Whether you're looking for hope, practical advocacy tips, or updates on current legislation, you'll find inspiration in how collective action—powered by real stories—can fuel progress. Stay tuned for an uplifting, honest, and actionable conversation that's helping shape the future of women's health.

This episode with Liz Powell, hosted by Lisa Malia covers timely topics like the FDA's recent announcement about hormone therapy, the vital work of the Breast Cancer Early Detection Coalition, and accessible ways anyone can join the movement for better health outcomes.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Women's Health Advocacy Network

05:28 Holistic Women's Health Advocacy

08:21 "Empowerment Through Advocacy Stories"

09:49 Hormone Therapy Misunderstood in WHI

15:43 Staying Hopeful Amid Overwhelm

17:09 "Easy Steps to Advocacy"

19:56 "Change Starts Within Us"

23:26 "2024: Women's Health Revolution"

28:49 Supplemental Breast Cancer Screening

30:30 "Fighting for Double Mastectomy"

36:19 Advocacy Secures Funding Success

39:52 "Open, Agile, Impactful Leadership"

41:26 "Grateful to Be Involved"

LEARN MORE:

The Clear Pathways Program: https://www.breastdensitysummit.org/

The Breast Density Summit: https://www.breastdensitysummit.org/webinar-registration

MAKE A DONATION: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=NJMF86A8Y9RJQ

Follow LISA MALIA LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisamalianorman/

WOMEN'S HEALTH ADVOCATES: https://womenshealthadvocates.org/

BREAST CANCER EARLY DETECTION COALITION: https://womenshealthadvocates.org/bcedc/

G2G CONSULTING: https://www.g2gconsulting.com

Follow LIZ POWELL LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-powell-507b135/

Liz is Founder of G2G Consulting, which creates and implements government to growth (G2G) strategies for clients—securing $550 million since 2007. We advance health and high-tech innovation for businesses and nonprofits by accessing non-dilutive funding, shaping policies and regulations, and building relationships with key decision-makers. Liz founded the Women's Health Advocates, which is in all 50 states and has organized the first-ever Women's Health Capitol Hill Day on May 21, 2025, the Breast Cancer Early Detection Coalition Hill Day on July 16, 2025, Congressional Briefings and online forums, advocacy letter-writing campaigns, the drafting of legislative language, and grassroots mobilization events across the country. Previously, she served as Legislative Director in Congress where she staffed the Congressional Caucus for Women's Issues, Armed Services Committee and Small Business Committee and served as a Policy Analyst for UK Parliament's Health Committee as well as congressional and presidential political campaign staff. She has received the Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Award and Women of Achievement Award and earned her MPH from Harvard, JD from George Washington, and BA from Colgate.

If you've ever felt alone in the healthcare maze, this episode is here to remind you: your story matters, and you are not alone.

Kavita Bouknight shares how her personal health journey and family experiences inspired her mission to make healthcare information more accessible, and how she's leveraging technology through her company's program, SPARK, to bridge crucial communication gaps between patients and providers. The conversation explores the needs and future of women's health, the entrepreneurial path, and the importance of advocating for yourself and others in today's complex medical landscape.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 "Match Health Collective Founder Interview"

03:40 "Navigating Care in Sandwich Generation"

08:01 Navigating Stressful Situations

10:10 Navigating Healthcare Isolation

16:01 Patient Engagement in Clinical Trials

19:48 Advocating for Clear Breast Health

22:17 Dense Breast Tissue Awareness

25:49 Take the Leap and Evolve

27:18 Entrepreneurial Evolution and Vision

29:51 Naming Expertise Transforms Business

34:06 Boosting Women's Health Awareness

38:21 Feeling Alone Despite Support

39:39 Expressing Gratitude and Support

LEARN MORE: The Clear Pathways Program: https://www.breastdensitysummit.org/ MAKE A DONATION: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=NJMF86A8Y9RJQ Women's

Health Advocates: https://womenshealthadvocates.org/

With a focus on health innovation and high-impact marketing, Kavita Bouknight is a trusted advisor to venture-backed startups and publicly traded healthcare organizations, bringing over 20 years of experience in strategy and go-to-market execution. She is the Founder and CEO of Match Health Collective, a full-service marketing agency that helps medical device and life science companies build brands, accelerate clinical adoption, and engage patients and physicians. She also leads Match Health Academy, which develops programs and tools to drive meaningful engagement and make complex health information more accessible through video and text-based communication.

FOLLOW KAVITA:

Website: https://matchhealth.com

Kavita LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/kavitabouknight/

Match Health Collective LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/match-health-collective/?viewAsMember=true

FOLLOW LISA:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisamalianorman/

https://www.instagram.com/lisamalia.evoke/

In this inspiring episode of Clear Voices of Hope, I sat down with fellow advocate and nonprofit founder Jamie Vaughn to talk about her powerful journey through breast cancer. Jamie opens up about life before and after her diagnosis, how she found strength in the darkest moments, and why advocating for your own health is so important.

