Cliterally Obsessed

You’re not “out of control”… and it’s not a willpower problem. This week, we sit down with Lynn Therrien, founder of the Centre for Emotional Eating, to unpack what emotional eating actually is—and why diets keep missing the point.We get into the real drivers behind cravings, why food becomes comfort (or control), and how shame keeps people stuck in the cycle. Lynn breaks down the psychology behind emotional eating and how to start building a relationship with food that doesn’t feel like a constant battle.If you’ve ever thought “why can’t I just stop?”—this episode is for you.

This week, we sit down with Ottawa clinical psychologist Dr. Mel Arias-Valenzuela, founder and clinical director of Uprise Psychology & Wellness, whose work focuses extensively on eating disorders, body image, and helping people heal their relationship with their bodies and food. Together, we explore how body image develops, why so many people struggle with shame and self-criticism, and how our relationship with our bodies is shaped by culture, expectations, and lived experience. Dr. Mel shares how these patterns show up clinically—and more importantly, how they can change.We talk about perfectionism, control, and the quiet ways body image can affect mental health, relationships, and daily life. This conversation offers a compassionate, evidence-based perspective on how to move toward greater self-acceptance without toxic positivity or oversimplification.This episode is not about loving your body all the time. It’s about understanding it—and learning to treat yourself with the same kindness you offer others.

This week, we sit down with Ottawa physician Dr. Sam Hetz to talk about one of the most requested topics: skincare and aging.In a world filled with endless products, conflicting advice, and powerful marketing, Dr. Hetz breaks down what actually makes a difference—and what doesn’t. We discuss how skin ages over time, the role of sunscreen, retinoids, and medical-grade skincare, and when treatments like neuromodulators, lasers, and other procedures can be helpful.Most importantly, we talk about how to approach aging in a way that feels intentional and empowering—not reactive or fear-driven.This episode is about cutting through the noise and understanding how to care for your skin with clarity, confidence, and evidence.

In honour of Endometriosis Awareness Month, we’re joined by Jess Packman—Ottawa-based hairstylist and funny-girl —who shares her deeply personal journey with this often-misunderstood disease.From her very first painful period to years of unanswered questions, delayed diagnosis, fertility struggles, and ultimately the difficult(ish) decision to undergo a hysterectomy, Jess speaks candidly about what it’s really like to live with endometriosis. This is the side of medicine you won’t find in textbooks—the uncertainty, the grief, the resilience, and the strength it takes to keep advocating for yourself when your pain is dismissed. Raw, honest, and—true to Jess—often funny, this conversation is a powerful reminder that endometriosis is not “just bad cramps,” but a life-altering condition that deserves recognition, research, and better care.Listen in to Jess’s story—and to the reality so many women live every day.

After our powerful conversation with Dr. Nathalie Gamache on menopause care, we knew we had to go deeper—this time into one of the most misunderstood and overlooked hormones in women’s health: testosterone.In this episode, Dr. Gamache—school teacher turned OB/GYN and menopause specialist—breaks down the real role of testosterone in women, far beyond the outdated myths. We discuss its impact on sexual desire, energy, motivation, cognitive function, and overall sense of vitality, and why so many women are never told it’s even an option.Dr. Gamache shares when testosterone therapy is appropriate, how it can be used safely and effectively, and why thoughtful, individualized care is essential.

After our unforgettable conversation with Dr. Ardelle Piper, we knew we wanted to continue bringing you the voices of clinicians who are redefining menopause care. This week, we sit down with Dr. Nathalie Gamache—school teacher turned OB/GYN and menopause specialist—to explore her thoughtful, evidence-based, and deeply patient-centered approach to this transition. Dr. Gamache shares her perspective on hormone therapy, symptom management, and the importance of listening to women’s lived experiences—not just their lab values.

Do you know every bathroom location within a 3-km radius of your house? Do you sit down to pee… and then pee again 12 minutes later? Welcome. You are among friends.In this episode, we talk about the very under-glamorous, very real question so many women whisper to themselves daily: why am I peeing this much? Is it my bladder? My pelvic floor? My hormones? My coffee addiction? My anxiety? My perimenopause? My blood sugar? (Spoiler: sometimes… yes.)We break down what’s actually normal, what’s not, why “just drink less water” is terrible advice, the difference between urgency and frequency, and how your bladder might be reacting to things you’d never suspect. From UTIs to overactive bladder, pelvic floor tension to insulin resistance, this episode connects dots you didn’t know were related.

GLP-1s are more than a headline or a celebrity trend.On the episode Beyond Ozempic, Dr Rebecca Chase and Lisa Flanders, PT  look at what these medications actually do in the brain and body, who benefits most, how to use them responsibly, and how they fit into modern metabolic medicine—especially for women.

