The Menopause Brain

Witches, Midwives, and Nurses

In this sultry episode of The Private Parts of Wellness, Jessica Badonsky unpacks the steamy science of scent, sex, and memory—and why your body odor might be telling more of your story than you think. From the hormonal cocktail that drives attraction to the way birth control messes with your nose (and your lovers), we’re diving deep into why smell is the most intimate of the senses. Expect personal confessions, science-backed bombshells, and a few grounding tricks to help you sniff out what’s real.

You’ll learn:

• How birth control changed who you were drawn to

• What scent has to do with orgasms, intimacy, and identity

• How to retrain your sense of smell (and your sex life)

Warning: May cause sudden flashbacks to your ex’s t-shirt.

Mother’s Day is weird. There, I said it. It’s one of those days that feels like it should be a celebration but somehow ends up being a chore—or worse, a guilt trip. In this episode, we’re not doing the cookie-cutter, Hallmark version. Instead, we’re digging into the weird, messy reality of this day: the history that went sideways, why some women are signing up for Ashley Madison the day after, and why getting tied up in Yugoslavia actually makes a lot of sense.

Plus, I’ll share why I always ask for one thing on Mother’s Day—a letter—and why this year, I’m finally going to write one to my own mom. Oh, and there’s an oracle card reading to help you mother yourself—because sometimes you need more than brunch and carnations.

Let’s be honest: You’re more than just what your uterus popped out. Sometimes Mother’s Day is about reclaiming yourself—cunt-warm, messy, fierce—and making space for what you actually need.

• 0:00 – 1:00: Kicking off with why Mother’s Day feels like a weird mix of love, guilt, and obligatory brunches.

• 1:00 – 2:30: The OG Mother’s Day story: Anna Jarvis just wanted a day to honor her badass mom, but instead got stuck with a Hallmark holiday from hell. (Spoiler: she hated what it became.)

• 2:30 – 4:00: Wild traditions: In parts of the former Yugoslavia, kids tie up their moms until they pay ransom in treats. Honestly, it makes more sense than breakfast in bed.

• 4:00 – 5:30: Fun fact: The day after Mother’s Day is prime time for women signing up on Ashley Madison. Turns out the whole “let’s celebrate mom” thing sometimes leaves women wondering, “Is this it?”

• 5:30 – 7:00: How to feel seen and loved without pretending you adore getting flowers you bought yourself. Plus, why writing a letter to yourself (or your mom) might just be the real gift.

• 7:00 – 8:30: Oracle card time—because nothing says self-care like pulling a card and asking, “What the hell do I actually want?” Mother’s Day isn’t just about what your uterus produced. Sometimes it’s about what your brain and heart need.

• 8:30 – 10:00: Closing thoughts: Why this day can be both annoying and meaningful, and why it’s okay to skip the whole thing if it feels like a chore. Also, maybe call your mom—or write her a letter. That’s what I’m doing this year.

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Episode 3: The Sound of Sex and Everything That Annoys You

Why does his voice melt you one day and make your skin crawl the next? In this episode, we tune into the strange, sexy, and maddening world of hearing, hormones, and midlife brain chemistry. From praise kink to misophonia, from the music that turns you on to the chewing sounds that send you into a silent rage — we cover it all.

We’ll talk about how estrogen, testosterone, and oxytocin shape what we hear and how we feel. You'll get science, stories, and some saucy truth bombs about aging ears, buzzy brains, and why your partner’s playlist suddenly sucks.

