AGECRAFT After Dark

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Dr. Aiesha Turman does so many things and she does them with JOY. She is the kind of teacher that students keep in touch with for the rest of their lives, which is a rare and special thing. We totally get the appeal, because we had the best time talking to her about Reiki, Afrofuturism, literature, her work on the incredible award-winning documentary Crip Camp, and the differences AND similarities between the hormonal transitions of her mother, her daughter, and herself. You'll also get to hear about Ellie graduating from her therapist, the time Julia sharted the bed, and how strangers need to mind their own business and not offer random opinions to people they know nothing about. So much good stuff, PLUS a discount code for listeners who want to try Reiki with Dr. Turman. (You want to try it. Trust us.)

Topics and timestamps
16:35 - What is Reiki and how can it help?
23:00 - How Dr. Turman hazed her mom during HER menopause
28:20 - The importance of intergenerational conversation about menopause
36:19 - What is Afrofuturism? Dr. Turman explains.
44:35 - Discussing with puberty with her mother and her daughter
52:44 - Dr. Turman's work on the documentary Crip Camp

Handles and sites
Dr. Turman's Website
For 15% off Reiki with Dr. Turman, enter code CIRCLING at checkout
Electric Relaxation Substack
Dr. Turman's Insta
Dr. Turman's facebook

List of Resources Mentioned
Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler
My Awesome Black Queer Mom by Aiesha Turman
Crip Camp
The Crip Camp Educational Curriculum
The Other 50% Podcast
For 10% off Erin's Faces in the month of August, enter CTD at checkout

Other Links
Erin's Faces Affiliate Link
Julia G Wellness
We were ranked in the "60 Best Menopause Podcasts"!

https://circlingthedrainpodcast.buzzsprout.com/
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Singlehood is not a broken state that requires fixing. This is the core message of our guest, Shani Silver, who deleted her dating apps in 2019 and has been infinitely happier ever since. Shani reminds us that dating apps are a for-profit industry that stand to benefit from keeping you single rather than helping you find love, and they often deplete your self worth and mental health. Author of the fantastic book A Single Revolution: Don't Look for a Match. Light One. and host of A Single Serving Podcast, Shani firmly believes that you can enjoy your life as a single human while still hoping for a partnership. But this episode is not just for the singles out there! Shani helps people in couples reframe how they view their single friends and family members, and as a result of reading her book, we have personally stopped asking questions like "How's dating life?" or "Can I please fix you up with someone?" Shani offers zero apologies for living her life exactly as she wants to, and we offer zero apologies for Ellie's graphic colonoscopy story and Julia's description of her nuclear meltdown. Love us as we are or don't love us at all, but do listen to the episode and share it with your people.

Topics and timestamps
15:05 - Shani tells us the wildest thing a doctor ever said to her
15:05 - Shani tells us the wildest thing a doctor ever said to her.
17:49 - Dating apps are a for-profit industry. Here's why you should delete them.
22:30 - How to maintain your self-worth and dignity in a society that shames singles.
28:44 - How to reframe your mindset about the hell-scape that is dating.
34:00 - Dispelling the notion that your life isn't real until you have a partner.
47:45 - A person can embrace their single-hood while hoping for a partner.

Handles and sites
Shani's website
Shani's show: A Single Serving Podcast
Buy Shani's book: A Single Revolution: Don't look for a match. Light one.
Shani's Insta
Shani's TikTok

List of Resources Mentioned
Tubal Ligation No Better Than IUD at Preventing Pregnancy
The Mob Should Run Planned Parenthood
Why Many Single Women Without Children Are So Happy
The Other 50% Podcast

Other Links
Erin's Faces Affiliate Link
Julia G Wellness
https://circlingthedrainpodcast.buzzsprout.com/

How to Help
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Have you ever heard of EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) also known as "Tapping"? Sarah Louise Lilley became an EFT Practitioner after her husband's stroke, and she is here to tell us more about that life-changing day, to explain EFT, and dispel any misconceptions you might have about it. If you're looking for a simple tool that can help reframe negative mindsets, help you calm yourself in a moment of distress, and help you cope with frustration over your newfound peri-menopausal symptoms, this episode is for you. We also touch on the unusual theatrical experience where Sarah and Ellie met, Sarah and Julia's love of horses, and a beloved British condiment that you may not have heard of, but which would make a great name for a stallion.

