“I’m in a phase of my life where I want to f*cking shine. I do not want to shrink.”

Sometimes we just need to admit we’re mad. While society may not always make space for women's anger, when we reflect on the challenges we face today, it can be hard not to feel it. Why do women still carry the heaviest load of care in relationships? Why are we still criticized for our ambition and judged for maintaining our independence?

In today’s conversation, producer Erica joins us as we dive into these questions and more. We’re not holding back, and we’re definitely in our feels. Here’s what we’re unpacking:

• Why women often bear the emotional labor in relationships, managing not just their own feelings but also the well-being and self-esteem of their partners.
• How patriarchy’s grip leaves women shouldering more at home, even in seemingly progressive partnerships.
• How the very traits that make women successful— independence, competence, and resilience— can be weaponized against us.
• Freeing ourselves to express anger to mitigate the build up of stress and resentment.
• Re-examining our relationships with men—not just as wives and mothers, but as individuals who deserve care and support too.
• Exploring financial freedom, communal living, and the pursuit of independence.
• The challenge of finding emotionally intelligent partners who respect boundaries.

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“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 age
• Unpacking 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 life
• Tips to maintaining and ‘rebooting’ long-term relationships
• Cultivating an attuned relationship with your body and the things that bring you pleasure

OUR 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: @askdoctornan
• Facebook: @AskDoctorNan

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If you’ve ever paid attention to female representation in Hollywood or the push for more women filmmakers in entertainment, you’ve likely encountered the work of Melissa Silverstein. As the founder of Women and Hollywood, one of the pioneering platforms advocating for gender diversity in the film industry, Melissa has been a driving force in this movement. She also co-founded the Athena Film Festival, a celebration of female-driven films, established the Girls Club, an online community for women creatives, and hosts the podcast In Her Voice, which offers a behind-the-scenes look at women who make films. A true trailblazer, Melissa has dedicated decades to elevating women and their stories and is now turning the page to focus on her own creative journey.

Join Erin and Melissa as they delve into the importance of creating spaces that spotlight women’s stories and explore the opportunities that arise from challenging the status quo—especially the patriarchy. We discuss:

• The ongoing struggle for women’s stories and representation in the film industry.
• The crucial role of women behind the camera in bringing authentic, diverse narratives to the forefront of entertainment.
• Why it’s essential to see women, especially women of color, in powerful on-screen roles to shift societal attitudes and dismantle patriarchal structures.
• Expanding the conversation on gender representation in media to include trans and non-binary voices.
• The ongoing challenges of getting women’s stories made in Hollywood and the importance of women investing in and supporting each other's projects.
• The current disruption in the media industry and how it creates an opportunity to develop new storytelling models for women over 40.

OUR GUEST: Melissa Silverstein is the founder of Women and Hollywood and the Artistic Director and Co-Founder of The Athena Film Festival at Barnard College. She is also the founder of the Girls Club, an online community for women creatives.

Want more Melissa? Check out Women and Hollywood and the Athena Film Festival and listen to her podcast In Her Voice. Follow her on:

• Instagram:
• @melsil
• @womenandhollywood
• X/Twitter:
• @melsil
• @womenahollywood

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“I want you to know what your options are at this point in your life.”

In this special episode, we’re breaking from our usual format to bring Hotter Than Ever producer, Erica, out from behind the scenes for a candid conversation with Erin about the podcast's journey and it’s future. Inspired by thoughtful feedback from our hottie listeners and Erin’s reflections during this ‘slow-roll summer,’ we’re diving into Erin’s evolving views on midlife, personal transformation, and the unique challenges and opportunities facing women over 40 as we navigate this uncharted chapter of life.

While the road ahead is filled with uncertainty, one thing remains clear: Hotter Than Ever is committed to offering our community not coaching or self-help advice, but a variety of possibilities for thriving in midlife and beyond. Join us as we discuss the themes and ideas that have shaped this podcast and will drive its next evolution, including:

• The myth of “having it all,” its impact on women, and why a stronger support system and equal distribution of labor are essential.
• The feminization of wealth and the potential for women to increasingly step into their power.
• Unpacking the systemic nature of the stresses and challenges women face in midlife.
• Embracing the unknown and discovering new ways to live, even without a clear precedent or roadmap.
• Reconnecting with the joie de vivre of youth, while harnessing the wisdom and experience that comes with midlife.
• Why being in community is vital for our emotional and social well-being.
• What’s next for Hotter Than Ever: a book, live events, stand-up comedy, filmed episodes, partnerships, and more!

Want more Hotter Than Ever? Find us online at www.hotterthaneverpod.com and sign up for our mailing list! 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!

As part of our ‘slow roll summer’ on Hotter Than Ever, we’re revisiting one of our favorite early conversations with Oprah dynasty legend, author, producer and transformation doula Sheri Salata.

