Taboo to Truth: Life & Sex After 50

Every conversation about a sexless marriage gets pointed at the woman. Low desire, hormones, resentment, the mental load, she's the one who's supposed to explain herself. Nobody asks what happens on the other side of the bed, and today I sat down with men's coach Mike Elliott to find out.Mike works with high-performing men who look successful on paper and feel quietly disconnected underneath. In this conversation we get into why she rejects him and he assumes she doesn't want sex anymore, when the real story is closer to this: she doesn't feel seen, and her body has been scanning for safety the whole time. We talk about the difference between yang sex and yin sex, the exact instruction Mike gives every man he coaches (slow down, three times), and why a man who can't hold his own feelings can't hold hers either.Mike also gets personal. He tells me about the night in Whistler when he lost his erection with his own partner and spiraled into a shame he'd been avoiding his whole adult life, and what happened when she refused to let him run from it. If you have ever gone quiet in your own marriage, present in the house and absent in the relationship, this conversation names exactly what's happening in his body and gives you language for it. Part two is coming, so stay close.Join the waitlist for my upcoming coaching program for midlife men HERE. In This Episode:0:00 – He's Not Pursuing Her, He's Pressuring Her0:10 – Welcome to Taboo to Truth0:37 – Today's Topic: The Sexless Marriage Conversation From His Side1:35 – Why This Exact Fight Keeps Happening4:32 – What's Really Happening When She Rejects Him6:52 – Yang Sex vs. Yin Sex: Why Men Default to Friction9:53 – The Pushback: Masculine Enough vs. Emotionally Available13:15 – It's Not a Libido Problem, It's a Polarity Problem13:47 – Why Men Want the Quick Fix: Give Me the Pill14:49 – Mike's Story: Chasing "More" Instead of Feeling More16:53 – The Whistler Story: Losing His Erection Mid-Intimacy19:08 – The Shame Spiral and the Moment He Stopped Running20:51 – Holding the Shame: How His Body Finally Let Go22:23 – Wrap-Up: Part Two Is ComingTo watch the video version of this episode, head over to YouTube!About The Guest:Mike Elliott is a Relational Leadership Mentor and Men's Initiation Guide, working with men who want to have it all. He guides them to lead with Relational Authority™—anchored in initiation, integration, and inspiration. Having been adopted twice and walked through the dark night of divorce, he rebuilt his life from the inside out. Now co-host of "The Sacred We," he helps men transform their relationships—starting with themselves—and create legacies of love, presence, and purpose.Connect with Mike Elliott:Website: www.itsmikeelliott.comInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/mikeelliott.relating/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itsmikeelliottYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thetogetherpodcastThe Sacred We Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7EqHPtL9DovzPtazag8QO1?siAbout The Host:Karen Bigman, a Sexual Health Alliance Certified Sex Educator, Life, and Relationship Coach. She tackles the often-taboo subject of sexuality with a straightforward and candid approach. On this show, we explore the intricacies of sex in midlife, offering insights and support for all those experiencing this transformative phase.This podcast is not intended to give medical advice. Karen Bigman is not a medical professional. For any medical questions or issues, please visit your licensed medical provider.Looking for some fresh perspective on sex in midlife? You can find me here:Email: [email protected]: https://www.taboototruth.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taboototruthYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@taboototruthpodcastSubstack: https://karenbigman.substack.comLINKS, RESOURCES, EXCLUSIVE VIP DISCOUNTS & FREEBIES 🪄 Head to Mystery Vibe for award-winning devices that deliver precise vibrations to support erectile function and more! 🛒 Link: https://tidd.ly/4mePTpF🥰 If you want her to want you more — start by understanding her body better. Free resources → https://www.taboototruth.com/free-resources💋 Hotter, Wilder, Wiser | You’ve mastered everything else in life — now master pleasure! https://www.taboototruth.com/hotter-wilder-wiser🔥 Ready to spice things up? This Yes/No/Maybe list is your permission slip for pleasure. https://www.taboototruth.com/free-resources-1/yes%2Fno%2Fmaybe%3F