Topics and timestamps
11:36 - Sarah tells the story of the life-altering day when her husband had a stroke on Christmas
19:55 - What exactly IS EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) or "Tapping"?
25:00 - How EFT can help release mental blocks
31:51 - How to combat frustration using EFT
43:32 - EFT is not a "woowoo" trend and here's why

Handles and sites
Sarah's website
Sarah's Insta

List of Resources Mentioned
The Other 50% Podcast
EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique)
Dawson Church
Dr. Peta Stapleton
Forbes article on EFT

Other Links
Erin's Faces Affiliate Link
Julia G Wellness

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Jamie Phillips is a mensch. A seasoned nonprofit professional, she is grateful to have had the opportunity to provide services to uplift immigrants, refugees, isolated older adults, returning citizens, people who are unhoused, those experiencing mental health challenges, and those recovering from addiction. She was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer five months into the pandemic, and has since become passionate about amplifying the experiences of queer and gender expansive folks who experience breast/chest cancer and sudden menopause. We had such a good conversation with her, covering everything from the lack of ritual around the menopause transition, to the sometimes bizarre rituals when a child gets their first menstrual period, to what menopause care might look like by the time Gen Z is going through it, to the lack of a menopause section in the sex shop to - perhaps most importantly - the lack of inclusivity in menopause conversations, care, and even marketing. We also cover an unfortunate event involving a zipper and Ellie's belly, and we learn about how both hosts' moms responded when they got their first periods. Good times.

Topics and timestamps
8:48 - New FDA-approved drug for the treatment of hot flashes
13:44 - Going through sudden menopause as a result of estrogen-psitive cancer treatment
24:40 - What steps should be taken to include queer and gender-expansive folx in menopause care?
31:38 - Menopause in the workplace
38:22 - Finding cancer support as a member of the queer community

List of Resources Mentioned
FDA Approves Veozah
Veozah brand website
What Fresh Hell is This? by Heather Corinna

Other Links
Erin's Faces Affiliate Link
Julia G Wellness

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When we met Dr. Stacia Alexander at a menopause symposium, we were instantly drawn to her energy, magnetism, and hot-pink-suit-wearing confidence. A seasoned psychotherapist, she has worked with professional women helping them understand that the journey to success does not make them immune to emotional and cognitive changes. Her most recent work focuses on the importance of accessing mental health care early, and she has even written a book that we wish we had read almost 30 (!!!) years ago: 10 + Things I Wish I Knew About Mental Health in College. We loved talking to Dr. Alexander about her use of testosterone as part of her menopause hormone therapy, her decision to become "sugar sober", and when it's time to press the Emergency Stop Button and take stock of your life. Get ready for lots of inspirational phrases that won't make you roll your eyes, but WILL make you want to get up and go dancing. What's the opposite of an energy vampire? Dr. Stacia Alexander, that's what.

Topics and timestamps
12:08 - Responsible use of testosterone as part of a hormone therapy regimen
20:06 - The benefits of becoming "sugar sober"
30:20 - The Emotionality of Success
33:25 - Pushing the "emergency stop button" and assessing what your really want for your life
40:13 - Tips for access to mental health care
46:25 - The importance of goal-setting

Handles and sites
Dr. Alexander's website
Dr. Alexander's Insta
Dr. Alexander's facebook
Dr. Alexander's book 10+ Things I Wish I Knew About Mental Health in College

List of Resources Mentioned
Why Annual Pap Smears Are History – But Routine Ob-Gyn Visits Are Not
First testosterone patch for menopausal women to begin clinical trials this year

Your To Do List of FUN
Leave us a review!

