Gettin' Grown: "Kegel Break" (feat. Dr. Wendy Goodall McDonald)

Podcast: Gettin' Grown
Hosts: Jade & Kia
Guest: Dr. Wendy Goodall McDonald (OB-GYN)
Date: March 18, 2025
Network: Loud Speakers Network

Episode Overview

In this episode, Jade and Kia welcome back Dr. Wendy Goodall McDonald ("Dr. Every Woman") to the Kitchen Table for Women's History Month, making her a regular in their ongoing series of candid, insightful discussions on Black women's health and wellness. The conversation centers around the evolving realities of Black women’s bodies—embracing aging, sex, pelvic health, hormone shifts, self-advocacy in a fraught medical/political climate, and the importance of reliable, community-sourced health information.

Main Themes

• Honoring Black Cultural Icons: The episode opens with tributes to the recently passed Roy Ayers and Dwayne Wiggins, highlighting the importance of giving people their flowers while alive.
• Navigating Uncertain Times: Both hosts reflect on work, grief, and self-care, set against ongoing societal upheaval, emphasizing resilience and community care.
• Sexual Health and Aging: A deep dive into how sex, intimacy, and vaginal health change with age, unpacking taboos, myths, and the patriarchal baggage attached to women's bodies.
• Fighting Misinformation: Dr. Wendy addresses the proliferation of health misinformation on social media, especially around women’s health, and the dangers of AI-generated disinformation.
• Self-Advocacy and Permission: Empowering women to voice their needs and challenges around sex, health, and life transitions without shame or guilt.
• Pelvic Floor 101: Practical guidance on Kegels, incontinence, and the true role of pelvic floor health (spoiler: it's not just about "tightness").
• Black Community, Womanhood, and Intersectionality: The conversation is inclusive, explicitly supporting trans women and challenging exclusionary attitudes in health spaces.
• Practical Health Tips: Honest, down-to-earth advice on diet, exercise, post-baby changes, hormone fluctuations, and navigating limited healthcare access.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Opening Tributes & Life's Fragility (03:11-06:10)

• Jade and Kia pay homage to Roy Ayers and Dwayne Wiggins, reflecting on music’s impact and the importance of not letting too much time pass before reaching out to loved ones.
• Memorable quote:

  “Don’t let too much time pass. Do what you got to do. Make the phone calls. Do the things. Get your lives in order. The Lord is coming true.” — Jade (05:00)

2. Intersection of Faith, Spirituality & Community (06:10-09:29)

• The hosts riff on biblical stories, church culture, and spirituality’s intersection with African traditions, highlighting the richness and diversity of contemporary Black womanhood.
• Memorable quote:

  “Community and womanhood includes all women. Our trans sisters... we want to make sure it is clear this conversation is not exclusionary.” — Jade (18:34)

3. Life Updates: Grief, Self-Care & Finding Balance (10:44-14:20)

• Kia shares about her emotional challenges at SXSW EDU in Austin and how she’s prioritizing intentional self-care.
• Jade discusses embracing a “pivot,” focusing on both community and herself, and starting her own fitness journey after a long hiatus.

4. Context: The Medical & Political Climate (16:24-18:35)

• The threat to Medicaid, reproductive rights, and general healthcare access is foregrounded as a reality Black women must navigate.
• Dr. Wendy:

  “We are under attack. This ain’t new... But above all, we can’t let them take us down... We’ve been rising up since forever.” (35:53)

5. Kitchen Table Talk with Dr. Wendy (24:40–86:58)

a. Misinformation in Women's Health (28:27–34:50)

• Dr. Wendy skewers social media myths—including AI-generated “coochie doctors”—and reminds listeners that knowledge ≠ information; discernment is power.
• Kia:

  “We are never lacking for information, but we lack knowledge. Knowledge is generated in conversations just like this.” (34:13)

b. Sexual Changes with Age (39:34–52:18)

• Baselines Matter: Dr. Wendy underscores that diet, exercise, and overall wellness are foundational for sexual health—not to eliminate all issues, but to maximize resilience.
• Normalizing Decline in Libido: Changes in desire as you age or after children are common; it's multi-factorial (life, mental health, physical changes).
• No Shame in Lube:

  “We’re not ashamed about lotion on our elbows—why are we about lube?” — Dr. Wendy (50:10)

• Vaginal Dryness: Lube, hyaluronic acid moisturizers, and, in some cases, local vaginal estrogen (not systemic HRT) are valid interventions.
• Postpartum & Breastfeeding: Temporary dryness is normal due to hormone shifts; it often resolves but can be supported with moisturizers or estrogen if necessary.

c. Pelvic Floor, Kegels & Incontinence (61:05–68:47)

• Kegels = Strength, Not “Tightness”:

