Pleasure in the Pause: Midlife Conversations About Menopause, Sex & Pleasure

Have you ever wondered why something as universal as menopause, a transition that every woman will experience, remains such a silent topic? Why do millions of women face this life stage feeling isolated, underprepared, and unheard? Our guest today, filmmaker and menopause advocate Denise Pines, is spearheading a movement to shred the silence of menopause with her new documentary! This week, episode 25 of Pleasure in the Pause is about shredding the silence on menopause! 

In this episode of Pleasure in the Pause, Denise Pines shares the importance of openly sharing menopause stories and actionable steps you can take right now to support the release of the documentary. 

Highlights from our discussion include:

• The inspiration behind The M Factor and why now is the perfect time to put menopause in the spotlight.
• Disparities faced by black and brown women in menopause.
• How employers can better support women in menopause.
• The work that still needs to be done in healthcare and allowing women the opportunity and confidence to speak about their menopause experiences.

To learn more about the film and find a screening near you, visit https://themfactorfilm.com/.

Are you ready to awaken your sensuality and feel more empowered in your body? Access the FREE Pleasure Upgrade Bundle at https://www.pleasureinthepause.com/gift.

If you're seeking to reclaim your pleasure and vitality, join Gabriella at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.pleasureinthepause.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for this enlightening journey into the heart of female pleasure and empowerment.

Denise Pines is co-founder of Women in the Room Productions, where she is committed to diversity in front of and behind the screen. Pines is a media pioneer, award-winning marketer, serial entrepreneur, and community health advocate. Pines is the immediate past president of the Medical Board of California and sits on the board of the Federation of State Medical Boards and the Osteopathic Medical Board of California.

CONNECT WITH DENISE PINES:

LinkedIn

IMDb

The [M] Factor

CONNECT WITH GABRIELLA ESPINOSA:

Instagram

LinkedIn

Work with Gabriella! 

Full episodes on YouTube.

The information shared on Pleasure in the Pause is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health or treatment. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or Pleasure in the Pause.

Have you ever stopped and wondered who you really are? Not the roles you play, the titles you carry or the expectations others have placed on you, but the true, unfiltered version of yourself beneath it all? And when was the last time you really listened to that voice inside who knows who you are without all the noise. If that question feels uncomfortable or maybe you're not sure how to answer it, then today's episode is for you. We're talking about what it means to truly wake up to yourself, your desires and your potential. This week, episode 24 of Pleasure in the Pause is about waking up your true self! 

In this episode of Pleasure in the Pause, Marcella Hill shares the importance of listening to your body and mind through self-reflection and actionable steps you can take right now to wake up and realize your true self. 

Highlights from our discussion include:

• Marcella’s journey of waking up and gaining a deeper understanding of her true self.
• How hormone therapy helped Marcella’s body match her soul's passion and desire.
• How shame can be deeply ingrained in us and not stand out until we start doing inner work.
• The importance of loving oneself and accepting oneself as a whole being.

Are you ready to awaken your sensuality and feel more empowered in your body? Access the FREE Pleasure Upgrade Bundle at https://www.pleasureinthepause.com/gift.

If you're seeking to reclaim your pleasure and vitality, join Gabriella at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.pleasureinthepause.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for this enlightening journey into the heart of female pleasure and empowerment.

Marcella Hill is an author, business owner, and enthusiast for women waking up to a new way of being. She has been invigorating women's souls for 5 years. Her voice is known to awaken something deep inside her listeners. Waking women up to know themselves, listen to themselves, and dare to live a life that has never been lived. As a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program, she contributes her passion and knowledge toward the Wake Her Up movement.

CONNECT WITH MARCELLA HILL:

Instagram

TikTok

Wake Her Up website

Wake Her Up Facebook group

CONNECT WITH GABRIELLA ESPINOSA:

Instagram

LinkedIn

Work with Gabriella!

Full episodes on YouTube.

The information shared on Pleasure in the Pause is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health or treatment. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or Pleasure in the Pause.

Are you starting to feel the buzz and energy behind that back to school and work feeling? September arrives, your mind starts getting ahead of you and before you know it, the summertime pleasures and connection to your body and those sexy, intimate moments shared with your partner feel like a snapshot in time. But instead of back to school, what asbout back to pleasure? How can you make room for and still be with the joy, pleasure and aliveness that summer invites us to turn towards? This week, episode 23 of Pleasure in the Pause is about keeping your summer pleasure alive and my Back To Pleasure Challenge! 

