Unmuted: The Midlife Roundtable

Deborah Porteous & Women’s Health Experts
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Unmuted – The Midlife Roundtable is a women’s health and sexual wellness podcast for women 40+ (and the people who love them), created to bring honest, informed conversations about midlife out of the shadows and into the open. Hosted by Serena Haines, Certified Somatic Sex Educator, Sexologist, and Intimacy Coach, alongside her trusted co-hosts of women’s health and sexual health experts, Unmuted explores everything that’s often whispered—but rarely explained—around perimenopause, menopause, post-menopause, sexual desire, libido, vaginal dryness (GSM), pelvic health, HRT (hormone replacement therapy), mental health, body image, relationships, neurodivergence, intimacy, and midlife confidence. With a balance of science, lived experience, humour, and zero shame, each episode empowers women to better understand their bodies, advocate for their health, and reconnect with pleasure, intimacy, and themselves at every stage of menopause. Who’s at the table: Serena Haines — Certified Somatic Sex Educator, Sexologist & Intimacy CoachGina Marie — Somatic Sex & Intimacy Coach, embodiment & pleasure practitionerAmanda Otterman, RN — Certified Menopause Specialist, trainer & nutritionistTaylor McConnachie — Registered Psychotherapist & AASECT-Certified Sex TherapistDeborah Porteous — Co-Founder of Pleasure Pods Company & menopause advocateLisa Boate - Menopause Consultant & Coach Why listen: Clear, compassionate education on menopause symptoms, sexual health, and HRT mythsPractical support for vaginal dryness, GSM, painful sex, libido changes, and pelvic healthReal-world tools from somatic therapy, sex therapy, and relationship coachingInclusive conversations for neurodivergent women, partners, and caregiversLaughter, honesty, and “midlife awakening” energy—because pleasure doesn’t end at menopause What you’ll find here: Full-length podcast episodesChapters, resources, and detailed show notesShort, actionable clips on menopause, mental health, libido, sleep, mood, brain fog, body image, and intimacy Subscribe for weekly episodes and join the conversation. Education only; not medical advice.

Episodes

  1. Ep. 7 Part 2 | She Said One Sentence… And It Rewired Every Woman In The Room w/ Susan Bratton

    APR 28

    Ep. 7 Part 2 | She Said One Sentence… And It Rewired Every Woman In The Room w/ Susan Bratton

    If Part 1 changed how you think… Part 2 will change how you experience. What if the biggest lie women have been taught about intimacy… is that their pleasure comes second? In Part 2 of our powerful conversation with intimacy expert Susan Bratton, we move beyond technique and into something deeper: permission. Susan Bratton—known as the Intimacy Expert to Millions—is a bestselling author of 44 books and programs, a leading voice in sexual wellness, and has helped hundreds of thousands of people create deeper connection, stronger intimacy, and more pleasure-filled relationships. This became one of the most emotional conversations we’ve had on Unmuted. Permission to stop performing. Permission to release guilt. Permission to stop putting someone else’s satisfaction ahead of your own. Susan explains why so many women feel “dead inside” sexually… and why they’re not broken at all. She shares how desire really works, why trust changes everything, and how women can reconnect to pleasure at any age—especially in midlife. In this episode we explore: • Why women don’t walk around turned on all day • The damaging performance script many couples still follow • How safety, surrender, and communication unlock intimacy • Why novelty creates new relationship energy again • Hormones, blood flow, libido support & alternatives • Why mutual pleasure matters more than goal-oriented sex • How shame keeps women silent—and how to reclaim your voice And then came the line that changed the room: “It is not your job to finish him off.” What followed was raw, vulnerable, healing, and something many women may need to hear more than once. If you’ve ever felt pressure, guilt, numbness, confusion, or disconnected from your sensual self… this episode may change the way you see intimacy forever. 🎙️ Featuring Susan Bratton with the hosts of Unmuted Midlife Podcast. ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 Intro 00:30 Pleasure & Empowerment 05:21 Sex Life Bucket List 10:52 Male Pleasure & Health 16:20 Connection & Desire 21:20 Sexual Biohacking 28:02 Addyi & Desire Pills 32:01 Patriarchy & Women’s Health 38:50 Key Takeaways 🔗 Follow Susan: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trustedhotsexadvisortomillions/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susanbratton/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BetterLover LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanbratton/ Website: https://www.betterlover.com 🌿 Sponsor Pleasure Pods – More than just a lubricant. Changing how you look and feel about personal lubrication. https://www.thepleasurepods.com 📲 Follow Us @thePleasurePods @menohealthnurse @Serena_Haines @Lboate @Mediocremom76

