Desire, Redefined

So many of us feel anxious or disconnected from our bodies because we don't understand why our sexual desire fluctuates. This episode breaks down the hormonal dance that drives (and sometimes derails) your sex drive, explaining what happens to your metabolism, mood, and libido through midlife.  We get crystal clear on desire vs arousal vs orgasm, why estrogen is a major driver of fantasy and craving, and why progesterone can make you drier, slower to warm up, and harder to orgasm (you’re not broken, you’re hormonally alive). Then we zoom out to the midlife reality: metabolism shifts, insulin resistance, body changes, stress, sleep… and the underrated longevity superpower that changes everything: connection and community. You'll Learn: • Responsive vs spontaneous desire (both normal) • Why ovulation can feel like “sex brain” • Why the luteal phase can mean dryness + more foreplay • What shifts in perimenopause (metabolism, muscle, belly fat) • Simple blood sugar levers: protein, fiber, walking, sleep • Why body image and stress can tank libido • Why connection might matter more than any supplement • If you’ve ever wondered, “Is something wrong with me?”, this episode is your permission slip: your libido isn’t a personality flaw. It’s biology + life. Featured Guests: • Dr. Jolene Brighten – Naturopathic endocrinologist, author of Is This Normal? and Beyond the Pill • Dr. Mariza Snyder – Functional wellness expert, author of The Perimenopause Revolution • Rosie Acosta – Host of Radically Loved, yoga and meditation teacher