Many women describe the holiday season as “magical but exhausting.” In this episode, we break down the research behind why women carry so much mental, emotional, and physical pressure during the holidays—and how this stress impacts health, relationships, and wellbeing.

From invisible labor to cultural expectations, we explore what’s really happening beneath the festive surface. If you're feeling stretched thin, this episode gives you validation, language, and tools to protect your peace.

If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a woman in your life who may be navigating this emotional season.

Writing, recording, and editing by me, Bethany

music by Mobygratis

BADFOXXX is offering Modern MILF Podcast listeners 15% off their purchase of Lust Between Us Couples Card Game, use the link below: https://lustbetweenus.com/modernmilf

Connect with me!

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• American Heart Association (2023) – 79% overlook their own needs during the holidays

• University of Melbourne / University of Bath study – women carry ~71% of the household mental load

• Modern Health Workplace Survey – 40% of workers consider quitting from holiday burnout

• Sanford Behavioral Health – women more likely to report increased anxiety during holidays

• Oshi Health – “Holiday CEO” phenomenon and GI distress

• Caron Treatment Centers – holidays trigger anxiety and depression for ~30% of adults

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): 1-800-950-NAMI

• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

• SAMHSA Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP

• Psychology Today therapist finder (U.S.)

• Open Path Collective (affordable counseling)

In this festive and science-backed episode, we explore why sexual interest often rises during the holiday season. From increased emotional warmth and time off work to alcohol consumption and cultural rhythms, the holidays create a unique environment that shapes intimacy. Drawing on psychological research, sexual-health studies, and global data trends, we unpack what really drives this seasonal spike — plus the risks, myths, and practical tips for joyful, consensual, safe intimacy.

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Writing, recording, and editing by me, Bethany

music by Mobygratis

Connect with me!

IG: @modernmilfpodcast

TT: @bethany.hale.pearson

LinkTree: @modernmilfpodcast

email: lovewithbethany@gmail.com

Sources:

• Scientific Reports (2017): Global analysis of online sexual-interest peaks

• Wellings et al., Sexual Health Review (1999)

• Seasonal conception and fertility studies (2020+)

• Psychological research on collective mood + cultural rituals

• Public-health findings on holiday-risk behavior

Leave a review, Like, and Follow The Modern MILF Podcast on

Writing, recording, and editing by me, Bethany

music by Mobygratis

Connect with me!

IG: @modernmilfpodcast

TT: @bethany.hale.pearson

LinkTree: @modernmilfpodcast

email: lovewithbethany@gmail.com

Sources:

• Dutton, D. G., & Painter, S. L. — Traumatic bonding: The development of emotional attachments in battered women and other relationships of intermittent abuse. (Foundational empirical and theoretical work). ResearchGate+1

• Carnes, P. — clinical discussions on trauma bonding as a concept in abuse and addiction literature. Verywell Mind

• Van der Kolk, B. — The Body Keeps the Score — trauma’s effects on brain, body, and relationships. Bessel van der Kolk, MD.

• Gottman Institute — research on relationship stability, repair, and the importance of consistent kindness and responsiveness. Gottman Institute

• Sue Johnson, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) — attachment-focused couples therapy emphasizing secure bonding and emotional responsiveness. Dr. Sue Johnson - Creating Connection+1

• National Domestic Violence Hotline — 1-800-799-7233 www.thehotline.org 24/7 confidential chat, text, and phone support.

• National Sexual Assault Hotline — 1-800-656-4673 www.rainn.org

• Crisis Text Line — Text HOME to 741741 Free, 24/7 crisis counseling via text.

• If outside the U.S.: Find international hotlines here: [findahelpline.com], [befrienders.org], or search “domestic violence helpline [your country].”

• Psychology Today Therapist Finder – www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists Use filters like “trauma,” “EMDR,” “somatic,” or “attachment-focused.”

• Trauma-Focused Organizations:

  • TherapyDen.com – filter by trauma or relationship expertise.

