One Chance to Be Human Podcast with Richard Furr
December 2024
Episode 1: Menstrual Cycle Awareness: A Game-Changer for Modern Relationships with Jay Schwartz, Founder of Plant Healing Woman.
In this compelling episode of One Chance to Be Human, Richard Furr is joined by Jay Schwartz, a community herbalist, menstrual cycle educator, doula, and female embodiment coach. Jay leads the transformative course Men Meet Menstruation, where she teaches men how understanding and respecting the menstrual cycle can enhance relationships, improve communication, and reduce conflict.
Richard and Jay discuss why tracking the menstrual cycle is one of the most impactful tools for building a healthy, intimate partnership. Jay reveals how most breakups and divorces occur during a specific phase of the cycle and explains how attuning to your partner’s needs during these times can save relationships. They tackle societal stigma, addressing why toxic masculinity often discourages men from caring about women’s health, and how this bravery and care can make men better partners, fathers, and professionals.
The episode also delves into practical insights, including how to track the cycle respectfully, align plans with different phases, and use cyclical living to create harmony in personal and professional spaces. Jay’s teachings emphasize that the menstrual cycle is not just a biological process but a profound teacher for surrender, empowerment, and connection.
Watch podcast on youtube here: https://youtu.be/g9fj_TrzyRE
Show Notes
0:05 – Introduction and Jay’s background
1:45 – Why Jay became a menstrual cycle educator
3:35 – Naming her course Men Meet Menstruation and its impact
5:39 – The importance of women educating themselves about their bodies
7:37 – Why tracking the cycle can be more transformative than couples therapy
8:55 – The key to intimacy: anticipating a partner’s emotional needs
“The deepest form of intimacy is someone being able to deeply anticipate your needs without having to speak to them.”
10:12 – Women as complex ecosystems: what drives love and frustration
11:01 – Is it creepy for men to track their partner’s cycle? A reframe for trust and intimacy
15:20 – Navigating new relationships: how and when to share cycle details
17:30 – Avoiding power imbalances when tracking cycles
19:55 – Why cycle tracking isn’t an exact science and requires presence
21:10 – Planning dates and activities tailored to the cycle phases
23:28 – Overview of the menstrual phases and creative date ideas
25:50 – The phase most prone to conflict and emotional dysregulation
28:20 – Why breakups and divorces often occur during this phase
30:20 – Dispelling myths about mood swings during menstruation
32:50 – The phase when women need the most alone time (nesting)
34:55 – The magic of the follicular phase: “Think of it like an amusement park.”
37:28 – Ovulation: “The best day ever.”
38:40 – The luteal phase: “A reminder that things are not always in full bloom.”
40:30 – Using cycle tracking to plan trips and vacations
43:00 – Aligning socially and relationally with women on different cycles
44:06 – Menstrual leave policies in Japan and global perspectives
45:30 – Postpartum care and pelvic floor healing
47:00 – How ignoring the female cycle leads to imbalance and disease
48:50 – No hard and fast rules: embracing flexibility in cyclical living
49:30 – Giving women permission to be women
51:20 – Why men fear and avoid conversations about menstrual blood
55:40 – How early comfort with menstrual health prepares men for fatherhood
57:20 – Men who care about women’s health are the best partners and leaders
58:05 – Connect with Jay at Plant Healing Woman
This episode is essential for anyone seeking to understand how cyclical living can create healthier relationships and a more compassionate society. Whether you’re a partner, friend, or professional, Jay’s insights will leave you inspired and empowered.
Jay is now taking registration for the January 2025 Men Meet Menstruation course, beginning on Jan 7th. Register here.
