The Menopause Brain

Witches, Midwives, and Nurses

In this sultry episode of The Private Parts of Wellness, Jessica Badonsky unpacks the steamy science of scent, sex, and memory—and why your body odor might be telling more of your story than you think. From the hormonal cocktail that drives attraction to the way birth control messes with your nose (and your lovers), we’re diving deep into why smell is the most intimate of the senses. Expect personal confessions, science-backed bombshells, and a few grounding tricks to help you sniff out what’s real.

You’ll learn:

• • Practical advice for reconnecting with our sense of smell through grounding practices.
  • Why midlife hormones make you smell (and want) differently

• • How birth control changed who you were drawn to

  • What scent has to do with orgasms, intimacy, and identity

  • How to retrain your sense of smell (and your sex life)

  Warning: May cause sudden flashbacks to your ex’s t-shirt.

Mother’s Day is weird. There, I said it. It’s one of those days that feels like it should be a celebration but somehow ends up being a chore—or worse, a guilt trip. In this episode, we’re not doing the cookie-cutter, Hallmark version. Instead, we’re digging into the weird, messy reality of this day: the history that went sideways, why some women are signing up for Ashley Madison the day after, and why getting tied up in Yugoslavia actually makes a lot of sense.

Plus, I’ll share why I always ask for one thing on Mother’s Day—a letter—and why this year, I’m finally going to write one to my own mom. Oh, and there’s an oracle card reading to help you mother yourself—because sometimes you need more than brunch and carnations.

Let’s be honest: You’re more than just what your uterus popped out. Sometimes Mother’s Day is about reclaiming yourself—cunt-warm, messy, fierce—and making space for what you actually need.

• 0:00 – 1:00: Kicking off with why Mother’s Day feels like a weird mix of love, guilt, and obligatory brunches.

• 1:00 – 2:30: The OG Mother’s Day story: Anna Jarvis just wanted a day to honor her badass mom, but instead got stuck with a Hallmark holiday from hell. (Spoiler: she hated what it became.)

• 2:30 – 4:00: Wild traditions: In parts of the former Yugoslavia, kids tie up their moms until they pay ransom in treats. Honestly, it makes more sense than breakfast in bed.

• 4:00 – 5:30: Fun fact: The day after Mother’s Day is prime time for women signing up on Ashley Madison. Turns out the whole “let’s celebrate mom” thing sometimes leaves women wondering, “Is this it?”

• 5:30 – 7:00: How to feel seen and loved without pretending you adore getting flowers you bought yourself. Plus, why writing a letter to yourself (or your mom) might just be the real gift.

• 7:00 – 8:30: Oracle card time—because nothing says self-care like pulling a card and asking, “What the hell do I actually want?” Mother’s Day isn’t just about what your uterus produced. Sometimes it’s about what your brain and heart need.

• 8:30 – 10:00: Closing thoughts: Why this day can be both annoying and meaningful, and why it’s okay to skip the whole thing if it feels like a chore. Also, maybe call your mom—or write her a letter. That’s what I’m doing this year.

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