We dove into building supportive communities, embracing life's turning points, and the importance of sharing resources and real stories. If you're facing a challenge or want to empower others, this conversation is a must-listen for hope, resilience, and honest advice.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Welcoming Advocate Jamie Vaughan

04:50 Pre-Retirement Mammogram Reminder Story

09:01 Coping with Life-Altering Changes

12:31 Navigating Cancer Diagnosis Support

16:20 Cancer Concerns and Optavia Diet

17:09 "Debate Over Cancer Treatments"

23:29 "Facing Chemo with Strength"

25:42 "Choosing the Right Surgery"

29:40 "Finding Purpose in Retirement"

31:42 "Story Amplifier and Advocate"

35:22 Therapist's Lifelong Support

39:52 Oncologist Visit: A Candid Encounter

43:27 "Sharing Genetic Testing Insights"

46:58 "Questions for Breast Surgery Consultations"

47:53 Advocating Access to Women's Healthcare

51:28 Grateful for Advocacy Insights

LEARN MORE: The Clear Pathways Program: https://www.breastdensitysummit.org/

Make a Donation: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=NJMF86A8Y9RJQ

FOLLOW LISA:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisamalianorman/

https://www.instagram.com/lisamalia.evoke/

Jamie Vaughn is a retired teacher turned passionate patient advocate, breast cancer survivor, and the driving force behind the nonprofit and podcast Test Those Breasts!™. After receiving her diagnosis, Jamie turned her journey of survival into a source of strength and healing for others. On her award‑worthy podcast, she hosts candid conversations with survivors, caregivers, oncologists, therapists, and advocates, covering topics from early detection and treatment to emotional resilience and self‑advocacy.

With nearly 100 episodes since launching in 2023, Jamie's mission is clear: to shorten the learning curve for those navigating breast cancer. She does this by openly sharing her story with all its raw emotion and hard-won wisdom, and by creating a space where knowledge becomes power and community offers support.

Whether you're newly diagnosed, helping someone you care for, or just seeking clarity and compassion, Jamie's warmth, positivity, and unwavering advocacy make her an inspiring and essential voice in the conversation around breast cancer.

FOLLOW JAMIE:

https://testthosebreasts.org/

https://www.instagram.com/test_those_breasts/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamieallenvaughn/

#breasthealth #womenshealth #nonprofitleadership #breastdensity #breastcancer #lifepupose #purposeafterpain #survivorship #breastscreening #densebreasttissue #mammogram #womeninbusiness #womeninleadership

Susan shares her deeply personal connection to breast cancer, having both lost grandmothers to the disease and supporting her sister through her own diagnosis. Drawing from years of experience in healthcare and her own journey navigating high-risk screenings, Susan gets candid about the gaps in breast health education, especially around dense breast tissue, and underscores the importance of self-advocacy, persistence, and community support.

Together, Lisa and Susan break down the barriers that so many women face, discussing why knowing your breast density matters, why speaking up in the doctor's office can be lifesaving, and the simple yet powerful actions—like sharing information and writing to lawmakers—that can make a difference. Whether you're a survivor, advocate, healthcare professional, or just searching for honest conversations about women's health, this episode is packed with insight, hope, and practical advice for taking charge of your wellbeing. So grab a cup, tune in, and join us on the path toward early detection, empowered choices, and a community dedicated to women's health equity.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Clear Voices: Breast Cancer Stories

04:20 Discovering Dense Breast Awareness

07:20 Importance of Advanced Breast Screening

12:04 Self-Advocacy in Women's Health

13:56 "Consider Ultrasound for Breast Density"

19:04 "Empowering Women: Support and Voice"

20:54 Reevaluating Hormone Replacement Therapy

25:21 Empowering Women in Healthcare Innovation

29:05 Empowering Survivors' Voices in Advocacy

30:23 Heartfelt Stories & Support Advocacy

35:13 "Dense Breast Tissue Risk Factor"

37:11 Empowering Advocacy and Community Support

Susan Willig, CEO True North Accomplished and creative marketing executive with cross-industry experience (medical device, education, information services and technology). Proven and accomplished career of exceeding business objectives by creating relevant brand strategy and translating to effective marketing plans and through to execution. I build meaningful and lasting customer experiences and relationships to increase brand equity and revenue. As a strong leader and team builder both inside and outside the company, I create a consistent meaningful global experience for customers, while being mindful of regional nuances.

