Midlife Mavens

midlifemavens2024

Welcome to Midlife Mavens, the podcast where we celebrate and explore the rich tapestry of life for women in midlife—those in their 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond. Tune in for candid conversations about sex, love, relationships, and the unique challenges that come with this transformative stage of life, including perimenopause and menopause. At Midlife Mavens, we strive to create a welcoming space for women and their loved ones. Each episode brings inspiring stories and practical advice to help you navigate your journey with confidence and joy. Join us as we help listeners feel validated, uplifted, and empowered. Expect to hear from experts and relatable guests who share invaluable insights and experiences that will inspire you to thrive in midlife.

  1. MAR 24

    Season 2: Episode 6: Stronger, Wiser, Different: Redefining Fitness in Midlife (Part 2)

    In this episode of the Midlife Mavens podcast, hosts Marci Burroughs and Carol O'Saben speak with Ryan Whited, a strength and exercise coach, personal trainer, and elite climber. The conversation delves into common fitness myths, including the misconceptions around pain and exercise intensity. Ryan emphasizes the importance of consistency and mindset in building sustainable health habits. They discuss the 'minimum dose effect,' the value of non-exercise activities, and how monitoring one's physical state can guide the right amount of exertion. Practical advice on distinguishing between harmful pain and benign discomfort is shared, encouraging listeners to maintain movement even with physical challenges. The episode serves as a motivational guide for women navigating their fitness journeys in midlife and beyond.   00:00 Introduction to Midlife Mavens Podcast 01:07 Fitness Myths and Mindset Shifts with Ryan Weden 01:43 Debunking Fitness Myths and Pain Management 03:39 Minimum Dose Effect and Sustainable Health Habits 08:42 Mindset Shifts and Consistency in Exercise 17:59 Emotional and Physical Pain: Parallels and Insights 21:10 Final Thoughts and Contact Information   Got a question or a suggestion for a future episode?  Use our “Ask Us Anything” Form:  https://forms.gle/3bo4KuaXfGxCUS9C9   If you are looking for a therapist and would like to reach out to Marci or Carol, take a look at their websites: Marci:  https://www.marciburroughsphdcst.com Carol: https://www.drosaben.com   Other therapist directories you can use to help you find therapy include: Psychology Today:  https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/th… Mental Health Match:  https://mentalhealthmatch.com/ American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists:  https://aasect.org iTherapy:  https://itherapy.com

    24 min
  2. MAR 10

    Season 2: Episode 5: Stronger, Wiser, Different: Redefining Fitness in Midlife (Part 1)

    In this episode of the Midlife Mavens podcast, hosts Marci Burroughs and Carol O'Saben engage in a candid discussion with Ryan Whited, a strength and exercise coach, personal trainer, and elite climber. They delve into the importance of fitness and exercise for midlife women, offering insights into overcoming fears, daily aches and pains, and common fitness myths. Ryan shares his innovative approach of using minimal equipment for effective home workouts and emphasizes shifting focus from vanity to overall health. The conversation highlights how rethinking physical activity can empower and improve the lives of women in their 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond. 00:00 Introduction to Midlife Mavens 01:24 Meet Ryan Whitehead: Strength and Exercise Coach 02:01 Personal Journey with Fitness and Healing 04:12 Changing Perspectives on Aging and Exercise 07:26 Addressing Fitness Myths and Mindset Shifts 21:00 Virtual Training and Home Workouts 25:01 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview   Got a question or a suggestion for a future episode?  Use our “Ask Us Anything” Form:  https://forms.gle/3bo4KuaXfGxCUS9C9   If you are looking for a therapist and would like to reach out to Marci or Carol, take a look at their websites: Marci:  https://www.marciburroughsphdcst.com Carol: https://www.drosaben.com   Other therapist directories you can use to help you find therapy include: Psychology Today:  https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/th… Mental Health Match:  https://mentalhealthmatch.com/ American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists:  https://aasect.org iTherapy:  https://itherapy.com

    26 min
  3. FEB 24

    Season 2: Episode 4: Understanding Hormonal Shifts in Midlife: Insights from Dr. Jessica Beachkofsky (Part 3)

