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Are we addressing sexual health in clinical practice? On this episode of BackTable Women's Health, host Dr. Nicole Faulkner is joined by Dr. Christine Vaccaro, a double board-certified urogynecologist and sexual medicine specialist, to discuss the evaluation and care of women's sexual health concerns. They highlight the importance of open conversations, patient empowerment, and a multidisciplinary approach to support well-being and improve quality of life. --- Get the BackTable apphttps://www.backtable.com/app --- Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction04:01 - What Is Sexual Medicine07:58 - Understanding Libido, Arousal, and GSM15:54 - Clinic Visit Structure and Patient Counseling19:17 - Clitoral Exam, Adhesions, and Anatomy Education28:17 - Addressing Stigma, Patient Education, and Myths32:03 - Tools for Patient Empowerment: Apps and Self-Examination39:55 - In-Office Procedures, Pain Mapping, and Hormonal Considerations46:37 - Managing Complex Cases and Multidisciplinary Collaboration53:47 - Closing Remarks --- More about this episode The conversation explores practical strategies for evaluating and managing issues such as libido, arousal, orgasm, and sexual pain, with a focus on genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) and clitoral anatomy. Dr. Vaccaro shares her approach to assessing clitoral adhesions, pelvic pain, and hormonal changes, as well as effective ways to educate patients about anatomy and self-examination. They discuss the importance of reducing stigma, addressing misconceptions, and using a multidisciplinary approach to improve patient outcomes. The episode also highlights the role of clinician training, patient-centered counseling, and collaborative care in supporting women's sexual health across the lifespan. --- Resources International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health: https://www.isswsh.org/ Female Orgasmic Disorder: Current Understanding and Clinical Management: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42314165/ OMGyes: https://www.omgyes.com/join You Are Not Broken by Dr. Kelly Casperson: https://kellycaspersonmd.com/you-are-not-broken-book/ Retrospective Study of the Prevalence and Risk Factors of Clitoral Adhesions: Women's Health Providers Should Routinely Examine the Glans Clitoris - https://academic.oup.com/smoa/article/6/2/115/6956478?login=false Clitoral Adhesiolysis: Technique and Patient Selection - https://www.vjsm.info/videos/all/clitoral-adhesiolysis-technique-and-patient-selection Female Orgasmic Disorder: Current Understanding and Clinical Management - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42314165/ --- BackTable Women's Health is the go-to podcast for gynecologists, gynecologic surgeons, and other healthcare professionals focused on women's health. Download the free BackTable app to get early access to new episodes, cases, and courses curated by physicians in your specialty. ► https://www.backtable.com/app
Half a million of you on Instagram. I still can't quite get over that number.To celebrate, this episode is all you — an open Ask Me Anything where I answer the questions you've actually been sending me. No guest, no agenda, just me working through your real questions about hormones, menopause, sexual health, and the stuff nobody explains to you in a normal doctor's appointment.We cover a lot of ground — how I ended up a urologist obsessed with female sexual health in the first place, the myths about hormone therapy I am still correcting in 2026, DHEA, the estrogen patch shortage, why your labs don't always tell the whole story, and yes, the Ferrari engine analogy makes another appearance. If you've been wondering something and never had the nerve to ask your own doctor — there's a good chance I answer it here.In This EpisodeHow I got here. My background as a urologist and how that path led me into female sexual health — a specialty most people don't expect a urologist to end up in.Hormones, menopause, and aging. Why hormones matter so much more than most of us were taught, and what's actually happening in your body during the menopause transition.Hormone therapy myths, corrected. I'm clearing up the misinformation that's still floating around about HRT — including specific questions on risk for women with a Factor V (Factor two) clotting diagnosis.DHEA and vaginal estrogen. What they do, why the estrogen patch shortage is happening, and what to switch to (gels, oral options) in the meantime.Testosterone, decoded. Comparing creams versus injections, how to interpret SHBG, and why I care more about how you feel than what the lab printout says.Progesterone tolerance. What to do when the standard dose doesn't agree with you, and where extended-release formulations fit in.Persistent UTIs on vaginal estrogen. Why they still happen even when you're doing everything "right," and what else might be going on.Weight gain and menopause. What the data actually says — and what gets blamed on hormones that isn't really about hormones at all.Talking about sex — with clients, with partners. A layered, step-by-step way to open the conversation about low libido without it feeling like a confrontation.Individualized care. Why hormone management should never be one-size-fits-all, and how I think about lab testing versus symptoms.What's next. vulvar DHEA, book clubs, and more ways to keep learning together.Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.
Age is just a number. We say it all the time. Do we actually believe it?This week I sit down with Dr. Arnold Gilberg, MD, PhD — a psychiatrist with over 60 years of clinical experience and author of The Myth of Aging. Sixty years. Let that sink in for a second. He has watched mental health care go from something people hid to something people post about. And he has spent just as long studying what actually keeps people vital as they get older, and it is not what most of us assume.We get into what a psychiatrist actually is (and how that's different from a psychologist or a therapist), why the shame around therapy has mostly disappeared since the 1960s but hasn't fully left medicine itself, and why he'd argue we're over-medicating a problem that often needs connection more than a prescription. Then we go somewhere I did not expect, his own path to becoming a rabbi, and what spirituality has taught him about the mind that medicine alone couldn't.If you've ever felt "stuck," or assumed decline was just the deal you signed up for by getting older — this one's for you.Dr. Arnold Gilberg, MD, PhD, is a psychiatrist with more than six decades of clinical experience and the author of The Myth of Aging. Over the course of his career he has treated patients through massive shifts in how our culture understands mental health — from the stigma of the mid-20th century to today's very different, more open landscape. He is also a rabbi, a path that grew out of his clinical work and shapes how he thinks about meaning, purpose, and healing. The Myth of Aging bookWhat We CoverPsychiatry vs. psychology vs. therapy. What a psychiatrist actually does, how that role differs from a psychologist or therapist, and why the lines have blurred (and shifted) as the field has evolved.From shame to normal. How therapy went from something you hid to something you casually mention at dinner — and why stigma still lingers inside the medical community itself, even as it's faded in the culture at large.The culture of medication. Dr. Gilbert doesn't hold back on this one — the over-reliance on medication, what gets missed when a prescription replaces psychotherapy, and why informed consent about side effects matters more than most patients realize.Body and mind are not separate systems. Why physical activity is one of the most underused tools in mental health care, and how movement changes the brain, not just the body.Becoming a rabbi. Dr. Gilbert's own journey into spirituality, and how faith and religion show up as legitimate tools for emotional and mental well-being — not as an alternative to psychiatry, but alongside it.Cultural shifts, real clinical impact. How broader acceptance of diverse sexualities and identities has changed what shows up in the therapy room and how mental health providers practice.Connection is the treatment. Why trust between patient and therapist predicts outcomes more than technique — and what that means for how we should be evaluating "good" therapy.The myth of aging, dismantled. Aging does not have to mean decline. Investment in physical, mental, and social health changes the trajectory — and it's never too late to start.Midlife crisis, reframed. What's actually happening during a midlife crisis, and why it can be the opening for real change instead of just a cliché to laugh off.Mindset changes your biology. The Harvard research on mindset and lifespan — and what it tells us about how much of "aging" is happening in our heads before it happens in our bodies.Getting unstuck. Practical ways to turn a feeling of stagnation into an actual growth opportunity.Community, movement, purpose. The three pillars Dr. Gilbert keeps coming back to for aging well — and why none of them are optional.Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.
Taboo to Truth: Unapologetic Conversations About Sexuality in Midlife
In part two of my conversation with Susan Bratton and Karl Eberhardt, we go even deeper into what actually holds a non-monogamous relationship together. We talk about why communication can make or break an open relationship, what Karl learned about himself after six years of practicing polyamory, and the concept they call "Team Sweetie" — showing up for each other through illness, grief, and everything in between. Susan shares her free "Alchemy of Intimacy" guide for couples considering this kind of relationship, and we get into the practical side of staying safe: their fluid-bonded screening process, the STI most people have never heard of, and why standard insurance testing doesn't catch everything. We close with what it really means to love your partners through their mistakes.In This Episode:0:00 – Welcome Back: Picking Up Where We Left Off0:24 – Intro: Redefining Life & Sex After 500:46 – Why Good Communication Makes (or Breaks) an Open Relationship3:35 – Six Years In: What Polyamory Taught Karl About Himself4:59 – "Team Sweetie": Showing Up for Each Other Through Crisis7:15 – Susan's Advice: The Alchemy of Intimacy & 10 Rules for Success8:45 – Karl's Advice: Build the Framework Before You Open Up10:23 – The Screening Document: Where New Partners Start11:07 – Inside the STI Testing Protocol: Mycoplasma, Incubation Periods & Protex Health14:00 – Nobody's Perfect: Loving Your Partners Through Mistakes15:08 – The Testing Gap: Why Insurance Won't Screen for Herpes17:09 – Final TakeawaysTo watch the video version of this episode, head over to YouTube!Testing before getting physical is non-negotiable for me — ProDx Health makes it easy. First PASS-certified at-home STI kit, herpes testing included. 15% off: http://prodxhealth.com/discount/taboo
Menopause conversations center on women. For good reason.But what about the guy standing next to her?Joe Warner and Rob Kemp wrote Burning Up, Frozen Out — the first real guide to perimenopause written for men. Not about fixing her. About understanding what's happening and showing up anyway.We talk about why men are so in the dark on this. What actually helps versus what just feels helpful. And why this works better as a team sport.In this episode:The stereotypes that make menopause a no-go topic at homeWhy communication breaks down exactly when you need it mostSmall, low-effort ways men can actually support their partnerMen have their own midlife hormonal shifts too — sleep, stress, food, fitnessWhy "support" means listening, not solvingBurning Up, Frozen Out bookWebsiteSubscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.
