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!

Melissa Schenkman Melissa Schenkman

Episode 48 - Navigating PTSD: A Veteran’s Journey

In this episode of the YMyHealth Podcast, Jake Norotsky, a Wounded Warrior Project Spokesperson and army veteran, and Co-Host Julie Woon discuss the unique health challenges faced by veterans, particularly focusing on PTSD.

Read More
Melissa Schenkman Melissa Schenkman

Episode 47 - Unlocking the Power of Genetic Screening

In this episode, Co-Host Melissa Schenkman discusses the importance of genetic screening with Natalie Sampson, a board-certified genetic counselor. They explore the role of genetic counselors, the collaboration between genetic counselors and healthcare providers, and the significance of genetic testing for younger populations.

Read More
Melissa Schenkman Melissa Schenkman

Episode 46 - Redefining Cancer Support for Men with Man Up to Cancer

In this episode, Co-Host Julie Woon welcomes Jay Abramovitch, Director of the Gathering of the Wolves retreat at Man Up to Cancer and a Stage 3 colon cancer survivor. Jay shares his personal story of being diagnosed at age 36, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and how the experience highlighted a major gap in cancer care—emotional support for men.

Read More
Melissa Schenkman Melissa Schenkman

Episode 45 - Living with Invisible Illness: POTS

In this episode, Co-Host Melissa Schenkman discusses the often-overlooked topic of invisible illnesses, focusing on postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). She is joined by Dr. Alexandria Yarbrough, a pharmacist and POTS patient, who shares her experiences with the condition, including the physical and mental challenges it presents.

Read More
Melissa Schenkman Melissa Schenkman

Episode 44 - The Power of Personal Stories in Health Advocacy

In this episode, David Russo, founder of Cheeky Charity, talks with Co-Host Melissa Schenkman about David's journey from a mechanical engineer to a public health advocate, highlighting his personal health experiences, the challenges faced in the healthcare system, and the importance of sharing personal stories to inspire change.

Read More
Melissa Schenkman Melissa Schenkman

Episode 43 - From Humor to Health: Cheeky Charity's LGBTQ+ Cancer Awareness Work

In this episode, co-host Julie Woon kicks off Pride Month with a conversation about colorectal cancer awareness within the LGBTQ+ community. She is joined by David Russo and Andrew Wortmann of Cheeky Charity, who share the organization's mission to raise awareness and provide support for LGBTQ+ individuals affected by colorectal and anal cancer.

Read More
Melissa Schenkman Melissa Schenkman

Episode 42 - The Importance of Genetic Testing in Cancer Prevention

In this episode, Co-host Melissa Schenkman talks with Jessica Ramos Acosta, a young rectal cancer survivor and cancer advocate, to discuss her health journey, the importance of awareness around Lynch syndrome, and the critical role of self-advocacy in navigating the healthcare system as a person younger than age 50.

Read More
Melissa Schenkman Melissa Schenkman

Episode 41 - June Preview

Co-host Julie Woon shares our lineup in this episode of the YMyHealth Podcast. Our June lineup highlights Men's Health Month, Pride Month, and PTSD Awareness Month, emphasizing the importance of visibility and community support.

Read More
Melissa Schenkman Melissa Schenkman

Episode 40 - Navigating Postpartum Mental Health

Bringing a new life into the world is often painted as a joyful, magical experience. But for many new mothers, the reality is far more complex. In this episode, co-host Melissa Schenkman talks with Alex McNulty, a therapist specializing in postpartum mental health. The conversation highlights the complexities of mental health challenges during the postpartum period, including postpartum depression, anxiety, and OCD.

Read More
Melissa Schenkman Melissa Schenkman

Episode 39 - A Personal Story of Advocacy for Lynch Syndrome & Colorectal Cancer

In this episode, Co-host Melissa Schenkman talks with Fight CRC Ambassador and community leader, Zakela Mickens. She was the caregiver to her brother Joshua, who had Stage 4 colorectal cancer at the age of 27 and passed away six months after his diagnosis. The same year, she learned that she had the genetic condition, Lynch Syndrome, which her brother also had.

Read More
Melissa Schenkman Melissa Schenkman

Episode 38 - Allison Rosen's Patient Story

In this episode, Co-Host Melissa Schenkman talks with Allison Rosen, MS, a colorectal cancer survivor, researcher, former Fight CRC Ambassador, and current member of Fight CRC's Research Advocacy Training and Support Program, or RATS. They discuss Allison's unexpected diagnosis at a young age, her treatment journey, and the importance of advocacy and education in the healthcare system.

Read More
Melissa Schenkman Melissa Schenkman

Episode 37 - Understanding Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

In this episode, Co-Host Julie Woon sits down with Dr. Sujuna Reddy, DO, an internal medicine physician who knows exactly what it's like to be dismissed by doctors—because it happened to her. After decades of unexplained symptoms, Sajuna finally got a diagnosis: Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). Now, she’s using her medical degree and lived experience to help others navigate this often-misunderstood condition.

Read More
Melissa Schenkman Melissa Schenkman

Episode 36 - The Journey of a Brain Tumor Survivor

In this episode, young brain tumor survivor Mikaya Franklin shares her inspiring story of being diagnosed with a medulloblastoma to inform and bring attention to this condition that can affect people under age 50.

Read More
Melissa Schenkman Melissa Schenkman

Episode 34 - Breaking the Cycle of Burnout: Practical Insights from Emily Labutta

In this episode, Julie Woon is joined by Emily Labutta, a licensed associate professional counselor, who specializes in helping high achievers and perfectionists overcome burnout. Emily shares her personal journey from the demanding world of criminal law to her current role as a counselor, offering valuable insights into the mental and emotional toll of burnout.

Read More
Melissa Schenkman Melissa Schenkman

Episode 33 - Fashion Meets Health: Brooks Bell's Inspiring Journey

In this episode, Co-Host Melissa Schenkman talks with successful entrepreneur Brooks Bell, who is a Stage III Colon Cancer Survivor and Co-Founder of Worldclass Clothing, a fashion brand challenging the stigma of colonoscopies for young people and making talking about your colorectal health cool.

Read More
Melissa Schenkman Melissa Schenkman

Episode 31 - May Preview

In this episode of the YMyHealth Podcast, Co-Host Melissa Schenkman introduces the May episode lineup, highlighting various health awareness month themes, including mental health, women's health, brain tumor awareness, and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.

Read More
Melissa Schenkman Melissa Schenkman

Episode 30 - Managing Change: Relationships, Career, and Emotional Well-Being

In this episode of the YMyHealth podcast, Co-Host Julie Woon sits down with therapist and life-transition whisperer Rebekah Lipsky, LMHC, LPC, LCPC, to talk about the emotional chaos of “becoming an adult”—whatever that even means anymore.
From calling off an engagement and quitting her job to launching a private practice and moving to a new city, Rebekah’s personal experience with transformation fuels her passion for helping others survive (and even thrive) through life's biggest shake-ups.

Read More
Melissa Schenkman Melissa Schenkman

Episode 29 - What is Patient-Centered Research? Ft. Molly Sherwood

In this episode of the YMyHealth Podcast, Co-Host Melissa Schenkman discusses the significance of patient-centered research with Molly Sherwood, the Director of Research at the Allo Hope Foundation, an organization providing valuable education and awareness of alloimmunization - a rare pregnancy condition where a mother's immune system creates antibodies that can attack her developing baby's red blood cells.

Read More