Episode 33: kristen Portney

27/02/2025

Watch now on Youtube.


Join Ailey Jolie and Kristen Portney, a therapist and reproductive health specialist, on this episode of In This Body. Together, they explore the unconscious narratives surrounding reproductive health—how they are shaped by family systems, culture, and internalized beliefs, and how they manifest in the body. Kristen shares insights on navigating the complex emotions tied to pregnancy, abortion, and loss, shedding light on the somatic imprints of these experiences. They discuss the role of creativity, ritual, and storytelling in reclaiming agency over reproductive narratives, as well as the link between self-forgiveness, pleasure, and embodiment. This conversation offers a nuanced and compassionate perspective on reshaping one’s relationship with the body after reproductive experiences, inviting listeners into a space of self-inquiry and possibility. We hope you enjoy the episode.

About In This Body: Conversations with leading experts about the importance of embodiment in living an authentic life. In This Body asks the important questions: How does connecting to your body change your life? How will connecting to your body allow you to love better and live more authentically? And how does connecting to your body change the trajectory of our shared world?

In this episode:  

  • 00:00 Introduction to 'In This Body' Podcast

  • 01:01 Introducing Kristen Portney

  • 02:11 Kristen's Journey into Reproductive Mental Health

  • 04:53 The Intersection of Reproductive Mental Health and Embodiment

  • 08:15 Navigating Trauma and Unexpected Pregnancy

  • 22:18 Relational Aspects of Abortion

  • 39:49 Similarities and Differences Between Abortion and Miscarriage

  • 52:25 Conclusion and Upcoming Offerings

To find out more about Kristen:

To learn more about Ailey Jolie:

To follow along with the podcast:

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Episode 32: dr Roger kuhn