In this episode of the EmpowHERment Show, Nancy Robles, a dear friend of Adama’s and a clinician specializing in advanced heart failure, discusses the critical importance of clinical trials, particularly in relation to women's health. The conversation explores the historical exclusion of women from clinical trials, the impact of misinformation in health trends, and the need for evidence-based medicine. Nancy emphasizes the importance of patient advocacy, the challenges women face in healthcare, and the necessity for more representation in medical research. The episode concludes with actionable advice for listeners on how to take control of their health and stay informed about clinical trials.

Here are some of the key takeaways:

• Women have historically been excluded from clinical trials, leading to gaps in healthcare outcomes and medication safety.
• Biological differences mean women often respond differently to treatments—yet many health trends still ignore this nuance.
• We break down the clinical trial process and why understanding it empowers better patient advocacy.
• From harmful wellness misinformation to real-world patient experiences, we explore what women need to know.
• Advocating for inclusion in research is critical to achieving more equitable, informed healthcare for all

And if you want to tune in for certain portions, here’s the episode breakdown:

• 00:00 Introduction to Clinical Trials and Women's Health
• 06:02 Toxic Trends in Health and Misinformation
• 08:57 Understanding Clinical Trials: Phases and Processes
• 12:05 Historical Exclusion of Women in Clinical Trials
• 18:05 Patient Experiences and the Impact of Placebos
• 20:45 Selection Processes in Clinical Trials
• 23:42 Biological Differences and Their Implications
• 26:44 The Future of Women's Health in Clinical Research
• 30:40 Ambien Adventures and Sleepwalking Stories
• 32:20 The Impact of Gender in Medical Trials
• 34:21 Navigating Birth Control and Hormonal Changes
• 37:15 Men's Health and the Side Effects of Medication
• 39:00 Quality of Life in Medical Decisions
• 43:02 The Disparity in Medical Research for Women
• 45:51 Funding Cuts and Their Impact on Research
• 48:45 Pharmaceutical Accountability and Patient Advocacy

Keep up with the EmpowHERment ladies by subscribing wherever you listen to podcasts and following them on YouTube and socials:

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This week's episode features Claire Uhar, a friend of Maddie's who founded Obscure, a strategic advisory partner to founders and platforms across media and technology. The EmpowHERment ladies have a candid conversation with Claire about one of the fastest-growing industries in the world - the creator economy. We unpack how lawmakers are just beginning to acknowledge content creation as a legitimate sector (hence the establishment in June 2025 of the Creator Economy Caucus in Congress), and the significance of that acknowledgement. Tune in if you want to learn about:

• Why the creator economy is more than just influencers—and why that distinction matters
• The urgent need for regulation to protect both consumers and creators
• How toxic trends on creator platforms thrive in unchecked digital environments
• What policymakers need to do to catch up with tech and content innovation
• Why children's safety and mental health must be at the forefront of digital policy

In addition to discussing her journey within the media and technology landscape, Claire shares her insights on navigating the regulatory environment, emphasizing the need for a collaborative approach between tech companies and policymakers. The episode concludes with advice for creators and consumers alike, encouraging a balance of creativity and critical thinking in the digital space.

If you want to tune in for specific portions, here's the episode breakdown:

• 00:00:50 Heartbreak and Love in Tech
• 00:03:30 Mergers, Acquisitions, and Ethical Dilemmas
• 00:12:20 Influence and Identity in the Tech World
• 00:15:40 Politics and the Creator Economy
• 00:19:28 The Role of Platforms in Content Categorization
• 00:23:50 The Intersection of Comedy and Politics
• 00:30:25 Storytelling and Authenticity in Politics
• 00:36:10 The Role of the Democratic Party in the Creator Economy
• 00:42:00 The Future of Content Creation and Employment
• 00:50:19 Tools and Resources for Aspiring Creators

Follow the EmpowHERment ladies on socials as well as subscribing on YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts:

