Midlife Mavens cover art

Midlife Mavens

Midlife Mavens

Written by: midlifemavens2024
Listen for free

About this listen

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.

Copyright 2025 All rights reserved. Self-Help Success
Episodes
  • Season 2: Episode 2: Understanding Hormonal Shifts in Midlife: Insights from Dr. Jessica Beachkofsky

    Season 2: Episode 2: Understanding Hormonal Shifts in Midlife: Insights from Dr. Jessica Beachkofsky
    Jan 27 2026

    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
    Show More Show Less
    27 mins
  • Season 2: Episode 1: When Desires Don’t Match: Managing Midlife Intimacy Challenges

    Season 2: Episode 1: When Desires Don’t Match: Managing Midlife Intimacy Challenges
    Jan 13 2026

    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
    Show More Show Less
    38 mins
  • Season 1: Episode 12: From Daughter to Caregiver: Tackling the Midlife Caregiving Challenge

    Season 1: Episode 12: From Daughter to Caregiver: Tackling the Midlife Caregiving Challenge
    Oct 19 2025
    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
    Show More Show Less
    38 mins
No reviews yet