Beyond The Paper Gown Podcast

Standing in the supplement aisle and wondering what actually works? In this episode of Beyond the Paper Gown, Dr. Mitzi Krockover is joined by neuroscientist Dr. Shikha Snigdha, Senior Director of Scientific Affairs at OLLY, who brings more than 16 years of experience in neuropharmacology, clinical research, and translating complex science into practical women’s health solutions. Together, they break down the science behind nutraceuticals and supplements for women in perimenopause and menopause. They discuss how to tell evidence-based products from marketing hype, why clinical trials matter—even for over-the-counter supplements—and how to read labels with a more critical eye. The conversation also puts supplements in context, highlighting the essential role of lifestyle pillars like exercise, sleep, nutrition, gut health, and social connection. This episode is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider about your personal health decisions. Please visit Beyond the Paper Gown (https://www.beyondthepapergown.com/podcasts) to join our community and to learn more about achieving your optimal health. SHOW NOTES: Mitzi Krockover, Founder and CEO, Woman Centered, LLC and Host of Beyond the Paper Gown https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitzikrockover/ Shikha Snigdha, PhD & Senior Director of Scientific Affairs, OLLY OLLY PubMed National Institutes of Health (NIH) U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) — Dietary Supplements Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

Anna Jeter, co-founder and Chief Regulatory Officer of AOA Dx who works on early ovarian cancer detection, discusses the Women's Health Exits report. She talks about diagnostic delays, AOA Dx’s clinical progress and FDA discussions. The report’s data-driven case reframes fundraising, shows recent exit momentum, and explains how scaled exits expand access and patient impact.

How do you turn a women’s health problem into a real, usable digital product? In this bonus mini-episode of Beyond the Paper Gown, Dr. Mitzi Krockover is joined again by Josefina Ruiz, Head of Growth at Light it, for a behind-the-scenes conversation designed for founders, innovators, and anyone thinking about building in femtech or digital health. Josefina breaks down what founders often get wrong—from skipping product discovery to misusing AI—and explains why trust, community, and compliance matter just as much as code. She shares practical guidance on MVPs, feedback loops, technical co-founders, and building responsibly in healthcare. 🎧 Be sure to catch the main episode for the full discussion on women’s health apps, femtech innovation, data privacy, and patient experience. Please visit Beyond the Paper Gown (https://www.beyondthepapergown.com/podcasts) to join our community and to learn more about achieving your optimal health. SHOW NOTES: Mitzi Krockover, Founder and CEO, Woman Centered, LLC and Host of Beyond the Paper Gown https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitzikrockover/ Josefina Ruiz, Head of Growth at Light-it Light-it Mavida Health Digital Health Insider Newsletter 

What makes a digital health app truly trustworthy—and who decides? In this episode of Beyond the Paper Gown, Dr. Mitzi Krockover speaks with Josefina Ruiz, Head of Growth at Light it, a global healthcare product agency building femtech and mental health platforms. Together, they explore what separates meaningful women’s health technology from “just another app”—from evidence-based design and patient experience to privacy, AI, and data security. Josefina also shares her personal journey of discovering she carries the BRCA2 genetic mutation, and how that experience reshaped her perspective on healthcare, advocacy, and the importance of empathy and community in digital health tools. 🎧 Plus: Don’t miss the bonus mini-episode where Josefina shares practical advice for founders building women’s health and digital health products. Please visit Beyond the Paper Gown (https://www.beyondthepapergown.com/podcasts) to join our community and to learn more about achieving your optimal health. SHOW NOTES: Mitzi Krockover, Founder and CEO, Woman Centered, LLC and Host of Beyond the Paper Gown https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitzikrockover/ Josefina Ruiz, Head of Growth at Light-it Light-it Seven Starling Mavida Health Cerula Care  Unease Health  Puppeteer 

How can women over 40 eat for energy, longevity, and a healthier, saner relationship with weight? On Beyond the Paper Gown, Ro Huntriss—award-winning registered dietitian and Chief Nutrition Officer at Simple—breaks down how midlife shifts like estrogen decline and insulin resistance change the way our bodies respond to food, and what we can do to feel better. Ro shares an evidence-based roadmap: how much protein we really need, how to pair foods to steady blood sugar, why fiber and healthy fats matter, and how to approach time-restricted eating in a sustainable way. We also cover which labs to ask for (A1C, lipids, vitamin D/B12/iron) and when glucose monitoring is actually useful. You’ll hear her balanced take on GLP-1 medications, phytoestrogens like soy and flax, and the role of calcium and vitamin D in bone health. Plus: stress, sleep, and strength-training strategies to support cognition and cardiometabolic health—along with simple, doable swaps you can start this week. Visit Beyond the Paper Gown to join our community and to learn more about achieving your optimal health. SHOW NOTES: Mitzi Krockover, Founder and CEO, Woman Centered, LLC and Host of Beyond the Paper Gown Ro Huntriss, Chief Nutrition Officer, Simple Simple

