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You Are Not Broken
You Are Not Broken
Author: Kelly Casperson, MD
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© Kelly Casperson, MD
Description
Welcome to the podcast that rewrites everything you thought you knew about sex, hormones, and midlife. I help women—and the people who love them—reconnect with their bodies, their minds, and their partners through science, mindset, and a whole lot of humor. Whether you’re navigating perimenopause, rediscovering desire, or just curious what’s possible, this show will remind you: you are not broken. (No medical advice here, just truth bombs and good conversation.)
366 Episodes
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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/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 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
Today I talk with the producers, directors and star (Cindy Eckert) of The Pink Pill out on Paramount +
@thepinkpillfilm
Aisling Chin-Yee, Director: @aislingchinyee
Cindy Eckert: @cindypinkceoExecutive Producers: Julie Bristow (Catalyst), Abby Greensfelder (Everywoman Studios), Vibika Bianchi, Aisling Chin-Yee and Joanna Griffiths (Knix).
Now streaming on @paramountplus @paramountplusca
M Factor Screening March 22 Bellingham, WA
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 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
On today's episode I review the 2026 ISSWSH conference, sharing insights on women's sexual health, hormone therapy, and recent research developments. This episode covers upcoming events, new products, and key takeaways from the conference, providing valuable knowledge for clinicians and women alike.
https://www.isswsh.org/
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’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
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.
👉 Pre-order Explorer now
🎧 Use code NOTBROKEN20 at checkout for 20% off
⏳ Limited first run — once it’s gone, you have to wait!
Pleasure is not a luxury. It’s part of health care.
What if pleasure wasn’t mysterious, shameful, or something women were expected to “figure out on their own”?
In this episode of You Are Not Broken, Dr. Kelly Casperson is joined by Lara Pack to talk about the launch of their new vibrator, Explorer—and more importantly, the science, safety, and education behind it.
It’s a grounded, evidence-based conversation about female arousal, blood flow, anatomy, consent, and why most women were never taught how their bodies actually work. Kelly and Lara walk listeners through why Explorer was designed the way it was, what makes a vibrator safe (and unsafe), and how pleasure tools can support—not replace—intimacy, connection, and sexual health.
They also tackle common myths around vibrators, including fears about dependency, partner insecurity, and “doing it wrong,” while reframing pleasure as a learnable, normal, and empowering part of healthcare.
If you’ve ever felt confused, embarrassed, or under-educated about pleasure—or wondered how to talk about it with a partner—this episode is for you.
What We Cover
Why Explorer was designed for external pleasure—no penetration required
The role of blood flow and arousal in sexual comfort, desire, and response
Why consent matters in every relationship, no matter how long you’ve been together
How vibrators can support sexual health, healing, and confidence
The importance of anatomical accuracy and comfort in vibrator design
How to talk with a partner about using pleasure tools without shame or defensiveness
Why vibrators are not a “replacement” for partners—but a supplement to connection
Safety, materials, and why quality matters when it comes to intimate products
How sex education gaps leave women blaming themselves instead of the system
Why sexual wellness is a lifelong learning process—not something you’re born knowing
Key Takeaway
Pleasure isn’t frivolous.
It’s physiological.
It’s learnable.
And it belongs to you.
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/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/adchoices
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/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/adchoices
In this episode of the You Are Not Broken podcast, Kelly Casperson and Dr. Mariza Snyder discuss the transformative journey of women navigating perimenopause and menopause. Dr. Mariza shares her personal experiences with chronic migraines and how they led her to become a functional medicine practitioner focused on women's health. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding hormonal changes, the impact of chronic stress, and the necessity of movement and nutrition in reclaiming health. Dr. Mariza encourages women to envision their future selves and take ownership of their health journeys, while also addressing the societal pressures that contribute to stress and unhealthy habits.
Takeaways
Dr. Mariza's journey from chiropractic to functional medicine was driven by her own health struggles.
Chronic migraines often affect women in perimenopause due to hormonal changes.
Empowering women through health can create a multiplier effect in communities.
Movement is essential for recovery and overall well-being.
Functional health practitioners focus on root causes rather than just symptoms.
Women often feel pressured to be busy, which can lead to chronic stress.
Adrenal fatigue is not a recognized medical diagnosis, but stress impacts health significantly.
Nutrition plays a crucial role in managing health, especially regarding processed sugars.
Insulin resistance is a growing concern for women in midlife.
Reading and self-education can empower individuals to take control of their health.
Dr. Snyder IG
The Perimenopause Revolution
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
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I just wrapped 6 years of podcasting!!!
Episode 350 marks a major milestone for You Are Not Broken: six years, 350 episodes, and a whole lot of growth—personally, professionally, and culturally. In this end-of-year “big winter blowout,” Dr. Kelly Casperson reflects on what 2025 brought, what changed (for better and worse), and why continuing to speak up for women’s health still matters more than ever.