Part two picks up right where we left off, and this time I get into the parts of ethical non-monogamy most people never actually see. Ali walks me through the sex-positive spaces she has spent years exploring: a private sex club in Montreal, an underground play party in Mexico, and a temple space in Europe that she calls her best experience yet.We get into what actually happens inside these spaces: the consent rules, the safety measures, what it costs, and what it feels like to say no over and over again as a single woman in the room. Ali also answers my three rapid-fire questions, including her definition of sex, her best orgasm, and a fantasy she has never acted on.This conversation is not about convincing anyone to try any of this. It is about showing you what these spaces actually look like once you strip away the assumptions, so you can decide for yourself what curiosity means to you.In This Episode:0:00 – Recap: Picking Up Where We Left Off0:38 – Karen's Curiosity About Sex Parties2:06 – Inside a Sex Club: Rules and Layout5:33 – Consent Mechanics in the Orgy Room6:15 – Ali and Her Partner's Night at the Club8:54 – Her First Private Play Party in Mexico12:21 – How Consent Gets Set at a Play Party13:52 – The Temple Space: Her Best Experience Yet17:03 – The Desire-Sharing Circle18:09 – Is It All BDSM? And What It Costs20:55 – Safety and Security at These Events22:29 – Her Advice Before You Go24:26 – Advice for Men: Handling Rejection25:13 – You Don't Have to Do Anything26:19 – Three Rapid-Fire Questions29:06 – Where to Find Ali & Final ThoughtsAbout The Guest:Ali is a content creator, sex education student, and host of a YouTube channel exploring sex, relationships, pleasure, intimacy, and alternative lifestyles. Through candid conversations, travel experiences, and educational content, she helps normalize discussions around sexuality while encouraging curiosity, critical thinking, and self-discovery. Her work focuses on reducing shame, challenging assumptions, and creating space for nuanced conversations about pleasure, relationships, and the many ways people choose to live and love.Connect with Ali Imperiale:Website: https://aliimperiale.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/aliimperialeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@aliimperialeAbout The Host:Karen Bigman, a Sexual Health Alliance Certified Sex Educator, Life, and Menopause Coach, tackles the often-taboo subject of sexuality with a straightforward and candid approach. We explore the intricacies of sex during perimenopause, post-menopause, and andropause, offering insights and support for all those experiencing these transformative phases.This podcast is not intended to give medical advice. Karen Bigman is not a medical professional. For any medical questions or issues, please visit your licensed medical provider.Looking for some fresh perspective on sex in midlife? You can find me here:Email: [email protected]: https://www.taboototruth.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taboototruthYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@taboototruthpodcastSubstack: https://karenbigman.substack.comLINKS, RESOURCES, EXCLUSIVE VIP DISCOUNTS & FREEBIES 🪄 Head to Mystery Vibe for award-winning devices that deliver precise vibrations to support erectile function and more! 🛒 Link: https://tidd.ly/4mePTpF🥰 If you want her to want you more — start by understanding her body better. Free resources → https://www.taboototruth.com/free-resources💋 Hotter, Wilder, Wiser | You’ve mastered everything else in life — now master pleasure! https://www.taboototruth.com/hotter-wilder-wiser🔥 Ready to spice things up? This Yes/No/Maybe list is your permission slip for pleasure. https://www.taboototruth.com/free-resources-1/yes%2Fno%2Fmaybe%3F

