

The Hormone Genius Podcast
Teresa Kenney and Jamie Rathjen
Welcome to The Hormone Genius Podcast! Co-hosts Jamie Rathjen and Teresa Kenney desire to be a voice of hope for women across the world. Their mission is to inspire a new generation of women who are educated and informed about the gift and beauty of the feminine design. This is a generation of women who deserve a holistic approach to women's healthcare. Jamie and Teresa want to inspire, inform, and empower their listeners, and to make women the genius of their own hormones!
Medical disclaimer: The information presented in The Hormone Genius Podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for actual medical or mental health advice from a doctor, psychologist, or any other medical or mental health professional.
Medical disclaimer: The information presented in The Hormone Genius Podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for actual medical or mental health advice from a doctor, psychologist, or any other medical or mental health professional.
Episodes
Mentioned books

4 snips
Feb 22, 2025 • 45min
S5 Ep. 21: The Science of FemTech Devices with Dr. Stephanie Kafie
What will you learn today on The Hormone Genius with Guest Dr. Stephanie Kafie?
What devices and technology are available for women to track their fertility? What are the advantages and disadvantages of these devices?
What are natural signs of fertility that women can track and what are the advantages/disadvantages of these?
How can femtech be incorporated into natural family planning for avoiding or achieving pregnancy?
Dr. Kafie was kind enough to give additional information about femtech (see below), what devices are available, what the research is behind these methods and how they can be incorporated into NFP methods formally (such as Sympto-thermal or Marquette Method) or informally.
All you need to do is go to this link and you have access to all of the studies in this area of FemTech and NFP: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1D4yzjDzainYgglgHbsNN82KpegDlBskA_kfeK0U2OV8/edit?tab=t.0
While on maternity leave in 2020, Dr. Kafie became the Founder and CEO of a virtual medical clinic called, “Totally Yours Family Medicine.” This clinic is focused on women’s health concerns, and on teaching couples Natural Family Planning. The clinic offers a natural, effective, and research-based option for couples looking to avoid or achieve pregnancy by tracking their cycles. Totally Yours Family Medicine is the only clinic in Ontario offering instruction in the Marquette Method of Natural Family Planning and is accessible by all residents of Ontario.
Dr. Kafie spends most of her time with her husband and three trilingual children in the Niagara, Ontario region. She is often running, biking, or dancing her way through the beautiful chaos of life with small children. She brings the perspective of a “Doctor Mom” to her work – with the medical training to guide families and the life experience to provide compassionate care.
Check out Dr. Kafie's book!
Totally Yours: The Catholic Natural Family Planning Handbook
https://www.totallyyoursfamilymedicine.com/nfpbook
Thanks to our HG Sponsor! If you’re looking for the best supplements—backed by science and made by a family-owned company that shares your values—you need to check out We Heart Nutrition. I’ve personally used their products, and I’m so excited to tell you about them!
We Heart Nutrition offers research-backed supplements for men and women at every stage of life. Whether you're preparing for pregnancy, looking for post menopause support, or just trying to hit your wellness goals, they’ve got something for you.
What makes them even more special is their mission. They’re pro-mama, pro-baby, and pro-life, donating 10% of every sale to pregnancy care centers. So, when you shop with them, you're not just investing in your own health—you’re supporting moms and babies in need.
Their supplements are made with bioavailable ingredients, which means your body actually absorbs the nutrients—no fillers, no junk. They’re carefully crafted to meet your unique needs, and it shows—over 1,000 5-star reviews from people whose lives have been changed by these products!
Not sure where to start? You can take their quick 20-second quiz to get personalized recommendations tailored just for you.
And here’s an exclusive offer: Use the code GENIUS to get 20% off your first order! Plus, if your first order is over $50, you’ll get a free bamboo capsule box to help you stay consistent and build healthy habits.
www.weheartnutrition.com/?bg_ref=wNaD59ov1v
Medical disclaimer: The information presented in The Hormone Genius Podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for actual medical or mental health advice from a doctor, psychologist, or any other medical or mental health professional.