  • The Gottman Institute – tools for relationship health: www.gottman.com

  • Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) directory: www.ptsd.va.gov

Today is an unexpected bonus episode, where we explore the difference between chemistry and connection—why they feel different in the body, how the brain processes attraction, and which one actually predicts a healthy long-term relationship. With insight from The Kinsey Institute, Dr. Helen Fisher, Esther Perel, the Gottman Institute, Dr. Sue Johnson, and Dr. Emily Nagoski.

Leave a review, Like, and Follow The Modern MILF Podcast on

Writing, recording, and editing by me, Bethany

music by Mobygratis

BADFOXXX is offering Modern MILF Podcast listeners 15% off their purchase of Lust Between Us Couples Card Game, use the link below: https://lustbetweenus.com/modernmilf

IG: @modernmilfpodcast

TT: @modernmilfpodcast

Linktree: @modernmilfpodcast

email: lovewithbethany@gmail.com

Sources:

• Kinsey Institute Research on arousal and romantic attraction

• Fisher, H. (biological anthropology research on love)

• Perel, E. Mating in Captivity; The State of Affairs

• Gottman, J. & J. The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work

• Nagoski, E. Come As You Are

We're talking about the health benefits of sexual activity and how sex affects us biologically, psychologically, and physically. Leave a review, Like, and Follow The Modern MILF Podcast on

Writing, recording, and editing by me, Bethany

music by Mobygratis

IG: @modernmilfpodcast

TT: @modernmilfpodcast

Linktree: @modernmilfpodcast

email: lovewithbethany@gmail.com

Sources:

• Dr. Michael F. Roizen, M.D. — Chief Wellness Officer, Cleveland Clinic.

  • Roizen, M. F., & Oz, M. C. (2007). YOU: The Owner’s Manual: An Insider’s Guide to the Body that Will Make You Healthier and Younger. HarperCollins.

  • Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Sexual Health: Benefits of Sex. Retrieved from my.clevelandclinic.org

• American Journal of Cardiology

  • Hall, K. S., Shackman, A. J., & Johnson, A. K. (2015). Sexual activity and cardiovascular health: Evidence from observational studies. Am J Cardiol.

• Dr. Sarah E. Hill, Ph.D. (Biologist, Texas Christian University)

  • Hill, S. E. (2019). How the Pill Changes Everything: Your Brain on Birth Control. Avery. (Referenced for hormonal and immune function insights.)

• Dr. Tiffany Field, Ph.D. (Director, Touch Research Institute, University of Miami)

  • Field, T. (2010). Touch. MIT Press. (Cited for oxytocin, touch, and cortisol regulation research.)

• Dr. Lori A. Brotto, Ph.D. (Clinical Psychologist, University of British Columbia)

  • • Brotto, L. A. (2018). Better Sex Through Mindfulness: How Women Can Cultivate Desire. Greystone Books. (Referenced for mindful sex, parasympathetic activation, and emotional regulation.)

• Dr. Justin J. Lehmiller, Ph.D. (Research Fellow, Kinsey Institute)

  • Lehmiller, J. J. (2018). Tell Me What You Want: The Science of Sexual Desire and How It Can Help You Improve Your Sex Life. Da Capo Press. (Referenced for sex, well-being, and satisfaction data.)

• Dr. Sue Johnson, Ph.D. (Clinical Psychologist, Founder of Emotionally Focused Therapy)

  • • Johnson, S. (2013). Love Sense: The Revolutionary New Science of Romantic Relationships. Little, Brown Spark. (Referenced for emotional safety and attachment in sexual relationships.)

• The Journal of Sexual Medicine

  • • Brody, S., & Costa, R. M. (2009). Sexual behavior, stress, and well-being. J Sex Med, 6(11), 3243–3250. (Referenced for masturbation, hormones, and well-being studies.)

• Dr. Emily Nagoski, Ph.D. (Sex Educator, Health Psychologist)
• Nagoski, E. (2015). Come As You Are: The Surprising New Science That Will Transform Your Sex Life. Simon & Schuster. (Referenced for sexual wellness, shame healing, and pleasure psychology.)

