A Mind, Body, Spirit, Soul Illumination Special with the Director and Executive Producer of The Business of Birth Control, Abby Epstein and Ricki Lake

Ceremony Circle

Today I am truly honored to share with you two incredibly intelligent courageous women who have forged such paths for themselves, both personally and professionally.

They are Emmy award-winning television host and executive producer, Ricki Lake, and a multiple award-winning director. Abby Epstein.

After starring in the film Hairspray, Ricki Lake went on to solidify herself as a pop culture icon. And if you're anything like me, you grew up watching Ricki shine, hosting the Ricki Lake Show—becoming one of the youngest daily talk show hosts and history at just 24 years old. She has since published two books and been the executive producer of many different documentaries. One of which we are focusing on in today's conversation: The Business of Birth Control. Her business partner, Abby Epstein, has been a Broadway director, helming national tours of both Rent and The Vagina Monologues.

Abby has been a director of various award-winning films even before partnering with Ricki to create their award-winning critically acclaimed documentaries. The Business of Being Born, which debuted at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2007 and now has over 5 million views. They later released More Business of Being Born—a four part DVD series, featuring celebrities like Cindy Crawford, Alanis Morrisette. Giselle Bunchen and Christy Turton who shared their birth stories as well as an in depth discussion on the birth process.

When I heard of their current documentary, The Business of Birth Control, it immediately struck a chord in me on an ancient level. The documentary kept knocking on my soul's door.

After watching the documentary (and being blown away by the information countless times) I just knew I needed to have these true queens on my podcast.

Top 5 Things You’ll Learn from This Episode:

1. where and why hormonal birth control began,
2. why women were not (and are not) properly informed about what the potential effects
3. the risks, including an 80% increased risk of depression and even a potential increase for the chance of death
4. tips on preparing yourself to go off of birth control
5. we dive into some important and powerful listener questions (which is quickly becoming one of my favorite segments)

It's my invitation for you today to join us in this very potent healing circle with an open mind and an open heart, and to allow whatever resonates to guide you.

Find more from me on IG at @IAMALYSONCHARLES or alysoncharles.com.

Find out more on social media:

Facebook: @BusinessofBirthControl

Instagram: @businessofbirthcontrol

Twitter: @thebizoffilms

Follow Ricki: @rickilake

Follow Abby: @abbyepsteinxoxo

View the documentary “The Business of Birth Control—use the discount code CIRCLE50 for 50% off!

Find out more about Ricki and Abby’s Masterclass—use the discount CIRCLE50 for 50% off the annual plan!

This episode was made possible by Lotus Wei. Make sure to use the code MYSTIC at checkout to get a Soul Fam discount!