Midlife podcast for women 40+: Real talk on perimenopause, menopause symptoms, vaginal dryness (GSM), libido, HRT (hormone replacement therapy), intimacy & body image.
In Episode 1 of Unmuted – The Midlife Roundtable, hosts Deborah (Pleasure Pods co-founder) and Serena Haines (sex educator & podcast host) sit with an expert panel to unmute what women are actually experiencing—no whispers, no shame, just practical help and humor (hello, “cougar puberty” energy).
Featuring:
• Gina Marie — Somatic Sex & Intimacy Coach
• Amanda Otterman, RN — Certified Menopause Specialist
• Taylor McConnachie — Registered Psychotherapist & AASECT-Certified Sex Therapist (only for Episode #1)
You’ll learn:
• What GSM/vaginal dryness is—and why vaginal estrogen can be a game-changer
• The truth about HRT (beyond the scary headlines)
• How mood, anxiety & neurodivergence show up in perimenopause
• Somatic practices to reconnect with pleasure & confidence
• How plant-based, solid moisturizers/lubes (e.g., Pleasure Pods) support comfort & intimacy
Chapters:
• 00:00 Why “Unmuted”
• 01:15 Meet the panel
• 10:55 HRT myths
• 16:23 Vaginal estrogen & GSM
• 21:16 Mood & anxiety
• 25:36 Body image & somatics
• 31:24 What Pleasure Pods is
• 38:14 Midlife ≠ end of sex
Subscribe for weekly episodes on women’s health, sexual wellness, and midlife confidence.
Comment with your questions—we’ll cover them in future shows.
Educational discussion, not medical advice.
Talk to your licensed clinician for personal care.