    47 min
  2. Ep. 7 Part 1 | The Truth About Desire, Pleasure & Midlife Intimacy with Susan Bratton

    APR 14

    Ep. 7 Part 1 | The Truth About Desire, Pleasure & Midlife Intimacy with Susan Bratton

    What if nothing is wrong with you… and everything you’ve been taught about desire is? In Part 1 of this powerful conversation, we sit down with “Intimacy Expert to Millions💋”, Susan Bratton—a bold, brilliant sexual biohacker on a mission to extend your sex span and lengthen your health span. She’s the best-selling author of 44 books and programs that transform having sex into making love. Her specialty? Passionate lovemaking techniques, erotic bedroom communication, and orgasmic mastery—for ageless, ever-expanding intimacy. For over 20 years, Susan has guided more than 300,000 readers through her hit newsletters Better Lover and Longevity Wins. She is CEO of Personal Life Media and The 20. You’ve seen her on ABC, CBS, NBC—and heard her on 1,000+ podcasts and summits. Her work reaches over 200,000 people across her platforms, with 100,000 YouTube subscribers. From the very beginning, Susan reframes one of the biggest misconceptions women carry: 👉 You’re not broken. Desire doesn’t just “show up”—it’s something you build. This episode goes deep into what’s really happening in women’s bodies, relationships, and minds as we move through midlife—and what becomes possible when we relearn how to connect to pleasure. We explore: Why sexual mastery is a learned skill—not something you’re born knowingThe truth about desire vs arousal (and why most people get it wrong)Why your best orgasms may still be ahead of youHow performance-based conditioning disconnects us from intimacyThe power of slowing down, presence, and connectionHow redefining pleasure can transform your confidence and life This isn’t just about intimacy. It’s about how you feel in your body—and how you experience your life. ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Intimacy and Empowerment 03:12 The Journey of Sexual Mastery 06:07 Redefining Orgasms in Midlife 08:45 The Importance of Pleasure and Vitality 11:34 Navigating Identity and Nurturing Conversations 14:16 Beyond Patriarchy: A New Paradigm 17:07 Processing Emotions and Collective Healing 19:58 Exploring Personal Strengths in Sexual Evolution 28:07 The Power of Sensuality and Connection 30:00 Navigating Relationships and Personal Growth 32:31 The Importance of Slowing Down in Intimacy 35:34 Breaking Free from Performance Anxiety 41:13 Exploring New Dimensions of Pleasure 🔗 Follow Susan: FB: https://www.facebook.com/trustedhotsexadvisortomillions/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susanbratton/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BetterLover LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanbratton/ Website: https://www.betterlover.com 🌿 Sponsor Pleasure Pods – More than just a lubricant. https://www.thepleasurepods.com 📲 Follow Us Instagram: @thePleasurePods @menohealthnurse @Serena_Haines @intimatelygigimarie @Lboate @Mediocremom76

    42 min
  3. Ep. 6 | Breaking the Silence: Empowering Conversations about Menopause w/ Andrea Donsky

    MAR 10

    Ep. 6 | Breaking the Silence: Empowering Conversations about Menopause w/ Andrea Donsky

