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Updated: Jun 12


In this conversation, I chat with Dr. Cooke, a bold and compassionate Black female physician who made the powerful decision to leave the traditional healthcare system and create something better—for herself and for her community. Dr. Cooke has been in the trenches of women’s health for years and now leads a direct primary care practice that puts patient relationships and transparency front and center.


Dr. Cooke shares how she found herself burned out by the system and why she knew she had to take a different path—one that allowed her to truly advocate for Black women’s health, address healthcare deserts, and provide care that actually empowers. We talk about everything from breast cancer awareness and menopause myths to the role of sleep, nutrition, and lifestyle medicine in whole-person wellness.


She’s not afraid to tackle hard truths about systemic gaps or the silence that surrounds women’s health, especially for women of color. Dr. Cooke has that rare blend of heart, brilliance, and clarity—and I left this conversation rethinking everything from hormone health to how we show up for ourselves as women.


In this episode she shares:

  • Breast cancer awareness is crucial, especially for Black women.

  • Direct primary care allows for better patient relationships.

  • Healthcare deserts significantly impact community health.

  • Lifestyle medicine can prevent many diseases.

  • Sleep hygiene is essential for overall health.

  • The mind-body connection is vital in healthcare.

  • Menopause symptoms vary greatly among women.

  • Education about menopause is often lacking.

  • Transparent pricing in healthcare is necessary.

  • Community-focused healthcare can improve outcomes. Estrogen and testosterone levels drop during menopause, affecting libido.

  • Vaginal dryness can lead to discomfort and urinary tract infections.

  • Vaginal estrogen is a safe and effective treatment for dryness.

  • There is no standardized blood test for menopause; symptoms are key.

  • Many health conditions can mimic menopause symptoms, such as anemia and thyroid issues.

  • Early hormone replacement therapy can prevent long-term health issues.

  • Lifestyle changes, including diet and sleep, are crucial during menopause.

  • Men also experience hormonal changes, often referred to as andropause.

  • Support from partners is essential during menopause.

  • B12 deficiency is a significant concern for vegans.



Highlights include:

  • 00:00 Introduction to Breast Cancer Awareness

  • 03:09 Dr. Cook's Journey and Advocacy for Black Women's Health

  • 05:55 The Direct Primary Care Model Explained

  • 09:00 Understanding Healthcare Deserts and Community Impact

  • 11:46 The Importance of Lifestyle Medicine

  • 15:02 Sleep and Its Role in Health

  • 17:47 The Mind-Body Connection in Healthcare

  • 20:52 Menopause: Understanding the Stages and Symptoms

  • 26:14 Understanding Menopause and Its Symptoms

  • 28:07 The Role of Hormones in Menopause

  • 30:40 Diagnosing Menopause: The Importance of Symptoms

  • 32:52 The Misconceptions Around Hormone Replacement Therapy

  • 34:39 Lifestyle Changes and Their Impact on Menopause

  • 36:06 Supporting Partners Through Menopause

  • 38:28 Men's Health: Understanding Andropause

  • 40:43 The Importance of Holistic Health

  • 42:08 Nutritional Considerations for Vegans

  • 43:07 Personal Reflections and Future Aspirations



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