Episode 30: Motherhood, Pleasure & Healing the Madonna-Whore Split with Juliana Goldstone

Anna sits down with somatic sex educator, sexological bodyworker, and pelvic care provider Juliana Goldstone to explore the deeply layered relationship women have with their bodies, sexuality, and motherhood. Juliana shares her personal journey into this work and the path that led her to supporting mothers in reclaiming pleasure, power, and connection to their bodies after years of caregiving, burnout, and cultural conditioning. Together, they unpack the Madonna–Whore split, how this psychological divide continues to shape women's sexuality, and why so many mothers feel disconnected from their erotic selves. The conversation also explores the role of the nervous system, shame, and conditioning in shaping our relationship to pleasure.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Juliana Goldstone and Her Work 02:58 Juliana's Journey into Motherhood and Sexuality 09:02 The Madonna-Whore Complex and Its Impact on Women 17:14 Exploring Pain and Pleasure in Sexuality 21:25 Ecstatic Birthing and the Cultural Perception of Motherhood 26:15 The Importance of Instinctual Bodies in Birth and Sex 30:09 Emotional Release and Healing Through Sensation 41:08 The Vulnerability of Sexuality 44:24 Creating Safe Spaces for Healing 48:11 Retreats and Group Dynamics 51:01 Motherhood and Self-Connection 54:57 From Martyr to Matriarch 01:01:13 Reclaiming Pleasure in Motherhood 01:08:21 Talking to Teens About Sexuality   Resources Juliana Goldstone's Website - https://julianagoldstone.com Instagram: Boldly Embodied Bonesong - Motherhood Mystery School - https://julianagoldstone.com/bonesong Sherri Winston's Book on Female Arousal - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09XYZ1234 Cultivating Male Sexual Energy by Mantak Chia - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N4XYZ The Multi-Orgasmic Man by Mantak Chia - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XYZ123