Taboo to Truth: Unapologetic Conversations About Sexuality in Midlife Karen Bigman, Certified Menopause Coach, Sexuality Educator, Speaker

In today's episode, I'm diving into the world of kink, a term that captures a broad spectrum of activities beyond the conventional or "vanilla" intimate practices. Kink isn't just about the extreme of dungeons and dramatic scenarios; it's fundamentally about venturing into desires that stray from one's usual experiences, which could be as straightforward as altering the ambiance with different lighting.

Within this realm, BDSM stands out as a notable subset, encompassing bondage and discipline, dominance and submission, and sadomasochism. Many people find kink a playful and explorative outlet, a healthy way to relieve stress, and an avenue for fostering deep trust and communication with their partners.

This journey into understanding kink and BDSM invites us to broaden our perspective on the diversity of human pleasure and the ways in which adults can engage in consensual, informed, and joyful exploration.

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Have a burning question or topic suggestion?

karen@taboototruth.com

⁠⁠⁠https://www.taboototruth.com/⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/taboototruth

https://www.youtube.com/@taboototruthpodcast

*this podcast is not intended to give medical advice. Karen Bigman is not a medical professional. For any medical questions or issues, please visit your medical provider




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In part 2 of my interview with Dr Staci Gruber, we delved into the complexities of cannabis use, including its potential for addiction, known formally as Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD). We also touched upon the evolution of cannabis potency over the years, with today's products containing much higher THC levels than those from decades ago, raising the stakes in the risk-benefit analysis of cannabis consumption. The conversation further explored the medical applications of cannabis, highlighting its utility in managing pain, sleep disorders, and other health issues.

The conversation also ventured into the areas of women's health, underscoring the lack of research and the growing interest in cannabis for managing conditions like endometriosis and menopause symptoms. It was a reminder of the importance of being an informed consumer, understanding the goal of your cannabis use, and ensuring the safety and efficacy of the products you choose.

Our dialogue underscored the evolving landscape of cannabis use and research, highlighting the need for more education and open conversations between consumers and healthcare providers to navigate the complexities of cannabis as both a medicinal and recreational substance.

Watch the full episode here.

About Dr. Gruber

Dr. Staci Gruber is the Director of the Cognitive and Clinical Neuroimaging Core at McLean Hospital’s Brain Imaging Center and an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Gruber’s research focuses on the application of neurocognitive models and brain imaging to characterize risk factors for substance abuse and psychiatric conditions.


Dr. Gruber launched Marijuana Investigations for
Neuroscientific Discovery (MIND) in 2014, the first-ever program of its kind designed to clarify the long-term impact of medical cannabis use.


Dr. Gruber also launched the Women’s Health Initiative at MIND, or WHIM, the first cannabis-focused program designed specifically to address women’s health and disorders that disproportionately affect women as well as some transgender and non-binary individuals.

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Have a burning question or topic suggestion?

karen@taboototruth.com

⁠⁠⁠https://www.taboototruth.com/⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/taboototruth⁠⁠⁠

https://www.youtube.com/@taboototruthpodcast

*this podcast is not intended to give medical advice. Karen Bigman is not a medical professional. For any medical questions or issues, please visit your medical provider.




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In today's episode, part 1 of 2, I had the pleasure of welcoming Dr. Stacey Gruber, a renowned expert in the field of cannabis research and its implications on mental health and substance abuse.

One of the most compelling parts of our conversation revolved around personal experiences with cannabis, including my own. Dr. Gruber eloquently addressed the challenges and misconceptions surrounding cannabis use for medical purposes, emphasizing the importance of finding the right product and dosage to suit individual needs and conditions. She also touched on the potential benefits of cannabis in enhancing sexual health and wellbeing, a topic that resonates with many yet often goes unexplored.

Dr. Gruber's work is not just about cannabis; it's about opening doors to new forms of treatment that could revolutionize how we approach mental health and wellness. Her dedication to advancing our understanding of cannabis and its potential benefits is truly inspiring, leaving me eager to learn more about how this plant could impact our lives in positive ways.

*watch the full episode here

About Dr. Gruber

Dr. Staci Gruber is the Director of the Cognitive and Clinical Neuroimaging Core at McLean Hospital’s Brain Imaging Center and an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Gruber’s research focuses on the application of neurocognitive models and brain imaging to characterize risk factors for substance abuse and psychiatric conditions.


Dr. Gruber launched Marijuana Investigations for
Neuroscientific Discovery (MIND) in 2014, the first-ever program of its kind designed to clarify the long-term impact of medical cannabis use.




