Hotter Than Ever

“There’s a freedom in not auditioning for your life anymore.”What happens when you’re no longer living by someone else’s playbook and finally start telling your own story? This week on Hotter Than Ever, we sit down with Julie Golden, reality TV producer, screenwriter, stand-up comedian, and creator of The Big D, a heart-forward and hilarious dating show for divorced singles.Julie opens up about her own midlife transformation: from shaping other people’s stories in Hollywood to taking the mic and telling her own. She shares how grief, motherhood, and divorce led her to comedy, how she stopped waiting for permission to create, and why midlife is the most creatively and emotionally free chapter yet. Join us, as we dig into:What it means to stop “auditioning for your life” and finally choose yourself at work, in love, and in every creative pursuitHow building community and producing her own shows helped Julie reclaim her voice, empower other women, and make comedy a space for healing and honestyWhy authenticity beats approval every time and how midlife can be the most creative, connected, and joyful chapter yetWhat really goes on behind the scenes in reality television and how empathy can change everythingHow the hormonal shifts of midlife actually liberate women from people-pleasing and open the door to deeper self-trustWhy post-divorce dating isn’t about looking for someone to “complete” you, but finding someone who’s additiveOUR GUEST: Julie Golden is a former film executive turned screenwriter, reality TV producer, and stand-up comic whose career has spanned every corner of storytelling. Drawing on her love of comedy, matchmaking, and human behavior, she created The Big D, a heart-forward comedy dating show for divorced singles that’s as much about laughter and connection as it is about second chances. A single, divorced mom herself, Julie brings authenticity, empathy, and humor to everything she creates, building a community where people can show up as they are, one laugh (and awkward flirt) at a time.Want more Julie? Learn more about “The Big D” at https://www.thebigddatingshow.com/ and follow her and her work on Instagram at @juliegoldengirlFind episode transcripts at www.hotterthaneverpod.com Follow us on:Instagram: @hotterthaneverpod  TikTok: @hotterthaneverpod   Youtube: @hotterthaneverpod  Facebook: @hotterthaneverpod  Follow Hotter Than Ever wherever you listen to podcasts - we’re on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more! That way you’ll never miss an episode. We’d love to hear what you think about the show - it helps us know what stories are resonating with you. DM us on Instagram and write us a review!

Have you missed us? We’re thrilled that Hotter Than Ever is back after an unplanned summer hiatus. Not only did Erin sell her house and move, but she’s also in the midst of launching a new business while solo parenting—no big deal. We’re returning with a bang and more real talk than ever, as Erin gets radically honest about navigating massive life transitions in midlife: letting go of old definitions of “success,” reimagining what home means, and choosing growth, even when it’s messy, expensive, and terrifying.Then, Erin sits down with relationship coach, non-monogamy educator, and founder of Passport to Pleasure, Ally Iseman, to explore how to live and love on purpose. In this episode, Ally helps us unpack the rules of monogamy women grow up with, and asks: what if, instead of defaulting to the one-size-fits-all model, we designed our relationships on our own terms? Join Erin and Ally as they discuss:The journey from serial monogamy to expansive, intentional relationship designCompersion, jealousy, and why feeling joy for your partner’s joy can be a gamechangerThe differences between boundaries, rules, and agreements and why most of us were trained to get them muddledWhat happens when you actually talk about your needs (spoiler: intimacy gets real!)Exploring play parties, and what they reveal about consent, courage, and communityHow to find your people and build community, whether you’re single, partnered, monogamous, or in the delicious unknownChoosing adventure, whether it’s relocating to Europe, reframing “failure,” or falling in love with yourself at 40+OUR GUEST: Ally Iseman is a writer, TV  host, NCSF-registered Kink Aware Professional relationship coach certified by The Consent Academy, and Founder of the educational platform Passport2Pleasure.com. She has been a speaker, community organizer, and non-monogamy educator and practitioner since 2016. A sought after podcast guest, Ally is also a featured subject matter expert for The New York Times, Cosmo, Well+Good, Romper, PureWow, and Yahoo! and others and a contributing writer for Sexual Health Magazine.Want more Ally? Find her and her work online at www.passport2pleasure.com and access her free tools at the links below:Relationship Ratio: www.passport2pleasure.com/ratioBig Why: www.passport2pleasure.com/bigwhy Follow her and Passport to Pleasure on:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@passport2pleasure Substack: https://allyiseman.substack.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/passport2pleasure  https://www.instagram.com/allyiseman Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@passport2pleasure Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554151163099 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/passport2pleasure 

