Here Comes Sunshine with Sarah Valentine

Today’s episode is a cozy ramble. I’m a little under the weather, a little low on energy, and still very much in my feelings. I talk about the Super Bowl halftime show, Bad Bunny, and how much joy surprised me when I wasn’t even looking for it. We wander into Valentine’s Day and all the mixed emotions that come with it: loneliness, hope, resistance, eye rolling, and tenderness. This isn’t a lesson or a how-to. It’s just a reminder that joy is still alive and well, even when we’re tired, even when love feels complicated, even when life isn’t picture perfect. Pull up a chair, rest with me for a few minutes, and let’s remember that joy still knows our name.*If you are looking for more support, encouragement, or one-on-one guidance, you can explore all of my current offerings at my Stan Store at https://stan.store/the_sarah_valentine. If you have a question you would like me to answer on the podcast or want to reach out directly, email me anytime at sarah@intimateconsciousness.com. And as we move through these quieter winter months, I am continuing my "Winter of a Man" special with 30-minute sessions offered at half off for those who could use connection, clarity, and encouragement right now. I would love to work with you.

Midlife is often labeled as a crisis, but for many men it is something else entirely. A wake-up call. A truth-telling moment. A quiet invitation to stop performing and start listening.In this episode of Here Comes Sunshine, if you are wondering if you missed your chance or waited too long to become who you really are. Let's dive into the truth!This conversation explores exhaustion, uncertainty, and the relief that comes from stopping the fight where you are. You will be invited to release old stories that no longer serve you and begin rewriting your life with greater intention, self-trust, and compassion.This is not about blowing up your life. It is about waking up to it.***If you are looking for more support, encouragement, or one-on-one guidance, you can explore all of my current offerings at my Stan Store at https://stan.store/the_sarah_valentine. If you have a question you would like me to answer on the podcast or want to reach out directly, email me anytime at sarah@intimateconsciousness.com. And as we move through these quieter winter months, I am continuing my "Winter of a Man" special with 30-minute sessions offered at half off for those who could use connection, clarity, and encouragement right now. I would love to work with you.

Desire does not disappear with age, disappointment, or life experience. But many men quietly convince themselves that wanting more closeness, affection, intimacy, or emotional connection is unrealistic or selfish.In this episode of Here Comes Sunshine, I will share a permission-giving conversation for men who feel a deep longing for more but have learned to silence it. More emotional closeness. More tenderness. More connection that feels mutual and alive.This episode explores why wanting more can feel risky later in life, how men often settle out of fear rather than truth, and what it means to honor your desires without shame or pressure.If you have been telling yourself it is too late, too much, or not meant for you, this episode is an invitation to listen to your heart again.You are allowed to want more. At any age.***If you are looking for more support, encouragement, or one-on-one guidance, you can explore all of my current offerings at my Stan Store at https://stan.store/the_sarah_valentine. If you have a question you would like me to answer on the podcast or want to reach out directly, email me anytime at sarah@intimateconsciousness.com. And as we move through these quieter winter months, I am continuing my "Winter of a Man" special with 30 minute sessions offered at half off for those who could use connection, clarity, and encouragement right now. I would love to work with you.

The world feels heavy right now. The news is relentless. Personal challenges stack up. And for many men, the easiest way to cope is to shut down and go numb. In this episode of Here Comes Sunshine, let's talk about emotional numbness, why it happens, and how it quietly disconnects us from joy, desire, and meaningful connection. This is a gentle, grounding conversation for men who feel worn down, overstimulated, or disconnected from themselves and others.You will hear practical, doable steps to help you begin feeling again without pressure or overwhelm, along with a Deep Thoughts with Sarah segment that reminds you that numbness is not failure, it is protection.If you have been surviving instead of living, this episode is an invitation back into your body, your heart, and your humanity.You are not broken. You are not alone. And even on heavy days, here comes sunshine.If you are looking for more support, encouragement, or one-on-one guidance, you can explore all of my current offerings at my Stan Store at https://stan.store/the_sarah_valentine. If you have a question you would like me to answer on the podcast or want to reach out directly, email me anytime at sarah@intimateconsciousness.com. And as we move through these quieter winter months, I am continuing my "Winter of a Man" special with 30-minute sessions offered at half off for those who could use connection, clarity, and encouragement right now. I would love to work with you.

