Unmuted: The Midlife Roundtable

7X Published Menopause Researcher & Entrepreneur with 26 years of experience in health and wellness Andrea Donsky is a nutritionist (RHN), She's a respected multi-award-winning influencer, media personality, speaker, and author.Andrea hosts the popular podcast “Menopause Reimagined” and she's the co-founder of www.wearemorphus.com, a company that empowers women to feel heard and supported as they go through perimenopause and menopause. Andrea Donsky has 7 abstracts published in the journal “Menopause” and she is submitting more this year. Her book, "Nourishing Menopause: Powerful Nutrition and Lifestyle Strategies to Feel Your Best," will be published by Simon and Schuster on May 5, 2026, and it's available now for preorder here: https://amzn.to/4r2IDz3 Follow her on TikTok, Instagram and LinkedIn @andreadonsky @wearemorphus. She explains:• Why menopause is still a topic many women feel uncomfortable talking about — and why that needs to change.• The real impact menopause can have on libido and sexual health, something many women are experiencing but few openly discuss.• Why so many women feel alone during menopause, and how community support can make a huge difference.• How education about menopause can empower women to take control of their health and wellbeing.• Why redefining intimacy as we age can lead to deeper connection and understanding in relationships.• Her book called ‘Nourishing Menopause: Powerful Nutrition and Lifestyle Strategies to Feel Your Best’ 00:00 Welcome to Unmuted: Breaking the Silence on Menopause03:07 Introducing Andrea Donsky: A Journey into Menopause Awareness06:06 The Importance of Community: Sharing Experiences and Knowledge09:04 Empowering the Next Generation: Teaching Young Women about Menopause11:50 The Uncomfortable Truth: Discussing Libido and Sexual Health14:27 Research Insights: Understanding Women's Sexual Health17:13 Navigating Emotional and Physical Changes during Menopause20:16 Redefining Intimacy: The Role of Connection Beyond Intercourse22:38 Andrea's New Book: Nourishing Menopause and Its Impact25:17 Final Thoughts: Embracing Menopause and Supporting Each Other48:25 Sponsored by PP.mp448:41 Social & Streaming Info.mp4 Enjoyed the Episode? Share this link. Follow Andrea:Socials: @andreadonsky @wearemorphusYou can Pre-Order her book, ‘Nourishing Menopause: Powerful Nutrition and Lifestyle Strategies to Feel Your Best’ here: https://amzn.to/4r2IDz3 Sponsor:The Pleasure Pods - https://thepleasurepods.com

Breast cancer doesn’t end when treatment ends.In this episode of Unmuted, Amanda Otterman speaks with leadership strategist and breast cancer survivor Brooke Gordon about what recovery really looks like — from navigating treatment and chemical menopause to redefining intimacy, advocating for your needs, and finding strength through community.This conversation is honest, grounding, and deeply validating for women navigating life after cancer — or supporting someone who is.This episode shares real and emotional experiences with breast cancer that may be triggering for some listeners. Please listen with care and take breaks if needed.Brooke Gordon resources:The Seasonal Blueprint is a reflective resource Brooke created as a fundraiser for Breast Cancer Research - https://www.bestforwomen.ca/products/offers/view/1178140The Priority Brief Monthly Newsletter on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/the-priority-brief-7396975103739092992/ Brooke Gordon’s Socials are:https://brookegordon.ca/link-tree/https://www.instagram.com/brookegordon_ca/https://www.linkedin.com/in/brookegordon/ Christine Aarlaht from Sapphire Virtual Fitness. She offers individualized fitness-https://www.instagram.com/sapphirevirtualfitness/ Jenny Dale at Dense Breasts Canada – https://densebreastcanada.ca Here is the link for Ontario which you can find in your province as well. https://www.ontario.ca/page/breast-screening-centres  The Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) offers, high-quality, organized, and free (covered by OHIP) screening to residents to reduce breast cancer deaths. The program covers individuals aged 40 to 74 at average risk every two years.Benefits of the Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP):No Physician Referral Needed: Women aged 40 and over can self-refer to an OBSP location.Tracking and Support: The program tracks, sends invitations, and provides follow-up for abnormal results.Quality Assurance: Ensures high-quality, standardized screening services.

