

You Are Not Broken
Kelly Casperson, MD
Welcome to the podcast that rewrites everything you thought you knew about sex, hormones, and midlife. I help women—and the people who love them—reconnect with their bodies, their minds, and their partners through science, mindset, and a whole lot of humor. Whether you’re navigating perimenopause, rediscovering desire, or just curious what’s possible, this show will remind you: you are not broken. (No medical advice here, just truth bombs and good conversation.)
Episodes
Mentioned books

15 snips
Jul 6, 2025 • 49min
325. Sex, Safety and Embodied Intimacy
Join the insightful Whitni Miller, a queer sex educator and pleasure coach, as she delves into the nuances of intimacy, safety, and desire. She emphasizes that safety, rather than spontaneity, is key to great sex. Whitni discusses the importance of non-sexual touch in long-term relationships and how queer identities reclaim authenticity. She unpacks the myths around responsive desire and pleasure, offers insights for late bloomers, and advocates for trauma-informed sex education, all while tackling the challenges of sharing valuable knowledge in a censored digital landscape.

Jun 29, 2025 • 1h 10min
324. Perimenopause is Real
In this enlightening discussion, Jackie Piasta, a women's health nurse practitioner, shares her expertise on the often-misunderstood phase of perimenopause. She highlights how symptoms like migraines, mood swings, and disrupted sleep can start in your 30s, challenging common myths that keep women silent. Jackie advocates for a shift from a birth control mindset to hormone optimization, emphasizing the importance of personalized care and emerging treatments. With fascinating patient cases, she offers valuable insights for women seeking answers during this critical transition.

Jun 22, 2025 • 45min
323. Sexual Healing After Cancer
In this episode, I sit down with Erin Sullivan Wagner for a raw and powerful conversation about something that’s too often ignored—sexual health in the context of cancer. Erin shares her personal experience with anal cancer, and what it was like to navigate the trauma of diagnosis and treatment while also feeling abandoned when it came to intimacy and her sexual well-being.
We talk about the gaps in cancer care, especially when it comes to women. Why is it that sexual health is often dismissed or completely left out of the conversation? Erin and I unpack how deeply cultural biases and medical liability fears impact the way sexual health is (or isn’t) addressed—especially for women.
We also dive into the concept of prehabilitation—starting sexual health conversations before treatment begins—and why it's critical that providers get educated and empowered to offer resources, referrals, and support for their patients. Because survivorship isn’t just about staying alive—it’s about staying connected to your body, your relationships, and your pleasure.
This is the conversation I wish every oncology team would hear.
Cancer profoundly affects sexual health, yet it’s often ignored.
Erin’s story is a powerful reminder of the trauma that comes with being left in the dark.
There’s a huge disconnect in how cancer care approaches female sexuality.
Male sexual health gets prioritized—female sexual health, not so much.
So many patients feel invisible when it comes to intimacy concerns.
These conversations need to happen early, not after damage has been done.
Cultural discomfort and medical fear of liability keep people from addressing sex.
Women are rarely told what to expect sexually after cancer treatment.
Quality of life includes sex, pleasure, and connection.
We have to normalize sexual health in survivorship care.
When we ignore it, the damage can be long-lasting and irreversible.
Emotional intimacy matters as much as physical recovery.
Prehabilitation should be standard practice.
Providers need training—patients need validation and direction.
Advocacy matters. This change starts with conversations like this.
Youtube
video - Erins Story
https://www.aftercancer.co/
https://allofmeiowa.org/
Want more honest, empowering conversations like this one?Preorder my Next Book share this episode, and leave a review to help others find this important work. Let's stop leaving women out of the conversation—especially when it comes to sex, health, and healing.
Listen to my Tedx Talk: Why we need adult sex ed
Take my Adult Sex Ed Master Class:
My Website
Interested in my sexual health and hormone clinic? Waitlist is open
To learn more about GennaMD by Solv Wellness, visit gennaMD.com for 20% off your first order. For an additional $5 off, use coupon code DRKELLY5. Providers can request patient education materials or samples at gennaMDHCP.com.
Thanks to our sponsor Midi Women's Health. Designed by midlife experts, delivered by experienced clinicians, covered by insurance.Midi is the first virtual care clinic made exclusively for women 40+. Evidence-based treatments. Personalized midlife care.https://www.joinmidi.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 15, 2025 • 43min
322. Surgical Menopause - A Personal Narrative
In this episode, number 322, I sit down with sex therapist Dr. Juliana Hauser for a deeply personal and powerful conversation about her experience with surgical menopause. She opens up about the decision-making process around her hysterectomy—what led her there, what she wishes she'd known beforehand, and how it impacted her physically, emotionally, and sexually.
We discuss the importance of thoroughly understanding your hysterectomy options—not all procedures are the same, and having the right information can make a significant difference. Dr. Hauser shares how guided imagery became a key part of her healing process, and we dive into the complicated (and often frustrating) world of hormone therapy.
She also brings up the role of doulas—not just for birth, but for menopause—highlighting how emotional support can be just as essential as medical care. We explore why open communication in relationships matters so much, especially when it comes to sexual confidence and intimacy post-surgery.
This conversation is raw, real, and full of wisdom for anyone navigating hormonal changes, recovery after hysterectomy, or simply learning to advocate for themselves in a system that doesn’t always listen.
https://dr-juliana.com/
https://flourishwholehealth.com/
Order my book "You Are Not Broken: Stop "Should-ing" All Over You Sex Life" and "Menopause Moment: Science, Hormones and Mindset for Optimal Longevity"
Listen to my Tedx Talk: Why we need adult sex ed
Take my Adult Sex Ed Master Class:
My Website
Interested in my sexual health and hormone clinic? Waitlist is open
To learn more about GennaMD by Solv Wellness, visit gennaMD.com for 20% off your first order. For an additional $5 off, use coupon code DRKELLY5. Providers can request patient education materials or samples at gennaMDHCP.com.
Thanks to our sponsor Midi Women's Health. Designed by midlife experts, delivered by experienced clinicians, covered by insurance.Midi is the first virtual care clinic made exclusively for women 40+. Evidence-based treatments. Personalized midlife care.https://www.joinmidi.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 8, 2025 • 55min
321. Joy, Burnout, and Being Real in Medicine with Dr. Tiffany Moon
Welcome back! In this episode 321, I sit down with the incredible Dr. Tiffany Moon—an anesthesiologist, mom, entrepreneur, and yes, former Real Housewife. We delve into what it truly means to find joy in midlife and how social media often distorts our perception of happiness. Tiffany gets real about the pressure so many professionals—especially women in medicine—feel to "do it all" and how that expectation can lead straight to burnout.
We talk about the addiction to busyness, the cultural layers that shape how we view therapy, and the wild (and often hilarious) intersection of medicine and reality TV. We also touch on AI’s growing presence in healthcare and what it means to redefine professionalism in today’s world.
This one’s about self-trust, self-acceptance, and not waiting to enjoy your life. Dr. Tiffany brings humor, honesty, and a refreshing dose of perspective to a conversation that every working woman—especially in medicine—needs to hear.
Joy Prescriptions by Dr. Moon
Order my book "You Are Not Broken: Stop "Should-ing" All Over You Sex Life" and "Menopause Moment: Science, Hormones and Mindset for Optimal Longevity"
Listen to my Tedx Talk: Why we need adult sex ed
Take my Adult Sex Ed Master Class:
My Website
Interested in my sexual health and hormone clinic? Waitlist is open
To learn more about GennaMD by Solv Wellness, visit gennaMD.com for 20% off your first order. For an additional $5 off, use coupon code DRKELLY5. Providers can request patient education materials or samples at gennaMDHCP.com.
Thanks to our sponsor Midi Women's Health. Designed by midlife experts, delivered by experienced clinicians, covered by insurance.Midi is the first virtual care clinic made exclusively for women 40+. Evidence-based treatments. Personalized midlife care.https://www.joinmidi.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 1, 2025 • 39min
320. New GSM Guidelines: Science, Safety, and Speaking Up
Dive into the latest guidelines on Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM). Discover why education on hormonal changes is crucial and how to have open conversations with healthcare providers. Explore effective treatment options including vaginal estrogen, even for cancer survivors. Learn about the significance of pelvic exams and non-hormonal treatments. This is not just about health—it's about enhancing your quality of life and intimacy. Grab your voice and make informed choices for your well-being.

