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

 What if menopause wasn't something to fear but a rite of passage as powerful and transformative and sacred as puberty or childbirth?  Society often tells us that menopause is something to dread, framing it as the slow fading of our vitality, the beginning of decline, or a problem we need to fix.  But what if menopause isn't the end of anything but the beginning of a new chapter, a time of profound wisdom, self-reclamation, and untapped power? This week, episode 45 of Pleasure in the Pause is about reclaiming 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.

Dr. Aviva Romm, often referred to as the face of natural medicine in the 21st century, Dr. Rom is a midwife, herbalist, Yale-trained MD, and an unwavering advocate for holistic and integrative health. With over three decades of experience, she's been at the forefront of a movement to reclaim menopause as a natural, powerful transition, a rite of passage that deserves not fear But reverence. In today's conversation, we'll explore how menopause isn't just about hormones.

Highlights from our discussion include:

• Rewriting the story of menopause as a transformative and empowering life stage, rather than something to fear.
• Dr. Aviva Romm's journey from a young college student to becoming a midwife, herbalist, and Yale-trained MD focused on holistic women's health.
• The importance of a holistic approach to health that considers the interconnectedness of physical, emotional, and environmental factors, beyond just treating symptoms.
• The concept of "hormonal intelligence" and how modern life disrupts the body's natural hormonal blueprint, along with practical advice for supporting hormonal health.
• Embracing menopause as an opportunity for growth and empowerment, rather than a decline, and the importance of self-care, community, and pleasure during this life stage.

By tuning into our innate hormonal intelligence and honoring the wisdom of our bodies, we can reframe this transition as a rite of passage - a chance to shed what no longer serves us and step boldly into the most authentic, unapologetic version of ourselves.

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.

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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.

How often have you started the new year with big fitness goals only to feel you've already lost momentum by February? If this sounds familiar, you're not alone or stuck. What is the key to staying on track? It isn't about pushing harder but instead shifting your mindset and creating habits that truly work for you.

 This week, episode 44 of Pleasure in the Pause is about sustainable midlife habits for strength, confidence and longevity! 

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.

As a Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, Kelley Workman is your partner in this holistic approach to improving each area in your life that contributes to overall health and happiness. She’s empowered to help you change your life and teach you how to nourish yourself in many ways.

Highlights from our discussion include:

• Setting meaningful intentions rather than rigid goals for fitness. Intentions allow for more flexibility and adjustments based on life circumstances.
• Prioritizing fitness by scheduling it in your calendar and treating it as an important appointment, even if it's just 15-30 minutes a few times a week.
• Building a support system by surrounding yourself with people who have similar fitness goals and interests, providing accountability and motivation.
• Incorporating strength training 3-4 times per week as it offers unique benefits for midlife women, including improved body composition, bone health, and confidence.
• Aiming for at least 30 grams of high-quality protein per meal to support muscle building and maintenance, and considering supplementing with creatine.

As we navigate the journey of fitness and wellness in midlife, the key is to approach it with self-compassion, flexibility, and a focus on progress over perfection. By setting meaningful intentions, prioritizing consistent action, and building a supportive community, we can create sustainable habits that honor our bodies and empower us to feel strong, confident, and vibrant - not just in the new year, but throughout all the seasons of our lives.

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.

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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 the secret to better sleep isn't just about shutting your eyes, but about unlocking something deeper, a sense of inner safety that allows your mind, body, and soul to truly rest?  And what if your struggles with sleep could be the very gateway to greater joy, resilience, and self-discovery? 

Before we dive in, let me ask you this. When was the last time you gave yourself permission to rest? Deeply without guilt, without trying to be productive, without doing anything. If the answer feels out of reach, this episode is for you. This week, episode 43 of Pleasure in the Pause is about the surprising secrets of rest and sleep! 

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.

