Shows / Speak Up For Your Health
Speak Up For Your Health
Advocating for your health is important, but it’s not easy. In Speak Up For Your Health, Dr. Archelle Georgiou talks with patients about how they overcame feeling intimidated by today’s complex medical system and used their voice to finally get the care they needed. These personal stories along with Archelle’s practical tips will empower you to have a balanced (non-paternalistic) relationship with your healthcare provider.
Episodes
Speak Up For Your HealthCancer Advocacy: Not One Decision, but Every Decision
Advocating for yourself through cancer isn’t a one-time decision. Dr. Archelle Georgiou talks with her sister-in-law, Carol Honig, who faced breast cancer…
Speak Up For Your HealthProstate Cancer: Watch. Operate. Radiate. Medicate? One Patient, Four Recommendations
Prostate cancer treatment isn't one-size-fits-all — and neither is the decision-making that goes with it. Greg Olson, a 72-year-old engineer, was diagnosed…
Speak Up For Your HealthPostpartum Depression: A Mother’s Story Alongside the Lindsay Clancy Case
Postpartum depression and anxiety blindsided Lindsey Mehran — a nurse practitioner trained to spot it in patients — after a brutal twin pregnancy. She shares…
- Speak Up For Your Health
Healthcare in the Satmar Hasidic Community with Frieda Vizel
Hasidic Satmar Jews are one of America's most insular religious communities with limited access to the internet. How do they navigate healthcare while honoring…
- Speak Up For Your Health
Beyond Ozempic: One Man's Search for the Right Obesity Treatment
About 1 in 8 adults is currently taking a GLP-1 drug like Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro for weight loss — but what happens when those medications aren't enough?…
- Speak Up For Your Health
The $25,000 Hip Replacement: What Canadian Healthcare Looks Like From the Inside
What does universal healthcare actually look like when you need it most? James Yersh lives in Ottawa, Canada — covered by the national health system his entire…
- Speak Up For Your Health
High-Functioning but Exhausted: The Face of ADHD in Women
What does ADHD actually look like in a high-functioning adult woman? Not hyperactivity — more often, it looks like exhaustion. The kind that comes from working…
- Speak Up For Your Health
A Hidden Condition Affecting 1 in 20 People—and the Shame Behind It
For over 20 years, Aneela Idnani hid a condition affecting 1 in 20 people—trichotillomania, a body-focused repetitive behavior (BFRB) driven by the brain, not…
- Speak Up For Your Health
High-Functioning Alcoholic: A Healthcare Executive’s Journey to Sobriety
Have you ever wondered if you drink too much? Regardless of your answer, just asking yourself that question deserves a pause because nearly 30 million…
- Speak Up For Your Health
He Chose Surgery At A Hospital Known For Poor Outcomes–Here's Why
Choosing a hospital for cardiac surgery is one of the most important decisions a patient can make — and most of us do it wrong. Health policy analyst Paul…
- Speak Up For Your Health
He Was a Wellness Expert—Then a Skiing Accident Changed His Definition of Health
He spent his career teaching people how to be healthy—until a skiing accident forced him to live it. Dr. Seth Serxner, a leading expert in health literacy and…
- Speak Up For Your Health
Why Breast Pumping Is So Hard for Moms (And What Helps)
Why do so many moms struggle with breast pumping? In this episode, researcher and mom Ashley Mooneyham shares her breastfeeding journey, explains the science…
- Speak Up For Your Health
Mystery Diagnosis: 20 Years of Not Being Believed
What happens when it takes 20 years to get the right diagnosis — and along the way, doctors (and even your family) don’t always believe you? In this episode…
- Speak Up For Your Health
Medical Aid in Dying: A Daughter’s Story from Inside the Room
A physician-daughter shares what it was like to be in the room when her father chose Medical Aid in Dying. This episode offers a clear, first-person look at…
- Speak Up For Your Health
"There’s Nothing We Can Do” Isn’t Okay: A Mother’s Fight for Rare Disease Gene Therapy
What happens when a parent refuses to accept “there’s nothing we can do” for a child with a rare disease? In this episode of Speak Up For Your Health, Archelle…
- Speak Up For Your Health
Even a Medical Device Executive’s Mom Was Brushed Off: Why You Should Ask for the Right Heart Tests
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women—yet women’s symptoms are still too often dismissed, minimized, or misunderstood. In this episode, Archelle…
- Speak Up For Your Health
Affordable Egg Freezing & Egg Donation: Empowering Women and Future Parents
Egg freezing has traditionally been an option reserved for women with significant financial means. At the same time, the high cost and transactional nature of…
- Speak Up For Your Health
Cash, Coupons, or Insurance? Choose the Cheapest Option
Would you rather pay $1000 for your prescription - or $5? In this conversation, Miriam Paramore, CEO of RxUtility, talks about her personal experiences with…
- Speak Up For Your Health
Rowing Through PTSD: A Veteran’s Journey to Healing
After serving as a counter-intelligence agent in Bosnia, veteran Bryan Fuller returned home with invisible wounds—PTSD that upended his life. Then, he…
- Speak Up For Your Health
Sexual Abuse in Youth Sports: What One Mother Wants You to Know
Sexual harassment and abuse can happen in any sport — even youth athletics. In this episode, Carrie Kehring shares her experience after her teenage daughter…
- Speak Up For Your Health
A Skeptic (Me) Talks To A Chiropractor. Does He Change My Mind?