From world events that shaped the year to personal health wins (yes, including her first colonoscopy), Dr. Casperson shares an honest recap of the moments that mattered. She celebrates big professional milestones—like opening the Casperson Clinic, publishing her second book, winning a podcast award, and helping remove outdated FDA boxed warnings on hormone therapy—while also naming the frustrations, resistance, and misconceptions that persist.
This episode also looks ahead: new courses, retreats, sexual health innovations (including a vibrator!), and the continued expansion of education around hormones, sex, and aging. Anchoring it all is a reminder from Theodore Roosevelt’s Man in the Arena: progress belongs to those willing to show up, be imperfect, and keep going.
Six years and 350 episodes of You Are Not Broken
A candid end-of-year reflection on 2025 and the state of the world
“Baby’s first colonoscopy” and why health screenings matter
Travel highlights, including Sydney and the Opera House
Publishing a second book and opening the Casperson Clinic
Major personal health improvements through strength training and lifestyle changes
The book "you are not broken" winning an award and hosting a second annual retreat in Sedona
Three separate FDA engagements—and successfully removing outdated boxed warnings on hormone therapy
The biggest misconception about FDA changes and how fast (and messy) change can be
A frank moment of accountability (and humor) around language and advocacy
Updates from the Casperson Clinic, waitlists, and the subscription-based care model
Addyi approval for postmenopausal women
The future of online education, including upcoming “Summer School” hormone courses
Takeaways from male-dominated FDA panels and what they miss
What’s next: retreats, documentaries, new courses, and new products
The top five most-listened-to You Are Not Broken episodes of 2025
Should I Take Hormones? (Ep. 328)
How (and Why) to Prescribe Hormones (Ep. 318)
GLP-1s with Dr. Salas-Whalen (Ep. 329)
Getting Better at Sex – Part One (Ep. 333)
Perimenopause Is Real (Ep. 324)
New online courses covering testosterone for women, female sex education, GSM, perimenopause, and hormones for longevity
A retreat in Whistler (August 2026 — limited spots remaining)
The M Factor 2.0: Before the Pause (premieres expected early 2026)
A sex education course with Commune launching in 2026
And yes—building a vibrator
Dr. Casperson closes with Theodore Roosevelt’s Man in the Arena, a reminder that meaningful change doesn’t come from critics on the sidelines—it comes from those willing to step into the work, get messy, make mistakes, and keep advocating anyway.
If you’ve been part of this community for one episode or all 350, thank you for being here. This work continues because it matters—and because you do.
Listen to the You Are Not Broken podcast on Pinnacle's network to earn FREE CME credit
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
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In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Mindy Pelz and Dr. Kelly Casperson explore the transformative journey of menopause, emphasizing the importance of mindset, self-advocacy, and cultural conditioning. They discuss how women can awaken to their true selves during this pivotal life stage, the significance of understanding one's identity through tools like the Enneagram, and the necessity of engaging men in the conversation about women's health. The discussion highlights the generational shifts in attitudes towards menopause and the empowerment of women to reclaim their voices and advocate for their health and well-being.
Mindy Pelz IG
Mindy Pelz Book
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
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Dr. Kelly Casperson engages with Dr. Abraham Morgentaler and Dr. Marianne Brandon, the dynamic duo behind the Sex Doctors podcast. They discuss the evolution of testosterone therapy, the importance of advocating for women's health, and the complexities of male sexuality. The conversation emphasizes the need for open communication in relationships, the significance of mindfulness in enhancing sexual experiences, and the importance of screening for low testosterone in men. The doctors also share insights on navigating sexual boredom and mismatched desires, while providing resources for sexual health education.
Takeaways
The Sex Doctors Podcast aims to provide science-based insights into sexual health.
Testosterone therapy has evolved significantly, challenging previous misconceptions.
Medical dogmas can hinder patient care and need to be re-evaluated.
Advocacy for women's health is crucial in the context of hormone therapy.
Understanding male sexuality includes recognizing the reasons behind faking orgasms.
Communication is key in addressing mismatched desires in relationships.
Screening for low testosterone should be considered for men over 30.
Mindfulness can enhance sexual experiences and intimacy.
To my fellow clinicians: listen to this podcast on Pinnacle for FREE to earn 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
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GSM = genitourinary syndrome of menopause - it is a mouthful - and a very common experience.
Today Dr. Corinne Menn and Dr. Casperson talk all about it. This audio is taken from an IG live - follow us both there!
In a world where women's health often takes a backseat, the conversation surrounding vaginal hormones is crucial yet frequently misunderstood. We dive deep into the complexities of vaginal estrogen, dispelling common myths and providing clarity on its importance for women, especially those facing menopausal challenges.
Dr. Menn's IG
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
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. Providers can request patient materials or samples at hcp.solvwellness.com.
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Someone's got to be first... I've already said that @kellycaspersonmd is the holy Grail for women and probably men if they listened with an open mind. For me my only regret is not knowing all of this year's ago but thank goodness others are learning now. I just want all women to bbe this educated.