Plus: how your sense of sound fits into the 5-4-3-2-1 Radical Pause practice — and what it means for your mental health, sex life, and sanity.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to the Chaos of Midlife

01:28 Exploring Hormonal Influences on Hearing

09:21 The Role of Oxytocin and Sound in Connection

12:44 The Power of Sound and Audio Erotica

16:23 Understanding Auditory Trauma and Overload

20:38 Hearing Loss and Health Equity

23:35 Supplements for Hearing Health

27:13 Personal Experiences with Hearing Changes

30:28 Grounding Through Sound and Silence

35:07 The Importance of Connection and Safety in Sound

Bonus Oxy Rush Episode

In this episode of the Private Parts of Wellness, Jessica Badonsky explores the significance of touch in relation to hormones, aging, and intimacy. She discusses the science behind skin and sensation, the impact of hormones on touch, and the societal perceptions of aging and touch. The episode also includes practical exercises for mindful touch and emphasizes the importance of touch in fostering connection and intimacy, especially as we age.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Touch and Its Importance

05:12 The Science of Touch and Hormones

08:00 Aging, Touch, and Societal Perceptions

11:16 Mindful Touch Practices and Techniques

16:19 The Role of Touch in Intimacy and Connection

• Email – To contact or book:
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• Discord – The Menopause Anarchist
  https://discord.gg/99S4994b

• Instagram – Tarot, shares, stories:
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In this episode of Private Parts of Wellness, Jessica Badonsky introduces the Six Sense series, focusing on how our senses, particularly sight, are influenced by aging, hormones, and identity. She discusses the complexities of sight, the role of hormones in visual perception, and the intimate connection between vision and sexuality. The episode also addresses the effects of aging on vision and emphasizes the importance of grounding through sight to manage anxiety and enhance well-being.

Takeaways

• Sight is not just about the eyes; it's about the brain.
• Hormones significantly influence how we perceive light and images.
• Estrogen affects light processing, impacting sensitivity and migraines.
• Visual perception is shaped by memories, fears, and desires.
• Orgasm can enhance visual perception and create vivid experiences.
• Aging affects vision, but perception can still be sharp.
• Nutrition plays a role in maintaining eye health as we age.
• Grounding techniques can help manage anxiety and bring awareness to the present.
• Intimacy can be found in shared experiences, like borrowing glasses.
• Embracing changes in vision can lead to a more fulfilling life.
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• Email – To contact or book:
  [email protected]

• Substack – Newsletter, essays, and episodes:
  https://theradicalpause.substack.com

• Discord – The Menopause Anarchist
  https://discord.gg/99S4994b

• Instagram – Tarot, shares, stories:
  https://www.instagram.com/privatepartsofwellness

This is the season of THe Radical Pause. We will dive into the 5 4 3 2 1 grounding technique by exploring all 6 senses. Yep I added one.

• Email – To contact or book:
  [email protected]

• Substack – Newsletter, essays, and episodes:
  https://theradicalpause.substack.com

• Discord – The Menopause Anarchist
  https://discord.gg/99S4994b

• Instagram – Tarot, shares, stories:
  https://www.instagram.com/privatepartsofwellness

In this episode, Jessica Jolie, a hormone-savvy nurse practitioner, dives deep into the often misunderstood topic of cholesterol. She explains the different types of lipids, their functions, and how they relate to hormones and overall health. The conversation covers the importance of understanding lipid panels, the impact of hormones on cholesterol levels, and the societal perceptions of body image, particularly regarding FUPAs. Jessica emphasizes the need for a nuanced approach to health discussions, especially in the context of intersectionality and personalized care.In this episode, Jessica Jolie, a hormone-savvy nurse practitioner, dives deep into the often misunderstood topic of cholesterol. She explains the different types of lipids, their functions, and how they relate to hormones and overall health. The conversation covers the importance of understanding lipid panels, the impact of hormones on cholesterol levels, and the societal perceptions of body image, particularly regarding FUPAs. Jessica emphasizes the need for a nuanced approach to health discussions, especially in the context of intersectionality and personalized care.

The Radical Pause Salon

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Send me a screenshot that you rated, reviewed, or commented and I'll add you to my mailing list and send you a Juicy Lipid Guide.