Low libido in women is often blamed on stress, aging, or relationship problems, but changes in desire may begin years before menopause and can involve hormones, medications, pain, sleep, blood flow, and the difference between spontaneous and responsive desire. Dr. Natalie Crawford sits down with board-certified urologist Dr. Kelly Casperson, author of “You Are Not Broken” and “The Menopause Moment,” to explain why women may stop wanting sex, how testosterone and estrogen affect sexual health, and what to discuss with a clinician when something feels different. They also examine birth control and SSRI side effects, hormone therapy, vaginal estrogen, and why women's sexual health deserves greater attention. IN THIS EPISODE: 00:00 Why Women Can Lose Desire Before Menopause 02:10 Can Your Hormones Change While You Still Have a Period? 03:38 Why Testosterone Matters in Women 05:41 Can Birth Control Lower Your Libido? 08:04 How Estrogen Affects Desire, Arousal, and Vaginal Health 10:02 What Does Low Libido Actually Mean? 10:56 When Low Libido Is Really Painful Sex 13:15 Spontaneous vs. Responsive Desire 15:25 Are You Having Sex Worth Desiring? 16:53 What Causes Arousal Problems in Women? 17:20 How SSRIs Can Affect Sexual Function 17:50 How Couples Can Navigate Mismatched Sex Drives 21:05 Why Perimenopause Can Make You Feel Unlike Yourself 21:24 How Sleep, Estrogen, and Progesterone Affect Desire 21:50 Testosterone's Role in the Brain, Mood, and Motivation 24:40 How Is Testosterone Prescribed to Women? 27:15 What Happens When Testosterone Is Too High? 30:30 Can Testosterone Affect More Than Libido? 32:00 Testosterone, Wound Healing, and Bone Health 33:25 Could Testosterone Support Hip-Fracture Recovery? 34:00 Can Hormone Therapy Still Help Women Over 60? 36:00 Systemic vs. Vaginal Estrogen 37:00 Why Hormone Treatment May Begin Before Menopause 39:55 Can You Get Pregnant During Perimenopause? 41:41 When Vaginal Estrogen May Help 46:12 How to Talk to Your Doctor About Hormones 48:25 Where to Find Dr. Kelly Casperson GUEST RESOURCES:Website: https://kellycaspersonmd.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellycaspersonmdPodcast: https://kellycaspersonmd.com/you-are-not-broken-podcastYou Are Not Broken: https://kellycaspersonmd.com/you-are-not-broken-bookThe Menopause Moment: https://kellycaspersonmd.com/the-menopause-moment-book AS A WOMAN WITH DR. NATALIE CRAWFORD: YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLveZDgg3_HZ9m7Wy3C6Vvyrj_NtEOwj_l Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/as-a-woman/id1449553339 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/12IYOLH9liu60gk5D0bRPk HOST RESOURCES: Order The Fertility Formula: https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book Newsletter: https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nataliecrawfordmd YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NatalieCrawfordMD Become a patient: https://www.forafertility.com Earn FREE CE/CME: https://learnatpinnacle.com/education This episode is brought to you by The Pinnacle Podcast Network. ABOUT DR. NATALIE CRAWFORD: Natalie Crawford, MD, is a double board-certified OB/GYN and reproductive endocrinologist, co-founder of Fora Fertility, and author of The Fertility Formula. She helps women understand their hormones, fertility, and reproductive health so they can make informed decisions about their bodies. Disclaimer: Natalie Crawford, MD, is a doctor, but she is not your doctor. This content is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical care. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Self-deception is the lie you sell yourself before you ever sell it to anyone else. This is why you can be sincere and manipulative at the very same time, and how to finally catch it.In this video, relationship and trauma recovery specialist Kenny Weiss breaks down self-deception, the quiet form of lying to yourself that keeps high-functioning, emotionally exhausted adults stuck for decades. Through the real story of a man who kept a job "for his wife," you'll see how emotional avoidance and denial actually work, why your most convincing audience is always you, and why no amount of communication advice can fix a lie you have already believed.You'll learn how self-deception lives in the Denial stage of the Worst Day Cycle™ (Trauma, Fear, Shame, Denial), why covert manipulation can feel completely sincere, and how the Authentic Self Cycle™ (Truth, Responsibility, Healing, Forgiveness) and the Emotional Authenticity Method™ give you a step-by-step way to catch the lie one second before you sell it.Self-deception runs in a specific order. You sell the lie to yourself first, which is why a person can be manipulative and sincere at the same time. The manipulation of another person is always downstream of the lie you tell yourself.Denial is the most dangerous stage of the Worst Day Cycle because it is invisible to the person living inside it. The speed of your defense is the measure of your denial, and the patterns you most want to dismiss are usually the ones that are most true.Covert manipulation is often more damaging than overt control because it arrives wrapped in kindness, leaving the other person with nothing to point to. The person delivering it feels sincere because they convinced themselves of the generous version first.Kenny Weiss is a relationship, communication, and childhood trauma recovery specialist and the creator of the Worst Day Cycle™, the Authentic Self Cycle™, and the Emotional Authenticity Method™. He helps high-functioning adults who have already tried therapy, coaching, and self-help and still feel stuck, by rewiring the childhood emotional blueprint instead of managing symptoms.TOPICS COVERED: self-deception, lying to yourself, emotional avoidance, denial, covert manipulation, self-deception in relationships, why you lie to yourself, avoidant attachment, codependency recovery, childhood trauma and relationships, emotional regulation, survival persona, Worst Day Cycle, Authentic Self Cycle, Emotional Authenticity Method, Kenny WeissTIMESTAMPS:0:00 — The Generous Lie He Told Himself1:30 — Self-Deception Runs in a Specific Order3:30 — The Denial Stage of the Worst Day Cycle6:00 — When Manipulation Disguises Itself as Generosity9:00 — The Floor Underneath the Floor12:00 — Where the Lie Was Built in Childhood14:30 — The Two Selves at War Inside You17:00 — Truth and Responsibility, the Way Out19:00 — One Experiment to Catch the Lie21:00 — You Are Not Broken, You Were Programmed
Taboo to Truth: Unapologetic Conversations About Sexuality in Midlife
Non-monogamy is one of the topics I get asked about more than almost anything else, so in this episode I sit down with Susan Bratton and Karl Eberhardt to dig into what open relationships, polyamory, and relationship anarchy actually look like day to day — not the theory, the lived experience. We talk about how to know you're ready to open a relationship, the STI screening protocol that makes it work, how jealousy and compersion actually show up, and the moment a 35-year marriage nearly ended over what gets called "husband thievery." We also get into how an adult daughter found out her parents were non-monogamous in one short conversation, and how a "summer boy toy" earned a promotion to full-time boyfriend. Whether you're curious, skeptical, or already living this life, this conversation is going to challenge some assumptions.Mentioned in this episode: Testing before getting physical is non-negotiable for me — ProDx Health makes it easy. First PASS-certified at-home STI kit, herpes testing included. 15% off: http://prodxhealth.com/discount/tabooIn This Episode:0:00 – Redefining Relationships in Midlife0:28 – Welcome to Taboo to Truth0:52 – Meet Susan Bratton & Karl Eberhardt2:25 – Defining Non-Monogamy vs. Cheating: The Relationship Tree7:29 – How Susan Knew She Was Ready to Open Her Marriage8:25 – How Karl and Susan Met (The Pool Story)12:02 – Why Karl Is "Well-Suited" for Polyamory14:34 – The Non-Negotiable: STI Testing & Screening In15:39 – "Polyamory Means Love Many": Susan's Two Love Relationships17:27 – Karl's San Diego Girlfriend & Traveling as a Throuple19:59 – What Is a "Bambi"? A Different Kind of Intimacy21:26 – Susan's Young Lover & the Jealousy That Followed23:57 – Karl's Turn: Facing Jealousy Over an Old Flame26:29 – Compersion, Husband Thievery & Almost Losing Tim29:44 – Telling Their Daughter Taylor31:11 – From "Summer Boy Toy" to Full-Time Boyfriend34:05 – OutroTo watch the video version of this episode, head over to YouTube!About The Guest:Susan is a champion and advocate for all those who desire ageless intimacy.She is a best-selling author and publisher of 44 books and programs including S*xual Soulmates, Relationship Magic, Revive Her Drive, Ravish Him and many more. She's the official company spokesperson for GAINSWave® and The Dr. Joel Kaplan Company. She serves as Chief Advocacy Officer of ProDxHealth.org STI testing.Susan has been a featured guest on over 1,000 podcasts and TV shows, including Diary of a CEO, You Are Not Broken, S*x with Emily, The Human Upgrade with Dave Asprey, Good Moms Bad Choices, Heal Thyself, IDIOT with Laura Clery, The Infamous “Clit Camp” Music Video, LuvBites with Dr. Tara, and The Chalene Show.Her books and interviews have helped millions take control of their s*xual joy.Her message resonates across gender and age because it's rooted in agency, body literacy, and connection.Connect with Susan Bratton:Website: https://susanbratton.comMentioned in this episode: https://tenintimacy.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/susanbrattonKarl Eberhardt is a nationally recognized New Car Owner Trainer on correct care of modern car paint finishes. Karl has a life long passion for design and is the brewer of beer//Cicerone CBS, and custom jewelry. He has built surfboards for 25+ years.Connect with Karl Ebhardt:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karleberhardt_/About The Host: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: karen@taboototruth.comWebsite: https://www.taboototruth.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taboototruthYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@taboototruthpodcastSubstack: https://karenbigman.substack.com
What do you do when life keeps testing you? Dr. Patrick McLaughlin joins Kelly Siegel for a deeply personal conversation about grief, resilience, faith, betrayal, and the mindset required to keep moving forward after life's biggest setbacks. After losing his sister unexpectedly, navigating business challenges, and surviving a serious accident that nearly cost him his hand, Dr. Patrick shares how adversity reshaped his perspective and inspired the principles behind The Possibility Mindset. Together, Kelly and Dr. Patrick explore why trust must be earned, how setbacks reveal character, the importance of staying present, and why your core values—not your circumstances—should guide every major decision you make. If you're rebuilding after loss, questioning your purpose, or searching for hope during a difficult season, this episode offers practical wisdom for creating meaning through adversity and moving forward with intention. This episode is for anyone searching for:
You're training hard, tracking macros, getting enough protein, and sleeping eight hours a night, yet your body isn't changing. In this solo episode, Dr. Stephanie explains that your body has been listening all along, but it's been given the wrong instructions. She also breaks down weight loss and fat loss, explaining that the scale can't tell you which one is happening. She explains muscle protein synthesis and breakdown and how chronic undereating, low carbs, and too much cardio can tip the balance in the wrong direction. She also explains why skeletal muscle is the largest glucose disposal site, how muscle loss sets the stage for insulin resistance, and why myokines matter more than you think.
Menopause doesn't just happen to a body, it happens to a relationship. In this episode, Traver Boehm joins Dr. Kelly Casperson to talk about what's actually going on hormonally during perimenopause and menopause, and what that means for the partners trying to understand it from the outside.Kelly breaks down the real difference between perimenopause and menopause (hint: most people are using these words wrong), what's happening biologically during the transition, and why the emotional and relational fallout is often just as real as the hot flashes. Then the conversation turns to men — what's shifting for them hormonally during this same midlife window, and how couples can actually talk to each other about all of it instead of quietly drifting apart.This one's for the women in it and the partners trying to show up for them.In this episode:Perimenopause vs. menopause, where one ends and the other beginsWhat hormonal changes are actually doing to mood, sleep, libido, and connectionThe emotional and relational ripple effects of menopause that no one prepares you forHormonal shifts in men during midlife, and why this isn't just a "her" conversationHow to actually talk to your partner about what's changingRebuilding pleasure and intimacy when everything else is in fluxReminder: none of this is individual medical advice, discuss your own plan with your own clinician.https://www.manuncivilized.com/https://www.instagram.com/traverboehmSubscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.
In this episode, Dr. Linda Bosserman shares her expertise on hormone therapy, addressing common misconceptions and highlighting the latest science supporting their safe use in women and men. Tune in to hear practical insights on hormone management, systemic and local applications, and how to advocate for your health.Key Topics Covered:The importance of precise language: specifying hormone types, routes, and dosesThe safety and efficacy of vaginal estrogen in women with breast cancerDebunking myths about hormones causing breast cancer: data from large studiesThe potential of testosterone in improving neurocognition, libido, and overall health in womenThe ongoing fight for FDA approval of female testosterone productsThe role of systemic hormones in preventing cardiovascular diseaseHow to counsel patients on hormone-related recurrence risksThe significance of personalized, evidence-based hormone therapy for optimal agingInsights from Dr. Bosserman's PhD in sex therapy and its relevance to sexual healthThe systemic biases and misinformation perpetuated by media and outdated guidelinesDr. BossermanMenopausal Hormone Therapy after Breast CancerSubscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.