As I turn 54 and step into Season 5 of Here Comes Sunshine, I am reflecting on what it actually means to live well in a world that feels louder, faster, and more uncertain than ever. This episode is about letting go of perfection, learning how to remain calm in chaos, and choosing to live the rest of our lives on this planet with intention and honesty.I share how, after five decades, I finally feel like I know myself, and how funny it is that at every stage of life, I thought I was already self-aware. With hindsight being twenty twenty, I talk about the hard earned lesson that our body, heart, mind, and spirit always know the way if we are willing to listen.This episode also includes a heartfelt nod to the passing of Bob Weir, the Grateful Dead's influence on my life, and why his death during my birthday week feels like a reminder to stay present and make it all count.You will hear personal stories about numbing, panic, chasing validation, and the quiet, patient work it takes to break free and choose a different life. I introduce a new Season 5 segment called Deep Thoughts, offer a simple action step for the week, and invite you to reflect on what your inner compass has been trying to tell you.This season is about calm over chaos, joy over noise, and living out loud even when the world keeps spinning.Welcome to Season 5.If you are looking for more support, encouragement, or one-on-one guidance, you can explore all of my current offerings at my Stan Store at https://stan.store/the_sarah_valentine. If you have a question you would like me to answer on the podcast or want to reach out directly, email me anytime at sarah@intimateconsciousness.com. And as we move through these quieter winter months, I am continuing my "Winter of a Man" special with 30-minute sessions offered at half off for those who could use connection, clarity, and encouragement right now. I would love to work with you.

Season 5 of Here Comes Sunshine is here, and I am flipping the page in the best way.I am 54, feeling more grounded, confident, and alive than ever, even as the world feels louder and more uncertain. This season is for those of us who are craving a little more peace, a little more quiet, and a lot more truth as we age.We will talk about confidence that comes from knowing yourself, relationships that feel safe and nourishing, intimacy that evolves with time, and the courage it takes to live authentically in a world that never stops spinning.Life will not slow down for us. So this season is about choosing joy on purpose, living out loud, and making this chapter the one that actually feels like ours.Join me every Wednesday on your favorite podcast platform, or watch the video on Substack.If you are looking for more support, encouragement, or one-on-one guidance, you can explore all of my current offerings at my Stan Store at https://stan.store/the_sarah_valentine. If you have a question you would like me to answer on the podcast or want to reach out directly, email me anytime at sarah@intimateconsciousness.com. And as we move through these quieter winter months, I am continuing my "Winter of a Man" special with 30-minute sessions offered at half off for those who could use connection, clarity, and encouragement right now. I would love to work with you.

As part of my Winter Replay Series, I’m revisiting one of the most asked and most relevant questions for Gen X singles.Where are people actually meeting each other these days?If you are in your 40s or 50s and feeling discouraged, disconnected, or tired of the dating app merry-go-round, this conversation still matters. Maybe even more as we move into a new year and quietly think about what we want differently.In this episode, I talk about where real connection is still happening, both offline and online; how to use dating apps with intention rather than burnout, if you choose to use them at all; and why focusing on building a full, grounded, meaningful life is still the most attractive place to start.This replay is not about pressure or chasing outcomes. It is about mindset, curiosity, and becoming the kind of person you would actually want to meet. If meeting someone is one of your goals for the year ahead, this episode offers perspective, encouragement, and practical ways to approach connection with more ease and hope.Perfect for winter listening and for anyone entering the new year wanting to date differently and more consciously.This winter can feel heavy for many men, especially as the days grow shorter and life's uncertainties settle in. I am offering my Winter of a Man 30-minute coaching session for half off through the end of January. If you are craving encouragement, clarity, or simply a genuine connection during these challenging months, this space is for you. Book your session and step into the season with more confidence and support. ⁠stan.store/the_sarah_valentine⁠.

This was my most-played episode from last year (Season Three). I hope you enjoy the replay and the message! Confidence for Men Series: Conversations that Build ConnectionDoes small talk make you anxious? Do you struggle to keep a conversation flowing without overthinking every word? In today's episode of Here Comes Sunshine, we're talking about the art of building meaningful conversations with ease. Whether it's in dating, business, or deepening friendships.You'll learn:Simple conversation starters that feel natural (not forced).How to keep a conversation going without awkward silences.The secret to making people feel seen and heard.Action Step: Start a conversation with someone new this week using one of the techniques shared.If you've been following our confidence series, you know we've built the mindset and daily habits; now it's time to take that confidence into real-life interactions.Need help solidifying your confidence? Let's connect!You can email me at ⁠sarah@intimateconsciousness.com⁠.You can also find me on ⁠Substack⁠, where I share weekly musings and the video version of this podcast.This winter can feel heavy for many men, especially as the days get shorter and life's uncertainties set in. I am offering my Winter of a Man 30-minute coaching session for half off through the end of January. If you are seeking encouragement, clarity, or a genuine connection during these challenging months, this space is for you. Book your session and step into the season with more confidence and support. ⁠stan.store/the_sarah_valentine⁠.

