Pleasure Project: Sex and Relationships

Curious about what really happens to your sex life during perimenopause and beyond?In this episode, I sit down with endocrinologist Dr. Gillian Goddard to unpack what’s going on inside your body — from hormones to blood flow, from estrogen to testosterone, and how it all impacts desire, arousal, and pleasure. We talk about vaginal atrophy (yes, it’s a thing), pelvic health, and the real changes that happen as you move through this stage of life.Dr. Goddard breaks down the science in a way that feels clear and approachable, while also naming the emotional and relational side of these changes. We explore not just what’s happening physically, but also how to advocate for your sexual health, navigate conversations with your partner or doctor, and keep pleasure at the center of your experience—even when your body feels different than it used to.Whether you’re approaching menopause, in the thick of it, or just want to understand your body better, this grounded, insightful conversation will help you feel informed, empowered, and a whole lot less alone.If you’ve ever felt disconnected from your pleasure or unsure how to unlock your desire, you’re not alone.My new ⁠⁠self-paced course⁠⁠ is here to help you understand what your body — and brain — actually need to feel turned on. Whether you’re partnered or solo, this is a private, flexible way to explore desire, clear obstacles, and reconnect with your sexual self — on your own terms.⁠⁠⁠Buy Now!Reach Dr. Gillian at:Instagram: @gillianmgoddard https://savvypatient.substack.com/  https://parentdata.org/keep-sex-drive-up-during-menopause/  https://parentdata.org/testosterone-treatment-perimenopause/ #Perimenopause #MenopauseSupport #MidlifeSex #SexualHealth #HormonesAndHealth #PerimenopauseRelief #MenopauseWellness #SexDrive #MidlifeWellness #PleasureProjectPodcast #DrJennKennedy #WomensHealth #MidlifeMatters #MenopauseAwareness #SexPositive

Wondering what it’s like to attend a retreat focused on sexual pleasure, body awareness and opening up in deeper way?I sat down with Pamela Madsen, who’s been running Back to the Body retreats for 15 years — a space devoted to helping women reclaim sexual pleasure on their own terms. We dive into what it really means to tune into your body beyond just sex: understanding your physical, emotional, and psychological needs.Pamela shares how women from their 40s to 80s come to explore desire, pleasure, and self-discovery in a week-long retreat that changes everything. We talk about how this kind of deep, body-centered work can shift your relationship to orgasm and pleasure at any age.If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to prioritize your own sexual satisfaction, this grounded, honest conversation is for you.Reach Pamela at:  https://backtothebody.org/  Intsagram: @thepamelamadsen & @backtothebodyorg Book: Shameless: How I Ditched the Diet, Got Naked, Found True Pleasure...and Somehow Got Home in Time To Cook DinnerIf you’ve ever felt disconnected from your pleasure or unsure how to unlock your desire, you’re not alone.My new ⁠⁠⁠self-paced course⁠⁠⁠ is here to help you understand what your body — and brain — actually need to feel turned on. Whether you’re partnered or solo, this is a private, flexible way to explore desire, clear obstacles, and reconnect with your sexual self — on your own terms.⁠⁠⁠Buy Now!#sexualwellness #orgasm #womenshealth #pleasure #sextherapy #bodyawareness #sexpositive

Intimacy and sex are not one and the same—and knowing the difference can shift everything in your relationships. Both are valuable, but they serve different needs.This episode invites you to reflect: What does sexuality mean to you? When do you choose to engage sexually, and when do you seek emotional closeness instead? How do you let others in, and what role does intimacy play in your erotic life?Whether you're partnered or solo, this is a space to get curious—not judgmental—about the way you connect to your body, your desire, and the people you love.You’re not alone if sex feels confusing sometimes. And you’re not broken.If intimacy, aging, or life transitions have complicated your sex life, you're not broken.My new ⁠⁠⁠self-paced course⁠⁠⁠ is here to help. Designed for women, it’s a private, flexible program to help you understand your desire, reconnect with your body, and explore what actually turns you on—without pressure.⁠⁠⁠Buy Now!#SexTherapy #IntimacyMatters #Desire #EroticWellness #Relationships #SexEdForAdults #ConsciousSexuality #PleasureIsHealing #PodcastForWomen #DrJennKennedy #SexAndRelationships

