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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Episode 3: The Sound of Sex and Everything That Annoys You

Why does his voice melt you one day and make your skin crawl the next? In this episode, we tune into the strange, sexy, and maddening world of hearing, hormones, and midlife brain chemistry. From praise kink to misophonia, from the music that turns you on to the chewing sounds that send you into a silent rage — we cover it all.

We’ll talk about how estrogen, testosterone, and oxytocin shape what we hear and how we feel. You'll get science, stories, and some saucy truth bombs about aging ears, buzzy brains, and why your partner’s playlist suddenly sucks.

Plus: how your sense of sound fits into the 5-4-3-2-1 Radical Pause practice — and what it means for your mental health, sex life, and sanity.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to the Chaos of Midlife

01:28 Exploring Hormonal Influences on Hearing

09:21 The Role of Oxytocin and Sound in Connection

12:44 The Power of Sound and Audio Erotica

16:23 Understanding Auditory Trauma and Overload

20:38 Hearing Loss and Health Equity

23:35 Supplements for Hearing Health

27:13 Personal Experiences with Hearing Changes

30:28 Grounding Through Sound and Silence

35:07 The Importance of Connection and Safety in Sound

Bonus Oxy Rush Episode

In this episode of the Private Parts of Wellness, Jessica Badonsky explores the significance of touch in relation to hormones, aging, and intimacy. She discusses the science behind skin and sensation, the impact of hormones on touch, and the societal perceptions of aging and touch. The episode also includes practical exercises for mindful touch and emphasizes the importance of touch in fostering connection and intimacy, especially as we age.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Touch and Its Importance

05:12 The Science of Touch and Hormones

08:00 Aging, Touch, and Societal Perceptions

11:16 Mindful Touch Practices and Techniques

16:19 The Role of Touch in Intimacy and Connection

• Email – To contact or book:
  jessica@ppwfnp.com

• Substack – Newsletter, essays, and episodes:
  https://theradicalpause.substack.com

• Discord – The Menopause Anarchist
  https://discord.gg/99S4994b

• Instagram – Tarot, shares, stories:
  https://www.instagram.com/privatepartsofwellness

In this episode of Private Parts of Wellness, Jessica Badonsky introduces the Six Sense series, focusing on how our senses, particularly sight, are influenced by aging, hormones, and identity. She discusses the complexities of sight, the role of hormones in visual perception, and the intimate connection between vision and sexuality. The episode also addresses the effects of aging on vision and emphasizes the importance of grounding through sight to manage anxiety and enhance well-being.

Takeaways

• Sight is not just about the eyes; it's about the brain.
• Hormones significantly influence how we perceive light and images.
• Estrogen affects light processing, impacting sensitivity and migraines.
• Visual perception is shaped by memories, fears, and desires.
• Orgasm can enhance visual perception and create vivid experiences.
• Aging affects vision, but perception can still be sharp.
• Nutrition plays a role in maintaining eye health as we age.
• Grounding techniques can help manage anxiety and bring awareness to the present.
• Intimacy can be found in shared experiences, like borrowing glasses.
• Embracing changes in vision can lead to a more fulfilling life.
• 
  

• • Email – To contact or book:
    jessica@ppwfnp.com

  • Substack – Newsletter, essays, and episodes:
    https://theradicalpause.substack.com

  • Discord – The Menopause Anarchist
    https://discord.gg/99S4994b

  • Instagram – Tarot, shares, stories:
    https://www.instagram.com/privatepartsofwellness

This is the season of THe Radical Pause. We will dive into the 5 4 3 2 1 grounding technique by exploring all 6 senses. Yep I added one.

• Email – To contact or book:
  jessica@ppwfnp.com

• Substack – Newsletter, essays, and episodes:
  https://theradicalpause.substack.com

• Discord – The Menopause Anarchist
  https://discord.gg/99S4994b

• Instagram – Tarot, shares, stories:
  https://www.instagram.com/privatepartsofwellness

In this episode, Jessica Jolie, a hormone-savvy nurse practitioner, dives deep into the often misunderstood topic of cholesterol. She explains the different types of lipids, their functions, and how they relate to hormones and overall health. The conversation covers the importance of understanding lipid panels, the impact of hormones on cholesterol levels, and the societal perceptions of body image, particularly regarding FUPAs. Jessica emphasizes the need for a nuanced approach to health discussions, especially in the context of intersectionality and personalized care.In this episode, Jessica Jolie, a hormone-savvy nurse practitioner, dives deep into the often misunderstood topic of cholesterol. She explains the different types of lipids, their functions, and how they relate to hormones and overall health. The conversation covers the importance of understanding lipid panels, the impact of hormones on cholesterol levels, and the societal perceptions of body image, particularly regarding FUPAs. Jessica emphasizes the need for a nuanced approach to health discussions, especially in the context of intersectionality and personalized care.

The Radical Pause Salon

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