In this episode, Jessica Badonsky discusses the traits of healthy versus unhealthy masculinity, emphasizing the importance of emotional awareness and integrity. She explores the impact of childhood trauma on men's emotional health, particularly focusing on the concept of covert depression. The conversation also delves into the role of hormones in men's health, the effects of toxic stress, and how practices like kink can serve as a healing mechanism. Jessica highlights the need for positive role models of masculinity and the importance of emotional expression in men.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Wellness and Real Talk

01:32 Exploring Gen X Men's Emotional Landscape

02:25 Understanding Covert Depression in Men

06:43 The Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences

12:14 Kink and Healing: A Unique Perspective

16:15 Defining Healthy Masculinity

17:03 Understanding Healthy vs. Wounded Masculine Energy

20:10 Exploring Orgasmic Meditation and Its Controversies

22:44 Trauma Processing: EMDR and Its Benefits

25:10 Personal Stories: The Impact of Covert Depression

28:08 The Role of Women in Supporting Men's Emotional Healing

31:18 The Power of Awareness and Conversations in Healing

In this conversation, Jessica Badonsky explores the intricate relationship between menopause, childhood trauma, and overall health. She discusses how adverse childhood experiences (ACE) can significantly impact women's experiences during menopause, leading to heightened symptoms and challenges. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding one's ACE score and its implications for health, as well as the need for trauma-informed care. Jessica also touches on the complexities of sexuality in midlife, challenging the narrative that midlife women are universally experiencing a sexual renaissance. The conversation concludes with practical steps for managing menopause and supporting one's nervous system.

Takeaways

• Menopause is a series of distractions that can be overwhelming.
• Understanding ACE scores can provide insight into health risks.
• Childhood trauma can significantly affect menopause experiences.
• Women with higher ACE scores report more severe menopause symptoms.
• The nervous system plays a crucial role in managing stress and health.
• Caring for oneself is an act of self-preservation and resistance.
• Menopause is not just a hormonal issue; it's about overall well-being.
• Sexuality in midlife is complex and varies greatly among women.
• Support for the nervous system can improve menopause symptoms.
• Conversations about menopause should be open and inclusive.

• "Your body becomes wired and tired."
• "Menopause is not just about estrogen."
• "Support your nervous system."

Sound Bites

Chapters

00:00Introduction to Menopause and Wellness

02:53Understanding the Impact of Childhood Trauma

05:52The ACE Score and Its Relevance

08:55Trauma-Informed Care in Menopause

11:35Exploring the Connection Between ACE Scores and Menopause Symptoms

14:32Racial and Contextual Factors in Menopause

17:32Sexual Health and Menopause17:54Critique of Popular Narratives on Midlife Sexuality

18:47Understanding Sexual Dysfunction in Midlife Women

21:40Practical Steps for Managing Menopause

24:13Conclusion and Future Conversations

RESOURCES:

ACE Tool

Disord Invite TheMenopauseAnarchist

The Radical Pause Salon where we can create a space together.

• Felitti, V. J., et al. (1998).
  Relationship of Childhood Abuse and Household Dysfunction to Many of the Leading Causes of Death in Adults: The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study.
  American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 14(4), 245–258.
  DOI: 10.1016/S0749-3797(98)00017-8

• DREAMS Study (Mayo Clinic, 2015–2016).
  Data Registry of Experiences of Aging, Menopause, and Sexuality.
  Referenced in: Faubion, S. S., et al. (2021). Association of Traumatic Experiences With Menopause Symptoms and Quality of Life.
  Menopause, 28(4), 430–437.
  DOI: 10.1097/GME.0000000000001721

• Saadedine, D., et al. (2023).
  Adverse Childhood Experiences and Sexual Dysfunction in Midlife Women: Is There a Link?
  The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 20(9), 101258.
  DOI: 10.1093/jsxmed/qdad053

• Mosconi, L. (2023).
  The Menopause Brain: New Science Empowers Women to Navigate the Pivotal Transition with Knowledge and Confidence.
  Publisher: Avery / Penguin Random House.

• New York Times Magazine (2023).
  Why Gen X Women Are Having the Best Sex of Their Lives.
  Author: Susan Dominus. Published: July 12, 2023.
  Link: nytimes.com (Search article title for access; may be paywalled.)

• Lorde, A. (1988).
  A Burst of Light: Essays.
  Quote referenced: “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.”