We're closing out the season with something different: a multidisciplinary breakdown of episode six of Heated Rivalry. Not a recap. Not a fan theory session. A real conversation about what the show gets right — and what it gets wrong — about male performance anxiety, queer identity, female arousal physiology, and the stories we tell ourselves about our own bodies.To be clear: this isn't about hockey. It's about what happens when good storytelling accidentally becomes a teaching moment for sexual health.What We CoverPerformance anxiety isn't in your head — it's in your nerves, arteries, and muscles. Erectile function is vascular and neurological before it's psychological. Medication, alcohol, dehydration, stress — all of it shows up in the body before it shows up in the bedroom. We break down why "just relax" is the least useful advice you can give a man who's struggling, and what's actually happening physiologically when performance doesn't match desire.Shane's coming out arc, and why identity evolution isn't linear. The show doesn't hand Shane a clean, tidy arc — and that's the point. We talk about how culture, family history, and internalized norms shape the timeline of coming out, and why real identity work rarely looks like the movie version.Communication is the actual plot device. Underneath the hockey, the drama, the trauma — the show works because the characters eventually say the thing. We talk about why authentic communication is the real special effect in any story about intimacy, on screen or off.Behind the scenes: setting, production choices, small details you'd miss on a first watch — and yes, a detour into tentacle erotica as a case study in how sexual expression keeps evolving in media, and why that's worth understanding rather than dismissing.Key TakeawaysErectile response is biological first, emotional second — treat it that way.Female arousal physiology doesn't disappear at menopause; it changes, and imaging confirms it.Coming out stories are shaped by context, not just courage.Good storytelling about sex requires vulnerability, not perfection.Expanding your sexual literacy — even through fiction — is part of the work.You are not broken. Your body isn't broken. And apparently, neither is prestige TV's ability to sneak real sex ed into a hockey drama.Season two, see you soon.— KellySubscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.
Join us for the season's final two episodes as we explore the emotional depths, relationships, and personal growth of the characters in "Heated Rivalry." This episode delves into vulnerability, identity, and love through intimate conversations and memorable scenes, offering both humor and heartache. We cover:The complexities of coming out and self-acceptance in a tight-knit communityThe influence of trauma and social pressures on sexual identityThe portrayal of relationships, love, and chemistry on screen and in real lifeMedical insights into sexual health, including ED, menopause, and reproductive choicesThe cultural depiction of masculinity, femininity, and societal expectationsIn this episode:Analyzing the pivotal scene where Ilya reveals his inner turmoil about identity and familyThe significance of honesty and vulnerability between Shane and IlyaInsights into how trauma impacts sexual development and relationshipsThe role of humor and playful banter in serious momentsBehind-the-scenes stories from the filming, including location choices and character dynamicsDiscussing medical myths about genitals post-menopause based on MRI studiesConversations about contraception, fertility, and sexual pleasure in both fiction and real lifeExploring the cultural intersections in the characters' backgrounds, including Russian, Canadian, and American influencesSubscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.
Episode 4: Rose and Rosé — The Maturation of MenHeated Rivalry Series | You Are Not BrokenWe're four episodes deep into "Heated Rivalry," and this is the one where the boys finally have to grow up.Episode 4 is a time jump — years compressed into a montage — and it's doing double duty. It's showing us Shane and Ilyia maturing into men who can actually be in a relationship, not just have sex in one. And it's showing us Rose figuring out who she is alongside them. Growth isn't linear for any of these characters, and honestly, that's the whole point.This episode has jokes, it has ginger ale, it has a Jean Paul Gaultier shirt doing more emotional labor than most people's therapists. And underneath all of it, we're talking about what it actually looks like when men — queer or straight — mature into partners instead of performers.In this episode, we cover:
Hormones are about far more than hot flashes. In this episode of New Frontiers in Functional Medicine, Dr. Kara Fitzgerald is joined by urologist and hormone expert Dr. Kelly Casperson for a conversation that challenges conventional thinking about menopause, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and healthy aging. Dr. Casperson explains why menopause may be better understood as a form of hypogonadism, shares the story behind the removal of the FDA's black box warning on vaginal estrogen, and explores the latest evidence on estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone therapy for women. Topics include: • Vaginal estrogen and the FDA black box warning • The lasting impact of the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) • Estrogen, brain health, and mitochondrial function • Testosterone therapy for women: science and misconceptions • Hormone therapy after age 60 • Patient education, body literacy, and informed decision-making • Exercise, sleep, alcohol reduction, and other foundations of healthy aging Whether you're a functional medicine practitioner or someone interested in menopause, longevity, and women's health, this evidence-based conversation offers practical insights and a fresh perspective on hormone care. Show notes and references: https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/fxmed-podcast/ Full show notes + references: https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/fxmed-podcast/ GUEST DETAILS Dr. Kelly Casperson is a board-certified urologic surgeon,CEO and founder of The Casperson Clinic, a modern practice dedicated to hormones and sex medicine, renowned public speaker, sex educator, and host of the top-ranking podcast You Are Not Broken. Dedicated to empowering women, Dr. Kelly blends humor, candor, and science to demystify sexual health, intimacy, and midlife wellness. Through her podcast and online courses, she tackles myths about desire and normalizes conversations around healthy, fulfilling sex. Her work also provides essential education on hormones and midlife health. Connect with Dr. Kelly on Instagram (@kellycaspersonmd) or visit http://kellycaspersonmd.com . THANKS TO OUR DIAMOND SPONSORS DUTCH: https://dutchtest.com/for-providers Biotics Research: https://www.bioticsresearch.com/ Time—Line Nutrition: http://pro.timeline.com/ THANKS TO OUR GOLD SPONSORS Fullscript Journeys: http://www.fullscript.com/journeys-kara Equelle: http://equelle.com CONNECT with DrKF Want more? Join our newsletter here: https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/newsletter/ Or take our pop quiz and test your BioAge! https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/bioagequiz YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/hjpc8daz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkarafitzgerald/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrKaraFitzgerald/ DrKF Clinic: Patient consults with DrKF physicians including Younger You Concierge: https://tinyurl.com/yx4fjhkb Younger You Practitioner Training Program: https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/trainingyyi/ Younger You book: https://tinyurl.com/mr4d9tym Better Broths and Healing Tonics book: https://tinyurl.com/3644mrfw
YOU ARE NOT BROKEN, YOU ARE UNHEARD, WITH DR. FRED MOSSWhat if healing without a diagnosis is not just possible, but the most natural thing in the world?Dr. Fred Moss spent more than four decades inside the mental health system as a board-certified psychiatrist, treating over 30,000 patients. Then he asked a different question: not what is wrong with this person, but what actually heals a human being.His answer challenges almost everything the mental health system is built on. The real problem is not a chemical imbalance. It is not a diagnosis. It is disconnection. When someone is not being heard, not being seen for who they truly are, no medication in the world addresses that. But genuine human connection does. Every single time.In 2006, Dr. Moss began taking low-risk patients off their medications with their permission. Almost all of them healed profoundly, often losing the very diagnosis that had justified the medication in the first place. That experience changed everything.In this conversation, you will hear:- Why healing without medication is possible for far more people than the system admits- How psychiatric diagnosis is fundamentally different from every other medical field- What Dr. Moss discovered when he took patients off their medications- Why men block emotional expression rather than feel things more deeply- What healthy reinvention looks like when AI is reshaping entire industries- Why gratitude practiced out loud every morning changes everythingDr. Moss is the author of Creative Eight: Healing Through Creativity and Self-Expression, Find Your True Voice, and his forthcoming memoir Welcome to Humanity: A Psychiatrist's Case Against the Mental Health System, arriving July 2026. He is the creator of the Welcome to Humanity movement and is known to many simply as the indoctor.CONNECT WITH DR. FRED MOSSWebsite: https://welcometohumanity.net/eSpeakers: https://www.espeakers.com/marketplace/profile/52547/previewFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/drfredmossmdTwitter/X: https://www.twitter.com/drfredmossYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drfredmossInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drfredmoss/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drfredmoss/September Retreat: https://welcometohumanity.net/CONNECT WITH DWIGHT HECKWebsite: https://www.giveaheck.comPodcast: https://www.giveaheck.com/podcastYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@giveaheckFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/dwight.heckInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/give.a.heckLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwight-heck-65a90150/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@giveaheckTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/give_a_heckBe a Guest: https://www.giveaheck.com/work-with-me
You Are Not Broken, You Are Programmed (And You Can Change It) A Live Workshop Episode with Lisa A. Romano, Breakthrough Life Coach Do you struggle with anxiety, overthinking, or feeling like you are never enough, no matter what you do? Do you find yourself stuck in the same emotional patterns, people-pleasing, self-doubt, or constantly seeking validation from others? If so, you are not broken. You are patterned. And patterns can be changed. In this powerful live workshop episode, Lisa A. Romano explains how childhood trauma and emotional neglect shape your identity, your thoughts, and your nervous system. With deep psychological insight and neuroscience-based understanding, Lisa reveals how your brain has been conditioned to repeat patterns that no longer serve you, and how real healing begins by changing the way you see yourself. This is not about fixing yourself. It is about reprogramming what was learned. In This Episode You'll Discover:
When Susan Bratton talks about intimacy, she doesn't speak in theory. She speaks from 34 years of marriage. From decades of teaching couples how to stay erotically connected through every life stage. From writing 44 books and programs on passionate lovemaking and from her own personal journey. Eleven years into her marriage, she had never had an orgasm from intercourse and was avoiding sex with her husband entirely. Then she learned. And everything changed. In this episode, Dr. Jenni Skyler and Daniel Lebowitz sit down with Susan for a wide-ranging conversation about what really keeps long-term love erotically alive. They talk about the expanded orgasm practice she learned from her mentor Dr. Patti Taylor — and how it transformed Susan from someone who couldn't orgasm during intercourse into someone who describes herself as an "orgasmic optimizer." They explore why Susan rejects the word "anorgasmia" entirely, replacing it with a single word: yet. They dig into the truth about female arousal that most couples never learn — that women's erectile tissue takes 20 to 30 minutes to fully engorge, and that the cultural script of "get hard, penetrate, finish" is, in Susan's words, "a religiously repressed patriarchal female oppression strategy that is no longer working." They talk about scheduled intimate dates (Susan and her husband have them two to six times a week), radical honesty as the foundation of a 34-year marriage, and why turn-on isn't just about sex — it's a life force that spills into everything. Susan also shares her ten intimacy principles — including the one she calls the most important of them all: practicing radical honesty. If you've ever wondered whether long-term love and erotic aliveness can coexist — Susan is the proof, and this episode is the playbook. Susan is a champion and advocate for all those who desire ageless intimacy. She is a best-selling author and publisher of 44 books and programs including Sexual Soulmates, Relationship Magic, Revive Her Drive, The Steamy Sex Ed® Video Collection, Ravish Him, Dirty Talk, The Pumping Guide and Thrust In Time. She’s the official company spokesperson for GAINSWave® and TheDr. Joel Kaplan Company. She serves as Chief Advocacy Officer of ProDxHealth.org STI testing. Susan has been a featured guest on over 1,000 podcasts and TV shows, including: Diary of a CEO, You Are Not Broken, Sex with Emily, The Human Upgrade with Dave Asprey, GoodMoms Bad Choices, HealThyself, IDIOT with Laura Clery, The Infamous “Clit Camp” Music Video, LuvBites with Dr. Tara, and The Chalene Show. Her books and interviews have helped millions take control of their sexual joy. Her message resonates across gender and age because it’s rooted in agency, body literacy, and connection. Susan Bratton | "Intimacy Expert to Millions ” CEO, Better Lover · Personal Life Media · The20 Susan has spent over two decades doing something censorship and shame have long tried to silence: teaching people the pleasure-based sex education they never received. She is the world's most prolific sex educator and author of 44 books and programs. Her newsletters, Better Lover, Personal Life Media, The20, and Longevity Wins, reach 300,000 readers, and her precision sexual vitality supplements are formulated on the science of blood flow and desire. SusanBratton.com BetterLover.com Personal Life Media, Inc.The20, LLC.