“We need to understand that pleasure is not a luxury—it’s a necessity for sending good signals back to the brain.”When Dr. Nan Wise had a panic attack at just 21 years old, it sparked her lifelong fascination with the brain. Today, as a seasoned behavioral neuroscientist and sex therapist, Dr. Nan is at the forefront of research exploring the deep connection between sex, pleasure, and brain health, particularly as we age. Her studies have uncovered the vital role that orgasms play in boosting oxygen flow to the brain, underscoring the critical role pleasure plays in our overall well-being.Join Erin and Dr. Nan for an eye-opening conversation about the transformative power of pleasure and how it can help us cultivate healthier, more fulfilling relationships with ourselves and others as we grow older.Pleasure isn't a luxury—it's essential for a healthy brain and maintaining well-being.Why many women experience better sex as they ageUnpacking elements of modern life that diminish our ability to experience genuine pleasure.The importance of engaging in pleasurable activities for managing anxiety, depression, and stress.Why active sexual desire isn't necessary for a healthy sex lifeTips to maintaining and ‘rebooting’ long-term relationships Cultivating an attuned relationship with your body and the things that bring you pleasureOUR GUEST: Dr. Nan Wise is a licensed psychotherapist, cognitive neuroscientist, certified sex therapist, and clinical hypnotherapist with 30 years of experience. Motivated by a deep curiosity about the brain's role in shaping moods and behaviors, she earned a Ph.D. in cognitive neuroscience from Rutgers-Newark in 2014. Her research, particularly her fMRI study on female orgasm, has filled critical gaps in understanding the neural basis of human sexuality, attracting international recognition. Dr. Nan’s journey is rooted in both personal and professional experiences, having faced anxiety from a young age and turning her challenges into a lifelong pursuit of emotional well-being.Want more Dr. Nan? Find her online and get a free consultation at https://askdoctornan.com and read her book Why Good Sex Matters. Follow her on: Instagram: @askdoctornan X/Twitter: @askdoctornanFacebook: @AskDoctorNan Want more Hotter Than Ever? Subscribe to the Hotter Than Ever Substack to dive deeper. Find episode transcripts at www.hotterthaneverpod.com Follow us on:Instagram: @hotterthaneverpod TikTok: @hotterthaneverpod Youtube: @hotterthaneverpod Facebook: @hotterthaneverpod Follow Hotter Than Ever wherever you listen to podcasts - we’re on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and more! That way you’ll never miss an episode. We’d love to hear what you think about the show - it helps us know what stories are resonating with you. DM us on Instagram and write us a review!Mentioned in this episode:Broad CollectiveLearn more about Broad Collective and our membership network for midlife women entrepreneurs at broadcollective.com. Apply to join Broad Collective at https://broad-collective-co.mn.co/landing