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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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 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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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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 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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 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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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.

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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

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 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.

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