Sexologist Dr. Holly Wood: Pleasure is Self-Care | Motherhood, Desire & Reclaiming You | Ep 39

Send us Fan MailPleasure isn't selfish. It's self-care.In this episode of The Manage Her Podcast, host Aimee Rickabus sits down with Dr. Holly Wood, a sexologist and women's sexual wellness expert, for a bold, honest conversation about intimacy, desire, and reclaiming your sexuality — especially as a woman navigating motherhood.Dr. Holly Wood shares her journey to becoming a sexologist, the mixed messages women receive about sex, and why so many mothers feel disconnected from their bodies and their desire. She offers practical advice on communicating with partners, creating space for pleasure in busy lives, and gives women full permission to prioritize their sexual well-being.This is the conversation we wish we had sooner. It's time to dismantle the shame and normalize pleasure.🔥 IN THIS EPISODE:- The journey to becoming a sexologist — and why this work matters- Unlearning the shame and mixed messages women receive about sexuality- How motherhood impacts body image, desire, and connection- Navigating intimacy in early motherhood (yes, quickies count)- Understanding why desire works differently for women- How to communicate your needs to your partner- Creating safe spaces for pleasure in your relationship- Why pleasure is a vital form of self-care — not a luxury- Evolving sexuality through different life stages- Permission to pursue the sex and pleasure you deserve💡 KEY TAKEAWAYS:✓ Dismantling shame and normalizing pleasure is essential for women's well-being✓ Reclaiming your connection to your body is a powerful, ongoing journey✓ Motherhood changes your relationship with your body — and that's okay✓ Pleasure is not selfish; it's a form of self-care✓ Open communication with your partner is key to a fulfilling intimate life✓ You have the right to pursue the sex and pleasure you desire✓ Sexuality is an integral part of who we are as humans🎙️ ABOUT DR. HOLLY WOOD:Dr. Holly Wood is a sexologist, sex therapist, and women's sexual wellness advocate dedicated to helping women reclaim their sexuality, dismantle shame, and prioritize pleasure as part of a healthy, fulfilling life.📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drhollywoodphd/🔗 Website: https://www.thehollywoodsexologist.com/🎬 YouTube:  @thehollywoodsexologist 🎧 LISTEN ON YOUR FAVORITE PLATFORM:🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-manage-her/id1809208475🎵 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/03FuFRyzkaWhZkk5yxFePJ?si=2028b319d55f4177📦 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/91c217a5-4245-4b83-8d15-8edfdde06884/the-manage-her📲 CONNECT WITH THE MANAGE HER:🌐 Website: https://www.themanageher.com📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themanageher/🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@themanageher🎬 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheManageHer⏱️ CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction to Intimacy and Pleasure03:03 The Journey to Becoming a Sexologist05:44 Unlearning Shame and Reclaiming Sexuality08:57 Motherhood's Impact on Body and Sexuality11:42 Navigating Intimacy in Early Motherhood15:06 Understanding Desire and Its Challenges17:46 Creating Safe Spaces for Pleasure21:03 Communication and Connection with Partners24:06 Evolving Sexuality Through Life Stages26:48 The Importance of Self-Care and Pleasure29:46 Final Thoughts on Sexual Empowerment#TheManageHer #DrHollyWood #Sexologist #Pleasure #SelfCare #Motherhood #Intimacy #WomensHealth #SexualWellness #ReclaimYourBody #NormalizePleasure #MomLife #Marriage #Relationships #Desire #Communication #Empowerment #WomenEmpowerment #SexTherapy #WomensWellness #BodyImage #SexualHealth #Podcast #WomenLeadership #AuthenticConversations———The Manage Her® Podcast — hosted by Aimee Rickabus. Honest conversations on leadership, financial empowerment, motherhood, wellness, and career reinvention for ambitious women.🎧 SUBSCRIBE & LISTEN:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-manage-her/id1809208475Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/03FuFRyzkaWhZkk5yxFePJAmazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/91c217a5-4245-4b83-8d15-8edfdde06884/the-manage-her📲 CONNECT WITH THE MANAGE HER®:Website: https://www.themanageher.comInstagram: @themanageherTikTok: @themanageherYouTube: @themanageherLinkedIn: @themanageher💗 If this episode resonated, follow the show, leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts, and share it with a woman who needs to hear it.© 2026 The Manage Her®. All rights reserved.