Dr Nerina Ramlakhan is a physiologist and sleep therapist. Nerina obtained her B.Sc. and Ph.D. from King's College London. She is the author of Tired But Wired: How to Overcome Your Sleep Problems: The Essential Toolkit. She is also Silentnight's "sleep expert"

Highlights from our discussion include:

• Inner safety is the foundation for deep, restorative sleep. Cultivating a sense of safety within yourself is crucial for allowing the body and mind to truly rest.
• Embracing rest and pleasure, without guilt, is an act of self-care and resilience. Making rest a sensory, enjoyable experience can help overcome the societal pressure to always be productive.
• Understanding your unique sleep patterns and needs, and communicating them compassionately to your partner, is key for harmonious relationships.
• Journaling dreams and using them for self-reflection and personal growth can provide valuable insights and healing.
• Implementing simple, non-negotiable daily practices like proper nutrition, hydration, and sleep hygiene can have a profound impact on restoring energy and joy.

Your sleep is a sacred gift - treat it with the reverence and pleasure it deserves. By honoring your unique needs for rest and restoration, you unlock the gateway to greater self-awareness, resilience and joy in all areas of your life.

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.

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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 wondered why so much of the conversation about hormones focuses on estrogen and progesterone while testosterone often gets overlooked? Or you've heard testosterone labeled as a male hormone and wondered, does this even matter for me as a woman? Today, we're pulling back the curtain on testosterone, a hormone that's often misunderstood yet plays a vital role in women's health and well-being. This week, episode 42 of Pleasure in the Pause shares the truth about testosterone for women in midlife! 

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.

Dr. Susan Hardwick-Smith is a Board Certified  Gynecologist and Certified Menopause Practitioner and has been in practice in Houston since 1999. After over 20 years of general Ob/Gyn practice she retired as the Founder and President of Complete Women’s Care Center, which she opened as a solo practitioner in 2002 and grew to be the largest all-female OB/GYN group in the country by 2019. In 2020 Dr. Susan decided to start her “second act” as the Founder of Complete Midlife Wellness Center, a concierge practice focused on helping women find their full aliveness in midlife and celebrate the amazing opportunities that menopause brings.

Highlights from our discussion include:

• Exploring how testosterone functions as a hormone in women and why it's not just a "male" hormone.
• Discovering the positive impacts of testosterone on libido, bone health, muscle conservation, and cognitive well-being.
• Unpacking the cultural and financial barriers that have led to the lack of FDA-approved testosterone options for women, and learn how to navigate the stigma.
• Understanding the various ways testosterone can be safely administered, and the importance of individualized dosing and monitoring.
• Learning how to find a knowledgeable practitioner and advocate for yourself in the decision-making process.
• Exploring the emotional, psychological, and relational factors that contribute to a fulfilling sex life, beyond just hormone therapy.

Reclaiming your power and pleasure in midlife and beyond starts with understanding the vital role of testosterone in your overall health and well-being. By educating yourself and seeking the right support, you can make informed choices that empower you to live your best life. Remember, your pleasure and wellness matter, and you deserve access to the treatments and resources that can help you thrive.

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.

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LINKS MENTIONED:

The Pause Life

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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.

Be honest, are you faking it in the bedroom? If you are, you are not alone. Studies show that up to 70% of women have faked an orgasm at least once. But here's the real question: why do we fake it, and at what cost? From the societal pressures to perform to the orgasm gap to myths about what sex should look like, the reasons are complex, and in midlife, as our bodies' hormones and desires change, it can feel even more challenging to prioritize our pleasure. This week, episode 41 of Pleasure in the Pause is about reclaiming your sexual 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.

Dr. Laurie Mintz is an author, therapist, speaker and emeritus professor whose life’s work has been committed to helping people live more authentic, meaningful, joyful—and sexually satisfying—lives. She is the author of two popular press books—both written to empower women sexually and both with published studies demonstrating that readers enhance their sexual functioning: Becoming Cliterate and A Tired Woman’s Guide to Passionate Sex.

Highlights from our discussion include:

• Understanding the biological, psychological and social factors impacting midlife sexuality
• Learning how to cultivate self-love and overcome negative body image to feel sexually empowered
• Exploring techniques for enhancing clitoral stimulation and achieving more satisfying orgasms
• Communicating your needs to your partner and negotiate new scripts for mutually pleasurable sex
• Incorporating mindfulness and self-pleasure practices to prioritize your own desire and satisfaction

Your sexual pleasure is your birthright, not a luxury.Start small, be patient and kind with yourself, and remember - you deserve to experience magnificent sex at every age. Your pleasure matters.

