Taboo to Truth: Life & Sex After 50

Some people say kink is just about pain. Others think it’s only for people with trauma. Some have never given it a second thought—and then there are those who know exactly what their kink is… or at least think they do. But what if kink is about more than any of that?

In this episode, I sit down with Sir Leezus, a sensual sadist and erotic power exchange expert, to talk about what really draws people into kink. Is it healing? Is it about control? Is it even sex at all? For some, kink happens without a single touch below the belt—but the emotional intimacy? That can run deeper than any bedroom encounter.

We explore why so many people—especially in midlife—start to unlock new layers of desire after years of silence or shame. And how things like spanking, submission, and even humiliation can become powerful tools for rediscovering connection, pleasure, and self-trust.

If you’ve ever felt like something’s missing, or like your desires don’t fit the standard mold… this conversation might make more sense than you expect. Let’s get into it.

In This Episode:

(00:00) - Introduction

(00:40) - Sir Leezus: His roles as sex educator, kink advisor, and "sensual sadist dominant."

(01:13) - What is a sensual sadist dominant?

(02:20) - BDSM vocab 101: Bondage, Dominance, Submission & Sadomasochism

(04:00) - Can kink be healing from past trauma?

(07:20) - Does BDSM always involve sex?

(09:06) - Pain and pleasure: Understanding masochism

(11:42) - How midlife women discover kink (and what opens them up)

(15:25) - Safety, vetting, and how to trust a partner in kink

(19:16) - Definitions: Dom vs. Top, Sub vs. Bottom, Switches

(21:46) - What’s a Stag and Vixen dynamic?

(22:54) - Hotwifing vs. Cuckolding

(24:50) - Penis humiliation? Understanding the mental side of masochism

(25:58) Relationship between certain kinks and past trauma

(26:06) - Reclaiming trauma through consensual non-consent

(27:35) - Sir Leezus defines sex in his own words

(28:18) - Where to find and work with Sir Leezus



Karen Bigman, a Sexual Health Alliance Certified Sex Educator, Life, and Menopause Coach, tackles the often-taboo subject of sexuality with a straightforward and candid approach. We explore the intricacies of sex during perimenopause, post-menopause, and andropause, offering insights and support for all those experiencing these transformative phases.

This podcast is not intended to give medical advice. Karen Bigman is not a medical professional. For any medical questions or issues, please visit your licensed medical provider.

Looking for some fresh perspective on sex in midlife? You can find me here:

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.taboototruth.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taboototruth

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@taboototruthpodcast

About the Guest:

Sir Leezus is a performance artist, sensual sadist, and BDSM educator with years of experience in erotic power exchange and kink dynamics. He offers private sessions, coaching, and education to individuals and couples who want to explore new layers of intimacy, pleasure, and consent. Known for his approachable yet deeply knowledgeable style, he’s on a mission to break down shame and open up new paths to pleasure.

Connect with Sir Leezus:

Website: https://sirleezus.com/

Instagram: @sirr.leezus

Available for sessions, performances, and kink consultations.

Karen Bigman, a Sexual Health Alliance Certified Sex Educator, Life, and Menopause Coach, tackles the often-taboo subject of sexuality with a straightforward and candid approach. We explore the intricacies of sex during perimenopause, post-menopause, and andropause, offering insights and support for all those experiencing these transformative phases.

This podcast is not intended to give medical advice. Karen Bigman is not a medical professional. For any medical questions or issues, please visit your licensed medical provider.

Looking for some fresh perspective on sex in midlife? You can find me here:

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.taboototruth.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taboototruth

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@taboototruthpodcast

Take control of your pleasure with my Pleasure Playbook, filled with tips to help you connect with your body and enhance intimacy. Download it now at www.taboototruth.com/pleasureplaybook.

Take control of your pleasure with my Pleasure Playbook, filled with tips to help you connect with your body and enhance intimacy. Download it now at www.taboototruth.com/pleasureplaybook

Some people say kink is just about pain. Others think it’s only for people with trauma. Some have never given it a second thought—and then there are those who know exactly what their kink is… or at least think they do. But what if kink is about more than any of that?

In this episode, I sit down with Sir Leezus, a sensual sadist and erotic power exchange expert, to talk about what really draws people into kink. Is it healing? Is it about control? Is it even sex at all? For some, kink happens without a single touch below the belt—but the emotional intimacy? That can run deeper than any bedroom encounter.

