Dr. Jen Gunter- OB/Gyn and New York Times bestselling author of The Vagina Bible and The Menopause Manifesto - joins us to cut through the noise around midlife health.

From hormones and peptides to weight gain to desire and everything in between, we unpack what’s real, what’s hype, and what women actually need to know.

If you’ve been feeling confused (or quietly skeptical), this episode is your no-nonsense guide to midlife clarity.

Subscribe to Jen’s Substack, The Vajenda: https://vajenda.substack.com

 

We were too busy passing a cold back and forth to record, so this one’s arriving a little late. Sorry (not sorry).

This week: a shopping standoff when we both want the same thing (who gets dibs?), another instalment of Cynthia’s ongoing sauna saga, and your questions about meeting your heroes and screen time for kids.

 

It’s chaotic, it’s meandering, and it’s exactly where you want to be.

 

Hold Me Tight:====== 

HOLD ME TIGHT BOOK

Cynthia and Josie as they navigate personal stories, relationship dynamics, health journeys, and pop culture, offering insights and humour along the way.

 

key topics

• The impact of couples therapy on communication and understanding
• Parenting challenges and strategies for cooperation
• Health journeys and weight management insights
• Pop culture reflections and conspiracy theories
• Personal stories of growth, resilience, and humour

 

 

GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro are everywhere, there in doctors’ offices, group chats, and comment sections. For some, they’re life-changing. For others, they raise uncomfortable questions about body image, privilege, and the pressure to be thin at any cost.
But what doesn’t get talked about enough is what happens when you stop.
In this episode, Brianne Cail opens up about her decision to start Ozempic and Mounjaro for health reasons and followed when she had to come off them. From the financial strain to the physical and emotional impact, we unpack the realities people don’t always share out loud.
Because the truth about weight, money, and medical choice? It’s more complicated than a before-and-after photo.

Ozempic, Monjaro, weight loss, body image, food noise, health, personal journey, societal standards, emotional impact, medication

THE KIT ARTICLE

 

 

 Cynthia and Jose catch up on their lives, discussing everything from Cynthia's new bangs to the challenges of parenting and anxiety. They reflect on the pressures of caregiving, the inevitability of grief, and the cultural perceptions of aging and desirability. The conversation takes a turn towards conspiracy theories, particularly focusing on the Epstein files, and raises concerns about AI and personal safety. They also share humorous anecdotes about home renovations and personal life, including a funny story about sex toys. The episode concludes with a call for listener engagement and questions.

 

parenting, anxiety, grief, aging, attraction, conspiracy theories, Epstein, AI, home renovations, sex toys

 

LINKS:

Josie Shoots A Gun 

Epstein Files: Making Sense Of The Conspiracy Theories

Have you ever heard  of mindfulness in the bedroom?  If your body is having sex your mind should come to the party as well.   

Dr. Lori Brotto is a researcher, psychologist and also the author of Better Sex Through Mindfulness: How Women Can Cultivate Desire.  Dr Brotto discusses how mindfulness practices can enhance sexual desire and arousal.

Links: BETTER SEX THROUGH MINDFULNESS

Mindfulness recordings:RECORDINGS

In this conversation, Cynthia and Josie talk to Dr. Corinne Low and explore the challenges women face in balancing work, family, and personal fulfillment. Dr. Low shares her personal journey of burnout and the systemic issues that contribute to gender inequality in the workplace and home. They discuss the importance of redefining success, the economic implications of traditional family structures, and the need for women to invest in their careers while navigating modern relationships. The conversation emphasizes the necessity of agency and strategic decision-making in achieving personal and professional goals

Takeaways

• Cynthia shares her story of burnout and transformation.
• Dr. Low discusses the gendered experience of work and home.
• Women often do more housework and childcare, even as breadwinners.
• Marriage may not be beneficial for successful women.
• Women need to be strategic about their careers and workplace contributions.
• The traditional family structure has not evolved with women's roles.
• Economic insecurity is a significant concern for women leaning out.
• Investing in education and career is crucial for financial independence.
• Redefining success is essential for personal fulfillment.
• The conversation around men's roles in relationships needs to shift.

