In this episode of The Visibility Gap, Dr. Jen Ashton and her guests discuss what researchers have known for years--that women are about twice as likely to be diagnosed with depression as men.

First, guest Joy Allen reflects on cultural stigmas that have impacted women of color for generations. Attempting to break the cycle of dysfunction in her own life, Joy reveals her struggles and victories in both her personal and professional relationships.

Dr. Margaret Rutherford and Dr. Deirdre Cooper Owens round out the conversation with strategies organizations can use to highlight and prioritize women’s mental health.

All Cigna Healthcare products and services are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of The Cigna Group. © 2025 Cigna Healthcare

Heart disease is the leading cause of death among American women, yet it frequently remains unrecognized, undiagnosed, and untreated.

In this episode of The Visibility Gap, Dr. Jen Ashton introduces you to Tiffany Storrs who shares her story of an unexpected bradycardia diagnosis and her struggle for validation by medical professionals.

Later, Dr. Alana Biggers and Dr. Margaret Rutherford delve into the emotional, physical, and systemic burdens of this critical health concern.

All Cigna Healthcare products and services are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of The Cigna Group. © 2025 Cigna Healthcare

Having health benefits is crucial when taking steps to build a family.

In episode 4 of The Visibility Gap, Dr. Jen Ashton talks to Kelly Donahue about her personal experience that included many setbacks but ultimately led to a beautiful family. This discussion highlights the importance of emotional well-being and support for those navigating this challenging journey.

Later in the episode, Dr. Alana Biggers and Dr. Margaret Rutherford discuss the role businesses play in ensuring their employees are seen and supported. And together, they explore changes needed to make family-building opportunities more accessible and inclusive.

All Cigna Healthcare products and services are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of The Cigna Group. © 2025 Cigna Healthcare

Teen girls are experiencing increased rates of depression due many factors including the impact of social media.

In this episode of The Visibility Gap, meet Hailey Hardcastle, who talks to our host, Dr. Jen Ashton, about how she turned childhood adversity into a mission to help others with their mental health.

Dr. Margaret Rutherford and Dr. Wendy Kline join the conversation, offering actionable insights for families, friends, and organizations. Together, they examine the root of this mental health crisis and highlight ways to help teenage girls in need.

All Cigna Healthcare products and services are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of The Cigna Group. © 2025 Cigna Healthcare

In the U.S., pregnancy-related illness and mortality are more likely to affect black women than white or hispanic women. This maternal health crisis, rooted in bias and inequality, is explored by Dr. Jen Ashton and her expert guests in episode 2 of The Visibility Gap.

Guest Charity Watkins shares her personal story of diagnosis and discovery of a multi-generational maternal health condition.

Next, health experts Dr. Margaret Rutherford and Dr. Deirdre Cooper Owens suggest actionable solutions companies can use to mitigate these health challenges.

All Cigna Healthcare products and services are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of The Cigna Group. © 2025 Cigna Healthcare

Women in the United States face significant health care disparities compared to men. Season two of The Visibility Gap podcast, hosted by Dr. Jen Ashton, addresses various women's health issues, including mental health, maternity health and family building, menopause, and more.​

In Episode 1, guest Marisa Zeppieri shares her difficult but inspiring health journey, emphasizing the importance of self-advocacy.​

Health experts Dr. Wendy Kline and Dr. Margaret Rutherford reflect on Marisa's story by examining the challenges associated with the women's health gap and proposing potential solutions to this complex and consequential issue.​

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All Cigna Healthcare products and services are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of The Cigna Group. © 2025 Cigna Healthcare

Simply asking your employees how they’re doing may not be enough to help them feel seen and understood.

For our season's close, host Holly Robinson Peete is joined by our experts Jackye Clayton and Jennifer Brown, who dive straight into a crucial conversation around DEI and the hidden challenges of diverse issues that can impact employee health.

In this episode, packed with valuable insights, listen in to hear their perspectives on what leaders and companies can do to start building safer spaces and better support their employees.

All Cigna Healthcare products and services are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of The Cigna Group. © 2024 Cigna Healthcare

Working parents often have to balance multiple roles at home and at work.

Host Holly Robinson Peete is joined by Kelli Royals, project manager and mother of five, as well as Ivy Bryant, a corporate executive and mother of a child with a chronic illness. They discuss the unseen challenges they’ve each faced at work, sharing with us how caregiving for loved ones has impacted their careers and lives.

Then Holly speaks to expert guests Jackye Clayton and Jay Van Bavel about Kelli and Ivy’s stories, looking into the ways caregiving affects employee health and also what companies can do to help support their people when they need it most.

All Cigna Healthcare products and services are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of The Cigna Group. © 2024 Cigna Healthcare