Have you been noticing your pleasure starting to slip down the priority list? Join me for my FREE Back to Pleasure Challenge Monday Sept 9th through Thurs Spet 12th. It is your birthright to feel pleasure, confidence and sexual fulfilment - during this FREE 4-day challenge I’ll show you how, and give you the simple, practical tools to get actual tangible results. This isn’t about adding more to your plate. It’s about making pleasure a priority. To register visit  https://pleasureinthepause.com/challenge

In this episode of Pleasure in the Pause, I am sharing the importance of reconnecting with your body and actionable steps you can take right now to calm your nervous system and hang on to your summer pleasure all year long. 

Highlights from our discussion include:

• How we can forget to prioritize our pleasure as the urgency of fall and back to school and work comes along.
• The concept of orienting, a mind-body practice that helps reconnect with the body and calm the nervous system.
• The benefits of activating the parasympathetic nervous system.
• A Back To Pleasure Challenge to give you simple, practical tools to reprioritize your pleasure.

Are you ready to awaken your sensuality and feel more empowered in your body? Access the FREE Pleasure Upgrade Bundle at https://www.pleasureinthepause.com/gift.

If you're seeking to reclaim your pleasure and vitality, join Gabriella at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.pleasureinthepause.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for this enlightening journey into the heart of female pleasure and empowerment.

CONNECT WITH GABRIELLA ESPINOSA:

Instagram

LinkedIn

Work with Gabriella! 

Full episodes on YouTube.

The information shared on Pleasure in the Pause is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health or treatment. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or Pleasure in the Pause.

Ignorance is not bliss when it comes to your sexual anatomy. There is so little we've been taught about our sexual anatomy, and when we begin to experience the changes of perimenopause or menopause, we are forced to confront our internalized shame, silence and ignorance about this amazing part of our bodies. In this episode, I'm going to talk to you about how getting to know our vulvas can empower us both in the bedroom and in the doctor's office. We'll explore the beauty of this part of our body through the lens of Eastern traditional wisdom and provide practical tips on how to care for your vulva, especially during menopause. This week, episode 22 of Pleasure in the Pause is about embracing your sexual wellness! 

In this episode of Pleasure in the Pause, I’m sharing the importance of understanding your anatomy for better communication with your doctor and partner and actionable steps you can take right now to strengthen and care for your vulva and pelvic floor. 

Highlights from our discussion include:

• The importance of knowing your anatomy and what “normal” looks like for you.
• How the use of vaginal moisturizers can help maintain the health and comfort of the vulvar and vaginal tissues.
• The benefits of strengthening your pelvic floor muscles.
• Encouraging open communication with your partner about how the changes you are experiencing during perimenopause and menopause.

If you’re looking to establish a shame-free way to connect with and nurture your vulva garden, click here or visit https://www.pleasureinthepause.com/bodylove to download my free vulva love meditation!

Are you ready to awaken your sensuality and feel more empowered in your body? Access the FREE Pleasure Upgrade Bundle at https://www.pleasureinthepause.com/gift.

If you're seeking to reclaim your pleasure and vitality, join Gabriella at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.pleasureinthepause.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for this enlightening journey into the heart of female pleasure and empowerment.

CONNECT WITH GABRIELLA ESPINOSA:

Instagram

LinkedIn

Work with Gabriella! 

Full episodes on YouTube.

The information shared on Pleasure in the Pause is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health or treatment. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or Pleasure in the Pause.

Do you find it difficult to talk to your doctor about your sexual health? Where do you even begin finding the right doctor who will listen? And how can you empower yourself with the knowledge to understand your own sexual anatomy so you can advocate for yourself in the doctor's office and in the bedroom? Dr. Rachel Rubin is on a mission to change the landscape of sexual medicine and sexual education for medical practitioners and patients alike. Get comfortable and ready for a real education. This week, episode 21 of Pleasure in the Pause is about changing the landscape of sexual medicine and education! 

In this episode of Pleasure in the Pause, Dr. Rachel Rubin shares the importance of knowing your anatomy and what normal looks like for you and actionable steps you can take right now to better advocate for yourself at the doctor’s office. 