Feb 16, 2025 • 48min
S5 Ep. 20: Books That Inspire: Our Top Picks for Wellness, Hormones, and Life
Hello, Hormone Genius friends!
In today’s episode, Jamie and I share some of our absolute favorite books from the last year, and we can’t wait to tell you why we love them! We all know that reading is a powerful way to learn and grow, so if it's been a while since you've picked up a book, consider this episode your sign to dive into something new and inspiring!
One book I totally forgot to mention, and I kicked myself for it, was Good Energy by Dr. Casey Means. I recently finished it, and it’s an amazing read for anyone looking to understand the root causes of disease and how to change your life through nutrition to create "good energy." Definitely check it out!
Here are some of the other books we chat about in this episode, in no particular order:
Real Food for Fertility by Lily Nichols & Lisa Hendrickson
The Hormone Fix by Anna Cabeca
Outlive by Dr. Peter Attia
Estrogen Matters by Dr. Avrum Bluming & Dr. Carol Tavris
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk, M.D.
It Starts With The Egg by Rebecca Fett
The Happy Girl’s Guide to Being Whole by Teresa Kenney, WHNP
Ultra-processed People by Chris van Tulleken
The Female Brain by Louann Brizendine, M.D.
The Complete Copper Toxicity Handbook by Rick Fischer
Switch on Your Brain by Dr. Caroline Leaf
The Language of Your Body by Christina Valenzuela
Is This Normal?: Judgement-Free Straight Talk About Your Body and Beyond the Pill by Dr. Jolene Brighten
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers
The Hope Walker Mysteries by Daniel Carson (Teresa’s husband)
And, of course, Author Daniel Kenney's books for reluctant readers and children’s books—check them out at www.authordanielkenney.com
These books have shaped our understanding of health, hormones, wellness, and so much more. We hope they inspire you too and maybe even spark a new interest or two!
Thank you to our sponsor, We Heart Nutrition! They provide science-backed supplements that cater to every stage of life, whether you’re preparing for pregnancy, managing menopause, or just working toward your wellness goals. They’re committed to a pro-mama, pro-baby, and pro-life mission, donating 10% of every sale to pregnancy care centers.
Special offer: Use code GENIUS to get 20% off your first order, plus a free bamboo capsule box with orders over $50! Visit We Heart Nutrition to take the quiz and find the supplements that work best for you.
We can’t wait to hear what books you're reading, too. Tune in and let’s keep learning together!
Medical disclaimer: The information presented in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for actual medical advice from a doctor, or any medical professional.

4 snips
Feb 5, 2025 • 52min
S5 Ep. 19: Inside NaPro Surgery: Restoring Fertility and Healing Hormones with Dr. Naomi Whittaker
In this can't-miss episode of The Hormone Genius Podcast, we are honored to welcome the renowned Dr. Naomi Whittaker, a leading NaPro Technology surgeon and passionate advocate for women’s natural fertility and reproductive health.
Dr. Whittaker is a board-certified OBGYN with specialized training in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery (MIGS) and NaProTechnology. She brings a rare blend of medical expertise and patient-centered compassion, offering surgical solutions that respect the natural design of a woman's body. From tubal correction and endometriosis excision to PCOS surgery and advanced adhesion prevention, Dr. Whittaker is redefining what truly restorative women’s healthcare looks like.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
What makes NaPro surgery different—and better—for many women
The importance of respecting and working with a woman’s natural cycle
How patient education and autonomy are changing the healthcare landscape
Recent advances in holistic women’s health treatment options
Why fertility is a vital sign—not a condition to suppress
This is more than a medical conversation—it’s a movement. Dr. Whittaker is leading the way in restorative reproductive medicine and empowering women with knowledge, options, and real hope for healing.
📍 Find Dr. Whittaker Online:
Website: naomiwhittakermd.com
Instagram: @napro_fertility_surgeon
Practice: UPMC Divine Mercy – Harrisburg, PA
Education Platform: RRMacademy.org
💊 Thanks to our Sponsor: We Heart Nutrition!
Looking for clean, science-backed supplements created by a mission-driven company? We Heart Nutrition has you covered—from preconception to perimenopause and beyond.
✨ Use code GENIUS for 20% off your first order at weheartnutrition.com
💝 Orders over $50 receive a FREE bamboo capsule organizer!
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast do not necessarily reflect those of The Hormone Genius Podcast. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical or mental health advice.