Open relationships get a bad reputation. People hear "ethical non-monogamy" and assume it's a free pass to cheat, or a fantasy dressed up with a fancier name. I sat down with Ali Imperiale, who documents her open relationship and sex-positive travels for her audience, and she walked me through what actually happens when two people agree to rewrite the rules together.We get into the real version of ethical non-monogamy: the renegotiating, the boundary that got crossed, the sex therapist she called in, and the moment she developed feelings for someone outside her primary relationship and had to figure out what that meant. Ali is candid about the difference between a fantasy threesome and an actual one, including her first experience and the surprise threesome she planned for her partner's birthday..This conversation strips the shame off every part of it: the labels, the logistics, the awkward moments. If you have ever been curious about non-monogamy, polyamory, or what a threesome actually looks like, this episode gives you the plain, unfiltered picture. Part two is coming, so stay close.NOTE: Due to technical difficulties during recording, the audio and video quality in this episode may vary from our usual standard. We appreciate your understanding and hope you enjoy the conversation nonetheless.In This Episode:0:00 – Open Relationships Aren't a Free Pass to Cheat0:30 – Meet Ali Imperiale: Sex-Positive Storyteller1:11 – Talking About Sex Without Being Explicit5:04 – From Monogamous to Ethically Non-Monogamous: Ali's Story7:22 – Meeting Gab and Opening Up Together10:15 – Values Over Rules: Renegotiating as a Couple13:19 – Lessons Learned: Communication and Sex Therapy17:36 – When Feelings Get Complicated19:44 – Polyamory, Labels, and Loving More Than One Person22:44 – The Nitty Gritty: Her First Threesome, a Viral Hawaii Story28:58 – Gab's First Threesome: A COVID Birthday Surprise30:35 – Setting Boundaries and Performance Anxiety34:11 – Why Aftercare Matters36:43 – Wrap-Up: Part Two Is ComingTo watch the video version of this episode, head over to YouTube!About The Guest:Ali is a content creator, sex education student, and host of a YouTube channel exploring sex, relationships, pleasure, intimacy, and alternative lifestyles. Through candid conversations, travel experiences, and educational content, she helps normalize discussions around sexuality while encouraging curiosity, critical thinking, and self-discovery. Her work focuses on reducing shame, challenging assumptions, and creating space for nuanced conversations about pleasure, relationships, and the many ways people choose to live and love.Connect with Ali Imperiale:Website: https://aliimperiale.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/aliimperialeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@aliimperialeAbout The Host:Karen Bigman, a Sexual Health Alliance Certified Sex Educator, Life, and Menopause Coach, tackles the often-taboo subject of sexuality with a straightforward and candid approach. We explore the intricacies of sex during perimenopause, post-menopause, and andropause, offering insights and support for all those experiencing these transformative phases.This podcast is not intended to give medical advice. Karen Bigman is not a medical professional. For any medical questions or issues, please visit your licensed medical provider.Looking for some fresh perspective on sex in midlife? You can find me here:Email: [email protected]: https://www.taboototruth.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taboototruthYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@taboototruthpodcastSubstack: https://karenbigman.substack.comLINKS, RESOURCES, EXCLUSIVE VIP DISCOUNTS & FREEBIES 🪄 Head to Mystery Vibe for award-winning devices that deliver precise vibrations to support erectile function and more! 🛒 Link: https://tidd.ly/4mePTpF🥰 If you want her to want you more — start by understanding her body better. Free resources → https://www.taboototruth.com/free-resources💋 Hotter, Wilder, Wiser | You’ve mastered everything else in life — now master pleasure! https://www.taboototruth.com/hotter-wilder-wiser🔥 Ready to spice things up? This Yes/No/Maybe list is your permission slip for pleasure. https://www.taboototruth.com/free-resources-1/yes%2Fno%2Fmaybe%3F

In part two of my conversation with Susan Bratton and Karl Eberhardt, we go even deeper into what actually holds a non-monogamous relationship together. We talk about why communication can make or break an open relationship, what Karl learned about himself after six years of practicing polyamory, and the concept they call "Team Sweetie" — showing up for each other through illness, grief, and everything in between. Susan shares her free "Alchemy of Intimacy" guide for couples considering this kind of relationship, and we get into the practical side of staying safe: their fluid-bonded screening process, the STI most people have never heard of, and why standard insurance