Allison Behringer, host of Bodies podcast, talks about medical mysteries in women's bodies and their impact. They discuss personal stories, painful sex, gender disparities, and trauma. The podcast explores systemic issues and connects sick people on social media.
The podcast 'Bodies' explores the intersectionality of health by discussing systemic issues such as the connection between environmental disasters and health, highlighting the need for change in healthcare systems.
The podcast 'Bodies' sheds light on the unique challenges faced by women and marginalized genders in solving medical mysteries, exposing the impact of sexism and racism on healthcare and the struggle to receive proper care.
Deep dives
Expanding the Definition of Medical Mysteries
The podcast 'Bodies' has expanded its focus beyond individual medical mysteries to explore systemic issues as well. For example, an episode discussed a Los Angeles school built on a toxic dump, uncovering the connection between environmental disasters and health. The show aims to showcase the intersectionality of health, including the impact of sexism, racism, and financial barriers. By delving into these topics and sharing personal stories, 'Bodies' builds empathy and highlights the need for change in healthcare systems.
Gender and Medical Mysteries
The podcast 'Bodies' predominantly features stories of women and marginalized genders, highlighting the unique challenges they face in solving medical mysteries. In episodes about conditions like endometriosis and fibroids, the show exposes the long road to diagnosis and the impact of sexism and racism on healthcare. While men also face medical mysteries, 'Bodies' demonstrates how women and marginalized genders often struggle to understand their bodies and receive proper care due to systemic barriers and biases.
Power of Personal Stories in Health Advocacy
The podcast 'Bodies' emphasizes the importance of sharing personal stories in health advocacy and destigmatizing sensitive topics. By discussing intimate experiences like painful sex, uncontrollable orgasms, and STIs, the show encourages open conversations and breaks down taboos. Personal stories not only help individuals understand their own bodies but also create connections and offer support to others facing similar challenges. 'Bodies' showcases the power of personal narratives in forging empathy, building communities, and driving change in healthcare.
On this week’s episode of The Waves, we’re unpacking medical mysteries. Science writer and Slate contributor Eleanor Cummins is joined by Allison Behringer. Allison is the host and creator of the KCRW podcast, Bodies. Now in its fourth season, every episode of Bodies digs into a person’s medical mystery. Eleanor and Allison talk about Allison’s own ‘body story,’ why female bodies contain so many mysteries, and what we can do to solve them.
In Slate Plus, using social media to connect people with illnesses.