“Having a fantastic relationship is a learnable skill.”So many of us crave deeper connection, more spark, and a sense of feeling not just content, but truly alive, decades into love and relationships. But what if your desire has dulled, your partnership feels stuck on autopilot, or you’re no longer even sure what you want, let alone how to ask for it? Enter Dr. Alexandra Stockwell, “The Intimacy Doctor”, a physician, relationship coach, author, and podcast host, whose mission is to help women and couples create conscious, erotically vibrant partnerships in midlife and beyond.Join us for a candid and empowering conversation with Dr. Stockwell on breaking the cycle of compromise, rediscovering your desires, and bringing more pleasure into your life… and your bedroom. We dive into why:Great relationships and intimacy are built through intention and skill, not just chemistry or timeDesire alone isn't enough to sustain relationships and the importance of reflecting on how deeply you truly want somethingMany women discover deeper pleasure and connection later in lifeUncompromising intimacy, rather than compromise, is the real secret to a nourishing, fulfilling relationshipEveryday interactions shape long-term intimacy just as much as what happens in the bedroomCuriosity and asking open-ended questions can reignite emotional and sexual intimacy with your partnerVulnerably sharing how something made you feel creates more connection than placing blameOUR GUEST: Alexandra Stockwell, MD, “The Intimacy Doctor”, is a relationship and intimacy expert who helps high-achieving couples create emotionally connected, erotically vibrant partnerships. A physician-turned-coach, she’s the bestselling author of Uncompromising Intimacy, host of The Intimate Marriage Podcast, and creator of the Aligned & Hot Marriage program. Married for 28 years with four children, Dr. Alexandra teaches that the key to lasting passion isn’t compromise, it’s authenticity. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, Rolling Stone, Cosmopolitan, and more.Want more Dr. Stockwell? Find her online at https://www.alexandrastockwell.com/ and listen to her podcast, “The Intimate Marriage Podcast”, using the link below or wherever you get your podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-intimate-marriage-podcast-with-intimacy/id1548060690 Follow her on: IG: @intimacydoctor  FB: @Intimacydoctor  Youtube: @intimacydoctor  Tiktok: @intimacydoctor  LinkedIn: alexandrastockwell  Want more Hotter Than Ever? Subscribe to the Hotter Than Ever Substack to dive deeper. Find episode transcripts at www.hotterthaneverpod.com Follow us on:Instagram: a...

“Adolescence isn’t the end of your close relationship with your child, it’s the beginning of the best one you’ve ever had.”For so many parents, the teenage years loom like a storm cloud, fraught with anxiety, conflict, and the fear of losing connection. But what if everything you think you know about adolescence is dead wrong? What if it’s not a time to dread or simply get through, but an invitation to lifelong closeness and understanding with your kids?In this episode we sit down with Megan Saxelby, founder of Wild Feelings, veteran educator, and reformed “middle school monster” on a mission to radically reframe how we all understand and approach adolescence. Drawing from 17 years in middle school classrooms and her pioneering work in dignity-based conflict resolution, Megan shares how these pivotal years can unlock the best, most meaningful relationships we’ll ever have with our kids. We discuss:Why the “doom and gloom” narrative about teens does everyone (kids and adults alike!) a massive disservice, and what actually happens when we expect more from themThe powerful science behind adolescent brain development (hint: ages 11–17 are just as crucial as birth to five—and why we need to stop checking out right when it matters most)How dignity-based conflict resolution can transform peer relationships, empower young people to speak up, and bring empathy and accountability into every hard conversationThe number one thing teens want: to truly MATTER, to belong, and to have agency—along with simple, actionable shifts you can use to support them (no matter whose kid they are)Real talk about parenting through change: whether that’s divorce, growing up, or just learning how to be your child’s anchor, not their peerPractical ways to help teens (and yourself) meet the chaos of growing up, especially in a world that makes belonging and inclusion feel more urgent (and more fraught) than everOUR GUEST: Megan Saxelby is on a mission to reframe adolescence as a time of growth and connection—not chaos. A veteran educator and founder of Wild Feelings, she brings 17 years of classroom experience and cutting-edge research to her work with parents. Megan has collaborated with thought leaders like Rosalind Wiseman and Dr. Donna Hicks, and helped develop core curriculum for #halfthestory, a leading digital wellness nonprofit. Through Wild Feelings, she offers practical, evidence-based tools that help parents navigate the teen years with confidence and compassion.Want more Megan? Find her online at https://www.wildfeelings.co/ and check out her parenting course here: https://www.wildfeelings.co/parents/ Follow her on Instagram at @wildfeelings.co and on Substack https://wildfeelings.substack.com/ Want more Hotter Than Ever? Subscribe to the Hotter Than Ever Substack to dive deeper. Find episode transcripts at www.hotterthaneverpod.com Follow us on:Instagram: @hotterthaneverpod  TikTok:

Dating in today’s world can feel confusing, lonely, and (thanks to the apps) a lot like a part-time job with no benefits. But what if finding a connection isn’t about chasing elusive chemistry, endlessly scrolling, or pretending to be someone you’re not? Enter Dr. Frankie Bashan: a clinical psychologist, longtime connector, and pioneering LGBTQIA+ matchmaker whose mission is to help every person find authentic love, no matter what boxes they check.In this conversation, Dr. Frankie joins Erin to share her personal story and lift the veil on what really works (and what doesn’t) when it comes to finding partnership in midlife, especially for those outside the hetero dating mainstream. We dive into:Turning your strengths and superpowers into a careerThe power and success that come from finding your niche in business and serving underserved communitiesWhy dating apps are designed to keep you wanting, not finding, and how matchmaking flips the scriptWhy chasing the “fireworks” in dating chemistry can be a trap and not a path to a healthy, sustainable relationshipHow your “list” might be holding you back, and why letting go of overly specific criteria in favor of three core dealmakers can open you up to real connectionHow matchmaking for the LGBTQ+ community is different and what straight daters can learn from queer dating wisdomOUR GUEST: Dr. Frankie Bashan is a clinical psychologist, sex therapist, and founder of Little Gay Book, the leading LGBTQ+ matchmaking service in the U.S. With over 20 years of experience supporting queer individuals and couples, she combines emotional intelligence, intuition, and a personalized approach to help clients find meaningful, lasting love. Known for her emotional intelligence and trauma-informed approach, Dr. Frankie boasts an 85% matchmaking success rate to support clients around the world. She also co-hosts MTV’s Are You The One and offers coaching globally via Zoom.Want more Dr. Frankie? Find her and her matchmaking services online at https://littlegaybook.com and follow her on Instagram at @littlegaybookmatchmaking Want more Hotter Than Ever? Subscribe to the Hotter Than Ever Substack to dive deeper. Find episode transcripts at www.hotterthaneverpod.com Follow us on:Instagram: @hotterthaneverpod  TikTok: @hotterthaneverpod   Youtube: @hotterthaneverpod  Facebook: @hotterthaneverpod  Follow Hotter Than Ever wherever you listen to podcasts - we’re on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more! That way you’ll never miss an episode. We’d love to hear what you think about the show - it helps us know what stories are resonating with you. DM us on Instagram and write us a review!

Divorce is often treated as the end of the story, but what happens after the separation, when the real work of navigating co-parenting begins? In this episode, we sit down with Christina McGee, renowned divorce parenting expert and author of Parenting Apart: How Separated and Divorced Parents Can Raise Happy and Secure Kids. With over 20 years of experience supporting families through change, Christina reminds us that divorce doesn’t make you a bad parent, it simply means you’re a parent navigating a tough chapter. Join us for an honest and deeply practical convo of what it means to redefine “family” when the old scripts of custody battles, “my time,” and visitation as a commodity, no longer serve us or our children. Erin and Christina dig into:Why terms like “custody” and “visitation” turn parenting into a transaction and how shifting to “parenting time” can center kids and reduce emotional strainHow kids come to take on the emotional burden of divorce, especially when parents get stuck on splitting time "equally"Why 50/50 custody isn’t one-size-fits-all and how to build a parenting plan that actually works for your childWhat to do when your values clash with your co-parent’s discipline style and how to respond with empathy instead of reactivityConcrete strategies for holding space for big feelings, validating your kid’s emotions, protecting their right to love both parents, and avoiding the blame gameHow to lean into your co-parent’s strengths (even if they’re not your strengths) so your child feels supported from all sidesOUR GUEST: Christina McGhee is a divorce-parenting expert who believes divorce doesn’t make you a bad parent—just a parent going through a tough time. For over 20 years, she’s helped families and professionals keep the focus on what matters most: the kids. She’s the author of Parenting Apart: How Separated and Divorced Parents Can Raise Happy and Secure Kids, creator of the Co-Parenting Specialist™ Certification Program, and Education Director for the SPLIT Outreach Project, which produced the acclaimed Split documentary films. Learn more at divorceandchildren.com or coparentingspecialist.com.Want more Christina? Find her online at www.divorceandchildren.com and www.coparentingspecialist.com. Check out her Book: “Parenting Apart: How Separated and Divorced Parents Can Raise Happy and Secure Kids” on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2MK4Mya    Follow her on: IG: @divorceandchildren Facebook: @divorceandchildren Linkedin: @christinamcgheeWant more Hotter Than Ever? Subscribe to the Hotter Than Ever Substack to dive deeper. Find episode transcripts at www.hotterthaneverpod.com Follow us on:Instagram: @hotterthaneverpod  TikTok: @hotterthaneverpod   Youtube:

“ We don't choose what turns us on… but we get to play with it.”Too often, women move into adulthood (and even marriage) without a real roadmap for understanding their own desires, let alone the conversations that bring intimacy to life. In this episode, we’re exploring how putting yourself at the center of your erotic life can transform not just your sex life, but your confidence, creativity, and sense of empowerment in every area.Our guests, Danielle Harel and Celeste Hirschman, are co-founders of the Somatica Institute, known for their pioneering, hands-on approach to sex and relationship coaching. They don’t just teach theory—they teach the real-world skills we all wish we’d learned in school, like tolerating awkwardness, negotiating desires without guilt, and sitting with the sometimes-uncomfortable tension of wanting different things to create deeply fulfilling relationships. In this candid, powerful episode, Erin, Danielle, and Celeste unpack:Why so many people enter adult relationships without the tools to express feelings, ask for what they need, support a partner, or handle emotional tensionThe importance of women learning to re-center themselves (over others!) in sex, relationships, and lifeHow to sit with discomfort and why it’s essential for creating healthy, lasting relationshipsWhy most of us are taught to downplay our own pleasure and how to finally unlearn itCreating a “pleasure menu”: how getting specific about your unique turn-ons and needs can transform sex and relationshipsWhy a wide range of sexual fantasies can be a healthy part of your erotic life when explored consciously and consensuallyWhy we don’t get to choose what turns us on, but we can choose how we play and interact with those feelings in the bedroom, with agency and empowermentHow building a “village” of emotional support (friends, therapists, community) can take the pressure off your romantic relationshipsOUR GUESTS: Danielle Harel, Ph.D., and Celeste Hirschman, M.A., are pioneers in intimacy, sexuality, and relationship coaching. Co-founders of the Somatica® Institute, they’ve transformed how love and connection are taught through their experiential, science-based Somatica Method. Together, they’ve trained over 1,000 coaches and helped countless individuals and couples embrace vulnerability, rediscover desire, and create deeply fulfilling relationships. Authors of three influential books—Making Love Real, Coming Together, and Confidence—Danielle and Celeste blend authenticity, humor, and bold honesty to inspire transformation. Their relatable insights into intimacy and connection make them captivating guests, offering audiences practical tools to enhance relationships and live passionately.Want more Danielle and Celeste? Find them online at https://www.celesteanddanielle.com/ and https://www.somaticainstitute.com/ Follow them on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/somatica_institute/  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SomaticaInstitute FB: Somatica Institute: https://www.facebook.com/somaticainstitute FB Celeste and Danielle:...

