Beyond Kegels: Pelvic Health and Body Literacy with Nikki Bergen

In this episode of the Harvest Series, Rose Claverie speaks with Nikki Bergen about pelvic health — a topic often overlooked, misunderstood, or quietly endured by many. Recorded in Kaplankaya, the conversation explores why symptoms are frequently normalised, how stress and trauma shape the pelvic floor, and why education around body literacy is still missing. Together, they unpack the myths around Kegels, the difference between tight and weak pelvic floors, and how shame and silence can delay care. The episode also reflects on aging, independence, sexuality, and the importance of restoring dignity and understanding to this essential aspect of health. Chapters 00:00 – Welcome to Harvest 00:30 – Why pelvic health is misunderstood 01:55 – Common symptoms women normalize 03:20 – Why “just do Kegels” is misleading 05:10 – Tight vs weak pelvic floors 07:00 – Stress, trauma, and the nervous system 09:30 – Shame and delayed care 12:05 – Aging, independence, and dignity 14:40 – Pelvic health and sexuality 17:10 – What body literacy really means 19:30 – Why this education is missing 21:45 – Men and pelvic health 24:10 – Closing reflections You can follow us on Instagram at @HarvestSeries or @rose.claverie for updates. Watch our podcast episodes and speaker sessions on YouTube: Harvest Series. Credits: Sound editing by: @lesbellesfrequences Technician in Kaplankaya: Joel Moriasi Music by: Chambord Harvest Series is produced in partnership with Athena Advisers and Capital Partners Harvest Series Founders: Burak Öymen and Roman Carel