Imagine being 36 weeks pregnant and discovering that the person you've spent 20 years with has been hiding a devastating truth.

In Part 1 of this deeply personal conversation on Hormones & Hot Takes, Lori shares a story she's kept private for nearly five years. Even Carrie, one of her closest friends, is hearing much of it for the first time.

What begins as a conversation about life's hardest seasons becomes an honest discussion about marriage, infidelity, betrayal trauma, forgiveness, faith, and healing after heartbreak.

While preparing to welcome her fourth child, Lori was also facing her mother's life-threatening illness and grieving the loss of a close friend. Then came the confession that changed the way she viewed her marriage and years of memories.

But here's what surprised her most.

She had already chosen forgiveness. So why was she still struggling with overwhelming emotions, broken trust, and unexpected triggers?

In Part 1, we discuss:

❤️ Discovering infidelity after years of marriage

💔 Why betrayal can affect your trust, memories, and sense of security

🧠 The emotional and physical reactions that can follow traumatic experiences

🙏 The complicated relationship between faith, forgiveness, and healing

💬 Why counseling and honest conversations became part of Lori's journey

👩‍👧 What it looks like to navigate heartbreak while raising children and managing everyday responsibilities

✨ Why healing doesn't always look the way we expected

This conversation isn't about telling women whether they should stay in a marriage or leave. Every relationship and healing journey is different.

It's about sharing a real story, asking difficult questions, and reminding women that they don't have to pretend everything is okay while they're working through something painful.

We'd love to hear from you:

What's something you wish people understood about healing after betrayal?

Please share only what you're comfortable sharing.

🔔 Subscribe to Hormones & Hot Takes for honest conversations about women's health, marriage, motherhood, relationships, faith, trauma, and personal growth.

Topics in this episode:
Marriage after infidelity • Betrayal trauma • Healing after cheating • Forgiveness • Rebuilding trust • Faith and marriage • Relationship trauma • Women's mental health • Emotional healing • Marriage counseling • Motherhood • Personal growth

Until next time, keep asking questions, keep learning, and let's figure this whole womanhood thing out together.

⚠️ Fair warning: We have a tendency to chase rabbit trails. Somehow, they usually lead somewhere worth going.

Content note: This episode includes discussion of infidelity, trauma, and past sexual abuse.

#MarriageAfterInfidelity #BetrayalTrauma #HormonesAndHotTakes

Think pelvic floor problems only happen after having a baby? Think again.

In Part 2 of our conversation with pelvic floor physical therapist Angela Turnow, we're getting practical about pelvic floor health and breaking down some of the misconceptions women have been taught about their bodies.

Can your pelvic floor be both tight AND weak? Are Kegels always the answer? Are squats enough? What do your nervous system, constipation, hydration, and even the way you move throughout the day have to do with your pelvic floor?

We're talking about all of it.

In this episode, we discuss:

✨ Signs of pelvic floor dysfunction women may overlook
💧 Why hydration matters for pelvic floor health
🚽 The connection between constipation and your pelvic floor
🧠 How your nervous system can affect your bladder, bowels, and pelvic floor
🏋️ Why working out and doing squats doesn't necessarily mean you're strengthening your pelvic floor correctly
🤰 Why pelvic floor dysfunction isn't only a pregnancy or postpartum issue
💪 The difference between a tight pelvic floor and a weak pelvic floor
🚶‍♀️ Why everyday movement matters
❤️ Why individualized pelvic floor therapy can make a difference
🗣️ Why women should keep asking questions when they're told symptoms are "just normal"

And yes...

Somewhere along the way, this becomes a conversation about poop. 😂

Because apparently pelvic floor health involves a lot more than Kegels.

If you've experienced bladder leaks when coughing, sneezing, laughing, running, or exercising, pelvic heaviness, constipation, back or hip discomfort, or you've simply wondered whether your pelvic floor is functioning the way it should, this conversation may give you some new questions to ask.

Our biggest takeaway?

Common doesn't always mean something you simply have to live with.

Ask questions. Pay attention to your body. And when something doesn't feel right, don't be afraid to seek individualized guidance from a qualified healthcare professional.

👇 JOIN THE CONVERSATION

What's something about women's health that you were once told was "just normal"?

Tell us in the comments.

☕ Grab your coffee, pull up a chair, and let's figure this whole womanhood thing out together.

Subscribe to Hormones & Hot Takes for honest conversations about women's health, hormones, perimenopause, menopause, motherhood, relationships, faith, healing, and everything we wish someone had told us years ago.

🎙️ TOPICS IN THIS EPISODE

Pelvic floor health • Pelvic floor dysfunction • Pelvic floor therapy • Women's health • Bladder leakage • Urinary incontinence • Pelvic floor exercises • Postpartum health • Constipation • Nervous system regulation • Women's wellness • Exercise for women • Healthy aging • Motherhood • Hormones & Hot Takes

#PelvicFloor #PelvicFloorHealth #WomensHealth #PelvicFloorTherapy #PostpartumHealth #WomensWellness #HormonesAndHotTakes

Pee when you sneeze? Still wondering what happened to your core after having kids? If the only advice you've heard is "just do Kegels," this conversation is for you.

In Part 1 of our two-part conversation, orthopedic and pelvic floor physical therapist Dr. Angela Turnow joins Carrie and Lori to explain what the pelvic floor is and why she looks beyond one muscle group when someone comes to her for help. We talk about leaking, changes after pregnancy, the connection between your hips, abs, ribs, and pelvic floor, and why it's okay to ask more questions when the advice you've been given isn't helping.

Angela also shares her own experience of feeling unfamiliar with her body after having children. It's an honest conversation about symptoms women often joke about, quietly put up with, or don't realize they can bring up with a professional.

What pelvic floor advice have you heard most often? Tell us in the comments.

And subscribe to Hormones & Hot Takes so you don't miss Part 2 with Angela.

00:00 Angela - Part 1: Why Kegels Aren't Enough

00:05 Introduction

01:09 Meet Angela

12:21 What Is the Pelvic Floor?

20:08 The Prolapse Conversation

25:33 The Emsella Chair

Find Angela:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/activemotherhood/

Website: https://activemotherhood.mvt.so/

Listen to Hormones & Hot Takes:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033R3AZI2eKDMHGbUVDmhs?si=bTBYIp5iQ92lhMHYYr7-2g

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hormones-hot-takes/id6788397484

This conversation is for education and discussion. If you're experiencing leaking, pelvic pain, or other symptoms, a qualified healthcare professional can help you understand your options.