  “I'm more concerned about strength for keeping you from peeing on yourself... than keeping it, quote, unquote, tight.” — Dr. Wendy (61:19)

• Incontinence: It’s not “normal” but it is common, especially post-baby or with age—pelvic floor PT is valuable.
• Kegel Protocol: Two sets of 10 daily; squeeze and hold, don’t overdo it. Mistakes can create problems.
• Fun moment:

  “I'm doing my Kegels right now. Thank you.” — Jade (64:14)

d. Listener Q&A Highlights

• Itchy Clitoris/White Film: Could be normal (“smegma”) or infection; see a provider if itchy/painful. (72:53)
• PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder): Real, can be life-altering; managed by diet, exercise, or, if needed, hormonal contraception. (75:34)
• Pregnancy After 35: Not as frightening as often portrayed. Risks rise, but modern care is very effective; freezing eggs is worth discussing if delaying. (76:57)
• Probiotics: Not all are created equal; most valuable in those with recurring BV or yeast.
• Folic Acid: Not everyone needs it unless actively trying to conceive, but it’s safe if you are of childbearing age. (84:18)
• Perimenopause "Amnesia" (brain fog): It’s a real thing and common.

e. Dr. Wendy’s New Ventures (69:30–72:00)

• Launching a women’s boxer brief line ("Every Bottoms"), a vulva moisturizer, and a mirror designed for vulva self-exam—all about empowering women’s comfort and body literacy.

6. Inclusion & Representation (18:34+)

• Deliberate inclusion of all women (cis and trans) in the health conversation; plans to broaden future episodes with other experts.

7. Ongoing Self-Care & Closing Thoughts (92:21+)

• Both hosts stress the power of finding comfort in tradition (Jade with her new exercise/meditation routine, Kia in singing gospel with her choir).
• Petty Peeves: Jade rants about NYC parking etiquette and, tongue firmly in cheek, denounces RFK Jr. and his “hatred made manifest in his vocal cords.”
• Kia expresses her feelings on the removal of the Black Lives Matter mural in D.C.:

  “We never asked for a mural. We asked for change in policy.”

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On discernment:

  “Discernment is power because at this point, there’s too much knowledge for certain people.” — Jade (34:00)

• On permission to change:

  “Give yourself permission to be in this era of your life.” — Dr. Wendy (54:00)

• On sex and patriarchy:

  “I’m not responsible for my vagina’s size... that’s a patriarchal thought.” — Jade & Dr. Wendy (61:39)

• On representing all women:

  “Community and womanhood includes all women—our trans sisters...” — Jade (18:34)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Honoring Roy Ayers & Dwayne Wiggins: 03:11–06:10
• Faith, Spirituality, Community: 06:10–09:29
• Life Updates & Self-Care: 10:44–14:20
• Women’s Health in the Political Climate: 16:24–18:35
• Welcome Dr. Wendy / Misinformation: 24:40–34:50
• Sexual Changes & Lubrication: 39:34–52:18
• Pelvic Floor & Incontinence: 61:05–68:47
• Dr. Wendy’s New Products: 69:30–72:00
• Listener Q&A (ex: Probiotics, PMDD): 75:34–85:54
• Self-Care Segment: 92:21–99:56
• Petty Peeves & Political Hot Takes: 105:13–113:30

Tone & Style

• Conversational, humorous, and deeply empathetic.
• Language is direct, playful (“coochie doc”, “loose not tight!”), but always respectful.
• Radically inclusive about Black womanhood and body positivity; the hosts intentionally make space for diversity.
• Dr. Wendy is authoritative but relatable, busting myths with kindness and a dose of “jokey joke.”

Summary Takeaway

This episode is an essential listen for any person—especially Black women—navigating the complex realities of adulting, wellness, and body transitions in today’s chaotic world. Jade and Kia, with Dr. Wendy’s expertise, tackle the most intimate health questions with honesty, humor, and compassion, offering both practical advice and a powerful reminder:
Self-love, discernment, and community are radical—and necessary—forms of healthcare. And Kegel breaks are for everybody!

Resources Mentioned

• Dr. Wendy’s “Every Bottoms,” vulva moisturizer, and EVERY MIRROR: everybodybrand.com
• Bonafide Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer: “Reverie” by Bonafide (check website for details)
• Nourish.com: Directory for dietitians who take insurance
• Probiotic Recommendation: "Clairvee" by Bonafide (for recurrent BV/yeast)

How to Stay Connected

• Jade & Kia’s Patreon: For ad-free/full video episodes and exclusive content
• Dr. Wendy Goodall McDonald: Find her on Instagram (@dr.everywoman), and at everybodybrand.com
• Links for news, activism (Congo, Sudan, Gaza): Check episode show notes

“Keep your mind moisturized and supple... and do your Kegels!”