Sex Advice for Seniors Podcast

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

What I Discussed With Mary Ellen Reider
- Why bladder leakage is common but should not be treated as an inevitable part of aging.
- What the pelvic floor is and why everyone has one.
- How childbirth, menopause, aging, weight, and other factors can affect pelvic floor strength.
- The connection between pelvic floor muscles, bladder control, sexual sensation, and orgasm.
- Why pelvic floor relaxation is just as important as strengthening.
- How the Yarlap device works and who may benefit from it.
- Why it is never too late to start caring for your pelvic floor.

Chapters
00:00 Sponsor: OhMiBod + Introduction to Mary Ellen Reider
01:40 What Is the Pelvic Floor and Why Does It Matter?
03:40 Why Bladder Leakage Is Common But Not Normal
05:46 How Pelvic Floor Weakness Affects Your Body
07:49 Introducing Yarlap: Pelvic Floor Training and Sexual Wellness
10:17 Why Pelvic Floor Exercises Are Difficult to Do Correctly
11:11 How Pelvic Floor Training Works Over Time
12:06 How Long Does It Take to See Results?
12:52 What Causes Urinary Incontinence?
14:12 How Bladder Leaks Affect Confidence, Dating and Intimacy
16:13 The Connection Between Pelvic Floor Strength and Orgasms
17:40 Female Sexual Wellness and Understanding the Body
19:51 Why Pelvic Floor Relaxation Matters Too
22:10 Understanding Pelvic Floor Tone: Too Tight vs Too Weak
25:00 Talking to Your Doctor About Pelvic Floor Health
26:46 It’s Never Too Late to Strengthen Your Pelvic Floor
28:21 Closing Thoughts: Removing Shame Around Women’s Health
28:57 Visit Sex Advice for Seniors

Shownotes
Bladder leakage is common, but that doesn’t mean you have to accept it as an unavoidable part of aging.
In this episode of Sex Advice for Seniors, I speak with MaryEllen Reider, co-director of Yarlap, about pelvic floor health, urinary incontinence, sexual confidence, and what happens when those important muscles become weak or overly tight.
We talk about what the pelvic floor actually is, why both women and men have one, and how it supports the bladder, uterus, spine, and other parts of the body. Mary Ellen explains why leakage when you laugh, sneeze, exercise, or cough should not simply be dismissed as “one of those things” that happens after childbirth or menopause.
We also explore the connection between the pelvic floor and sexual pleasure, including why some women experience weaker orgasms or reduced sensation as their pelvic floor changes. And importantly, we discuss why relaxation matters just as much as contraction when it comes to pelvic floor function and intimacy.
MaryEllen explains how the Yarlap device is designed to support pelvic floor training, why Kegel exercises are not necessarily suitable for everyone, and why it’s important to understand whether your pelvic floor is weak, tight, or both.
Most importantly, this episode is about replacing embarrassment with information. Whether you’re dealing with bladder leakage, painful sex, reduced sexual sensation, or simply want to take better care of your body, it is never too late to start paying attention to your pelvic floor.

Key Takeaways
- Urinary incontinence is common, but it is not an inevitable part of aging.
- Everyone has a pelvic floor, and it supports both physical and sexual health.
- A weak pelvic floor may affect bladder control, posture, back pain, knee pain, and orgasmic sensation.
- A pelvic floor that is too tight may also cause pain and discomfort.
- Strengthening and relaxation are both essential for healthy pelvic floor function.
- Pelvic floor health can affect confidence, dating, intimacy, and sexual pleasure.
- It is never too late to ask a doctor about your pelvic floor.

About MaryEllen Reider
MaryEllen Reider is the co-director of Yarlap®, the wellness device to treat urinary incontinence and improve feminine performance and experience through muscle control. MaryEllen spends a lot of time researching and finding out what’s new in the pelvic floor world and the social media realm.

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 MaryEllen
Website https://yarlap.com/
Instagram @yarlap_otc https://www.instagram.com/yarlap_otc/
TikTok @yarlap_otc https://www.tiktok.com/@yarlap_otc
YouTube @yarlap_otc
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/yarlapwautokegel

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?triedRedirect=true

Why Women Lose Their Libido (And How to Get It Back) | Pauline Ryeland https://open.substack.com/pub/sexadviceforseniors/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 Amy Gabrielle
- How losing a partner can change our relationship with our body, identity, and desire.
- Why grief and pleasure can exist alongside each other after loss.
- Amy’s experience of rediscovering sexuality and confidence after becoming a widow.
- Dating after loss, including her experiences with dating apps and exploring new relationships.
- How women can reconnect with their own desires without shame or guilt.
- Why sexuality does not disappear as we get older.
- The difference between seeking connection, companionship, and emotional security.
- How society shapes the way women think about aging, relationships, and sexual expression.
- Why rebuilding a relationship with yourself can be an important part of healing.
- How honest conversations about sex and desire can create more freedom and confidence.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction: Amy Gabrielle on Desire After Loss
03:00 Losing a Partner and Rediscovering Desire
08:00 Dating After Loss and Starting Over
13:30 Sexual Desire, Relationships and Life After 50
18:00 What We Want From Relationships Now
22:00 Widow’s Fire: When Grief and Desire Meet
26:00 Sex, Aging and Challenging Expectations
30:00 Shame, Confidence and Accepting Your Body
34:00 Dating, Boundaries and Finding What Feels Right
37:00 Pleasure, Freedom and Owning Your Desire
40:00 Closing Thoughts and Amy’s Book Widow in the City

Shownotes
In this episode of Sex Advice for Seniors, I’m joined by Amy Gabrielle, writer, digital creator, and author of Widow in the City.
After losing her husband to cancer, Amy found herself navigating grief, identity, and an unexpected return of desire. In our conversation, we explore what happens when loss changes the way we see ourselves, our bodies, and our relationships.
We talk about the complicated relationship between grief and pleasure, the experience of dating after loss, and what it means to rediscover yourself in midlife.
Amy shares openly about rebuilding confidence, exploring sexuality, and letting go of the shame that many women carry around aging and desire.
This is a conversation about much more than sex. It is about identity, healing, connection, and giving ourselves permission to continue growing and changing throughout life.

Key Takeaways
- Grief does not erase desire; both can exist at the same time.
- Rediscovering yourself after loss can be a powerful part of healing.
- Sexuality and intimacy continue to evolve as we age.
- Women deserve to explore their own desires without shame or judgment.
- Relationships after 50 do not have to follow traditional expectations.
- Confidence often comes from reconnecting with yourself first.
- Honest conversations about sex can help reduce shame and create deeper connections.

About the Guest
Amy Gabrielle is a writer, digital creator, and advocate for authentic self-expression in midlife women. Following her husband’s death from cancer, she began using memoir and social media to explore the complex intersection of grief and desire, cultivating a community of thousands drawn to honest conversations about life after loss. Her work appears in Absolute Pleasure on Substack, as well as Medium publications including The Memoirist and Slackjaw. She lives in New York City, where she enjoys photography, travel, and raising her son.

About Suzanne
Suzanne Noble is a sex and relationship expert, author, and host of Sex Advice for Seniors, a podcast for people who want to enjoy sex, intimacy, and connection at every age.
Through her podcast, newsletter, courses, and community, Suzanne challenges the idea that sex has an expiry date and offers honest, practical conversations about sexuality, ageing, relationships, and pleasure.

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 Amy
Website https://amygabrielle.com/
Instagram @amygabriellenyc https://www.instagram.com/amygabriellenyc/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/amygabriellenyc

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
Sex and Dating when a Widower https://www.sexadviceforseniors.com/p/episode-83-sex-and-dating-when-a?utm_source=publication-search

Dating After Loss: Redefining Love and Intimacy After Widowhood
https://www.sexadviceforseniors.com/p/sex-grief-and-starting-over-dating?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