Other Links
Erin's Faces Affiliate Link
Julia G Wellness
https://circlingthedrainpodcast.buzzsprout.com/

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It's our 50th episode and we are celebrating in style! Lizz Winstead is a name that we have had on our "dream guest" list since we first brainstormed this podcast, and wonder of wonders, our dream came true. Co-creator of The Daily Show and co-founder of Air America Radio, Lizz is a legendary comedian and writer who is a badass in every sense of the word. She is currently devoting her energy to activism, having founded Abortion Access Front, co-hosting their podcast Feminist Buzzkills, and spearheading Operation Save Abortion, an ongoing campaign beginning with a daylong virtual training session for thousands of new abortion rights activists nationwide. Lizz energized us, lit a fire under our asses, laughed with us about Ron DeSantis's weird white boots, and told us a great story about Ted Cruz and dildos. As if that weren't enough, we got to hear from some of YOU who left us lovely voicemails in honor of our 50th. Have a listen and see if your voice is featured, and if you want to get us a present, share this episode with your friends. You'll be doing our podcast AND women's rights a huge service.

Topics and Timestamps
16:04 How abortion care affects medical providers in hostile communuties
21:05 All about how YOU can help via "Operation Save Abortion"
26:43 Why abortion care is healthcare and how its opposition relates to false morality
32:16 A story about Ted Cruz and vibrators
40:44 Combatting racism in reproductive access care
44:30 Lizz's advice for aging women in comedy and entertainment

Handles and Sites and Resources
Abortion Access Front
Operation Save Abortion
Feminist Buzzkills Podcast
Lizz's Insta
Abortion Access Front Insta

It's Our 50th Episode!
Leave us a review!
Share this link with all your people: https://circlingthedrainpodcast.buzzsprout.com/

Other Links
Erin's Faces Affiliate Link
Julia G Wellness

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Our loyal listeners know that Ellie has been fretting about her low libido ever since the first episode of this show. She continues to search for answers because she knows she's not alone, and that many of YOU are also grappling with this issue for various reasons. Well... we finally got you a SEX therapist! This episode features Dr. Elisabeth Gordon, an Integrative Sexual Health Psychiatrist​ and Sex Therapist who talks to us about the different kinds of desire, how to tackle low libido that is a side effect of prescription medication, strategies for getting out of our busy brains so we can get busy with our bodies, and so much more. Want to learn about clitoral pumps? Sensate focus? What kind of lube is the safest for your delicate V? This is the episode for you.

Topics and timestamps
10:58 - The difference between spontaneous desire and responsive desire
17:47 - Strategies for overcoming low libido that is a side effect of medication
29:43 - What is a clitoral pump?
35:02 - What you can do to get out of your head and into your body
43:07 - How to communicate with a partner about symptoms that affect sex
51:00 - Everything you need to know about lube

Handles and sites
Dr. Gordon's Website
Dr. Gordon's Insta
Dr. Gordon's Twitter

List of Resources Mentioned
Is Cannabis Good or Bad for Sleep?
EROS Device - The FDA-approved clitoral pump
Dr. Gordon's Instagram post about lube - check the comments, too!
NAMS (North American Menopause Society)
ISSWSH (International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health)
SSTAR (Society for Sex Therapists and Researchers)
AASECT (American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists)

Other Links
Erin's Faces Affiliate Link
Julia G Wellness

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When we saw Dr. Vonda Wright's medical specialty - orthopedic sports medicine surgeon specializing in shoulder, hip and knee arthroscopy for athletes and active people of all ages - we knew that she would have a lot to contribute to our ongoing conversation about the effects of perimenopause on all of our different body parts. However, we had no idea that we would be having a chat with one of the most upbeat, inspiring women we have ever had the pleasure of interviewing, and that we would gain new perspectives and attitudes about what it means to age well. It's no surprise that Dr. Vonda is therefore a public speaker in high demand, as well as the author of 5 books with titles like Guide to THRIVE: 4 Steps to Body, Brains and Bliss and Fitness After 40: How to Stay Strong at Any Age. She is a powerhouse of energy with great tips on optimizing many important aspects of your life, and she isn't afraid to use curse words! Listen and learn why aging is NOT an inevitable decline from vitality to frailty, and let us know if you identify with Ellie's definition of "keeping track fatigue" and "incompetence fatigue" or Julia's rapidly darkening moustache. Or all of the above!