May 25, 2025 • 39min
319. ISSWSH: "Because We Don't Hate Women"
Hey friends!
In this episode, I’m joined by the amazing Dr. Heather Quaile, DNP, as we dive into all things ISSWSH — that's short for the International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health (try saying that five times fast). We talk about how this incredible organization has exploded in size and why that matters for women everywhere.
We get into the power of staying curious in sexual medicine, why funding research is still such a grind, and how hormones — yes, especially testosterone — play a huge role in sexual function. Heather and I also share some of our favorite takeaways from recent ISSWSH conferences, like new ways of looking at orgasm and sexual dysfunction that actually make sense.
We don't shy away from the hard stuff either — off-label meds, outdated guidelines, and the frustrating lack of clarity around hormone therapy. But more than anything, this convo is about how we, as healthcare professionals, need to collaborate and push for change that reflects real women’s needs.
If you’re curious about the future of female sexual medicine or just want to hear two clinicians geek out over the latest research, this episode is for you.
Let’s get into it!
www.isswsh.org
https://theshowcenter.com/
Sedona in October - ONE slot left: https://www.ascendretreats.com/menopause-and-sexual-health-2025
Order my book "You Are Not Broken: Stop "Should-ing" All Over You Sex Life" and "Menopause Moment: Science, Hormones and Mindset for Optimal Longevity"
Listen to my Tedx Talk: Why we need adult sex ed
Take my Adult Sex Ed Master Class:
My Website
Interested in my sexual health and hormone clinic? Waitlist is open
To learn more about GennaMD by Solv Wellness, visit gennaMD.com for 20% off your first order. For an additional $5 off, use coupon code DRKELLY5. Providers can request patient education materials or samples at gennaMDHCP.com.
Thanks to our sponsor Midi Women's Health. Designed by midlife experts, delivered by experienced clinicians, covered by insurance.Midi is the first virtual care clinic made exclusively for women 40+. Evidence-based treatments. Personalized midlife care.https://www.joinmidi.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