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why do you overreact, shut down, or put everyone else first, even when you know it's hurting you? In this episode, Nicole LePera, breaks down how your “inner child” shapes your behaviors, from people-pleasing to perfectionism to emotional flooding, and how self-abandonment quietly shows up in your daily life. We also cover why these patterns aren't flaws, they're adaptations, and how to actually change them through nervous system regulation, awareness, and small, intentional shifts. If you've ever felt stuck repeating the same cycles in relationships, this will change how you understand yourself and what healing really looks like. → Leave Us A Voice Message! Topics Discussed: → Why do I self-abandon in relationships? → What is inner child healing and how does it work? → Why do I overreact or shut down emotionally? → How can I regulate my nervous system in real time? → How do I stop people-pleasing and set boundaries? Sponsored By: → OGEE | Thanks to today's sponsor, OGEE: A higher standard for beauty. Go to https://OGEE.com/BEWELL and use code BEWELL to get 15% off certified organic makeup that performs like luxury. → Function | Own your health for $365 a year. That's a dollar a day. Learn more and join using my link. Visit https://www.functionhealth.com/bewellbykelly and use gift code BEWELL25 for a $25 credit toward your membership → Hiya | Get 50% off your first order at https://hiyahealth.com/KELLY → Minnow | Shop minnow's new apré-ski capsule collection at https://shopminnow.com and enter code MEETMINNOW15 at checkout to receive 15% off your first order. → Be Well By Kelly Protein Powder & Essentials | Get $10 off your order with PODCAST10 at https://bewellbykelly.com. Timestamps: → 00:00:00 - Introduction → 00:03:07 - Nicole's Healing Journey → 00:07:09 - Cry It Out Method → 00:14:28 - Inner Child Work → 00:18:55 - Inner Children In Relationships → 00:21:02 - Reparting Steps → 00:27:37 - Kelly's Experience With Therapy → 00:30:35 - Emotional Flooding → 00:35:41 - Handling Stress → 00:37:27 - Self Abandonment → 00:41:41 - Selfless Motherhood → 00:43:44 - Overcorrection + Helicopter Parenting → 00:47:52 - Snow Plow Parenting → 00:51:43 - Negativity Bias + Boundaries → 00:59:13 - Kelly's Experience → 01:01:12 - You Are Not Broken → 01:05:31 - Regulation Tools Further Listening: → Repressed Emotions, Anxiety + Why Self-Improvement Doesn't Exist | Joe Hudson Check Out Nicole: → Website: https://theholisticpsychologist.com/ → Instagram: @the.holistic.psychologist → New Book: Reparenting The Inner Child Check Out Kelly: → Instagram → Youtube → Facebook
In this episode of You Are Not Broken, Dr. Kelly Casperson sits down with physical therapist Dr. Lisa Moore, an expert in bone health, for a conversation that reframes how we think about osteoporosis—from something to fear… to something we can actively influence. If you've ever been told to “be careful” or “avoid injury” without being given a clear path forward, this episode is your antidote. Dr. Moore brings clarity, science, and practicality to a topic that is often clouded by confusion and limitation. Why physical therapists are essential to bone health Physical therapists are uniquely trained in the musculoskeletal system—bones, muscles, and joints. Dr. Moore explains how this expertise allows them to guide patients not just in recovery, but in building strength, resilience, and confidence in their bodies. Working with women undergoing breast cancer treatment, Dr. Moore saw firsthand how certain therapies increase the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Instead of accepting this as inevitable, she pursued deeper education and now empowers women with actionable strategies to protect and rebuild their bone health. Why balance training is non-negotiable Most fractures don't happen because bones are weak alone—they happen because people fall. Dr. Moore shares why dynamic balance training (not just standing on one foot) is critical, and how practicing real-life movement scenarios can dramatically reduce fall risk. The underrated power of… power training Strength is important—but strength plus speed is what keeps you from falling. Power training helps your body react quickly and effectively, which is essential for maintaining independence and longevity. Why your starting point doesn't matter as much as you think Dr. Moore emphasizes the principle of initial values: those starting at a lower baseline often see the greatest gains. Translation? It's never too late to start, and your body is more adaptable than you've been led to believe. How to stay active without rigidity (even while traveling) Fitness doesn't have to mean perfection. Dr. Moore shares how she balances structured workouts with joyful movement like hiking and swimming—reminding us that consistency over time matters more than any single workout. The truth about osteoporosis: it's not fixed One of the most empowering takeaways—bone health is dynamic. With the right interventions, you can improve bone density, strength, and function. This is not a one-way street. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrLisaMooreDPT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlisamooredpt/ Listen to my Tedx Talk: Why we need adult sex ed Take my Adult Sex Ed Master Class: My Website Interested in my sexual health and hormone clinic? Waitlist is open To learn more about Via vaginal moisturizer from Solv Wellness, visit via4her.com and get 20% off your first order. For an additional $5 off, use coupon code DRKELLY5. Clinicians can request patient materials or samples at hcp.solvwellness.com. Thanks to our sponsor Midi Women's Health. Designed by midlife experts, delivered by experienced clinicians, covered by insurance.Midi is the first virtual care clinic made exclusively for women 40+. Evidence-based treatments. Personalized midlife care.https://www.joinmidi.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this episode of You Are Not Broken, Dr. Kelly Casperson sits down with physical therapist Dr. Lisa Moore, an expert in bone health, for a conversation that reframes how we think about osteoporosis—from something to fear… to something we can actively influence. If you've ever been told to “be careful” or “avoid injury” without being given a clear path forward, this episode is your antidote. Dr. Moore brings clarity, science, and practicality to a topic that is often clouded by confusion and limitation. Why physical therapists are essential to bone health Physical therapists are uniquely trained in the musculoskeletal system—bones, muscles, and joints. Dr. Moore explains how this expertise allows them to guide patients not just in recovery, but in building strength, resilience, and confidence in their bodies. Working with women undergoing breast cancer treatment, Dr. Moore saw firsthand how certain therapies increase the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Instead of accepting this as inevitable, she pursued deeper education and now empowers women with actionable strategies to protect and rebuild their bone health. Why balance training is non-negotiable Most fractures don't happen because bones are weak alone—they happen because people fall. Dr. Moore shares why dynamic balance training (not just standing on one foot) is critical, and how practicing real-life movement scenarios can dramatically reduce fall risk. The underrated power of… power training Strength is important—but strength plus speed is what keeps you from falling. Power training helps your body react quickly and effectively, which is essential for maintaining independence and longevity. Why your starting point doesn't matter as much as you think Dr. Moore emphasizes the principle of initial values: those starting at a lower baseline often see the greatest gains. Translation? It's never too late to start, and your body is more adaptable than you've been led to believe. How to stay active without rigidity (even while traveling) Fitness doesn't have to mean perfection. Dr. Moore shares how she balances structured workouts with joyful movement like hiking and swimming—reminding us that consistency over time matters more than any single workout. The truth about osteoporosis: it's not fixed One of the most empowering takeaways—bone health is dynamic. With the right interventions, you can improve bone density, strength, and function. This is not a one-way street. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrLisaMooreDPT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlisamooredpt/ Listen to my Tedx Talk: Why we need adult sex ed Take my Adult Sex Ed Master Class: My Website Interested in my sexual health and hormone clinic? Waitlist is open To learn more about Via vaginal moisturizer from Solv Wellness, visit via4her.com and get 20% off your first order. For an additional $5 off, use coupon code DRKELLY5. Clinicians can request patient materials or samples at hcp.solvwellness.com. Thanks to our sponsor Midi Women's Health. Designed by midlife experts, delivered by experienced clinicians, covered by insurance.Midi is the first virtual care clinic made exclusively for women 40+. Evidence-based treatments. Personalized midlife care.https://www.joinmidi.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this episode of You Are Not Broken, I sit down with Dr. Sunny Smith — physician, coach, and fierce advocate for women in medicine — for a conversation that felt both deeply personal and urgently necessary. We talk about the transformative power of coaching and why so many high-achieving women still struggle with self-doubt. If you've ever downplayed your accomplishments, hesitated to speak up in a room full of men, or questioned whether you're “expert enough,” this episode is for you. Dr. Smith and I share personal stories from our own careers that highlight the subtle (and not-so-subtle) gender dynamics embedded in medical culture. We explore how women physicians are often socialized to overwork, over-give, and under-claim their authority — and how that conditioning impacts not only our careers, but our health. This conversation is about agency. It's about recognizing that your thoughts create your feelings, your feelings drive your actions, and your actions determine your results. If you believe you're “not ready,” you'll play small. If you believe you belong, you'll act differently — and the world will respond differently. We also talk about: Why coaching works (especially for high-achieving professionals) How women are conditioned to minimize their expertise The cost of self-abandonment in medicine Gender bias in healthcare — both as physicians and as patients What it actually means to advocate for yourself Why questioning limiting beliefs is a radical act The ripple effect of empowered women physicians This episode isn't about blaming the system. It's about understanding it — and then deciding who you want to be inside of it. Because when women own their expertise, take up space, and stop apologizing for their ambition, everything changes — for us, for our patients, and for medicine itself. You are not broken. You are powerful. And you're allowed to act like it. Dr. Smith's Empowering Women Physician Website Listen to my Tedx Talk: Why we need adult sex ed Take my Adult Sex Ed Master Class: My Website Interested in my sexual health and hormone clinic? Waitlist is open To learn more about Via vaginal moisturizer from Solv Wellness, visit via4her.com and get 20% off your first order. For an additional $5 off, use coupon code DRKELLY5. Clinicians can request patient materials or samples at hcp.solvwellness.com. Thanks to our sponsor Midi Women's Health. Designed by midlife experts, delivered by experienced clinicians, covered by insurance.Midi is the first virtual care clinic made exclusively for women 40+. Evidence-based treatments. Personalized midlife care.https://www.joinmidi.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this episode of You Are Not Broken, I sit down with Dr. Sunny Smith — physician, coach, and fierce advocate for women in medicine — for a conversation that felt both deeply personal and urgently necessary. We talk about the transformative power of coaching and why so many high-achieving women still struggle with self-doubt. If you've ever downplayed your accomplishments, hesitated to speak up in a room full of men, or questioned whether you're “expert enough,” this episode is for you. Dr. Smith and I share personal stories from our own careers that highlight the subtle (and not-so-subtle) gender dynamics embedded in medical culture. We explore how women physicians are often socialized to overwork, over-give, and under-claim their authority — and how that conditioning impacts not only our careers, but our health. This conversation is about agency. It's about recognizing that your thoughts create your feelings, your feelings drive your actions, and your actions determine your results. If you believe you're “not ready,” you'll play small. If you believe you belong, you'll act differently — and the world will respond differently. We also talk about: Why coaching works (especially for high-achieving professionals) How women are conditioned to minimize their expertise The cost of self-abandonment in medicine Gender bias in healthcare — both as physicians and as patients What it actually means to advocate for yourself Why questioning limiting beliefs is a radical act The ripple effect of empowered women physicians This episode isn't about blaming the system. It's about understanding it — and then deciding who you want to be inside of it. Because when women own their expertise, take up space, and stop apologizing for their ambition, everything changes — for us, for our patients, and for medicine itself. You are not broken. You are powerful. And you're allowed to act like it. Dr. Smith's Empowering Women Physician Website Listen to my Tedx Talk: Why we need adult sex ed Take my Adult Sex Ed Master Class: My Website Interested in my sexual health and hormone clinic? Waitlist is open To learn more about Via vaginal moisturizer from Solv Wellness, visit via4her.com and get 20% off your first order. For an additional $5 off, use coupon code DRKELLY5. Clinicians can request patient materials or samples at hcp.solvwellness.com. Thanks to our sponsor Midi Women's Health. Designed by midlife experts, delivered by experienced clinicians, covered by insurance.Midi is the first virtual care clinic made exclusively for women 40+. Evidence-based treatments. Personalized midlife care.https://www.joinmidi.