{"podcast":{"title":"The Fifth Wave","slug":"the-fifth-wave-7354161","podcast_index_feed_id":7354161,"rss_url":"https://www.spreaker.com/show/6639450/episodes/feed","website_url":"https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-fifth-wave--6639450","image_url":"https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/ca4842fd8f5681ceb597dcadf8c535db.jpg","author":"Story Studio Network, IWK Foundation","episode_count":16,"summary":"In The Fifth Wave: Curing the Healthcare Bias against Women , healthcare champions, the IWK Foundation, bring to light the profound and often dangerous consequences the gap in women’s health and research has had on women. The study of human biology has defaulted to the male body, which has hindered understanding of sex-based biological differences and results in fewer available and less effective treatments for women. We have been living in a world built for men, not only in heath care, but transportation, technology and beyond. This series will spark both curiosity and outrage leaving you wanting large scale change – a movement even. With insights from medical experts and researchers, The Fifth Wave challenges the default male standard and asks: What happens when half the population is left out of the equation? We hope to empower every woman and girl with the awareness and information to take charge of her health. Hosted by Avis Favaro.","last_synced_at":"2026-06-24T20:17:29.858628+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-fifth-wave-7354161"},"episode":{"title":"The Consumerism of Menopause","slug":"the-consumerism-of-menopause","published_at":"2025-09-24T09:00:16+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-fifth-wave-7354161/the-consumerism-of-menopause","show_page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-fifth-wave-7354161","url":"https://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-consumerism-of-menopause--66343383","audio_url":"https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/66343383/iwk_5th_wave_e4_final_mix.mp3","summary":"The conversation around menopause has exploded….but are there complications with that? In this episode of The Fifth Wave, we explore the public discussion, celebrity branding and online influencers shaping the menopause narrative. We get insight from guests Jennifer Barsky, Dr. Heidi Bentley and Dr. Martha Hickey as we look at the tension between empowerment and exploitation. As women look for answers and relief for symptoms that are often misunderstood or ignored, they are navigating a booming $600 billion industry where we sometimes see marketing and desperation collide. Key Takeaways: While visibility is rising, so is misinformation. The flood of celebrity products and influencer advice can confuse or mislead women healthcare looking for real help. Healthcare gaps are fueling the market. Many women lack access to informed providers, which can push them towards unregulated supplements and social media for support. Education is empowerment. Experts are urging women to turn to credible sources for guidance, like national menopause societies and certified providers. And recommend a sceptical eye towards online advice that is attached to products and supplements. ---- Jennifer Barsky, founder and executive director of the Menopause Global Alliance Dr. Heidi Bentley, Halifax, NS Dr. Martha Hickey, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Melbourne. https://www.thewomens.org.au/research/research-centres/womens-gynaecology-research-centre/wgrc-our-people/martha-hickey The Fifth Wave is produced by Story Studio Network .","meta_description":"The conversation around menopause has exploded….but are there complications with that? In this episode of The Fifth Wave, we explore the public discussion…","key_points":[],"chapters":[],"topics":[],"duration_seconds":1510,"processing_state":"not_requested","actions":[{"name":"request_transcript","method":"POST","url":"https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-fifth-wave-7354161/episodes/the-consumerism-of-menopause/transcription-requests","description":"Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode."},{"name":"read_markdown","method":"GET","url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-fifth-wave-7354161/the-consumerism-of-menopause.md","description":"Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource."}]}}