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

We know how to be mothers, nurturing and giving endlessly, but have we forgotten how to be lovers? For years, we've been celebrated for our selfless motherhood, yet midlife presents a powerful invitation to shift the narrative. 

Reclaim your sensuality and step into a powerful new chapter. The Midlife Pleasure Collective is a monthly membership designed to help midlife women reconnect with their bodies, embrace their desires, and cultivate deeper pleasure.

What if, instead of continuing to give unconditionally, we start asking: How do I want to receive? Who am I now as a multifaceted woman—a mother, a lover, a sensual being with desires and dreams that extend far beyond maternal roles?

This week, episode 55 of Pleasure in the Pause is about reclaiming your sensuality in midlife. 

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.

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.

In this milestone 54th episode of Pleasure in the Pause, I’m unveiling five revolutionary pleasure principles designed to empower women navigating perimenopause and menopause. Breaking through societal taboos, this intimate exploration offers midlife women a roadmap to reclaiming their sexual wellness, body confidence, and personal joy during an often misunderstood life stage.

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.

Whether you're experiencing hormonal changes or seeking to reconnect with your sensuality, this episode provides practical, compassionate insights into embracing pleasure as an essential component of midlife vitality.

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.

What if you had a partner in your health journey, someone who didn't just tell you what to do, but helped you figure out what actually works for you? And what if, instead of feeling overwhelmed by midlife changes, weight gain, brain fog, anxiety, and fatigue, you had someone in your corner helping you cut through the noise, stay motivated and create a personalized plan to thrive? Today's guest is going to walk us through exactly how health coaching can do just that, how it empowers you to take ownership of your health, build sustainable habits and create a vision for the strongest, most vibrant version of yourself. This week, episode 53 of Pleasure in the Pause is about How a Health Coach Can Transform Your Wellness Journey! 

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.

Jill Foos is a health and wellness coach with a focus on integrative nutrition and holistic lifestyle practices. After experiencing health challenges due to a thyroidectomy and MTHFR genetic SNP, she used an animal-based diet and integrative approaches to improve her health. She now helps clients achieve their health goals through her coaching business, Jill Foos Wellness.

Highlights from our discussion include:

• What a health coach really does and why it could be the missing link for your wellness.
• geHlpow coachin hs you move from confusion to clarity.
• QWhat a midlife wellness vision is and why it’s a powerful tool for long-term growth.
• The mindset shift from chasing weight loss to building health span.
• How to start taking back your energy, confidence and power one intentional step at a time.

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.

CONNECT WITH JILL FOOS:

Website

Instagram

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 Struggling to Get a Good Night's Sleep in Midlife? Sleep is a critical component of health, yet many women in midlife find themselves battling insomnia, disrupted sleep patterns, and nighttime anxiety. Many midlife women, especially busy mothers, find sleep elusive. They often feel wired and tired, running on adrenaline. 

Perimenopause can exacerbate these issues, causing fatigue, disrupted sleep, mood swings, and disconnection. Sleep affects every aspect of life, including energy, memory, mood, relationships, and even pleasure and intimacy.

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.

Morgan Adams is a double-certified holistic sleep coach. She helps women reclaim their rest and health by guiding them to better, more abundant sleep, which she believes is the foundation of whole-body health.

Highlights from our discussion include:

• The surprising connection between morning sunlight exposure and better sleep quality
• Why melatonin supplements can be beneficial for midlife women when used correctly
• How stress and anxiety directly impact your ability to fall and stay asleep
• The critical role of REM and deep sleep in emotional regulation and physical recovery
• Practical wind-down routines that signal your body it's time to rest
• Why traditional sleep medications may not be the long-term solution for sleep challenges
• The importance of maintaining a consistent sleep-wake cycle, even on weekends

Don't let another restless night rob you of your energy and well-being. Start implementing these expert-backed sleep strategies today, and transform your nights from exhausting to extraordinary. Your body, mind, and spirit will thank you.

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.

CONNECT WITH MORGAN ADAMS:

Instagram

Website 

Free guide to navigate 3 AM wake-ups

Link to product page for (Herbatonin and My Circadian App)

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.

Use code PLEASURE offers an exclusive discount for 15% off Joylux vFit

Why is it that men's sexual health products, from Viagra to testosterone supplements, are openly advertised and celebrated while women's intimate health solutions are censored, shamed or simply ignored? Why in 2025 is the word vagina still considered taboo today? We're diving into a conversation that challenges these outdated norms and puts women's pleasure, healing and power at the center where they belong. This week, episode 51 of Pleasure in the Pause is a Candid Conversation About Vaginal Wellness and Menopause

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.