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this episode of You Are Not Broken, I sit down with Dr. Lisa Miller — psychologist, researcher, and author — to talk about something we don't discuss enough in medicine: spirituality as a measurable, protective force in women's lives. Not religion. Not dogma. But spirituality — the innate human capacity to feel connected, guided, and held in meaning. And friends… this one is powerful. Dr. Miller shares the science behind spirituality, including data showing that an active spiritual life can dramatically reduce the risk of depression, substance use, and hopelessness. We talk about how spirituality isn't fluffy — it's neurologically real, biologically protective, and especially alive in women. I loved this conversation because it reframes struggle. So many of us think our hardest seasons mean we're broken. What if they're actually the doorway? We discuss: Why every woman is a Ferrari — powerful, finely tuned, and built for depth The research showing spirituality cuts depression and addiction risk How crisis can become spiritual awakening The concept of “high counsel” — the guidance that is available to us when we're willing to listen Why engaging with our feelings (instead of bypassing them) is the path forward The unique spiritual intelligence women carry Why men often struggle differently in their spiritual development Post-traumatic spiritual growth And how to cultivate your innate spirituality without subscribing to anyone else's rulebook One of my favorite takeaways? Spirituality isn't something you earn. It's something you remember. We talk about how women are often socialized to disconnect from their inner voice — from intuition, from knowing. Reconnecting to that voice is not indulgent. It's medicine. This episode isn't about telling you what to believe. It's about reminding you that you are wired for meaning. And that you are never alone in your becoming. If you've been walking through something hard… If you've felt unmoored… If you've wondered whether there's something more… This conversation is for you. The Awakened Brain by Dr. Miller Listen to my Tedx Talk: Why we need adult sex ed Take my Adult Sex Ed Master Class: My Website Interested in my sexual health and hormone clinic? Waitlist is open To learn more about Via vaginal moisturizer from Solv Wellness, visit via4her.com and get 20% off your first order. For an additional $5 off, use coupon code DRKELLY5. Clinicians can request patient materials or samples at hcp.solvwellness.com. Thanks to our sponsor Midi Women's Health. Designed by midlife experts, delivered by experienced clinicians, covered by insurance.Midi is the first virtual care clinic made exclusively for women 40+. Evidence-based treatments. Personalized midlife care.https://www.joinmidi.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this episode of You Are Not Broken, I sit down with Dr. Lisa Miller — psychologist, researcher, and author — to talk about something we don't discuss enough in medicine: spirituality as a measurable, protective force in women's lives. Not religion. Not dogma. But spirituality — the innate human capacity to feel connected, guided, and held in meaning. And friends… this one is powerful. Dr. Miller shares the science behind spirituality, including data showing that an active spiritual life can dramatically reduce the risk of depression, substance use, and hopelessness. We talk about how spirituality isn't fluffy — it's neurologically real, biologically protective, and especially alive in women. I loved this conversation because it reframes struggle. So many of us think our hardest seasons mean we're broken. What if they're actually the doorway? We discuss: Why every woman is a Ferrari — powerful, finely tuned, and built for depth The research showing spirituality cuts depression and addiction risk How crisis can become spiritual awakening The concept of “high counsel” — the guidance that is available to us when we're willing to listen Why engaging with our feelings (instead of bypassing them) is the path forward The unique spiritual intelligence women carry Why men often struggle differently in their spiritual development Post-traumatic spiritual growth And how to cultivate your innate spirituality without subscribing to anyone else's rulebook One of my favorite takeaways? Spirituality isn't something you earn. It's something you remember. We talk about how women are often socialized to disconnect from their inner voice — from intuition, from knowing. Reconnecting to that voice is not indulgent. It's medicine. This episode isn't about telling you what to believe. It's about reminding you that you are wired for meaning. And that you are never alone in your becoming. If you've been walking through something hard… If you've felt unmoored… If you've wondered whether there's something more… This conversation is for you. The Awakened Brain by Dr. Miller Listen to my Tedx Talk: Why we need adult sex ed Take my Adult Sex Ed Master Class: My Website Interested in my sexual health and hormone clinic? Waitlist is open To learn more about Via vaginal moisturizer from Solv Wellness, visit via4her.com and get 20% off your first order. For an additional $5 off, use coupon code DRKELLY5. Clinicians can request patient materials or samples at hcp.solvwellness.com. Thanks to our sponsor Midi Women's Health. Designed by midlife experts, delivered by experienced clinicians, covered by insurance.Midi is the first virtual care clinic made exclusively for women 40+. Evidence-based treatments. Personalized midlife care.https://www.joinmidi.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this episode of You Are Not Broken, I sit down with Dr. Kate White and Jay White to talk about something we don't discuss enough: what actually happens to marriages in midlife. Because midlife isn't just hot flashes and hormones. It's identity shifts. Career pivots. Aging parents. Changing bodies. Evolving desire. And if we don't talk about it, it can quietly unravel connection. We explore how hormonal changes — especially in perimenopause and menopause — can significantly impact intimacy, mood, and relational dynamics. When libido shifts or sex becomes uncomfortable, couples often misinterpret it as rejection instead of biology. That misunderstanding creates distance. We talk about how communication — real, vulnerable, scheduled communication — is essential. Not just “How was your day?” but “How are we doing?” So many couples assume the other person should just know what they need. They don't. Curiosity is a skill. We also discuss: Why midlife is often framed negatively — but can actually be deeply transformative The common pattern of women initiating divorce when they feel unseen or unheard The difference between sex and intimacy — and why emotional closeness fuels physical connection How counseling can create a safe space to untangle resentment and rebuild trust Why adapting to change — instead of resisting it — is key to long-term partnership One of the most powerful themes of this episode is that midlife doesn't destroy marriages. Silence does. When couples understand what's happening — hormonally, emotionally, relationally — they can respond with compassion instead of blame. Marriage in midlife requires evolution. It requires honesty. It requires both people staying curious about who their partner is becoming. And when that happens? Midlife can be a season of deeper connection — not disconnection. https://www.headsandtailspodcast.com/ Listen to my Tedx Talk: Why we need adult sex ed Take my Adult Sex Ed Master Class: My Website Interested in my sexual health and hormone clinic? Waitlist is open Thanks to our sponsor Midi Women's Health. Designed by midlife experts, delivered by experienced clinicians, covered by insurance.Midi is the first virtual care clinic made exclusively for women 40+. Evidence-based treatments. Personalized midlife care.https://www.joinmidi.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this episode of You Are Not Broken, I sit down with Dr. Kate White and Jay White to talk about something we don't discuss enough: what actually happens to marriages in midlife. Because midlife isn't just hot flashes and hormones. It's identity shifts. Career pivots. Aging parents. Changing bodies. Evolving desire. And if we don't talk about it, it can quietly unravel connection. We explore how hormonal changes — especially in perimenopause and menopause — can significantly impact intimacy, mood, and relational dynamics. When libido shifts or sex becomes uncomfortable, couples often misinterpret it as rejection instead of biology. That misunderstanding creates distance. We talk about how communication — real, vulnerable, scheduled communication — is essential. Not just “How was your day?” but “How are we doing?” So many couples assume the other person should just know what they need. They don't. Curiosity is a skill. We also discuss: Why midlife is often framed negatively — but can actually be deeply transformative The common pattern of women initiating divorce when they feel unseen or unheard The difference between sex and intimacy — and why emotional closeness fuels physical connection How counseling can create a safe space to untangle resentment and rebuild trust Why adapting to change — instead of resisting it — is key to long-term partnership One of the most powerful themes of this episode is that midlife doesn't destroy marriages. Silence does. When couples understand what's happening — hormonally, emotionally, relationally — they can respond with compassion instead of blame. Marriage in midlife requires evolution. It requires honesty. It requires both people staying curious about who their partner is becoming. And when that happens? Midlife can be a season of deeper connection — not disconnection. https://www.headsandtailspodcast.com/ Listen to my Tedx Talk: Why we need adult sex ed Take my Adult Sex Ed Master Class: My Website Interested in my sexual health and hormone clinic? Waitlist is open Thanks to our sponsor Midi Women's Health. Designed by midlife experts, delivered by experienced clinicians, covered by insurance.Midi is the first virtual care clinic made exclusively for women 40+. Evidence-based treatments. Personalized midlife care.https://www.joinmidi.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this episode of You Are Not Broken, I sit down with urologist Dr. Una Lee to talk about what women actually need in midlife care — and why the system still makes it so hard to get. We dive into the importance of patient-centered research — studying what truly matters to women: quality of life, sexual health, urinary symptoms, and comfort. If we don't measure those things, we miss the point. We also discuss the removal of the boxed warning language on vaginal estrogen and how correcting misinformation has already improved prescribing and access. Fear limited care for years. Data changes that. We cover: Why education on vaginal estrogen and GSM is essential The research gap in testosterone therapy for women The importance of pelvic floor physical therapy as first-line care Informed consent and nuance in surgical conversations Ongoing barriers to hormonal access The big theme? Women are living longer — and our healthcare system needs to evolve with them. Listen to my Tedx Talk: Why we need adult sex ed Take my Adult Sex Ed Master Class: My Website Interested in my sexual health and hormone clinic? Waitlist is open Thanks to our sponsor Midi Women's Health. Designed by midlife experts, delivered by experienced clinicians, covered by insurance.Midi is the first virtual care clinic made exclusively for women 40+. Evidence-based treatments. Personalized midlife care.https://www.joinmidi.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this episode of You Are Not Broken, I sit down with urologist Dr. Una Lee to talk about what women actually need in midlife care — and why the system still makes it so hard to get. We dive into the importance of patient-centered research — studying what truly matters to women: quality of life, sexual health, urinary symptoms, and comfort. If we don't measure those things, we miss the point. We also discuss the removal of the boxed warning language on vaginal estrogen and how correcting misinformation has already improved prescribing and access. Fear limited care for years. Data changes that. We cover: Why education on vaginal estrogen and GSM is essential The research gap in testosterone therapy for women The importance of pelvic floor physical therapy as first-line care Informed consent and nuance in surgical conversations Ongoing barriers to hormonal access The big theme? Women are living longer — and our healthcare system needs to evolve with them. Listen to my Tedx Talk: Why we need adult sex ed Take my Adult Sex Ed Master Class: My Website Interested in my sexual health and hormone clinic? Waitlist is open Thanks to our sponsor Midi Women's Health. Designed by midlife experts, delivered by experienced clinicians, covered by insurance.Midi is the first virtual care clinic made exclusively for women 40+. Evidence-based treatments. Personalized midlife care.https://www.joinmidi.