You Are Not Broken

This week, I sat down with the radiant Whitni Miller, also known as BDEmoves on Instagram, a queer sex educator and pleasure coach who’s changing the game when it comes to how we talk about sex, desire, and embodiment, especially in the queer community. Together, we explored what it really means to be embodied in midlife and why so many of us still struggle to feel sexually safe—not just physically, but emotionally and relationally. Whitni brings a trauma-informed lens to her work, helping people unpack shame, regulate their nervous systems, and come back home to themselves. We talked about: Why safety (not spontaneity) is the foundation of good sex How queer and same-sex couples deal with libido differences What late bloomers can teach us about authenticity and desire The power of non-sexual touch in long-term relationships How responsive desire isn't broken—it’s just misunderstood The absolute joy of reclaiming play and pleasure at any age Whitni also got real about what it takes to share accurate, pleasure-centered sex ed online in the face of constant censorship. Hint: It’s hard, it’s frustrating, and it’s absolutely necessary. She’s a fierce advocate for creating digital and real-life spaces where people—especially queer folks—can learn, explore, and thrive. If you’ve ever wondered, What can we learn from the queer community about sex, intimacy, and communication?—this episode is for you. Whitni’s work is bold, honest, and full of compassion. Follow her @bdemoves and check out her offerings for late bloomers, folks navigating WLW relationships, and anyone looking to deepen their connection with themselves and their partners. Takeaways: ✨ Sexual safety is foundational to desire—not optional. ✨ Queer relationships offer a refreshing reframe of intimacy and play. ✨ Scheduling sex is not unsexy—it’s smart, respectful, and hot. ✨ Responsive desire is normal, especially in midlife and long-term partnerships. ✨ Pleasure-first education challenges societal norms that prioritize performance. ✨ We need more trauma-informed, inclusive sex ed—and we need it now. https://www.instagram.com/bde.moves Want more honest, empowering conversations like this one?⁠⁠Preorder my Next Book⁠⁠ share this episode, and leave a review to help others find this important work. Let's stop leaving women out of the conversation—especially when it comes to sex, health, and healing. 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 Explore and expand pleasure with resources, advice, and the most exciting pleasure products with Good Vibes, and save 10% with coupon code NOTBROKEN10 at goodvibes.com/menopause 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