11 snips
Jan 24, 2025 • 44min
S5 Ep. 18: "Healing with Herbs: How Nature Supports Women’s Hormone Health with Colleen Ritz"
Have you ever wondered how herbs can support your hormones and overall well-being—especially as a woman? On today’s episode of The Hormone Genius Podcast, we’re diving into the world of herbalism and how nature’s remedies can offer real healing.
We’re thrilled to be joined by Colleen Ritz, a clinically trained herbalist, hormone coach at the Fiat Institute, wife, and mom of (soon to be!) six children. With a master’s degree in clinical herbalism and a passion for holistic healing, Colleen helps women find balance in their bodies through personalized herbal support and lifestyle changes. She believes in working with the body, not against it, and shares how simple, natural tools can lead to transformational results.
Whether you're curious about herbal remedies, dealing with hormone imbalances, or simply looking for more holistic ways to care for your body, this episode is full of practical wisdom and encouragement.
🔗 Connect with Colleen and learn more: www.nurtured-
roots.netSPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNIES WITH THE HORMONE GENIUS PODCAST!
If you, or a business you know, are looking to expand your reach and connect with an audience passionate about women's health and hormone education, we'd love to hear from you! Whether you're interested in affiliate partnerships or episode sponsorships, we have options to fit your goals. Reach out to us at thehormonegenius@gmail.com for more details and/or fill out the appropriate form below!
Affiliate Form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScB9KKcAhKnzrAGsmfw25AEUnyR5S9qylieqKTzgk06b-o9Kg/viewform?usp=header
Sponsor Form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeC0PM0P7NguN2dduMSnHB-NViKfAxiLbahiRU9DeZPtiseUA/viewform?usp=sf_link
Opinions, statements, and beliefs of our interviewees are not necessarily a reflection of the HG podcast's beliefs and opinions as a whole.
Medical disclaimer: The information presented in The Hormone Genius Podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for actual medical or mental health advice from a doctor, psychologist, or any other medical or mental health professional.

Jan 22, 2025 • 1h 3min
S5 Ep. 17: “Understanding Miscarriage: Finding Answers and Hope with Dr. Marguerite Duane”
Today on The Hormone Genius Podcast, we welcome back a deeply respected guest and friend of the show—Dr. Marguerite Duane, executive director of FACTS About Fertility. This episode tackles a topic that touches the lives of so many women, yet remains clouded by silence and unanswered questions: miscarriage.
With 1 in 4 women experiencing miscarriage, the emotional toll is profound—but what’s often more painful is not knowing why it happened. In this powerful and compassionate conversation, Dr. Duane sheds light on the real causes of miscarriage, how it can be properly evaluated, and what steps women can take to advocate for themselves in the medical system.
Miscarriage is complex and can stem from multiple factors. Dr. Duane discusses the importance of personalized, thorough evaluations and restorative reproductive medicine to uncover the root issues behind loss. If you've experienced miscarriage or work in women’s health, this episode is both empowering and essential.
🔗 Explore the educational work of FACTS About Fertility: factsaboutfertility.org
📌 Featured Links:
FACTS Pre-Conference in Orlando, FL – Open to everyone!
FACTS Annual Conference in Pittsburgh, PA – Open to everyone!
FACTS Medical Student Elective – For medical, nursing & health professional students
FACTS Online CME Course – Open to all
Sample the CME Course – Free preview for all!
FACTS Membership – Join the movement in evidence-based women's health
📚 Research Articles to Explore & Share:
FABMs for Women’s Health and Family Planning
Benefits of DHEA & Estradiol to Prevent Miscarriage
Whether you're a woman seeking answers, a clinician looking for better ways to support your patients, or simply someone who wants to understand more about this critical issue—this conversation is for you.
Opinions and statements shared by our guests do not necessarily reflect those of The Hormone Genius Podcast.
Medical disclaimer: The information presented in The Hormone Genius Podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for actual medical or mental health advice from a doctor, psychologist, or any other medical or mental health professional.