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sex, desire and intimacy can change during perimenopause and menopause – but too often, women are left navigating those changes with little information and even less support. In this episode of Thriving in Menopause, Prevention Australia editor Zoe Meunier speaks with Dr Kelly Casperson, a renowned US urologist, international speaker and leading advocate for women’s sexual health. Dr Casperson is the author of the bestselling book You Are Not Broken and host of the globally popular podcast of the same name, where she challenges outdated narratives about female desire, pleasure and midlife sexuality. Drawing on her clinical experience and deep understanding of the science behind hormones, relationships and sexual wellbeing, Dr Casperson explains why so many women feel confused or dismissed when their bodies change – and what they can do to reclaim confidence, comfort and connection. From the role of hormones and vaginal health to the psychology of desire, this empowering conversation explores how women can move from frustration and uncertainty to knowledge, agency and thriving in midlife. With her signature mix of science, honesty and compassion, Dr Casperson offers a refreshing reminder that midlife sexuality is not something women should quietly give up on – it’s something they deserve to understand, support and enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of You Are Not Broken, I sit down with Susan Guidi — and this conversation is such a beautiful reminder that it is never too late to become who you were meant to be. Susan shares her journey growing up in a Cuban Catholic family, where cultural expectations around marriage, sexuality, and identity were very clear — and very rigid. We talk about how those early narratives shape the way we see ourselves as women… and how hard it can be to untangle them later in life. After a difficult divorce, Susan didn't shrink. She expanded. She reinvented herself through stand-up comedy (yes, really) and eventually stepped onto a bodybuilding stage — proving that transformation isn't reserved for the young. It's reserved for the brave. We talk about: How culture influences the stories we believe about ourselves Why comedy can be deeply therapeutic What it takes to compete in bodybuilding later in life The power of community support during major life transitions Why mindset matters more than motivation The role of nutrition in strength and longevity Redefining your identity after divorce, career shifts, or midlife change Why sharing your story can liberate someone else This episode is about empowerment — not the fluffy kind, but the earned kind. The kind that comes from taking control of your health, your body, your voice, and your future. Susan is living proof that you are not too old, too late, too divorced, too inexperienced, or too anything. You are just in the middle of becoming. If this conversation resonates, share it with a woman who needs to hear that reinvention is still on the table. Because it is. Susan's Instagram Listen to my Tedx Talk: Why we need adult sex ed Take my Adult Sex Ed Master Class: My Website Interested in my sexual health and hormone clinic? Waitlist is open Thanks to our sponsor Midi Women's Health. Designed by midlife experts, delivered by experienced clinicians, covered by insurance.Midi is the first virtual care clinic made exclusively for women 40+. Evidence-based treatments. Personalized midlife care.https://www.joinmidi.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this episode of You Are Not Broken, I sit down with Susan Guidi — and this conversation is such a beautiful reminder that it is never too late to become who you were meant to be. Susan shares her journey growing up in a Cuban Catholic family, where cultural expectations around marriage, sexuality, and identity were very clear — and very rigid. We talk about how those early narratives shape the way we see ourselves as women… and how hard it can be to untangle them later in life. After a difficult divorce, Susan didn't shrink. She expanded. She reinvented herself through stand-up comedy (yes, really) and eventually stepped onto a bodybuilding stage — proving that transformation isn't reserved for the young. It's reserved for the brave. We talk about: How culture influences the stories we believe about ourselves Why comedy can be deeply therapeutic What it takes to compete in bodybuilding later in life The power of community support during major life transitions Why mindset matters more than motivation The role of nutrition in strength and longevity Redefining your identity after divorce, career shifts, or midlife change Why sharing your story can liberate someone else This episode is about empowerment — not the fluffy kind, but the earned kind. The kind that comes from taking control of your health, your body, your voice, and your future. Susan is living proof that you are not too old, too late, too divorced, too inexperienced, or too anything. You are just in the middle of becoming. If this conversation resonates, share it with a woman who needs to hear that reinvention is still on the table. Because it is. Susan's Instagram Listen to my Tedx Talk: Why we need adult sex ed Take my Adult Sex Ed Master Class: My Website Interested in my sexual health and hormone clinic? Waitlist is open Thanks to our sponsor Midi Women's Health. Designed by midlife experts, delivered by experienced clinicians, covered by insurance.Midi is the first virtual care clinic made exclusively for women 40+. Evidence-based treatments. Personalized midlife care.https://www.joinmidi.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this episode of SHE MD, Mary Alice Haney and Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi welcome back Dr. Kelly Casperson to discuss perimenopause, menopause, and hormone therapy with clarity and science instead of fear.Dr. Casperson explains why perimenopause is a clinical diagnosis, not simply a lab result, and why so many women are dismissed as “too young” or “too old” when their symptoms are real. She addresses the biggest myth about hormone replacement therapy and reframes the conversation around individualized, science-backed risk-benefit decisions.The discussion dives into testosterone for women, including its impact on libido, motivation, muscle mass, and mood, along with the risks of high-dose hormone pellets. They explore progesterone for sleep, the hysterectomy myth, and why vaginal estrogen is one of the safest and most effective treatments for dryness, painful sex, bladder urgency, and recurrent UTIs.The episode also tackles the midlife brain, brain fog, and how estrogen influences glucose metabolism. From restoring desire in long-term relationships to navigating alcohol, supplements, and exercise, this conversation reinforces one powerful truth: women are not broken. With the right knowledge and support, midlife can be a season of clarity, strength, and transformation.Subscribe to SHE MD Podcast for expert tips on PCOS, Endometriosis, fertility, and hormonal balance. Share with friends and visit SHE MD website and Ovii for research-backed resources, holistic health strategies, and expert guidance on women's health and well-being.Sponsors: Premier Protein: Find your favorite flavor at PremierProtein.com or at Amazon, Walmart, and other major retailers.Prolon: Ready for your own reset? For a limited time, Prolon is offering SHE MD listeners15% off site wide plus a $40 bonus gift when you subscribe to their 5-Day Program! Just visit ProlonLife.com/SHEMD to claim your 15% discount and your bonus gift.Mill: Try Mill risk-free for 90 days and get $75 off at mill.com/SHEMD and use code SHEMD at checkout.Peloton - Let yourself run, lift, sculpt, push, and go. Explore the new Peloton Cross Training Tread+ at onepeloton.com Talkiatry: Head to Talkiatry.com/shemd and complete the short assessment to get matched with an in‑network psychiatrist in just a few minutes.Warby Parker: Warby Parker gives you quality & better-looking prescription eyewear at a fraction of the going price. Our listeners get 15% + Free Shipping when they buy 2 or more pairs of prescription glasses at WarbyParker.com/SHEMD. What You'll Learn:What perimenopause actually is and why labs are not required for diagnosisThe biggest myth about hormone therapy and how fear shaped menopause careHow testosterone supports libido, motivation, and muscle strength in womenWhy vaginal estrogen is safe and essential for preventing dryness and UTIsWhat happens to the brain in midlife and why brain fog occursKey Timestamps:(01:30) Introduction and why Dr. Casperson wrote The Menopause Moment(04:10) The biggest myth about hormone therapy and why fear still shapes menopause care(09:25) Meet the hormones: testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone in midlife(11:50) Testosterone for women: libido, motivation, muscle, and dosing concerns(14:45) Hormone pellets explained: side effects, hair loss, and why removal is difficult(17:15) Progesterone for sleep and the hysterectomy myth clarified(24:25) Symptoms of too much estrogen(26:00) “Senile Vagina” - the “use it or lose it” myth(33:05) Vaginal atrophy, bladder symptoms, UTIs, and why vaginal estrogen matters(34:00) How to properly apply vaginal estrogen and why cream can be more effective(41:20) Great sex in midlife: lube and honest communication(50:30) Responsive vs spontaneous desire and bringing novelty back to long-term relationships(56:15) The midlife brain: estrogen, glucose metabolism, and brain fog(01:02:50) Alcohol, supplements, exercise, and non-hormonal tools for cognitive health(01:05:00) Final advice for women entering midlife and why you are not brokenKey Takeaways:Hormone therapy decisions should be individualized and based on science, not fearPerimenopause is common, real, and often underdiagnosedTestosterone plays a significant role in women's well-being beyond libidoVaginal estrogen is one of the safest and most effective preventive treatments in menopauseMidlife can be a powerful reset when women prioritize their health and mindsetGuest Bio:Dr. Kelly Casperson is a urologist, educator, and top international podcaster whose mission is empowering women to live their best love lives. In her podcast, You Are Not Broken, she combines science, humor, and candor to dismantle the myths women have learned about sex, intimacy, midlife, and hormones.Dr. Casperson earned her medical degree from the University of Minnesota and completed her surgical training and residency at the University of Colorado. She is a proud member of the American Urological Association, International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health, and the Society of Women in Urology.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
This week on You Are Not Broken, I'm joined by the strong, grounded, and refreshingly honest Alicia Erickson for a conversation about midlife reinvention — from hormones to heavy lifting. We talk about the real-life impact of perimenopause (and why projects like The M Factor: Shredding the Silence on Menopause matter), Alicia's decision to get sober at 45, and what happens when women stop shrinking and start building — muscle, boundaries, and belief in themselves. Alicia shares her journey into strength training, progressive overload, and even stepping on a bikini competition stage — not for validation, but for growth. We break down body recomposition (yes, you can build muscle and lose fat at the same time), the critical role of sleep, and how hormone replacement therapy can dramatically shift quality of life in midlife. This is a conversation about doing hard things on purpose. About eating enough. About lifting heavy. About community. About deciding your second half will be stronger than your first. You are not broken. You might just need a barbell. Why perimenopause feels chaotic — and what's actually happening hormonally Alicia's sobriety journey and the connection between alcohol, mental health, and midlife Why strength training is non-negotiable for women over 40 Progressive overload explained simply Sleep as the foundation for body composition Hormone replacement therapy and quality of life Body recomposition: burning fat while building muscle Eating more (not less) to support muscle growth The mindset shift from “smaller” to “stronger” The power of community and doing hard things together If this episode resonates, share it with a woman in your life who needs permission to take up space — in the gym, in her body, and in her life. Because midlife isn't the beginning of decline. It's the beginning of power. https://www.instagram.com/aliciae/ Listen to my Tedx Talk: Why we need adult sex ed Take my Adult Sex Ed Master Class: My Website Interested in my sexual health and hormone clinic? Waitlist is open Thanks to our sponsor Midi Women's Health. Designed by midlife experts, delivered by experienced clinicians, covered by insurance.Midi is the first virtual care clinic made exclusively for women 40+. Evidence-based treatments. Personalized midlife care.https://www.joinmidi.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Episode 359: Midlife Muscle, Mindset & The M-Factor with Alicia Erickson This week on You Are Not Broken, I'm joined by the strong, grounded, and refreshingly honest Alicia Erickson for a conversation about midlife reinvention — from hormones to heavy lifting. We talk about the real-life impact of perimenopause (and why projects like The M Factor: Shredding the Silence on Menopause matter), Alicia's decision to get sober at 45, and what happens when women stop shrinking and start building — muscle, boundaries, and belief in themselves. Alicia shares her journey into strength training, progressive overload, and even stepping on a bikini competition stage — not for validation, but for growth. We break down body recomposition (yes, you can build muscle and lose fat at the same time), the critical role of sleep, and how hormone replacement therapy can dramatically shift quality of life in midlife. This is a conversation about doing hard things on purpose. About eating enough. About lifting heavy. About community. About deciding your second half will be stronger than your first. You are not broken. You might just need a barbell. Why perimenopause feels chaotic — and what's actually happening hormonally Alicia's sobriety journey and the connection between alcohol, mental health, and midlife Why strength training is non-negotiable for women over 40 Progressive overload explained simply Sleep as the foundation for body composition Hormone replacement therapy and quality of life Body recomposition: burning fat while building muscle Eating more (not less) to support muscle growth The mindset shift from “smaller” to “stronger” The power of community and doing hard things together If this episode resonates, share it with a woman in your life who needs permission to take up space — in the gym, in her body, and in her life. Because midlife isn't the beginning of decline. It's the beginning of power. https://www.instagram.com/aliciae/ Listen to my Tedx Talk: Why we need adult sex ed Take my Adult Sex Ed Master Class: My Website Interested in my sexual health and hormone clinic? Waitlist is open Thanks to our sponsor Midi Women's Health. Designed by midlife experts, delivered by experienced clinicians, covered by insurance.Midi is the first virtual care clinic made exclusively for women 40+. Evidence-based treatments. Personalized midlife care.https://www.joinmidi.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
