Autoimmunity and the Good Girls: Behind-the-Page with Sara Hirsh Bordo

Did you know there is a direct connection between the trauma you experience as a child and your health as an adult? And that you can work with your nervous system to rewire old patterns and help boost your immune system?    It’s not just about what happens to us; it’s about how we process and heal from those experiences. The nervous system plays a crucial role in our health and learning to nurture it is key to reclaiming our well-being.    If you’re struggling with chronic illness or just want to better understand your body, this conversation is for you.    Episode 3 features Somatic Trauma Specialist, Trauma-Informed Reiki Izzy Swanson, TCYM. In this conversation, we explore the profound connection between trauma, energy work and autoimmune conditions.    I’d like to share a compassionate warning for the content ahead: The following conversation includes brief references to trauma I experienced as a young girl and in my 20s. I invite you to step away at any moment should you find it too sensitive and I thank you for choosing to protect yourself- now and always.   Main Topics: The use of Reiki and trauma-informed techniques to treat energy blockages related to trauma and autoimmunity How childhood trauma and cumulative stress influence physical health and autoimmune diseases The role of the nervous system in trauma responses and health outcomes The impact of societal and familial "good girl" conditioning on women’s health and trauma Intergenerational trauma, mother wounds, and their influence on self-regulation and healing How reprogramming self-beliefs can lead to remission of autoimmune symptoms The scientific basis linking chronic trauma, nervous system dysregulation and immune system crises Practical ways to create safety and healing through energy work and self-awareness Izzy’s work helps empower women to prioritize their well-being and foster healing.    Ready to dive deeper?   Pre-order now! Available June 2, 2026 in the U.S. and in 10 other countries on July 28th.  Get your copy wherever your favorite books are sold. A percent of the author's proceeds will benefit the Society for Women's Health Research. More about the book can be found at: www.goodgirlsbook.com   Resources and Links: Izzy’s Website: www.transformationreiki.com  Instagram: @transformationreiki   A WOMEN RISING® PRODUCTION Written, Directed and Produced by Sara Hirsh Bordo Editor and Consulting Producer: Eric Larner Post-Producer: Caroline Aylward  “Metamorphosis” by MILCK, Licensed courtesy of Resin8 Management

Have you ever put your needs last because you were too busy helping others? Have you had health concerns that fell by the wayside or felt dismissed?  Episode 2 features Dr. Kimberlee Sullivan, PT, head of clinical at Origin Physical Therapy. She is a compassionate practitioner, sharing her expertise and personal stories on healthcare, trauma and empowerment.  In today’s fast-paced world, many women, especially those raised to be 'good girls,' prioritize their responsibilities over their health, often neglecting their own needs. Our chat emphasizes that healing starts with awareness, compassion and advocating for oneself, especially in systems that often overlook women's layered health needs. Remember, your voice and self-care are powerful tools for transformation.   Main Topics: The impact of systemic healthcare shortcomings on women’s health How trauma manifests in the body and long-term health consequences The societal pressures and shame affecting women seeking care Practical tools for healthcare providers to process trauma and support patients The important role of self-advocacy and self-care in recovery and health outcomes How women’s health issues are often dismissed or misdiagnosed Dr. Sullivan’s insights remind us that the journey to wellness starts with self-advocacy and empowerment. It’s time to prioritize your health.    Ready to dive deeper?   Pre-order the book now! Available June 2, 2026.  Get your copy wherever your favorite books are sold. A percent of the author's proceeds will benefit the Society for Women's Health Research. More about the book can be found at: www.goodgirlsbook.com Resources and Links: Dr. Kimberlee Sullivan's work and practice Instagram: @theoriginway Shelby Haddon's short animated documentary "Tightly Wound"   A WOMEN RISING® PRODUCTION Written, Directed and Produced by Sara Hirsh Bordo Editor and Consulting Producer: Eric Larner Post-Producer: Caroline Aylward  “Metamorphosis” by MILCK, Licensed courtesy of Resin8 Management 

What if I told you that the pain you’re experiencing is actually a protective mechanism that can be healed? Or that your chronic symptoms can be alleviated entirely?    Episode 1 features highlights from my interview with the incredible Nicole Sachs, LCSW: a best-selling author, psychotherapist, and internationally recognized leader in MindBody medicine.    She is the creator of JournalSpeak®, a groundbreaking practice that has transformed the lives of thousands struggling with chronic pain, anxiety, and other conditions. And as the host of the podcast The Cure for Chronic Pain and founder of BreakAwake, Nicole has created a global community for healing.   We met for the first time last summer. I asked for her approach on working with women like me, with autoimmune disease- how she explains how we might have arrived at our diagnosis, how empowerment fits into the experience of that diagnosis, and how compassion for where we’ve been can help us make new decisions for how we want to live differently going forward.   Pre-order now! Available June 2, 2026 in the U.S. and in 10 other countries on July 28th.    Get your copy wherever your favorite books are sold. A percent of the author's proceeds will benefit the Society for Women's Health Research. More about the book can be found at: www.goodgirlsbook.com   Main Topics: Empowerment in autoimmune health and breaking free from societal programming Reframing autoimmune diagnosis as a system working perfectly in protective mode The importance of understanding normal developmental responses to emotional and physical stress Strategies for women to set boundaries and reclaim their power amidst social and familial pressures How societal collective shifts can accelerate women’s healing journeys Discover how shifting perspectives from blame to empowerment can transform living with autoimmune disease.   FOR MORE ON NICOLE: JournalSpeak The Cure for Chronic Pain Podcast Nicole Sachs' Website Mind Your Body - the book   Substack: https://nicolesachs.substack.com/ Instagram @nicolesachslcsw TikTok @nicolesachslcsw YouTube @thecureforchronicpain   A WOMEN RISING® PRODUCTION Written, Directed and Produced by Sara Hirsh Bordo Editor and Consulting Producer: Eric Larner Post-Producer: Caroline Aylward  “Metamorphosis” by MILCK, Licensed courtesy of Resin8 Management

Teaser episode for ”Autoimmunity and the Good Girls™” Behind-the-Page Limited Podcast Series, hosted by author Sara Hirsh Bordo. Featuring ”Metamorphosis” by MILCK, license courtesy of Resin8 Management.