Miscarriages, Breast Cancer, & Choosing to Talk About it (feat. Dr. Jessica Zucker) | #16

On today’s episode of “Harder to Breathe'', host, founding drummer of “Maroon 5”, and licensed therapist, Ryan Dusick is joined by co-host and actor Brian “Duck” Maillard for a conversation with LA based psychologist and author, Dr. Jessica Zucker.

 

Dr. Zucker has been a womens’ health advocate for years, choosing to become a clinical psychologist in order to give women a voice for their pain, both physically and mentally. All too often women feel that they are unable to comfortably speak out about the health issues they are facing in society– an issue that Dr. Zucker faced firsthand when she experienced a miscarriage of her own, followed by a Breast Cancer diagnosis several years later.

 

In an effort to make these topics less “taboo”, Dr. Zucker is speaking out. Her first book and the accompanying social media campaign “I Had a Miscarriage” were designed to directly give women a chance to speak about, and mourn, their miscarriages in an open and honest way. Now, with her second book, “Normalize It”, she is taking it a step further to discuss multiple issues that women face including girlhood, body image, motherhood, reproductive choice, sexual trauma, menopause, and more.

 

Dr. Zucker, Ryan, and Duck share a fantastic and candid conversation about the unique challenges that women face, and Dr. Zucker’s new book is a great way to dive deeper into the topic. It’s relevant for everyone, men and women alike, and aims to change the way we view womens’ health as a society. It’s a much needed conversation, and another fantastic and open conversation on the “Harder to Breathe” Podcast.

 

0:00:36 Introduction & Seasonal Affective Disorder

0:03:55 Today’s Guest: Dr. Jessica Zucker

0:07:48 Betty Ford’s Immense Impact

0:12:55 Dr. Zucker joins the Podcast & Shares Her Backstory

0:15:29 International Health Projects

0:16:42 Becoming a Clinical Psychologist & Experiencing a Miscarriage

0:21:08 Breast Cancer Diagnosis

0:22:46 Dr. Zucker’s New Book

0:27:48 Mixed Messages for Women in Society

0:33:46 Changing the Narrative on an Individual Basis

0:38:55 Public Platforms vs. Personal Connection

0:43:29 Journaling and Self-Expression 

0:45:18 Platitudes and “At-Leasts”

0:47:55 Benefits of Growing Up in a Safe Environment

0:55:20 Dr. Zucker’s Relationship with her Comedian Husband

1:01:49 Details About “Normalize It”, Dr. Jessica’s New Book

1:04:41 Wrap Up & Conclusion

More About Dr. Jessica Zucker & “Normalize It”:

 

Purchase “Normalize It”, OUT NOW: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1683738144

 

Official Website: https://www.drjessicazucker.com/

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

Dr. Jessica’s First Book, “I Had a Miscarriage”: https://www.amazon.com/I-Had-Miscarriage-Memoir-Movement/dp/1558612882/

 

Ready to Dive Deeper?:

https://www.ryandusick.com/

BenBella Books Author Page - https://benbellabooks.com/authors/dusick-ryan/ 

Amazon Book Page - https://www.amazon.com/Harder-Breathe-Memoir-Finding-Recovery/dp/1637742339/ 

WWSG Speaker Page - https://wwsg.com/speakers/ryan-dusick/ 

Psychology Today Therapist Profile - https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/937599 

Stay Up to Date on the Podcast: @hardertobreathepodcast

 

Follow Ryan on Social Media:

 

IG - @ryan_michael_dusick

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-dusick-ma-amft-26460894/ 

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ryan.m.dusick

Facebook Author Page - https://www.facebook.com/RyanMichaelDusick/