About the Guest:

Dr. Patricia Weerakoon is a renowned sexologist, author, and speaker known for her expertise in human sexuality, relationships, and sexual health. She has an extensive background in clinical practice and academic teaching, delivering lectures and seminars worldwide. Dr. Weerakoon has authored numerous books and articles on sexual health and is known for integrating scientific knowledge with relational and ethical insights.

Key Takeaways:

• Fluidity in Sexual Orientations: Women's sexual orientations can often be more fluid, leading to shifts in preferences over time.

• Mixed Orientation Marriages: In these heterosexual marriages, where one spouse is same-sex attracted, can still thrive with open communication and mutual respect.

• Social and Emotional Impact: Discovering a spouse's changed sexual orientation or gender identity affects not just the couple but the entire family unit.

• Importance of Community Support: Churches and social groups can offer crucial support in dealing with these complex changes.

• Communication is Key: Open dialogue and possibly counseling can help navigate the emotional landscape of shifting sexual orientations and gender identities.

Notable Quotes:

1. "You get up in the morning and you find a pansexual next to you. It’s almost like you get up in the morning and you find a turkey next to you or something." - Dr. Patricia Weerakoon

2. "Women are more fluid in their sexual orientation, and therefore, it could actually be looking at, I'm bored with my husband, and here’s my best friend." - Dr. Patricia Weerakoon

3. "Men from about their teenage years are actually turned on by the feeling, the fantasy of themselves as a woman." - Dr. Patricia Weerakoon

4. "We worship a good God. There are couples who are mixed orientation marriages doing really well." - Dr. Patricia Weerakoon

5. "Human beings are kind of fabulously amazing that we care more about the human being, especially women." - Dr. Amelia Haines

Resources:

• Dr. Patricia Weerakoon's Website: Patricia Weerakoon | Christian Sexologist & Author

Click here to contact Janet & Amelia or ask them a question or click here to contact the She Wasn't Born Yesterday team!

She Wasn’t Born Yesterday, hosted by Janet Evans, a former M&C Saatchi advertising creative and Dr Amelia Haines, a sexual and relationship therapist, who have written Australia’s first book on empty nest syndrome called Empty Next.

Visit Empty Nest Chicks for more resources, click here for their book, or join the discussion on Facebook.

Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram.

Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

HEADSUP!!! Episode Release this Thursday: Who Is This Person in My Bed with Dr. Patricia Weerakoon.

This pre-episode chat dives into the complex and often emotionally charged topic of changing sexual orientations within a relationship.

Janet shares a story about a friend's surprising marital revelation. After a glitter-filled party, her friend's husband discloses that he is transgender, dressed in her clothing and accessories. This revelation shocks both partners, leading to a rollercoaster of emotions and eventually a divorce. Dr. Amelia Haines provides her professional perspective on such life-altering moments, emphasizing the enormous psychological impact it has on both individuals involved. They discuss whether relationships can survive such a profound shift, shedding light on real-life examples and expert opinions.

Click here to contact Janet & Amelia or ask them a question or click here to contact the She Wasn't Born Yesterday team!

She Wasn’t Born Yesterday, hosted by Janet Evans, a former M&C Saatchi advertising creative and Dr Amelia Haines, a sexual and relationship therapist, who have written Australia’s first book on empty nest syndrome called Empty Next.

Visit Empty Nest Chicks for more resources, click here for their book, or join the discussion on Facebook.

Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram.

Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

About the Hosts:

Janet Evans is an ex-M&C Saatchi advertising creative with a successful history in the industry, having won numerous radio and TV awards. Her expertise and creativity have been recognized in media beyond advertising.

Dr. Amelia Haines is an experienced medical doctor with 30 years of experience, specializing in sexual health, mental health, and relationship counseling. She brings her extensive medical knowledge to a wider audience through her public speaking and written work.

Episode Summary:

In this final episode in Season 1 of “She Wasn’t Born Yesterday,” Janet Evans and Dr. Amelia Haines explore the universally challenging transition known as the 'Empty Nest Syndrome'. This podcast promises to be a sanctuary for women over 40 who are navigating the complexities of life after their children have flown the coop. With a blend of humor, medical insights, and real-life experiences, the hosts delve into the emotional turbulence that often accompanies this significant life stage.

Janet and Amelia offer personal anecdotes and professional advice, discussing how sudden changes, such as children leaving home, can impact parents. They touch on the varying degrees of adjustment disorders, the importance of maintaining a strong relationship with one’s partner throughout parenting, and the need for personal fulfillment beyond child-rearing. With their book “Empty Next” as a backdrop, they provide honest reflections on coping with change, managing relationships post-parenting, and redefining oneself in the face of an empty home.

Key Takeaways:

• Empty nest syndrome, while not an official medical syndrome, is widely recognized as an adjustment disorder with a varying impact on parents when children leave home.
• The syndrome can last for a relatively short duration but has the potential to lead to depression if not addressed.
• Maintaining and nurturing the spousal relationship during child-rearing years is critical for the transition to post-parenting life.
• Engaging in personal interests and community connection is vital for newly emptied nesters to find fulfillment and establish a new sense of identity.
• Cultural perspectives on empty nest syndrome provide a diverse understanding of this global phenomenon.

Notable Quotes:

• Dr. Amelia Haines on the inevitability of children leaving home: “I think I’ve always just been aware that that’s what life does.”
• Janet Evans on the unanticipated nature of her son leaving: “I just sailed along, not really… It never crossed my mind.”
• Janet Evans on maintaining a connection with grown-up children: “I think one thing that I missed the most was the shift from being his somewhat of a confidant.”
• Dr. Amelia Haines on in-law relationships: “It’s hard to get on with, […] You need to be super generous.”

Resources:

• The hosts discuss their collaborative book titled “Empty Next,” available for purchase on Amazon.

For more episodes and insightful conversations, follow our podcast and join us on our journey to explore life’s adventures and complexities for women 40+ fabulous!

Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.