In this episode, we talk to Sairan Aqwari who achieved the American dream by coming from Iraq to build a career in the United States as a successful engineer. It wasn’t an easy transition coming from the Middle East and building a life in the United States, but with dedication and hard work she was able to find here what she had always dreamed about—personal and professional success. Then, suddenly, in midlife, she realized that the messages she and other women were getting about reinventing themselves were negative. She says: “I was navigating feelings of stagnation, questioning whether I was truly living up to my full potential. It was daunting to imagine reinventing myself at a stage in life when many believe it’s too late.” Determined to quiet the negative voices and to help other women do the same, she began coaching women. Her goal is to help them define their passion, recognize their potential, and make an income in their new chapters. You will enjoy our lively conversation with practical tips on how to silence the naysayers, unlock your hidden talents, and begin again.

To learn more about Sairan:

https://www.instagram.com/sairanaqrawi/

It’s not something many of us feel comfortable talking about-sex. But let’s face it, most of us are doing sex wrong. We’ve been fed a bunch of images from movies and media that don’t pan out in the real world. According to recent studies, about 73 percent of women between 48 and 68 are still sexually active, but that number continues to decrease with age according to Harvard Medical School as about 50 percent of them are experiencing some type of sexual dysfunction. Some of this is physical—typically a woman’s libido decreases in menopause with a decrease in estrogen, and these physical changes can lead to painful intercourse. But barriers to sex and intimacy can also be psychological, and this is troubling because there is ample scientific evidence that having real intimacy in our lives is critical to our emotional well-being and longevity.

In this episode, my dear longtime friend Bella Brooks talks about her journey to becoming a newly minted Certified Sex Coach and Sexologist. She explains how she helps people find better connection, intimacy, and pleasure by improving sexual confidence and communication skills. Her goal is to help them redefine relationships and re-frame sexuality on their own terms. What’s missing in your sex life? What do you want to change? Bella has a lot of great wisdom to share on these topics.

SPECIAL CONTENT FOR AGELESS LISTENERS:

Bella Brooks Love Coach - Couples Intimacy Guide Ageless

Bella Brooks Love Coach - Online Dating Survival Guide - Ageless

https://bellabrookslovecoach.com/

There are friends we have for a season in our lives, that we might not see again, but they have a profound impact on us and make us smile when we think of them. There are lifelong friends, people who knew you “when.” They know your history, your stories, and they love every version of you without judgment. Even if you don’t see them often, your bond remains strong forever. And then there are adult friends, friends that might not have been there from the start, but once you meet them, you can’t imagine your life without them. They walk with you through decades sharing experiences, confidences, and the daily ups and downs of life.

My original idea for this episode was to simply to explore the friendships between women and gay men. Why are these friendships so common, especially in midlife, and why are they so important to us as women, and to the men we share these friendships with?

But what I discovered in my conversation with longtime friends John Mitterling and Karen Livingston is something far deeper than a surface exploration of this topic. In our very raw interview, John vulnerably shares his painful journey to coming out to the world as a gay man and how Karen was by his side with compassion every step of the way, without judgment, to lift him up. Join me for this profound exploration of friendship and how it can enrich, and sometimes, even save our lives.

LINKS FOR SHOW NOTES:

www.harmonync.org

www.voicestogether.org