

You Are Not Broken
Kelly Casperson, MD
Empowering women (and the partners who love them) to live their best mid lives. Combining the power of mind-work, body-science and relationships, I joyously smash the societal barriers that are keeping us from living our best intimate lives. Whether you are young or past menopause, single or in a long-term relationship, it is never too late or too early to realize YOU ARE NOT BROKEN. With humor, candor and ease, I break down the stories that we have been told about being sexual beings, to help us play, and normalize our intimacy and health. Nothing in this podcast is personal medical advice, of course.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 28, 2024 • 44min
248. Hollywood Ruined Us – Sex Therapist Brooke Bralove
Hollywood Ruined Us – Sex Therapist Brooke
Bralove
Brooke Bralove, LCSW-C is a Licensed Clinical
Social Worker, Psychotherapist, Master Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) Practitioner, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist, and Certified Daring Way™ Facilitator. Brooke specializes in treating
adults, couples, and groups with anxiety, trauma, and relationship challenges. Brooke’s new passion is Accelerated Resolution Therapy, a brief treatment modality using bilateral eye movements that provides lasting relief and healing to patients with PTSD, trauma, addiction, anxiety, and depression. She has maintained a private practice in Bethesda, Maryland for 20 years.
Summary
In this episode, Dr. Kelly Casperson
interviews Brooke Bralove, a licensed clinical social worker and certified sex therapist, about her work in treating sexual health issues and trauma. Brooke discusses her evolution into specializing in sexual health and the importance of education and normalizing sexual issues. She explains the benefits of accelerated resolution therapy (ART) in treating trauma and shares success stories. Brooke also addresses the role of vulnerability in intimacy, the spectrum of trauma, and the integration of therapy into medical practice. She provides resources for finding an ART therapist.
Takeaways
Education and normalizing sexual issues are crucial in helping individuals and couples address sexual health challenges.
Accelerated resolution therapy (ART) is a
brief treatment modality that uses bilateral eye movements to provide lasting relief and healing for trauma and sexual health issues.
Vulnerability is essential for intimacy, and
therapy can create a safe space for open communication and healing.
Trauma can manifest in various forms, including sexual trauma, medical trauma, and developmental trauma.
Finding a therapist who is trauma-informed and
trained in specialized therapies like ART can be beneficial for individuals seeking help.
www.brookebralove.com
FB: brookebralovepsychotherapy
IG: @brookebralovepsychotherapy
Tik Tok: @bbralovepsychotherapy
Acceleratedresolutiontherapy.com
Check out details for my retreat: https://ascendretreats.com/
Listen to my Tedx Talk: Why we need adult sex ed
Take my NEW Adult Sex Ed Master Class:
https://www.kellycaspersonmd.com/adult-sex-ed
Join my membership to get these episodes ASAP,
a private facebook group to discuss and my private accountability group for your health, hormones and life support!
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5 snips
Jan 21, 2024 • 38min
247. Sex Symposium: Morning After Review with Dr. Rubin
Exploring topics from the first annual Sex Symposium in NYC, including challenges in women's health innovation, empowering women through personal stories, and the importance of health and pleasure in sexual wellness. Discusses VIP dinner experiences, commitment to women's health, and supporting research with innovative products.

Jan 14, 2024 • 40min
246. Midlife Transformation: The Power of Education, Empowerment and Hormone Therapy
246. Midlife Transformation: The Power of Education, Empowerment and Hormone Therapy
In this conversation, Katey Armstrong shares her journey of
discovering Dr. Kelly Casperson and the impact of hormone education on her life. She discusses her experience with prolapse and the challenges she faced in accessing hormone treatment in Canada. Katey emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for one's health and wellness and the need for
individualized approaches. She also highlights the positive impact of hormones on her fitness and overall well-being. Katey expresses curiosity about trying testosterone in the future. In this conversation, Katey Armstrong and Dr. Kelly Casperson discuss the use of estrogen and progesterone in hormone therapy. They cover topics such as the application and benefits of estrogen, the routine and benefits of vaginal estrogen, and the use of oral progesterone. They also discuss the timeline for feeling better after starting hormone therapy and the challenges of getting dexa scans. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the long-term benefits of hormone therapy and the importance of personal empowerment in taking control of one's health.
Takeaways
Education and self-advocacy are crucial in navigating hormone
treatment.
Individual experiences with hormones can vary, and it is
important to find what works best for each person.
Taking responsibility for one's health and wellness is
empowering.
