Sex Advice for Seniors Podcast

What I Discussed With Caroline Hood
- Why couples need to stay connected as lovers as well as parents.
- How motherhood can affect desire, identity and intimacy.
- Why women's desire may not disappear but simply get pushed aside.
- What happens when you're "touched out" from caregiving.
- How ageing and changing bodies can affect sexual confidence.
- Why communication matters when a couple's sexual dynamic changes.
- How women can reconnect with their sexual selves.

Chapters

Show Notes
Motherhood can change the way couples see themselves and each other. The shift from partners to parents can be gradual, and sex and intimacy can easily move down the list.
Caroline Hood, a sex therapist, clinical social worker and mother of three, talks about staying lovers alongside being parents, reclaiming desire, and what happens when caregiving and changing bodies affect the way we experience sex. Pasted text
We also talk about feeling "touched out," losing touch with your sexual identity, and why women shouldn't have to give up their sexuality simply because they are getting older.

Key Takeaways
- Becoming a parent doesn't mean losing your identity as a lover.
- Sexual intimacy often needs to be intentional, especially when life gets busy.
- Desire can be pushed aside without actually disappearing.
- Feeling "touched out" is something couples need to be able to talk about.
- Aging doesn't mean giving up pleasure or feeling desirable.
- Reconnecting with your sexual self can happen at any stage of life.

About Caroline Hood
Caroline Hood is a sex therapist and clinical social worker, as well as a mother of three. Her work focuses on desire, sexuality and relationships, drawing on both her professional experience and her own experience of motherhood and long-term partnership. She is also the author of the forthcoming book Sex Begets Sex: Reclaiming Desire as an Act of Female Empowerment.

About Suzanne
Suzanne Noble is a sex and relationship expert, author, and host of Sex Advice for Seniors, a podcast about sex, intimacy, pleasure, and relationships in later life.
Through her podcast, newsletter, and community, Suzanne challenges the idea that sex has an expiry date and encourages people to stay curious about their bodies and sexual wellbeing at every age.

Connect With Suzanne
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sexadviceforseniors
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sexadviceforseniors
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sexadviceforseniors
Substack: https://sexadviceforseniors.com

Connect with Caroline
Website https://www.desireinreallife.com/
Substack https://substack.com/@desireinreallife
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/desireinreallife/
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_VhaAzddAiEuQO6Kgk051g

Want More?
Visit the Website: https://sexadviceforseniors.com — includes FREE guides and resources for better sex at any age.
Free Downloadable Guide: 10 Most Overlooked Secrets to Better Sex PDF: https://subscribepage.io/suzannenoblefreebie
Sign Up for My FREE Newsletter: https://sexadviceforseniors.com
Overcome Erectile Dysfunction & Stay Firm: https://www.stayfirmprogram.com
Check Out My Storefront for Better Sex: https://zaap.bio/stayfirm
Interested in 1:1 Coaching or Custom Sex Advice for Seniors Sessions? https://tidycal.com/suzannenoble/30-minute-mentoring

Related Episodes
Why Couples Lose Desire (And How to Get It Back) | Dr. Anna Elton https://www.sexadviceforseniors.com/p/why-couples-lose-desire-and-how-to

Why Sex Changes After 50 and What Nobody Tells You | ft. Dr. Jenn Kennedy https://www.sexadviceforseniors.com/p/why-sex-changes-after-50-and-what

Why Women Lose Their Libido (And How to Get It Back) | ft. Pauline Ryeland https://www.sexadviceforseniors.com/p/pauline-ryeland


This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sexadviceforseniors.com/subscribe

What I Discussed With Gaylen Wilson
- How erectile dysfunction changed Gaylen's sex life and marriage.
- Why he believes men should take ED seriously rather than ignore it.
- How couples can stay connected when erections become unreliable.
- Why intimacy doesn't have to be centred around performance.
- How shame and withdrawal can damage relationships.
- The connection between ED, attachment and fight-or-flight.
- How Gaylen and Heather developed the Monument Method.
- Why lifestyle, fitness and overall health still matter.

