CRAMPED
5.0/5
Critic Rating
One nerd’s quest to find out why we know next to nothing about period pain. Tired of suffering from "death cramps" with no diagnosis for 20 years, Kate Downey has to look for her own answers. She interviews top doctors and researchers, and delves into topics from Greek history to sitcoms to TikTok wellness scams, all to figure out why menstrual pain is so often dismissed and untreated. What she finds will change how you think about your own body and the medical system. Because having a microphone gets you more answers than having a uterus. Season 1 launches weekly episodes st...
Critic Reviews
Score: 5
Keelin • Mentally? A Magpie. • Mar 5, 2025
"Cramped is interviewing to doctors and researchers, which can be daunting. Downey easily breaks down the information into simple bits- without being condescending. The show also talks to people who experience these pains, carefully popping between lived and researched perspectives. There is an empathy here that many podcasts can learn from. We find the layers of women’s bodies and healthcare. The way this podcast navigates them is personal and easy. "
Score: 5
Lauren Passell • Podcast The Newsletter • Feb 10, 2025
"It’s somehow boisterous and dead serious at the same time, full of interviews, info and tips. I hope men listen to this thing. I am stealing these words from Kate, but I can’t believe how much fun it is to hear about something that hurts so much."
Score: 5
Frank Racioppi • Ear Worthy • Feb 6, 2025
"...empowers listeners with knowledge, builds a sense of community for those who have felt isolated by their experiences, and pushes for systemic change. In essence, listeners will be able to laugh and cry at the podcast. While I am sure that the audience is largely pre-menopausal women, it is incumbent on all of us (I'm looking at you, men) to understand how menstrual cramps seriously impact the quality of life of the women in our lives."