I’ve always had a strong bias against chiropractic care. But when I met Dr. Scott Salita, a chiropractor who was willing to have a real, evidence-based, and…
- Speak Up For Your Health
Autism? Neurodivergent? What Really Matters.
What causes autism? Why do some children thrive while others don't? What's the most effective treatment? Diane Cross, CEO of Fraser, Minnesota's largest…
- Speak Up For Your Health
They’re Just Like Us: Seeing the People Behind Homelessness
Homelessness can happen to anyone—and its impact on health is profound. In this sobering conversation, Union Gospel Mission CEO Pam Stegora-Axberg talks about…
- Speak Up For Your Health
Back Pain and Back Surgery Laced With A Strong Dose of Medical Humor
Back pain is one of the most common health problems adults face—but what happens when the patient is also a doctor? In this episode, gastroenterologist Dr…
- Speak Up For Your Health
Dan Buettner on the Longevity Craze—and Why Blue Zones Still Matter
Not your usual Blue Zones recap. In this candid conversation, National Geographic explorer and longevity researcher Dan Buettner shares what he’s learned since…
- Speak Up For Your Health
Diagnosed at 11, Thriving at 17: Alana’s Type 1 Diabetes Journey
When 11-year-old Alana Kendall was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, her life changed—but not in the way you might expect. Now 17, Alana speaks with remarkable…
- Speak Up For Your Health
My Daughter's Misdiagnosis; My Own Health Advocacy Wake-Up Call
When my daughter Zoe was 11, what seemed like a simple ankle injury became a seven-year journey marked by pain, misdiagnoses, and uncertainty. Despite having…
- Speak Up For Your Health
Young Mom. Surgeon. Stage 4 Cancer. Now What?
Dr. Susan MacDonald—a 42-year-old urologist, professor, and mother of two—found a lump in her breast and just two weeks later she was diagnosed with Stage 4…
- Speak Up For Your Health
What 40 Podcast Episodes Taught Me About Speaking Up For Your Health
In this solo episode, Dr. Archelle Georgiou distills what she learned from her first 40 guests on the podcast. She identifies 7 key themes and then shares her…
- Speak Up For Your Health
Care Coordination Isn’t Anyone’s Job—But Should Be Everyone’s Priority
Coordinating care in our healthcare system can feel like running an obstacle course—with no one clearly in charge. In this episode of Speak Up For Your Health…
- Speak Up For Your Health
Too Little Time, Too Many Questions: When 5 Minutes With Your Doctor Isn't Enough
Have you ever left a doctor’s appointment unsure of what was just said—or what to do next? You’re not alone. Even highly educated patients can walk away…
- Speak Up For Your Health
When Faith and Medicine Intersect: Dawn's Story
Science and faith don't have to be mutually exclusive. And, when health is on the line, we want as many helpful interventions as possible. In today's episode…
- Speak Up For Your Health
Navigating Miscarriage, IUI, and the Uncertain Road to Motherhood
In this episode, Brittany Runck shares her deeply personal and ongoing journey through infertility. She has experienced the heartbreak of miscarriage, the…
- Speak Up For Your Health
Behind the Headlines: How Health News Gets Chosen on GMA3 (Part 2)
In Part 2 of our conversation, Catherine McKenzie discusses the unique format of GMA3 and how health topics are a foundational element of the show. She…
- Speak Up For Your Health
How an Executive Producer’s Medical Crisis Shaped the Direction of Good Morning America’s Health Coverage (Part 1)
When Good Morning America's executive producer saw her doctor for joint pain, she never expected to be diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis—or that the…
- Speak Up For Your Health
Is It a Phase or a Concern? A Teacher’s Guide to Recognizing Developmental and Behavioral Red Flags
How can you tell if your child's behavior and development are on track? What early signs might indicate the need for an evaluation? In this episode, Ruby…
- Speak Up For Your Health
Sepsis – When the Infectious Disease Doctor Becomes the Patient
Infectious disease specialist Dr. Peter Bornstein has treated countless patients with sepsis. Despite his expertise, Peter found himself battling this…
- Speak Up For Your Health
Love, Compliance, and Kidney Disease: A Nurse-Mom’s Journey to Save Her Son
How do you advocate for someone you love when they struggle to follow their treatment plan? In this episode, Cherri Furness, a nurse specializing in chronic…
- Speak Up For Your Health
A Insider’s Recipe To Navigating Your Prior Authorization
The death of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO has reignited backlash against health insurance practices, particularly prior authorization rules. This episode explores…
- Speak Up For Your Health
The Menopause Maze: Finding Relief from Misery
Perimenopause and menopause involve much more than just hot flashes. Symptoms like brain fog, insomnia, and mood changes can profoundly impact women’s personal…