We explore why so many people—especially in midlife—start to unlock new layers of desire after years of silence or shame. And how things like spanking, submission, and even humiliation can become powerful tools for rediscovering connection, pleasure, and self-trust.

If you’ve ever felt like something’s missing, or like your desires don’t fit the standard mold… this conversation might make more sense than you expect. Let’s get into it.

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Introduction

(00:47) - Sir Leezus: His roles as sex educator, kink advisor, and "sensual sadist dominant."

(01:18) - What is a sensual sadist dominant?

(02:23) - BDSM vocab 101: Bondage, Dominance, Submission & Sadomasochism

(03:53) - Can kink be healing from past trauma?

(07:18) - Does kink always involve sex?

(08:37) - Pain and pleasure: Understanding masochism

(10:42) - How midlife women discover kink (and what opens them up)

Karen Bigman, a Sexual Health Alliance Certified Sex Educator, Life, and Menopause Coach, tackles the often-taboo subject of sexuality with a straightforward and candid approach. We explore the intricacies of sex during perimenopause, post-menopause, and andropause, offering insights and support for all those experiencing these transformative phases.

This podcast is not intended to give medical advice. Karen Bigman is not a medical professional. For any medical questions or issues, please visit your licensed medical provider.

Looking for some fresh perspective on sex in midlife? You can find me here:

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.taboototruth.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taboototruth

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@taboototruthpodcast

About the Guest:

Sir Leezus is a performance artist, sensual sadist, and BDSM educator with years of experience in erotic power exchange and kink dynamics. He offers private sessions, coaching, and education to individuals and couples who want to explore new layers of intimacy, pleasure, and consent. Known for his approachable yet deeply knowledgeable style, he’s on a mission to break down shame and open up new paths to pleasure.

Connect with Sir Leezus:

Website: https://sirleezus.com/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/sirr.leezus

Available for sessions, performances, and kink consultations.

Karen Bigman, a Sexual Health Alliance Certified Sex Educator, Life, and Menopause Coach, tackles the often-taboo subject of sexuality with a straightforward and candid approach. We explore the intricacies of sex during perimenopause, post-menopause, and andropause, offering insights and support for all those experiencing these transformative phases.

This podcast is not intended to give medical advice. Karen Bigman is not a medical professional. For any medical questions or issues, please visit your licensed medical provider.

Looking for some fresh perspective on sex in midlife? You can find me here:

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.taboototruth.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taboototruth

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@taboototruthpodcast

Take control of your pleasure with my Pleasure Playbook, filled with tips to help you connect with your body and enhance intimacy. Download it now at www.taboototruth.com/pleasureplaybook.

Take control of your pleasure with my Pleasure Playbook, filled with tips to help you connect with your body and enhance intimacy. Download it now at www.taboototruth.com/pleasureplaybook.

Think you know what turns you on? Think again. We tend to treat pleasure like it lives in a few familiar places—the usual G-spots, the go-to zones we all default to. But the truth? Your entire skin is wired for sensation. Your body is a playground of possibility… and chances are, you’re only exploring a fraction of it.

In this episode, I’m taking you beyond the basics—past the genitals, breasts, and all the usual G-spots—to uncover the overlooked 13 erogenous zones that can completely transform your experience of desire. No penetration required. Just curiosity, presence, and a willingness to explore what’s been hiding in plain sight.

From the power of the brain (yes, it’s your sexiest organ) to the often-ignored backs of your knees (seriously!), I’m showing you how to awaken your body in unexpected ways—ways that build anticipation, deepen connection, and redefine pleasure entirely.

If your sex life feels a little too routine—or you’re just ready to feel more alive in your own skin—this episode is a must listen! Let’s unlock the pleasure you didn’t know you were missing.