Hormones can have a positive impact on fitness and overall
well-being. Estrogen gel can be applied topically and provides benefits such as improved skin health and reduced hot flashes.
Vaginal estrogen can be used to improve vaginal dryness and
overall comfort.
Oral progesterone is often taken in the evening to help with
sleep.
It can take several weeks to start feeling better after starting
hormone therapy, and it's important to give the body time to adjust.
Getting dexa scans to assess bone health can be challenging in
some areas.
Estrogen receptors need time to regulate and upregulate in
response to hormone therapy.
Hormone therapy has long-term benefits for conditions such as
dementia, heart disease, and bone health.
It's important to educate oneself and take control of one's
health, rather than relying solely on healthcare providers.
Gratitude and appreciation for the conversation and the
opportunity to share experiences and knowledge.
www.healthyevolution.ca
www.instagram.com/healthyevolutionbykatey/
FB https://www.facebook.com/katey.kirkwood.5
Check out details for my retreat: https://ascendretreats.com/
Listen to my Tedx Talk: Why
we need adult sex ed
Take my NEW Adult Sex Ed Master Class:
https://www.kellycaspersonmd.com/adult-sex-ed
Join my membership to get these episodes ASAP, a private facebook group to discuss and my private accountability group for your health, hormones and life support!
www.kellycaspersonmd.com/membership
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Jan 7, 2024 • 44min
245. Changing Women's Healthcare From Inside Medicine
Changing Women’s Healthcare From Inside Medicine
Dr. Sarah Cigna (She/Her) is an Assistant Professor of
Obstetrics & Gynecology with The George Washington University. She is the current Director of the SAGA (Sexual Health and Gender Affirmation) Center and Director of the first Sexual Medicine Fellowship in the country for OBGYN physicians.
She is active in the International Society for the Study of
Women's Sexual Health (ISSWSH); she has served on the education committee for several years and will be taking over as the Education Chair this year. She is a Fellow of ISSWSH and runs a busy sexual medicine outpatient service, teaching medical students, residents, fellow clinicians and patients the wonders of sex medicine! She still enjoys birth work (delivering babies), and benign GYN surgery. She hopes to model the role of sexual medicine specialist in an academic setting for aspiring sex detectives.
Dr. Sarah Cigna, an expert in sexual medicine, discusses the
importance of sexual health education, challenges in talking about sexual health, the need for comprehensive vulvar examinations, improving access to sexual medicine education, expanding sexual medicine fellowships, addressing side effects of birth control, individualized contraceptive options, improving pain control for IUD placement, and the misconception of testosterone as the desire hormone. The conversation explores the complexity of hormones and desire, emphasizing that there isn't just one hormone responsible for desire and that they all play together. The importance of individualized treatment and its impact on quality of life is discussed, highlighting the life-changing nature of sexual medicine. The significance of referrals and second opinions is emphasized, encouraging healthcare providers to seek help from specialists and patients to seek multiple perspectives. The need for expanding sexual medicine fellowships is addressed, calling for advanced learning opportunities for all healthcare professionals.
Takeaways
Sexual health education is crucial for healthcare providers to
better serve their patients.
Comprehensive vulvar examinations are essential for diagnosing and treating sexual health issues.
Expanding sexual medicine fellowships can help train more
clinicians in this specialized field.
Individualized contraceptive options should be offered to patients
based on their specific needs and preferences.
Improving pain control options for IUD placement can make the
procedure more comfortable for patients.
Testosterone is not the sole hormone responsible for desire, and
other factors, such as estrogen, play a significant role. Hormones and desire are complex, and there isn't just one hormone responsible for desire.
Individualized treatment in sexual medicine can greatly improve
quality of life.
Referrals and second opinions are important in sexual medicine to
ensure patients receive the best care.
Expanding sexual medicine fellowships is crucial for advancing the
field and providing evidence-based care.