• YouTube
• Instagram
• TikTok

Mixed & Edited by Next Day Podcast

info@nextdaypodcast.com

This week's episode features Claire Uhar, a friend of Maddie's who founded Obscure, a strategic advisory partner to founders and platforms across media and technology. The EmpowHERment ladies have a candid conversation with Claire about one of the fastest-growing industries in the world - the creator economy. We unpack how lawmakers are just beginning to acknowledge content creation as a legitimate sector (hence the establishment in June 2025 of the Creator Economy Caucus in Congress), and the significance of that acknowledgement. Tune in if you want to learn about:

• Why the creator economy is more than just influencers—and why that distinction matters
• The urgent need for regulation to protect both consumers and creators
• How toxic trends on creator platforms thrive in unchecked digital environments
• What policymakers need to do to catch up with tech and content innovation
• Why children's safety and mental health must be at the forefront of digital policy

In addition to discussing her journey within the media and technology landscape, Claire shares her insights on navigating the regulatory environment, emphasizing the need for a collaborative approach between tech companies and policymakers. The episode concludes with advice for creators and consumers alike, encouraging a balance of creativity and critical thinking in the digital space.

If you want to tune in for specific portions, here's the episode breakdown:

• 00:00 Introduction to the Creator Economy
• 10:08 The Creator Economy Caucus and Its Significance
• 15:39 Defining Creators vs. Influencers
• 21:44 The Economic Implications of the Creator Economy
• 27:40 Toxic Trends in the Creator Economy
• 33:29 The Role of Platforms in the Creator Economy
• 41:44 Bridging the Gap: Tech Companies and Policymakers
• 56:06 Generational Perspectives

Follow the EmpowHERment ladies on socials as well as subscribing on YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts. And don't miss part 2 of this amazing discussion, out Wednesday next week!

• YouTube
• Instagram
• TikTok

This week on The EmpowHERment Show, Adama, Maddie, and Sam are joined by Lynsey Chediak, a friend of Maddie who has spent over a decade at the forefront of health policy and patient advocacy driven by a singular mission: addressing the unmet medical need of children affected by rare diseases like hers.

In this enlightening conversation, Lynsey shares her personal journey with arthrogryposis, a rare bone disease, and discusses the broader implications of rare diseases affecting millions of Americans. The discussion highlights the importance of advocacy, the role of caregivers, and the challenges posed by the current political climate in healthcare.

Lynsey emphasizes the need for early diagnosis through newborn screening and the significance of language in describing health conditions. The conversation concludes with valuable resources for families navigating the complexities of rare diseases.

Here are some of the key takeaways from this episode:

• Rare diseases affect about 30 million Americans.
• Over 80% of caregivers for rare diseases are women.
• 95% of rare diseases lack FDA-approved treatments.
• Access to medical innovation can significantly improve quality of life.
• Newborn screening can save lives by identifying rare diseases early.

And if you want to tune in for specific portions, here’s the episode breakdown:

• 00:00 Introduction to Rare Diseases
• 06:08 Lynsey’s Diagnosis Journey
• 11:59 The Role of Advocacy and Community Support
• 17:59 Navigating Healthcare Systems: US vs. UK
• 29:07 Navigating Healthcare Costs and Insurance Plans
• 30:04 Researching Medical Specialists and Community Support
• 32:12 The Role of Digital Connectivity in Rare Disease Communities
• 34:08 Parental Choices and Quality of Life in Rare Diseases
• 36:34 Addressing Skepticism Towards Traditional Medicine
• 39:15 The Importance of Early Intervention in Childhood
• 41:16 The Language of Illness: Disease vs. Condition
• 45:29 Policy Changes and Healthcare Access for Rare Diseases
• 53:50 Advocacy for Newborn Screening
• 56:59 The Importance of Early Detection
• 01:01:07 Privacy Concerns in Healthcare
• 01:04:04 Resources for Rare Diseases

Check out the National Organization for Rare Disorders if you want to find more information and resources! And follow the EmpowHERment ladies on socials as well as subscribing on YouTube and wherever you listen to Podcasts:

• YouTube
• Instagram
• TikTok

Mixed & Edited by Next Day Podcast

info@nextdaypodcast.com

Dating in 2025 is chaotic—but we’re still showing up, swiping, and sharing. In this episode, Adama, Maddie, and Sam get real about their own dating journeys: the highs, the horror stories, and the hilarious in-betweens. From ghosting to green flags, we unpack why finding connection feels harder than ever in the age of dating apps, performative vulnerability, incel culture, and more.

We also lay out our non-negotiables—emotional maturity, consistency, and mutual respect, to name a few—and challenge the idea that women should shrink themselves to be “chosen.” We talk about how men need to show up: with intention, integrity, and the ability to court without entitlement. And we explore why choosing to be single isn’t a failure—it’s a conscious, powerful decision when the alternative is settling for less than you deserve. This one’s part group chat, lots of pep talk, and all truth.

Tune in to feel seen, laugh a little, and leave with a stronger sense of what you won’t settle for. And keep up with the EmpowHERment ladies by subscribing wherever you listen to podcasts and following on socials:

• YouTube
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• TikTok

This week, the EmpowHERment ladies talk to Kristin Miller, a certified coach, speaker, and accomplished professional with over 24 years of experience leading high-performing teams and driving results.

Kristin works with women across diverse industries, helping them earn more money, reclaim 7+ hours in their week, and take bold action toward the life and career they truly want without losing themselves in the process. Whether through 1:1 coaching or delivering transformative workshops, she empowers women to trust their intuition, navigate challenges with curiosity and confidence, and step into new identities with clarity, calm, and joy.

Maddie worked with Kristin earlier this year to dig into some of the challenges she was facing, particularly burnout. This episode is a can’t-miss for anyone else who is struggling to get through their days and feel like they are truly thriving versus barely surviving.

You can read more about Kristin’s work on her website and follow her on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Keep up with the EmpowHERment ladies by subscribing wherever you listen to podcasts, watching the show on YouTube, and following them on social:

• YouTube
• Instagram
• TikTok

This week, the EmpowHERment ladies talk to Maddie's friend, Troy Tazbaz. Troy lost his wife to colorectal cancer in 2019 and channeled his grief into action by pursuing public service. In 2023, he was appointed by the Biden administration to lead the Digital Health Center of Excellence for the United States Food and Drug Administration, where he was responsible for developing digital health policy, guidance, technology evaluation and approvals for emerging technologies in healthcare delivery.

In this episode, Troy discusses his point of view on why the U.S. needs to reimagine healthcare to drive positive public health outcomes as well as the concerning rise of colorectal cancer in our country. He explains how he managed grief in the wake of his wife's passing and recommends how others prepare for the loss of loved ones.

Keep up with the EmpowHERment ladies and what’s coming next by subscribing wherever you listen podcasts and following them on YouTube and social:

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This week, the EmpowHERment ladies speak with Justin Ángel Knighten, former Associate Administrator of External Affairs for the Federal Emergency Management Agency and a current Pritzker fellow with the University of Chicago's Institute of Politics. Justin brings 20 years of experience in political and corporate communications, advising C-suite executives and leaders at the highest levels of the US government.

During this episode, Justin provides helpful advice for how to prepare for disasters and ensure you can care for yourself and your loved ones during emergencies. He also discusses how the politicization in our current political system is so damaging and how we must come together to ensure we're healthy and safe.

Follow Justin on socials below:

• Instagram
• LinkedIn

And keep up with the EmpowHERment ladies by subscribing on YouTube and following on socials:

• YouTube
• TikTok
• Instagram

Mixed & Edited by Next Day Podcast

info@nextdaypodcast.com