The Longest Shortest Time

Ali Yarrow thought her childbirth experience would be hers to guide. Instead, she found it was guided by the American obstetrics system — a model that was designed by men. Ali documented what she uncovered in her eye-opening book, Birth Control, and joins us to share what she learned about maternal care in the U.S., how we got here, and how to advocate for ourselves in a system stacked against both patients and providers.

*When you use our affilate links to purchase books, we earn a commission, which helps support our work! … Recommendations from the archive • #27 Rewriting Your Birth Story • #28 The Missing Chapter to Ina May’s Guide • #218 Ina May’s Guide, Completely Revised and Updated … Doula Resources Doulas often lead to better birth outcomes. Find one in your area through DONA International.

Doula Training If you’re a birth partner, you can train to be a doula yourself!

• DONA birth doula certification training • CAPPA birth doula certification training • MaternityWise Institute birth doula certification training

Low-Cost/No-Cost Doula Services Many cities have low/no-cost doula programs for low-income individuals. Contact local birthing centers, hospitals, and state health departments for more info. Below are some examples.

• NYC’s Citywide Doula Initiative • HealthConnect One community based doula services • Community Doula Network (DC Area) • Happy Mama Healthy Baby Alliance (LA Area) … Sponsors (using our links supports the show!) • Blissy: 60 nights risk-free plus 30% off at blissy.com/LONGSHORTPOD with code LONGSHORTPOD • Alloy: $20 off your first order at myalloy.com/LONGSHORT with code LONGSHORT … Join LST+ for community and access to You Know What, another show in the Longest Shortest universe! Follow us on Instagram Website: longestshortesttime.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Introducing Dr. Vonda Wright: Formula to Lose Weight and Gain Muscle (Why your Current Workout is Not Giving You Results) from On Purpose with Jay Shetty.

Follow the show: On Purpose with Jay Shetty

How often do you work out?

What’s been the biggest challenge in your fitness journey so far?

In today’s episode, Jay sits down with Dr. Vonda Wright, an orthopedic surgeon and researcher specializing in active aging and longevity. If you’ve ever wondered how to stay feeling youthful as you age, lose stubborn fat, and improve your sleep,, this conversation is packed with life changing insights.

Jay and Dr. Wright start by debunking the myth that aging is an inevitable decline. Dr. Wright explains how lifestyle choices in your 20s and 30s directly impact how you feel in your 40s, 50s, and beyond. They dive into how excess fat, especially around the belly, isn’t just about appearance—it’s a sign of inflammation that accelerates aging. Dr. Wright shares how movement, muscle mass, and diet play a crucial role in fat loss and energy levels.

They also explore the powerful body-brain connection. Dr. Wright breaks down how physical activity releases key proteins that protect the brain from cognitive decline and diseases like dementia. Jay and Dr. Wright discuss how poor sleep can sabotage fat loss, slow down recovery, and disrupt hormones—leading to more cravings, weight gain, and reduced longevity.

In this interview, you'll learn:

How fat storage impacts aging and energy levels.

The critical role of sleep in weight loss and brain function.

How movement and muscle mass keep you youthful.

How lifestyle choices in your 30s affect long-term health.

Why fitness-based friendships can improve your health.

If you want to stay sharp, maintain a healthy weight, and build lasting habits that help you thrive for decades, this episode gives you the tools to start now.

With Love and Gratitude,

Jay Shetty

Join over 750,000 people to receive my most transformative wisdom directly in your inbox every single week with my free Monk Mode newsletter. Subscribe here.

What We Discuss:

00:00 Intro 

01:43 Your Perception Of Aging Is A Myth

05:31 Develop Healthy Habits in Your 20s

10:07 Why Your Sleep Can Fall Apart in Midlife

16:58 Can You Restock Years Of Not Sleeping?

22:09 Sleep Deprivation is Sabotaging Your Weight Loss

26:45 The Weight Loss Formula That Actually Works 

36:04 There Is A Difference Between Being Healthy & Fit

43:13 Fitness Is A Great Way To Connect

46:17 How To Lose Stubborn Belly Fat

55:30 The Body Brain Connection is Integral to 

1:01:39 Don’t Make Excuses to Start Making Changes In Your Life

1:04:24 Mobility is One of the Most Important Skills for Aging Well 

1:09:51 Break Free from Your Limiting Beliefs

1:17:15 Vonda Wright on Final 5

Episode Resources:

Vonda Wright| Website

Vonda Wright| YouTube 

Vonda Wright| Linkedin

Vonda Wright| Instagram

Vonda Wright| Facebook

Vonda Wright| Tiktok

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to [email protected].

Howie Gordon starred in over a hundred porn films in the 70s and 80s under the name Richard Pacheco. But his greatest role was as a father. At StoryCorps, he talked with his son Bobby Gordon about sex, shame, and dirty movies. This episode comes from StoryCorps's podcast season "My Way" - stories from people who found a rhythm all their own and confidently marched to it their whole lives. … Join LST+ for community and access to You Know What, another show in the Longest Shortest universe! Follow us on Instagram Website: longestshortesttime.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When we last heard from CJ, they were struggling to figure out how to achieve their lifelong dream of becoming a dad. CJ now has a kid, but getting there was a total rollercoaster — including sperm mishaps, blatant discrimination, and an underground group of queer midwives in Athens. Buckle up, because this ride is a wild one! Note: this episode contains mature content, so probably not one to listen to with the kids. … CJ’s first episode #170 Becoming a Single Dad While Trans … Resources for trans pregnancy + parenthood • Trans Fertility Co. • Fenway Health • Family Equality • UCSF Transgender Care … Sponsors (using our links supports the show!) • Betterhelp: betterhelp.com/longshort for 10% off your first month • Acorns Early: first month free with acornsearly.com/longshort • Hungryroot: hungryroot.com/longshort with code LONGSHORT for 40% off your first box and a free item of your choice for life … Join LST+ for community and access to You Know What, another show in the Longest Shortest universe! Follow us on Instagram Website: longestshortesttime.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sex ed in schools isn’t cutting it, and studies show that kids are turning to porn for answers. In this episode, Traci Thomas of The Stacks podcast joins us to suggest books that help tweens and teens navigate the complicated world of sex and relationships. We’ll cover fiction and nonfiction — plus a few picks to help spice up the sex lives of parents! … Recent episodes about sex ed • #220 The Staircase • #221 How to Now (Accidentally) Raise a Rapist … Episode resources • More about Traci • Full list of books mentioned in this episode … Episode sponsors (using our links supports the show!) • Alloy: $20 off your 1st order at alloy.com/LONGEST • Hungryroot: 40% off 1st box + free item in every box for life at hungryroot.com/LONGSHORT with code LONGSHORT • Quince: free shipping + 365-day returns at quince.com/LONGSHORT … Join LST+ for community and access to You Know What, another show in the Longest Shortest universe! Follow us on Instagram Website: longestshortesttime.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices