What do you say to a child who’s seriously ill—or grieving the loss of someone they love? In this powerful conversation, pediatric palliative care physician and Episcopal priest Dr. Bob Macauley shares how to speak honestly and compassionately with children facing illness, grief, or death.

We explore developmental stages, emotional awareness, and what not to say—plus insights from Dr. Bob’s new memoir, Because I Knew You: How Some Remarkable Sick Kids Healed a Doctor’s Soul. You’ll walk away with clarity, courage, and practical language for the hardest conversations.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How to talk about death without euphemisms.
• Age-specific insights into how children understand loss.
• Real language you can use with children facing hard questions.
• Emotional and spiritual support for the entire family.
• Why “just showing up” is often the most powerful thing you can do.

The Sofia Unfiltered by Sofia Health is for general informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. No doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have. For any health concerns, users should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals.

Why does menopause still feel so confusing—even in 2025?

In this episode of Sofia Unfiltered, science writer Amy Alkon joins host Riley Rees to share what she uncovered while researching her latest book, Going Menopostal. From hormone myths to misinformed care, Amy unpacks why so many women are still being dismissed in midlife—and how they can begin to ask better questions, challenge outdated advice, and advocate for themselves with confidence.

You’ll learn:

- Why many doctors aren’t trained in menopause or perimenopause
- What research actually says about hormone fluctuations and “normal” labs
- Why blood tests don’t always reflect what’s happening in your body
- The ethical problem of treatment without adequate expertise
- How to approach your next appointment more prepared and less passive

Amy isn’t a doctor—but she’s done the work to make sense of the science. If you’ve ever walked away from a medical visit feeling unheard or unsure, this episode is for you.

The Sofia Unfiltered by Sofia Health is for general informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. No doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have. For any health concerns, users should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals.

Have you ever left a doctor’s office feeling rushed, dismissed, or more like a “chart” than a person? You’re not imagining it.

In this episode of Sofia Unfiltered, host Riley Rees sits down with two nationally recognized physicians—Dr. Alan Roth and Dr. Andy Lazris, co‑authors of A Return to Healing—to unpack how a century of policy decisions, corporate interests, and profit‑driven care reshaped medicine into something unrecognizable.

From the 1911 Flexner Report and the elimination of diverse medical schools, to today’s overtesting, overprescribing, and 8‑minute appointments, Drs. Roth and Lazris reveal why everything about modern healthcare feels… off. More importantly, they share what patients can do to reclaim their power, demand whole‑person care, and find providers who actually listen.

Whether you’re frustrated by endless lab results, confused by conflicting prescriptions, or simply want care that treats you as a human being—not a number—this conversation is your roadmap to taking back control of your health.

🎧 Why Everything About Modern Healthcare Feels… Off will change the way you see your doctor’s visit—and show you how to advocate for the care you deserve.

The Sofia Unfiltered by Sofia Health is for general informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. No doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have. For any health concerns, users should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals.