Episode 42: Don't Be an Athena; Medical Gaslighting and Silent Endurance

In this episode Jennifer talks with Kayla Branstetter about the Greek myth of Medusa and Athena as a lens for understanding medical gaslighting, reproductive trauma and the cultural expectation that women endure their pain in silence. Kayla is an English instructor at Crowder College, where she teaches literature, creative nonfiction, and composition. She is a published writer whose work has appeared in more than 40 journals worldwide, and the author of the creative nonfiction book Off With Her Head. A TEDx speaker and educator, her work centers on women’s health, narrative medicine, reproductive trauma, and the cultural expectations placed on women’s bodies and resilience. She is currently completing a Doctorate of Education in Healthcare, with research focused on narrative medicine and women’s healthcare. Her forthcoming book, Don’t Be an Athena, examines reproductive health, medical gaslighting and the myth of silent endurance through storytelling, research and at times, dark humor.Key topics discussed: The Greek myth of Medusa and Athena, and how it shaped the title and framework of Kayla’s book, Don’t Be an AthenaHow society tends to demonize women’s reproductive choices and experiences, from teen pregnancy and miscarriage to IVF, abortion and choosing not to become a motherKayla’s own experiences with infertility, miscarriage and medical gaslightingThe idea of “silent endurance” and where the centuries-old expectation that women must suffer quietly comes fromMissouri’s maternal and infant mortality rates, restrictive abortion laws and the challenges of accessing reproductive healthcare in rural areasThe need for comprehensive sex education and more supportive, paid parental leave policiesKayla’s dissertation research on narrative medicine, the role of AI in healthcare and improving doctor-patient communicationThe difference between treating “the chart” versus “the human,” and how storytelling builds trust between doctors and patientsWhat folk medicine traditions can teach modern medicine about accessibility and human connectionEndometriosis, the importance of self-advocacy, and how cultural expectations can make it harder for women to seek careResources Mentioned:Don’t Be an Athena: Women’s Stories of Surviving Medical Misogyny. Kayla’s forthcoming book, releasing July 20th and available for pre-order nowOzark Hollow PressKayla’s TEDx talk, “Don’t Be an Athena” (TEDxMSSU)“Blood,” a short story by Zdravka Evtimova that Kayla discussed with her class while talking about folk medicineThe work of Dr. Rita Charon, a founding figure in the field of narrative medicineConnect with Kayla Branstetterhttps://kaylabranstetter.wordpress.com/InstagramLinkedInFacebook (personal profile — she welcomes friend requests!)Connect with Jennifer:Schedule a free Fertility Support SessionFollow Jennifer on Instagram for more tips and insights: @jennredmondinhcI would be so grateful if you would subscribe, leave a review and share this episode with women in your life who can benefit from this information.Disclaimer: The Cycles and Seasons podcast is for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your healthcare professional regarding any symptoms or medical problems you are experiencing.