Chapters
00:00 Sponsor: OhMiBod https://www.ohmibod.com/ + Introduction
01:58 Gaylen’s Experience With Erectile Dysfunction
03:33 Rebuilding Intimacy Through Serious Illness
04:34 Erectile Dysfunction and the Importance of Heart Health
06:02 Stroke, Viagra, and Cardiovascular Health
08:42 Sex Beyond Erectile Dysfunction
09:46 What Men With Erectile Dysfunction Struggle With
12:35 Porn, Performance, and Sexual Connection
14:06 When Erectile Dysfunction Leads to Withdrawal in Relationships
15:12 The “Tough Nut Letter”
16:11 Removing Shame and Facing Erectile Dysfunction Together
17:29 Attachment Theory and Relationship Safety
19:21 The Monument Method
20:13 Repairing Conflict and Rebuilding Connection
21:41 Why Some Men Withdraw After Developing Erectile Dysfunction
22:53 Why Erectile Dysfunction Can Have Many Causes
24:36 Beyond the “Blue Pill”: Lifestyle and Erectile Dysfunction
26:18 Erectile Dysfunction Treatments, Injections, and Long-Term Health
28:28 The Mission Behind the Monument Method
29:36 Healthy Aging, Exercise, and Intimacy
31:48 The Sanctuary Bond
33:26 Keeping Desire Alive After 20+ Years Together
34:31 Sobriety, Connection, and Personal Change
35:30 Keeping Long-Term Intimacy Alive
36:42 Outro

Show Notes
Erectile dysfunction can affect much more than sex. It can change confidence, intimacy and the way couples relate to each other.
In this episode of Sex Advice for Seniors, Suzanne talks with Gaylen Wilson, a heart transplant survivor, relationship author and founder of the Monument Method Institute. Gaylen shares his long experience with ED and how he and his wife stayed connected when serious illness changed what sex looked like in their marriage.
They also talk about what happens when shame causes men to withdraw, why sex doesn't have to be centred around performance, and how the Monument Method grew out of Gaylen and Heather's own experience of protecting their relationship through difficult periods.

Key Takeaways
- ED can affect a relationship as much as it affects sex.
- Intimacy can continue even when erections become unreliable.
- Shame and withdrawal can create additional problems for couples.
- Talking openly can help partners approach ED as something they can work through together.
- The Monument Method uses a shared cue to interrupt conflict and reconnect.
- Health, fitness and lifestyle are part of the wider conversation around sexual wellbeing.

About Gaylen
Gaylen Wilson is a heart transplant survivor, relationship author and founder of the Monument Method Institute. His work focuses on erectile dysfunction, intimacy, emotional safety and helping couples protect their relationships.
You can find Gaylen and Heather's work at Monument Method Institute. Their site describes the Monument Method as a relationship system built around interrupting destructive conflict, restoring safety and protecting the bond.

About Suzanne
Suzanne Noble is a sex and relationship expert, author, and host of Sex Advice for Seniors, a podcast about sex, intimacy, pleasure, and relationships in later life.
Through her podcast, newsletter, and community, Suzanne challenges the idea that sex has an expiry date and encourages people to stay curious about their bodies and sexual wellbeing at every age.

Connect With Suzanne
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sexadviceforseniors
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sexadviceforseniors
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sexadviceforseniors
Substack: https://sexadviceforseniors.com

Connect with Gaylen
Website https://www.monumentmethodinstitute.com/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/monumentmethodinstitute/
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@MonumentMethodInstitute
TikTok tiktok.com/@monumentmethod
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/1aXxBYJ9kw/

Want More?
Visit the Website: https://sexadviceforseniors.com — includes FREE guides and resources for better sex at any age.
Free Downloadable Guide: 10 Most Overlooked Secrets to Better Sex PDF: https://subscribepage.io/suzannenoblefreebie
Sign Up for My FREE Newsletter: https://sexadviceforseniors.com
Overcome Erectile Dysfunction & Stay Firm: https://www.stayfirmprogram.com
Check Out My Storefront for Better Sex: https://zaap.bio/stayfirm
Interested in 1:1 Coaching or Custom Sex Advice for Seniors Sessions? https://tidycal.com/suzannenoble/30-minute-mentoring

Related Episodes
The Hidden Habits Destroying Men's Erections | ft. Tom Jenkins https://www.sexadviceforseniors.com/p/the-real-cause-of-erectile-dysfunction
He Helped Invent Viagra: What's Next for Men's Sexual Health? | Dr. Arthur Burnett https://www.sexadviceforseniors.com/p/he-helped-to-invent-viagra-whats
Toxic Masculinity in Men's Groups | Chris Hands
https://www.sexadviceforseniors.com/p/episode-118-toxic-masculinity-in