    7X Published Menopause Researcher & Entrepreneur with 26 years of experience in health and wellness Andrea Donsky is a nutritionist (RHN), She's a respected multi-award-winning influencer, media personality, speaker, and author. Andrea hosts the popular podcast “Menopause Reimagined” and she's the co-founder of www.wearemorphus.com, a company that empowers women to feel heard and supported as they go through perimenopause and menopause.   Andrea Donsky has 7 abstracts published in the journal “Menopause” and she is submitting more this year.   Her book, "Nourishing Menopause: Powerful Nutrition and Lifestyle Strategies to Feel Your Best," will be published by Simon and Schuster on May 5, 2026, and it's available now for preorder here: https://amzn.to/4r2IDz3   Follow her on TikTok, Instagram and LinkedIn @andreadonsky @wearemorphus.   She explains: • Why menopause is still a topic many women feel uncomfortable talking about — and why that needs to change. • The real impact menopause can have on libido and sexual health, something many women are experiencing but few openly discuss. • Why so many women feel alone during menopause, and how community support can make a huge difference. • How education about menopause can empower women to take control of their health and wellbeing. • Why redefining intimacy as we age can lead to deeper connection and understanding in relationships. • Her book called ‘Nourishing Menopause: Powerful Nutrition and Lifestyle Strategies to Feel Your Best’   00:00 Welcome to Unmuted: Breaking the Silence on Menopause 03:07 Introducing Andrea Donsky: A Journey into Menopause Awareness 06:06 The Importance of Community: Sharing Experiences and Knowledge 09:04 Empowering the Next Generation: Teaching Young Women about Menopause 11:50 The Uncomfortable Truth: Discussing Libido and Sexual Health 14:27 Research Insights: Understanding Women's Sexual Health 17:13 Navigating Emotional and Physical Changes during Menopause 20:16 Redefining Intimacy: The Role of Connection Beyond Intercourse 22:38 Andrea's New Book: Nourishing Menopause and Its Impact 25:17 Final Thoughts: Embracing Menopause and Supporting Each Other 48:25 Sponsored by PP.mp4 48:41 Social & Streaming Info.mp4   Enjoyed the Episode? Share this link.   Follow Andrea: Socials: @andreadonsky @wearemorphus You can Pre-Order her book, ‘Nourishing Menopause: Powerful Nutrition and Lifestyle Strategies to Feel Your Best’ here: https://amzn.to/4r2IDz3   Sponsor: The Pleasure Pods - https://thepleasurepods.com

    49 min
  4. Unmuted Ep. 5 | Breast Cancer Survivor Brooke Gordon | Trigger Warning

    FEB 11

    Unmuted Ep. 5 | Breast Cancer Survivor Brooke Gordon | Trigger Warning

    Breast cancer doesn’t end when treatment ends. In this episode of Unmuted, Amanda Otterman speaks with leadership strategist and breast cancer survivor Brooke Gordon about what recovery really looks like — from navigating treatment and chemical menopause to redefining intimacy, advocating for your needs, and finding strength through community. This conversation is honest, grounding, and deeply validating for women navigating life after cancer — or supporting someone who is. This episode shares real and emotional experiences with breast cancer that may be triggering for some listeners. Please listen with care and take breaks if needed. Brooke Gordon resources: The Seasonal Blueprint is a reflective resource Brooke created as a fundraiser for Breast Cancer Research - https://www.bestforwomen.ca/products/offers/view/1178140The Priority Brief Monthly Newsletter on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/the-priority-brief-7396975103739092992/  Brooke Gordon’s Socials are: https://brookegordon.ca/link-tree/ https://www.instagram.com/brookegordon_ca/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/brookegordon/   Christine Aarlaht from Sapphire Virtual Fitness. She offers individualized fitness-https://www.instagram.com/sapphirevirtualfitness/  Jenny Dale at Dense Breasts Canada – https://densebreastcanada.ca  Here is the link for Ontario which you can find in your province as well. https://www.ontario.ca/page/breast-screening-centres   The Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) offers, high-quality, organized, and free (covered by OHIP) screening to residents to reduce breast cancer deaths. The program covers individuals aged 40 to 74 at average risk every two years. Benefits of the Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP): No Physician Referral Needed: Women aged 40 and over can self-refer to an OBSP location.Tracking and Support: The program tracks, sends invitations, and provides follow-up for abnormal results.Quality Assurance: Ensures high-quality, standardized screening services.