Jan 5, 2025 • 45min
S5 Ep. 16: The Hidden Dangers of Copper Toxicity: Honoring Krista Labbe’s Legacy
In this powerful and heartfelt episode of The Hormone Genius Podcast, we honor the life and legacy of Krista Labbe, a Certified Nurse Midwife, U.S. Army officer, and fierce advocate for women’s health, whose untimely passing in 2023 shed light on a silent but serious risk: copper toxicity linked to the copper IUD.
Krista's story is not only one of courage and advocacy but also a cautionary tale that underscores the importance of informed consent in birth control decisions. Despite being a trained medical professional, Krista experienced unexplained anxiety, chronic infections, and other debilitating symptoms—later traced back to elevated copper levels. Through her experience, we uncover critical insights about copper metabolism, the limitations of traditional blood tests, and the emerging role of Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) in uncovering hidden mineral imbalances.
🔍 In this episode, we cover:
Krista’s health journey and her battle with copper toxicity
The science of how copper accumulates in the body
Why standard blood tests often miss mineral imbalances
The value of HTMA for deeper health diagnostics
The importance of advocacy and full-body literacy in women’s health
This episode is both a tribute and a call to action—encouraging women to dig deeper, ask harder questions, and empower themselves with the knowledge to make informed choices about their health.
🔗 Resources Mentioned:
Krista’s Story: kristalabbe.com
Copper Toxicity Info: coppertoxic.com
HTMA Testing: mineralsandhealth.com/order
Natural Womanhood Article: Read the Article
🙏 Special thanks to Natural Womanhood for amplifying this vital conversation.
🎙 Interested in Sponsoring The Hormone Genius Podcast?
Reach a dedicated audience passionate about women’s health and hormone education.
📧 Contact: thehormonegenius@gmail.com
📄 Apply for sponsorship or affiliate partnerships:
Affiliate Form
Sponsor Form
Disclaimer: Views expressed by our guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of The Hormone Genius Podcast.
Medical disclaimer: The information presented in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for actual medical advice from a doctor, or any medical professional.

Dec 18, 2024 • 53min
S5 Ep. 15: The Truth About Ultra Processed Foods
Podcast Overview: The Truth About Ultra-Processed Foods
In this episode, we explore the eye-opening insights from Chris van Tulleken’s book, Ultra-Processed People, revealing the hidden dangers of ultra-processed foods (UPFs). UPFs, often found in sugary snacks, ready meals, and sodas, are loaded with artificial additives, preservatives, and unrecognizable ingredients. These foods are designed to be addictive, altering brain chemistry and driving overconsumption, as evidenced by studies like Kevin Hall's 2019 trial, which showed participants eating 500 extra calories daily on a UPF diet. The result? Weight gain, mood shifts, and chronic health issues like obesity and diabetes.
UPFs' dominance stems from systemic factors, including marketing, affordability, and convenience, but their health impacts are far-reaching. From ingredients like high-fructose corn syrup to artificial flavors and emulsifiers, these foods are engineered for taste and shelf life at the expense of nutrition. Tune in to learn how to identify UPFs, understand their effects, and take simple steps toward healthier, whole-food alternatives. For extra support, follow us on Instagram @HormoneGenius and post your favorite clean products to claim a free grocery guide with the ingredients to be aware of!
Thanks to our sponsor Fiat Institute!
If the content you’re hearing on this podcast has stirred something in your heart, and you feel called to be part of the change—to launch a mission in hormone health, wellness, and true women’s health care—then this program is for you!
The Fiat Institute certifies women as hormone coaches in a six-month program. You’ll learn about gut health, inflammation, liver detox, cycle charting, cycle-syncing, root cause restoration, and the FiatWay Coaching Methodology. Plus, you’ll find community in weekly calls, small-group breakouts, and the Fiat Sisterhood.
Seats for January’s cohort are limited! Schedule a discovery call with Jamie today! Be part of the movement to restore women’s health.
Fill out an inquiry form:
www.honeybook.com/widget/fiat_inst…0194ff00292a19e2
OR
Schedule a 15min 1:1 chat with her! See link:
calendly.com/hormoneconsult/fir…chat?month=2024-12
To learn more you can visit www.fiatinstitute.com.
Medical disclaimer: The information presented in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for actual medical advice from a doctor, or any medical professional.