    In this episode of the Midlife Mavens podcast, hosts Marci Burroughs and Carol O'Saben welcome Dr. Jessica Beachkofsky, a psychiatrist specializing in perimenopause and menopause. They discuss various hormone replacement therapy (HRT) options, debunk myths around HRT and perimenopause, and provide insights into the role of testosterone in midlife. Dr. B emphasizes the importance of realistic expectations from HRT, the safety concerns around supplements, and the significance of patient-specific approaches in treatment. The episode aims to offer empowering and educational content for women navigating midlife transitions. 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview 01:18 Meet Dr. B: Specializing in Perimenopause and Menopause 01:38 Exploring Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Options 08:28 The Role and Controversy of Testosterone in Midlife 15:35 Debunking Myths and Misinformation about Menopause 23:24 Final Thoughts and Resources More information about Dr. B:  Dr. Jessica Beachkofsky (https://www.jessicabeachkofsky.com) is a psychiatrist specializing in perimenopause and menopause mental health. Dr. B works with women navigating hormonal shifts, mood changes and all the brain chaos that comes with a perimenopause menopause transition. She's really good at making medicine and psychiatry digestible, engaging, and actually useful because knowledge is power and midlife women deserve both. Got a question or a suggestion for a future episode?  Use our “Ask Us Anything” Form:  https://forms.gle/3bo4KuaXfGxCUS9C9 If you are looking for a therapist and would like to reach out to Marci or Carol, take a look at their websites: Marci:  https://www.marciburroughsphdcst.com Carol: https://www.drosaben.com   Other therapist directories you can use to help you find therapy include: Psychology Today:  https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/th… Mental Health Match:  https://mentalhealthmatch.com/ American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists:  https://aasect.org iTherapy:  https://itherapy.com

    28 min
  4. FEB 10

    Season 2: Episode 3: Understanding Hormonal Shifts in Midlife: Insights from Dr. Jessica Beachkofsky (Part 2)

    In this episode of the Midlife Mavens podcast, hosts Marci Burroughs and Carol O'Saben continue their conversation with Dr. Jessica Beachkofsky, a psychiatrist specializing in perimenopause and menopause. They dive deep into hormone replacement therapy (HRT), discussing historical fears, current understandings, and the relationship between HRT and breast cancer risk. Dr. B also elaborates on bone health, osteopenia, and the benefits of estrogen for heart health. This episode aims to provide clarity and factual information to empower women navigating midlife changes.   00:00 Comparing Alcohol and HRT in terms of breast cancer risk 00:16 Introduction to Midlife Mavens Podcast 01:18 Meet Dr. B: Specialist in Perimenopause and Menopause 01:32 Debunking Myths About Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) 03:31 Risks and Benefits of HRT 06:30 When to Consider Starting HRT 10:41 Alternative Ways to Manage Menopause Symptoms 17:14 Bone Density and Osteopenia Explained 25:54 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview   More information about Dr. B:  Dr. Jessica Beachkofsky (https://www.jessicabeachkofsky.com) is a psychiatrist specializing in perimenopause and menopause mental health. Dr. B works with women navigating hormonal shifts, mood changes and all the brain chaos that comes with a perimenopause menopause transition. She's really good at making medicine and psychiatry digestible, engaging, and actually useful because knowledge is power and midlife women deserve both.  Here’s Dr B’s hormone information sheet:  https://tinyurl.com/drb-hormones   Got a question or a suggestion for a future episode?  Use our “Ask Us Anything” Form:  https://forms.gle/3bo4KuaXfGxCUS9C9   If you are looking for a therapist and would like to reach out to Marci or Carol, take a look at their websites: Marci:  https://www.marciburroughsphdcst.com Carol: https://www.drosaben.com   Other therapist directories you can use to help you find therapy include: Psychology Today:  https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/th… Mental Health Match:  https://mentalhealthmatch.com/ American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists:  https://aasect.org iTherapy:  https://itherapy.com

    27 min
  5. JAN 27

    Season 2: Episode 2: Understanding Hormonal Shifts in Midlife: Insights from Dr. Jessica Beachkofsky