    1h 5m
  5. Unmuted Ep. 4 | ADDYi, Sexual Desire & Women’s Health — A Holistic Conversation

    JAN 6

    Unmuted Ep. 4 | ADDYi, Sexual Desire & Women’s Health — A Holistic Conversation

    In this episode of Unmuted: The Midlife Roundtable, we open an informed, honest discussion about ADDYi, women’s health, and the realities of sexual desire—especially during menopause.   Guided by a highly qualified panel of women’s health and sexual wellness professionals, this conversation explores how medication, mental health, intimacy, and relationships intersect—and why informed, empowered choice matters.   We explore: 🔲 Why ADDYi is prescribed for women’s sexual desire and what women should understand before considering medication   🔲 How menopause, mental health, and relationships influence intimacy and sexual wellness   🔲 The difference between medicalized desire and a holistic health approach to women’s health   🔲 How marketing shapes perceptions of female sexuality and sexual wellness solutions   🔲 Why education, connection, and empowerment are essential for informed choices in women’s health   Our roundtable includes:   🔲 Serena Haines - Certified Sex Coach & SXI Certified Sexologist 🔲 Taylor McConnachie - AASECT Certified Sex Therapist 🔲 Amanda Otterman - RN, CPT & Certified Menopause Specialist 🔲 Lisa Boate - Menopause Consultant & Coach 🔲 Gina Marie - Somatic Coach & Love & Intimacy Specialist 🔲 Deborah Porteous - Co-Founder of Pleasure Pods Company   This episode empowers women to become informed advocates for their own care and reminds us that sexual wellness is not one-size-fits-all. Thoughtful, evidence-informed, and compassionate, this conversation offers clarity without pressure—and reinforces that choice, support, and understanding matter.   00:00 Intro 00:58 The Controversy of the ADDYi Pill 04:06 Understanding the Mechanism of ADDYi 06:59 The Nuances of Female Desire 10:03 The Impact of Diagnosis on Women's Sexual Health 12:57 Concerns About Medication and Relationships 16:03 Contraindications and Safety of ADDYi 19:02 The Broader Context of Women's Sexual Health 22:01 Marketing and Misrepresentation of ADDYi 24:39 Navigating Hormonal Changes and Personal Challenges 26:49 The Complexity of Medication and Sexual Health 29:53 The Importance of Holistic Approaches to Sexual Wellness 34:02 Empowerment Through Self-Discovery and Connection 38:51 Exploring Intimacy and Relational Dynamics 42:58 The Art of Touch and Presence in Sexual Relationships 47:43 The Role of Medication in Sexual Health 48:36 Celebrating Women's Leadership in Sexual Health 49:54 Understanding the Implications of New Medications 52:35 The Importance of Holistic Approaches in Menopause 55:22 Navigating Medical Guidance for Sexual Health 58:05 The Need for Specialized Support in Sexual Health 01:00:14 Addressing the Psychological Aspects of Desire 01:01:09 Comparing Medications: ADDYi vs. Zoloft 01:03:00 The Path of Least Resistance in Treatment 01:06:24 Understanding Age Restrictions for ADDYi 01:08:07 The Broader Implications of Sexual Health Medications 01:11:44 Wrapping Up: Key Takeaways and Future Conversations   Follow the panel of women on Instagram:   @Serena_haines @embodiedsexualwellness - Taylor @menohealthnurse - Amanda @lboate - Lisa @intimatelygigimarie - Gina Marie @thepleasurepods - Deborah @unmutedmidlifepodcast   Sponsor: The Pleasure Pods - https://thepleasurepods.com   🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube

    1h 8m
  6. Unmuted Ep. 3 | Redefining Midlife: Menopause, Body Trust & Intuitive Eating w/ Dr. Jenn Salib Huber

    12/10/2025

    Unmuted Ep. 3 | Redefining Midlife: Menopause, Body Trust & Intuitive Eating w/ Dr. Jenn Salib Huber

    In today’s episode, we sit down with Dr. Jenn Salib Huber, a registered dietitian, naturopathic doctor, intuitive eating counsellor, and the host of The Midlife Feast. Her work is redefining how women experience perimenopause and menopause—without diets, shame, or the pressure to “fix” their changing bodies. This is not a conversation about decline. This is a conversation about rediscovery, body trust, and the freedom that comes when women finally hear the truth about midlife. Jenn guides us through: ·       Why menopause education needs to start years earlier ·       How perimenopause gets dismissed and misdiagnosed ·       Why diet culture harms women most during hormonal transition ·       The science behind intuitive eating & rebuilding body trust ·       What HRT can do — and what it can’t ·       The rise of “menowashing” in marketing ·       Why weight is an outcome, not a behavior ·       And how midlife can become a chapter of joy, confidence, and connection Jenn’s message is simple and revolutionary: Your midlife body isn’t a problem. It’s a partner. And it’s time to start listening. Episode Chapters [00:00] Introduction [03:00] What No One Teaches Us About Perimenopause [05:48] Why Early Education Would Change Everything [08:40] Midlife Is a Time to Thrive, Not Shrink [11:44] Intuitive Eating & Rebuilding Body Trust [14:45] The Truth About HRT [17:18] How Diet Culture Fuels Midlife Shame [20:35] The Carb Debate: Fact vs Myth [23:25] Listening to Your Body’s Signals [26:40] Navigating Healthcare When No One Is Listening [29:29] Menopause & Nutrition Insights [38:11] Satisfaction, Cravings & Food Freedom [40:13] Real Women, Real Stories [43:01] AI, Access & Midlife Health Information [47:22] Menowashing: The Marketing Problem No One Talks About [59:22] Menopause Is Individual — Stop Comparing [1:06:15] Jenn’s Top 3 Midlife Must-Knows Explore Dr. Jenn’s Work: Website: www.menopausenutritionist.ca Book – Eat to Thrive During Menopause: www.menopausenutritionist.ca/Book Instagram: @menopause.nutritionist Free Menopause Nutrition Guide:  https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/MenopauseNutritionGuide Sponsor: The Pleasure Pods: https://thepleasurepods.com

    55 min
  7. Unmuted Ep. 2 | with special guest Angela MacGregor: Empowering Women Through Menopause Education

    11/13/2025

    Unmuted Ep. 2 | with special guest Angela MacGregor: Empowering Women Through Menopause Education

    Episode 2 of Unmuted: The Midlife Roundtable is live — and it’s a powerful one. We sat down with Angela MacGregor, Founder and Event Director of the National Menopause Show, a groundbreaking Canadian event bridging the gap between the medical community and women in midlife. This conversation goes far beyond symptoms. It’s about education, advocacy, connection, and aging with power — not fear. Angela shares how the National Menopause Show is reshaping the conversation by: ✨ Bringing together healthcare providers who truly understand perimenopause & menopause ✨ Curating products + services designed to help women feel better ✨ Creating clinical education opportunities for providers ✨ Building a community where women finally feel seen, heard, and supported We dive into: • Why menopause education is essential for women and healthcare providers • The role partners play in supporting women • Mental health and the emotional load of midlife • Building the right menopause care team • Vaginal health and the importance of open conversations • How communication strengthens relationships during menopause • HRT: what women need to know • Why pleasure and intimacy should never come with shame • The power of peer support to break isolation If you’re a woman in your 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond — a partner who wants to support better — or a healthcare professional committed to doing better… this episode is a must-listen.

