Podcast
Hosted by Radio Free Rhinecliff
Welcome Gynocurious listeners, I am Dr. Amy Novatt, board certified ob-gyn, your host of GynoCurious. With each program we are going to explore the experience of being an ob-gyn, the science that guides our practices and the stories women- cis, trans and nonbinary, have shared as they seek health and wellness. From both sides of the speculum we will investigate what it means to be a healer and to be healed. I have been reflecting on 32 plus years of practice; thinking about all that I have learned, heard and thought about and wanted to bring it to a larger audience. This will not be a medical show that tells you how much estrogen you should take or the scientific method used to evaluate data but instead, a conversation about the larger canvas looking at what its like to be a medical professional working with women and how patients experience the world of ob-gyn. What is it like sitting in the exam room with a thin sheet of paper covering your naked body? What has been the impact of a cancer diagnosis? What it is like to go through the menopause?….These are just a few examples of conversations I hope to bring to you. My intention is not to expose my patients personal histories but rather use their stories as stepping stones to explore many aspects of our bodies, our psyches and the landscape of the medical world. In a time when most of us are frustrated by the American medical system; with the challenges of limited access, financial limitations, gender and racial discrepancies in care, the insurance morass and a host of other hurdles; my hope is that GynoCurious creates a community of guests and listeners that bring us all closer- to openly explore and understand the experience of illness and health and to break open decades of silence, misunderstanding and shame for having a vagina. We are going to talk about our fears, sexual explorations and aging adventures with respect, inquiry and science. For me, knowledge and awareness brings awe, authority and autonomy. This podcast represents the opinions of Dr. Novatt and her guests. The content here should not be taken as medical advice. The content here is for informational purposes only, and because each person is so unique, please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions. While we make every effort to ensure that the information shared is accurate, we welcome any comments, suggestions, or corrections. This podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast. In no way does listening, reading, emailing or interacting on social media with our content establish a doctor-patient relationship. Dr.Novatt does not receive any money from the pharmaceutical industry.
Episodes
A Surgeons Perspective about Endometriosis
In this episode of GynoCurious, host Dr. Amy Novatt sits down with Dr. Mallory Stuparich, a fellowship-trained minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon based in Los Alamitos, California, to take a deep dive into endometriosis — a chronic, estrogen-dependent inflammatory condition affecting roughly 10% of women and…
"You Look so Good...For Your Age"!!??
On this episode of GynoCurious, Dr. Amy Novatt sits down with fashion industry veteran Lisa Metcalfe to explore the language we use around aging and what it really means to reinvent yourself in midlife. After a 40-year career in fashion, Lisa made a bold move…
Rethinking UTIs with Dr. Amy Novatt
In this solo episode of GynoCurious, Dr. Amy Novatt takes a deep dive into urinary tract infections — one of the most common bacterial infections affecting women, with an estimated 150 million cases worldwide each year. She breaks down what UTIs are, how they develop,…
What did you call your menstrual cycle; a conversation about language, period poverty and the luxury tax
In this episode of GynoCurious, Dr. Amy Novatt sits down with Lola Mainieri, a psychology graduate and menstrual health researcher, to explore the deep-rooted cultural shame surrounding menstruation. Lola shares how reading about the effects of birth control on the brain sparked her academic fascination…
Qigong and Tai Chi?????
In this episode of GynoCurious, Dr. Amy Novatt welcomes Charlessa Thatcher and Theda Zawaiza — two practitioners who have dedicated their lives to bringing qigong, tai chi, and other integrative movement practices to diverse and underserved communities. Charlessa, a certified Tai Chi EZ Senior Trainer,…
Beyond the Wine Mom: Redefining Health in Midlife
In this episode of GynoCurious, Dr. Amy Novatt welcomes Jen Butler — best-selling author, speaker, and life and fitness coach — whose debut memoir, Mom Rediscovered: My Midlife Breakup with Drinking and Diet Culture, hit number one on Amazon in 2025. Jen shares her evolving…
The 12-Year Diagnosis: Why Endometriosis Gets Missed
In this episode of GynoCurious, host Dr. Amy Novatt speaks with Nicole Notar, a patient-turned-entrepreneur who spent over 15 years undiagnosed before finally receiving excision surgery that revealed 73 endometriosis lesions throughout her body. Nicole shares her deeply personal journey — from symptoms beginning at…
A Cervical Cancer Review
In this episode of GynoCurious, host Dr. Amy Novatt welcomes Dr. Miriam Cremer, board-certified OBGYN, master of public health, and founder of Basic Health International, for a deep dive into cervical cancer. Together they unpack the science of human papillomavirus (HPV), explaining how 13 high-risk…
Mindfullness in Iceland
In this episode of GynoCurious, host Amy welcomes Inga Guðjónsdóttir, an Icelandic tour guide with decades of experience leading groups through her homeland. Born and raised in a fishing village in the Westfjords, Inga shares her path from working in a fish factory as a…
Get Rooted with Robyn Moreno
n this episode of GynoCurious, Dr. Amy Novatt welcomes Robyn Moreno — Emmy-nominated TV host, storyteller, and author of "Get Rooted" — for a rich conversation about healing as a lifelong journey rather than a destination. Robyn shares the pivotal moment that set her on…
Trauma and Cultural Context
In this episode of GynoCurious, host Dr. Amy Novatt welcomes Dr. Manisha Dayal, a licensed clinical psychologist based in Chicago with nearly three decades of experience specializing in trauma-informed care. Dr. Dayal shares her personal journey into psychology — rooted in a deep connection with…
Ancient Medicine, Modern Healing with Debbie Kadagian
In this episode of GynoCurious, Amy speaks with Debbie Kadagian, a licensed integrative psychotherapist who brings together an extraordinary range of healing modalities. Debbie's journey spans from Ashtanga yoga teacher to certified Ayurvedic practitioner, and eventually to becoming a psychedelic psychotherapist and social worker. She…
Menopause- A Natural Phenomenon or A Pathology?