testing doesn't catch everything. We close with what it really means to love your partners through their mistakes.In This Episode:0:00 – Welcome Back: Picking Up Where We Left Off0:24 – Intro: Redefining Life & Sex After 500:46 – Why Good Communication Makes (or Breaks) an Open Relationship3:35 – Six Years In: What Polyamory Taught Karl About Himself4:59 – "Team Sweetie": Showing Up for Each Other Through Crisis7:15 – Susan's Advice: The Alchemy of Intimacy & 10 Rules for Success8:45 – Karl's Advice: Build the Framework Before You Open Up10:23 – The Screening Document: Where New Partners Start11:07 – Inside the STI Testing Protocol: Mycoplasma, Incubation Periods & Protex Health14:00 – Nobody's Perfect: Loving Your Partners Through Mistakes15:08 – The Testing Gap: Why Insurance Won't Screen for Herpes17:09 – Final TakeawaysTo watch the video version of this episode, head over to YouTube!Testing before getting physical is non-negotiable for me — ProDx Health makes it easy. First PASS-certified at-home STI kit, herpes testing included. 15% off: http://prodxhealth.com/discount/taboo📩 Want more real talk on sex, dating, and relationships after 50 delivered straight to your inbox? Join my newsletter: https://www.taboototruth.com/subscribeAbout the Guests:Susan is a champion and advocate for all those who desire ageless intimacy.She is a best-selling author and publisher of 44 books and programs including S*xual Soulmates, Relationship Magic, Revive Her Drive, Ravish Him and many more. She’s the official company spokesperson for GAINSWave® and The Dr. Joel Kaplan Company. She serves as Chief Advocacy Officer of ProDxHealth.org STI testing.Susan has been a featured guest on over 1,000 podcasts and TV shows, including Diary of a CEO, You Are Not Broken, S*x with Emily, The Human Upgrade with Dave Asprey, Good Moms Bad Choices, Heal Thyself, IDIOT with Laura Clery, The Infamous “Clit Camp” Music Video, LuvBites with Dr. Tara, and The Chalene Show.Her books and interviews have helped millions take control of their s*xual joy.Her message resonates across gender and age because it’s rooted in agency, body literacy, and connection.Connect with Susan Bratton:Website: https://susanbratton.comhttps://tenintimacy.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/susanbrattonKarl Eberhardt is a nationally recognized New Car Owner Trainer on correct care of modern car paint finishes. Karl has a life long passion for design and is the brewer of beer//Cicerone CBS, and custom jewelry. He has built surfboards for 25+ years.Connect with Karl Ebhardt:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karleberhardt_About The Host:Karen Bigman, a Sexual Health Alliance Certified Sex Educator, Life, and Menopause Coach, tackles the often-taboo subject of sexuality with a straightforward and candid approach. We explore the intricacies of sex during perimenopause, post-menopause, and andropause, offering insights and support for all those experiencing these transformative phases.This podcast is not intended to give medical advice. Karen Bigman is not a medical professional. For any medical questions or issues, please visit your licensed medical provider.Looking for some fresh perspective on sex in midlife? You can find me here:Email: [email protected]: https://www.taboototruth.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taboototruthYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@taboototruthpodcastSubstack: https://karenbigman.substack.comLINKS, RESOURCES, EXCLUSIVE VIP DISCOUNTS & FREEBIES 🪄 Head to Mystery Vibe for award-winning devices that deliver precise vibrations to support erectile function and more! 🛒 Link: https://tidd.ly/4mePTpF🥰 If you want her to want you more — start by understanding her body better. Free resources → https://www.taboototruth.com/free-resources💋 Hotter, Wilder, Wiser | You’ve mastered everything else in life — now master pleasure! https://www.taboototruth.com/hotter-wilder-wiser🔥 Ready to spice things up? This Yes/No/Maybe list is your permission slip for pleasure. https://www.taboototruth.com/free-resources-1/yes%2Fno%2Fmaybe%3F