🎙️ Episode 324: Perimenopause is Real—What You Need to Know with Jackie Piasta, WHNP-BC Perimenopause is real—and often misunderstood. In this episode, I sit down with women’s health nurse practitioner Jackie Piasta to unpack the truth about this critical (and neglected) phase of midlife. If you’ve been told “you’re too young” or “just tough it out,” this conversation will feel like the validation you’ve been missing. Jackie and I dive into what perimenopause really looks like—from migraines and mood swings to weight gain and disrupted sleep—and why these symptoms deserve real answers, not dismissal. We talk through what’s happening hormonally, why lab tests aren’t the gold standard, and how to shift from a “birth control” mindset to a hormone-optimization mindset in your 30s, 40s, and beyond. In this episode: Why perimenopause can start in your 30s—even with regular periods Common myths that keep women suffering in silence How to track symptoms and cycles instead of chasing lab results The role of hormonal birth control—and when it helps vs. masks symptoms How estradiol, progesterone, and vaginal hormones can support brain, sleep, and libido Supplements and newer options: magnesium, L-theanine, flibanserin, even topical CBD Real-world patient cases that show how individualized care changes lives Top takeaways: Perimenopause is a clinical diagnosis—there’s no perfect test. Hormonal fluctuations can cause real physical, emotional, and cognitive changes. Bone loss, lipid changes, and heart risks start before menopause. Progesterone is often underused but powerful for night sweats, anxiety, and sleep. SSRIs are not first-line for new-onset mood changes in perimenopause. Early intervention matters—don’t wait until menopause to get help. We also talk about newer birth control formulations, managing migraines, and what the research is showing us about how menopause impacts heart health and brain function. Spoiler: it’s not just about hot flashes. This episode is your permission slip to stop toughing it out and start asking for care that actually helps. 🔗 Referenced Studies & Resources: Brinton RD et al. Perimenopause as a neurological transition state. Nat Rev Endocrinol. 2015;11(7):393-405. Wu B et al. Trajectories of Blood Lipids Profile in Midlife Women. J Am Heart Assoc. 2023;12(22):e030388. SWAN Study: Lipid trajectory insights through the menopausal transition https://www.instagram.com/jackiep_gynnp https://www.mymonarchhealthco.com/ Want more honest, empowering conversations like this one?⁠Preorder my Next Book⁠ share this episode, and leave a review to help others find this important work. Let's stop leaving women out of the conversation—especially when it comes to sex, health, and healing. 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 GennaMD by Solv Wellness, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠gennaMD.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for 20% off your first order. For an additional $5 off, use coupon code DRKELLY5. Providers can request patient education materials or samples at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠gennaMDHCP.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, I sit down with Erin Sullivan Wagner for a raw and powerful conversation about something that’s too often ignored—sexual health in the context of cancer. Erin shares her personal experience with anal cancer, and what it was like to navigate the trauma of diagnosis and treatment while also feeling abandoned when it came to intimacy and her sexual well-being. We talk about the gaps in cancer care, especially when it comes to women. Why is it that sexual health is often dismissed or completely left out of the conversation? Erin and I unpack how deeply cultural biases and medical liability fears impact the way sexual health is (or isn’t) addressed—especially for women. We also dive into the concept of prehabilitation—starting sexual health conversations before treatment begins—and why it's critical that providers get educated and empowered to offer resources, referrals, and support for their patients. Because survivorship isn’t just about staying alive—it’s about staying connected to your body, your relationships, and your pleasure. This is the conversation I wish every oncology team would hear. Cancer profoundly affects sexual health, yet it’s often ignored. Erin’s story is a powerful reminder of the trauma that comes with being left in the dark. There’s a huge disconnect in how cancer care approaches female sexuality. Male sexual health gets prioritized—female sexual health, not so much. So many patients feel invisible when it comes to intimacy concerns. These conversations need to happen early, not after damage has been done. Cultural discomfort and medical fear of liability keep people from addressing sex. Women are rarely told what to expect sexually after cancer treatment. Quality of life includes sex, pleasure, and connection. We have to normalize sexual health in survivorship care. When we ignore it, the damage can be long-lasting and irreversible. Emotional intimacy matters as much as physical recovery. Prehabilitation should be standard practice. Providers need training—patients need validation and direction. Advocacy matters. This change starts with conversations like this. Youtube video - Erins Story https://www.aftercancer.co/ https://allofmeiowa.org/ Want more honest, empowering conversations like this one?Preorder my Next Book share this episode, and leave a review to help others find this important work. Let's stop leaving women out of the conversation—especially when it comes to sex, health, and healing. 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 GennaMD by Solv Wellness, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠gennaMD.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for 20% off your first order. For an additional $5 off, use coupon code DRKELLY5. Providers can request patient education materials or samples at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠gennaMDHCP.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, number 322, I sit down with sex therapist Dr. Juliana Hauser for a deeply personal and powerful conversation about her experience with surgical menopause. She opens up about the decision-making process around her hysterectomy—what led her there, what she wishes she'd known beforehand, and how it impacted her physically, emotionally, and sexually. We discuss the importance of thoroughly understanding your hysterectomy options—not all procedures are the same, and having the right information can make a significant difference. Dr. Hauser shares how guided imagery became a key part of her healing process, and we dive into the complicated (and often frustrating) world of hormone therapy. She also brings up the role of doulas—not just for birth, but for menopause—highlighting how emotional support can be just as essential as medical care. We explore why open communication in relationships matters so much, especially when it comes to sexual confidence and intimacy post-surgery. This conversation is raw, real, and full of wisdom for anyone navigating hormonal changes, recovery after hysterectomy, or simply learning to advocate for themselves in a system that doesn’t always listen. https://dr-juliana.com/ https://flourishwholehealth.com/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Order my book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ "You Are Not Broken: Stop "Should-ing" All Over You Sex Life" and ⁠⁠⁠⁠"Menopause Moment: Science, Hormones and Mindset for Optimal Longevity"⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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 GennaMD by Solv Wellness, visit ⁠gennaMD.com ⁠for 20% off your first order. For an additional $5 off, use coupon code DRKELLY5. Providers can request patient education materials or samples at ⁠gennaMDHCP.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

Welcome back! In this episode 321, I sit down with the incredible Dr. Tiffany Moon—an anesthesiologist, mom, entrepreneur, and yes, former Real Housewife. We delve into what it truly means to find joy in midlife and how social media often distorts our perception of happiness. Tiffany gets real about the pressure so many professionals—especially women in medicine—feel to "do it all" and how that expectation can lead straight to burnout. We talk about the addiction to busyness, the cultural layers that shape how we view therapy, and the wild (and often hilarious) intersection of medicine and reality TV. We also touch on AI’s growing presence in healthcare and what it means to redefine professionalism in today’s world. This one’s about self-trust, self-acceptance, and not waiting to enjoy your life. Dr. Tiffany brings humor, honesty, and a refreshing dose of perspective to a conversation that every working woman—especially in medicine—needs to hear. Joy Prescriptions by Dr. Moon Order my book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ "You Are Not Broken: Stop "Should-ing" All Over You Sex Life" and ⁠⁠⁠⁠"Menopause Moment: Science, Hormones and Mindset for Optimal Longevity"⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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 GennaMD by Solv Wellness, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠gennaMD.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for 20% off your first order. For an additional $5 off, use coupon code DRKELLY5. Providers can request patient education materials or samples at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠gennaMDHCP.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

Dive into the latest guidelines on Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM). Discover why education on hormonal changes is crucial and how to have open conversations with healthcare providers. Explore effective treatment options including vaginal estrogen, even for cancer survivors. Learn about the significance of pelvic exams and non-hormonal treatments. This is not just about health—it's about enhancing your quality of life and intimacy. Grab your voice and make informed choices for your well-being.