Topics and Timestamps
15:15 Dr. Vonda addresses how hormonal shifts can affect things like a torn ACL
22:13 Dr. Vonda defines "aging well"
25:00 Dr. Vonda discusses making a strategic plan for your health
36:48 Dr. Vonda explains the concept of "precision medicine"

Websites and Social Media Handles
Dr. Vonda Wright's website
Dr. Vonda's Books
Dr. Vonda's Insta
Dr. Vonda's Facebook
NovaMD supplements by Dr. Vonda

Other Resources Mentioned
Let's Talk Menopause's Menoposium
Say She She - Julia's music recco
Nicolle Galyon - boy crazy video - Dr. Vonda's song recco

Our Favorite Links
Erin's Faces Affiliate Link
Julia G Wellness

What You Can Do
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Sometimes we bring you medical experts or health and wellness specialists, and other times we interview women with fascinating backgrounds and unique experiences in hopes that you might relate, feel seen, and if something funny comes up, laugh. This is one of those episodes. Sabina Vajrača is a Bosnian-American director/writer/producer who immigrated to the U.S. as a war refugee, and her dear friend Flora Natalia Diaz is a Jewish-Uruguayan actor, and one of those moms whose pregnancy was so ridiculously referred to as "geriatric". We talk about the trauma that comes from being affected by war, the life-changing mental health benefits of therapy, meditation, and mindfulness, and how you can have a midlife crisis even if you've followed your dreams. You will be touched by friendship, inspired by resilience, and possibly ruined for life when you hear a hemorrhoid story for the ages. Seriously... we thought we'd heard it all until this one. We hope this episode makes your balls sing. (You'll learn what that means when you listen!)

Handles and sites
Sabina's website
Instagram for her new film Sevap/Mitzvah
Facebook for Sevap/Mitzvah

Flora's website
Flora's Insta
Flora's facebook

Show Notes
Perimenopause by Baroness von Sketch Show
The Lipstick Butthole Test
Back to Bosnia - Full Movie by Sabina Vajrača
The "Flotilla" inflatable pregnancy/sex pillow that Flora mentioned
Perifit Trainer - Kegel Exerciser with app
Natural Cycles Birth Control Tracking App

Other Links
Erin's Faces Affiliate Link
Julia G Wellness
https://circlingthedrainpodcast.buzzsprout.com/

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You've heard of CBD, but what about CBG? CBN? PHA? Katelynn Nguyen, founder of Willow Kay, is here to teach us about all of it. Willow Kay is a green and clean wellness and skincare company offering a variety of formulations to help improve sleep, care for problematic skin, and induce calm. Not only are Katelynn's products devoid of chemicals and endocrine disruptors, her packaging is entirely eco-conscious, having created the world’s first backyard compostable cosmetic jar that can break down into organic matter at any stage during its existence whether it’s on land or water. Katelynn started this business in part to help her niece Willow, who suffered from chronic atopic dermatitis as an infant and had sensitivities to traditional medications. If that sounds like the sweetest thing you've ever heard, you will love listening to Katelynn talk about her genuine passion for making good, earth-friendly products, even when it's hard. We also talk about other things, like Ellie's increased sense of smell, Hyaluronic Acid for your vagina, and yeast infection zombies. We always find a way to keep it weird.

Handles and sites
Willow Kay website
Willow Kay Insta
Willow Kay facebook
Willow Kay's Compassion Program - Discounted products for active and retired military, people living with chronic illness, persons with long-term disabilities, and low income qualifying individuals

Show Notes
Enter code CTD25 at checkout for a discount on all Willow Kay products!
Willow Kay Rescue Balm
Willow Kay 5:1 CBD+CBN+CBG Broad Spectrum Drops
Willow Kay CBG+CBD Balancing Serum
Tell Me About Vaginal Hyaluronic Acid by Dr. Jen Gunter
Study on CBG and MRSA
Boox reusable packaging

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Other Links
Erin's Faces Affiliate Link
Julia G Wellness
https://circlingthedrainpodcast.buzzsprout.com/

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