Highlights from our discussion include:

• The importance of understanding patients' unique experiences and connecting with them on a personal level.
• The benefits of vaginal estrogen and why the FDA black box warning is misleading. 
• Why we need open discussion about the physical changes that happen at puberty and menopause.
• Encouraging women to advocate for themselves and seek out specialized care for sexual health issues.

For more resources regarding women’s sexual health and to find a specialized provider, check out the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH) website.

Are you ready to awaken your sensuality and feel more empowered in your body? Access the FREE Pleasure Upgrade Bundle at https://www.pleasureinthepause.com/gift.

If you're seeking to reclaim your pleasure and vitality, join Gabriella at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.pleasureinthepause.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for this enlightening journey into the heart of female pleasure and empowerment.

Dr. Rachel S. Rubin is a board-certified urologist and sexual medicine specialist.  She is one of only a handful of physicians with fellowship training in sexual medicine for all genders. Dr. Rubin is a clinician, researcher, and passionate educator. In addition to being the former education chair and current Director-at-Large for the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH), she serves as associate editor for the journal Sexual Medicine Reviews. 

CONNECT WITH DR. RACHEL RUBIN:

LinkedIn

Instagram

X (formerly Twitter)

Website

CONNECT WITH GABRIELLA ESPINOSA:

Instagram

LinkedIn

Work with Gabriella! 

Full episodes on YouTube.

The information shared on Pleasure in the Pause is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health or treatment. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or Pleasure in the Pause.

Do you know what season of your menopause journey you're currently in? I know it can feel like an eternal hot summer on some days, and like a cold winter where you want to turn inward and hibernate on others. My guest today, Kate Codrington, has a beautiful way of mapping out your journey according to each season of the year with nourishing self care practices, reflections and journaling prompts so you can craft your own experience according to your unique needs.  This week, episode 20 of Pleasure in the Pause is about your second spring and embracing the seasons of menopause! 

In this episode of Pleasure in the Pause, Kate Codrington shares the importance of understanding menstrual cycles for leadership, creativity, and power and actionable steps you can take right now to navigate the seasons of perimenopause, menopause, and beyond. 

Highlights from our discussion include:

• Menopause and perimenopause as a feminist issue.
• The importance of inner reflection during perimenopause and menopause to address underlying emotional issues.
• The "second spring" of post-menopause, characterized by freedom from caring about others' opinions and a renewed sense of self-care and reinvention.
• Embracing the "not knowing" phase of growth.

Kate’s new book, The Perimenopause Journal comes out September 10th! You can pre-order now through Amazon or your local independent bookseller!

Are you ready to awaken your sensuality and feel more empowered in your body? Access the FREE Pleasure Upgrade Bundle at https://www.pleasureinthepause.com/gift.

If you're seeking to reclaim your pleasure and vitality, join Gabriella at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.pleasureinthepause.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for this enlightening journey into the heart of female pleasure and empowerment.

Kate Codrington is a mentor, speaker, facilitator, artist, writer and has been a therapist for 30 years. A pioneering spirit, Kate was the first to graduate as a Menstruality Medicine Circle facilitator, is the host of Life - An Inside Job podcast, created the multi-level art textile project The Pants of Empowerment and Threads of Friendship, and creates seasonal Yoga Nidra inspired by the land where she lives in Hertfordshire. With Leora Leboff she co-founded Woman Kind facilitating retreats for menstruating and menopausal folk to build more kindness into their lives. When she’s not doing these things you’ll find her playing in her compost heaps.

CONNECT WITH KATE CODRINGTON:

Instagram

Life: An Inside Job podcast

Website

CONNECT WITH GABRIELLA ESPINOSA:

Instagram

LinkedIn

Work with Gabriella! 

Full episodes on YouTube.

The information shared on Pleasure in the Pause is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health or treatment. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or Pleasure in the Pause.

I believe that inside every human being is a need to feel closer and connected with both ourselves and the ones we love. But often there are physical, emotional, and cultural obstacles that get in the way of these meaningful connections. Today, Dr. Sadaf is going to help us explore the beautiful topic of intimacy and how we can meet ourselves and our partners in that space of fulfilling heart-to-heart connection. This week, episode 19 of Pleasure in the Pause is about prioritizing pleasure and cultivating intimate connections! 

