We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Alanna Trzcinski a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alanna, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

My journey into advocacy began out of necessity. For years, I struggled with painful periods, recurring UTIs, and kidney stones. Over time, chronic pain and fatigue took such a toll that I could barely function in daily life. Things finally came to a head when a trip to the ER for a kidney stone led to the discovery of a mass on my ovary. I was referred to an OBGYN who, fortunately, recognized the condition: endometriosis. A diagnostic laparoscopic ablation was performed, providing some temporary relief, but my battle was far from over.

I was then put on a GnRH drug, intended to reduce endometriosis symptoms by lowering hormone production. Knowing what I know now, that treatment ended up causing more harm than good. Another ablation surgery and more hormones followed, but my pain kept escalating. Despite these challenges, I was blessed to have two children, though pregnancy and postpartum were no easy feats. After my second child, my condition deteriorated to the point where I was nearly bedridden, iron deficient, and felt completely hopeless.

Throughout this ordeal, I was vocal about my struggles with endometriosis and tried to share what little information I had. But I soon realized that much of what I knew was incomplete or even misleading. A turning point came when a friend introduced me to “Nancy’s Nook,” a self-guided resource for those navigating endometriosis and related conditions—I had a realization. I had been unknowingly leading people astray with outdated information. As I dove deeper into the available knowledge, I recognized the urgent need not just for better care, but for better and more accurate information.

Endometriosis affects at least 1 in 10 cisgender women, though the diagnostic delay of 8-10 years suggests the true prevalence might be closer to 1 in 7. My passion for advocating for women’s health and endometriosis care is fueled by the widespread misinformation leading to unnecessary, life-altering surgeries like hysterectomies—surgeries often wrongly promoted as a cure (spoiler alert: they aren’t).

This condition is frequently misdiagnosed or overlooked entirely, with patients enduring symptoms in areas like the bowels, bladder, pelvis, back, diaphragm, infertility and more. Despite this, the outdated practice of ablation surgery is often the only treatment offered, which leads to recurring pain and little long-term relief for many. Proper treatment should involve removing the disease at its root through excision by a skilled endometriosis specialist, but accessing this care is a significant challenge.

The emotional, mental, and physical toll this disease takes is enormous, with many patients struggling to be heard, validated, and given appropriate care. Recognizing the barriers faced by those dealing with chronic fatigue and pain, I wanted to create a space where people could find answers, ask experts directly, and access information easily.

That’s how “Endo Battery” was born—because living with endometriosis drains us, and it’s time we recharge by connecting with the right resources and support.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My journey with endometriosis and chronic pain inspired me to create a space for advocacy. With a background in communications that I hadn’t fully utilized, I realized I could channel my skills into something meaningful. Even though I wasn’t originally into podcasts, I knew they were a powerful way to reach others seeking support and information.

I started with a co-host, but we quickly learned that podcasting demands time, commitment, and passion, often without financial gain. It’s not easy, but the drive comes from something deeper—knowing that listeners feel validated, heard, and empowered by what we share.

There are moments when I question whether I should keep going. But then, I’ll receive a message from someone telling me how much my content has helped them, and it reignites my passion. Seeing this podcast evolve from a simple idea to a trusted resource makes me proud. It’s become a place where people find the help and community they need, and that’s what pushes me forward.

Being part of the endometriosis community has given me, and so many others, a true sense of connection. I love that this space has become a haven where people feel safe and seen.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One lesson I had to unlearn is that doubt has no place in productivity. The truth is, doubt is a natural part of being human. For a long time, I believed that doubt was a barrier, something to be pushed aside or ignored. But I’ve come to understand that doubt, when embraced, can be a powerful tool.

Rather than seeing doubt as a hindrance, I began to use it to fuel more creative thinking. It’s like having an internal critic that challenges you to think deeper, push harder, and consider alternatives you might not have explored otherwise. When I shifted my perspective, I realized that doubt doesn’t have to hold me back—it can propel me forward.

One of the most significant ways this lesson played out was in my podcast journey. I often doubted whether I should reach out to certain guests—people I deeply admired and who seemed way out of my league. That doubt almost kept me from even trying. But I learned that if you don’t ask, the answer will always be “no.” By pushing past that doubt and asking, I opened doors I never imagined possible.

So, I had to unlearn the idea that doubt equals fear. Instead, I’ve learned that doubt can be a powerful motivator if you harness it and turn it into action. In the end, it’s about using doubt to challenge yourself and break through barriers, rather than letting it stop you in your tracks.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Building my reputation in the market started with a genuine desire to make a difference. When I first entered podcasting and endometriosis advocacy, it wasn’t about making money—it was about helping others who are struggling. I quickly realized that while I could share my lived experiences, I wasn’t the expert. So, I focused on bringing in experts with solid, evidence-based knowledge to ensure that people received accurate and reliable information. This approach resonated with listeners, who appreciated the blend of personal stories and expert insights.

I also made it a point to continually learn and grow in this space. Attending The Endometriosis Summit, for example, allowed me to meet incredible people and providers, forming deep connections that enriched both my understanding and my content. At the heart of my reputation is my commitment to serving and helping others. That’s what really defines my standing within the community—my heart for service and a genuine desire to make a positive impact.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.endobattery.com
• Instagram: @endobattery
• Facebook: Endo Battery Podcast
• Youtube: Endo Battery
• Other: Listening platform:
  https://endobattery.buzzsprout.com

Image Credits

Chelsea Taylor