that drive her mission, and the current landscape of colorectal cancer in the United States, especially among people in under the age of 50.

The conversation highlights Fight CRC's innovative tools and 2026 initiatives aimed at empowering patients and advocates alike. It also features the upcoming Call-on Congress event in Washington, DC, where advocates come from around the country do advocacy training and to talk with their state representatives to advocate for funding for research, colorectal cancer screenings and more.

Molly shares great resources for on colorectal cancer prevention, advocacy work, and research (*see in the show notes below). The episode emphasizes the need for continuous engagement in advocacy efforts and the role of data in shaping policy changes.

🎧 Tune in now to hear the latest on the many colorectal cancer resources, programs, and opportunities to get involved with Fight CRC! Share this episode with your friends (especially those under age 50) and your family!

Do you want to bring more plant-based eating into your life but do not know where to start? Or maybe, you or a friend are trying to go completely vegetarian or vegan and need some help getting started and sticking with it. Then, this is the episode for you!

In this episode of the YMyHealth podcast, Co-Host Julie Woon talks with Sri founder of the blog Vegetarian Wellness - Delicious Vegetarian and Vegan Recipes. They discuss Sri's  journey into vegetarianism, exploring practical tips for incorporating vegetarian meals into daily life. Sri shares her personal experiences, challenges, and the importance of balancing flavor and nutrition in vegetarian cooking.

The conversation covers common misconceptions, budget-friendly options, how to shop at the grocery store, and essential recipes for beginners, making vegetarianism accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

It's been an AWESOME 2025 at YMyHealth!! In this episode of the YMyHealth podcast, co-hosts Melissa and Julie reflect on the milestones achieved in their first year of the podcast, discuss the trending health topics relevant to millennials in the United States and around the globe, and preview exciting new YMyHealth content planned for 2026. They emphasize the importance  of health advocacy, talking about life in cancer survivorship, and the unique challenges faced by younger generations dealing with a variety of health issues, including living with invisible illnesses.

The episode concludes with holiday wishes and a big shout-out to our 2025 podcast sponsors, Dr. Sarah Diekman and Dr. Alexandria Yarborough!!

Do you have the 'holiday blues'? If so, you are not alone in your loss. In this episode of the YMyHealth podcast, co-host Julie Woon and therapist Rebecca Lipsky discuss the complexities of navigating grief during the holiday season. They explore how the holidays can amplify feelings of loss, different types of grief beyond death (and including it), and effective coping strategies. The conversation emphasizes the nonlinear nature of grief, the importance of honoring memories, and how to support others who are grieving this holiday season. Listeners are encouraged to practice self-compassion and find hope and resilience in their journey through grief.

In this episode of the YMyHealth podcast, co-host Julie Woon talks with Amy Hart, a Stage 3 colon cancer survivor and advocate living with an ostomy bag (a collection pouch used to collect stool or urine). Amy shares her journey of resilience from being diagnosed with early-onset colorectal cancer to the challenges of adjusting to a busy on-the-go life with an ostomy. She emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and community support for all people living with an ostomy.

What defines a "young caregiver" and where can they find support? In this episode of the YMyHealth Podcast, co-host Melissa Schenkman talks with fellow millennial Carrie Aalberts, MS, who is a Gerontologist, Dementia Educator, and Caregiver Cheerleader. The two discuss the unique challenges people under age 50 face when they are also caregivers to their parents or other older adults and provide a list of helpful resources to use for daily support for caregivers.

Did you know there is a new law to protect your job during your pregnancy, fertility treatments, and beyond? In this episode of the YMyHealth podcast, co-host Melissa Schenkman talks with Law Clerk Noelle Murray and Attorney Paige Sparks of Sparks Legal about the critical topic of women's health in relation to employment law, particularly focusing on the new Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. Noelle and Paige provide insights into the new legal protections available for pregnant workers

What's happening on the YMyHealth Podcast in November? Co-host Melissa Schenkman, MPH, MSJ, shares our lineup in this episode of the YMyHealth Podcast. Our November lineup features episodes focused on new laws that protect women's health and their jobs, how to find support systems for young caregivers of parents and older adult relatives, and the personal journey of one millennial from being diagnosed with colon cancer to living life to the fullest with an ostomy and with body positivity.

Have questions about YMyHealth podcast episodes? We have answers! In this episode of the YMyHealth Podcast, Co-Hosts Julie Woon and Melissa Schenkman answer listeners' questions for episode guests from the past few months.

Can physical therapy improve symptoms for patients living with POTS? In this episode of the YMyHealth podcast, co-host Julie Woon and physical therapist and founder of The POTS Life, Dr. Kelsey Botti.

Dr. Botti shares her personal journey with POTS, detailing her long path to diagnosis and the impact it has had on her life and career as a physical therapist. She tells us how her experience has informed her knowledge of how physical therapy can play a role in improving symptoms of POTS.

Do you experience back pain or neck pain? If the answer is "yes", chiropractic adjustments may be right for you!   

In this episode of the YMyHealth podcast, co-host Melissa Schenkman, MPH, and chiropractor, Dr. Holden Stanfill, explore the importance of chiropractic care, particularly for millennials.  Dr. Holden Stanfill shares his personal story that led him to become a chiropractor and insights into the benefits of chiropractic treatment.