CONNECT WITH DR. LAURIE MINTZ:

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LINKS MENTIONED:

Ep 21 | Redefining Sexual Medicine and Education for Midlife Women with Dr. Rachel Rubin

Ep 15 | Nurturing Your Vulva Garden: A Path to Renewed Pleasure in Midlife with Dr. Maria Uloko

Ep 6 | Bridging the Bedroom Gap with Dr Maria Sophocles

North American Menopause Society (NAMS)

International Society of the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH)

She Comes First by Ian Kerner (Amazon)

Ep 9 | Better Sex through Mindfulness with Dr Lori Brotto

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 this year wasn't about fixing yourself but about finding yourself? What if midlife could be the most vibrant, fulfilling chapter of your life, a happy new year? Midlife can be the most vibrant, fulfilling chapter of your life - if you approach it with the right mindset. This week, episode 40 of Pleasure in the Pause is about midlife reinvention tools for 2025! 

Want to Make 2025 Your Most Vibrant Year Yet?

I've recorded a powerful North Star Visualization to guide you step-by-step through finding your true direction. In this short guided visualization, you’ll uncover your North Star—a guiding vision that aligns your actions with your values, passions, and dreams.

🎁 Get instant access now 👇
https://www.pleasureinthepause.com/north

I invite you to shed the pressure of New Year's resolutions and instead explore a gentler, more intentional path forward. Through the transformative practices of visioning, intention-setting, and finding your North Star, you'll learn how to cultivate a life filled with meaning, joy and fulfillment in this exciting new chapter. 

Highlights from our discussion include:

• Midlife is not a time of decline, but an awakening to your wisdom, experience and innate gifts
• Visioning is a creative process that rewires your brain for success and transformation
• Intentions are gentle yet powerful tools that align your actions with your values and desires
• Your North Star is the deeper purpose that guides you, found by reconnecting to what lights you up

Midlife is not the end of your story - it's the start of an exciting new chapter. Embrace this threshold with clarity, confidence and a renewed sense of purpose. 

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:

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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.

Did you know the greatest gift you can give yourself this holiday season isn't under the tree? It's reconnecting with your body and the pleasure already within you. We spend so much of this season focused outward, buying gifts, hosting family, and checking off endless to-do lists. But how often do we pause to give ourselves the gift of presence, the gift of self-connection, the gift of coming home to our bodies? That's precisely what we're exploring today in episode 39 of Pleasure in the Pause! 

Ready to Deepen Your Self-Connection Practice?

I've created something special just for you - a free guided touch practice tutorial that walks you through all four types of touch we explored today. Access your Free Guided Touch Practice.

Highlights from the episode include:

• The greatest gift we can give ourselves during the holiday season is not material, but rather a reconnection with our bodies and the pleasure found within.
• We often get caught up in the outward focus of the holiday season and forget to tune into our bodies and their needs.
• Interoception, the practice of listening to our body's signals, is key for self-connection and understanding our needs.
• Touch is a powerful tool for self-connection, stress reduction, and cultivating a sense of safety and belonging.
• A guided touch practice can deepen self-connection and cultivate pleasure.
• Prioritizing self-connection and pleasure is crucial not just during the holidays, but throughout the year.

Remember, the greatest gift you can give yourself this season is the gift of self-connection. Tune into your body, honor its needs, and rediscover the pleasure that resides within. Wishing you a season filled with warmth, joy, and deep connection. 

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:

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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 noticed how the holiday season seems to amplify everything? Joy feels brighter, but so do feelings of grief and loss. As we approach the week before Christmas and Hanukkah, this time of year stirs up bittersweet memories and a longing for a loved one or what used to be. What if I told you it's possible to hold space for both? To honor what's tender while still inviting light and love into this special time of year.

This week, episode 38 of Pleasure in the Pause is about navigating grief during the holidays! 

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.

As a Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, Kelley Workman is your partner in this holistic approach to improving each area in your life that contributes to overall health and happiness. She’s empowered to help you change your life and teach you how to nourish yourself in many ways.