This week on You Are Not Broken, I sit down with breast oncologist and historian Dr. Elizabeth Comen to talk about her powerful book All in Her Head and the long, complicated history of how women's health has been misunderstood, minimized, and medicalized. If you've ever been told your symptoms are anxiety… stress… hormones… or just part of being a woman — this episode is for you. We explore the historical roots of dismissal in women's healthcare and how those patterns still show up today, especially in cancer care. Dr. Comen walks us through how breast cancer treatment has evolved, what we've gotten right, what we've gotten wrong, and why quality of life must be part of the conversation — not an afterthought. We also talk about: Why women's pain has historically been labeled “hysteria” How medical bias still affects diagnosis and treatment The real tension between longevity and quality of life Hormonal therapies in breast cancer — and how nuance gets lost Why advocacy matters more than ever The double-edged sword of social media and AI in health information How understanding medical history helps us build better medicine today This episode isn't about blaming the past. It's about understanding it — so we stop repeating it. Because when women are dismissed, care suffers. And when women are informed, everything changes. If you care about evidence-based medicine, health equity, and empowering women with real information — this is a must-listen. Dr. Comen's IG Dr. Comen's Book Listen to my Tedx Talk: Why we need adult sex ed Take my Adult Sex Ed Master Class: My Website Interested in my sexual health and hormone clinic? Waitlist is open Thanks to our sponsor Midi Women's Health. Designed by midlife experts, delivered by experienced clinicians, covered by insurance.Midi is the first virtual care clinic made exclusively for women 40+. Evidence-based treatments. Personalized midlife care.https://www.joinmidi.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
This week on You Are Not Broken, I sit down with breast oncologist and historian Dr. Elizabeth Comen to talk about her powerful book All in Her Head and the long, complicated history of how women's health has been misunderstood, minimized, and medicalized. If you've ever been told your symptoms are anxiety… stress… hormones… or just part of being a woman — this episode is for you. We explore the historical roots of dismissal in women's healthcare and how those patterns still show up today, especially in cancer care. Dr. Comen walks us through how breast cancer treatment has evolved, what we've gotten right, what we've gotten wrong, and why quality of life must be part of the conversation — not an afterthought. We also talk about: Why women's pain has historically been labeled “hysteria” How medical bias still affects diagnosis and treatment The real tension between longevity and quality of life Hormonal therapies in breast cancer — and how nuance gets lost Why advocacy matters more than ever The double-edged sword of social media and AI in health information How understanding medical history helps us build better medicine today This episode isn't about blaming the past. It's about understanding it — so we stop repeating it. Because when women are dismissed, care suffers. And when women are informed, everything changes. If you care about evidence-based medicine, health equity, and empowering women with real information — this is a must-listen. Dr. Comen's IG Dr. Comen's Book Listen to my Tedx Talk: Why we need adult sex ed Take my Adult Sex Ed Master Class: My Website Interested in my sexual health and hormone clinic? Waitlist is open Thanks to our sponsor Midi Women's Health. Designed by midlife experts, delivered by experienced clinicians, covered by insurance.Midi is the first virtual care clinic made exclusively for women 40+. Evidence-based treatments. Personalized midlife care.https://www.joinmidi.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Explorer is officially available for pre-order, and the first production run is intentionally limited. Use code NOTBROKEN20 If you've been waiting for a vibrator that's anatomy-informed, safety-first, and designed with real female physiology in mind, this is for you.
Explorer is officially available for pre-order, and the first production run is intentionally limited. Use code NOTBROKEN20 If you've been waiting for a vibrator that's anatomy-informed, safety-first, and designed with real female physiology in mind, this is for you.
This week I sit down with Autumn Calabrese to talk about fitness, mindset, and stress management—especially as they relate to women in midlife. We explore how hormonal changes can affect energy, recovery, motivation, and overall health, and why many women find that the fitness strategies that once worked no longer feel effective or sustainable. We also discuss how women's fitness culture has evolved over time, shifting away from extremes and toward a more balanced, realistic approach that prioritizes consistency over perfection. This episode highlights why managing stress is just as important as working out, and how nutrition, quality sleep, and community support play foundational roles in long-term wellness. At its core, this conversation is an invitation to reframe fitness as a tool for resilience, strength, and vitality—not punishment—and to encourage women to embrace change, stay consistent, and prioritize their health through every season of midlife. Fitness helps support warmth, energy, and resilience, especially during winter Mindset is a major driver of sustainable fitness and health habits Stress management is essential for overall health in midlife Hormonal changes can significantly impact women's physical and mental well-being Fitness culture is evolving toward balance rather than extremes Consistency in workouts leads to better long-term health outcomes Nutrition is a cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle Quality sleep is critical for recovery and overall well-being Embracing change can transform the midlife experience Community and accountability enhance motivation and long-term commitment Autumn's IG BODI platform To my fellow clinicians: listen to the You Are Not Broken podcast on Pinnacle's network to earn FREE CME credit Listen to my Tedx Talk: Why we need adult sex ed Take my Adult Sex Ed Master Class: My Website Interested in my sexual health and hormone clinic? Waitlist is open Thanks to our sponsor Midi Women's Health. Designed by midlife experts, delivered by experienced clinicians, covered by insurance.Midi is the first virtual care clinic made exclusively for women 40+. Evidence-based treatments. Personalized midlife care.https://www.joinmidi.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
This week I sit down with Autumn Calabrese to talk about fitness, mindset, and stress management—especially as they relate to women in midlife. We explore how hormonal changes can affect energy, recovery, motivation, and overall health, and why many women find that the fitness strategies that once worked no longer feel effective or sustainable. We also discuss how women's fitness culture has evolved over time, shifting away from extremes and toward a more balanced, realistic approach that prioritizes consistency over perfection. This episode highlights why managing stress is just as important as working out, and how nutrition, quality sleep, and community support play foundational roles in long-term wellness. At its core, this conversation is an invitation to reframe fitness as a tool for resilience, strength, and vitality—not punishment—and to encourage women to embrace change, stay consistent, and prioritize their health through every season of midlife. Fitness helps support warmth, energy, and resilience, especially during winter Mindset is a major driver of sustainable fitness and health habits Stress management is essential for overall health in midlife Hormonal changes can significantly impact women's physical and mental well-being Fitness culture is evolving toward balance rather than extremes Consistency in workouts leads to better long-term health outcomes Nutrition is a cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle Quality sleep is critical for recovery and overall well-being Embracing change can transform the midlife experience Community and accountability enhance motivation and long-term commitment Autumn's IG BODI platform To my fellow clinicians: listen to the You Are Not Broken podcast on Pinnacle's network to earn FREE CME credit Listen to my Tedx Talk: Why we need adult sex ed Take my Adult Sex Ed Master Class: My Website Interested in my sexual health and hormone clinic? Waitlist is open Thanks to our sponsor Midi Women's Health. Designed by midlife experts, delivered by experienced clinicians, covered by insurance.Midi is the first virtual care clinic made exclusively for women 40+. Evidence-based treatments. Personalized midlife care.https://www.joinmidi.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this episode of the You Are Not Broken podcast, Dr. Kelly Casperson sits down with Dr. Gabrielle Lyon for a powerful, science-forward conversation about why muscle is the organ of longevity—and why women have been taught to focus on the wrong things for decades. They unpack how an overemphasis on fat loss has distracted from the far more important goal of preserving and building muscle, especially as we age. Dr. Lyon explains anabolic resistance, protein needs across the lifespan, and why mindset—not willpower—is often the missing link in women's fitness and health outcomes. This episode reframes strength training, nutrition, and supplements as essential medical tools—not aesthetic choices—and delivers a clear message: women deserve better education about their bodies and the confidence to train for strength, not shrinkage. Why muscle is critical for metabolic health, protection, and aging well How the obsession with fat loss has undermined women's long-term health The role of mindset in body recomposition and sustainable fitness Why protein intake matters more than calorie restriction What anabolic resistance is—and why protein needs increase with age How the “fit fat” phenotype challenges outdated health metrics When continuous glucose monitoring is helpful (and when it's not) Why many women over 65 are protein deficient—and why that matters The role of supplements like creatine and essential amino acids Why strength training is a non-negotiable for women's health Muscle is not about appearance—it's about independence, resilience, and metabolic health. Women have been under-informed, under-fueled, and under-trained for far too long. Prioritizing strength is one of the most powerful health decisions a woman can make at any age. To my fellow clinicians: listen to the You Are Not Broken podcast on Pinnacle's network to earn FREE CME credit Listen to my Tedx Talk: Why we need adult sex ed Take my Adult Sex Ed Master Class: My Website Interested in my sexual health and hormone clinic? Waitlist is open Thanks to our sponsor Midi Women's Health. Designed by midlife experts, delivered by experienced clinicians, covered by insurance.Midi is the first virtual care clinic made exclusively for women 40+. Evidence-based treatments. Personalized midlife care.https://www.joinmidi.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this episode of the You Are Not Broken podcast, Dr. Kelly Casperson sits down with Dr. Gabrielle Lyon for a powerful, science-forward conversation about why muscle is the organ of longevity—and why women have been taught to focus on the wrong things for decades. They unpack how an overemphasis on fat loss has distracted from the far more important goal of preserving and building muscle, especially as we age. Dr. Lyon explains anabolic resistance, protein needs across the lifespan, and why mindset—not willpower—is often the missing link in women's fitness and health outcomes. This episode reframes strength training, nutrition, and supplements as essential medical tools—not aesthetic choices—and delivers a clear message: women deserve better education about their bodies and the confidence to train for strength, not shrinkage. Why muscle is critical for metabolic health, protection, and aging well How the obsession with fat loss has undermined women's long-term health The role of mindset in body recomposition and sustainable fitness Why protein intake matters more than calorie restriction What anabolic resistance is—and why protein needs increase with age How the “fit fat” phenotype challenges outdated health metrics When continuous glucose monitoring is helpful (and when it's not) Why many women over 65 are protein deficient—and why that matters The role of supplements like creatine and essential amino acids Why strength training is a non-negotiable for women's health Muscle is not about appearance—it's about independence, resilience, and metabolic health. Women have been under-informed, under-fueled, and under-trained for far too long. Prioritizing strength is one of the most powerful health decisions a woman can make at any age. In The Forever Strong PLAYBOOK, you'll discover how to think, eat, move, and recover in a way that supports muscle, protects your metabolism, and helps you look, feel, and live Forever Strong. When you pre-order a copy, you'll unlock $400+ in additional bonuses, including a 6-week group challenge to help you bring the plan from the book to life with accountability support and community.https://drgabriellelyon.com/playbook/ To my fellow clinicians: listen to the You Are Not Broken podcast on Pinnacle's network to earn FREE CME credit Listen to my Tedx Talk: Why we need adult sex ed Take my Adult Sex Ed Master Class: My Website Interested in my sexual health and hormone clinic? Waitlist is open Thanks to our sponsor Midi Women's Health. Designed by midlife experts, delivered by experienced clinicians, covered by insurance.Midi is the first virtual care clinic made exclusively for women 40+. Evidence-based treatments. Personalized midlife care.https://www.joinmidi.