Named one of Inc. Magazines Top 100 Female Founders of 2020, Colette Courtion is a distinguished and award-winning consumer marketer, inventor (21 issued patents), and femtech leader who is revolutionizing the 600 billion dollar menopause market with Joylux—the leader in at-home medical devices, personal care products, and digital tools for menopausal women experiencing vaginal and sexual health issues. With over 20 years of cross-functional expertise leading consumer product, retail, and medical device companies, she is known as a category creator in the emerging health and wellness space.

Highlights from our discussion include:

• Discover the revolutionary V-Fit device that's transforming women's intimate health
• Understand the impact of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM)
• Learn about the censorship challenges in femtech and women's health marketing
• Explore how red light technology can improve vaginal health and sexual wellness
• Hear Halle Berry's personal journey with intimate health solutions

Breakthrough Insights:

• 50-75% of women experience intimate health challenges
• Sexual health is critical to overall well-being
• Menopause can be a time of sexual empowerment, not limitation
• Technology and education are key to breaking down health stigmas

Don't suffer in silence. Prioritize your intimate health, have open conversations with healthcare providers, and explore innovative solutions that can transform your quality of life. Your pleasure, comfort, and wellness matter at every age.

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 COLETTE COURTION:

Joylux

LinkedIn

Instagram

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 transform your understanding of pleasure and midlife? Join me as we celebrate a milestone 50th episode of Pleasure in the Pause, reflecting on the most powerful conversations that have reshaped how women understand their bodies, sexuality, and personal power during perimenopause and menopause.

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.

Highlights from our discussion include:

• Discover the truth about female pleasure from Sheri Winston's groundbreaking insights into the female erectile network
• Learn how medical professionals like Dr. Rachel Rubin are revolutionizing women's sexual health education
• Understand the critical role of testosterone in women's wellness with Dr. Susan Hardwick-Smith
• Explore the concept of "weathering" and its impact on women's health with Denise Pines
• Gain insights into vulva health and body awareness from Dr. Maria Uloko

Pleasure is more than a moment. It's a journey of self-discovery, connection, and empowerment. Take the first step today by embracing your body, exploring your desires, and advocating for your sexual and overall wellness. Your pleasure matters, and your story is just beginning.

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 GUESTS:

Sheri Winston Instagram

Intimate Arts Center

Dr. Rachel Rubin Instagram

Dr. Rachel Rubin Website

Denise Pines LinkedIn

The [M] Factor

Dr. Susan Hardwick-Smith Instagram

Complete Midlife Wellness

Dr. Maria Uloko Website

Dr. Maria Uloko Instagram

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 felt like you were living a life that looked perfect on the outside, but inside, something felt deeply off? Maybe you've spent years over giving, overachieving, prioritizing everyone else, and suddenly you find yourself asking, Who am I now beyond the roles I've played, what do I actually want outside of what's expected of me? Is it too late to rediscover my desires, my pleasure, my purpose? If any of this resonates, then this episode is for you.

This week, episode 49 of Pleasure in the Pause is about rediscovering your authentic self and reclaiming your desires! 

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.

Vanessa Cornell is a teacher, thought leader, and masterful space holder who guides women to reconnect with their inner selves. After a successful career at Harvard and Wall Street, and raising five children, she experienced a disconnect and began a journey of self-discovery. Vanessa now creates spaces for women to explore their authentic selves, founding Nushu, a women's community focused on connection. She leads transformational groups, courses, and retreats that encourage listening inward and honoring personal truth.

Highlights from our discussion include:

• Midlife is an awakening, not a crisis. It's an opportunity to rediscover yourself, move beyond external expectations, and reconnect with your true desires and joy.
• Ask yourself three key questions regularly: How do I feel? What do I need? What do I want? This helps you understand your inner landscape without judgment.
• Hold space for yourself and other. Allow thoughts and feelings to exist without immediately trying to fix or dismiss them.
• Discover your gifts through experimentation. Don't wait to have a perfect plan.
• Authentic friendships and connections matter. Create spaces where you can be fully yourself, without masks or expectations. 

Midlife is an invitation to shed the layers of expectation, to listen to that quiet inner voice, and to give yourself permission to want more - more joy, more depth, more pleasure, and most importantly, more of who you truly are. Your desires matter, your pleasure matters, and your journey of self-discovery is not just valid, it's essential.

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 VANESSA CORNELL:

Website

Instagram

Free Gift

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.

So often when we talk about breast cancer, the conversation often revolves around survival, diagnosis, treatment and remission, but what's rarely discussed is how it profoundly impacts a woman's sense of self. Beyond the physical toll, there's the emotional and psychological journey, one that reshapes identity, body image, intimacy and even pleasure. 

For many young women, cancer treatment also comes with an unexpected and abrupt transition into medically induced menopause, a conversation that's often overlooked in the US. Around 7% of breast cancer cases occur in women under 40, and studies show that up to 31% of young women undergoing chemotherapy experience sudden menopause. 