Highlights from our discussion include:

• Embracing the full range of emotions during grief, giving yourself permission to feel and express them.
• Creating new traditions or finding ways to honor your loved one during the holidays.
• Reaching out for support through grief groups, friends/family, or a grief facilitator.
• Focusing on self-care through mindful movement, nature, and nourishment.
• Cultivating gratitude and resilience by remembering positive memories.

As you navigate the holiday season while grieving, be gentle with yourself. Remember that there is no right or wrong way to grieve. Trust that with time and compassion, you can find moments of light and peace, even amidst the sorrow. Your resilience is a testament to the love you carry for your loved one.

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 KELLEY WORKMAN:

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CONNECT WITH GABRIELLA ESPINOSA:

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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 life after menopause wasn't something to fear or dread but instead a vibrant, empowering chapter where you can genuinely thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally? What if your healthiest, most fulfilling, and even most pleasurable years were still ahead? Today's guest is here to help us reframe the narrative around post-menopause and unlock the potential of this next phase. This week, episode 37 of Pleasure in the Pause is about unlocking the power of postmenopausal health and wellness! 

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.

Nicki Williams is a qualified nutritionist, speaker, and author of the acclaimed "It's Not You, It's Your Hormones" and “Life After Menopause.” As the founder of Happy Hormones For Life, she has been helping women since 2014 to balance their hormones, reclaim their health, and feel better than ever. With a passion for empowering women to thrive, Nicki brings her extensive knowledge and experience to guide you through life after menopause with confidence and vitality.

Highlights from our discussion include:

• Why stress management is crucial for hormone balance and overall health during the menopausal transition and beyond.
• Understanding the "feisty four" hormones as key to optimizing your well-being in midlife and beyond.
• How adopting an 80/20 approach to diet and lifestyle allows for balance, pleasure, and sustainability.
• Prioritizing rest, relaxation, and connection to nature as powerful tools for healthy aging.
• Embracing this next chapter of life with intention and focusing on whole-body wellness.

The years beyond menopause hold immense potential for growth, fulfillment, and vibrant health. By embracing the wisdom and resilience you've cultivated, you can embark on this next chapter of your life with a renewed sense of purpose and joy. Remember, the best is yet to come - embrace this transformative time with open arms and a heart full of possibility.

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.

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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 completely absorbed in an activity where everything flows effortlessly and time seems to disappear? That's what psychologists call flow state, a sense of being fully present and alive in the moment. Now imagine tapping into that same state to transform your intimacy and connection with your partner. 

In today's episode with Dr. Emily Jamea, we uncover the fascinating science of flow state and how it holds the key to unlocking more profound passion and pleasure in your relationships. This week, episode 36 of Pleasure in the Pause is about the science of flow state in intimate relationships! 

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.

Dr. Emily Jamea is a seasoned sex and relationship therapist and USA Today best-selling author of Anatomy of Desire: Five Secrets to Create Connection and Cultivate Passion. She speaks nationally and internationally to a diverse range of audiences including educators, health and mental health professionals, executive and corporate groups, and the general public. Her expertise has been featured in Oprah Magazine, CNN, USA Today, NBC, and more. She offers online workshops as part of her mission to make her knowledge accessible to everyone. She hosts the popular Love & Libido Podcast and is an award-winning columnist for Healthy Women and Psychology Today.

Highlights from our discussion include:

• Embodiment is the foundation for accessing flow state and deeper intimacy - being aware as the body, not just of the body.
• Cultivating sensuality through mindfulness and presence in daily life can prime the pathway for more satisfying sex.
• Maintaining curiosity about one's partner and the challenge-skills balance are key for sustaining passion in long-term relationships.
• Creating emotional safety and vulnerability are essential for fostering deep intimacy and connection.
• Understanding and communicating personal sexual values is important for aligning with a partner.
• Exploring desires with an open, non-judgmental mindset can help uncover new sources of pleasure.

Your pleasure and intimacy deserve to be a priority. By embracing the insights and practices shared in this conversation with Dr. Emily Jamia, you have the power to unlock deeper connection, passion, and transcendent experiences with yourself and your partner.

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 DR. EMILY JAMEA:

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Love & Libido Podcast

Anatomy of Desire Book

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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.