Timestamps:

• (00:00) Introduction 
• (01:32) Brain as the biggest sex organ (Did you know you can orgasm without any touch?)
• (01:58) The skin: Your body’s largest erogenous zone
• (02:30) Lips & tongue: Beyond kissing—creative ways to tease and tantalize
• (03:22) The neck, clavicle, and ears: Slow, sensual exploration
• (04:20) Fingers: How to use them everywhere (plus combining touch with lips)
• (05:05) Armpits and inner arms: Surprising zones for some, turn-offs for others—how to navigate
• (05:34) The sides of the torso and thighs: The art of the tease
• (06:04) Behind the knees: My personal favorite
• (06:16) Feet: Beyond fetishes—how gentle touch can ignite full-body arousal
• (06:45) Outercourse: Why pleasure doesn’t need to lead to intercourse
• (07:18) Mindfulness: How being present amplifies sensation (per Peggy Kleinplatz’s Magnificent Sex)
• (07:57) Cannabis and sex: Can it heighten pleasure? 
• (08:41) Final takeaway: Pleasure is limitless

Karen Bigman, a Sexual Health Alliance Certified Sex Educator, Life, and Menopause Coach, tackles the often-taboo subject of sexuality with a straightforward and candid approach. We explore the intricacies of sex during perimenopause, post-menopause, and andropause, offering insights and support for all those experiencing these transformative phases.

This podcast is not intended to give medical advice. Karen Bigman is not a medical professional. For any medical questions or issues, please visit your licensed medical provider.

Looking for some fresh perspective on sex in midlife? You can find me here:

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.taboototruth.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taboototruth

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@taboototruthpodcast

Karen Bigman, a Sexual Health Alliance Certified Sex Educator, Life, and Menopause Coach, tackles the often-taboo subject of sexuality with a straightforward and candid approach. We explore the intricacies of sex during perimenopause, post-menopause, and andropause, offering insights and support for all those experiencing these transformative phases.

This podcast is not intended to give medical advice. Karen Bigman is not a medical professional. For any medical questions or issues, please visit your licensed medical provider.

Looking for some fresh perspective on sex in midlife? You can find me here:

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.taboototruth.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taboototruth

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@taboototruthpodcast

Take control of your pleasure with my Pleasure Playbook, filled with tips to help you connect with your body and enhance intimacy. Download it now at www.taboototruth.com/pleasureplaybook.

Take control of your pleasure with my Pleasure Playbook, filled with tips to help you connect with your body and enhance intimacy. Download it now at www.taboototruth.com/pleasureplaybook.

What if the biggest obstacle to pleasure in the bedroom… isn’t your partner, but the stories you tell yourself about your own body?

What if confidence, connection, and mind-blowing pleasure weren’t things you had to chase—but things you could unlock from within?

In this  episode, I sit down with Orisha Re’ Lampkin—movement alchemist, pleasure revolutionary, and founder of Fearless Revolution—to dismantle the myths keeping women from fully owning their sensuality. We dive deep into how cultural conditioning, body shame, and self-doubt smother our sexual spark… and how movement, mindset, and yes—even moaning—can reignite it.

From Lip Service Mastery (70+ ways to delight with hands and mouth) to Dirty Talk for the Shy Girl, and how to turn washing dishes into foreplay—this conversation is your permission slip to feel powerful, present, and unapologetically turned on—exactly as you are.

Some of what Orisha shares will surprise you. Some might make you squirm. But all of it will bring you closer to your most radiant, turned-on, fully alive self.

Timestamps:

• (00:00) Introduction
• (00:29) Meet Orisha – movement expert, sensuality coach & fearless feminine leader
• (02:05) “Seduce Your Sexy” – Orisha’s transformational movement class
• (04:39) The power of movement in boosting self-love and intimacy
• (05:43) “Floating arms” – a deceptively simple exercise that changes everything
• (07:42) How the MINDBODY connection amplifies pleasure
• (09:02) The sexiest move? The flowing figure eight—perfected while doing dishes
• (11:16) Dirty Talk 101 – why your tone matters more than the words
• (12:35) Vocalizations as the first step into sexy self-expression
• (14:22) How to sext like a pro 
• (15:08) Lip Service Mastery – 70+ hand and mouth moves that actually work
• (19:06) The “Hitchhiker” – a game-changing warmup technique
• (20:07) The 4-second rule: slow it down and build anticipation
• (22:24) “Lover’s Moves” – blindfolds, earbuds, and an unforgettable partner experience
• (24:48) In-person & virtual classes in Midtown East (and how to join)
• (25:22) Orisha’s empowering definition of sex

Karen Bigman, a Sexual Health Alliance Certified Sex Educator, Life, and Menopause Coach, tackles the often-taboo subject of sexuality with a straightforward and candid approach. We explore the intricacies of sex during perimenopause, post-menopause, and andropause, offering insights and support for all those experiencing these transformative phases.

This podcast is not intended to give medical advice. Karen Bigman is not a medical professional. For any medical questions or issues, please visit your licensed medical provider.

Looking for some fresh perspective on sex in midlife? You can find me here:

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.taboototruth.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taboototruth

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@taboototruthpodcast

About the Guest

Orisha Re’ Lampkin is a health and wellness coach, movement expert, and the founder of Fearless Revolution, a transformational journey designed to help women reclaim their sensuality and power. With 30+ years of experience in fitness, corrective exercise, and NLP, she blends playfulness with profound healing to help women embody their erotic truth and fully own their pleasure.

Connect with Orisha here:

• Fearless Revolution Website https://www.fearless-revolution.com/
• TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@fearlessrevolution?lang=en
• Instagram https://www.instagram.com/fearlessrevolutionfitness/
• Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Fearless-ReVolution-101671732021027
• YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC58a6A3vNb82HUkwJ7zKmcA
• LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/in/orisha-re-lampkin-bb2b79215

Karen Bigman, a Sexual Health Alliance Certified Sex Educator, Life, and Menopause Coach, tackles the often-taboo subject of sexuality with a straightforward and candid approach. We explore the intricacies of sex during perimenopause, post-menopause, and andropause, offering insights and support for all those experiencing these transformative phases.

This podcast is not intended to give medical advice. Karen Bigman is not a medical professional. For any medical questions or issues, please visit your licensed medical provider.

Looking for some fresh perspective on sex in midlife? You can find me here:

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.taboototruth.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taboototruth

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@taboototruthpodcast

Take control of your pleasure with my Pleasure Playbook, filled with tips to help you connect with your body and enhance intimacy. Download it now at www.taboototruth.com/pleasureplaybook.

Take control of your pleasure with my Pleasure Playbook, filled with tips to help you connect with your body and enhance intimacy. Download it now at www.taboototruth.com/pleasureplaybook.

Ever feel like your sex life is on autopilot? We’ve all been there – the same routine, the same positions, the same predictable outcome. What if I told you your sex life could be playful, adventurous, and deeply satisfying again? Routine can be the death of passion—but it doesn’t have to be.

In this episode, I delve into 10 ways to have better sex and break free from "wallpaper sex" (you know, the same old routine). Whether you’re in a long-term relationship or exploring solo pleasure, these tips will help you reconnect with pleasure, curiosity, and fun. Some of these tips will surprise you. Some might even make you blush. But one thing’s for sure—you’ll never look at pleasure the same way again!

Timestamps:

• (00:00) Introduction
• (00:15) The problem with "wallpaper sex"
• (00:34) Naked dates
• (00:58) Clothed sex with no genitals involved
• (01:11) Mutual masturbation – why watching is half the fun
• (01:30) Shower sex (safety first)
• (01:50) Sexy card games to unlock fantasies you’ve been too shy to share
• (02:16) Watching ethical porn sites like MakeLoveNotPorn
• (03:05) Sexting like a pro (steamy examples included)
• (03:28) "Sex snacking" – tiny touches that keep the spark alive
• (03:52) Surprise your partner – the fur coat reveal (my signature move)
• (04:12) Change location – break free from the bedroom

Karen Bigman, a Sexual Health Alliance Certified Sex Educator, Life, and Menopause Coach, tackles the often-taboo subject of sexuality with a straightforward and candid approach. We explore the intricacies of sex during perimenopause, post-menopause, and andropause, offering insights and support for all those experiencing these transformative phases.

This podcast is not intended to give medical advice. Karen Bigman is not a medical professional. For any medical questions or issues, please visit your licensed medical provider.

Looking for some fresh perspective on sex in midlife? You can find me here:

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.taboototruth.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taboototruth

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@taboototruthpodcast

Karen Bigman, a Sexual Health Alliance Certified Sex Educator, Life, and Menopause Coach, tackles the often-taboo subject of sexuality with a straightforward and candid approach. We explore the intricacies of sex during perimenopause, post-menopause, and andropause, offering insights and support for all those experiencing these transformative phases.

This podcast is not intended to give medical advice. Karen Bigman is not a medical professional. For any medical questions or issues, please visit your licensed medical provider.

Looking for some fresh perspective on sex in midlife? You can find me here:

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.taboototruth.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taboototruth

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@taboototruthpodcast

Take control of your pleasure with my Pleasure Playbook, filled with tips to help you connect with your body and enhance intimacy. Download it now at www.taboototruth.com/pleasureplaybook.