    In this episode of the Midlife Mavens podcast, hosts Marci Burroughs and Carol O'Saben welcome Dr. Jessica Beachkofsky (https://www.jessicabeachkofsky.com/) a psychiatrist specializing in perimenopause and menopause mental health. The discussion revolves around the impact of hormones on mood, anxiety, sleep, and libido, highlighting the roles of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. Dr. B explains how hormonal changes during midlife affect the brain, bones, and cardiovascular system. The episode also explores the sedative effects of progesterone on sleep, the significance of early perimenopausal symptom recognition, and the challenges of hormone testing. Tune in as the hosts and Dr. B delve into the complexities of managing midlife hormonal changes and the potential benefits of hormone replacement therapy (HRT).   00:00 Introduction to Midlife Mavens 01:08 Meet Dr. Jessica Beachkofsky 01:59 Understanding Hormones and Mental Health 02:56 The Role of Estrogen in Women's Health 07:58 Progesterone and Sleep 14:09 Challenges with Hormone Testing 19:47 Recognizing Perimenopausal Symptoms 26:00 Conclusion and Next Steps   More information about Dr. B:  Dr. Jessica Beachkofsky (https://www.jessicabeachkofsky.com) is a psychiatrist specializing in perimenopause and menopause mental health. Dr. B works with women navigating hormonal shifts, mood changes and all the brain chaos that comes with a perimenopause menopause transition. She's really good at making medicine and psychiatry digestible, engaging, and actually useful because knowledge is power and midlife women deserve both.  Here’s Dr B’s hormone information sheet:  https://tinyurl.com/drb-hormones   Got a question or a suggestion for a future episode?  Use our “Ask Us Anything” Form:  https://forms.gle/3bo4KuaXfGxCUS9C9   If you are looking for a therapist and would like to reach out to Marci or Carol, take a look at their websites: Marci:  https://www.marciburroughsphdcst.com Carol: https://www.drosaben.com   Other therapist directories you can use to help you find therapy include: Psychology Today:  https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/th… Mental Health Match:  https://mentalhealthmatch.com/ American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists:  https://aasect.org iTherapy:  https://itherapy.com

    27 min
  6. JAN 13

    Season 2: Episode 1: When Desires Don’t Match: Managing Midlife Intimacy Challenges

    In this episode of the Midlife Mavens podcast, hosts Marci Burroughs and Carol O’Saben discuss the topic of mismatched libidos, a common issue many couples face but rarely talk about openly. Marci, a certified sex therapist, shares her expertise on the nature of mismatched sexual desire, comparing it to differences in appetite and sleep. The conversation addresses common myths surrounding sexual desire, particularly the difference between spontaneous and responsive desire. They discuss the importance of communication, intimacy beyond sex, and strategies to manage this dynamic, including taking breaks from sex, understanding personal boundaries, and the concept of a ’desire dial.’ The episode also touches on the impact of hormonal changes, the role of masturbation, and the significance of changing how one thinks about the role of sex in a relationship. This candid discussion aims to provide listeners, especially women in midlife, with insights and tools to improve their sexual relationships and overall intimacy. 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview 01:35 Understanding Mismatched Libidos 06:39 Common Myths About Sexual Desire 12:57 Spontaneous vs. Responsive Desire 28:23 Strategies for Managing Mismatched Libidos 32:02 Special Considerations for LGBTQ Couples 35:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Books Mentioned by Marci: Awaken your Body Awaken Your Desire by Danielle Armour, PhD Come as You Are by Emily Nagoski   Got a question or a suggestion for a future episode?  Use our “Ask Us Anything” Form:  https://forms.gle/3bo4KuaXfGxCUS9C9   If you are looking for a therapist and would like to reach out to Marci or Carol, take a look at their websites:   Marci:  https://www.marciburroughsphdcst.com Carol:  https://www.drosaben.com    Other therapist directories you can use to help you find therapy include: Psychology Today:  https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/th... Mental Health Match:  https://mentalhealthmatch.com/ American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists:  https://aasect.org iTherapy:  https://itherapy.com

    38 min
  7. 10/19/2025

    Season 1: Episode 12: From Daughter to Caregiver: Tackling the Midlife Caregiving Challenge

