The Modern MILF Podcast

Bethany Hale Pearson

Hosted by Sex & Relationship Coach, Bethany Hale. This is a progressive and sex positive platform for your sex life and intimate partner relationships, using science-backed research by professionals, personal experiences, and always empowering women to be their inherent sexual selves. 

  1. May 27

    Episode 24: Love vs. Limerence — What’s Really Driving Your Heart?

    In this episode of The Modern MILF Podcast, Bethany untangles love and limerence: what each is, how they feel in the brain and in daily life, how one helps—or harms—relationships, and practical steps to recognize and respond to limerence if it shows up. Includes clinical and neuroscience references for listeners who want to dive deeper. Connect with me! Instagram  TikTok  Facebook Contact me! lovewithbethany@gmail.com To access my Coaching Course on Rejection, free PDF downloads, or to schedule a coaching call with me, go to: LinkTree Credits: Writing, recording, and editing by me, Bethany Theme music by MobyGratis References Tennov D. Love and Limerence: The Experience of Being in Love. Stein & Day; 1979.  Sternberg RJ. A triangular theory of love. Psychological Review. 1986;93(2):119–135.  Hazan C, Shaver P. Romantic love conceptualized as an attachment process. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. 1987;52(3):511–524. Acevedo BP, Aron A, Fisher HE, Brown LL. Neural correlates of long-term intense romantic love. Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience. 2012;7(2):145–159. Fisher H. Lust, attraction, and attachment in mammalian reproduction. Human Nature. 1998;9(1):23–52.  Bode A, Dando O, et al. Proximate and ultimate perspectives on romantic love. Frontiers in Psychology. 2021.  Hatfield E, Rapson RL. Passionate and Companionate Love. In: Handbook of Theories of Social Psychology. 2016. (On passionate love scales and overlap with limerence.)  Acevedo et al., “Does a Long-Term Relationship Kill Romantic Love?” (Review literature on romantic love across time.)  Clinical/therapy resources on intrusive thoughts and CBT approaches for rumination: standard CBT references and reviews (e.g., National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidance on anxiety and CBT—consult local guidance for specifics).

    20 min
  2. May 22

    Episode 23: Erotic Habits: The Secret to Better Sex in Long-Term Relationships

    Do you ever miss the version of your relationship where flirting felt effortless, chemistry felt electric, and sex didn’t require a calendar invite? In this episode of The Modern MILF Podcast, we’re talking about erotic habits—the small, intentional things couples do that create more connection, more anticipation, and yes… way better sex. Because here’s the truth: passionate relationships aren’t usually built on luck or “spontaneous chemistry.” They’re built through habits. We’ll unpack the science behind desire, why so many women in long-term relationships feel disconnected from their sexuality, and the surprisingly simple shifts that can bring intimacy back online. You’ll learn: Why good sex in long-term relationships is intentional The difference between spontaneous and responsive desire How motherhood, stress, and mental load impact libido Erotic habits that increase connection and attraction Why flirting matters—even after years together How anticipation can completely change your sex life If you’ve been craving more intimacy, more desire, and more fun in your relationship—this episode is for you. Connect with me! Instagram  TikTok  Facebook Contact me! lovewithbethany@gmail.com To access my Coaching Course on Rejection, free PDF downloads, or to schedule a coaching call with me, go to: LinkTree Credits: Writing, recording, and editing by me, Bethany Theme music by MobyGratis References Come as You Are by Emily Nagoski Mating in Captivity by Esther Perel Research on relationship quality and sexual satisfaction in long-term partnerships Research on responsive desire, emotional intimacy, and women’s sexual wellbeing Work by Peggy Kleinplatz on optimal sexual experiences in committed relationships - Basson R. The female sexual response: a different model. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, 2000;26(1):51–65.   - Muise, A., Schimmack, U., & Impett, E. (Year). Title on interpersonal dynamics of sexual desire and desire discrepancy. [Replace with full citation/DOI in show notes].   - Aron, A., et al. Research on intimacy and interpersonal closeness and its role in romantic relationships. [Include full citation/DOI].   - Master, M., et al. Studies on mindfulness/sensate-focus interventions and sexual function. [Include full citation/DOI].   - Lehmiller, J. Tell Me What You Want: The Science of Sexual Desire and How to Bring It to Life. (2020).   - McNulty, J.K., & Widman, L. Research on affectionate touch and relationship outcomes. [Include full citation/DOI].   - Wood, W., Tam, L., & Witt, M.G. Changing circumstances, disrupting habits. [Include full citation].   - Reviews/meta-analyses on attachment, sexual satisfaction, and oxytocin release following touch. [Include specific citations/DOIs]. - Sensate Focus protocol — Masters & Johnson-derived therapeutic approaches (clinical resources/handouts).