This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sexadviceforseniors.com/subscribe

What I Discussed With Rockne O'Leary
- How fitness can affect sexual performance, confidence and overall health.
- Why strength training and consistency become even more important as we age.
- How to start exercising again when you've been out of the gym for years.
- The connection between fitness, stress, lifestyle and sexual health.
- Why men need places where they can talk honestly about relationships and life.
- How Rockne's men's group is trying to create a space without judgment, including eventually bringing younger and older men together.

Show Notes
We often talk about fitness as something we do to look better. But as we get older, it becomes much more about staying strong, having energy, feeling confident and looking after the body we actually have.
In this episode, I talk with Rockne O'Leary, a sports performance coach, about fitness after 50 and the connection between exercise, confidence and sexual health. We talk about what happens when men stop training, how to start again after years away from the gym, and why consistency matters more than going all out.
We also get into something I found particularly interesting: men's groups. Rockne runs a virtual group where men can talk openly about relationships, stress, confidence and the things they don't always feel comfortable discussing elsewhere.

Key Takeaways
- You don't need to go all out. You need to find something you can do consistently.
- Fitness should give you energy rather than constantly leave you exhausted.
- Starting small can help build momentum.
- Sexual health isn't separate from the rest of your health.
- Asking for help can be the first step towards changing both your fitness and sex life.

About Rockne O'Leary
Rockne O'Leary is a sports performance coach whose work combines physical training with mindset, confidence and personal development. He also runs a men's group focused on creating a space for men to have more open conversations about relationships, personal challenges and growth. His fitness work includes strength, speed, power and athletic performance.

About Suzanne
Suzanne Noble is a sex and relationship expert, author, and host of Sex Advice for Seniors, a podcast about sex, intimacy, pleasure, and relationships in later life.
Through her podcast, newsletter, and community, Suzanne challenges the idea that sex has an expiry date and encourages people to stay curious about their bodies and sexual wellbeing at every age.

Connect With Suzanne
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sexadviceforseniors
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sexadviceforseniors
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sexadviceforseniors
Substack: https://sexadviceforseniors.com

Connect With Rockne O'Leary
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rockoleary/
YouTube @youcantfoolyou
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/rockne.oleary/

Want More?
Visit the Website: https://sexadviceforseniors.com — includes FREE guides and resources for better sex at any age.
Free Downloadable Guide: 10 Most Overlooked Secrets to Better Sex PDF: https://subscribepage.io/suzannenoblefreebie
Sign Up for My FREE Newsletter: https://sexadviceforseniors.com
Overcome Erectile Dysfunction & Stay Firm: https://www.stayfirmprogram.com
Check Out My Storefront for Better Sex: https://zaap.bio/stayfirm
Interested in 1:1 Coaching or Custom Sex Advice for Seniors Sessions? https://tidycal.com/suzannenoble/30-minute-mentoring

Related Episodes
What Most People Get Wrong About Sex and Ageing | Dr. Justin Lehmiller https://www.sexadviceforseniors.com/p/the-hidden-shame-men-feel-about-sexual

The Hidden Habits Destroying Men's Erections | ft. Tom Jenkins https://www.sexadviceforseniors.com/p/the-real-cause-of-erectile-dysfunction?utm_source=publication-search

Toxic Masculinity in Men's Groups | Chris Hands https://www.sexadviceforseniors.com/p/episode-118-toxic-masculinity-in?utm_source=publication-search



This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sexadviceforseniors.com/subscribe

What I Discussed With Dr. Maria Sophocles
- Why sexual burnout can happen in midlife.
- What menopause changes physically and sexually.
- Vaginal estrogen and why it can help.
- Spontaneous vs. receptive desire.
- The five M's for reconnecting with sexuality.
- Testosterone, “scream cream” and newer treatments for female sexual arousal.
- How GLP-1 medications may affect libido and sexual health.
- Practical ways to reconnect with sex and pleasure.

Chapters
00:00 Sponsor: OhMiBod + Introduction
01:38 What Is Sexual Burnout?
05:29 The Midlife Sexual MOT
08:19 The Orgasm Gap and the Clitoris
10:07 Why Women Fake Orgasms
12:32 Talking About Sexual Pleasure
13:47 Vaginal Estrogen After Menopause
15:06 Stress, Sleep and Loss of Desire
17:58 Spontaneous vs. Receptive Desire
20:47 The Five M's for Reconnecting With Desire
22:19 Testosterone and Scream Cream
24:56 New Treatments for Female Sexual Arousal
25:15 GLP-1s, Ozempic and Libido
28:51 Three Ways to Reconnect With Your Sexuality
30:11 The Midlife Sexual MOT

Show Notes
Menopause can change the way sex feels, but changes in desire, comfort and arousal don't have to mean the end of your sex life.
In this episode of Sex Advice for Seniors, Suzanne talks with Dr. Maria Sophocles, gynecologist, author of The Bedroom Gap, and women's sexual health advocate, about sexual burnout, menopause, vaginal estrogen, desire, orgasm and what women can do to reconnect with pleasure.

Key Takeaways
- Menopause can affect sexual comfort and desire, but there are ways to address these changes.
- Desire doesn't always have to come first; sometimes it develops after intimacy and stimulation begin.
- Vaginal health is an important part of sexual health after menopause.
- Stress, sleep, relationships and medications can all influence libido.
- Reconnecting with sexuality can start with small, practical changes.

About Dr. Maria Sophocles
Maria Sophocles is a gynecologist, author and public advocate for women's health. Her mission to close the gendered healthcare gap inspired her viral TED talk and book, The Bedroom Gap, about what happens to sex in midlife. Her efforts to provide access to contraception in New Jersey changed the state’s constitution. Her virtual clinic serves women in eleven US states and internationally. She is currently working on a documentary about sex and menopause. She is married with four grown children.

About Suzanne
Suzanne Noble is a sex and relationship expert, author, and host of Sex Advice for Seniors, a podcast about sex, intimacy, pleasure, and relationships in later life.
Through her podcast, newsletter, and community, Suzanne challenges the idea that sex has an expiry date and encourages people to stay curious about their bodies and sexual wellbeing at every age.

Connect With Suzanne
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sexadviceforseniors
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sexadviceforseniors
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sexadviceforseniors
Substack: https://sexadviceforseniors.com

Connect With Dr. Maria Sophocles
Website https://mariasophoclesmd.com/
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmoad996Gk-PwijqRziGX5g
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mariasophoclesmd/
The Bedroom Gap https://mariasophoclesmd.com/book/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572766203987&ref=NONE_xav_ig_profile_page_web#

Want More?
Visit the Website: https://sexadviceforseniors.com — includes FREE guides and resources for better sex at any age.
Free Downloadable Guide: 10 Most Overlooked Secrets to Better Sex PDF: https://subscribepage.io/suzannenoblefreebie
Sign Up for My FREE Newsletter: https://sexadviceforseniors.com
Overcome Erectile Dysfunction & Stay Firm: https://www.stayfirmprogram.com
Check Out My Storefront for Better Sex: https://zaap.bio/stayfirm
Interested in 1:1 Coaching or Custom Sex Advice for Seniors Sessions? https://tidycal.com/suzannenoble/30-minute-mentoring

Related Episodes
Why Women Feel Completely Different After Menopause | Tanya Leake https://www.sexadviceforseniors.com/p/why-women-feel-completely-different
Why Women Lose Their Libido (And How to Get It Back) | Pauline Ryeland https://www.sexadviceforseniors.com/p/pauline-ryeland
Why Sex Changes After 50 and What Nobody Tells You | Dr. Jenn Kennedy https://www.sexadviceforseniors.com/p/why-sex-changes-after-50-and-what


This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sexadviceforseniors.com/subscribe

What I Discussed With Dr. Justin Lehmiller
- How men's sexual health and desire can change as they get older.
- Why erectile difficulties become more common with age and where Viagra fits in.
- Why sex toys can be useful for men and how to choose the right kind of stimulation.
- How to introduce sex toys into a relationship without making things awkward.
- What penis pumps can do for erectile difficulties and sexual function.
- Why masturbation and orgasm may have benefits beyond sexual pleasure.

Chapters
00:00 Sponsor: OhMiBod
01:46 How men's sexual function changes with age
04:27 Why men don't talk about sexual problems
05:46 Erectile difficulties and Viagra
07:28 Sex toys for men
09:03 Vibratory toys and penile health
12:43 Finding the right toy
14:53 Introducing toys into a relationship
18:01 Penis pumps and erectile difficulties
21:53 Sexual activity and aging
24:15 Sex, orgasms and cognitive function
25:42 Masturbation and better sleep
26:55 Choosing and caring for sex toys
28:59 Researching sex and aging

Show Notes
Men's sexual health changes as we get older, but that doesn't mean we stop being sexual.
In this episode of Sex Advice for Seniors, I’m joined by Dr. Justin Lehmiller, a senior research fellow at the Kinsey Institute and author of Tell Me What You Want, to talk about men's sexuality, aging, erections and pleasure.
We talk about what happens to sexual function as men get older, including erectile difficulties and changes in desire. We also get into sex toys, vibratory stimulation and penis pumps, and why these can be useful tools for men who want to explore different ways of experiencing pleasure.
We also talk about masturbation, orgasms and sleep, and some of the research around sexual activity and wellbeing as we age.
Most importantly, this is a conversation about taking some of the pressure out of sex and being willing to explore what works for your body at different stages of life.

Key Takeaways
- Sexual function and desire can change with age, but there is no single experience of aging.
- Erectile difficulties can have different causes and shouldn't automatically be viewed as an inevitable part of getting older.
- Sex toys can offer men different forms of stimulation and can be part of partnered sex.
- Penis pumps can be one option for men experiencing erectile difficulties.
- Masturbation and orgasm can be part of sexual wellness at any age.
- There is still a need for more research into men's sexual health and aging.

About Dr. Justin Lehmiller
Dr. Justin Lehmiller is a Senior Research Fellow at The Kinsey Institute, author of the book Tell Me What You Want: The Science of Sexual Desire and How It Can Help You Improve Your Sex Life, and host of the Sex and Psychology Podcast. Dr. Lehmiller is a much sought-after voice in the media on sexuality research and education. He has been interviewed by The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and CNN, and he has appeared on dozens of international radio, podcast, and television programs.

About Suzanne
Suzanne Noble is a sex and relationship expert, author, and host of Sex Advice for Seniors, a podcast about sex, intimacy, pleasure, and relationships in later life.
Through her podcast, newsletter, and community, Suzanne challenges the idea that sex has an expiry date and encourages people to stay curious about their bodies and sexual wellbeing at every age.

Connect With Suzanne
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sexadviceforseniors
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sexadviceforseniors
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sexadviceforseniors
Substack: https://sexadviceforseniors.com

Connect With Dr. Justin Lehmiller
Website https://www.sexandpsychology.com/
Instagram @JustinJLehmiller https://www.instagram.com/justinjlehmiller
TikTok @JustinLehmiller https://www.tiktok.com/@justinlehmiller
YouTube @JustinLehmiller https://www.youtube.com/@JustinLehmiller
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/psychologyofsex

Want More?
Visit the Website: https://sexadviceforseniors.com — includes FREE guides and resources for better sex at any age.
Free Downloadable Guide: 10 Most Overlooked Secrets to Better Sex PDF: https://subscribepage.io/suzannenoblefreebie
Sign Up for My FREE Newsletter: https://sexadviceforseniors.com
Overcome Erectile Dysfunction & Stay Firm: https://www.stayfirmprogram.com
Check Out My Storefront for Better Sex: https://zaap.bio/stayfirm
Interested in 1:1 Coaching or Custom Sex Advice for Seniors Sessions? https://tidycal.com/suzannenoble/30-minute-mentoring

Related Episodes
He Helped Invent Viagra: What’s Next for Men’s Sexual Health? | Dr Arthur Burnett https://www.sexadviceforseniors.com/p/he-helped-to-invent-viagra-whats

The Hidden Habits Destroying Men's Erections | ft. Tom Jenkins https://www.sexadviceforseniors.com/p/the-real-cause-of-erectile-dysfunction

Men Who Fear Toys Have It Backwards | PhD Sexologist Explains https://www.sexadviceforseniors.com/p/over-60-how-to-bring-toys-to-bed


This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sexadviceforseniors.com/subscribe