97 snips
May 18, 2025 • 1h 35min
318. How (AND WHY) To Prescribe Hormones
Dive into the fascinating world of hormone therapy, covering everything from effective dosing to administration routes. Uncover the truth behind common misconceptions, particularly regarding DHEA and estrogen during perimenopause. Explore how hormonal treatments can impact migraines and overall women's health. The discussion also highlights the importance of gender equity in medicine, advocating for better education on testosterone prescriptions. Join the conversation about empowering women with the knowledge they need for hormonal health.

May 12, 2025 • 1h 8min
317. This Is Not Your Mother’s Menopause: Sex, Science, and Society
This episode is from an interview I did with Dr. Shauna Watts while in Austraila for her podcast, "All About You With Dr. Shauna Watts"
This conversation delves into the complexities of menopause, hormone therapy, and the societal perceptions surrounding them. We discuss the misconceptions about menopause, the evolutionary perspective, and the naturalistic fallacy that often leads women to avoid hormone replacement therapy. We also explore the stigma surrounding men's health issues, particularly testosterone treatment, and the importance of education in making informed choices about hormone therapy. Additionally, the discussion touches on interstitial cystitis, bladder cancer risk factors, and the benefits of rucking for women's health. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of women's sexual health, focusing on libido, the impact of menopause, and the societal pressures surrounding body image and sexual desire. We discuss the importance of education and resources for understanding sexual health, as well as the challenges faced by women in navigating their sexual experiences. The conversation emphasizes the need for open dialogue about sexual health and the normalization of women's experiences.
https://www.allaboutyoupod.com/
Sedona in October - only two slots left: https://www.ascendretreats.com/menopause-and-sexual-health-2025
Order my book "You Are Not Broken: Stop "Should-ing" All Over You Sex Life" and "Menopause Moment: Science, Hormones and Mindset for Optimal Longevity"
Listen to my Tedx Talk: Why we need adult sex ed
Take my Adult Sex Ed Master Class:
My Website
Interested in my sexual health and hormone clinic? Waitlist is open
To learn more about GennaMD by Solv Wellness, visit gennaMD.com for 20% off your first order. For an additional $5 off, use coupon code DRKELLY5. Providers can request patient education materials or samples at gennaMDHCP.com.
Thanks to our sponsor Midi Women's Health. Designed by midlife experts, delivered by experienced clinicians, covered by insurance.Midi is the first virtual care clinic made exclusively for women 40+. Evidence-based treatments. Personalized midlife care.https://www.joinmidi.com
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 4, 2025 • 54min
316. The Alcohol Free Advantage
In this powerful episode, Dr. Kelly Casperson sits down with James Swanwick, alcohol-free advocate and entrepreneur, to unravel the truth about alcohol's impact on our health, relationships, and society. With 15 years of alcohol-free living under his belt, James shares how choosing not to drink isn’t about loss—it's about liberation.
Together, they explore the deeply ingrained cultural narratives that glamorize alcohol and the neuroscience behind why our brains keep reaching for that next drink. From celebrity endorsements to outdated health myths, James and Kelly challenge the illusion that alcohol equals a good life.
This conversation is packed with truth bombs, science, and personal insight into why being alcohol-free can unlock clarity, presence, and purpose—especially for high achievers and anyone craving a more fulfilling life.
What You'll Learn:
Why “alcohol-free” is a powerful choice—not a limitation
How cultural conditioning has normalized drinking from a young age
The truth about alcohol and brain degeneration
The real story behind alcohol and heart health myths
How dopamine drives alcohol cravings
The link between alcohol and dementia, anxiety, and relational breakdowns
Why more high performers are choosing sobriety for clarity and focus
How to confidently navigate social events without alcohol
The role of community in embracing a sober-curious or alcohol-free lifestyle
Why societal change around alcohol is already happening
Key Takeaways:
Alcohol-free is a choice, not a lamentation.
No amount of alcohol is beneficial for your health.
Drinking can disrupt relationships, performance, and mental clarity.
Alcohol is a drug—marketed as a reward but loaded with consequences.
Society is slowly waking up to the truth: we don’t need alcohol to celebrate, connect, or succeed.
Resources & Links:
Learn more about James Swanwick and his alcohol-free programs at jamesswanwick.com
Clear book by James Swanwick
To learn more about GennaMD by Solv Wellness, visit gennaMD.com for 20% off your first order. For an additional $5 off, use coupon code DRKELLY5. Providers can request patient education materials or samples at gennaMDHCP.com.
Thanks to our sponsor Midi Women's Health. Designed by midlife experts, delivered by experienced clinicians, covered by insurance.Midi is the first virtual care clinic made exclusively for women 40+. Evidence-based treatments. Personalized midlife care.https://www.joinmidi.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices


