The Private Parts of Wellness

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 healthContact: For more insights and to join Jessica's newsletter email her at [email protected]: #BodyImage #Wellness #Menopause #HealthJourneyHere's an old blog post on BDSMRate, review, and share your thoughts on this episode. Let us know what topics you'd like to hear more about!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 SURVEYChapters00:00 Introduction to Healing After Surgery02:39 The Impact of Surgery on Intimacy and Connection04:54 Understanding the Gut-Brain Connection07:22 The Role of Hormones in Recovery09:51 Exploring the Polyvagal Theory11:58 Emotional Pain and Its Physical Manifestations14:12 The Heart's Role in Women's Health16:24 Addressing Cardiac Depression18:52 Personal Reflections on Hormone Therapy20:44 Healing the Triangle: Heart, Gut, and Hormones22:42 Practical Steps for Recovery24:59 Conclusion and Call to ActionReferences: 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 PorgesOfficial resources and practitioner tools: https://www.rhythmofregulation.com/Scientific overview: Porges, S. (2011). The Polyvagal Theory: Neurophysiological Foundations of Emotions, Attachment, Communication, Self-regulationTakotsubo 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 Clinichttps://health.clevelandclinic.org/5-things-women-should-know-about-heart-diseaseCDC – ACEs Study Overviewhttps://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/aces/index.htmlEstrobolome and Hormone-Gut AxisArticle 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 Podcasthttps://www.speakpipe.com/privatepartsofwellnessBooks MentionedThe Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der KolkHealing Sex by Staci HainesCome 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] me a voice message.Keywords: menopause, GLP-1, hormone replacement therapy, health, aging, psilocybin, quality of life, women's health, obesity, mental healthChapters00:00 Introduction to PPW00:01 Exploring GLP-1 Medications06:16 Hormone Replacement Therapy and GLP-1s16:19 Menopause and Aging Beyond 6523:38 The Role of Psilocybin in Mental Health28:50 Cocoa and Heart Health32:47 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsReferences: 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.0000000000002335Brooks, 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-2025a1000gd9Office, 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.🎤 Leave a voice note: speakpipe.com/privatepartsofwellness📸 Instagram: @privatepartsofwellness🌐 Website: privatepartsofwellness.com🔗 Links Mentioned

The Menopause BrainWitches, Midwives, and Nurses