    55 min

  8. 10/07/2025

    Unmuted – The Midlife Roundtable is real talk for women 40+

    Midlife podcast for women 40+: Real talk on perimenopause, menopause symptoms, vaginal dryness (GSM), libido, HRT (hormone replacement therapy), intimacy & body image.  In Episode 1 of Unmuted – The Midlife Roundtable, hosts Deborah (Pleasure Pods co-founder) and Serena Haines (sex educator & podcast host) sit with an expert panel to unmute what women are actually experiencing—no whispers, no shame, just practical help and humor (hello, “cougar puberty” energy). Featuring: • Gina Marie — Somatic Sex & Intimacy Coach • Amanda Otterman, RN — Certified Menopause Specialist • Taylor McConnachie — Registered Psychotherapist & AASECT-Certified Sex Therapist (only for Episode #1) You’ll learn: • What GSM/vaginal dryness is—and why vaginal estrogen can be a game-changer • The truth about HRT (beyond the scary headlines) • How mood, anxiety & neurodivergence show up in perimenopause • Somatic practices to reconnect with pleasure & confidence • How plant-based, solid moisturizers/lubes (e.g., Pleasure Pods) support comfort & intimacy Chapters: • 00:00 Why “Unmuted” • 01:15 Meet the panel • 10:55 HRT myths • 16:23 Vaginal estrogen & GSM • 21:16 Mood & anxiety • 25:36 Body image & somatics • 31:24 What Pleasure Pods is • 38:14 Midlife ≠ end of sex Subscribe for weekly episodes on women’s health, sexual wellness, and midlife confidence. Comment with your questions—we’ll cover them in future shows. Educational discussion, not medical advice. Talk to your licensed clinician for personal care.

    41 min
  • 8 Episodes

About

Unmuted – The Midlife Roundtable is a women’s health and sexual wellness podcast for women 40+ (and the people who love them), created to bring honest, informed conversations about midlife out of the shadows and into the open. Hosted by Serena Haines, Certified Somatic Sex Educator, Sexologist, and Intimacy Coach, alongside her trusted co-hosts of women’s health and sexual health experts, Unmuted explores everything that’s often whispered—but rarely explained—around perimenopause, menopause, post-menopause, sexual desire, libido, vaginal dryness (GSM), pelvic health, HRT (hormone replacement therapy), mental health, body image, relationships, neurodivergence, intimacy, and midlife confidence. With a balance of science, lived experience, humour, and zero shame, each episode empowers women to better understand their bodies, advocate for their health, and reconnect with pleasure, intimacy, and themselves at every stage of menopause. Who’s at the table: Serena Haines — Certified Somatic Sex Educator, Sexologist & Intimacy CoachGina Marie — Somatic Sex & Intimacy Coach, embodiment & pleasure practitionerAmanda Otterman, RN — Certified Menopause Specialist, trainer & nutritionistTaylor McConnachie — Registered Psychotherapist & AASECT-Certified Sex TherapistDeborah Porteous — Co-Founder of Pleasure Pods Company & menopause advocateLisa Boate - Menopause Consultant & Coach Why listen: Clear, compassionate education on menopause symptoms, sexual health, and HRT mythsPractical support for vaginal dryness, GSM, painful sex, libido changes, and pelvic healthReal-world tools from somatic therapy, sex therapy, and relationship coachingInclusive conversations for neurodivergent women, partners, and caregiversLaughter, honesty, and “midlife awakening” energy—because pleasure doesn’t end at menopause What you’ll find here: Full-length podcast episodesChapters, resources, and detailed show notesShort, actionable clips on menopause, mental health, libido, sleep, mood, brain fog, body image, and intimacy Subscribe for weekly episodes and join the conversation. Education only; not medical advice.

Information

  • Creator
    Deborah Porteous & Women’s Health Experts
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    8
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Deborah Porteous & Women’s Health Experts
  • Show Website
    Unmuted: The Midlife Roundtable

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