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this episode of the You Are Not Broken, Dr. Kelly Casperson is joined by Joanna Strober, CEO of MIDI Health, for a direct and hopeful conversation about menopause care, hormone therapy, and what women actually need from the healthcare system. Joanna shares the story behind building MIDI Health and why access, education, and properly trained providers are essential to closing the massive gaps in menopause care. Despite the data, only a small fraction of eligible women are receiving hormone therapy—leaving millions undertreated, dismissed, or told to simply “push through.” This episode tackles outdated narratives around menopause, reframes hormones as foundational to long-term health and longevity, and makes a strong case for advocacy—by clinicians, companies, and women themselves. How MIDI Health is delivering hormone therapy to 25,000 women each week Why only ~5% of women over 40 are currently using hormone therapy The critical need for education and training in menopause care How hormone therapy can help prevent downstream health issues Why menopause care doesn't end when periods stop What's broken in women's healthcare—and how to fix it Real patient success stories that show what's possible The role of hormones in longevity, vitality, and overall health Why advocacy is essential for meaningful change MIDI Health's vision to become a trusted, national brand for women's health Menopause is not the end of care—it's the beginning of a new phase that deserves attention, education, and evidence-based treatment. Hormone therapy isn't about vanity or “anti-aging”; it's about giving women access to the healthcare they've always deserved. To my fellow clinicians: listen to the You Are Not Broken podcast on Pinnacle's network to earn FREE CME credit Listen to my Tedx Talk: Why we need adult sex ed Take my Adult Sex Ed Master Class: My Website Interested in my sexual health and hormone clinic? Waitlist is open Thanks to our sponsor Midi Women's Health. Designed by midlife experts, delivered by experienced clinicians, covered by insurance.Midi is the first virtual care clinic made exclusively for women 40+. Evidence-based treatments. Personalized midlife care.https://www.joinmidi.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this episode of the You Are Not Broken, Dr. Kelly Casperson is joined by Joanna Strober, CEO of MIDI Health, for a direct and hopeful conversation about menopause care, hormone therapy, and what women actually need from the healthcare system. Joanna shares the story behind building MIDI Health and why access, education, and properly trained providers are essential to closing the massive gaps in menopause care. Despite the data, only a small fraction of eligible women are receiving hormone therapy—leaving millions undertreated, dismissed, or told to simply “push through.” This episode tackles outdated narratives around menopause, reframes hormones as foundational to long-term health and longevity, and makes a strong case for advocacy—by clinicians, companies, and women themselves. How MIDI Health is delivering hormone therapy to 25,000 women each week Why only ~5% of women over 40 are currently using hormone therapy The critical need for education and training in menopause care How hormone therapy can help prevent downstream health issues Why menopause care doesn't end when periods stop What's broken in women's healthcare—and how to fix it Real patient success stories that show what's possible The role of hormones in longevity, vitality, and overall health Why advocacy is essential for meaningful change MIDI Health's vision to become a trusted, national brand for women's health Menopause is not the end of care—it's the beginning of a new phase that deserves attention, education, and evidence-based treatment. Hormone therapy isn't about vanity or “anti-aging”; it's about giving women access to the healthcare they've always deserved. To my fellow clinicians: listen to the You Are Not Broken podcast on Pinnacle's network to earn FREE CME credit Listen to my Tedx Talk: Why we need adult sex ed Take my Adult Sex Ed Master Class: My Website Interested in my sexual health and hormone clinic? Waitlist is open Thanks to our sponsor Midi Women's Health. Designed by midlife experts, delivered by experienced clinicians, covered by insurance.Midi is the first virtual care clinic made exclusively for women 40+. Evidence-based treatments. Personalized midlife care.https://www.joinmidi.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this episode of the You Are Not Broken podcast, Dr. Kelly Casperson sits down with Dr. Christine Maren to explore one of the most under-recognized truths about women's bodies: female physiology is exceptionally adaptable—and that adaptability comes with trade-offs. Women's bodies evolved to support reproduction, and that evolutionary priority shaped a physiology that can adjust rapidly to stress, environment, and demand. But that same flexibility can come at a cost, especially in today's world of chronic stress, environmental exposures, and constant pressure. Together, Dr. Casperson and Dr. Maren unpack how this rapid adaptability may contribute to issues like thyroid dysfunction, hormone imbalance, gut disruption, and infertility—and why understanding these patterns is essential for improving women's health care. Why female physiology is uniquely adaptable—and how reproduction shaped that design How rapid physiological adaptation can stress systems like the thyroid The links between chronic stress, hormones, gut health, and fertility How environmental factors interact with women's biology Why adaptability can be both a powerful strength and a vulnerability The importance of recognizing these trade-offs in modern women's health care Women's bodies are not “broken.” They are highly responsive systems doing exactly what they evolved to do—often in environments that no longer support them. Understanding the costs of adaptation is the first step toward more compassionate, effective, and science-based care. Dr. Maren's Website To my fellow clinicians: listen to the You Are Not Broken podcast on Pinnacle's network to earn FREE CME credit Listen to my Tedx Talk: Why we need adult sex ed Take my Adult Sex Ed Master Class: My Website Interested in my sexual health and hormone clinic? List is open Thanks to our sponsor Midi Women's Health. Designed by midlife experts, delivered by experienced clinicians, covered by insurance.Midi is the first virtual care clinic made exclusively for women 40+. Evidence-based treatments. Personalized midlife care.https://www.joinmidi.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this episode of the You Are Not Broken podcast, Dr. Kelly Casperson sits down with Dr. Christine Maren to explore one of the most under-recognized truths about women's bodies: female physiology is exceptionally adaptable—and that adaptability comes with trade-offs. Women's bodies evolved to support reproduction, and that evolutionary priority shaped a physiology that can adjust rapidly to stress, environment, and demand. But that same flexibility can come at a cost, especially in today's world of chronic stress, environmental exposures, and constant pressure. Together, Dr. Casperson and Dr. Maren unpack how this rapid adaptability may contribute to issues like thyroid dysfunction, hormone imbalance, gut disruption, and infertility—and why understanding these patterns is essential for improving women's health care. Why female physiology is uniquely adaptable—and how reproduction shaped that design How rapid physiological adaptation can stress systems like the thyroid The links between chronic stress, hormones, gut health, and fertility How environmental factors interact with women's biology Why adaptability can be both a powerful strength and a vulnerability The importance of recognizing these trade-offs in modern women's health care Women's bodies are not “broken.” They are highly responsive systems doing exactly what they evolved to do—often in environments that no longer support them. Understanding the costs of adaptation is the first step toward more compassionate, effective, and science-based care. Dr. Maren's Website To my fellow clinicians: listen to the You Are Not Broken podcast on Pinnacle's network to earn FREE CME credit Listen to my Tedx Talk: Why we need adult sex ed Take my Adult Sex Ed Master Class: My Website Interested in my sexual health and hormone clinic? List is open Thanks to our sponsor Midi Women's Health. Designed by midlife experts, delivered by experienced clinicians, covered by insurance.Midi is the first virtual care clinic made exclusively for women 40+. Evidence-based treatments. Personalized midlife care.https://www.joinmidi.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
This is the audio from an amazing webinar I did with Alloy Health. I was so fortunate to be interviewed by their community leader, Rachel Hughes. What I'm seeing clearly is that Gen X is leading the menopause conversation — we're asking better questions, demanding better answers, and refusing to be dismissed. At the same time, Millennials are shifting the focus toward prevention, not just treating disease after it shows up. That mindset matters, and it's changing healthcare. I talk a lot about why self-care isn't indulgent — it's essential if you want to thrive in midlife and beyond. That starts with education. You cannot make informed decisions about your body if no one ever taught you how hormones actually work. Hormones are not just reactive tools — they can be preventative, supporting long-term health when used thoughtfully and appropriately. Progesterone and testosterone play real, meaningful roles in women's health, and vaginal estrogen is both safe and incredibly effective for many women — despite how rarely it's discussed. We also have to talk about sex. Communication is foundational to a fulfilling sex life in midlife, and silence only benefits outdated narratives, not women. The bottom line? You have more control over your health than you've been led to believe. Empowerment doesn't come from perfection — it comes from understanding your body and advocating for yourself in a system that often won't do it for you. To my fellow clinicians: listen to the You Are Not Broken podcast on Pinnacle's network to earn FREE CME credit Listen to my Tedx Talk: Why we need adult sex ed Take my Adult Sex Ed Master Class: My Website Interested in my sexual health and hormone clinic? Waitlist is open Thanks to our sponsor Midi Women's Health. Designed by midlife experts, delivered by experienced clinicians, covered by insurance.Midi is the first virtual care clinic made exclusively for women 40+. Evidence-based treatments. Personalized midlife care.https://www.joinmidi.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
This is the audio from an amazing webinar I did with Alloy Health. I was so fortunate to be interviewed by their community leader, Rachel Hughes. What I'm seeing clearly is that Gen X is leading the menopause conversation — we're asking better questions, demanding better answers, and refusing to be dismissed. At the same time, Millennials are shifting the focus toward prevention, not just treating disease after it shows up. That mindset matters, and it's changing healthcare. I talk a lot about why self-care isn't indulgent — it's essential if you want to thrive in midlife and beyond. That starts with education. You cannot make informed decisions about your body if no one ever taught you how hormones actually work. Hormones are not just reactive tools — they can be preventative, supporting long-term health when used thoughtfully and appropriately. Progesterone and testosterone play real, meaningful roles in women's health, and vaginal estrogen is both safe and incredibly effective for many women — despite how rarely it's discussed. We also have to talk about sex. Communication is foundational to a fulfilling sex life in midlife, and silence only benefits outdated narratives, not women. The bottom line? You have more control over your health than you've been led to believe. Empowerment doesn't come from perfection — it comes from understanding your body and advocating for yourself in a system that often won't do it for you. To my fellow clinicians: listen to the You Are Not Broken podcast on Pinnacle's network to earn FREE CME credit Listen to my Tedx Talk: Why we need adult sex ed Take my Adult Sex Ed Master Class: My Website Interested in my sexual health and hormone clinic? Waitlist is open Thanks to our sponsor Midi Women's Health. Designed by midlife experts, delivered by experienced clinicians, covered by insurance.Midi is the first virtual care clinic made exclusively for women 40+. Evidence-based treatments. Personalized midlife care.https://www.joinmidi.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices