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In this episode, we're joined by the remarkable Dr. Ruchi Garg, newly appointed Chief Medical Officer of Fairview Park Hospital, part of the HCA Healthcare system. With over 25 years of clinical experience, Dr. Garg brings deep expertise in gynecologic oncology, women’s health, and digital health innovation.

Previously the Chair of Gynecologic Oncology at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (now part of City of Hope), Dr. Garg has cared for over 10,000 patients and performed more than 3,500 robotic surgeries. Board-certified in both Gynecologic Oncology and Obstetrics & Gynecology, she is a passionate advocate for prevention, personalized care, and technology-driven health solutions.

We explore her journey through top institutions like Johns Hopkins, the University of Washington, and the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern. Dr. Garg also shares her insights on leadership in medicine, her work with health tech startups, and how she balances a high-impact career with motherhood and a love for travel and culture.

Whether you're in healthcare or just passionate about women’s health, this conversation will leave you inspired.

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In Part Two of our conversation with Debbie, we delve deeper into the emotional aftermath of involuntary childlessness and what it means to reclaim identity and purpose beyond motherhood. Debbie shares how her healing journey evolved over time—from silent grief and societal pressure to finding empowerment through community, advocacy, and storytelling.

We explore the nuanced realities of life after fertility loss: the quiet milestones, the unexpected triggers, and the process of redefining fulfillment in a world where parenthood is often seen as the default. Debbie also reflects on the ways pronatalist messaging continues to shape public discourse, healthcare practices, and even well-meaning relationships.

This episode offers a powerful continuation of Debbie’s story and a compassionate look at what it takes to live a full, visible life outside traditional narratives of womanhood. Whether you’re childless, childfree, or simply seeking to better understand this often-silenced experience, Debbie’s insight brings validation, solidarity, and hope.

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After coming to terms with the end of her journey to motherhood, Debbie has spent years processing the emotional impact of being labeled “childless” in a society that often idealizes parenthood. Her recent work focuses on sharing her personal experience and raising awareness about the prevalence and influence of pronatalism in modern culture.

Debbie was diagnosed with unexplained infertility following three years of unsuccessful attempts to conceive. Later, with a different partner, she endured the loss of four pregnancies due to early miscarriage, again without a clear medical explanation aside from age-related factors.

Her story highlights a broader societal gap in how we address and acknowledge the experiences of those without children. Debbie is committed to advocating for greater visibility and understanding, encouraging a cultural shift where women's lives and choices—regardless of motherhood—are respected without unsolicited advice or attempts to "fix" them.

Through her work, she aims to build community and connection among women navigating the grief, stigma, and isolation often associated with being childless or childfree.

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Dr. Maria Canter is double board-certified in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery as well as Obstetrics and Gynecology—making her one of the first surgeons in the country to hold both certifications. Known for her thoughtful and individualized approach, Dr. Canter takes the time to understand each patient's unique needs and creates personalized treatment plans with the goal of improving their quality of life. She specializes in minimally-invasive techniques that allow for quicker recovery and lasting relief.

Originally from the Washington, D.C. area, Dr. Canter attended Georgetown University School of Medicine and went on to complete her residency in Obstetrics & Gynecology at Georgetown University Medical Center, where she received the Minimally Invasive Endoscopy Award. She then completed a three-year fellowship in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, during which she earned multiple awards for her academic and research contributions—including the American Urogynecologic Society’s prestigious June Allyson Award for her work in urine proteomics.

In 2016, Dr. Canter opened the Urogynecology Center NoVa, a practice devoted to helping women regain comfort, confidence, and control in their lives. With over a decade of experience caring for patients in Northern Virginia, Dr. Canter says she feels deeply grateful for the work she gets to do. “I have the privilege to take care of women,” she says. “I get to build relationships, renew confidence, and restore quality of life for people who are often used to putting everyone else first.”

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Wendy Davis, PhD, PMH-C, is the President and CEO of Postpartum Support International (PSI), an organization dedicated to supporting the mental health of people during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Under her leadership, PSI connects families with resources, offers professional training, and promotes mental health support for a strong and healthy start to parenthood.

Dr. Davis brings vision and guidance to PSI’s team, chapters, and experts, helping to expand access to education, support, and care for individuals and families during this important time. Her passion for this work began with her own experience—she became a perinatal mental health specialist after recovering from postpartum depression and anxiety herself.

Wendy started Oregon’s first peer support group for new parents, Baby Blues Connection, and continues to advocate for the power of peer support and lived experience in healing. She works closely with healthcare providers, community groups, and government leaders to improve care and shape policy around perinatal mental health.

She also leads the PSI Mind the Gap Initiative, a national effort to bring together organizations and experts to ensure perinatal mental health remains a top priority.

You can reach Dr. Davis at wdavis@postpartum.net.

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Nicole Lange LicAc MAOM founded Life Healing Life in Minneapolis, MN with a revolutionary approach to healthcare that transcends the traditional "doctor fixes patient" model. As an acupuncturist and practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine and third generation entrepreneur, Nicole embraces a unique perspective that integrates Eastern practices with Western medicine and scientific innovation. Nicole has worked exclusively in the areas of Women’s health and trauma since 2006, her outcomes surpass studies and expectations, and it is her deep passion and a privilege to have worked with thousands of women on their reproductive journeys.

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Dana is a dedicated literacy educator, passionate social justice advocate, and resilient survivor of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). Her personal and professional journey reflects a profound commitment to both individual healing and community empowerment. Despite long-held aspirations of becoming a mother, Dana made the courageous and medically necessary decision to undergo surgical menopause—including a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and hysterectomy—at the age of 33 as a treatment for PMDD.

Her path has been shaped by years of grappling with complex mental health challenges, as well as an earnest and heartfelt pursuit of single motherhood by choice through donor insemination. Ultimately, Dana made the difficult yet empowering choice to relinquish the possibility of biological motherhood in order to safeguard her mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology, Dana remains deeply committed to nurturing and supporting the development of children through her work and personal life. She continues to find purpose and fulfillment in fostering the growth of other people’s children and remains open to the possibility of becoming an adoptive parent in the future.

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Susan Aguayo was born in Peru and immigrated to New York at the age of five. As the eldest of three siblings, she quickly adapted to her new environment, learning English to connect with others. Following the birth of her younger sister and her parents' separation, Susan took on a leadership role within her family—becoming a protector, translator, and source of support.

Determined to succeed, she pursued Early Childhood Education at Kingsborough Community College at 17 and later studied Business Communication at the American Business Institute. She married her high school and college friend, with whom she has shared over 36 years of marriage. In 2001, with his encouragement, Susan launched her own business.

In 2004, the family relocated to New Mexico, where they adopted three children, fulfilling their dream of a large family. Tragically, in 2015, Susan lost her third child to complications related to perinatal depression—a silent but common issue. This loss led her to establish Kassy's Kause, a nonprofit offering resources and support for maternal mental health.

Susan became certified as a Community Health Worker and Doula, dedicating herself to supporting families in her community. Her advocacy has earned her recognition as the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Woman of the Year (2019) and New Mexico State Mother of the Year by American Mothers Inc. She ran for State Senate in 2020 to raise awareness for underserved issues, particularly maternal mental health.

Today, Susan serves as New Mexico Coordinator and Spanish-language support group facilitator for Postpartum Support International. Her mission is to ensure no mother feels alone and no family suffers due to a lack of awareness or support.