The YMyHealth Podcast
A podcast by millennials, for millennials, covering health challenges unique to Gen Y. Get expert insights, practical patient advice, and inspiring survivor stories to help you make informed healthcare choices. Empower your journey with YMyHealth!
POTS and Daily Life: Mental Health, Body Image, Self-Advocacy
What does living with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, POTS, after COVID look like beyond the physical symptoms? Katie, a UK-based teacher and POTS content creator, joins YMyHealth Podcast Co-Host Julie Woon to discuss how symptoms intersect with work, body image, menstrual health, relationships, and self-worth—and why sharing patient stories can make people feel less alone.
🎧Listen in to the conversation with Katie for an honest look at the practical and emotional realities of living with POTS.
Health, Disability Representation, and Dance: Alaina Hall's POTS Journey
What is it like to live and perform with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)? On this episode of YMyHealth Podcast, Co-Host Julie Woon speaks with disabled performer and chronic illness creator Alaina Hall about how POTS affects daily life, mobility, and performance.
Alaina shares her experience of diagnosis and symptom management, the role mobility aids can play, and the emotional challenges of living with an invisible disability. She and Julie also discuss adapting dance and performance, grieving changes in physical ability, listening to the body, and advocating for greater disability visibility and representation in the arts.
🎧Listen now to hear Alaina's perspective on living and performing with POTS, adapting to changing abilities, and advocating for disability representation in the arts.
Affordable Prescription Medications: Navigating Healthcare Costs in the US
How can you find affordable prescription medications in the US? In this episode of the YMyHealth Podcast, Co-Host Melissa Schenkman is joined by pharmacist Dr. Alexandria Yarborough to explain common medication and insurance terms, payment options, and practical steps for navigating prescription costs and accessing medication. Explore how to make informed choices when paying for prescriptions and better understand the healthcare system. This conversation focuses on patient care and actionable guidance for people seeking more affordable medication.
What you’ll learn
Key terms used when navigating prescription medication costs
Payment options that may help make prescriptions more affordable
Practical steps for accessing medication in the US
Healthcare and Retirement Planning: How to Make the Most of an HSA
What if the money you set aside for healthcare could also help you build wealth for the future? In this episode of the YMyHealth Podcast, Co-Host Julie Woon is joined by financial advisor Jeremy Woltz, who breaks down how health savings accounts (HSAs) work and why they can be one of the most powerful tools for building wealth while covering medical costs. Woltz, who is a financial advisor with the Main Street Group in Richmond, Virginia, explains who can use an HSA, how it differs from an FSA, and how to decide whether to spend or invest the money. We discuss practical strategies for young professionals, parents, people with chronic conditions, and anyone trying to use healthcare dollars more efficiently.
🎧Tune in now to learn about the biggest mistakes people make with HSAs, how to easily do receipt tracking, and about making the most of an HSA in your retirement years.
Personalizing Healthcare: Diagnostic Testing and Patient Empowerment
Ever wondered why getting the right treatment can feel like a game of trial and error? In this episode of the YMyHealth Podcast, Co-Host Melissa Schenkman talks with Hannah Mamuszka, CEO and Founder of Alva10, who explains how smarter diagnostic testing can help you get answers sooner—and make more informed decisions about your health. Hannah unpacks the complexities of the healthcare system and highlights the critical role of diagnostic testing in personalized medicine.
🎧Listen now to learn how patients can take control of their health decisions despite systemic barriers and discover how a smarter use of diagnostic tests can save time, money, and improve outcomes for both patients and the healthcare system.
Health Insurance Innovation: A CEO’s Journey to Personalized Benefits
Ever picked a health insurance plan and wondered whether it would actually cover what you need? In this episode of the YMyHealth Podcast, Co-Host Melissa Schenkman sits down with Brandy Thompson, CEO and Founder of benefitbay, who shares her inspiring journey from navigating healthcare challenges as a mother of six to creating a groundbreaking platform that offers personalized health insurance benefits. Discover how Brandy’s mission is transforming healthcare access and affordability through innovative solutions like ICRA which stands for Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement, making healthcare work better for families and individuals.
🎧This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in personalized health insurance plans, healthcare innovation, and patient advocacy.