Menopause isn’t a niche issue—it’s a national one. In this special Beyond the Paper Gown episode, Beyond the Paper Gown brings you a recent congressional briefing, moderated by Dr. Mitzi Krockover, and  featuring lawmakers and experts, Rep. Julia Brownley, Asm. Linda Rosenthal, Dr. Jayne Morgan, Jannine Versi, and Claire Gill to unpack the real health risks, the economic and workplace impact, and the policy solutions women need now—from insurance coverage and provider education to research funding and employer benefits. Clear, candid, and actionable, this conversation outlines how smarter policy can improve care and strengthen our workforce.  Please visit Beyond the Paper Gown (https://www.beyondthepapergown.com/podcasts) to join our community and to learn more about achieving your optimal health. SHOW NOTES: Mitzi Krockover, Founder and CEO, Woman Centered, LLC and Host of Beyond the Paper Gown https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitzikrockover/ Jayne Morgan, M.D., Vice President of Medical Affairs for Hello Heart Jannine Versi, MBA – Co-Founder and CEO of Elektra Health Claire Gill – Founder and President of the National Menopause Foundation Women’s Health Advocates U.S. Congress Legislation Tracker Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation The Menopause Society

Brook Choulet, a performance psychiatrist and founder of Choulet Performance Psychiatry, shares invaluable insights for high-achieving women. She discusses the unique pressures female athletes face, including pay inequity and hormonal fluctuations that can impact performance. Dr. Choulet emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and tailored routines for optimal mental fitness. With tips on setting boundaries, recognizing signs of burnout, and promoting healthy conversations about mental health, her strategies aim to empower women to thrive without compromising well-being.

What if your doctor prescribed a virtual reality headset instead of pain medication? In this episode of Beyond the Paper Gown, Mitzi Krockover, MD speaks with Mary Catherine George, PhD, Health Psychologist and Clinical Research Program Director in the Neurology Department at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, and founder of Comfort Wave VR. Drawing from her unique path—from opera singer to HIV researcher to entrepreneur—Dr. George shares how she’s developing VR technology to help women manage post-mastectomy pain without opioids. We explore why women often underreport pain, how behavioral medicine can make a difference, and what it takes to bring innovative pain management tools from the lab to patients. Please visit Beyond the Paper Gown (https://www.beyondthepapergown.com/podcasts) to join our community and to learn more about achieving your optimal health. SHOW NOTES: Mitzi Krockover, Founder and CEO, Woman Centered, LLC and Host of Beyond the Paper Gown https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitzikrockover/ Mary Catherine George, PhD - Director Clinical Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai 

Vaginal health is more than just an intimate concern, it’s a cornerstone of overall wellness. In this episode, Dr. Mitzi Krockover talks with Wendy Strgar, Founder & CIO of Good Clean Love, Founder and CEO of Vaginal Biome Science and Womankind Care, about the often‑overlooked vaginal microbiome and why it matters at every stage of a woman’s life. From postpartum changes to menopause, chronic infections, cancer treatment recovery, and everyday hormonal shifts, Wendy explains how restoring and maintaining balance can be truly life‑changing. Learn how to protect your microbiome, reduce recurring infections, and feel like yourself again all while breaking the silence around vaginal health. Please visit Beyond the Paper Gown (https://www.beyondthepapergown.com/podcasts) to join our community and to learn more about achieving your optimal health. SHOW NOTES: Mitzi Krockover, Founder and CEO, Woman Centered, LLC and Host of Beyond the Paper Gown https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitzikrockover/ Wendy Strgar, Founder & CIO of Good Clean Love, Founder and CEO of Vaginal Biome Science and Womankind Care www.goodcleanlove.com  Vaginal Biome Science

How does oral health impact your entire body, especially for women? Dr. Maria Ryan, Executive Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer at Colgate Palmolive, joins Beyond the Paper Gown host, Dr. Mitzi Krockover, to explain the powerful connections between gum disease, chronic inflammation, pregnancy outcomes, menopause, diabetes, and heart health. Learn why brushing, flossing, and regular checkups are essential parts of holistic healthcare—and how breaking down silos between medicine and dentistry can lead to better health for everyone. Please visit Beyond the Paper Gown (https://www.beyondthepapergown.com/podcasts) to join our community and to learn more about achieving your optimal health. SHOW NOTES: Mitzi Krockover, Founder and CEO, Woman Centered, LLC and Host of Beyond the Paper Gown https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitzikrockover/ Dr. Maria Ryan, DDS, PhD, Executive Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer at Colgate-Palmolive  Know Your OQ