Dec 12, 2024 • 1h 8min
S5 Ep. 14: Author Daniel Kenney, AKA Dad Genius & Transforming Back to Health
This week on The Hormone Genius Podcast we welcome a stay at home dad, a self-published author, and hormone genius guy, Author Daniel Kenney, who is also the husband of Teresa Kenney!
The life of Teresa's husband will interest many of you in a variety of ways. Learn about how Dan became a stay at home Dad of 8 kids, learned to write stories, and eventually became a self-published author of many children's books, picture books, and cozy mysteries novels, which are under his pen name Daniel Carson!
https://www.authordanielcarson.com/
Also, learn about Dan's health journey which includes a transformation of his own body, his hormones, his life really. This includes using a peptide called Tirzepatide for weight loss which I know will interest many.
Below is an excerpt from Dan's Memoir called Dad Genius, to give you a flavor of the fun of this interview.
Also, Teresa would love for you to consider checking out some of Dan's amazing children's book series which include: The Math Inspectors, The History Mystery Kids, The Science Inspectors & The Remi Muldoon series and so many more!
Picture books include: I Am Beautiful Because, I Want to Fix the Moon, I Am Strong Because, I Love You, My Beautiful Boy, I Am Not Afraid to Fail, How to Help An Impatient Cow, and many more.
Check out all of Dan's books here https://bakkenbooks.com/pages/daniel-kenney
and & https://www.authordanielkenney.com/
https://www.amazon.com/Dad-Genius-Blitherings-Stay-at-Home/dp/1539920437
"The woman had a baby.
Then she had two.
They needed sleep, shelter, and lots of food.
So much food.
But still they came. One after another the children came until one day there were 8.
Then the woman handed the 8 children to the man. "It's your turn," she said.
The man had no plan, below average cooking skills, and a complete inability to fold a sweater.
He did things differently than the woman. At first, it was upsetting to some. But eventually, even the skeptics could see. There was something about the way he did things.
Some called it Genius. And the man? He called it
DAD GENIUS
And this is his story.
Medical disclaimer: The information presented in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for actual medical advice from a doctor, or any medical professional.

4 snips
Dec 4, 2024 • 43min
S5 Ep. 13: Low Dose Naltrexone; Miracle Drug or Hype? Find Out Now
Teresa Kenney NP here! For many years, I have been able to see patients benefit from this medication called low dose naltrexone. But is it more hype than for real? It has been known to be a treatment for an incredible amount of conditions including; autoimmune diseases of every sort, chronic pain, PMS, infertility, pyschiatric disorders, and more. That is what it makes it seem unbelievable, a drug that can help such a wide complex of symptoms and conditions. But I am here to tell you that it may be true. We actually have decent research that proves low dose naltrexone, with its immune system modulation powers, and endorphin boosting capability, can truly treat diseases.
What I love about LDN is that it is a more root cause approach than most treatments. Through its ability to help our own immune system reduce inflammation markers, and target tissues to gain cellular health, it truly can allow restoration through an underlying root cause way.
Now in certain areas, we have a long way to go in terms of the research, and that includes the area of women's health, especially fertility. You can see that Dr. Phil Boyle is leading the charge in this area by following his work on YouTube. Just search his name and low dose naltrexone and he has several videos.
I mention a podcast I listened to about the science of LDN and that link is here; https://open.spotify.com/episode/4o4unT9C6IezTuA7qUydfj
This is a real deep dive into the science of LDN that I found very fascinating.
Other resources mentioned in this podcast, are the low dose research organization, https://ldnresearchtrust.org/ which has put all of the collective research about low dose naltrexone in one spot.
This podcast hopefully will give you some new insights into a drug that has been around for many years and continues to evolve, even in the area of cancer research they are finding the ability to suppress tumor growth with LDN!
That doesn't mean this drug is for everyone, but it may be for you, and therefore we believe you deserve to have this information and talk to your own doctor, do your own research about LDN, and decide if looking into this treatment is the right path for healing for your individual health concerns.
Again, we stress that this is not medical advice this podcast is for information only, and you should definitely discuss LDN with your doctor. Also, know that most doctors are not familiar with low dose naltrexone, and are only familiar with regular dose naltrexone which is prescribed for drug addiction, smoking addiction and weight loss. That is why it is good to be prepared with research and empower yourself to know what the differences between low dose and regular dose naltrexone are.
Thanks to our sponsor Fiat Institute!
If the content you’re hearing on this podcast has stirred something in your heart, and you feel called to be part of the change—to launch a mission in hormone health, wellness, and true women’s health care—then this program is for you!
The Fiat Institute certifies women as hormone coaches in a six-month program. You’ll learn about gut health, inflammation, liver detox, cycle charting, cycle-syncing, root cause restoration, and the FiatWay Coaching Methodology. Plus, you’ll find community in weekly calls, small-group breakouts, and the Fiat Sisterhood.
Seats for January’s cohort are limited! Schedule a discovery call with Jamie today! Be part of the movement to restore women’s health.
Fill out an inquiry form:
https://www.honeybook.com/widget/fiat_institute_244143/cf_id/63c89f1e0194ff00292a19e2
OR
Schedule a 15min 1:1 chat with her! See link:
https://calendly.com/hormoneconsult/firesidechat?month=2024-12
To learn more you can visit www.fiatinstitute.com.
Medical disclaimer: The information presented in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for actual medical advice from a doctor, or any medical professional.