“You are not alone.”We hear this phrase often—but truly feeling less alone is something else entirely. Real connection begins when we share our stories, speak our truths, and let ourselves be seen. Few people champion this idea more powerfully than today’s guest, Dr. Jessica Zucker. Jessica is a psychologist specializing in reproductive and maternal mental health, and is the author of “I Had a Miscarriage: A Memoir, a Movement”. After experiencing her own miscarriage, Jessica launched the now-viral #IHadAMiscarriage campaign—a deeply personal yet universal invitation for women to speak their truths on their own terms.  Her next book, “Normalize It: Upending the Silence, Stigma, and Shame That Shape Women's Lives”, is out on April 22nd.In this episode, Erin and Jessica explore the silence, shame, and societal expectations around grief, body image, motherhood and many other fundamental aspects of women’s lives—and how sharing our stories can help dismantle them. We discuss:Why storytelling is an act of liberation—and how speaking openly about miscarriage and other stigmatized experiences builds healing and connectionHow silence around common women’s experiences like infertility, illness, menopause, and abortion perpetuates shame and isolationThe problem with comparative suffering—and why women often minimize their pain by telling themselves “others have it worse”How girlhood teaches us to self-silence and be “good,” and the long-term impact this has on authenticity and self-expressionWhy it’s essential to talk to kids early and openly about bodies, sexuality, and emotionsThe cultural cost of silence—and how creating space for women to share their whole truths can shift the narratives we’ve been taught to hide OUR GUEST: Jessica Zucker is a Los Angeles-based psychologist specializing in reproductive health and the author of the award-winning book I HAD A MISCARRIAGE: A Memoir, a Movement. Jessica is the creator of the viral #IHadaMiscarriage campaign. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, New York Magazine, Vogue, and Harvard Business Review, among others. She’s been featured on NPR, The Today Show, and Good Morning America and earned advanced degrees from New York University and Harvard University. Her new book, NORMALIZE IT: Upending the Silence, Stigma, and Shame That Shape Women’s Lives, is out April 22nd!Want more Jessica? Find her online at https://www.drjessicazucker.com/ and check out her books “I Had A Miscarriage” and “Normalize It” at the links below:https://www.drjessicazucker.com/i-had-a-miscarriage https://www.drjessicazucker.com/normalize-it Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ihadamiscarriage/ Want more Hotter Than Ever? Subscribe to the Hotter Than Ever Substack to dive deeper. Find episode transcripts at www.hotterthaneverpod.com Follow us on:Instagram: @hotterthaneverpod  TikTok:

“ You can't say the wrong thing to the right person.”Modern dating can feel like a chaotic mess—swiping fatigue, societal pressures, and outdated patriarchal norms make it seem more like a minefield than a path to love. But what if dating could actually be joyful, empowering, and aligned with your values? Enter Lily Womble, a feminist dating coach, author, speaker, and founder of Date Brazen, which is on a mission to help women create dating lives that feel extraordinary and authentic.In this episode, Erin and Lily break down the biggest myths about dating and offer powerful, actionable strategies to help you approach love on your terms. Whether you’re feeling disheartened by the process or just need a fresh perspective, this conversation will leave you ready to date with confidence. We discuss:Why dating is still stuck in the dark ages and how to reclaim your power & joy in the processDating as self-care— prioritizing boundaries, agency, and pleasure over pressure and scarcityMost people aren’t your person and how to focus on the ones who actually align with youDitch the checklist, because true compatibility is about how they make you feel, not just what’s on paperWords matter—how reframing your dating mindset creates new possibilitiesUsing qualifying & disqualifying questions to filter for true compatibilityDating apps are just a tool—how to attract great matches both online and IRLOUR GUEST: Lily Womble is an intersectional feminist dating coach and founder of Date Brazen. She has led thousands of badass, feminist women around the world to build dating lives that feel like self-care, that also lead to extraordinary love. Womble has been featured in InStyle, HuffPost, Bustle, ABC News, and Oprah Magazine. She lives in Brooklyn.Want more Lily? Find her and Date Brazen online at https://www.datebrazen.com/ and listen to the Date Brazen podcast https://www.datebrazen.com/blog. Check out her book Thank You, More Please.Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/datebrazen/ Want more Hotter Than Ever? Subscribe to the Hotter Than Ever Substack to dive deeper. Find episode transcripts at www.hotterthaneverpod.com Follow us on:Instagram: @hotterthaneverpod  TikTok: @hotterthaneverpod   Youtube: @hotterthaneverpod  Facebook: @hotterthaneverpod  Follow Hotter Than Ever wherever you listen to podcasts - we’re on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more! That way you’ll never miss an episode. We’d love to hear what you think about the show - it helps us know what stories are resonating with you. DM us on Instagram and write us a review!

