Issue #58: let's hear it for the BOYS.

eating for hormone health, birth support for non-birthing parents, DIY aromatherapy + beard oils, and why men should be checking their balls.

Jun 13, 2025

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Father’s Day has us thinking about the men in our lives—partners, co-parents, chosen family, mentors, and friends. While our work centers on the experience of women and those in female bodies, this moment invites us to expand the frame. Because care and change aren’t just women’s issues—they belong to all of us.

And with June being Men’s Health Month, it feels especially important to recognize the physical, emotional, and relational journeys that men move through, too. From mental health to hormones, identity to intimacy, men are navigating shifts that deserve care, attention, and conversation.

We also know that women’s health doesn’t exist in isolation—it’s deeply influenced by the health and well-being of the people we live with, love, and care for. When the men in our lives are supported in tending to their own healing, growth, and balance, it strengthens the entire ecosystem of care.

Last month, Theresa attended the Black Birth: Maternal & Infant Health Symposium, a powerful gathering of community members, practitioners, and advocates working to address Black maternal and infant health in our city. Among the voices that stood out was Dad Doula Joshua Zawadi, who led with deep compassion and commitment to paternal involvement and support in the postpartum journey. His presence—and the symposium itself—was a reminder that men are not on the sidelines of reproductive health.

And just as postpartum invites men into new roles as partners and parents, midlife presents its own set of transitions—hormonal changes, career pivots, relationship reckonings. It’s not just women navigating these turning points. We see you, too.

So this week, we’re dedicating this issue to men’s health. Happy Father’s Day to those who are fathers—and to those who father in all the expansive ways that word can hold.

TASTE: Hormone Essentials Grocery List. Whether for women or men, these foods are powerhouse allies for hormone health. Rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and essential nutrients, they help reduce inflammation, balance blood sugar, and support the body’s natural hormone production. Vibrant berries, leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and omega-3-rich fish not only taste great but also nourish your system to keep hormones happy and balanced. For a deeper dive into must-have staples, check out the thoughtful grocery list from Roots to Leaves highlighting essentials for overall wellness, and explore The Oncology Dietitian’s insights on hormone-balancing foods specifically tailored for men—both excellent guides to complement your hormone-supportive pantry.

BONUS TASTE: This steak taco recipe looks worth adding to the summer rotation!

burnt_pellet_bbq

A post shared by @burnt_pellet_bbq

SEE: “Your villian origin story, glow down, glow up, zero fks given soft–launch into your ultimate era!” I mean we could not NOT share this! It is funny, but also highlights the challenge that the transition can put on our relationships and with our partner. When we are struggling to understand what is happening with our bodies and emotions (whether in fertility, pregnancy, postpartum, or peri/menopause), it is hard to explain what we need or how we can be supported. And the men in our lives are also experiencing shifts—even if they don’t always have the language for it. These seasons can be confusing and sensitive for everyone involved. That’s why it’s so important to create space for honest conversations, shared learning, and a little humor along the way.

whatthemenopause

A post shared by @whatthemenopause

SMELL: Aromatherapy for Men: DIY Beard Balm, Hair Pomade and More! Looking for a DIY Father’s Day gift or want to plan a date night to make some products at home? Scents can be powerful tools for grounding, connection, and care—and how fun to create them with a smell you/they love. Check out the link above, this guide with 7 recipes for Beard Oil, or these Cologne Roll–Ons + Muscle Rub. Making your own products means you can skip the synthetic fragrances and tailor blends to support mood, focus, or relaxation. It’s a hands-on way to offer care—and it just might become a new favorite ritual.

HEAR: Why Men Armor Up. This episode invites reflection on how many men and fathers today are rethinking the models they grew up with and choosing a different path. It explores how traditional views of masculinity have shaped men’s behavior, health, and relationships—and what it looks like to evolve beyond those norms. Guest Dr. Daniel Ellenberg, a longtime therapist and men’s group leader, shares insights on why emotional connection can be challenging for men, how outdated ideas about manhood can quietly take a toll, and why self-compassion is essential. If you are looking for more, you might check out The ManKind Podcast, which was mentioned as a resource in the episode.

BONUS HEAR in MKE: Summer of Soul: Outdoor Marketplace + Concert Series.

TOUCH: How (and why) men should be checking their balls. Touch matters—and not just in relationships, but in knowing your own body. Just like women are encouraged to regularly check their breasts for lumps, changes, or tenderness, men should also be in the habit of checking themselves—specifically their testicles and staying aware of prostate health. Testicular cancer most often affects younger men between 15 and 35, while prostate cancer typically appears in men over 50. Testicular cancer can often be caught early with a simple monthly self-exam (find instructions at the link above). Prostate disease and cancer don’t have a self-check equivalent but require regular screenings, especially for those with a family history. Think of it like how breast health requires both self-awareness and clinical exams—same goes for men. Knowing your normal makes it easier to notice when something’s off—and that kind of care can save your life.

What is appealing to your senses right now? What are you reading? watching? cooking? wearing? loving? obsessed with? We would love to share some of your picks in future newsletters!

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