In this short and heartfelt episode, I pause to share some incredible updates about this podcast and to say thank you. The numbers came in, and they reminded me that this little Sarah who could is actually reaching the people who need encouragement, hope, honesty, and a gentle nudge forward. It means more than you know. As we move toward the launch of Season 5 on Wednesday, January 14th, I will continue revisiting a few favorite episodes from past seasons. They are the stories and lessons that still hold power, and I want you to have them close as we begin a new chapter together.Thank you for listening. Thank you for being here. And thank you for letting me shine a little light into your world.You can email me at ⁠sarah@intimateconsciousness.com⁠.You can also find me on ⁠Substack⁠, where I share weekly musings and the video version of this podcast.This winter can feel heavy for many men, especially as the days get shorter and life's uncertainties set in. I am offering my Winter of a Man 30-minute coaching session for half off through the end of January. If you are seeking encouragement, clarity, or a genuine connection during these challenging months, this space is for you. Book your session and step into the season with more confidence and support. ⁠stan.store/the_sarah_valentine⁠.Happy Holidays, my handsome friend!

Through December and January, I am doing something special. Each Wednesday, I’m bringing back one episode from the first four seasons. These throwback episodes are here to support you during the winter months while I get Season 5 ready for its January 14 premiere! These are RANDOMLY selected. This episode was from Season One, Episode 83, which was recorded on February 9, 2023. Wow, I have enjoyed rambling to you for these past four seasons!!! What were YOU doing in February 2023?

Through December and January, I am doing something special. Each Wednesday, I’m bringing back one episode from the first four seasons. These throwback episodes are here to support you during the winter months while I get Season 5 ready for its January 14 premiere! These are RANDOMLY selected. This episode was from Season One, Episode 83, which was recorded on February 9, 2023. Wow, I have enjoyed rambling to you for these past four seasons!!! What were YOU doing in February 2023?If this episode spoke to you, I’d love to hear from you. You can email me at sarah@intimateconsciousness.com.You can also find me on Substack, where I share weekly musings and the video version of this podcast. If you want to go deeper, book a private session at stan.store/the_sarah_valentine.Reminder: I am still offering my 30-minute Session Special and have extended it until the end of JANUARY! Get on my calendar!!

This episode is about redefining strength, identity, and purpose in this stage of your life. You are not past your prime. You are stepping into a deeper one. Let’s talk about how to build a life you are proud to inhabit and start to plant the seeds NOW!If this episode spoke to you, I’d love to hear from you. You can email me at ⁠sarah@intimateconsciousness.com⁠.You can also find me on ⁠Substack⁠, where I share weekly musings and the video version of this podcast. This winter can feel heavy for many men, especially as the days get shorter and the uncertainty of life settles in. I am offering my Winter of a Man 30-minute coaching session for half off through the end of January. If you are craving encouragement, clarity, or simply a genuine connection during these challenging months, this is a space created for you. Book your session and step into the season with more confidence and support ⁠stan.store/the_sarah_valentine⁠.

Relationships often tighten or strain as winter approaches. In this episode, we explore the subtle drift that can occur between partners and how to reintroduce warmth without pressure or emotional force. Small, steady connection can change everything.If this episode spoke to you, I’d love to hear from you. You can email me at sarah@intimateconsciousness.com.You can also find me on Substack, where I share weekly musings and the video version of this podcast, This winter can feel heavy for many men, especially as the days get shorter and the uncertainty of life settles in. I am offering my Winter of a Man 30-minute coaching session for half off through the end of January. If you are craving encouragement, clarity, or simply a genuine connection during these challenging months, this is a space created for you. Book your session and step into the season with more confidence and support. stan.store/the_sarah_valentine.You can listen to Here Comes Sunshine on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform.Thanks for being here, for growing, and for showing up for yourself. I’ll see you next week.

This week, we explore the quiet loneliness many men carry in silence. If you have ever felt unseen or emotionally alone even when surrounded by others, this episode will feel familiar. Learn how to create meaningful connections without feeling weak, needy, or exposed.If this episode spoke to you, I’d love to hear from you. You can email me at sarah@intimateconsciousness.com.You can also find me on Substack, where I share weekly musings and the video version of this podcast, or if you want to go deeper, book a private session at stan.store/the_sarah_valentine.You can listen to Here Comes Sunshine on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform.Thanks for being here, for growing, and for showing up for yourself. I’ll see you next week.

A four-episode November series for men ages 40 plus navigating identity, loneliness, relationships, purpose, and emotional endurance as the seasons change.Today, we explore the emotional and biological shift that happens in men as we move into the colder, darker months. If you are feeling tired, less motivated, disconnected, or irritable, nothing is wrong with you. Your body is responding to a seasonal shift. Learn how to support your mood, energy, and sense of self with simple and powerful adjustments that help you thrive through winter rather than collapse under it.Contect with Sarah:Video version of the podcast at sarahvalentinemusings.substack.com You can also explore my coaching offerings and resources at https://stan.store/the_sarah_valentine.

This week on Here Comes Sunshine, we’re diving deep into a topic many men (and women *raises own hand*) struggle with, but rarely talk about: passive-aggressive behavior. From brooding silence and simmering resentment to sarcasm, excuse-making, or blame-shifting, these patterns can quietly sabotage connection and happiness.I’ll walk you through what’s really behind these behaviors and, more importantly, how to shift them. You’ll learn practical ways to speak your truth, set boundaries without guilt, and build emotional strength that leads to healthier communication and real confidence.Because when you stop hiding behind frustration or hurtful sarcasm, you start showing up as the man you’re meant to be.Contact Sarah:Email: sarah@intimateconsciousness.comCoaching, guides & more: https://stan.store/the_sarah_valentine

Are you feeling out of sorts and wondering if it is more than just the blues? In today’s episode of Here Comes Sunshine, I will dive into the often-overlooked ways depression can appear in men, not just emotionally, but physically and behaviorally. From irritability and exhaustion to changes in habits or drive, men often experience depression differently from women, and it can be easy to miss the signs. Join me as I talk about the symptoms, normalize the conversation, and take the first steps toward healing and self-awareness. You are NOT alone, and I am here for YOU!Want to watch this episode on video? Subscribe to my Substack: sarahvalentinemusings.substack.comContact Sarah:Email: sarah@intimateconsciousness.comCoaching, guides & more: https://stan.store/the_sarah_valentine

In this week’s episode of Here Comes Sunshine, I’m answering an honest and important listener question: “What if I don’t want to quit porn, but I want to make sure I’m healthy?”This conversation is all about awareness, not shame. As someone who once worked as a spicy content creator before becoming a Clinical Sexologist, I understand both sides of this conversation deeply. We’ll talk about what healthy porn use actually looks like, what the science says about dopamine and the brain, and how to stay connected to real intimacy, whether that’s with a partner or with yourself.There’s no judgment here, only truth, compassion, and tools to help you find balance and deeper connection in your life.You can listen to Here Comes Sunshine on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform. Watch the video version on Substack.If this episode resonates, reach out for a private session or to share your story at sarah@intimateconsciousness.com, or visit https://stan.store/the_sarah_valentine to connect.

In today’s episode of Here Comes Sunshine with Sarah Valentine, we’re diving into the power of community, especially for men in their 40s, 50s, and beyond. After my own divorce, I had to rebuild my life and find my people again, and it wasn’t easy. Today, I want to share what I learned about connection, belonging, and the courage it takes to put yourself out there later in life. If you’ve been feeling isolated, unsure where to start, or like your best connections are behind you, this conversation is for you. We’ll talk about why community is essential for emotional and physical health, how to start building one that fits your life now, and simple ways to start finding your tribe again.Video version of the podcast at sarahvalentinemusings.substack.com You can also explore my coaching offerings and resources at https://stan.store/the_sarah_valentine.

In this episode of Here Comes Sunshine, I’m talking about something a lot of men in their 40s, 50s, and beyond struggle with but rarely say out loud, gooning, or getting lost in porn, and how it impacts real intimacy with a partner.There’s no judgment here. Many of you have known me since my days as a creator on spicy platforms, and I want you to know, I get it. Back then, I was acting out my own trauma drama, and looking for connection in ways that didn’t serve me. So when I say I understand how easy it is to get hooked, I mean it.We’ll explore how you can begin to shift back toward real, meaningful intimacy, without shame and without losing hope.If you’re ready to move from screen-based escape into connection, this one’s for you.Watch the video version and subscribe for weekly encouragement here: https://sarahvalentinemusings.substack.comListen on your favorite podcast platform: Here Comes SunshineBook a one-on-one coaching session: https://stan.store/the_sarah_valentineEmail me directly: sarah@intimateconsciousness.com