Take control of your pleasure with my Pleasure Playbook, filled with tips to help you connect with your body and enhance intimacy. Download it now at www.taboototruth.com/pleasureplaybook.

Who says turning 65 means giving up amazing sex and settling for solitude? Just because you don’t have a husband or kids doesn’t mean life has to be dull—if anything, it means you’re free to live exactly how you want.

In this episode, I sit down with Cindy Gallop, a trailblazing entrepreneur, advertising consultant, and founder of MakeLoveNotPorn, to challenge outdated beliefs about aging, sex, and relationships. Cindy’s fearless approach to life proves that getting older isn’t about slowing down—it’s about embracing what you truly want.

We dive into why she chooses to date younger men, why marriage and kids were never part of her plan, and how we can all redefine intimacy, confidence, and pleasure as we age. Plus, Cindy shares how MakeLoveNotPorn is changing the conversation around real-world sex and helping people feel seen, accepted, and empowered. She also dives deep into how MakeLoveNotPorn differs from OnlyFans, the unique challenges they face—especially the uphill battle of advertising bans on social media.

It’s time to step into a world where sex is shame-free, open, and truly fulfilling. Let’s dive in!

Timestamps:

• (00:00) Introduction to Cindy Gallop
• (01:09) No husband, no kids: Ultimate self-care routine
• (02:27) Dating younger men—casually, unapologetically, and on her own terms
• (02:32) The problem with society’s lack of role models for aging women
• (03:07) Body image, menopause, and post-menopausal pride
• (03:52) Why she proudly shouts her age (65!) and the power of #SayYourAge
• (04:19) MakeLoveNotPorn: The platform changing how we talk about real-world sex
• (05:27) The lube: Why there’s no such thing as “too much”
• (06:36) Cindy on finding the confidence to date younger men
• (07:14) The glaring double standard: Older men vs. older women in dating
• (08:47) Cindy’s revelation: Being every young guy’s fantasy
• (09:25) The rise of niche dating sites—and how to find the right one for you
• (13:29) What MakeLoveNotPorn celebrates
• (14:39) How MakeLoveNotPorn stands apart from ethical porn
• (16:56) The Social Sex Revolution: Why we need to talk about real sex
• (19:40) OnlyFans vs. MakeLoveNotPorn: The key differences
• (21:15) Challenges in Promoting MakeLoveNotPorn: Censorship, stigma, and funding struggles
• (23:30) What makes someone sexy? 
• (24:40) Join and subscribe to MakeLoveNotPorn and Wefunder campaign 
• (25:52) Cindy’s definition of sex

Karen Bigman, a Sexual Health Alliance Certified Sex Educator, Life, and Menopause Coach, tackles the often-taboo subject of sexuality with a straightforward and candid approach. We explore the intricacies of sex during perimenopause, post-menopause, and andropause, offering insights and support for all those experiencing these transformative phases.

This podcast is not intended to give medical advice. Karen Bigman is not a medical professional. For any medical questions or issues, please visit your licensed medical provider.

Looking for some fresh perspective on sex in midlife? You can find me here:

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.taboototruth.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taboototruth

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@taboototruthpodcast

About the Guest:

Cindy Gallop is a trailblazing entrepreneur, advertising consultant, and founder of MakeLoveNotPorn—the "real-world sex" platform challenging porn’s unrealistic narratives. A vocal advocate for aging, sexuality, and gender equality, Cindy’s work has been featured in TED Talks, The New York Times, and beyond.

You can find Cindy Gallop here:

MakeLoveNotPorn Website: https://makelovenotporn.tv/

Wefunder Equity Crowdfunding Campaign: https://wefunder.com/makelovenotporn

Watch Cindy’s TED Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FV8n_E_6Tpc

Website: https://cindygallop.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindygallop/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cindygallop/?hl=en

X: https://x.com/cindygallop

Karen Bigman, a Sexual Health Alliance Certified Sex Educator, Life, and Menopause Coach, tackles the often-taboo subject of sexuality with a straightforward and candid approach. We explore the intricacies of sex during perimenopause, post-menopause, and andropause, offering insights and support for all those experiencing these transformative phases.

This podcast is not intended to give medical advice. Karen Bigman is not a medical professional. For any medical questions or issues, please visit your licensed medical provider.

Looking for some fresh perspective on sex in midlife? You can find me here:

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.taboototruth.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taboototruth

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@taboototruthpodcast

Take control of your pleasure with my Pleasure Playbook, filled with tips to help you connect with your body and enhance intimacy. Download it now at www.taboototruth.com/pleasureplaybook.

Take control of your pleasure with my Pleasure Playbook, filled with tips to help you connect with your body and enhance intimacy. Download it now at www.taboototruth.com/pleasureplaybook.

In this episode, I dive into the benefits of testosterone for women. I share my own experience with testosterone therapy and how it helps me with everything from libido and orgasms to brain fog and muscle mass.

It’s not just about sex drive—testosterone also helps with bone strength, hot flashes, and even Alzheimer’s prevention. I break down how it’s prescribed, why proper dosing is so important, and why you should never borrow your husband’s testosterone (trust me, I’ve got a wild story about that).

Whether you’re curious about testosterone, considering hormone therapy, or just want to feel your best during menopause, this episode is for you. Let’s get into it!

Timestamps:

• (00:00) Introduction
• (01:03) Testosterone’s role in women’s health.
• (02:24) Benefits: libido, orgasms, brain fog, muscle mass, bone strength, Alzheimer’s prevention.
• (03:27) How testosterone is prescribed and why baseline testing matters.
• (04:31) Risks of misuse and why women need lower doses than men.
• (05:33) Off-label use and delivery methods (gels, creams, pellets).
• (06:26) Exercise and protein’s role in maximizing testosterone’s benefits.
• (07:18) Recap: Testosterone with estrogen & progesterone.
• (08:20) Closing remarks

Karen Bigman, a Sexual Health Alliance Certified Sex Educator, Life, and Menopause Coach, tackles the often-taboo subject of sexuality with a straightforward and candid approach. We explore the intricacies of sex during perimenopause, post-menopause, and andropause, offering insights and support for all those experiencing these transformative phases.

This podcast is not intended to give medical advice. Karen Bigman is not a medical professional. For any medical questions or issues, please visit your licensed medical provider.

Looking for some fresh perspective on sex in midlife? You can find me here:

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.taboototruth.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taboototruth

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@taboototruthpodcast

Karen Bigman, a Sexual Health Alliance Certified Sex Educator, Life, and Menopause Coach, tackles the often-taboo subject of sexuality with a straightforward and candid approach. We explore the intricacies of sex during perimenopause, post-menopause, and andropause, offering insights and support for all those experiencing these transformative phases.

This podcast is not intended to give medical advice. Karen Bigman is not a medical professional. For any medical questions or issues, please visit your licensed medical provider.

Looking for some fresh perspective on sex in midlife? You can find me here:

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.taboototruth.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taboototruth

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@taboototruthpodcast

Take control of your pleasure with my Pleasure Playbook, filled with tips to help you connect with your body and enhance intimacy. Download it now at www.taboototruth.com/pleasureplaybook.

Take control of your pleasure with my Pleasure Playbook, filled with tips to help you connect with your body and enhance intimacy. Download it now at www.taboototruth.com/pleasureplaybook.

Estrogen plays a role in your brain, bones, skin, and even your heart. When menopause hits and estrogen levels drop, the ripple effects can be dramatic—affecting everything from your mood and energy to your libido and long-term health.

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Sadaf Lodhi, a board-certified OB-GYN, menopause expert, sex coach, and host of The Muslim Sex Podcast to talk about everything from the forgotten sex-positive history of Islam to painful sex during perimenopause that is so common but rarely discussed, and the ongoing debate over estrogen hormone therapy. If you’re in perimenopause (or just wondering what’s ahead), this episode will change the way you see your body—and give you the tools to take charge of your health. Let’s dive in!

Timestamps:

• (00:00) Introduction to Dr. Sadaf Lodhi
• (02:08) Islam and erotology: The surprising sex-positive history
• (03:58) How colonization erased a sex-positive culture and changed everything
• (06:30) Religion, sex, and clients: How Dr. Sadaf approaches coaching
• (07:21) Vaginismus and painful penetration
• (10:23) Why pain with sex accelerates during perimenopause and menopause
• (11:19) The role of vaginal estrogen in reducing painful sex
• (12:03) Why the urethra gets bigger during menopause—and the risk of bladder infections
• (12:36) Contraindications for vaginal estrogen use
• (13:05) Why you should use vaginal estrogen even in perimenopause
• (14:07) Why doctors should start the menopause conversation at 35 (including ovarian insufficiency)
• (16:03) The hormone therapy debate: What you need to know
• (17:15) Should women take testosterone?
• (23:47) The ideal time for estrogen therapy: When to start and why
• (26:11) Dr. Sadaf’s upcoming retreat: Love, Nourish, and Thrive

Karen Bigman, a Sexual Health Alliance Certified Sex Educator, Life, and Menopause Coach, tackles the often-taboo subject of sexuality with a straightforward and candid approach. We explore the intricacies of sex during perimenopause, post-menopause, and andropause, offering insights and support for all those experiencing these transformative phases.

This podcast is not intended to give medical advice. Karen Bigman is not a medical professional. For any medical questions or issues, please visit your licensed medical provider.

Looking for some fresh perspective on sex in midlife? You can find me here:

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.taboototruth.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taboototruth

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@taboototruthpodcast

About the Guest:

Dr. Sadaf Lodhi is a board-certified OB GYN with over 20 years of experience, specializing in sexual and menopausal health. She is the founder of Femme Vie Health, a concierge gynecology practice in New York, and provides telehealth services in Michigan. A certified sexual health specialist and Menopause Society Certified Practitioner, she is dedicated to empowering women through education and advocacy.

Dr. Lodhi hosts The Muslim Sex Podcast, making sexual and menopausal health accessible globally. She delivered a TEDx talk on sexual education for physicians and was honored as the 2024 Alumni of the Year by the University of Michigan - Dearborn. She is also a contributing author in Thriving After Burnout.

Connect with Dr. Sadaf:

Website

Instagram

Podcast

Karen Bigman, a Sexual Health Alliance Certified Sex Educator, Life, and Menopause Coach, tackles the often-taboo subject of sexuality with a straightforward and candid approach. We explore the intricacies of sex during perimenopause, post-menopause, and andropause, offering insights and support for all those experiencing these transformative phases.

This podcast is not intended to give medical advice. Karen Bigman is not a medical professional. For any medical questions or issues, please visit your licensed medical provider.

Looking for some fresh perspective on sex in midlife? You can find me here:

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.taboototruth.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taboototruth

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@taboototruthpodcast

Take control of your pleasure with my Pleasure Playbook, filled with tips to help you connect with your body and enhance intimacy. Download it now at www.taboototruth.com/pleasureplaybook.

Take control of your pleasure with my Pleasure Playbook, filled with tips to help you connect with your body and enhance intimacy. Download it now at www.taboototruth.com/pleasureplaybook.

Low libido, or hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), can be a tough challenge for many women, particularly during midlife.

In this episode, I take a closer look at the various medical treatments available for low libido, covering everything from prescription medications to hormone therapy and beyond. Whether you're dealing with hormonal shifts, relationship challenges, or simply feeling drained, this episode offers practical advice and solutions to help you regain your sexual vitality and feel more like yourself again.

If this episode resonates with you, don’t forget to subscribe, share with someone who might benefit, and leave a review! Let’s continue the conversation and break the stigma around libido and midlife—together.

Timestamps:

• (00:00:00) - Introduction 
• (00:01:12) - What causes low libido?
• (00:02:08) - Factors contributing to low libido
• (00:03:19) - Overview of prescription drugs
• (00:04:22) - How Addyi works
• (00:05:33) - Vyleesi overview
• (00:06:34) - Viagra and Cialis for women
• (00:07:35) - Testosterone and hormone therapy
• (00:08:35) - Wellbutrin and libido
• (00:08:35) - Cannabis and libido

Karen Bigman, a Sexual Health Alliance Certified Sex Educator, Life, and Menopause Coach, tackles the often-taboo subject of sexuality with a straightforward and candid approach. We explore the intricacies of sex during perimenopause, post-menopause, and andropause, offering insights and support for all those experiencing these transformative phases.

This podcast is not intended to give medical advice. Karen Bigman is not a medical professional. For any medical questions or issues, please visit your licensed medical provider.

Looking for some fresh perspective on sex in midlife? You can find me here:

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.taboototruth.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taboototruth

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@taboototruthpodcast

Karen Bigman, a Sexual Health Alliance Certified Sex Educator, Life, and Menopause Coach, tackles the often-taboo subject of sexuality with a straightforward and candid approach. We explore the intricacies of sex during perimenopause, post-menopause, and andropause, offering insights and support for all those experiencing these transformative phases.

This podcast is not intended to give medical advice. Karen Bigman is not a medical professional. For any medical questions or issues, please visit your licensed medical provider.

Looking for some fresh perspective on sex in midlife? You can find me here:

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.taboototruth.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taboototruth

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@taboototruthpodcast

Take control of your pleasure with my Pleasure Playbook, filled with tips to help you connect with your body and enhance intimacy. Download it now at www.taboototruth.com/pleasureplaybook.

Take control of your pleasure with my Pleasure Playbook, filled with tips to help you connect with your body and enhance intimacy. Download it now at www.taboototruth.com/pleasureplaybook.

Menopause isn’t a disease. So why does the world treat it like one? The whispers start early. Get ready—your body is about to betray you. The fear. The shame. The idea that once you hit a certain age, you’re less vibrant, less desirable, less… you. But what if that’s all a lie?

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz, a renowned OB-GYN, women’s health expert, and author of Menopause Bootcamp, to break down the myths, misconceptions, and truths about menopause. From the science behind hormonal changes to the emotional and societal impacts, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone navigating—or preparing for—this life stage.

We explore why menopause isn’t a disease, how hormone therapy can be a game-changer, and why the fear of breast cancer shouldn’t overshadow the benefits of treatment. Plus, we tackle the buzzwords like “natural” and “bioidentical,” and discuss the role of lifestyle, diet, and community in thriving through menopause.

This isn’t just a conversation about hormones—it’s about reclaiming power, understanding our bodies, and embracing the wisdom that comes with age. Are you ready to redefine menopause? Let’s dive in!

About the Guest:

Dr. Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz is a board-certified OB-GYN, women’s health expert, and advocate for integrative medicine. She is the author of Menopause Bootcamp: Optimize Your Health, Empower Yourself, and Flourish as You Age and a frequent media contributor, including as the Chief Medical Correspondent for The Drew Barrymore Show. Dr. Suzanne is passionate about empowering women to take control of their health and embrace menopause as a transformative life stage.

You can find Dr. Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz here:

Website

LinkedIn

Instagram

Book

Timestamps:

• (00:47) Introduction to Dr. Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz
• (01:46) What is perimenopause and menopause?
• (05:13) The wide-ranging symptoms of perimenopause
• (08:02) The rise of antidepressants during menopause
• (09:41) The truth about hormone therapy
• (20:23) When to start hormone therapy
• (25:33) Busting the biggest myths about breast cancer risk
• (27:59) Hormone therapy and osteoporosis
• (29:07) The overlooked cancer risks you should know about
• (32:52) Natural vs. Bioidentical Hormones: What’s the real difference?
• (39:42) Can lifestyle choices make menopause easier?
• (43:03) Menopause Boot Camp & what’s next on the journey

Karen Bigman, a Sexual Health Alliance Certified Sex Educator, Life, and Menopause Coach, tackles the often-taboo subject of sexuality with a straightforward and candid approach. We explore the intricacies of sex during perimenopause, post-menopause, and andropause, offering insights and support for all those experiencing these transformative phases.

This podcast is not intended to give medical advice. Karen Bigman is not a medical professional. For any medical questions or issues, please visit your licensed medical provider.

Looking for some fresh perspective on sex in midlife? You can find me here:

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.taboototruth.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taboototruth

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@taboototruthpodcast

Karen Bigman, a Sexual Health Alliance Certified Sex Educator, Life, and Menopause Coach, tackles the often-taboo subject of sexuality with a straightforward and candid approach. We explore the intricacies of sex during perimenopause, post-menopause, and andropause, offering insights and support for all those experiencing these transformative phases.

This podcast is not intended to give medical advice. Karen Bigman is not a medical professional. For any medical questions or issues, please visit your licensed medical provider.

Looking for some fresh perspective on sex in midlife? You can find me here:

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.taboototruth.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taboototruth

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@taboototruthpodcast

Take control of your pleasure with my Pleasure Playbook, filled with tips to help you connect with your body and enhance intimacy. Download it now at www.taboototruth.com/pleasureplaybook.

Take control of your pleasure with my Pleasure Playbook, filled with tips to help you connect with your body and enhance intimacy. Download it now at www.taboototruth.com/pleasureplaybook.