Many women notice real shifts in desire, arousal, and physical comfort during the menopause transition. Yet most of us were never taught how to talk about these changes, or how to support our sexual health as part of overall midlife wellness. Sexual pleasure is a key marker of health. It’s linked to hormones, cardiovascular function, sleep quality, mental health, and even long-term longevity.
Because of stigma and a lack of open conversation, too many women quietly accept pain, low desire, or the belief that sexuality fades after midlife. It doesn’t. Menopause changes sex, but it doesn’t end it.
In this episode, we break down what really happens to the body during midlife, how pleasure evolves, and practical ways to rebuild a healthy, satisfying sex life on your own terms. As I often say, every woman has her own unique health equation, and that includes sexual pleasure. There is no single path that works for everyone.
My guest today is Dr. Rachel Zar, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and AASECT-Certified Sex Therapist. She holds a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from The Family Institute at Northwestern University, a PhD in Clinical Sexology from Modern Sex Therapy Institutes, and advanced certificates in sex therapy and sexuality education from the University of Michigan. Dr. Zar is the Clinical Director at Avid Intimacy, a sex and relationship therapy practice specializing in evidence-based support for individuals and couples.
Medical Disclaimer:
By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice or to make lifestyle changes to treat any medical condition in yourself or others. Always consult your own physician for any medical concerns. This disclaimer also applies to any guests featured on the podcast.
Find Dr. Zar:
Website: https://www.rachelzartherapy.com/
IG: @rachelzartherapy
FB: @rachelzartherapy
Stay connected to JFW:
Watch on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@jillfooswellness/videos
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillfooswellness/
Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jillfooswellness
Grab discounts on my favorite biohacking products: https://www.jillfooswellness.com/health-products
Enjoy 20% savings and free shipping at Fullscript for your favorite supplements by leading brands:
https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/jillfooswellness
Subscribe to the JFW newsletter at www.jillfooswellness.com and receive your FREE Guide on How To Create Your Menopause Health Equation Ebook.
Schedule your complimentary 30-minute Zoom consultation here:
https://calendly.com/jillfooswellness/30-minute-zoom-consultations
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Many women notice real shifts in desire, arousal, and physical comfort during the menopause transition. Yet most of us were never taught how to talk about these changes, or how to support our sexual health as part of overall midlife wellness. Sexual pleasure is a key marker of health. It’s linked to hormones, cardiovascular function, sleep quality, mental health, and even long-term longevity.
Because of stigma and a lack of open conversation, too many women quietly accept pain, low desire, or the belief that sexuality fades after midlife. It doesn’t. Menopause changes sex, but it doesn’t end it.
In this episode, we break down what really happens to the body during midlife, how pleasure evolves, and practical ways to rebuild a healthy, satisfying sex life on your own terms. As I often say, every woman has her own unique health equation, and that includes sexual pleasure. There is no single path that works for everyone.
My guest today is Dr. Rachel Zar, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and AASECT-Certified Sex Therapist. She holds a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from The Family Institute at Northwestern University, a PhD in Clinical Sexology from Modern Sex Therapy Institutes, and advanced certificates in sex therapy and sexuality education from the University of Michigan. Dr. Zar is the Clinical Director at Avid Intimacy, a sex and relationship therapy practice specializing in evidence-based support for individuals and couples.
Medical Disclaimer:
By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice or to make lifestyle changes to treat any medical condition in yourself or others. Always consult your own physician for any medical concerns. This disclaimer also applies to any guests featured on the podcast.
Find Dr. Zar:
Website: https://www.rachelzartherapy.com/
IG: @rachelzartherapy
FB: @rachelzartherapy
Stay connected to JFW:
Watch on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@jillfooswellness/videos
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillfooswellness/
Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jillfooswellness
Grab discounts on my favorite biohacking products: https://www.jillfooswellness.com/health-products
Enjoy 20% savings and free shipping at Fullscript for your favorite supplements by leading brands:
https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/jillfooswellness
Subscribe to the JFW newsletter at www.jillfooswellness.com and receive your FREE Guide on How To Create Your Menopause Health Equation Ebook.
Schedule your complimentary 30-minute Zoom consultation here:
https://calendly.com/jillfooswellness/30-minute-zoom-consultations
As women move through perimenopause and postmenopause, desire can shift dramatically. When it comes to arousal and intimacy, the brain is your most powerful intimacy organ, especially for women. My guest today is Dr. Emily Jamea, nationally recognized sex and relationship therapist, clinical sexologist, and author of Anatomy of Desire. She walks you through the steps to finding your sexual flow state, which includes these five themes—sensuality, curiosity, adaptability, vulnerability, and attunement—that form the pillars of sexual flow. By practicing them, Dr. Jamea encourages individuals and couples to let go of performance pressure and co-create pleasure that feels effortless and deeply connected.
1. Sensuality
Fully inhabiting your body through the senses—touch, taste, smell, sight, sound—to ground yourself in physical pleasure. This presence reduces mental barriers and amplifies arousal.
2. Curiosity
Approaching sex with openness and wonder—about yourself, your partner, and new experiences—keeps passion alive. It balances familiarity with novelty to spark engagement.
3. Adaptability
Being flexible and responsive—tuning into changing needs, comfort levels, or sensations—creates a flow where both partners can meet each other in real time.
4. Vulnerability
Embracing emotional openness—sharing desires, insecurities, or boundaries—builds trust and allows a deeper, more surrendered intimacy.
5. Attunement
Achieving synchronicity—physically, emotionally, energetically—with yourself and your partner fosters unity and amplifies shared pleasure
Dr. Emily Jamea is an award-winning sex and relationship therapist and the USA Today best-selling author of Anatomy of Desire: Five Secrets to Create Connection and Cultivate Passion. She is a sought-after keynote speaker who presents nationally and internationally to diverse audiences, including educators, health and mental health professionals, corporate leaders, and the general public. Her expertise has been featured in Oprah Magazine, CNN, USA Today, NBC, and more. She offers online workshops as part of her mission to make her knowledge accessible to everyone. Dr. Jamea is an award-winning columnist for Healthy Women and was named as a 2025 Outstanding Woman in Medicine by The Arts of Healing Foundation. She hosts the Love and Libido podcast and writes for Psychology Today.
In this episode, we’ll explore:
How desire changes during menopause
How to reconnect with your body and reframe pleasure
The role of brain-based arousal and flow in intimacy
Why midlife is the perfect time to rewrite your sexual story
Whether you're in a relationship or navigating solo, this episode will empower you to take ownership of your sexual well-being and pleasure, at any age.
Medical Disclaimer:
By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice or to make any lifestyle changes to treat any medical condition in yourself or others. Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any of my guests on my podcast.
Learn more about Emily:
Website: https://emilyjamea.com/
FB: @dremilyjamea
IG: @dremilyjamea
Book: https://emilyjamea.com/home-page-2/
Stay connected with JFW:
Watch on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@jillfooswellness/videos
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillfooswellness/
Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jillfooswellness
Grab discounts on my favorite biohacking products: https://www.jillfooswellness.com/health-products
Enjoy 20% savings and free shipping at Fullscript for your favorite supplements by leading brands:
https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/jillfooswellness
Subscribe to the JFW newsletter at www.jillfooswellness.com and receive your FREE Guide on How To Increase Your Protein in 5 Easy Steps and your free Protein Powder Recipe Ebook.
Schedule your complimentary 30-minute Zoom consultation here:
https://calendly.com/jillfooswellness/30-minute-zoom-consultations
Health Trip Podcast | Jill Foos Wellness
Many women notice real shifts in desire, arousal, and physical comfort during the menopause transition. Yet most of us were never taught how to talk about these changes, or how to support our sexual health as part of overall midlife wellness. Sexual pleasure is a key marker of health. It’s linked to hormones, cardiovascular function, sleep quality, mental health, and even long-term longevity.
Because of stigma and a lack of open conversation, too many women quietly accept pain, low desire, or the belief that sexuality fades after midlife. It doesn’t. Menopause changes sex, but it doesn’t end it.
In this episode, we break down what really happens to the body during midlife, how pleasure evolves, and practical ways to rebuild a healthy, satisfying sex life on your own terms. As I often say, every woman has her own unique health equation, and that includes sexual pleasure. There is no single path that works for everyone.
My guest today is Dr. Rachel Zar, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and AASECT-Certified Sex Therapist. She holds a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from The Family Institute at Northwestern University, a PhD in Clinical Sexology from Modern Sex Therapy Institutes, and advanced certificates in sex therapy and sexuality education from the University of Michigan. Dr. Zar is the Clinical Director at Avid Intimacy, a sex and relationship therapy practice specializing in evidence-based support for individuals and couples.
Medical Disclaimer:
By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice or to make lifestyle changes to treat any medical condition in yourself or others. Always consult your own physician for any medical concerns. This disclaimer also applies to any guests featured on the podcast.
Find Dr. Zar:
Website: https://www.rachelzartherapy.com/
IG: @rachelzartherapy
FB: @rachelzartherapy
Stay connected to JFW:
Watch on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@jillfooswellness/videos
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillfooswellness/
Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jillfooswellness
Grab discounts on my favorite biohacking products: https://www.jillfooswellness.com/health-products
Enjoy 20% savings and free shipping at Fullscript for your favorite supplements by leading brands:
https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/jillfooswellness
Subscribe to the JFW newsletter at www.jillfooswellness.com and receive your FREE Guide on How To Create Your Menopause Health Equation Ebook.
Schedule your complimentary 30-minute Zoom consultation here:
https://calendly.com/jillfooswellness/30-minute-zoom-consultations