Have you ever thought about what it means to have sex — completely sober — for the rest of your life?In this episode, Dr. Jenn sits down with Kim Litton, LCSW CSAT, to unpack sex and intimacy in recovery. Together, they explore how sobriety impacts dating, long-term relationships, and what it takes to navigate pleasure, connection, and communication without substances. Whether you’re in recovery yourself or love someone who is, this conversation offers a clear, clinical look at what gets in the way — and how to build healthy, satisfying intimacy while staying sober.Tune in to learn why sober sex is a whole different ballgame — and how to do it well. ⚾️Reach Kim at:https://klcounseling.com/ https://www.seekingselfworkshop.com/ IG and FB: @klcounseling Tik Tok: @kimlittonlcswcsatIf sobriety, recovery, or past substance use have made sex and intimacy feel complicated, you’re not alone.My new ⁠⁠self-paced course⁠⁠ is here to help.It offers a private, flexible way to understand what your body — and brain — actually need to feel turned on without relying on substances. Whether you’re partnered or solo, this is your chance to explore desire, rebuild connection, and get comfortable with sober pleasure — on your own terms.⁠⁠Buy Now!#Sobriety #SoberSex #Intimacy #Recovery #SexTherapy #Relationships #AddictionRecovery

Without Sleep, You Can’t RegulateI got a coveted hour with Dr. Jessica Payne, a neuroscientist, who studies sleep, to ask all the questions you've probably wondered about but never had the chance to explore. We get into what the brain actually does during sleep and dreaming, how exercise, caffeine, alcohol, and sex affect your rest, and why good sleep matters for your relationship. Dr. Payne tells me, “It’s hard to draw on resources for empathy or connection when people are not rested.” This directly affects the couples we see in therapy. They cannot be their best selves when they are sleep deprived. Dr. Payne will tell you how much sleep is recommended and detail the various types of sleepers. In this episode, you’ll hear a grounded, science-backed conversation on how to care of your brain, improve your sleep, and better understand your body—especially in bed.If stress, exhaustion, or life transitions have disrupted your desire or connection, you're not alone.My new ⁠self-paced course⁠ is here to help.It offers a private, flexible way to understand what your body—and brain—actually need to feel turned on. Whether you're partnered or solo, this is a chance to explore your erotic self without pressure, on your own terms.⁠BUY NOWReach Jess at:https://www.brainbasedleader.orghttps://www.jessicadpayne.com https://samlab.nd.eduFree Giveaway: Download Your Quick-Guide — The Brain on Sleep, Stress, & ConnectionA bonus from Dr. Jessica Payne with science-backed tips for better sleep, less stress, and deeper connection. #sleepandsex #brainhealth #neuroscience #relationships #sleepwell #sextherapy #coupleshealth #podcastconversation #intimacyandwellness

In this episode, I explore the intersection of chronic illness and sexuality. Focusing on type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and multiple sclerosis—three common conditions affecting people ages 45 to 70—I break down how symptoms and diagnoses impact couples' erotic and relational life. You’ll hear a candid discussion of how chronic illness can disrupt your intimacy, what your partnership might experience as the illness progresses, and how to adapt and reconnect.If chronic illness, aging, or life changes have complicated your sex life, you're not alone—and you're not broken. My new self-paced course is here to help.It's a private, flexible program designed to help you understand your desire, reconnect with your body, and explore what actually turns you on—at your own pace. Whether you’re partnered or solo, this is a chance to understand your erotic self with curiosity, not pressure.BUY NOW#ChronicIllness #SexualHealth #IntimacyAndIllness #DiabetesAndSex #HeartHealth #MultipleSclerosis #AgingAndSexuality #CouplesTherapy #SexTherapist #RelationshipWellness

In this episode, Dr. Jenn Kennedy sits down with parenting expert Kristi Miller, LMFT to explore the often-overlooked challenges couples face in maintaining intimacy after having a baby. From the early postpartum months to the demanding years of parenting, many couples struggle to stay connected. Dr. Jenn and Kristi dive into the emotional, relational, and hormonal shifts that impact intimacy, offering insight from their work as couples and intimacy therapists. Whether you're a new parent or years into the journey, this conversation is full of thoughtful context and actionable support to help you nurture both your relationship and your family. Reach Kristi at: kristi.m@RivieraTherapy.com ⁠Riviera Therapy⁠  ⁠Psychology Today⁠ Establishing Boundaries with Kids: A Parent's Guide to Negotiating Limits and Improving Parent-Child InteractionsThe Pleasure Circle Self Paced Course: OUT NOW!Purchase here!#SexTherapy #ParentingSupport #PostpartumIntimacy #RelationshipGoals #NewParents #CouplesTherapy #IntimacyAfterBaby #ParentingPodcast #TherapistTalks #DrJennKennedy

