Rediscovering Desire: A Conversation with Sex Educator Pamela Madsen (S5 | E185)

[Tessa] In this episode of Open Nesters, we celebrate the fifth anniversary of our podcast with a revisit to one of our most impactful episodes featuring Pamela Madsen, a notable author and educator known for her work in sensuality and personal growth. I have the privilege of having Pamela share her insights into the liberating journey of embracing our somatic truth as we age, which is particularly resonant for women in their 40s, 50s, and 60s who find themselves navigating transitions in both body and relationships.

Eroticism doesn’t fade with age—it evolves. Reclaiming our bodies and desires in midlife isn’t indulgent; it’s essential for living fully and authentically. FOLLOW PAMELA MADSEN ON FACEBOOK .dt-shortcode-soc-icons.soc-icons-6d3d70cdad80c3022dac88b2b035272f a { margin-right: 4px; } .dt-shortcode-soc-icons a.soc-icons-6d3d70cdad80c3022dac88b2b035272f { margin-right: 4px; } .dt-shortcode-soc-icons a.soc-icons-6d3d70cdad80c3022dac88b2b035272f:last-child { margin-right: 0; } .dt-shortcode-soc-icons a.soc-icons-6d3d70cdad80c3022dac88b2b035272f:before, .dt-shortcode-soc-icons a.soc-icons-6d3d70cdad80c3022dac88b2b035272f:after { padding: inherit; } .dt-shortcode-soc-icons a.soc-icons-6d3d70cdad80c3022dac88b2b035272f.dt-icon-border-on:before { border: solid ; } .dt-shortcode-soc-icons a.soc-icons-6d3d70cdad80c3022dac88b2b035272f.dt-icon-hover-border-on:after { border: solid ; } .dt-shortcode-soc-icons a.single-soc-icon-f52e0912b6431e095596143251d4d313 { min-width: 130px; min-height: 130px; font-size: 80px; border-radius: 100px; } .dt-shortcode-soc-icons a.single-soc-icon-f52e0912b6431e095596143251d4d313:last-child { margin-right: 0; } .dt-shortcode-soc-icons a.single-soc-icon-f52e0912b6431e095596143251d4d313:before, .dt-shortcode-soc-icons a.single-soc-icon-f52e0912b6431e095596143251d4d313:after { min-width: 130px; min-height: 130px; padding: inherit; } .dt-shortcode-soc-icons a.single-soc-icon-f52e0912b6431e095596143251d4d313.dt-icon-border-on:before { border: 6px solid ; } .dt-shortcode-soc-icons a.single-soc-icon-f52e0912b6431e095596143251d4d313.dt-icon-hover-border-on:after { border: 6px solid ; } .dt-shortcode-soc-icons a.single-soc-icon-f52e0912b6431e095596143251d4d313:hover { font-size: 80px; } #page .dt-shortcode-soc-icons a.single-soc-icon-f52e0912b6431e095596143251d4d313:hover .soc-font-icon, #phantom .dt-shortcode-soc-icons a.single-soc-icon-f52e0912b6431e095596143251d4d313:hover .soc-font-icon, #page .dt-shortcode-soc-icons a.single-soc-icon-f52e0912b6431e095596143251d4d313:hover .soc-icon, #phantom .dt-shortcode-soc-icons a.single-soc-icon-f52e0912b6431e095596143251d4d313:hover .soc-icon { color: rgba(255,255,255,0.75); background: none; } #page .dt-shortcode-soc-icons a.single-soc-icon-f52e0912b6431e095596143251d4d313:not(:hover) .soc-font-icon, #phantom .dt-shortcode-soc-icons a.single-soc-icon-f52e0912b6431e095596143251d4d313:not(:hover) .soc-font-icon, #page .dt-shortcode-soc-icons a.single-soc-icon-f52e0912b6431e095596143251d4d313:not(:hover) .soc-icon, #phantom .dt-shortcode-soc-icons a.single-soc-icon-f52e0912b6431e095596143251d4d313:not(:hover) .soc-icon { color: #ffffff; background: none; } .dt-shortcode-soc-icons a.single-soc-icon-f52e0912b6431e095596143251d4d313 .soc-font-icon, .dt-shortcode-soc-icons a.single-soc-icon-f52e0912b6431e095596143251d4d313 .soc-icon { font-size: 80px; }

Pamela opens up about her experiences and her undeniable passion for helping women reclaim their bodies and sensuality. She highlights the importance of transitioning through different life stages, from raising children to rediscovering individual desires and needs. Our conversation delves deep into the significance of returning to our bodies and the ways in which practices of mindfulness and play can facilitate this journey. She emphasizes that eroticism and the exploration of intimacy are not limited to the younger years; rather, they continue to evolve and can be rejuvenating even in midlife.

Empowerment and Self-Exploration

Central to our discussion are the themes of empowerment and self-exploration. Pamela shares how many women arrive at her retreats dealing with trauma, body image issues, or simply feeling disconnected from their sensual selves. There is a focus on the somatic aspect of self-care, with Pamela providing examples of how women can learn to find pleasure within themselves. We discuss the methodologies employed at her retreats, including directed touch and mindful exploration, fostering a supportive environment where women can feel safe to engage with their bodies without judgment.

Moreover, Pamela elaborates on the unique challenges that arise as we age, such as societal conditioning and personal fears about sexuality and desirability. We explore how these fears can lead to narratives around boredom in relationships or a decline in sexual vitality. Pamela passionately encourages listeners to break free from these limiting beliefs, suggesting that a renewed connection to our erotic selves offers a wealth of vitality and is crucial for maintaining a dynamic and fulfilling life.

Her insights challenge the conventional views on aging and sexuality, urging listeners to view each relationship stage as an ongoing opportunity for exploration and reinvention. The conversation also touches on the dynamics of couples navigating these changes together, underscoring the benefit of open communication and the exploration of desires as a shared journey.

As we revisit this powerful episode, I encourage listeners to reflect on their own experiences and consider how they can embrace openness, sensuality, and personal growth in this unique chapter of life. Whether you’re tuning in again or for the first time, Pamela’s message about self-discovery and bodily acceptance remains as relevant as ever. Let’s dive into this enriching dialogue and explore how we can all open up to new possibilities within ourselves and our relationships.

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