Non-monogamy is one of the topics I get asked about more than almost anything else, so in this episode I sit down with Susan Bratton and Karl Eberhardt to dig into what open relationships, polyamory, and relationship anarchy actually look like day to day — not the theory, the lived experience. We talk about how to know you're ready to open a relationship, the STI screening protocol that makes it work, how jealousy and compersion actually show up, and the moment a 35-year marriage nearly ended over what gets called "husband thievery." We also get into how an adult daughter found out her parents were non-monogamous in one short conversation, and how a "summer boy toy" earned a promotion to full-time boyfriend. Whether you're curious, skeptical, or already living this life, this conversation is going to challenge some assumptions.Mentioned in this episode: Testing before getting physical is non-negotiable for me — ProDx Health makes it easy. First PASS-certified at-home STI kit, herpes testing included. 15% off: http://prodxhealth.com/discount/tabooIn This Episode:0:00 – Redefining Relationships in Midlife0:28 – Welcome to Taboo to Truth0:52 – Meet Susan Bratton & Karl Eberhardt2:25 – Defining Non-Monogamy vs. Cheating: The Relationship Tree7:29 – How Susan Knew She Was Ready to Open Her Marriage8:25 – How Karl and Susan Met (The Pool Story)12:02 – Why Karl Is "Well-Suited" for Polyamory14:34 – The Non-Negotiable: STI Testing & Screening In15:39 – "Polyamory Means Love Many": Susan's Two Love Relationships17:27 – Karl's San Diego Girlfriend & Traveling as a Throuple19:59 – What Is a "Bambi"? A Different Kind of Intimacy21:26 – Susan's Young Lover & the Jealousy That Followed23:57 – Karl's Turn: Facing Jealousy Over an Old Flame26:29 – Compersion, Husband Thievery & Almost Losing Tim29:44 – Telling Their Daughter Taylor31:11 – From "Summer Boy Toy" to Full-Time Boyfriend34:05 – OutroTo watch the video version of this episode, head over to YouTube!About The Guest:Susan is a champion and advocate for all those who desire ageless intimacy.She is a best-selling author and publisher of 44 books and programs including S*xual Soulmates, Relationship Magic, Revive Her Drive, Ravish Him and many more. She’s the official company spokesperson for GAINSWave® and The Dr. Joel Kaplan Company. She serves as Chief Advocacy Officer of ProDxHealth.org STI testing.Susan has been a featured guest on over 1,000 podcasts and TV shows, including Diary of a CEO, You Are Not Broken, S*x with Emily, The Human Upgrade with Dave Asprey, Good Moms Bad Choices, Heal Thyself, IDIOT with Laura Clery, The Infamous “Clit Camp” Music Video, LuvBites with Dr. Tara, and The Chalene Show.Her books and interviews have helped millions take control of their s*xual joy.Her message resonates across gender and age because it’s rooted in agency, body literacy, and connection.Connect with Susan Bratton:Website: https://susanbratton.comMentioned in this episode: https://tenintimacy.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/susanbrattonKarl Eberhardt is a nationally recognized New Car Owner Trainer on correct care of modern car paint finishes. Karl has a life long passion for design and is the brewer of beer//Cicerone CBS, and custom jewelry. He has built surfboards for 25+ years.Connect with Karl Ebhardt:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karleberhardt_/About The Host:Karen Bigman, a Sexual Health Alliance Certified Sex Educator, Life, and Menopause Coach, tackles the often-taboo subject of sexuality with a straightforward and candid approach. We explore the intricacies of sex during perimenopause, post-menopause, and andropause, offering insights and support for all those experiencing these transformative phases.This podcast is not intended to give medical advice. Karen Bigman is not a medical professional. For any medical questions or issues, please visit your licensed medical provider.Looking for some fresh perspective on sex in midlife? You can find me here:Email: [email protected]: https://www.taboototruth.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taboototruthYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@taboototruthpodcastSubstack: https://karenbigman.substack.com🪄 Head to Mystery Vibe for award-winning devices that deliver precise vibrations to support erectile function and more! 🛒 Link: https://tidd.ly/4mePTpF🥰 If you want her to want you more — start by understanding her body better. Free resources → https://www.taboototruth.com/free-resources💋 Hotter, Wilder, Wiser | You’ve mastered everything else in life — now master pleasure! https://www.taboototruth.com/hotter-wilder-wiser🔥 Ready to spice things up? This Yes/No/Maybe list is your permission slip for pleasure. https://www.taboototruth.com/free-resources-1/yes%2Fno%2Fmaybe%3F