Dr. Jenn Kennedy explores the very human need for closeness and challenges of touch starvation—something she’s seeing more often in both singles and people in relationships who are experiencing increased distance and disconnection. In this episode, she unpacks why so many are feeling deprived of physical connection and what it means for your emotional and relational health.The Pleasure Circle Self Paced Course: OUT NOW!⁠Purchase here!#TouchStarvation #SexTherapy #RelationshipHealth #EmotionalWellness #ThePleasureProjectPodcast #DrJennKennedy

Buying a home can bring up more than financial questions—it often reveals deeper dynamics in a relationship. In this episode, Dr. Jenn talks with seasoned broker Amy Baird about what really happens between couples during the home-buying process. They explore the explicit and unspoken negotiations, shifting priorities, and emotional stressors that show up in every stage of home buying and escrow. Whether it’s your first house or your fifth, this episode offers insight into how to stay connected while making big decisions together.Reach Amy at:Website: www.amyjbaird.com Insta: @amyjbaird FB: https://www.facebook.com/ajbvillageproperties LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/amy-j-bairdThe Pleasure Circle Self Paced Course: OUT NOW!⁠Purchase here!#HomeBuying #CouplesTherapy #RealEstateStress #Relationships #SexTherapistPodcast #EscrowJourney #CommunicationMatters #PodcastEpisode #HouseHuntingTips

In this episode, Dr. Jenn is joined by Jessa Zimmerman, a certified sex therapist and couples counselor who specializes in helping couples who are avoiding sex due to stress, disappointment, or pressure. Jessa, the author of Sex Without Stress and host of the Better Sex Podcast, shares her expertise on how to overcome the challenges of low desire in relationships.Together, they explore the struggles faced by low-desire partners—often marked by shame, guilt, and resentment—and how these emotions impact intimacy. Jessa’s four-pillar experiential process, which she uses to help couples achieve intimacy with ease, is at the heart of the conversation. Tune in for an insightful and compassionate discussion on how to break through these barriers and create a more fulfilling sexual connection.Reach Jessa at:https://www.intimacywithease.comhttps://www.intimacywithease.com Instagram: @intimacywitheaseThe Pleasure Circle Self Paced Course: OUT NOW!⁠Purchase here! #LowDesire #SexTherapy #CouplesTherapy #SexualHealth #BetterSex #SexWithoutStress #Therapy #SexualWellness #ShameFreeSex #SexualIntimacy #CouplesCounseling

In this episode, Dr. Jenn is joined by Dr. David Wohlsifer to discuss autism and sexuality. As experienced couples therapists, they unpack the unique challenges faced by autistic individuals in relationships, whether they're single or in long-term partnerships. The conversation explores dating, anxiety, social pressures, emotional dynamics, and the impact of autism on personal connections. Dr. Wohlsifer shares case examples that are composites of several cases (to protect patient confidentiality). They also discuss the key differences between autistic and allistic (non-autistic) experiences in relationships. If this topic resonates with you, or if you're seeking deeper insights into relationships involving autism, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion and gain valuable perspectives on navigating these complex aspects of sexuality and relationships.This is a behind-the-scenes, organic conversation between two professionals who have their own perspectives on sexuality. Give it a listen and let us know what you think!Dr. David Wohlsifer is a clinical instructor at Florida Atlantic University, Sandler School of Social Work and Coordinator of the Graduate Certificate in Gender and Sexuality. His areas of clinical practice include Couple/Family Therapy, CBT, Substance Use Disorders, EMDR, and Sex Therapy. He is the founder of the Boca Raton Center for Psychotherapy, an advisory editor for the journal Family Process, a Diplomate of the Academy of Cognitive Therapy, AASECT and FL Certified Sex therapist, Certified EMDR therapist, and one of the co-chairs of the AFTA Couple therapy interest group.He has published in the areas of clinical social work education, family and couple therapy, and sex therapy. Reach Dr. David at: www.drdavidw.comThe Pleasure Circle Self Paced Course: OUT NOW!⁠Purchase here!#couples #autism #relationships #love #therapist #sextherapist #therapy #casestudy

In this episode, Dr. Jenn Kennedy dives into the complexities of open relationships through the stories of three different clients. From a couple exploring new dynamics to individuals—one man and one woman—each story offers a unique perspective on the challenges, outcomes, and emotional balancing involved in opening up a relationship. Tune in as Dr. Kennedy discusses the diverse experiences and the personal journeys that unfold when couples and individuals choose this path.The Pleasure Circle Self Paced Course: OUT NOW!⁠Purchase here!#couples #open #relationships #poly #openrelationship #love #therapist #sextherapist #therapy #casestudy

In this episode, Dr. Jenn sits down with Dr. Diana Hill, a modern psychologist, dynamic speaker, and expert trainer. Together they explore wise effort—a Buddhist principle—applied to sexuality. They discuss where you focus your energy in intimacy, relationships, and self-connection. Is it serving you? Is it where you want to be? Dr. Diana Hill is redefining what it means to live with vitality. As a leader in psychological flexibility, she empowers individuals to reclaim and focus their energy in meaningful, sustainable ways. Drawing from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), behavioral psychology, and contemplative practices, Diana bridges science with real-life application to help people cultivate resilience and well-being.She is the host of the Wise Effort podcast and has interviewed over a hundred experts in evidence-based and integrative approaches to living well. She has a knack for unpacking complex, science-based concepts and making them applicable to clinical practice and daily life. Diana has also authored several books, including I Know I Should Exercise But…, The Self-Compassion Daily Journal, and ACT Daily Journal and the upcoming book Wise Effort. Her insights have been featured on NPR, Mindful Magazine, Woman’s World, Real Simple Magazine, The Wise Brain Bulletin, Psychology Today, and Mindful.org.Reach Dr. Diana Hill at:Website: www.drdianahill.com Instagram: @drdianahillFacebook: @drdianahillLinkedIn: @drdianahillYouTube: @drdianahillBook: Wise Effort⁠Foundations of ACT Course: https://courses.drdianahill.com/courses/foundations-of-ACT Newsletter: drdianahill.com The Pleasure Circle Self Paced Course: OUT NOW!⁠Purchase here!

Dr. Jenn interviews Dr. Kelly Casperson, an outspoken and irreverent urologist, speaker, and advocate, as they dive into all things menopause. Together they explore hormone replacement therapy, lubrication, the clitoris, and the dynamics of couples' relationships. Additionally, they give insights into why many women hesitate to seek help from urologists or sex therapists. Dr. Kelly Casperson is a board-certified urologic surgeon, renowned public speaker, sex educator, and host of the top-ranking podcast You Are Not Broken. Dedicated to empowering women, Dr. Kelly blends humor, candor, and science to demystify sexual health, intimacy, and midlife wellness. Through her podcast and online courses, she tackles myths about desire and normalizes conversations around healthy, fulfilling sex. Her work also provides essential education on hormones and midlife health.Tune in for a relaxed, informative conversation that could change the way you think about your health and wellness. 🎧 This is a behind-the-scenes, organic conversation between two professionals who have their own perspectives on sexuality. Give it a listen and let us know what you think!Reach Dr. Kelly Casperson at:Instagram - @kellycaspersonmdPodcast - Apple Podcasts, SpotifyWebsite -www.kellycaspersonmd.com Facebook - @youarentbrokenYoutube - You Are Not BrokenBestselling Book - You Are Not Broken: Stop "Should-ing" All Over Your Sex LifeThe Pleasure Circle Self Paced Course: OUT NOW!⁠Purchase here!#Menopause #Urology #SexualHealth #Podcast #Women #Therapy #Therapist

New Series Alert! In this episode, Dr. Jenn delves into (or onto) All Fours by Miranda July through a psychological lens. Join her as she unpacks the themes of self-discovery, desire, aging and identity. This seemingly semi autobiographical novel is full of surreal moments that might make you both lean in with anticipation and cringe as you watch them unfold. Tune in for a deep exploration of its key psychological layers and what makes this story truly stand out. 🎧 The Pleasure Circle Self Paced Course: OUT NOW!⁠Purchase here!#SexTherapy #BookAnalysis #Psychology