Silence, Stigma, and Shame That Shape Women’s Lives with Dr. Jessica Zucker

Just tell me what to do is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.In this episode of The Feminist Mom Podcast, Erin sits down with Dr. Jessica Zucker, a psychologist and writer specializing in reproductive health, to talk about her new book Normalize It: Upending the Silence, Stigma, and Shame That Shape Women’s Lives. Together, they explore how shame and cultural silence shape women’s experiences—from miscarriage to menopause to aging and identity.In this conversation, Erin and Jessica discuss the ways storytelling can break the cycles of shame that often accompany womanhood. Jessica shares her own experience with miscarriage and how it reshaped her understanding of women’s mental health. They talk about societal pressures around perfectionism, beauty, and the expectations placed on mothers—and how healing begins when we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, human, and imperfect.This episode also dives into the deeper themes of aging, intersectionality, and how we can create safe spaces for authenticity and connection. It’s a powerful call for cultural change—and a reminder that we’re not alone.Dr. Jessica Zucker is a Los Angeles-based psychologist specializing in reproductive health and the author of the award-winning book I Had a Miscarriage: A Memoir, a Movement. She’s the creator of the viral #IHadaMiscarriage campaign and her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Vogue, New York Magazine, Harvard Business Review, and more. Her latest book, Normalize It, is available now.Learn more about Dr. Jessica Zucker and her work:Website: drjessicazucker.comInstagram: @ihadamiscarriagePurchase Normalize It: Amazon Bookshop.orgConnect with Erin:Instagram: instagram.com/feminist.mom.therapistWebsite: www.erinspahrtherapy.comSubstack: erinspahr.substack.com/subscribeSubscribe & Review:Love what you’re hearing? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast to help us reach more listeners like you! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit erinspahr.substack.com