Unlike natural menopause, this transition can be jarring, bringing hormonal shifts, changes in libido and a new relationship with the body that can feel unfamiliar or even isolating. But survivorship isn't just about overcoming the disease, it's about reclaiming who you are in the aftermath, and my guest today embodies that reclamation so beautifully.

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.

Teyonna was diagnosed with breast cancer twice before the age of 40. After struggling with extreme symptoms from medically induced menopause, she created a platform called Pausitive Outlook to share her survivorship journey, the importance of early detection and resources that support the menopause transition.

Highlights from our discussion include:

• Teyonna's experience with two breast cancer diagnoses before age 40 and the challenges of navigating medically induced menopause
• The emotional and psychological impact of cancer treatment and the grieving process of losing her pre-cancer self
• Teyonna's journey to reconnect with her body and rediscover pleasure through practices like breath work, yoga, and Gabriella's Pleasure Upgrade coaching program
• Teyonna's advocacy work with Positive Outlook and The Second Bloom, empowering other survivors to prioritize self-care and reclaim their well-being

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 TEYONNA BOWMAN:

Pausitive Outlook

The Second Bloom

Instagram

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.

What if I told you that your sex span the period of your life where you experience vibrant, fulfilling intimacy doesn't have to shrink with age? The pleasure isn't just a memory to reflect on, but something you can actively cultivate at every stage of life. 

Think about it. We carefully plan for retirement– securing finances, investing in our future and prioritizing our health span. But what about our pleasure? What if we reimagine aging not as a time of decline but as an opportunity to expand and enrich our intimate lives? If we're living longer, shouldn't our sex span grow with it? More importantly, how do we ensure it lasts just as long? This week, episode 47 of Pleasure in the Pause is about {Main Topic}! 

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.

Jackie Giannelli is a board-certified family nurse practitioner specializing in women's health with extensive expertise in menopause, women's sexual health and urogynecology. Jackie is a Menopause Society-certified practitioner, and an active member of the International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health. 

Highlights from our discussion include:

• Sex span is an important aspect of overall health and longevity, just like lifespan and health span.
• Gen X women are experiencing a sexual renaissance, feeling more confident and less inhibited about their sexuality.
• Hormone therapy, lifestyle changes, and pelvic floor health are crucial for maintaining sexual vitality.
• Building a personal board of wellness advisors, including experts in hormonal health and sexual medicine, can help women navigate the midlife transition.
• Investing in sexual pleasure and prioritizing it as a form of self-care is an important step towards living a fulfilling, vibrant life.

Remember, your pleasure matters. Take the time to explore and experiment with different tools and strategies to enhance your sexual wellness. Embrace the pleasure in the pause, and don't be afraid to seek support from qualified professionals. Your sex span is worth investing in.

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.

CONNECT WITH JACKI GIANNELLI:

Instagram

LinkedIn

Work with Jackin in NYC

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.

What happens when a woman long accustomed to suppressing her desires finds herself drawn to a fantasy that threatens to unravel everything she thought she knew about herself? “Baby Girl,” the film starring Nicole Kidman, has ignited powerful conversations about female desire, agency and the rarely spoken truths of midlife sexuality. 

As our bodies, identities and relationships shift, so too does our relationship to desire often in ways we never expected. I'm so excited to dive into these themes with today's guest, someone whose work is all about helping women reclaim their pleasure and step into their full erotic power. This week, episode 46 of Pleasure in the Pause explores the complexities of female desire! 

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.

Lauren Elise Rogers is a Certified Holistic Sexuality Educator and Certified Embodied Intimacy & Relationship Coach who has built a reputation for her warm, approachable style and deep commitment to helping individuals create fulfilling relationships and vibrant sexual lives. She is the founder of Sex Ed For You, which provides clear, compassionate, and comprehensive guidance on intimacy, relationships, and sexual health.

Highlights from our discussion include:

• Lauren's personal journey into the world of sexuality education and coaching and her mission to help women reclaim their pleasure
• How “Baby Girl” challenges societal narratives around midlife women's sexuality and the importance of normalizing female desire
• The role of fantasies in sexual empowerment and strategies for exploring them safely and ethically within relationships
• The impact of purity culture and shame on women's relationship with their sexuality and steps to reclaim sexual autonomy
• The exploration of kink, power dynamics, and the crucial importance of consent and communication

The path to sexual fulfillment and empowerment is a lifelong one, and it is never too late to embark on that journey. So let us continue to uplift, support, and inspire one another, shedding light on the diverse experiences of midlife women and the infinite possibilities that lie within.

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 LAUREN ELISE ROGERS:

Instagram

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.