In this episode of Pleasure in the Pause, Dr. Sadaf shares the importance of addressing psychological and emotional factors in the context of our sexuality and actionable steps you can take right now to reconnect with your partner without the pressure of sex. 

Highlights from our discussion include:

• Using a combination of physical and psychological treatments to improve the sexual experience.
• Growing up in a sex-negative environment and overcoming shame.
• Creating dedicated time for communicating with your partner and improving sexual satisfaction.
• How the practice of Sensate Focus can increase intimacy and pleasure without the performance anxiety.

To check out Dr. Sadaf’s podcast “The Muslim Sex Podcast”, head over to her website!

Dr Sadaf is a board-certified gynecologist, sexual medicine and menopausal health expert with over 20 years experience. She is also an intimacy coach and supports women to explore their beliefs about their sexuality, empowering them to create the sexual intimacy they want in their relationship.

Are you ready to awaken your sensuality and feel more empowered in your body? Access the FREE Pleasure Upgrade Bundle at https://www.pleasureinthepause.com/gift.

If you're seeking to reclaim your pleasure and vitality, join Gabriella at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.pleasureinthepause.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for this enlightening journey into the heart of female pleasure and empowerment.

Dr. Sadaf is a board-certified OBGYN, life coach, and sexual counselor in New York, with over 20 years of experience in helping women and adolescent girls with their physical and emotional health issues. She is more than just an expert on female anatomy–she has an understanding of the mind’s impact on the body and how it affects a woman’s well-being and sense of self.

CONNECT WITH DR. SADAF:

Instagram

YouTube

The Muslim Sex Podcast

Website

CONNECT WITH GABRIELLA ESPINOSA:

Instagram

LinkedIn

Work with Gabriella! 

Full episodes on YouTube.

The information shared on Pleasure in the Pause is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health or treatment. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or Pleasure in the Pause.

Have you ever been to a doctor who has written up a prescription for pleasure to help you heal whatever is ailing you? Today’s guest, Dr. Dee Hartmann, has developed a revolutionary set of pleasure prescriptions to help you heal sexual pain. As a pioneer in the field of physical therapy and pelvic health, Dee has co-authored the book 'The Pleasure Prescription: A Surprising Approach to Healing Sexual Pain’ to help women find a path from pain to pleasure. This week, episode 18 of Pleasure in the Pause is about integrating sensual practices into pelvic floor rehabilitation! 

In this episode of Pleasure in the Pause, Dee Hartmann shares the importance of women knowing their vulva anatomy and actionable steps you can take right now to explore your own pleasure to help manage and prevent sexual pain during menopause. 

Highlights from our discussion include:

• Dee’s journey into pelvic floor physical therapy and its importance.
• The physiological causes of chronic vulvar pain.
• Using sensory awareness and mindfulness to address sexual pain and dysfunction.
• The importance of communication in sexual relationships.

To learn more about “The Pleasure Prescription: A Surprising Approach to Healing Sexual Pain” and order your copy, you can head to The Pleasure Movement website!

Are you ready to awaken your sensuality and feel more empowered in your body? Access the FREE Pleasure Upgrade Bundle at https://www.pleasureinthepause.com/gift.

If you're seeking to reclaim your pleasure and vitality, join Gabriella at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.pleasureinthepause.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for this enlightening journey into the heart of female pleasure and empowerment.

Dee Hartmann is an internationally recognized author, teacher and speaker in the field of physical therapy, pelvic health and chronic vulvar pain. She has over 30 years experience helping patients decrease pelvic pain, restore health and reclaim their pleasure. She earned a degree in physical therapy from Northwestern Medical School of Physical Therapy followed by a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from St Ambrose University. She co-authored with Elizabeth Wood,The Pleasure Prescription: A Surprising Approach to Healing Sexual Pain“ written to help women find a path from pain to pleasure. She co-founded the Center for Genital Health and Education, where she continues to develop research on sexual function. Learn more about Dee’s work in the field of sexual health and education at www.VulvaLove and www.PleasureMovement.com.

CONNECT WITH DEE HARTMANN:
LinkedIn
The Pleasure Movement
Website

CONNECT WITH GABRIELLA ESPINOSA:
Instagram
LinkedIn
Work with Gabriella!

Full episodes on YouTube.

The information shared on Pleasure in the Pause is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health or treatment. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or Pleasure in the Pause.