    In this episode of the Midlife Mavens podcast, hosts Marci Burroughs and Carol O'Saben discuss the complex challenges associated with caring for aging parents. They explore the emotional, physical, and financial burdens that caregivers face and offer strategies for managing compassion fatigue and burnout. The hosts emphasize the importance of setting boundaries, recognizing when professional help is needed, and taking care of one's own mental health. They also touch on the dynamics of caregiving in strained relationships and provide resources for additional support. This episode aims to validate the diverse experiences of caregivers and offer practical insights for navigating this demanding phase of life. 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview 01:27 Today's Topic: Caring for Aging Parents 03:19 Emotional and Logistical Challenges 04:27 Financial Struggles and Misconceptions 07:27 Physical Demands and Caregiving Realities 17:14 Managing Compassion Fatigue 28:05 Navigating Complex Family Dynamics 34:57 Resources and Support for Caregivers 37:12 Conclusion and Final Thoughts   Books mentioned by Carol:   "Being Mortal:  Medicine and What Matters in the End" by Atul Gawande "Rules of Engagement:  Why Adult Children Cut Ties and How to Heal the Conflict"   Several national organizations offer support groups and resources for caregivers of the elderly. Here are a few we've identified:   Caregiver Action Network (CAN): CAN provides education, peer support, and resources to family caregivers nationwide. They are a leading organization focused on improving the lives of caregivers.  [https://acl.gov/programs/support-caregivers/national-family-caregiver-support-program#:~:text=Caregiver%20Action%20Network%20is%20the%20nation's%20leading,to%20family%20caregivers%20nationwide%20free%20of%20charge] National Alliance for Caregiving: This organization focuses on research, policy analysis, programs, and advocacy for caregiver families. They also work to improve the quality of life for both caregivers and those they care for.  [https://www.caringinfo.org/planning/caregiving/caregiving-resources/#:~:text=The%20National%20Institute%20of%20Aging%2C%20the%20CDC%2C,are%20rich%20resources%20for%20help%20and%20connections] National Family Caregiver Support Program: This program, authorized under the Older Americans Act, helps families care for older adults at home. It provides services like counseling, support groups, caregiver training, and respite care. [https://www.tn.gov/disability-and-aging/disability-aging-programs/caregiving.html] Eldercare Locator: This nationwide service connects older adults and their caregivers with local support resources. It can help find services like meals, home care, transportation, and more. Alzheimer's Association: This organization offers support groups and resources specifically for caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. [https://www.ncoa.org/caregivers/benefits/caregiver-support/#:~:text=The%20Eldercare%20Locator%20is%20a%20nationwide%20service,can%20point%20you%20in%20the%20right%20direction]   Other Helpful Resources: AARP: AARP offers information and resources on a wide range of caregiving topics, including financial, legal, and medical support. Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs): These local agencies provide services and support to older adults and their caregivers within their communities. Disease-specific support groups: Organizations like the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, the Parkinson's Foundation, and CancerCare offer support groups for caregivers of individuals with specific conditions. Got a question or a suggestion for a future episode?  Use our “Ask Us Anything” Form:  https://forms.gle/3bo4KuaXfGxCUS9C9   If you are looking for a therapist and would like to reach out to Marci or Carol, take a look at their websites:   Marci:  https://www.marciburroughsphdcst.com Carol:  https://www.drosaben.com    Other therapist directories you can use to help you find therapy include: Psychology Today:  https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/th... Mental Health Match:  https://mentalhealthmatch.com/ American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists:  https://aasect.org iTherapy:  https://itherapy.com

    38 min
  8. 10/19/2025

    Season 1: Episode 11: Men & Menopause: What Every Man Should Know to Support His Partner

    In this episode of the Midlife Mavens podcast, hosts Marci Burroughs and Carol O'Saben discuss what men in committed relationships need to know about perimenopause and menopause. They cover the challenges women face during these life transitions, including changes in hormone levels, mood swings, sleep disturbances, and decreased libido. They also offer practical advice for men on how to support their partners, the importance of education, patience, and empathy, and ways to open up supportive dialogue. The episode highlights the need for men to be understanding and supportive during this critical period to help maintain strong relationships. 00:00 Introduction to Midlife Mavens Podcast 01:25 Understanding Menopause and Perimenopause 02:42 Common Symptoms and Experiences 04:47 Emotional and Psychological Impact 17:47 Supporting Your Partner 33:10 Conclusion and Resources   If you are looking for a therapist and would like to reach out to Marci or Carol, take a look at their websites: Marci:  https://www.marciburroughsphdcst.com Carol:  https://www.drosaben.com    Other therapist directories you can use to help you find therapy include: Psychology Today:  https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/th... Mental Health Match:  https://mentalhealthmatch.com/ American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists:  https://aasect.org iTherapy:  https://itherapy.com

    35 min

About

Welcome to Midlife Mavens, the podcast where we celebrate and explore the rich tapestry of life for women in midlife—those in their 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond. Tune in for candid conversations about sex, love, relationships, and the unique challenges that come with this transformative stage of life, including perimenopause and menopause. At Midlife Mavens, we strive to create a welcoming space for women and their loved ones. Each episode brings inspiring stories and practical advice to help you navigate your journey with confidence and joy. Join us as we help listeners feel validated, uplifted, and empowered. Expect to hear from experts and relatable guests who share invaluable insights and experiences that will inspire you to thrive in midlife.

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