In this episode of GynoCurious, Dr. Amy Novatt welcomes Dr. Tracey Flum, a board-certified OB-GYN with over three decades of experience, to discuss the complexities of menopause in today's healthcare landscape. Both physicians examine whether the boom in menopause-focused telehealth companies represents genuine progress in…
Sexual Dysfunction According to The Experts
In this solo episode of GynoCurious, Dr. Amy discusses female sexual dysfunction following her attendance at the International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health (ISSWSH) annual meeting in Long Beach, California. She begins by highlighting a troubling gap in healthcare: despite 30-59% of…
A Stylist Speaks about Hair
In this episode of GynoCurious, Dr. Amy Novatt explores the role that hair stylists play in the health and wellbeing of their clients. Joined by Jennifer Donovan, a seasoned stylist and salon owner, the conversation delves into the emotional and psychological significance of hair. Together,…
The Opportunity for Travel, Mindfulness and The Peri/PostMenopause
In this episode of GynoCurious, Dr. Amy Novatt explores the intersection of travel, adventure, and women's health with Tara Short, founder of Green Edventures Tours. Tara shares her recent travel experience snorkeling with sperm whales in Dominica and discusses how her passion for nature and…
Sex, sex toys, pleasure and play
In this episode of GynoCurious, Dr. Amy Novatt welcomes Alexandra Fine, CEO and co-founder of Dame, a pioneering sexual wellness company. Together, they dive into the world of sex toys as essential resources for sexual pleasure, education, and empowerment. The conversation explores the persistent pleasure…
Travel and The Lessons Learned
In this episode of GynoCurious, host Dr. Amy Novatt welcomes Ruthie Pines, a senior public and community health major at Ithaca College, to share her transformative experience studying abroad in India. Ruthie recounts her journey from initially pursuing exercise science to discovering her passion for…
AI and Fertility
In this episode of GynoCurious, Dr. Amy Novatt welcomes Kirsten Karchmer, an acupuncturist, health tech pioneer, and founder of the Conceivable app, to discuss the intersection of ancient wisdom and modern technology in the field of reproductive health. The conversation traces the remarkable history of…
Creatine, Do We Really Need It?
In this episode of GynoCurious, Dr. Amy Novatt goes solo to talk about the supplement creatine and its potential role for women navigating perimenopause and menopause. With the wellness space buzzing about creatine, Dr. Novatt breaks down what creatine is, how it’s produced in the…
Technocracy and Health?
In this episode of GynoCurious, Dr. Amy Novatt welcomes Sam Simon, a senior at Bard College and host of "Technocracy for Dummies," to explore the impact of technology on our lives, health, and sense of self. The conversation delves into the evolution from the industrial…
Fasting? Is It For You?
In this episode of GynoCurious, Dr. Amy Novatt welcomes registered dietician and longevity expert Renee Fitton for an in-depth conversation about the intersection of nutrition, health, and longevity. Together, they explore the complexities of healthy eating, the limitations of traditional metrics like BMI, and the…
Gail Straub on Empowerment, Embodiment, and the Human Family
In this episode of GynoCurious, Dr. Amy Novatt welcomes acclaimed author and women's empowerment leader Gail Straub to discuss her latest book, "Home Inside the Globe: Embracing Our Human Family." Together, they explore the profound connections between the body, mind, and the world around us,…
Why County Judges Matter: Kara Gerry on the Nikki Addimando Case and Justice Reform
In this episode of GynoCurious, Dr. Amy Novatt welcomes Kara Gerry, a candidate for Dutchess County Court Judge, for a candid conversation about the intersection of justice, politics, and women’s lives at the local level. The discussion opens with reflections on the importance of voting…
Your Vote Helps Women!
In this episode of GynoCurious, Dr. Amy Novatt explores the profound impact of local elections on our daily lives, focusing on the upcoming Dutchess County Court Judge race. Joined by special guests Michelle Horton—author, advocate, and sister of domestic violence survivor Nicole Addimando—and Linsey Gatto,…
Dear Sister (revisited)
Dear Sister is a breathtaking memoir about two sisters and the high-profile case involving Nikki Addimando, who was incarcerated for killing her longtime abuser. Michelle Horton, her sister, tells the audience about the harrowing years of Nikki's trials, incarceration and the devastating fall-out to raise…
The Justice System Failed This Criminalized Survivor of Domestic Violence; One of Far Too Many - Revised
In todays show, Dr. Amy Novatt welcomes two remarkable guests, Kellyann Kostyal-Larrier, an advocate for victims of domestic violence, and Nikki Addimando, a criminalized survivor from Dutchess County. Together, they delve into the profound impacts of domestic violence on individuals and explore the complexities of…
The Art of Pausing Retreat Returns
In this episode of GynoCurious, Dr. Amy Novatt is joined by Dr. Laura MacIsaac and Padma, an ordained Buddhist and mindfulness teacher, to explore the complexities of perimenopause and menopause. The conversation centers around their upcoming Art of Pausing Retreat at Mama Farm, a regenerative…
Painful Sex?
In this episode of GynoCurious, Dr. Amy Novatt tackles the often unspoken topic of pain during sexual intercourse, also known as dyspareunia. Drawing from her 35 years of experience as an OB-GYN, Dr. Novatt explores the many reasons why sex can be painful for cis…
What Does Retirement Mean to You?
In this episode, we talk about the evolving concept of retirement and what it means in today’s world. The conversation explores how shifting demographics, changes in social security, and the national dialogue are shaping the way people think about life after work. Listeners are invited…