Follow Susan:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanwillig/

Website: https://www.truenorthsw.com/

Learn More About The Clear Pathways Program: https://www.breastdensitysummit.org/

Follow Lisa Malia:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisamalianorman/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisamalia.evoke/

Feminine Leadership Community: https://circle.lisamalia.co/join?invitation_token=4aa1b4081e801124df7210b1a84e18ecfbbd2e21-7b7ac858-46a9-47ff-b281-514108ce92d8

Write your representative with pre drafted letters on current topic at Women's Health Advocates: https://womenshealthadvocates.org/write-to-congress/#/

Malisa offers insights from her journey of intuitive, wanderlust-inspired living, the lessons learned from burnout and activism, and the empowerment found in choosing yourself—no matter your relationship status or stage of life. Whether you're interested in social change, spiritual embodiment, or simply want to be inspired by the radical act of showing up fully as yourself, this episode is a powerful invitation into devotion, truth-telling, and the transformative art of adornment.

Malisa shares how her upbringing as the daughter of a Bangladeshi freedom fighter shaped her commitment to justice and community, and how her identity as a "creatrix" fuels her mission to alchemize the world into art and beauty. Together, they unpack the power of reclaiming cultural traditions, the nuanced realities of cultural appreciation versus appropriation, and the healing energy of beauty as a frequency we can all access.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 "Wanderlust Wisdom Unveiled"

03:50 Spirituality, Inclusivity, and Self-Care Balance

07:43 Creativity: Embracing My Inner Artist

11:00 Navigating Family Dynamics Post-Lockdown

14:24 Cultural Fashion and Wedding Dreams

16:42 Empowerment Through Storytelling and Voice

22:28 "Cultural Expression and Social Justice"

25:16 Mindful Fashion and Cultural Respect

28:13 Clothing, Culture, and Representation

31:17 Intuition-Curated Artistic Life

33:43 Embracing Life's Timeless Beauty

37:31 Honoring Spain's Complex History

41:56 Devotion Beyond Visibility

43:17 "Finding Purpose Beyond Metrics"

45:43 "Empire from Atelier"

50:51 Self-Love and Independence Affirmed

53:15 Celebrating Revolutionary Women's Journeys

Malisa Ali -professor by day, the lipstick mystic by night- inclusivity activist queen always! leading my intuitive baddies + bombshells in the ADORN movement sociology + women's studies professor, nonprofit + social justice activist background solo traveling the world for 2.5+ years Where social justice x spirituality x self-love meet leaves her lipstick, love + liberation everywhere she goes!

Follow Malisa & Join:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xomalisa/

Adorn: https://sites.google.com/view/theadornedwoman

Evoke Feminine Leadership Community:

Join here: https://circle.lisamalia.co/join?invitation_token=4aa1b4081e801124df7210b1a84e18ecfbbd2e21-7b7ac858-46a9-47ff-b281-514108ce92d8

Feminine Leadership Mastermind: https://www.evokeleadershipinstitute.co/

Feminine Leadership Retreat: https://www.lisamalia.co/joshua-tree-retreat

Follow Lisa:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisamalia.evoke/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisamalianorman/

Lisa and Tess dive into the importance of proactive health advocacy, the confusion and lack of information many women face around screenings, and the power of forming intentional daily habits for long-term wellness.

Tess shares her personal journey of discovering she had dense breast tissue, the challenges she faced in getting the right screenings, and how self-education and persistence played crucial roles in her health journey. Together, they discuss the importance of early detection, how lifestyle choices such as movement, nutrition, and restorative sleep contribute to overall health, and why building a supportive community makes all the difference.

Whether you're navigating your own diagnosis, supporting a loved one, or simply passionate about women's health, this episode offers inspiration, practical tips, and that vital push to be your own advocate. Join us as we shine a light on women's health, break down barriers to information, and remind listeners of the power found in sharing our stories.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 "Amplifying Women's Voices on Health"

06:24 Dense Breast Tissue Guidance Insights

08:29 Dual Scans Essential for Accuracy

13:12 Improving Life with Early Diagnosis

15:38 Wine, Heart Health, and Breast Cancer

20:15 Improving Sleep with Night Routine

22:25 "Evening Eating Affects Sleep Quality"

25:47 Overwhelmed Professionals Seek Health Guidance

28:27 Dense Breast Tissue: Be Proactive

LEARN MORE: The Clear Pathways Program, Walk, Summit, App and Initiative powered by For The Love Of Cups - Join our task force or advisory board. https://www.breastdensitysummit.org/

Tess Cheng, a certified health and wellness coach with over 13 years of experience, is dedicated to helping individuals achieve lasting success through sustainable wellness practices. Having navigated her own journey with hypoglycemia and a family history of diabetes, Tess advocates for holistic lifestyle changes that foster both personal and professional growth.

With a Master's degree in Clinical Nutrition from NYU, Tess combines practical strategies focused on mindset, self-care, disease prevention, and longevity. She believes that prioritizing wellness not only enhances daily health but also lays the foundation for long-term vitality and success in all areas of life.