Dr. Gruber
also launched the Women’s Health Initiative at MIND, or WHIM, the first cannabis-focused program designed specifically to address women’s health and disorders that disproportionately affect women as well as some transgender and non-binary individuals.

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Have a burning question or topic suggestion?

karen@taboototruth.com

⁠⁠⁠https://www.taboototruth.com/⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/taboototruth⁠⁠⁠

https://www.youtube.com/@taboototruthpodcast

*this podcast is not intended to give medical advice. Karen Bigman is not a medical professional. For any medical questions or issues, please visit your medical provider.




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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/taboototruth/message

In this episode, I delve into the complex world of gender and sexuality, acknowledging the vast array of terminology that exists today compared to the simpler times of my youth. I explore the distinctions between identity, expression, gender, and sexual orientation, emphasizing that these aspects of ourselves are not always aligned. I introduce concepts such as the Genderbread Person to illustrate the differences between sex, gender expression, sexual attraction, and identity.

I also share insights on how societal norms have evolved to recognize not only the binary of male and female but also the spectrum that includes intersex, transgender, and non-binary identities, highlighting the importance of understanding and respecting each individual's unique experience.

I hope to open minds and foster a deeper understanding of the fluidity and diversity within human sexuality and gender identity. I acknowledge that this episode merely scratches the surface of a vast topic and that language and labels continue to evolve. I aim to promote empathy and inclusivity, inviting listeners to embrace the complexity of human identity with an open heart and mind.

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Have a burning question or topic suggestion?

karen@taboototruth.com

⁠⁠⁠https://www.taboototruth.com/⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/taboototruth

https://www.youtube.com/@taboototruthpodcast

*this podcast is not intended to give medical advice. Karen Bigman is not a medical professional. For any medical questions or issues, please visit your medical provider




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In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Alyssa Dweck, a seasoned gynecologist and chief medical officer of Bonafide Health, whose expertise in female sexual health and menopause offers invaluable insights.

Dr. Dweck shared with us the common sexual health challenges women face, especially during menopause, such as sexual pain, diminished libido, and the impact of medical issues on sexual function. She emphasized the importance of open communication with healthcare providers and highlighted non-hormonal treatments like vaginal moisturizers and lubricants as game-changers for women experiencing vaginal dryness. Dr. Dweck's approach to addressing these sensitive issues with compassion and evidence-based solutions truly resonated with me, reinforcing the message that women do not have to navigate these challenges alone.

We also delved into the realm of hormone therapy and its misconceptions, particularly the nuanced conversation around vaginal estrogen and systemic hormone therapy.



**Please note that this podcast episode is not intended to give medical advice. For any medical questions or issues, please visit your medical provider.



About Dr. Dweck:

Dr. Alyssa Dweck, MS, MD, FACOG is the Chief Medical Officer at Bonafide Health, LLC. She is a practicing gynecologist in Westchester County, New York, provides care to women of all ages and has delivered thousands of babies.

A graduate of Barnard College, she has a Masters Degree in Human Nutrition from Columbia University and her Medical Degree from Hahnemann University School of Medicine in Philadelphia, now named Drexel University. Dr. Dweck trained at Lankenau Medical Center Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, where she was Chief Resident in 1994.

For more information visit:
https://hellobonafide.com/blogs/authors/alyssa-dweck
https://hellobonafide.com/
Email: doctordweck@gmail.com

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Have a burning question or topic suggestion?
karen@taboototruth.com
⁠⁠⁠https://www.taboototruth.com/⁠⁠⁠
⁠⁠⁠Instagram @taboototruth⁠⁠⁠
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Online dating is the way for people of all ages to meet today, though it comes with its own set of challenges and rewards. The variety of dating apps available allows you to find one that aligns with your values and lifestyle, whether that's based on religion, interests, or relationship goals. It's crucial to approach these platforms with a sense of authenticity and honesty, both in how you present yourself and in what you expect from others.

In this episode I discuss my experience navigating the apps, the first dates and the next ones, communicating on dates, and boundries and red flags to consider.

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Have a burning question or topic suggestion?

karen@taboototruth.com

⁠⁠⁠https://www.taboototruth.com/⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/taboototruth⁠⁠⁠

https://www.youtube.com/@taboototruthpodcast

*this podcast is not intended to give medical advice. Karen Bigman is not a medical professional. For any medical questions or issues, please visit your medical provider


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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/taboototruth/message