In this episode of "AGE BETTER," I took a deep dive with Dr. Rhonda Garelick, a renowned writer and cultural critic who contributes the "Face Forward" column for The New York Times's Style section. Dr. Garelick is the D.E. Hughes Jr. Distinguished Chair for English and Professor of Journalism at Southern Methodist University and will soon begin a new role as the Founding Director of the Interdisciplinary Public Humanities Institute at Hofstra University. 

Dr. Garelick has authored three acclaimed books, including “Mademoiselle: Coco Chanel and the Pulse of History,” and is currently working on a new book titled “Why Fashion Matters,” exploring the intricate connections between fashion and politics. Her writings have appeared in New York Magazine, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, The Los Angeles Times, Vanity Fair, and more. A Yale University alumna and a Guggenheim fellow, Dr. Garelick brings a wealth of insight to our discussion today about the remarkable Dr. Ruth Westheimer. 

We delve into Dr. Garelick's recent New York Times article on Dr. Ruth, the iconic sex therapist who recently passed away at 96. Dr. Ruth was renowned for her open, frank discussions about sexuality, which broadened the window for talking about sex and sexuality. With her accent and high-pitched voice, she was both startling and disarming, helping to normalize conversations about sex. In her conversation with Dr. Garelick, who had the opportunity to meet Dr. Ruth 30 years ago, they discuss the significant impact Dr. Ruth had on breaking societal norms and challenging taboos around sex. 

Dr. Ruth's ability to disarm and make people laugh with her incongruous persona played a crucial role in making conversations about sex more comfortable. She emphasized the importance of sexual pleasure and communication throughout all stages of life. Her legacy is a powerful reminder to embrace joy and openness in every moment of our lives. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

- Dr. Ruth challenged societal norms and taboos around sex by openly discussing and normalizing the topic. 

- Her ability to disarm and make people laugh with her incongruous persona helped to break down barriers and make conversations about sex more comfortable. 

- Dr. Ruth emphasized the importance of sexual pleasure and communication throughout all stages of life. 

- Her legacy serves as a reminder to use every moment of our lives and to embrace joy and openness. 

KEY LINKS: 

Learn More About Dr. Rhonda Garelick: 

New York Times article “The Irony of Dr. Ruth” 

New York Times column “Face Forward”  

Audio clip of interview with Dr. Garelick about Dr. Ruth 

Books by Dr. Garelick  

Follow Dr. Garelick: 

Instagram 

X (formerly Twitter) 

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