Are you ready to rewrite the narrative of aging and make menopause your superpower?

My special guest this week is Rebekah Brown, visionary founder of the co-creation community Liminal, a brand dedicated to helping women "meno-well" through innovative products and education.

Rebekah shares her personal journey from being crippled by anxiety during perimenopause to creating a multi-award winning brand and thriving menopause community. Learn how she turned her struggles with weight gain, hormonal acne, and mental fog into a mission to help women everywhere navigate this transition with curiosity and empowerment.

In this episode, we explore how to transform menopause from a challenging transition to a powerful opportunity for growth and self-discovery.

You'll learn:→ How to harness your menopause symptoms as catalysts for positive change→ The importance of listening to women's stories to create menopause solutions

→ The crucial role of gut health in menopause→ Innovative, natural approaches to managing common menopause symptoms

→ The power of community and how to best create one→ Tips for creating a personalized menopause wellness toolkit

This episode is a must listen to if you are a budding entrepreneur, a practitioner supporting menopausal women or anyone wanting some new tools to add to their menopausal toolkit. 

About my Guest: Rebekah Brown is founder of the vibrant midlife community and menopause supplement range, Liminal. Launched in 2020 as a response to her own journey into menopause, Liminal's ambition is to make midlife a superpower for women everywhere - through its product range, which is developed with medical doctors, naturopaths and herbalists, its community of women who trial every recipe to measure impact, and its team of experts that ensure a whole body and mind approach to 'Part 2'.

🔗 Learn more about Liminal: ⁠https://liveliminal.com/

Get Your Free Pleasure Upgrade Bundle!♥️ https://www.pleasureinthepause.com/gift(7-Day Journal + Breathing Meditation + Pleasure Checklist)

More helpful resources:• All Episodes: https://www.pleasureinthepause.com/• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabriellaespinosa/• About Gabriella: https://www.gabriellaespinosa.com/

📚 Video Chapters:00:00 - Introduction and guest introduction02:43 - Rebekah's personal menopause journey and the birth of Liminal11:09 - The power of women's stories in shaping menopause solutions15:50 - Building a supportive menopause community20:29 - Liminal's innovative products for different menopause stages27:07 - The importance of addressing both physical and emotional symptoms29:40 - Deep dive into Liminal's "Gut Instinct" product37:17 - Changing generational narratives around menopause41:50 - Rebekah's personal toolkit for menopause wellness47:14 - Tips for creating your own "meno-well" protocol50:32 - Liminal's plans for international expansion51:43 - Rebekah's perspective on pleasure in midlife52:47 - Closing remarks and how to connect with Liminal

About the Host: Gabriella Espinosa is a midlife and sexual wellness coach dedicated to inspiring women to feel more connected to their bodies. Through her podcast "Pleasure in the Pause," she explores topics like perimenopause, menopause, and sexual health, empowering women to embrace their bodies and live life to the fullest.

___

Ready to say YES to your pleasure?

Click the link below to receive my FREE gift to you.

• Get your free Pleasure Upgrade bundle of mind-body practices at:

Full episodes on YouTube.

The information shared on Pleasure in the Pause is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health or treatment. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or Pleasure in the Pause.

Are you neglecting a simple practice that could save your life? Learn how to perform a quick and easy breast self-exam that empowers you to detect potential issues early. This video guide is a must-watch for all women, especially those under 45.

• Understand why breast self-exams matter
• Master the step-by-step technique
• Learn how to "know your normal"
• Discover tips to make it a habit
• Recognize when to seek medical attention

Join breast cancer survivor Gina Lamanna as she shares her powerful story and teaches you this potentially life-saving skill. Don't wait - your health is in your hands!

🔗 Learn more about the Fondle Project: https://thefondleproject.org

___

Ready to say YES to your pleasure?

Click the link below to receive my FREE gift to you.

• Get your free Pleasure Upgrade bundle of mind-body practices at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠pleasureinthepause.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Connect with Gabriella on Instagram @gabriellaespinosa for more insights on midlife sexuality: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/gabriellaespinosa/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

If you're seeking to reclaim your pleasure and vitality, join Gabriella at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.pleasureinthepause.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for this enlightening journey into the heart of female pleasure and empowerment.

Full episodes on YouTube.

The information shared on Pleasure in the Pause is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health or treatment. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or Pleasure in the Pause.