{"podcast":{"title":"Hit Play Not Pause","slug":"hit-play-not-pause-1366847","podcast_index_feed_id":1366847,"rss_url":"https://feeds.captivate.fm/hit-play-not-pause/","website_url":"https://www.feistymenopause.com/","image_url":"https://artwork.captivate.fm/bda8ab9d-7e6f-4666-a4c0-b9a8589fae77/Hit-Play-Not-Pause-Podcast-Cover.jpg","author":"Hit Play Not Pause","episode_count":300,"summary":"Perimenopause and menopause hit active women differently. We have a different lifestyle and different goals. And we know our bodies. Whether you run and hike or do CrossFit and ski (or a little of everything!), you’ve had a way of eating and exercising that worked…until the menopause transition, when it all goes out the window as body composition changes, fatigue, body aches, sleepless nights, hot flashes, brain fog, mood swings, and low mojo blindside you out of the blue—despite doing everything right. Your doctor may (or may not) help with hormone replacement therapy. But what about all the active stuff you love? You’re already exercising and eating well. What you want is to feel and perform like you used to. That doesn’t mean fasting, swearing off carbs for life, or just slowing down. It means adjusting your nutrition, training, recovery, and mindset to work with your changing physiology as you hit this phase of life. And we’re here for it. At Hit Play Not Pause, we know the potential of women in their 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond, because we talk to elite athletes and everyday active women who are still hitting personal bests along with world-renowned sports dietitians, researche…","last_synced_at":null,"page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/hit-play-not-pause-1366847"},"episode":{"title":"Why So Many Midlife Women Stop Wanting Sex—and What Helps with Cindy Scharkey, RN, BSN, PHN (Episode 261)","slug":"why-so-many-midlife-women-stop-wanting-sex-and-what-helps-with-cindy-scharkey-rn-bsn-phn-episode-261","published_at":"2026-02-11T07:00:00+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/hit-play-not-pause-1366847/why-so-many-midlife-women-stop-wanting-sex-and-what-helps-with-cindy-scharkey-rn-bsn-phn-episode-261","show_page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/hit-play-not-pause-1366847","url":"https://www.feistymenopause.com/","audio_url":"https://pscrb.fm/rss/p/pdst.fm/e/pdcn.co/e/episodes.captivate.fm/episode/f65ae6dd-7faf-470a-aabf-e9c72cb2ae80.mp3","summary":"Midlife and menopause can bring real physical and psychological changes that affect libido, arousal, and pleasure—but that doesn’t mean desire or a satisfying sex life are destined to disappear. This week we sat down with registered nurse and Permission for Pleasure author Cindy Scharkey to unpack what actually happens to desire, arousal, pleasure, and our bodies as we move through perimenopause, menopause, and beyond. We explore why so many women stop wanting sex in midlife, how hormones, stress, body image, and long-term relationships play a role, and why waiting to be “in the mood” often doesn’t work anymore (and more importantly, what does). Cindy Scharkey, RN, BSN, PHN, is a healthcare professional with almost 4 decades of experience. Throughout her career as a Certified Childbirth Educator, OB/GYN nurse and speaker, she has been consistently exposed to the taboos and silence surrounding women’s sexuality. Cindy is passionate about providing women with the content and self-confidence they need to find freedom on their own sexual wellness journey. As the author of Permission for Pleasure: Tending Your Sexual Garden, and Host of the Permission for Pleasure podcast, Cindy offers education and conversations about expressing, experiencing and enjoying your sexuality. You can learn more about her, her book, and her work at www.cindyscharkey.com Sign up for our FREE Feisty 40+ newsletter: https://feisty.co/feisty-40/ Join Feisty at the Grand Traverse in Duluth, MN on October 3rd! Use code FEISTY20 for $20 off when you register at https://feisty.co/events/the-grand-traverse/ Learn More about our 2026 Feisty Events, including Bike Camps and Cycling Trips: https://feisty.co/events/ Follow Us on Instagram: Feisty Menopause: @feistymenopause Hit Play Not Pause Facebook Group:…","meta_description":"Midlife and menopause can bring real physical and psychological changes that affect libido, arousal, and pleasure—but that doesn’t mean desire or a satisf…","key_points":[],"chapters":[],"topics":[],"duration_seconds":3625,"processing_state":"not_requested","actions":[{"name":"request_transcript","method":"POST","url":"https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/hit-play-not-pause-1366847/episodes/why-so-many-midlife-women-stop-wanting-sex-and-what-helps-with-cindy-scharkey-rn-bsn-phn-episode-261/transcription-requests","description":"Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode."},{"name":"read_markdown","method":"GET","url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/hit-play-not-pause-1366847/why-so-many-midlife-women-stop-wanting-sex-and-what-helps-with-cindy-scharkey-rn-bsn-phn-episode-261.md","description":"Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource."}]}}