7 snips
Nov 20, 2024 • 43min
S5 Ep. 12: Why Doesn't Your Doctor know the Alternatives to Birth Control? Ask Dr.Rachel Regan
Have you ever wondered why doctors are unable to offer any alternatives for women's health issues, other than synthetic birth control? Jamie & Teresa will take a shot at answering this question with some help from a family medicine doctor Rachel Regan! Dr. Regan is passionate about other physicians knowing that it is possible to treat with alternatives to birth control, and give more holistic options for her patients.
Dr. Rachel Regan is a board-certified Family Medicine physician who is currently practicing in the Dayton, OH area. She is an NFP-only physician and training to be a NaPro Medical Consultant. She graduated from Caribbean Medical University and then completed residency in 2023 through the University of Tennessee in Jackson, TN. As a Catholic physician she is passionate about teaching women about Natural Family Planning and alternatives to birth control, which eventually lead her to creating a website and blog to make information more easily available to women and couples.
"I believe that there are much better alternatives to treating reproductive health problems than birth control. Not only does birth control go against many people's moral values and have a many potential side effects, but it can not be used to diagnose or treat the underlying cause of cycle irregularities and infertility. As an NFP-only physician, I wish that teaching about NFP and alternative treatment options was more widely accepted and taught within medical schools."
Get a hold of Dr. Rachel Regan here:
www.nfpphysician.com & @nfpphysician
Thank you to today's sponsor Pearl & Thistle!
Pearl & Thistle equips Catholics to both understand and love God’s design for our bodies–from puberty to perimenopause and everything in between! Moms: Pearl & Thistle’s CYCLE PREP video course is the perfect age-appropriate way to teach your daughter about the menstrual cycle, to talk together about what it’s like to get a period, and get lots of helpful tips to know what’s normal for girls in the first few years of cycling…
And if you’re in your 40’s and maybe approaching your own time of transition, Perimenopause Prep will teach you all about the hormonal and cycle changes that come with perimenopause (including why your cycles are crazy short!), providing couples with the resources to navigate NFP during this transition with confidence and positivity, together.
Learn more about Pearl and Thistle’s innovative approach to Catholic body literacy at pearlandthistle.com. Can also follow on instagram @pearlandthistle
Opinions, statements, and beliefs of our interviewees are not necessarily a reflection of the HG podcast's beliefs and opinions as a whole.
Medical disclaimer: The information presented in The Hormone Genius Podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for actual medical or mental health advice from a doctor, psychologist, or any other medical or mental health professional.