Tackling Vulvodynia and Building Community with Gaia Salizzoni of Hale - Episode 234

FemTech Focus

In this episode, we talk to Gaia Salizzoni, founder of Hale, a community for women suffering from genito-pelvic pain, including vulvodynia. Her community is an important part of the care journey for patients going through treatment or dealing with genito-pelvic pain. Additionally, as an entrepreneur building a women’s health company in the EU, Gaia has a unique view into the advantages and difficulties building in Europe. Join us for a conversation where we discuss the Hale community, genito-pelvic pain, and the current state of women’s health innovation in the EU.

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Guest bio

Gale Salizzoni is founder and CEO of Hale, a digital platform designed to help people living with genito-pelvic pain improve their quality of life. With a passion for women's health and a background in technology, Gaia founded Hale to provide support and resources for those navigating the challenges of pelvic and gynecologic pain. Through Hale, Gaia aims to empower individuals to better manage their condition and find relief from discomfort, fostering a community of understanding and support along the way.

Organization bio

Hale is a supportive community tailored for women experiencing genito-pelvic pain, offering a safe space for connection, understanding, and shared healing journeys. Through online forums, resources, and expert guidance, Hale provides women with the tools and solidarity to navigate their pain experiences with empowerment and resilience. With a focus on holistic well-being and destigmatization, Hale fosters a compassionate environment where women can find comfort, validation, and hope amidst their challenges.

FemTech Focus Podcast bio

The FemTech Focus Podcast is brought to you by FemHealth Insights, the leader in Women’s Health market research and consulting. In this show, Dr. Brittany Barreto hosts meaningfully provocative conversations that bring FemTech experts - including doctors, scientists, inventors, and founders - on air to talk about the innovative technology, services, and products (collectively known as FemTech) that are improving women's health and wellness. Though many leaders in FemTech are women, this podcast is not specifically about female founders, nor is it geared toward a specifically female audience. The podcast gives our host, Dr. Brittany Barreto, and guests an engaging, friendly environment to learn about the past, present, and future of women’s health and wellness.

FemHealth Insights bio

Led by a team of analysts and advisors who specialize in female health, FemHealth Insights is a female health-specific market research and analysis firm, offering businesses in diverse industries unparalleled access to the comprehensive data and insights needed to illuminate areas of untapped potential in the nuanced women’s health market.

Time Stamps

[02:00] Gaia’s background

[03:42] Founding story of Hale

[05:22] What is vulvodynia? What causes it?

[08:57] How is vulvodynia treated?

[10:02] How does physiotherapy help with vulvodynia?

[13:13] The role of community in treating chronic pelvic pain

[15:18] What is Hale?

[19:20] Who can access Hale? Where is it

[22:08] FemTech in the EU

[28:10] Marketing censorship of women’s health companies in the EU

[28:36] Women’s Health trends and access to research funding in the EU vs US

[30:40] Advice for european entrepreneurs wanting to build in women’s health

Episode Contributors

Gaia Salizzoni

LinkedIn: @Gaia Salizzoni

Hale

Website: https://www.halecommunity.com/

LinkedIn: @Hale Community

Dr. Brittany Barreto

LinkedIn: @Brittany Barreto, Ph.D.

Twitter: @DrBrittB

Instagram: @drbrittanybarreto

FemTech Focus Podcast

Website: https://femtechfocus.org/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/femtechfocus

Twitter: @FemTech_Focus

Instagram: @femtechfocus

FemHealth Insights

Website: https://www.femhealthinsights.com/

LinkedIn: @FemHealth Insights