On this episode, Dr. Sadaf breaks down everything you need to know about steps and strategies to follow when seeking to improve intimacy within a relationship. Get practical tips for improving intimacy as Dr. Sadaf shares a checklist on how to identify values and goals for a relationship and actions to take to prioritize intimacy. Get a detailed explanation of mindfulness and how it is an essential tool when pursuing a boost in intimacy, as well an examination of how not beating yourself up...

On this episode, Dr. Sadaf is joined by Dr. Ammara Khalid to discuss everything you need to know about couples therapy, communication, and intimacy. Dr. Khalid shares her expertise as a family systems therapist, highlighting different couples therapy treatment modalities including Emotionally Focused Therapy and the Gottman Method. Tune in for valuable insights about improving communication and connection in your relationship. Disclaimer: Anything discussed on the show should not be taken as...

On this episode, Dr. Sadaf welcomes Dr. Kelly Casperson back to the show to discuss everything you need to know about education hurdles and stigmas surrounding testosterone, menopause, and female sexual health. Dr. Casperson shares her expertise on the lack of education and societal stigmas surrounding women’s sexual health, especially regarding testosterone, a hormone often mislabeled as only for men. Tune in to learn about the importance of testosterone for women, its impact on desire and...

On this episode, Dr. Sadaf is joined by reproductive and integrative psychiatrist, Dr. Anna Glezer, to discuss everything you need to know about maternal mental health. During this chat, Dr. Sadaf and Dr. Glezer detail the mental health challenges of infertility and pregnancy loss, including PTSD and the impact on intimacy. They also cover the hormonal shifts of perimenopause and menopause and the importance of finding a healthcare provider specializing in women's health. Disclaimer:...

On this episode, Dr. Sadaf welcomes smenopause focused strength coach Holly Rilinger to discuss everything you need to know about working out and how it relates to menopause and intimacy. Tune in as Dr. Sadaf and Holly discuss the importance of weightlifting and strength training for women as they age, especially during perimenopause and menopause. Learn all about the physical and mental health benefits of working out, including increased bone density, muscle mass, and why it is never too...

On this episode, Dr. Sadaf dives into everything you need to know about menopause as it relates to intimacy and relationships. Discover how hormonal changes during menopause can affect emotional and physical well-being, leading to decreased libido, body image concerns, and relationship challenges. In addition to signs and symptoms, Dr. Sadaf helps explore the ways to navigate these changes and maintain a fulfilling intimate life during menopause, emphasizing the importance of communication,...

On this episode, Dr. Sadaf recaps and gives you everything you need to know about the amazing Love & Nourish Retreat that just happened in Morocco! Learn all about this unique retreat as Dr. Sadaf breaks down how she and the community of women on the retreat, not only shared an incredible travel experience, but also focused on intimacy, relationships, and sexual wellness. Through a combination of cultural immersion, relationship workshops based on the work of experts like Dr. Rosemary...

Dr. Sadaf continues this very special series focusing on women's health basics and on this episode, it is part two of the discussion on menopause. This break down of all things menopause includes a focusing on the symptoms and long-term health effects of decreased estrogen. Tune in and learn about the hormonal and non-hormonal treatments for perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms, including the use of vaginal estrogen. Also, get a thorough explanation of the evolution of treatments as Dr....

Dr. Sadaf begins a very special series focusing on women's health basics and on this episode, she is breaking down everything you need to know about perimenopause and menopause. Get essential information about perimenopause and menopause, as Dr. Sadaf explains the biological mechanisms and hormonal changes associated with menopause, including the role of estrogen receptors in the brain, various symptoms like hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and changes in mood and weight. You will also get an...

On this episode, Dr. Sadaf welcomes Dr. Loretta Duggan, a board-certified family physician specializing in adolescent medicine, to discuss everything you need to know about adolescent medicine. Dr. Duggan shares her expertise to highlight how parents can navigate these sensitive topics with their daughters, emphasizing the importance of open communication and creating a safe space for discussion. Learn the significance of comprehensive sexual health education for adolescents, including topics...

On this episode, Dr. Sadaf welcomes back scholar and author Habeeb Akande to discuss everything you need to know about sexuality and erotology in Islam. Tune in to learn the fascinating history of eroticism in Islam and how it has been interpreted over the centuries. Also, get some insight from Mr. Akande as he shares his expertise on the various interpretations from different cultures and schools of Islamic legal thought and why they have led to some communities being more sex positive than...

On this episode, Dr. Sadaf is joined by Dr. Jill Krapf to discuss everything you need to know about vulvodynia and other vulvar pain conditions. Dr. Krapf is a board-certified gynecologist, specializing in vulvar pain, and during this conversation, she shares her expertise to help us better understand causes and treatments for vulvar pain. Get insights into how vulvar pain is diagnoses, treated, and managed, with this super helpful and valuable episode on taking a multidisciplinary approach...

On this episode, Dr. Sadaf welcomes the host of the Pleasure in the Pause podcast, Gabriella Espinosa, to discuss everything you need to know about sexual wellness coaching. Gabriella is a women’s health and sexual wellness coach, on during this discussion, she shares how she helps women by guiding them to understand what brings them pleasure, advocating for themselves, and working through past traumas that may be holding them back. Learn about somatic practices, journaling, and exploring the...

On this episode, Dr. Rosemary Basson, a leading expert in sexual medicine, joins Dr. Sadaf to discuss everything you need to know about the human sexual response cycle. Dr. Basson explains what led her into her groundbreaking work, highlighting how all desire is responsive. We are truly honored to have Dr. Basson on the show this week, to give a deep dive and explanation of the impact of psychological and social factors have on sexual desire. Tune in and learn how mindfulness can be a...

On this episode, Dr. Sadaf welcomes Dr. Sakina Jangbar back to the show to discuss everything you need to know about gender roles and the hurdles women of all backgrounds face. Dr. Jangbar is a Professor of Communication Studies at St. John's University, and during this conversation, she shares her expertise and own personal anecdotes to shine a spotlight on the inadequate accommodations for women's bodies in society. Learn why there is a crucial need for open dialogues about menstruation and...

On this episode, Dr. Sadaf welcomes Dr. Senait Adebo to discuss everything you need to know about marriage and relationship coaching. Dr. Adebo is a pediatrician and certified life coach. Tune in as Dr. Adebo shares her expertise on how she approaches coaching couples to effectively communicate. Also find out some detailed practices for working on relationships and avoiding martial headaches, like expressing feelings without blame, and managing quality "together time" around a busy individual...

On this episode, Dr. Sadaf is joined by dermatologist Dr. Mary Alice Mina to discuss everything you need to know skin care as we age. Dr. Mina is a board-certified dermatologist and during this discussion, she shares her expertise on how our skin changes through different life stages including puberty, pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause. Find out how and why hormone fluctuations can influence our skin health, why sugar can negatively impact our skin, and the critical role sun protection...

On this episode, Dr. Sadaf explains the sometimes-tumultuous connection between body image and relationships. Learn the basics and various examples of how body image can affect relationships and find out why taking the steps towards fostering a positive body image can be super beneficial in creating or reigniting healthy, fulfilling relationships. So, sit back and get some amazing tips, hear some relatable anecdotes, and get one step closer to understanding the value of a positive body...

On this final episode in a series focusing on revitalizing relationships and reigniting the proverbial spark, Dr. Sadaf highlights five actionable tips to increase intimacy. Dive into these practical strategies, including mindfulness, self-love, communication, and more, as Dr. Sadaf explains why taking the time to focus on these tangible steps can cultivate a more fulfilling and passionate connection with your partner! Disclaimer: Anything discussed on the show should not be taken as official...

On this episode, Dr. Sadaf continues her dive into how to revitalize our relationships. This edition of the series focuses on the importance of effective communication, vulnerability, and respect in fostering intimacy. Learn how establishing date nights to bridge the gap between partners with different libidos can be beneficial and discover the role of mindfulness in enhancing arousal and desire. Dr. Sadaf also delves into techniques like the Sensate Focus method to deepen connection with our...

On this first part in a series of episodes that dive into "rediscovering the spark" in our relationships, Dr. Sadaf explains how focusing on desire, emotional connection, and communication are so important when striving for a happy, healthy, and sexually fulfilling relationship. Learn about the various methods there are to reigniting that spark and hear stories about issues many women have faced when it comes to intimacy within their relationships. Disclaimer: Anything discussed on the show...

On this episode, Dr. Sadaf welcomes Dr. Sarah Merritt to discuss everything you need to know about managing and overcoming chronic pain. Dr. Merritt is an anesthesiologist and pain medicine physician, and during this chat, she shares her expertise and experience in treating patients with various types of pain, including pelvic pain, back pain, and nerve pain. Learn how chronic pain can impact intimacy and relationships, the roads of treatment towards relief, and how overcoming chronic pain...

On this episode, Dr. Sadaf is joined by Dr. Anne Truong to discuss everything you need to know about erectile dysfunction. Dr. Anne shares her over 20 years of experience in helping men recapture their vitality to highlight how erectile dysfunction is a common issue that can be overcome. Find out how this common issue men face as they age has potential links to lifestyle choices and cardiovascular health. Dr. Sadaf and Dr. Anne also dive into the psychological component of erectile...

On this episode, Dr. Sadaf welcomes Dr. Katrina Furey to discuss everything you need to know about maternal mental health. Dr. Furey is a board-certified adult psychiatrist, and she joins the show to share her expertise to spotlight the differences between baby blues, postpartum depression, anxiety, and psychosis. Tune in as Dr. Sadaf and Dr. Furey break down the symptoms and prevalence of each. Why are hormonal shifts so impactful on women's mental health throughout their lives? This episode...