IG @drsarahcigna @gwsagacenter
NYC Sex Symposium www.theswell.com
Check out details for my retreat: https://ascendretreats.com/
Listen to my Tedx Talk: Whywe need adult sex ed
Take my NEW Adult Sex Ed Master Class:
https://www.kellycaspersonmd.com/adult-sex-ed
Join my membership to get these episodes ASAP, a private facebook group to discuss and my private accountability group for your health, hormones and life support!
www.kellycaspersonmd.com/membership
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Dec 31, 2023 • 47min
244. Happy New Year's and the Nail in the Coffin of Hormones Causing Breast Cancer.
242. Happy New Year's and the Nail in the Coffin of Hormones Causing Breast Cancer
In this episode, Dr. Kelly Casperson shares updates on the podcast and announces the four-year anniversary. She discusses her plans for the future, including moving the podcast to a new category and manifesting success in the health and fitness industry. Dr. Casperson also announces a retreat and offers live group coaching sessions. She encourages listeners to sign up for the retreat and get a lifetime membership to her monthly membership program. Dr. Casperson answers a listener question about painful intercourse and provides recommendations for finding physicians and therapists specializing in menopause issues. Finally, she debunks the Women's Health Initiative study and emphasizes the safety and benefits of hormone replacement therapy.Takeaways
Dr. Casperson is celebrating the four-year anniversary of the podcast and shares her plans for the future.
She announces a retreat and offers live group coaching sessions for listeners.
Dr. Casperson answers a listener question about painful intercourse and provides recommendations for finding specialized healthcare providers.
She debunks the Women's Health Initiative study and emphasizes the safety and benefits of hormone replacement therapy.
Bluming AZ, Hodis HN, Langer RD. 'Tis but a scratch: a critical review of the Women's Health Initiative evidence associating menopausal hormone therapy with the risk of breast cancer. Menopause. 2023 Dec 1;30(12):1241-1245. doi: 10.1097/GME.0000000000002267. Epub 2023 Oct 18. PMID: 37847875
Check out details for my retreat: https://ascendretreats.com/
Did you get my “You Are Not Broken” Book Yet? https://amzn.to/3p18DfK
Listen to my Tedx Talk: Why we need adult sex ed
Join my NEW Adult Sex Ed Master Class:
https://www.kellycaspersonmd.com/adult-sex-ed
Join my membership to get these episodes ASAP when they are
created and without advertisement and even listen live to the interviews and episodes.
www.kellycaspersonmd.com/membership
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Dec 24, 2023 • 41min
243. UnF*ck Your Brain: Body Image, Desire, and Coaching with Kara Loewentheil
243. UnF*ck Your Brain: Body Image, Desire and Coaching with Kara Loewentheil
Kara Loewentheil, J.D., is a Master Certified Coach, host of the top-rated podcast UnF*ck Your Brain, and creator of the Clutch: A feminist mindset revolution. A graduate of Yale College and Harvard Law School, she did what every Ivy League feminist lawyer should do: Quit a prestigious academic career to become a life coach!
Thanks to our sponsor Uber Lube 10% off, Code NOTBROKEN uberlube.com
Check out my retreat March 2024! https://ascendretreats.com/
In this conversation, Kelly Casperson interviews Kara Loewentheil
about thoughtwork and its impact on desire and pleasure. They discuss the influence of society on women's thoughts and desires, the historical context of women's desire, and the concept of object of affirmation desire. They also explore body image and self-criticism, the importance of communication in relationships, and the process of changing thoughts and self-criticism.
Overall, the conversation highlights the power of thoughtwork in transforming women's relationship with desire and pleasure. In this conversation, Kara Loewentheil discusses the impact of society's expectations on women and how thought work can help break free from sexist thinking. She emphasizes the transformational power of thought work and the importance of commitment and practice. Kara shares her personal experiences and how thought work has changed various aspects of her life. She also highlights the need to embrace the human experience and let go of the fantasy of constant improvement. The conversation concludes with an announcement about Kara's book, 'Take Back Your Brain.'
Takeaways
Society plays a significant role in shaping women's thoughts and
desires.
Women are often socialized to see themselves as objects of desire
and believe that their desirability is dependent on others.
Body image and self-criticism can negatively impact women's
relationship with desire and pleasure.
Communication is essential in fostering healthy and fulfilling
sexual relationships.
Changing thoughts and self-criticism is a gradual process that
requires patience and self-compassion.
www.instagram.com/karalowentheil
https://unfuckyourbrain.com/
Take Back Your Brain https://amzn.to/3RufcoX
https://unfuckyourbrain.com/
Check out details for my retreat: https://ascendretreats.com/
Did you get my “You Are Not Broken” Book Yet? https://amzn.to/3p18DfK
Listen to my Tedx Talk: Why we need adult sex ed
Join my NEW Adult Sex Ed Master Class:
https://www.kellycaspersonmd.com/adult-sex-ed
Join my membership to get these episodes ASAP when they are
created and without advertisement and even listen live to the interviews and episodes.
www.kellycaspersonmd.com/membership
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Dec 17, 2023 • 47min
242. Modern Sex Challenges with Dr. Marianne Brandon
242. Modern Sex Challenges with Dr. Marianne Brandon
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Check out my retreat March 2024! https://ascendretreats.com/
Dr. Marianne Brandon is a clinical psychologist and Diplomate in sex therapy.