This is not a “new year, new you” pep talk. It’s a realistic conversation about why going HAM rarely works, how perfectionism sabotages progress, and what to do instead. Think fewer rules, more sustainability, and goals that survive real life.

In this episode, we lift the weight (pun intended) off outdated ideas about women and strength training. From the myth that “lifting makes you bulky” to the quiet power of seeing your first pull-up, we talk about what it really means to build strength — physically, mentally, and culturally.

This week, we plunge into the unfiltered depths of Reddit where no topic is too taboo — or too fragrantly described.From a man genuinely asking, “Do I tell my girlfriend her vagina smells like a lab rat?”  to the philosophical debate over “the advent of whole-body deodorant”  and the timeless question, “Why are women shaming each other for having bushes?”  — we read it all so you don’t have to.

In this follow-up episode, we dive deeper into what truly makes sex “magnificent” in midlife and beyond. Dr. Peggy Kleinplatz returns with Dr. Ardelle Piper to unpack how desire, connection, and communication evolve as our bodies and relationships change. Together, we explore how vulnerability, mindfulness, and curiosity—not perfection—are at the heart of great sex.

We’re talking magnificent sex—yes, really—with Dr. Peggy Kleinplatz, the researcher who literally wrote the book on it, and Dr. Arielle Piper, OB/GYN and menopause specialist. From mind-blowing intimacy to midlife desire, this two-part episode dives deep into what makes sex meaningful, connected, and actually magnificent.

Is the IUD really the queen of contraception? In this episode, we break down everything you need to know about intrauterine devices—from how they work and the different types (hormonal vs. copper), to the myths, side effects, and what insertion actually feels like. We’ll talk about why so many people swear by the IUD, who it’s best for, and why it might just deserve its crown as the most effective, low-maintenance birth control option.

From magazines to med-spa menus, vulvas are under the microscope like never before. In this episode, we tackle one of the most common (and hush-hush) questions: “Is my vulva normal?” We’ll talk about the huge spectrum of what’s natural, why no two vulvas look alike, and how shame sneaks in. Plus, we dig into the rise of aesthetic medicine—from labial fillers (the so-called “labial puffer”) to cosmetic procedures—and what’s hype versus what’s helpful. Think evidence-based medicine meets real talk, with a side of body confidence.

In Part 1, we tackled the chaos of perimenopause and menopause and asked what the f*ck is going on. Now it’s time to talk solutions. In this second half of our conversation with Dr. Ardelle Piper, we dive into what actually helps — from lifestyle tweaks and supplements to hormone therapy and other medical options. We’ll break down the myths, talk about what’s safe (and what’s not), and share how women can take back control of their bodies, their moods, their sleep, and their sex lives. Practical, evidence-based, and a little bit raw — this episode is all about helping you feel like yourself again.

Hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, brain fog — is your body suddenly doing things you don’t recognize? In this first of a two-part series, we sit down with Dr. Ardelle Piper to unpack the chaos of perimenopause and menopause. From hormones dropping off a cliff to why your sleep, mood, and waistline may all feel out of control, we break down what’s actually happening in your body during this transition. With a mix of science, straight talk, and humor, we cut through the confusion so you can finally understand what the f*ck is going on.

From fishy to funky to perfectly normal — vaginal odor is something most women wonder (and worry!) about at some point. In this episode, we break down what’s normal, what might signal an infection, and how hormones, diet, hygiene, and even sex can influence the way your vagina smells. Join us as we bust myths, share the science, and remind you why your vagina is smarter than you think.

This week on Cliterally Obsessed, we're diving into the world of dating in your 40s (and beyond!) with the help of expert matchmaker Linda Miller. Whether you're newly single, re-entering the dating scene, or just curious about how love evolves with age, Linda shares her no-nonsense tips, surprising trends, and some juicy stories from the matchmaking trenches.  Tune in for laughs, wisdom, and a fresh perspective on finding connection at any age.

In this episode of Cliterally Obsessed, Lisa and Rebecca get up close and personal with one of the most common — and confusing — complaints in women’s health: vaginal and vulvar itching. We break down the difference between yeast, BV, and other causes of irritation (spoiler: it’s not always an infection), when to worry, and why over-the-counter treatments might be doing more harm than good. If you’ve ever whispered “is this normal?” while reaching for the itch cream, this one’s for you.

In this episode of Cliterally Obsessed, Lisa Flanders and Dr. Rebecca Chase dive into the wild world of sleep (or lack thereof) in perimenopause. From 3 a.m. wakeups to night sweats and restless legs, we unpack why your sleep might suddenly suck—and what you can actually do about it. Grab your cozy blanket (or ice pack) and tune in!