"Our intuition does speak to us—it screams at us, if we really let it listen."For many women, motherhood is the most rewarding, purpose-driven, and all-consuming role we take on. But what happens when the kids grow up and fly the nest? How do you figure out what’s next for you? Turns out, this chapter is bursting with potential for reinvention and self-discovery—but it often starts with the daunting question: "Who am I now?" Jodi Silverman, empty nest advocate and founder of the Moms Who Dare community, joins us to peel back the layers of identity beyond motherhood.In this episode, Erin and Jodi dive into the exciting (and sometimes terrifying) journey of rediscovering yourself after your kids gain independence. They explore how to approach this transition with intention, curiosity, and a daring spirit. You'll hear about:Why embracing new experiences is key to building a fulfilling life beyond motherhood.How stepping outside your comfort zone—even when things don’t go as planned—helps refine what truly lights you up.The surprising power of starting with what you *don’t* want to get clarity on your next steps.The magic that happens when Moms put their fulfillment first—because when you thrive, so do your kids.Why maintaining your own interests shows your children that self-care and ambition matter at every stage of life.How making decisions based on how you want to feel can be the best guide to your next adventure.The power of reframing loneliness as an opportunity—to create new routines, deepen connections, and embrace this new season with excitement.OUR GUEST: Jodi Silverman is a coach and advocate for women in the empty nest phase, helping them reclaim their identities and build fulfilling lives beyond motherhood. Through The Moms Who Dare® community and her DARE Method, she empowers midlife women to embrace change, rediscover their passions, and step into this new chapter with confidence.Want more Jodi? Find her online at https://jodisilverman.com/ and listen to her podcast Beyond the Empty Nest Follow her on social media:IG: https://www.instagram.com/jodi_silverman/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/jodibsilverman/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/inthenestwithjodisilverman LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodisilverman/ Want more Hotter Than Ever? Subscribe to the Hotter Than Ever Substack to dive deeper. Find episode transcripts at www.hotterthaneverpod.com Follow us on:Instagram: @hotterthaneverpod  TikTok: @hotterthaneverpod   Youtube:

Do you ever feel like you're doing all the emotional heavy lifting in your relationship? Constantly managing your partner’s feelings, smoothing over conflicts, and wondering why you're always the one trying to "fix" things? You might be over-functioning—taking on more than your fair share of responsibility and emotional labor.In this episode, Erin sits down with psychotherapist Dr. Ashley Southard to unpack the unhealthy dynamic of over-functioning in relationships and how to break free. Tune in as they discuss what a real, emotionally mature partner looks like (yes, they do exist!), why rupture and repair are essential for healthy relationships, and why it’s time to stop analyzing your partner’s issues and start focusing on your needs. Here’s what’s on the table:Why women are often conditioned to overfunction in relationships.How over-functioning leads to loneliness, frustration, and resentment—and keeps you stuck in a cycle.The impact gender roles and cultural norms have on relationship dynamics, and how they often leave women to pick up the emotional labor.Ignoring your intuition has consequences—don’t wait for a crisis to force change, pay attention to the small signals before reaching a breaking point.Why shifting your focus inward and prioritizing yourself is the antidote to over-functioning.How to recognize the signs of an emotionally mature, engaged, and healthy partner.OUR GUEST: Dr. Ashley Southard is a psychotherapist in Scottsdale, AZ, specializing in helping over-functioning women in unfulfilling relationships. With 20+ years of experience treating trauma, anxiety, depression, and relationship issues, she creates a safe space for women to realize they’re not ‘crazy’ or ‘broken’—they’re powerful and capable of becoming their best selves. Dr. Ashley also shares life-changing insights on Instagram, guiding women to reclaim their power and heal together in community.Want more Dr. Ashley? Find her online at www.drashleysouthard.com and follow her on social media:IG: @drashleysouthardFB: @drashleysouthardWant more Hotter Than Ever? Subscribe to the Hotter Than Ever Substack to dive deeper. Find episode transcripts at www.hotterthaneverpod.com Follow us on:Instagram: @hotterthaneverpod  TikTok: @hotterthaneverpod   Youtube: @hotterthaneverpod  Facebook: @hotterthaneverpod  Follow Hotter Than Ever wherever you listen to podcasts - we’re on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more! That way you’ll never miss an episode. We’d love to hear what you think about the show - it helps us know what stories are resonating with you. DM us on Instagram and write us a review!