Understanding Dementia: Early Diagnosis and Holistic Brain Health
Have you ever worried about a parent’s memory—or wondered what you can do for your own brain health? In this episode of the YMyHealth Podcast, Co-Host Melissa Schenkman talks with renowned neurologist and U.S. Air Force Veteran, Dr. Catherine Madison, as they explore the latest advances in dementia and Alzheimer's care. Learn about the early signs of memory loss, the critical importance of early diagnosis, and holistic approaches to brain health. Discover practical steps for prevention and lifestyle interventions that support cognitive function and planning for the future. This episode is essential listening for caregivers and anyone interested in proactive brain health.
🎧Tune in now to learn why getting answers sooner matters and practical ways to plan ahead to protect your brain health and your loved ones, as well as care for those in your life living with dementia or Alzheimer's disease. And share this info on one of today's hottest health topics with your friends!
Unlocking Longevity: How Peptides and Tech Are Changing the Future of Health
What if the future of living longer and healthier was built around you? In this episode of the YMyHealth Podcast, Co-Host Melissa Schenkman sits down with Tony Medrano, CEO and Founder of LongevityPlan.AI, to break down the science behind longevity, peptide therapies, and the rise of digital twin technology. He is a three-time Ironman Triathlon Finisher, who has seen and experienced firsthand the health benefits of digital twin technology and peptide therapies both himself in Ironman training and when working with athletes in the NBA, NFL, and on the U.S. Olympic Team. The conversation highlights the existing scientific research behind peptides, what more needs to be done, how they can benefit your health, and the ways in which LongevityPlan.AI is supporting people in their quest for longevity.
Tony and his team at LongevityPlan.AI offer clients/patients both membership to their Longevity Club (which includes daily workouts and talks by scientists and healthcare professionals) and peptide therapy plans in consultation with licensed U.S. physicians.
From personalized health strategies to cutting-edge tools designed to help you optimize your body and mind, this conversation explores how technology is changing the way we think about aging — and what that could mean for your future.
🎧Tune in now to discover how how personalized health strategies and cutting-edge science can help you build your own longevity plan to live a longer and healthier life—both with and without peptide therapies in the mix. And share this info on one of today's hottest health topics with your friends!
How Elizabeth Wachsberg Survived Stage 4 Cancer
What would you do if your symptoms kept getting brushed off — only to find out it was Stage 4 colon cancer? 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 Elizabeth Wachsberg, who shares her story of being diagnosed with colon cancer at 38 after years of misdiagnoses and unanswered questions. Now a Stage 4 colon cancer survivor, she’s shares her journey from misdiagnosis to survivorship and becoming a fierce advocate form early detection.
During our discussion, Elizabeth highlights the red flags she wishes people talked about sooner, why younger adults can’t afford to ignore colorectal cancer, and how self-advocacy at doctor's appointments can truly save your life. It’s an honest, eye-opening conversation that could change the way you think about your health and how to navigate it.
🎧Tune in now to learn how to 'trust your gut' and a new way to self-advocate for a colonoscopy!
Making Surrogacy Accessible: Inside the Surrogacy Foundation
What does it really take to build a family through surrogacy? In this episode of the YMyHealth Podcast, Co-Host Melissa Schenkman talks with Zach French, Executive Director of The Surrogacy Foundation, who pulls back the curtain on the emotional, financial, and often misunderstood realities of the surrogacy journey. From navigating the entire process from embryo creation to finding a surrogate to childbirth and breaking down barriers to challenging the stigma surrounding surrogacy, this conversation offers an honest look at what it means to create family in today’s world — and why access to that surrogacy matters more than ever.
The conversation also highlights the unique work that The Surrogacy Foundation is providing to make surrogacy understandable, accessible, and affordable. Zach and his wife Alexandra (from YMyHealth Podcast Episode 101) are on a mission through their foundation to "propel surrogacy into the mainstream."
🎧Tune in now to learn the six steps of the surrogacy journey, resources, and what today's landscape looks like in the U.S. for family building for millennials and beyond.
