The Private Parts of Wellness
Jessica Jolie B. the NP
Recent Episodes
Join Jessica Jolie, a family nurse practitioner and certified menopause provider, as she delves into the complex topics of body image, wellness, and societal expectations. In this candid episode, Jessica shares her personal journey and insights on menopause, weight, and the importance of embracing our bodies as they are. Discover the science behind body changes and the impact of cultural perceptions on our health.
Key Topics:
The politics of desirability and body image
Personal stories of body transformation and acceptance
The role of hormones in aging and wellness
Challenging societal norms around weight and health
Contact: For more insights and to join Jessica's newsletter email her at [email protected].
Hashtags: #BodyImage #Wellness #Menopause #HealthJourney
Here's an old blog post on BDSM
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References:
Quetelet A. Sur l'homme et le développement de ses facultés (1835). BMI origins.
Ashwell M, Gibson S. Waist-to-height ratio better predictor than BMI. BMJ Open 2016;6:e010159.
Kelly DM, Jones TH. Testosterone and metabolism. J Endocrinol 2013;217(3):R25–45.
Santosa S, Jensen MD. Body fat distribution & hormones. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2008;295:E531–5.
Wildman RP et al. “Metabolically healthy obesity.” Arch Intern Med 2008;168(15):1617–24.
Ruderman NB et al. “Metabolically obese normal weight.” Diabetes 1998;47(5):699–713.
MyVagina.com. Ozempic, Wegovy, Semaglutide in the Vagina: Gynecologists Reveal Ozempic’s Unexpected Effects on Your Vagina. (online article).
Gada, Farouk, Mohamed, Salih. Tirzepatide Effect on Sexual Function in Women: Case Report. Clinical Medicine Insights: Case Reports. Sage Publishing. Abu Dhabi.
Clinical commentary: Gynecologists on Ozempic’s vaginal side effects (“Ozempic vulva”) – reports of rapid subcutaneous fat loss affecting genital tissues.
In this episode of the Private Parts of Wellness podcast, Jessica Jolie discusses the complex interplay between surgery, emotional well-being, and women's health. She explores how major surgeries can impact intimacy and emotional health, the gut-brain connection, the role of hormones in recovery, and the significance of understanding the polyvagal theory. The conversation emphasizes the importance of addressing both emotional and physical pain, particularly in relation to heart health, and offers practical steps for healing and support.
TAKE THE SEXUALITY & THE HOSPITALIZED PATIENT SURVEY
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Healing After Surgery
02:39 The Impact of Surgery on Intimacy and Connection
04:54 Understanding the Gut-Brain Connection
07:22 The Role of Hormones in Recovery
09:51 Exploring the Polyvagal Theory
11:58 Emotional Pain and Its Physical Manifestations
14:12 The Heart's Role in Women's Health
16:24 Addressing Cardiac Depression
18:52 Personal Reflections on Hormone Therapy
20:44 Healing the Triangle: Heart, Gut, and Hormones
22:42 Practical Steps for Recovery
24:59 Conclusion and Call to Action
References:
ACEs and IBS (2022 Study)
“Adverse Childhood Experiences and Their Effect on Irritable Bowel Syndrome”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9270910/Polyvagal Theory – Deb Dana and Stephen Porges
Official resources and practitioner tools: https://www.rhythmofregulation.com/
Scientific overview: Porges, S. (2011). The Polyvagal Theory: Neurophysiological Foundations of Emotions, Attachment, Communication, Self-regulation
Takotsubo Syndrome (Broken Heart Syndrome)
Mayo Clinic overview:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/broken-heart-syndromeTylenol and Emotional Pain – NYT Article
“Can Tylenol Heal a Broken Heart?”
https://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/05/fashion/breakups-rejection-neuroscience.htmlWomen and Heart Disease – Cleveland Clinic
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/5-things-women-should-know-about-heart-diseaseCDC – ACEs Study Overview
https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/aces/index.htmlEstrobolome and Hormone-Gut Axis
Article on estrogen metabolism and the microbiome:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5541407/More functional medicine perspective: https://www.ifm.org/news-insights/the-estrobolome/
SpeakPipe – Leave a Voice Message for the Podcast
https://www.speakpipe.com/privatepartsofwellnessBooks Mentioned
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
Healing Sex by Staci Haines
Come As You Are by Emily Nagoski
Episode #56 I thought I would talk about stuff I am curious about when it comes to sex, aging, health, and of course menopause.
Have something you are curious about?
Email me at [email protected]
Leave me a voice message.
Keywords: menopause, GLP-1, hormone replacement therapy, health, aging, psilocybin, quality of life, women's health, obesity, mental health
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to PPW
00:01 Exploring GLP-1 Medications
06:16 Hormone Replacement Therapy and GLP-1s
16:19 Menopause and Aging Beyond 65
23:38 The Role of Psilocybin in Mental Health
28:50 Cocoa and Heart Health
32:47 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
References:
Baik, S. H., Baye, F., & McDonald, C. J. (2024). Use of menopausal hormone therapy beyond age 65 years and its effects on women’s health outcomes by types, routes, and doses. Menopause the Journal of the North American Menopause Society, 31(5), 363–371. https://doi.org/10.1097/gme.0000000000002335
Brooks, M. (2025, June 19). One psilocybin dose eases cancer depression over long term. Medscape. https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/one-psilocybin-dose-eases-cancer-depression-over-long-term-2025a1000gd9
Office, B. (2025, April 16). NEW BMS Tool for Clinicians – Use of incretin-based therapies in women using HRT. British Menopause Society. https://thebms.org.uk/2025/04/new-bms-tool-for-clinicians-use-of-incretin-based-therapies-in-women-using-hrt/
Sesso, H. D., Manson, J. E., Aragaki, A. K., Rist, P. M., Johnson, L. G., Friedenberg, G., Copeland, T., Clar, A., Mora, S., Moorthy, M. V., Sarkissian, A., Carrick, W. R., & Anderson, G. L. (2022). Effect of cocoa flavanol supplementation for the prevention of cardiovascular disease events: the Cocoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study (COSMOS) randomized clinical trial. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 115(6), 1490–1500. https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/nqac055
In this Loving Day / Juneteenth / Pride special, host Jessica opens up in a powerful “get to know me” episode that weaves personal history with cultural legacy. From being born into the aftermath of Loving v. Virginia to navigating Gen X skepticism, hot flashes at 43, and queer liberation, this is a story of radical knowing, embodied identity, and unapologetic truth.
Jessica shares how her own hormonal journey—rooted in race, gender, and resistance—informs the way she practices as a menopause specialist, nurse practitioner, and host of Radical Pause Salons.
This episode is not just about where she comes from. It’s about what your body remembers—and what kind of care we all deserve as we age.
Whether you're in menopause, on the cusp, or still learning the language of your body—this one’s for you.
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