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Host (0:00): Hi everyone! This is Her Own Words, a podcast dedicated to amplifying the voices of everyday women through stories of love, resilience, adventure, and everything in between. I’m your host, Yennifer Pedraza.

It took me twenty years of crippling pain in a medical system that made me feel crazy before I was finally diagnosed with stage 2 endometriosis. My validation came with a lifelong condition. When I shared my story online, I learned just how many other women had been through the same experience. They say 1 in 10 women have endometriosis, but I’d dare to say that data is wrong. I had felt alone, when in truth, so many others were fighting the same battle. 

That’s how I learned the value of stories: they connect us, help us feel less alone, inspire us to keep going, and validate our experiences. My ordeal motivated me to create a space for women to tell their stories and feel understood. 

You see...I believe that women’s stories matter, and the more we tell them and celebrate them, the better we can make this world. So, over the next six weeks, I’ll sit down with six women with unique essays, perspectives, and lived experiences. 

Guest 1 (01:18): Each error or blunder I inevitably make, she punctuates with her disapproval.

Guest 2 (01:24): My knees went weak. I hadn’t felt desire like that in so long.

Guest 3 (01:28): Over the years, I've solidified myself as the crazy foreigner who can't get the language tight but loves them all enough to keep trying. 

Guest 4 (01:36): He called me brave, and tough (in a good way).

Guest 5 (1:40): There is no good way to learn if your long term boyfriend's infidelity. But there is real comfort and receiving this information from someone who's been by my side.

Guest 6 (1:47): The Soccer Grannies and I both found unexpected experiences on the soccer pitch. 

Host (01:53): I truly believe that when we can see ourselves reflected in others’ stories, it helps us build deeper connections to our own selves. These women are your neighbors, sisters, friends, mentors, mothers, daughters, and so much more.

Welcome to Her Own Words. Season 1 starts April 16th and episodes will air every Tuesday. I hope you'll join us for the journey.

Episode Transcript