    15 min
  3. May 6

    Episode 22: How Turning Grief into Motivation Can Reshape Your Life

    Grief can feel like it stops your world—but what if it could also reshape it? In this deeply personal episode, I share my experience of losing my best friend and explore how grief, while painful and disorienting, can become a source of clarity, purpose, and motivation. Drawing on psychological research and therapeutic frameworks, this episode unpacks how to honor loss without bypassing it—and how to move forward while still carrying love with you. If you’re navigating grief, this conversation offers grounded, compassionate insight into what it means to rebuild, reorient, and reconnect with what truly matters. Connect with me! Instagram  TikTok  Facebook Contact me! lovewithbethany@gmail.com To access my Coaching Course on Rejection, free PDF downloads, or to schedule a coaching call with me, go to: LinkTree Credits: Writing, recording, and editing by me, Bethany Theme music by MobyGratis Sources & References Kübler-Ross, E., & Kessler, D. (2005). On Grief and Grieving Bonanno, G. A. (2009). The Other Side of Sadness: What the New Science of Bereavement Tells Us About Life After Loss Tedeschi, R. G., & Calhoun, L. G. (2004). “Posttraumatic Growth: Conceptual Foundations and Empirical Evidence” (Psychological Inquiry) Hayes, S. C., Strosahl, K., & Wilson, K. G. (2011). Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Stroebe, M., & Schut, H. (1999). Dual Process Model of Coping with Bereavement (Death Studies) McAdams, D. P. (2001). “The Psychology of Life Stories” (Review of General Psychology) Neimeyer, R. A. (2001). Meaning Reconstruction & the Experience of Loss Field, N. P. (2006). Continuing Bonds in Adaptation to Bereavement (Death Studies)

    17 min
  4. Mar 11

    Episode 21: Celebrating the Historical Research of Women's Sexuality & Pleasure

    This episode is dedicated to and in remembrance of my lifelong best friend, Melissa.  For centuries, women’s sexuality was misunderstood, medicalized, and often ignored by science. But over the past hundred years, groundbreaking researchers have transformed our understanding of female pleasure, desire, and sexual health. In this episode of The Modern MILF Podcast, I explore the fascinating history of women’s sexuality research—from Alfred Kinsey’s revolutionary reports to the laboratory studies of Masters and Johnson, the feminist insights of Shere Hite, and modern models of female desire. I’ll share how science has challenged myths about women’s pleasure, why understanding female sexuality matters for relationships and health, and why the researchers who dared to study it deserve to be celebrated. If you’ve ever wondered how we came to understand female desire the way we do today, this episode is for you. Commercial Sponsor: BADFOXXX Lust Between Us Couples Card Game, use the link below: https://lustbetweenus.com/modernmilf Connect with me! Instagram  TikTok  Facebook Contact me! lovewithbethany@gmail.com To access my Coaching Course on Rejection, free PDF downloads, or to schedule a coaching call with me, go to: LinkTree Credits: Writing, recording, and editing by me, Bethany Theme music by MobyGratis References (Cited Sources) Basson, R. (2001). Using a different model for female sexual response to address women’s problematic low sexual desire. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy. Hite, S. (1976). The Hite Report: A Nationwide Study of Female Sexuality. Kaplan, H. S. (1977). Hypoactive Sexual Desire. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy. Kinsey, A. C., Pomeroy, W., & Martin, C. (1953). Sexual Behavior in the Human Female. Masters, W. H., & Johnson, V. E. (1966). Human Sexual Response. Masters, W. H., & Johnson, V. E. (1970). Human Sexual Inadequacy. Levin, R. J. (2022). Masters and Johnson – their unique contribution to sexology. BJPsych Advances. Campbell, R. (2026). Writing on Shere Hite and feminist sexuality research.  https://www.sexandpsychology.com/blog/2025/8/20/celebrating-the-history-of-womens-sexuality-research/ https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/bjpsych-advances/article/masters-johnson-their-unique-contribution-to-sexology/7D0F859B47D0EB589C21E37EFFABD597 https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2026/03/09/shere-hite-and-the-hite-report-rosa-campbell-book-review chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.med.unc.edu/ppru/wp-content/uploads/sites/898/2018/11/A-systematic-review-of-the-literature-on-female-sexual-dysfunction-prevalence-and-predictors.pdf https://srinivasaiims.com/helen-singer-kaplans-psychological-prism-revolutionizing-the-understanding-of-sexual-health/ https://srinivasaiims.com/rosemary-bassons-circular-model-redefining-female-sexuality/

    13 min
  5. Mar 2

    Episode 19: Ethically Decentering Men & Why We Need To

    In this episode of The Modern MILF Podcast, I share what it means to decenter men in your love life—without rejecting relationships or connection. I help you unpack how centering your own identity, needs, and autonomy fosters healthier relationships, what ethical dating looks like in practice, and how to dismantle traditional gender expectations that leave women carrying emotional labor. Featuring research-backed insights from psychology and feminist theory, this episode gives tools for dating consciously, compassionately, and with full self-respect. Connect with me! Instagram  TikTok  Facebook Contact me! lovewithbethany@gmail.com To access my Coaching Course on Rejection, free PDF downloads, or to schedule a coaching call with me, go to: LinkTree Credits: Writing, recording, and editing by me, Bethany Theme music by MobyGratis References (Cited Sources) Aron, A., Aron, E. N., & Smollan, D. (1997). Inclusion of Other in Self Scale and the structure of interpersonal closeness. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. Cloud, H., & Townsend, J. (1992). Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No To Take Control of Your Life. Zondervan. DePaulo, B. (2014). How We Live Now: Adult Friendship and the New Workplace. Harvard University Press. Hochschild, A. R., & Machung, A. (1989). The Second Shift. Penguin Books. Markman, H. J., Stanley, S. M., & Blumberg, S. L. (2010). Fighting for Your Marriage. Jossey-Bass. Mikulincer, M., & Shaver, P. R. (2007). Attachment in Adulthood: Structure, Dynamics, and Change. Guilford Press. Miller, J. B. (1976). Toward a New Psychology of Women. Beacon Press.  https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/mind-matters/202602/how-to-decenter-men-and-still-date

    16 min
  6. Feb 11

    Episode 18: What Is Your "Sexual Desire" Type & How Sexual Mindfulness Can Empower Your Desire

    In this episode, we explore sexual desire types — spontaneous, responsive, contextual, and emotional — and how they differ from person to person. Learn how practicing sexual mindfulness, based on guidance from therapists and psychologists, can help you better understand and empower your own desire. Includes a practical mindfulness exercise and expert insights to deepen your connection with your body and desires. Commercial Sponsor: BADFOXXX Lust Between Us Couples Card Game, use the link below: https://lustbetweenus.com/modernmilf Connect with me! Instagram  TikTok  Facebook Contact me! lovewithbethany@gmail.com To access my Coaching Course on Rejection, free PDF downloads, or to schedule a coaching call with me, go to: LinkTree Credits: Writing, recording, and editing by me, Bethany Theme music by MobyGratis Referenced Sources & Suggested Reading Basson, R. (2000). The female sexual response: A different model. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy. Lehmiller, J. (2020). Tell Me What You Want: The Science of Sexual Desire and How It Can Help You Improve Your Sex Life. Brotto, L. A. (2010). Mindfulness and Sexuality. In the Journal of Sex Research. Perel, E. (2017). State of Affairs: Rethinking Infidelity. https://www.verywellmind.com/sexual-desire-style-8738832 https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/dating-and-mating/202110/the-sexual-and-relationship-benefits-sexual-mindfulness?msockid=0ab36736728869e0030b71d173e6682b https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/living-well/mind-over-matter-practicing-sexual-mindfulness/ https://psychcentral.com/health/mindfulness-meditation-sexual-health

    23 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Hosted by Sex & Relationship Coach, Bethany Hale. This is a progressive and sex positive platform for your sex life and intimate partner relationships, using science-backed research by professionals, personal experiences, and always empowering women to be their inherent sexual selves. 

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