“Is it hot or is it just me?”It’s a question many women find themselves asking as they navigate perimenopause and menopause—often without fully understanding what’s happening to their bodies. Despite affecting every woman, perimenopause remains widely misunderstood, rarely discussed, and frequently misdiagnosed. That’s why we’re thrilled to welcome menopause advocate Carin Luna-Ostaseski, founder of Hot Or Just Me, a resource and community dedicated to helping women navigate this life stage with curated wellness solutions and tailored products that actually address perimenopause and menopause symptoms.Join Erin and Carin as they unpack the misunderstood and often-overlooked experience of perimenopause—and why, despite its challenges, this phase of life can be one of the most transformative and empowering. We discuss:Carin’s journey from creative director to whiskey entrepreneur to menopause advocate—proof that reinvention is possible at any ageUnpacking perimenopause, its symptoms and why its underdiagnosed by medical professionals (Visit menopause.org to access a list of certified practitioners specializing in perimenopause and menopause)How increasing your libido can positively impact your experience of perimenopauseDefining Andropause–or menopause for men– how to navigate conversations about hormonal changes with your partnerHow menopause can be a catalyst for career shifts, self-discovery, and owning your next chapterPractical solutions and must-try products to ease perimenopause and menopause symptomsThe power of community in normalizing conversations around aging, menopause, and beyondOUR GUEST: Carin Luna-Ostaseski is the founder of Hot or Just Me?, an online resource and shop dedicated to empowering women through perimenopause and menopause with trusted products, expert advice, and a supportive community. Her personal struggle with symptoms like hot flashes, brain fog, and insomnia inspired her mission to find solutions. A serial entrepreneur, Carin made history as the first American woman and Hispanic person to create a Scotch whisky, SIA Scotch Whisky, which gained recognition through a record-breaking Kickstarter campaign. She also founded the Entrepreneurial Spirit Fund, providing over $350,000 in grants to underserved entrepreneurs.Want more of Carin and her work? Check out https://hotorjustme.com/ and get 10% off your first purchase with code HOTTERFollow #HotOrJustMe on social media:Instagram: @hotorjustme Facebook: @hotorjustme TikTok: @hotorjustme Want more Hotter Than Ever? Subscribe to the Hotter Than Ever Substack to dive deeper. Find episode transcripts at www.hotterthaneverpod.com Follow us on:Instagram: @hotterthaneverpod  TikTok: @hotterthaneverpod   Youtube:

"Getting things done": it's a mantra for many, but what happens when it becomes a burden? In this episode, we sit down with author, performer, and self-proclaimed overachiever Amy Wilson to untangle the messy web of perfectionism, people-pleasing, and the endless pursuit of "more." Drawing from her eye-opening book, “Happy to Help: Adventures of a People Pleaser,” Amy shares her journey from being the person who could handle everything to realizing that our worth isn’t defined by what we can do for others. Tune in as Erin and Amy explore why high-achievers—especially women—often take on more than their fair share and the power in stepping back and saying “enough”. We discuss:The hidden cost of being “highly capable”—why taking on too much responsibility can be a fast track to burnout.Why "people pleaser" and "perfectionist" are loaded (and gendered) labels that set us up for exhaustion and resentment.How birth order can shape self-sacrificing and accommodating tendencies (hello, eldest daughters!).The power of letting go—why some things simply can’t be fixed, no matter how hard you try.The myth that quitting equals failure and why knowing when to walk away is just as important as perseverance.Why being indispensable doesn’t mean being secure and how overachieving at work and in relationships can lead to being overlooked and undervalued.How to recognize life’s warning signs before they escalate into painful wake-up calls.OUR GUEST: Amy Wilson is the author of the memoir When Did I Get Like This? And her latest book, Happy to Help. Since 2016 she has been the co-host of the Webby-honored podcast What Fresh Hell: Laughing in the Face of Motherhood. Amy is also an actor who appeared on Broadway and as a series regular on TV sitcoms. She lives with her family in New York City. Want more Amy? Find her online at https://www.amywilson.com/, read her book, “Happy to Help” https://www.amywilson.com/happy-to-help-book and listen to her podcast “What Fresh Hell: Laughing in the Face of Motherhood” https://www.whatfreshhellpodcast.com/   Follow her on social media:Instagram: @amywlsn Facebook: @amywlsn TikTok: @amywilsonauthorThreads: @amywlsnBlueskey: @amywlsn Want more Hotter Than Ever? Subscribe to the Hotter Than Ever Substack to dive deeper. Find episode transcripts at www.hotterthaneverpod.com Follow us on:Instagram: @hotterthaneverpod  TikTok: @hotterthaneverpod   Youtube: a...

