In this episode of Women Mastering Midlife, host Victoria Byrd welcomes back certified sexuality educator and intimacy coach Shauna Stewart for a powerful conversation about redefining sex, pleasure, and intimacy in midlife.

Together, they explore why “vanilla” intimacy doesn’t have to mean boring, how novelty and intentionality fuel desire, and why safety and communication are the foundation of great sex. Shauna also shares how women can shift from repression to full self-expression, the role of responsive desire, and why slowing down and savoring life is essential for both pleasure and wellness.

Key takeaways from this episode:

• Why women’s desire often shifts after the first year in a relationship—and how to reignite it

• How consent conversations create deeper safety, connection, and freedom in the bedroom

• The truth about “vanilla sex” and how to bring curiosity and play back into intimacy

• Understanding spontaneous vs. responsive desire—and how to work with both

• Why rest and pleasure outside the bedroom are the foundation for sexual satisfaction

• Stories from Shauna’s transformational retreat in Tuscany and how learning to receive changes everything
  

Whether you’re feeling stuck in routine, navigating midlife changes, or simply wanting to deepen intimacy, this episode will leave you inspired to explore pleasure as your birthright.

Resources & Links Mentioned:

• Connect with Shauna Stewart: https://lingerboutique.com/pages/sexuality-education-intimacy-coaching 

  https://www.instagram.com/linger.u

  Shauna’s podcast: Life Turned On

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This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only. The hosts, guests, and experts featured are not your personal healthcare providers or advisors. The content should not be considered as professional, personalized medical, psychological, or prescriptive advice.  

Always consult qualified professionals such as your physician, therapist, pharmacist, or coach for specific concerns and decisions related to your health or lifestyle. *Women Mastering Midlife* is not responsible for any undesired outcomes resulting from actions taken based on the content of this podcast.