Hey friends! In this episode, I’m joined by the amazing Dr. Heather Quaile, DNP, as we dive into all things ISSWSH — that's short for the International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health (try saying that five times fast). We talk about how this incredible organization has exploded in size and why that matters for women everywhere. We get into the power of staying curious in sexual medicine, why funding research is still such a grind, and how hormones — yes, especially testosterone — play a huge role in sexual function. Heather and I also share some of our favorite takeaways from recent ISSWSH conferences, like new ways of looking at orgasm and sexual dysfunction that actually make sense. We don't shy away from the hard stuff either — off-label meds, outdated guidelines, and the frustrating lack of clarity around hormone therapy. But more than anything, this convo is about how we, as healthcare professionals, need to collaborate and push for change that reflects real women’s needs. If you’re curious about the future of female sexual medicine or just want to hear two clinicians geek out over the latest research, this episode is for you. Let’s get into it! www.isswsh.org https://theshowcenter.com/ Sedona in October - ONE slot left: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.ascendretreats.com/menopause-and-sexual-health-2025⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Order my book⁠⁠⁠ "You Are Not Broken: Stop "Should-ing" All Over You Sex Life" and ⁠⁠"Menopause Moment: Science, Hormones and Mindset for Optimal Longevity"⁠⁠ 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 GennaMD by Solv Wellness, visit ⁠⁠⁠gennaMD.com ⁠⁠⁠for 20% off your first order. For an additional $5 off, use coupon code DRKELLY5. Providers can request patient education materials or samples at ⁠⁠⁠gennaMDHCP.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

Dive into the fascinating world of hormone therapy, covering everything from effective dosing to administration routes. Uncover the truth behind common misconceptions, particularly regarding DHEA and estrogen during perimenopause. Explore how hormonal treatments can impact migraines and overall women's health. The discussion also highlights the importance of gender equity in medicine, advocating for better education on testosterone prescriptions. Join the conversation about empowering women with the knowledge they need for hormonal health.

This episode is from an interview I did with Dr. Shauna Watts while in Austraila for her podcast, "All About You With Dr. Shauna Watts" This conversation delves into the complexities of menopause, hormone therapy, and the societal perceptions surrounding them. We discuss the misconceptions about menopause, the evolutionary perspective, and the naturalistic fallacy that often leads women to avoid hormone replacement therapy. We also explore the stigma surrounding men's health issues, particularly testosterone treatment, and the importance of education in making informed choices about hormone therapy. Additionally, the discussion touches on interstitial cystitis, bladder cancer risk factors, and the benefits of rucking for women's health. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of women's sexual health, focusing on libido, the impact of menopause, and the societal pressures surrounding body image and sexual desire. We discuss the importance of education and resources for understanding sexual health, as well as the challenges faced by women in navigating their sexual experiences. The conversation emphasizes the need for open dialogue about sexual health and the normalization of women's experiences. https://www.allaboutyoupod.com/ Sedona in October - only two slots left: ⁠https://www.ascendretreats.com/menopause-and-sexual-health-2025⁠ ⁠Order my book⁠ "You Are Not Broken: Stop "Should-ing" All Over You Sex Life" and "Menopause Moment: Science, Hormones and Mindset for Optimal Longevity" 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 GennaMD by Solv Wellness, visit ⁠gennaMD.com ⁠for 20% off your first order. For an additional $5 off, use coupon code DRKELLY5. Providers can request patient education materials or samples at ⁠gennaMDHCP.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 powerful episode, Dr. Kelly Casperson sits down with James Swanwick, alcohol-free advocate and entrepreneur, to unravel the truth about alcohol's impact on our health, relationships, and society. With 15 years of alcohol-free living under his belt, James shares how choosing not to drink isn’t about loss—it's about liberation. Together, they explore the deeply ingrained cultural narratives that glamorize alcohol and the neuroscience behind why our brains keep reaching for that next drink. From celebrity endorsements to outdated health myths, James and Kelly challenge the illusion that alcohol equals a good life. This conversation is packed with truth bombs, science, and personal insight into why being alcohol-free can unlock clarity, presence, and purpose—especially for high achievers and anyone craving a more fulfilling life. What You'll Learn: Why “alcohol-free” is a powerful choice—not a limitation How cultural conditioning has normalized drinking from a young age The truth about alcohol and brain degeneration The real story behind alcohol and heart health myths How dopamine drives alcohol cravings The link between alcohol and dementia, anxiety, and relational breakdowns Why more high performers are choosing sobriety for clarity and focus How to confidently navigate social events without alcohol The role of community in embracing a sober-curious or alcohol-free lifestyle Why societal change around alcohol is already happening Key Takeaways: Alcohol-free is a choice, not a lamentation. No amount of alcohol is beneficial for your health. Drinking can disrupt relationships, performance, and mental clarity. Alcohol is a drug—marketed as a reward but loaded with consequences. Society is slowly waking up to the truth: we don’t need alcohol to celebrate, connect, or succeed. Resources & Links: Learn more about James Swanwick and his alcohol-free programs at jamesswanwick.com Clear book by James Swanwick To learn more about GennaMD by Solv Wellness, visit gennaMD.com for 20% off your first order. For an additional $5 off, use coupon code DRKELLY5. Providers can request patient education materials or samples at gennaMDHCP.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