Recorded in a warm, intimate setting with Natalie’s behind-the-scenes counsel—this episode is a live, unscripted conversation on the physiology of reward, stress, sleep, and women’s health across the cycle and life stages. A candid roundtable recorded during a “Wombat Retreat” weekend - where menstrual cycle science meets real life. With Dr. Sara Cohen Fournier, MD, Dr. Michal Waldfogel, ND, and Carina Raisman, BSc, we explore how estrogen and progesterone influence dopamine and reward, why late luteal can feel harder, and how connection, light, sleep hygiene, and breath shape nervous system resilience. We also unpack the “ecosystem” view of mental health (beyond one neurotransmitter), why community is medicine, and how to build sustainable self-care—especially as we move toward perimenopause and menopause.
Guests
Dr. Sara Cohen Fournier, MD
Sara is a practicing psychiatrist whose work sits at the intersection of mental health, physiology, and lived experience.
Dr. Michal Waldfogel, ND
Dr. Michal Pearl Waldfogel is a licensed naturopathic doctor with a deep background in education, facilitation, and community-building. Her work integrates mental health, addiction recovery, and integrative primary care, with particular care for those seeking to change their relationship with alcohol. Drawing on training in clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, and CranioSacral therapy, she collaborates closely with other providers to create personalized, systems-based care. She is especially passionate about increasing access to naturopathic medicine and addressing loneliness through community-centered models of healing.
Learn more at phillynaturopathic.com
Carina Raisman, BSc
Carina is a nervous system specialist, yoga therapist, and teacher of teachers. She is the founder of Yoga Resource and leads one of the most respected yoga therapy education programs, with a focus on regulation, embodiment, and sustainable care.
Learn more at yogaresource.com
About Natalie
I’m Natalie Kakon — founder of The Embodied Signal Method™ and host of Get Obsessed.
My work sits at the intersection of menstrual cycle physiology, nervous system regulation, and lived female experience.
Through education, mentorship, and embodied practice, I help women move from information to literacy — and from literacy to lived autonomy.
Explore more at: nataliekakon.com
Instagram: @nataliekakon_