Recommended Reading & References

• Dr. Helen Fisher — Anatomy of Love (W. W. Norton, 2016)

• Dr. Lori Brotto — Better Sex Through Mindfulness (Greystone, 2018)

• Dr. Emily Nagoski — Come As You Are (Simon & Schuster, 2015)

• Dr. Candace Pert — Molecules of Emotion (Scribner, 1999)

• Dr. Sue Johnson — Love Sense (Little, Brown, 2013)

• Dr. Sarah E. Hill — How the Pill Changes Everything (Avery, 2019)

• Esther Perel — Mating in Captivity (HarperCollins, 2006)

• The Journal of Sexual Medicine, Vol. 6–7

• American Journal of Cardiology (2015)

Today's episode is about sexual shame and letting go of it.

Leave a review, Like, and Follow The Modern MILF Podcast on

Writing, recording, and editing by me, Bethany

music by Mobygratis

IG: @modernmilfpodcast

TT: @modernmilfpodcast

Linktree: @modernmilfpodcast

email: lovewithbethany@gmail.com

Sources:

• Emily Nagoski — Come As You Are (biology of desire). (Shortform)
• Kristin Neff — self-compassion exercises & research. (Self-Compassion)
• Esther Perel — podcast & essays on desire, shame, and erotic life. (Esther Perel)
• Justin Lehmiller — research on sexual fantasy and desire. (Amazon)
• American Sexual Health Association — sexual health resources and stigma discussion. (Asha Sexual Health)

https://www.mdpi.com/2411-5118/5/4/47

https://www.psypost.org/sexual-shame-a-hidden-barrier-to-womens-intimacy-and-fulfillment/

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/underneath-the-sheets/201908/no-one-is-immune-sexual-shame

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/sexual-intelligence/202412/shame-is-a-bigger-problem-than-any-apparent-sexual-dysfunction

Today's episode is about rejection. But we are going to shed a different light on rejection. A different perspective. Instead, think of it as redirection. It takes practice to shift your mindset around anything as painful as rejection, and as you begin to, you will look at so many life experiences differently.

Leave a review, Like, and Follow The Modern MILF Podcast on

Writing, recording, and editing by me, Bethany

music by Mobygratis

IG: @modernmilfpodcast

TT: @modernmilfpodcast

Linktree: @modernmilfpodcast

Sources:

https://www.rutgers.edu/news/study-finds-romantic-rejection-stimulates-areas-brain-involved-motivation-reward-and-addiction?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9731324/Downey G, Freitas AL, Michaelis B, Khouri H. The self-fulfilling prophecy in close relationships: rejection sensitivity and rejection by romantic partners. J Pers Soc Psychol. 1998 Aug;75(2):545-60. doi: 10.1037//0022-3514.75.2.545. PMID: 9731324.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34414546/Dobson K, Kim J, Impett EA. Perceptual Accuracy for Sexual Rejection in Romantic Relationships. Arch Sex Behav. 2022 Jan;51(1):491-503. doi: 10.1007/s10508-021-02126-1. Epub 2021 Aug 19. PMID: 34414546.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/being-your-best-self/202401/8-ways-to-manage-rejection

https://roamerstherapy.substack.com/p/what-changes-when-you-look-at-rejection

Today's episode, I'm sharing with you how Feminism and Self-Worth work together and how the collaboration is for our own benefit. Throughout this episode, I will be pausing for moments of a deep breath and repeating self-worth affirmations. In my Linktree, there is a free download option of these affirmations to say to yourself and keep with you.

Leave a review, Like, and Follow The Modern MILF Podcast on

Writing, recording, and editing by me, Bethany

music by Mobygratis

IG: @modernmilfpodcast

TT: @modernmilfpodcast

Linktree: @modernmilfpodcast

Sources:

Take Back Your Brain by Kara Loewenthiel

The Gifts of Imperfections by Brene Brown

Nedra Glover Tawwab

Dr. Kristen Neff