In this episode of Unmuted: The Midlife Roundtable, we open an informed, honest discussion about ADDYi, women’s health, and the realities of sexual desire—especially during menopause. Guided by a highly qualified panel of women’s health and sexual wellness professionals, this conversation explores how medication, mental health, intimacy, and relationships intersect—and why informed, empowered choice matters. We explore:🔲 Why ADDYi is prescribed for women’s sexual desire and what women should understand before considering medication 🔲 How menopause, mental health, and relationships influence intimacy and sexual wellness 🔲 The difference between medicalized desire and a holistic health approach to women’s health 🔲 How marketing shapes perceptions of female sexuality and sexual wellness solutions 🔲 Why education, connection, and empowerment are essential for informed choices in women’s health Our roundtable includes: 🔲 Serena Haines - Certified Sex Coach & SXI Certified Sexologist🔲 Taylor McConnachie - AASECT Certified Sex Therapist🔲 Amanda Otterman - RN, CPT & Certified Menopause Specialist🔲 Lisa Boate - Menopause Consultant & Coach🔲 Gina Marie - Somatic Coach & Love & Intimacy Specialist🔲 Deborah Porteous - Co-Founder of Pleasure Pods Company This episode empowers women to become informed advocates for their own care and reminds us that sexual wellness is not one-size-fits-all. Thoughtful, evidence-informed, and compassionate, this conversation offers clarity without pressure—and reinforces that choice, support, and understanding matter. 00:00 Intro00:58 The Controversy of the ADDYi Pill04:06 Understanding the Mechanism of ADDYi06:59 The Nuances of Female Desire10:03 The Impact of Diagnosis on Women's Sexual Health12:57 Concerns About Medication and Relationships16:03 Contraindications and Safety of ADDYi19:02 The Broader Context of Women's Sexual Health22:01 Marketing and Misrepresentation of ADDYi24:39 Navigating Hormonal Changes and Personal Challenges26:49 The Complexity of Medication and Sexual Health29:53 The Importance of Holistic Approaches to Sexual Wellness34:02 Empowerment Through Self-Discovery and Connection38:51 Exploring Intimacy and Relational Dynamics42:58 The Art of Touch and Presence in Sexual Relationships47:43 The Role of Medication in Sexual Health48:36 Celebrating Women's Leadership in Sexual Health49:54 Understanding the Implications of New Medications52:35 The Importance of Holistic Approaches in Menopause55:22 Navigating Medical Guidance for Sexual Health58:05 The Need for Specialized Support in Sexual Health01:00:14 Addressing the Psychological Aspects of Desire01:01:09 Comparing Medications: ADDYi vs. Zoloft01:03:00 The Path of Least Resistance in Treatment01:06:24 Understanding Age Restrictions for ADDYi01:08:07 The Broader Implications of Sexual Health Medications01:11:44 Wrapping Up: Key Takeaways and Future Conversations Follow the panel of women on Instagram: @Serena_haines@embodiedsexualwellness - Taylor@menohealthnurse - Amanda@lboate - Lisa@intimatelygigimarie - Gina Marie@thepleasurepods - Deborah@unmutedmidlifepodcast Sponsor:The Pleasure Pods - https://thepleasurepods.com 🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube

In today’s episode, we sit down with Dr. Jenn Salib Huber, a registered dietitian, naturopathic doctor, intuitive eating counsellor, and the host of The Midlife Feast. Her work is redefining how women experience perimenopause and menopause—without diets, shame, or the pressure to “fix” their changing bodies.This is not a conversation about decline.This is a conversation about rediscovery, body trust, and the freedom that comes when women finally hear the truth about midlife.Jenn guides us through:·       Why menopause education needs to start years earlier·       How perimenopause gets dismissed and misdiagnosed·       Why diet culture harms women most during hormonal transition·       The science behind intuitive eating & rebuilding body trust·       What HRT can do — and what it can’t·       The rise of “menowashing” in marketing·       Why weight is an outcome, not a behavior·       And how midlife can become a chapter of joy, confidence, and connectionJenn’s message is simple and revolutionary:Your midlife body isn’t a problem. It’s a partner. And it’s time to start listening.Episode Chapters[00:00] Introduction[03:00] What No One Teaches Us About Perimenopause[05:48] Why Early Education Would Change Everything[08:40] Midlife Is a Time to Thrive, Not Shrink[11:44] Intuitive Eating & Rebuilding Body Trust[14:45] The Truth About HRT[17:18] How Diet Culture Fuels Midlife Shame[20:35] The Carb Debate: Fact vs Myth[23:25] Listening to Your Body’s Signals[26:40] Navigating Healthcare When No One Is Listening[29:29] Menopause & Nutrition Insights[38:11] Satisfaction, Cravings & Food Freedom[40:13] Real Women, Real Stories[43:01] AI, Access & Midlife Health Information[47:22] Menowashing: The Marketing Problem No One Talks About[59:22] Menopause Is Individual — Stop Comparing[1:06:15] Jenn’s Top 3 Midlife Must-KnowsExplore Dr. Jenn’s Work:Website: www.menopausenutritionist.caBook – Eat to Thrive During Menopause: www.menopausenutritionist.ca/BookInstagram: @menopause.nutritionistFree Menopause Nutrition Guide: https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/MenopauseNutritionGuideSponsor:The Pleasure Pods: https://thepleasurepods.com 

Episode 2 of Unmuted: The Midlife Roundtable is live — and it’s a powerful one.We sat down with Angela MacGregor, Founder and Event Director of the National Menopause Show, a groundbreaking Canadian event bridging the gap between the medical community and women in midlife.This conversation goes far beyond symptoms.It’s about education, advocacy, connection, and aging with power — not fear.Angela shares how the National Menopause Show is reshaping the conversation by:✨ Bringing together healthcare providers who truly understand perimenopause & menopause✨ Curating products + services designed to help women feel better✨ Creating clinical education opportunities for providers✨ Building a community where women finally feel seen, heard, and supportedWe dive into:• Why menopause education is essential for women and healthcare providers• The role partners play in supporting women• Mental health and the emotional load of midlife• Building the right menopause care team• Vaginal health and the importance of open conversations• How communication strengthens relationships during menopause• HRT: what women need to know• Why pleasure and intimacy should never come with shame• The power of peer support to break isolationIf you’re a woman in your 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond — a partner who wants to support better — or a healthcare professional committed to doing better…this episode is a must-listen.

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 & intimacyChapters:• 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 sexSubscribe 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.