- Speak Up For Your Health
Stress Isn’t Causing Your Medical Condition, But Could Be Making It Worse
Stress can worsen or exacerbate almost any medical condition. This doesn’t mean that your symptoms are all in your head but it does mean that having a healthy…
- Speak Up For Your Health
Virtual Second Opinions from Cleveland Clinic—Because Time and Quality Matter
Second opinions decrease the risk of a wrong diagnosis by half. But too often, getting in to see an expert can be so challenging that patients forego this step…
- Speak Up For Your Health
The Role of Guardianship in Complex Healthcare Situations: Juston's Story
Caregiving isn’t just about caring for older parents. In this conversation, Juston White talks about the steps he took to advocate for his sister’s care when…
- Speak Up For Your Health
Prior Authorization Denied? Get This Key Document
Insurance barriers can delay access to necessary medications. In this conversation, David shares his personal journey with osteoporosis, a condition often…
- Speak Up For Your Health
Marielle’s Medical Mystery: 11 Years To A Diagnosis
Patients with rare conditions can often wait months or years for a diagnosis. In the meantime, they suffer – wondering if their symptoms are real or in their…
- Speak Up For Your Health
Avoiding Regret: The Power of Informed Consent
Reading and understanding a medical consent form before you sign it can make the difference between acceptance and regret if you experience a complication…
- Speak Up For Your Health
Love Meets the Reality of Aging in Place: Archelle’s Caregiving Story (Guest Host, Cathy Wurzer)
Archelle shares her personal story about the journey as a caregiver for her mother, Tina, who recently passed away. Guest host Cathy Wurzer leads the…
- Speak Up For Your Health
A Toast To Life After Trying To Take Mine: Nora's Story
Nora Super has struggled with depression for over 30 years. In 2023, she attempted to take her life by suicide – and survived – but with a serious disability…
- Speak Up For Your Health
Menopause Unfiltered: The Good, The Bad, and The Personal
Menopause symptoms are more than just hot flashes. Women can experience depression, brain fog, intimacy issues, arthritis and so much more. But too often…
- Speak Up For Your Health
Medical Gaslighting in the ER: Sarah's Story
At 29, Sarah Carthen Watson was only days away from her wedding when she experienced chest pain. Her visit to the ER became a stark example of medical…
- Speak Up For Your Health
Information Blocking By Your Provider Is Illegal (Republished/Updated Episode)
Over 60% of patients say that having fast electronic access to their complete medical record is important. It is a safety issue, a quality issue and your legal…
- Speak Up For Your Health
Experiencing Unconscious Bias From Your Provider? Storytelling Can Help
In this episode, the guest, Eyenga Bokamba, shares how she advocated for her mother who was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. When Eyenga sensed that negative…
- Speak Up For Your Health
“I felt unheard by my provider”: Advice For Patients’ Most Common Complaint
In this conversation, Archelle speaks with Kelly and Michelle – two women who share their stories about feeling dismissed by their providers. Then Dr. Karen…
- Speak Up For Your Health
Don’t Hesitate Getting A 2nd (3rd, 4th or 8th!) Medical Opinion
Getting a second opinion can give you peace of mind that a diagnosis is right and that you know all the possible treatment options. In this episode, John talks…
- Speak Up For Your Health
Embracing Career Plan B When A Chronic Condition Interferes with Plan A
Many medical condition aren't life-threatening – but they can be life-altering. An injury, infertility, or sometimes, something as simple as a medication can…
- Speak Up For Your Health
Living Fully: Roxane's Inspirational Goodbye
Roxane has been on a nine month journey with pancreatic cancer and now has only days or weeks to live. She explains why she chose to get aggressive treatment…
- Speak Up For Your Health
Overcoming Weight Bias: A Clinical Psychologist’s Perspective
Is obesity a mental health issue? Is it “right” for people to take the new obesity drugs if they aren’t obese but simply want to lose weight? This episode is…
- Speak Up For Your Health
Ozempic: Miracle Drug or Lifestyle Crutch? Joe’s Story
Doctors often talk about the medical complications associated with obesity, but it's rare to hear from patients about their experience with this condition and…
- Speak Up For Your Health
SUFYH: First 10 Episodes Recap (and what I learned)
Listening to guest's stories taught Archelle even more about how to advocate. Key takeaways from the first 10 episodes of Speak Up For Your Health. Links…
- Speak Up For Your Health
Challenging Standard Birth Practices: Georgia’s Story
Is childbirth a natural event for moms to direct...or a medical situation for doctors to control? Georgia, a labor and delivery nurse, had the experience to…