Episode 38 - 50 Facts About Me

🐚Getting Personal: 50 Things You Didn’t Know About Me

Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of my life? Since rebranding the podcast, I realized I never truly introduced myself. So, I thought it would be fun to dedicate an episode to sharing 50 facts about me! This episode gives you a peek into who I am beyond my work, business, and online presence.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

My journey from studying anthropology to becoming a menstrual health expert
My experiences living in different countries and cultures
The highs and lows of entrepreneurship and my relationship with money
My daily habits, quirks, and personality traits
My dreams and aspirations for the future

Quick Preview of Key Topics:

How I unexpectedly became a hormone and cycle coach
My Taurus Sun and Pisces Moon tendencies
My deep love for coffee, dance, and holistic health
How ADHD has shaped my life and work
The story behind my dream of volunteering at an orangutan sanctuary in Borneo

Episode Summary

In this episode, I share 50 facts about myself, from my upbringing and studies to my business and personal life. I talk about my transition from an anthropology student to a menstrual health expert, my journey across different countries, and my love for continuous learning. I open up about my passion for dance, my experience with ADHD, and my strong desire for financial independence. You’ll also hear some of my quirks—like my coffee snobbery, my love for long walks in national parks, and my belief in manifestation.

This episode is a fun and lighthearted way to get to know me better as a person, not just as your podcast host. If you love personal stories, reflections, and some unexpected facts, this one is for you!

About the Host

Iris studied cultural and medical anthropology and holds a master’s in gender studies. After conducting research in pregnancy and birth, she started her career as a birth worker and later became a certified Hormone Coach and Functional Hormone Specialist. She is the founder of Cycle Seeds, an educational platform focused on holistic hormone health and cyclical living. Her work has been featured in Yoga Magazine, Happinez, Allure, and more.

📲 Follow me on Instagram: @cycleseeds

🌎 Explore my website

Listen to the Episode

🐚 Available on multiple platforms:

Spotify

Apple Podcasts

YouTube

Key Discussion Points

[00:00:00] - Introduction

[00:00:40] - My astrology chart and why it fits me perfectly

[00:01:12] - How I became a menstrual health expert

[00:02:43] - My Dutch directness and what people get wrong about me

[00:03:38] - My deep love for dance, from ballet to Brazilian Zouk

[00:04:23] - My passion for coffee and why bad coffee is a dealbreaker

[00:09:07] - Why I dream of volunteering at an orangutan sanctuary

[00:12:57] - My entrepreneurial mindset and financial independence

[00:14:08] - The moment I realized I had ADHD at 33

[00:17:27] - My adventurous move to the Colombian Amazon

My Journey From Anthropology to Menstrual Health

I initially envisioned my career in academia, studying medical anthropology with the goal of becoming a professor. However, life had a different plan. My work as a doula, my own health journey, and my fascination with the menstrual cycle led me to explore holistic hormone health. When people started asking how they could learn to do what I do, I realized there wasn’t a place for them to learn—so I created one. That’s how my Holistic Hormone & Cycle Coaching Certification Training was born.

My work is a blend of everything I’ve studied: anthropology, gender studies, birth work, functional medicine, and personal experience. I see menstrual cycles as a tool not only for health but also for business and personal growth. Today, through Cycle Seeds, I help people reconnect with their bodies, understand their cycles, and embrace their natural rhythms.

“My work isn’t just about hormone health—it’s about understanding what it means to be human.” – Iris Josephina

My Love for Learning and Self-Discovery

I have an insatiable hunger for learning. Unlike traditional career paths where education stops after university, I believe in lifelong learning. Over the years, I’ve done yoga teacher trainings, entrepreneurial courses, skill-building workshops, and hormone health certifications. I even took classes in ethnographic film and West African dance during my exchange program at UCLA!

I also love self-teaching. From podcast editing to website development, I’ve learned so much on my own. My belief in constant growth and self-improvement has shaped the way I run my business and live my life.

“I will never stop learning. Curiosity is my driving force.” – Iris Josephina

Embracing Entrepreneurship and Financial Independence

One of the biggest transformations in my life was stepping into entrepreneurship. I never wanted to have my income dictated by someone else. The thought of waiting for a paycheck, being told when I could have a raise, or following someone else’s structure felt suffocating to me.

Building my own business has allowed me to create financial independence, make a bigger impact, and live life on my terms. I firmly believe that financial freedom gives women the ability to create change and leave a lasting legacy.

“Financial freedom means more ways to give back and support the world.” – Iris Josephina

Key Takeaways/Summary

My path from anthropology to menstrual health was unexpected but deeply fulfilling.
Learning and self-growth are lifelong commitments for me.
Entrepreneurship has given me financial freedom and the ability to make a greater impact.
I am passionate about holistic health, personal development, and creating meaningful connections.