Most men would rather suffer in silence than admit they have a problem in the bedroom —Let’s change that. On this episode of Taboo To Truth, I sat down with Jeff Abraham, CEO of Promescent, to talk about one of the most common yet least discussed issues in men's sexual health: premature ejaculation. We get into the real clinical definition of PE, why the "arousal gap" between men and women makes this a near-universal issue, and why anxiety — not selfishness — is usually driving the problem. Jeff breaks down the physiological and psychological causes of PE, why shame keeps so many men from seeking help, and why over 4,000 doctors recommend Promescent's Delay Spray. We also cover how the product actually works, how to use it correctly, dosing and titration, safety data from 3 million bottles sold, and how it compares to Viagra. Jeff gets personal too, sharing his own story of turning 69, how porn distorts expectations for young men, and the reality of the refractory period as we age. We close out talking about female pleasure, non-ejaculatory orgasms, and why using every tool available in the bedroom is nothing to be ashamed of. This is a candid, funny, and genuinely useful conversation for any man — or any partner of a man — who wants better sex and less anxiety about it.Use this link for 15% off Delay Spray: https://promescent.sjv.io/QY44bYIn This Episode:00:00 — The Silent Struggle Millions of Men Face 00:33 — Podcast Intro & Meet Your Host 01:05 — Welcome Jeff Abraham, CEO of Promescent 02:10 — What Really Counts as Premature Ejaculation 04:15 — The Arousal Gap & Why Anxiety Kills Intimacy 06:45 — Physical vs. Psychological Causes of PE 09:00 — Breaking the Stigma Around Men's Sexual Health 11:00 — Kegels, Combo Therapy & Why Urologists Trust Promescent 14:00 — The Old (Bad) Solutions: SSRIs and Numbing Creams 16:30 — Treating PE Step by Step & Weaning Off 19:30 — How Jeff Discovered Promescent (Origin Story) 22:30 — The Eutectic Formula That Changes Everything 25:00 — How to Use the Delay Spray: Application & Timing 27:30 — Dosing, Titration & Finding Your Sweet Spot 29:30 — Is It Safe? 3 Million Bottles, Zero Red Flags 31:00 — Promescent vs. Viagra & Doctors' Favorite Combo 33:30 — Does Age or Ethnicity Affect PE Rates? 35:15 — The PE-ED Connection & the Fragile Male Ego 37:00 — Jeff's Personal Story: Aging, Porn & Regret 38:30 — Where to Find Promescent, Discount CodeTo watch the video version of this episode, head over to YouTube!About the Guest:Jeff Abraham is the CEO of Promescent, a leading sexual wellness brand focused on making intimacy solutions more accessible and effective. After discovering a groundbreaking treatment for premature ejaculation developed by urologist Dr. Ronald Gilbert, Jeff invested in the product and became the majority owner, launching the company’s flagship Delay Spray.Connect with Jeff Abraham:Website: https://www.promescent.comInstagram: https://www.facebook.com/Promescent/Delay Spray: https://promescent.sjv.io/QY44bYAbout the host: Karen Bigman, a Sexual Health Alliance Certified Sex Educator, Life, and Menopause Coach, tackles the often-taboo subject of sexuality with a straightforward and candid approach. We explore the intricacies of sex during perimenopause, post-menopause, and andropause, offering insights and support for all those experiencing these transformative phases.This podcast is not intended to give medical advice. Karen Bigman is not a medical professional. For any medical questions or issues, please visit your licensed medical provider.Looking for some fresh perspective on sex in midlife? You can find me here:Email: [email protected]: https://www.taboototruth.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taboototruthYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@taboototruthpodcastSubstack: https://karenbigman.substack.comWant more Taboo To Truth? Join the community HERELINKS, RESOURCES, EXCLUSIVE VIP DISCOUNTS & FREEBIES 🪄 Head to Mystery Vibe for award-winning devices that deliver precise vibrations to support erectile function and more! 🛒 Link: https://tidd.ly/4mePTpF🥰 If you want her to want you more — start by understanding her body better. Free resources → https://www.taboototruth.com/free-resources💋 Hotter, Wilder, Wiser | You’ve mastered everything else in life — now master pleasure! https://www.taboototruth.com/hotter-wilder-wiser🔥 Ready to spice things up? This Yes/No/Maybe list is your permission slip for pleasure. https://www.taboototruth.com/free-resources-1/yes%2Fno%2Fmaybe%3F

In part two of my conversation with Stacey Roberts, PT, RN, MSN, we go even deeper into the world of shockwave therapy for pelvic pain and sexual health. Stacey and I talk about whether shockwave can help with genitourinary syndrome of menopause, how it compares to the MonaLisa Touch, and why some patients need ongoing treatments while others don't. We get into the most controversial pelvic floor topic there is — Kegels — and why prescribing more of them can actually make things worse for people who are too tight, not too weak. Stacey shares real patient stories, including a vaginismus case tied to a traumatic IUD removal, and we spend real time on the mind-body connection: how breathing, the nervous system, and central sensitization shape chronic pain, and how I worked through my own identity as someone "in pain" after years of back issues. We close with where to find Stacey's podcast, book, and how to track down a qualified softwave provider near you.In This Episode:00:00 Welcome Back + Part One Recap00:35 Podcast Intro: Meet Your Host Karen Bigman01:05 Shockwave for Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause02:45 Shockwave vs. the MonaLisa Touch: What's the Difference04:45 Do You Need Repeat Treatments? It Depends on the Trigger07:30 ED, Lifestyle Factors & Dr. Irwin Goldstein08:45 Let's Talk About Kegels (Why They're Not Always the Answer)11:30 Upregulation, Incontinence & the M-Cella Controversy13:00 Where We Hold Tension: Shoulders, Pelvis & Protective Bracing14:15 Trauma Doesn't Always Mean What You Think: The Vaginismus Case15:45 The Mind-Body Connection: Breathing, the Nervous System & Central Sensitization18:15 Karen's Own Chronic Pain Story: Identity, Fear & Recovery19:45 Pain Doesn't Have to Be a Life Sentence: Final Advice20:45 Finding the Right Surgeon (and Provider)21:15 Where to Find Stacey: Podcast, Book & Softwave ProvidersWant a deeper look? Watch the full episode on YouTube for a more visual experience of today’s discussion. This episode is best enjoyed on video—don’t miss out!👉 Understand Menopause and save your sex life with the Man's Menopause Handbook: https://www.taboototruth.com/enroll/menmeetmenopauseAbout The Guest:Since 1990, Stacey Roberts has specialized in outpatient orthopedics, sports medicine, acute and chronic pain related to joints and muscles, pelvic health, and sexual health. Now, as a master’s trained registered nurse, she combines her successful physical therapy skills, master’s of nursing education with a holistic approach and expanded her practice at New You Health and Wellness with services dedicated to helping people feel better and be active longer.Connect with Stacey Roberts:Website: https://newyouhealthandwellness.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/newyouhealthandwellnessAbout The Host:Karen Bigman, a Sexual Health Alliance Certified Sex Educator, Life, and Menopause Coach, tackles the often-taboo subject of sexuality with a straightforward and candid approach. We explore the intricacies of sex during perimenopause, post-menopause, and andropause, offering insights and support for all those experiencing these transformative phases.This podcast is not intended to give medical advice. Karen Bigman is not a medical professional. For any medical questions or issues, please visit your licensed medical provider.Looking for some fresh perspective on sex in midlife? You can find me here:Email: [email protected]: https://www.taboototruth.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taboototruthYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@taboototruthpodcastSubstack: https://karenbigman.substack.comLINKS, EXCLUSIVE VIP DISCOUNTS, COURSES & FREEBIES 🪄 Head to Mystery Vibe for award-winning devices that deliver precise vibrations to support erectile function and more! 🛒 Link: https://tidd.ly/4mePTpF🥰 If you want her to want you more — start by understanding her body better. Free resources → https://www.taboototruth.com/free-resources💋 Hotter, Wilder, Wiser | You’ve mastered everything else in life — now master pleasure! https://www.taboototruth.com/hotter-wilder-wiser🔥 Ready to spice things up? This Yes/No/Maybe list is your permission slip for pleasure. https://www.taboototruth.com/free-resources-1/yes%2Fno%2Fmaybe%3F