Surrogacy and Healing: Alexandra French’s Journey from Cancer to Family
What happens when a life-changing diagnosis completely rewrites the plan for building your family? In this inspiring episode of the YMyHealth Podcast, Co-Host Melissa Schenkman sits down with Alexandra French, who shares her personal journey through breast cancer, surrogacy, and her mission to support others. Now the Co-Founder of The Surrogacy Foundation, Alexandra opens up about her deeply emotional journey to have her daughter through surrogacy.
From the hard conversations and "expecting the unexpected" to the hope, resilience, and support that carried her through, Alexandra shares the real side of what surrogacy looks like behind the scenes. The conversation highlights how Alexandra's journey inspired her mission to help others facing similar paths, breaking down the emotional, legal, and relational realities of surrogacy while showing how her foundation is creating meaningful support for families along the way.
🎧Tune in now to learn the biggest misconception about surrogacy and how it can be a beautiful path to building your family.
100 Episodes of Millennial Health
What happens when a podcast built on real stories, hard conversations, and health empowerment hits 100 episodes? 🎙️ Join us as we celebrate the 100th episode of the YMyHealth Podcast!!! In this special milestone episode, YMyHealth Podcast Co-Hosts Julie Woon and Melissa Schenkman share behind-the-scenes insights, as they reflect on the moments that inspired and surprised them, the impactful stories YMyHealth Contributors have shared, what's connected listeners as they navigate their healthcare, and the YMyHealth Podcast's future plans to empower your health journey.
🎧Tune in now to here details on some of our most favorite episodes and on what's coming for Season 2 of 2026 this fall.
From Diagnosis to Empowerment: Janae Finley’s Breast Cancer Journey
What would you do if a symptom you almost ignored changed your life forever? That's exactly what happened to Janae Finley, PT, DPT. In this episode, YMyHealth Podcast Co-Host Melissa Schenkman sits down with early onset breast cancer survivor and physical therapist Janaye Finley, who shares her deeply personal journey through diagnosis, treatment decisions, recovery, and survivorship. You’ll also learn how Iris Breast Cancer Rehabilitation (*formerly TurningPoint) helps people navigate the physical and emotional challenges that can come with breast cancer through specialized rehabilitation and vital support services all in one place. Plus, you'll hear the incredible story of how Janae went from a breast cancer patient at Iris Breast Cancer Rehabilitation to now its Assistant Clinical Director!
From recognizing early warning signs of breast cancer to finding ways to cope emotionally during uncertain moments, this conversation offers insight, hope, and practical information for anyone in their 20s, 30s, and 40s impacted by breast cancer—whether personally or through someone they love.
🎧Tune in now to learn about the early sign and symptom of breast cancer most people do not know to watch for! Share this episode with your friends and family.
Episode 98 - Understanding Birth Doulas: Support and Advocacy
What's a birth doula and how do you know if one is right for you? In this episode of the YMyHealth podcast, Co-Host Melissa Schenkman sits down with birth doula and mom of four, Zakela Mickens, to explore the vital role of birth doulas in supporting women through pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. They discuss how having a doula at your side during your pregnancy journey helps women feel informed, empowered, and cared for throughout.
The episode also highlights the positive impact of birth doulas on birth outcomes and addressing racial disparities in maternal health. While birth doulas are beneficial for pregnant women of all races and ethnicities, they are particularly helpful in the Black community, where women are still facing alarming disparities in maternal healthcare outcomes. That's why more women in their 20s, 30s, and 40s are turning to birth doulas for the support, advocacy, and reassurance they deserve during pregnancy and birth.
🎧Tune in now to learn about the research-backed health benefits a birth doula provides and Zakela's questions to ask prospective doulas to find the right person for you. Share this episode today with a friend who is in the family planning process or already on their pregnancy journey!
Episode 97 - From Research to Revolution: Dr. Erica Barnell’s Female Health Entrepreneurship Story
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!
Episode 96 - Understanding ADHD in Women: Diagnosis, Hormones, and Life Strategies
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.
Episode 95 - Unlocking Neurodiversity: Bailey Pilant’s Journey and Insights
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!
Episode 94 - How to Talk About Suicide Safely
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.
Episode 93 - Breaking the Cycle: 4 Key Steps to Healing Intergenerational Trauma
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!
Episode 92 - From the Military to Health Policy: Ben’s Story
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!