“Is monogamy normal? Is it our default? Is it healthy?”Have you ever had a conversation stop you in your tracks because it hits so close to home? That’s exactly what happened to Erin and producer Erica after our episode with Dr. Joli Hamilton late last year. Dr. Joli’s work to help people open their marriages sparked deep reflections on monogamy, marriage, and long-term relationships—not just for us, but for many of you, too. We knew we had to dive deeper.In this raw and unfiltered conversation, Erin and Erica get personal as they unpack their own relationship journeys and explore the shifting landscape of modern love. Whether you’re curious about alternative, non-monogamous relationship models or frustrated with the realities of modern dating, this episode is for you. Here’s what we’re diving into:Rediscovering independence after divorce and rethinking traditional relationship norms.Navigating the rising visibility and appeal of polyamory, open marriages, and ethical non-monogamy—especially for women.Decentering men from the narrative of women’s lives and finding personal fulfillment on your own terms.The challenges of meeting emotional and sexual needs in long-term relationships.Examining the purpose of marriage—whether as a stabilizing force or an ever-evolving agreement.Want more Hotter Than Ever? Subscribe to the Hotter Than Ever Substack to dive deeper. Find episode transcripts at www.hotterthaneverpod.com Follow us on:Instagram: @hotterthaneverpod  TikTok: @hotterthaneverpod   Youtube: @hotterthaneverpod  Facebook: @hotterthaneverpod  Follow Hotter Than Ever wherever you listen to podcasts - we’re on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and more! That way you’ll never miss an episode. We’d love to hear what you think about the show - it helps us know what stories are resonating with you. DM us on Instagram and write us a review!

Happy 2025, Hotties! 🍾✨ We made it through 2024, and it's time to reflect on what a transformative year it has been. Did you lean into the intentions you set for yourself? Spark connections that brought joy and meaning? Tune into your intuition and embrace the power of saying no?Join Erin in this deeply personal and introspective solo episode as she uncovers the lessons, challenges, and triumphs of the past year, offering insights that may inspire you to reflect on your own journey. We discuss:The power of reflecting on the past year and how it helps us identify patterns, themes, and opportunities for growthLiving fully in your body and exploring it as a source of pleasure, healing, and empowermentPrioritizing your health as self-care by tackling medical issues head-on and weaving fitness into your routineExploring deeper sexual and emotional connections, setting boundaries, and defining what you truly want from relationshipsShifting from living a life prescribed by others to one custom-designed for your happiness and fulfillmentPractical tips for reflection: review your calendar to understand where your time and energy go—and what truly lights you upWant more Hotter Than Ever? Subscribe to the Hotter Than Ever Substack to dive deeper. Find episode transcripts at www.hotterthaneverpod.com Follow us on:Instagram: @hotterthaneverpod  TikTok: @hotterthaneverpod   Youtube: @hotterthaneverpod  Facebook: @hotterthaneverpod  Follow Hotter Than Ever wherever you listen to podcasts - we’re on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and more! That way you’ll never miss an episode. We’d love to hear what you think about the show - it helps us know what stories are resonating with you. DM us on Instagram and write us a review!