Dr. Brandon is the author of “Monogamy: The Untold Story” and the ebook “Unlocking the Sexy in Surrender: Using the Neuroscience of
Power to Recharge Your Sex Life”. She is co-author of the book “Reclaiming Desire: 4 Keys to Finding Your Lost Libido.”
Dr. Brandon makes cutting edge research on relationships and intimacy accessible for the general public — advice that the people are clearly starving for.
Consider the stats:
Over 50% of marriages end in divorce
Over 40% of women and 30% of men report a sexual concern
20% of marriages are “sexless”
Over 20% of women report “marked distress” about their
sexual relationships
Approximately 30% of spouses have had an affair
Dr. Marion Brandon highlights the challenges of sex in society, the lack of comprehensive sex education, and the nuances of pornography. Dr. Brandon also explores the complexities of monogamy, the impact of AI and sex tech, and the role of power dynamics in relationships. She emphasizes the importance of treating couples, not just individuals, and the benefits of having a biopsychosocial perspective.
The conversation explores the importance of hormone changes in midlife and the impact it has on sexual health. It highlights the lack of awareness and treatment of genital urinary syndrome, which can significantly affect relationship dynamics. The discussion also addresses the lack of knowledge among physicians regarding available treatments. The impact of intimate connection on overall well-being is emphasized, and Marianne Brandon's Psychology Today blog is recommended as a valuable resource.
Comprehensive sex education is lacking, particularly in the digital age.
Pornography can be a complex topic, with both positive and negative aspects.
Monogamy can be challenging and requires effort, communication, and mindfulness.
The rise of AI and sex tech presents both opportunities and concerns.
Power dynamics can play a role in sexual relationships and can be explored in a healthy way.
Understanding hormone changes and desire discrepancy is important in addressing sexual issues.
Treating couples as a unit is crucial for addressing sexual concerns.
Taking a biopsychosocial perspective can provide a more comprehensive understanding of sex and relationships. Midlife hormone changes can have a significant impact on sexual health and overall well-being.
What to do when the man has a low libido.
Genitourinary syndrome is often under-treated and can lead to changes in relationship dynamics.
Physicians may lack knowledge about available treatments for sexual health issues.
A satisfying intimate connection has a profound impact on relationships and overall life satisfaction.
Marianne Brandon's Psychology Today blog is a valuable resource for information on sexual health.
The testosterone conference for clinicians is an important event for learning about biopsychosocial and hormonal aspects of sexual health.
She asks her clients about their best sex ever because I can
learn a lot about them from this memory.
https://www.drbrandon.net/
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-future-intimacy
twitter @drbrandon
https://www.instagram.com/drmbrandon/
Harvard Testosterone Course https://hmstestosteronecourse.com/
Check out details for my retreat: https://ascendretreats.com/
Did you get my “You Are Not Broken” Book Yet? https://amzn.to/3p18DfK
Listen to my Tedx Talk: Why
we need adult sex ed
Join my NEW Adult Sex Ed Master Class:
https://www.kellycaspersonmd.com/adult-sex-ed
Join my membership to get these episodes ASAP when they are
created and without advertisement and even listen live to the interviews and episodes.
www.kellycaspersonmd.com/membership
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Dec 10, 2023 • 57min
241. Myths and Truths - GSM and Pelvic Hormones
241. Myths and Truths - GSM and Pelvic Hormones
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Check out my retreat March 2024! https://ascendretreats.com/
Myths about vaginal estrogen
What is GSM - genitourinary syndrome of menopause?
The original “use it or lose it” paper.
Communication in adult sex ed is very important.
Non-hormonal options for GSM
We discuss vaginal DHEA
My opinion about loading doses for vaginal estrogen
Hacks to get cheaper vaginal estrogen – Cost Plus Drugs, Good Rx, Amazon Pharmacy
Medication options for GSM and why I have a cream bias
Access issues for vaginal estrogen
When vaginal estrogen doesn’t work
Why vaginal estrogen is a life long medicine
Women post menopause have less estrogen in their bodies than men.