 

• "Your job is never gonna love you back."
• "We need a partner, not just a paycheck."
• "I want to lie down, not lean in."

 

In this episode, Cynthia and Jose explore the chaos of recent snowstorms, the turbulence of American politics, and how we can find hope amid uncertainty. Join us for a candid conversation about current events, societal divisions, and small acts of resistance.

 

Key Topics:

 

• The impact of the snowstorm in Toronto and the personal stories around commuting and hotel stays
• The political unrest in the United States, including police violence, protests, and media narratives
• How social media shapes perceptions of real-world events and their influence on public opinion
• The importance of psychological resilience and taking breaks from overwhelming news cycles
• The role of global issues like Iran, Gaza, and conflicts in the Congo in global consciousness and personal coping
• How economic actions, such as consumer boycotts, could potentially influence political change
• The significance of supporting Canadian businesses and mindful consumption
• Reflections on cultural icons like Prince and the power of music in social movements
• The importance of community gatherings and quiet revolutions in times of crisis

 

Timestamps:

 

00:00 - Introduction: coping with Toronto's #Snowmageddon and personal snow stories
02:34 - Hotel stays and human connections during winter storms
04:36 - Managing city chaos: snow and emotional resilience
09:02 - Political unrest: Police violence, media narratives, and public reactions
10:37 - The symbolism of George Floyd and ongoing racial tensions
13:30 - Global crises: Iran, Gaza, and the challenge of processing worldwide suffering
14:57 - The power of consumer activism and boycotts as protest tools
16:25 - Music and culture as catalysts for social movements
17:12 - Community vigils and hope for change in turbulent times
21:00 - Personal fears about immigration policies and staying safe
22:28 - The importance of unshakable stance when confronting political bullies
23:09 - How media platforms and public discourse influence political power
25:13 - Supporting Canadian businesses and mindful shopping strategies
26:29 - The idea of quiet revolutions and collective hope
26:52 - The upcoming discussion about "Heated Rivalry" and the importance of cultural narratives

 

Resources & Links:

 

• [Heated Rivalry - Show](https://www.netflix.com/title/801(episode-specific link))
• Prince - The Revolution
• The New York Times Podcast on US Police Violence
• Canadian Resiliency Network

The Daily Podcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-daily/id1200361736?i=1000746678634

Nurses Union statement:

https://nursesunions.ca/statement-on-the-killing-of-minnesota-nurse-alex-pretti/

Buy Canadian!!

https://buycanadiangroup.ca

Connect with Cynthia Loyst:

 

• LinkedIn
• Twitter

 

Connect with Jose:

 

• Twitter
• Personal Website

Stay informed, stay safe, and remember to take breaks from the chaos with moments of quiet reflection.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The episode delves into various aspects of sex and relationships, including discussions on intimacy, dating trends like "Shrekking," and personal anecdotes about maintaining a healthy sex life. 

We share candid stories about intimacy, dating, while also exploring new dating terms and trends.

 

Keywords

perimenopause, relationships, intimacy, social media trends, dating, sex life, Shrekking, modern love, personal stories, intimacy tips

In this podcast episode, Josie and Cynthia discuss the importance of 'shooting your shot' in various aspects of life, including personal relationships and career opportunities. They reflect on their own experiences with taking risks, the role of confidence, and the balance between luck and skill in achieving success. The conversation also touches on the significance of encouragement and belief from others, as well as the importance of aligning one's life with personal values. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to engage with the podcast.

 

Link To Values Article: Click Here

 

• Inconsistency in podcasting can be challenging but is part of life.
• Shooting your shot means taking risks in relationships and career.
• Confidence can lead to opportunities, but it can also be misplaced.
• Luck plays a significant role in success, often more than skill.
• Reese Witherspoon's career choices highlight the importance of believing in oneself.
• Encouragement from others can propel you forward in your career.
• Understanding your core values is essential for authentic living.
• You can't rely on others for your future; take charge of your path.
• Aligning your life with your values leads to greater satisfaction.
• Engaging with your audience can enhance the podcast experience.