Follow Tess:

https://glowithtess.com/

http://linkedin.com/in/tess-cheng-ms

https://www.instagram.com/glowithtess/

https://www.facebook.com/Glowithtess

#wellness #habits #breasthealth #breastscreening #breastcancer #womenshealth #womeninwellness #femtech #breastdensity

Teyonnna opens up about her journey through diagnosis at the young age of 35, her experiences navigating a healthcare system that often overlooks younger women, and the shock of recurrence just as she was regaining her footing in life.

Together, they dive into the emotional and physical challenges of sudden, medically induced menopause, a side effect faced by many survivors that is rarely discussed—especially for younger women.

Tiana shares how these hurdles ignited her passion for advocacy, leading her to found Positive Outlook, a platform focused on early detection, building community, and empowering women to take control of their health journeys. Tune in for an honest, enlightening conversation brimming with hope, resilience, and actionable resources for anyone touched by breast cancer or women's health issues.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Journey Through Diagnosis and Menopause

04:29 Diagnosed Young: Breast Cancer Journey

06:50 Delayed Mammogram Appointment Guilt

11:59 Biopsy Results and Emotional Denial

14:56 Breast Cancer Journey and Recovery

19:46 Cancer Recurrence Treatment Plan

20:57 Hormone Therapy's Impact on Young Women

24:58 Breast Cancer: Rising Young Women's Challenges

30:09 Exploring Menopause Through Reading

33:59 "Empowering Women's Health Advocacy"

36:50 "Listening to Our Bodies"

39:32 "Managing Menopause After Cancer"

43:32 Mutual Gratitude and Positive Change

Learn more about The Clear Pathways Program, Walk, Summit, App and Initiative powered by For The Love Of Cups and join our task force or advisory board: https://www.breastdensitysummit.org/

Teyonna Bowman is a two-time breast cancer survivor, menopause advocate, and founder of Pausitive Outlook. Pausitive Outlook started as her virtual outlet for healing and sharing her own journey but has since evolved into a platform that empowers women, especially younger survivors, to navigate life after cancer and the complexities of medically induced menopause.

Through Pausitive Outlook, she creates connection, education, and community via social media and in-person experiences. She also serves as a dedicated volunteer with the Know Your Lemons Foundation, the American Cancer Society-Cancer Action Network and the Tigerlily Foundation.

Teyonna Bowman Website: www.pausitiveoutlook.com

Instagram: @pausitiveoutlook

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teyonna-bowman-b79a781/

#breastcancer #menopause #earlybreastcancerdetection #breastcancerdetection #breastcancerscreening #breastdensity

Welcome back to Clear Voices of Hope, part of the For the Love of Cups Clear Pathways program—a podcast that brings together real stories to shine a light on the realities of dense breast tissue and breast cancer. In this heartfelt episode, host Lisa Malia sits down with Kristin Derus Dore, who shares her personal journey navigating breast health, dense breast tissue, and the often frustrating realities of the healthcare system.

Kristin opens up about her surprise discovery of dense breast tissue, the challenges she faced getting screened, and the critical role community and self-advocacy played in her experience. Together, Lisa and Kristin dive into the emotional toll of not being heard, the power of sharing information between women, and the importance of building a care team you trust. Whether you're living through a similar journey, supporting a loved one, or passionate about women's health equity, this episode offers connection, support, and practical wisdom on advocating for your own health.

Tune in as we amplify courageous voices, break taboos, and remind each other why every woman's story matters.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 "Clear Voices of Hope"

03:29 Mammogram Tip: Protecting Thyroid

08:51 Judgmental Medical Encounter

11:04 Unclear Breast Cancer Screening Guidance

15:22 Confusing and Costly Medical Experience

19:03 Empowering Women Facing Greater Barriers

22:33 Navigating Health and Self-Blame

26:26 Stress, Health, and Cancer Connection

30:12 "Be Your Own Health Advocate"

32:33 Grateful for Lisa's Inspiring Efforts

Learn more about The Clear Pathways Program, Walk, Summit, App and Initiative powered by For The Love Of Cups and join our task force or advisory board: https://www.breastdensitysummit.org/

Kristin Derus Dore is a dedicated entrepreneur, wife, and mother. Newly married, she cherishes her blended family, which includes three beloved dogs and two fantastic grown children, ages 28 and 26. About four years ago, Kristin launched her own biofeedback wellness business and has found great fulfillment and success in her work and women's health. Family health has always been on her mind, especially concerns about dense breast tissue, a topic often discussed by her mother and aunts.

Kristin values connection and is grateful to be part of work that makes an impact.

Learn more about Kristin: www.edenbiofeedback.com

*Not medical advice. These episodes are intentded to spark conversations between you and your care provider, family and friends to advocate for more informed decisions.