Vaginal Estrogen is a preventative medicine. It’s role in preventing genitourinary syndrome of menopause.
My opinion on the applicator for vaginal estrogen cream.
How vaginal estrogen helps overactive bladder symptoms.
When our understanding of estrogen is minimal, we don’t understand how it affects our overall health.
Should we be treating the female partner when we give men Viagra?
I discuss the gender bias in treating humans in medicine with aging issues.
How can the medical community do better?
The problem with the FDA black box warning on the vaginal estrogen product.
Is it okay to put estrogen cream on the penis?
How to help our kids and the next generation.
https://uronurse.com/
Check out details for my retreat: https://ascendretreats.com
https://marcella-hill.mystagingwebsite.com/wake-her-up-retreat/ Did you get my “You Are Not Broken” Book
Yet? https://amzn.to/3p18DfK
Listen to my Tedx Talk: Why we need adult sex ed
Join my NEW Adult Sex Ed Master Class: https://www.kellycaspersonmd.com/adult-sex-ed
Join my membership to get these episodes ASAP when they are created and without advertisement and even listen live to the interviews and episodes.
www.kellycaspersonmd.com/membership
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Dec 3, 2023 • 44min
240. Sex After Cancer
240. Sex After Cancer
What are possible sexual issues after cancer?
What are treatment options?
How can we do better talking about it?
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Dr. Laila Agrawal is a medical oncologist specializing
in breast cancer in a community setting at Norton Cancer Institute in Louisville, KY. She is a fellow of the International Society for the
Study of Women’s Sexual Health and has a sexual health clinic for women with cancer.
How she went from oncology into sexual health after cancer?
The importance of vaginal health after cancer treatment.
Why does no one talk about breasts as sexual organs? How does this affect the breast cancer conversation? We discuss options.
Things to know about sexual health after cancer diagnosis: It is biopsychosocial
The role of body image in impacting sexual health
The role of prevention of sexual dysfunction after radiation – vaginal dilators.
The ACOG statement supporting the safety of vaginal estrogen after cancer.
We discuss different vaginal estrogen products and vaginal DHEA.
The role of testosterone when you are on aromatase inhibitor after breast cancer.
Use of non hormonal FDA approved products for low sexual desire.
Did you get my “You Are Not Broken” Book Yet? https://amzn.to/3p18DfK
Listen to my Tedx Talk: Why we need adult sex ed
Join my NEW Adult Sex Ed Master Class: https://www.kellycaspersonmd.com/adult-sex-ed
Join my membership to get these episodes ASAP when they are created and without advertisement and even listen live to the interviews and episodes.
www.kellycaspersonmd.com/membership
https://www.instagram.com/drlailaagrawal/
@drlailaagrawal on X
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Nov 26, 2023 • 35min
239. Menopause in the Workplace and Estrogen After Breast Cancer
Menopause in the Workplace and Estrogen After Breast Cancer
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Female physicians want to back off work secondary tomenopause symptoms
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The huge financial burden and loss to the workforce because of untreated menopause
-
One of the largest groups in poverty in America is women over age 80
-
I report on the Evernow survey of menopause in the workforce
-
I discuss Avrum Bluming’s article in the May 2022 Cancer Journal – Estrogen After Breast Cancer – is it time?
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I discuss the progression of prostate cancer survivors being given testosterone over my career and how I think breast cancer will be headed this way too.
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The efficacy of estrogen in preventing hip fractures.
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The longevity benefit of taking estrogen
The risk of pulmonary embolism with pregnancy, birth control and menopause hormone therapy
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I discuss three paradigms coming in the future with hormones – hormones after breast cancer, hormones in women greater than 10 years post menopause, and hormones in perimenopause
Evernow menopause in the workplace
Dr. Avrum Bluming’s article Bluming,
Avrum Zvi MD. Hormone Replacement Therapy After Breast Cancer: It Is Time. The
Cancer Journal 28(3):p 183-190, 5/6 2022. | DOI: 10.1097/PPO.0000000000000595
Estrogen Matters Book
Did you get my “You Are Not Broken” Book
Yet? https://amzn.to/3p18DfK
Listen to my Tedx Talk: Why we need adult sex ed
Join my NEW Adult Sex Ed Master Class: https://www.kellycaspersonmd.com/adult-sex-ed
Join my membership to get these episodes ASAP when they are created and without advertisement and even listen live to the interviews and episodes.
www.kellycaspersonmd.com/membership
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