In this episode, we explore self-love and renegotiating what life looks like after you’ve achieved your wildest dreams (hint: it’s not over!). We unpack what it means to focus on yourself beyond your work, and what happens when we choose to step out from behind the curtain and into the spotlight. Join us as we discuss:

• The price of amassing conventional success and achievements, and how that factors into our self worth
• Learning how to steward your own wellbeing and ascend beyond people pleasing
• Recovering from self betrayal–in the many forms it takes–and learning how to have your own back
• What it means to choose discomfort in order to continue evolving, releasing, healing and upleveling, until our very last breath
• Getting over the shame that comes with the desire to be front and center, and to have a public voice and presence
• Overcoming chronic dissatisfaction and learning to appreciate the time you have left in this world (and start using it to its fullest)
• Knowing that you can’t complain your way to the life of your dreams. Our actions are completely informed by the stories we tell ourselves, so start telling yourself an incredible story and get going!

Free for Hotter Than Ever listeners! Check out Sheri’s Change 10 Words Workbook using this link.

OUR GUEST: Sheri Salata is an author, world class producer and transformation doula. She is the founder + CEO of The Support System, a global membership group for women dedicated to creating real-life transformation. Sheri’s memoir, The Beautiful No: And Other Tales of Trial, Transcendence and Transformation is an Amazon Editor’s Choice Best Memoir and an Apple Must-Listen audio book. Sheri spent 20 years in the land of Oprah finishing that glorious run as the final Executive Producer of The Oprah Winfrey Show, President of Harpo Studios and President of OWN as captured in the cable hit series Season 25: Oprah Behind The Scenes. Learn more about “The Support System,” Sheri’s global membership group for women empowerment through this link. Check out her incredible memoir, “The Beautiful No” here.

Want more Sheri? Learn more about her here and on https://sherisalata.com/. Follow her on:

• Instagram: @sherisalata
• Facebook: @sherisalatacommunity

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In a world where beauty standards are constantly evolving and societal pressures can feel overwhelming, makeup artist Molly R. Stern brings a refreshing perspective to the conversation. With a career spanning over two decades and a client list that includes some of Hollywood's most iconic faces, Molly has witnessed firsthand the struggles women face with self-perception and the impact of the beauty industry on mental well-being. In this candid and insightful episode Erin and Molly dive deep into the complexities of beauty, aging, and self-love.

Join us for an eye-opening discussion as Molly shares her wisdom on navigating the beauty industry while staying true to oneself. We explore:

• Why negative self-talk is so pervasive among women, regardless of fame, wealth, or appearance and the importance of shifting towards self-love and acceptance.
• The role of societal pressures and marketing in creating insecurity, and how to combat these influences.
• Molly's approach to her work as a makeup artist: prioritizing making her clients feel good about themselves and focusing on their individual needs and empowerment.
• The changing ideals of beauty over time and the importance of being inspired rather than emulating unattainable standards.
• The impact of the body positivity movement, and the rise of weight loss drugs on beauty standards.
• Practical beauty tips, including self-massage and nurturing skincare routines as acts of self-love and self-care.

OUR GUEST: For over 30 years, Molly R. Stern has been a trusted artist and influencer in Hollywood with an engaged social media audience of over 60K followers. Molly has been recognized with numerous industry accolades. She was awarded Makeup Artist of the Year at the prestigious Hollywood Style Awards, and her outstanding makeup on the acclaimed HBO series Big Little Lies was nominated twice for an Emmy. A couture piece from her cult apparel line, m.r.s, was selected for the Goddess exhibition at the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The stunning makeup Molly created for the Disney blockbuster film, A Wrinkle In Time, was immortalized in a collectible signature Barbie doll line by toy manufacturer Mattel. Her #LOVEyourself mantra led to the collaboration with renowned jewelry brand Sarah Chloe. Molly resides in Los Angeles, CA with her husband, 3 children and 2 dogs.

Want more Molly? Find her online at https://www.mollyrstern.com/ and shop her Sarah Cole Love Yourself Collection HERE. Follow her on:

• Instagram: @mollyrstern
• TikTok: @mollyrstern
• Facebook: @MollyRSternMakeup
• X/Twitter: @TheMollyRStern

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“The job of life is to get good at change, because it never stops.”

Why do so many of us resist change instead of embracing it? For our host Erin, life over the past few years has become almost unrecognizable, but in the best way possible. In this episode, she takes us through her journey of navigating and thriving through these shifts. From battling COVID to a complete lifestyle overhaul, Erin explores the evolving landscape of her life and what it means to fully embrace change.

Join Erin as she recounts her experiences of significant personal and professional changes, emerging stronger, more self-assured, and more connected to her desires. We discuss:

• Dismantling the "boxes" society places around us: work, marriage, motherhood
• Staying connected to your desires and being open to new experiences, from romantic adventures to deepening friendships.
• Practical ways to actually ‘thrive in ambiguity’ and embrace the inevitability of change.
• Lessons from various life phases, from parenthood to navigating modern dating.
• Ways to identify and let go of dynamics and situations that no longer serve you, and embrace new, enriching experiences.

Want advice about some aspect of your life over 40? DM us on IG @hotterthaneverpod or text/leave a voicemail on the Hotter Than Ever Hottie Hotline at (323) 844-2303 and your question could end up on the show!

Want more Hotter Than Ever? Find us online at www.hotterthaneverpod.com and sign up for our mailing list! 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!

“I'm striving for excellence, but I'm not pretending to be perfect anymore.”

The Covid-19 pandemic was a watershed moment of change for everyone, reshaping both personal and professional lives. For our host Erin, it catalyzed her divorce and sparked a career pivot that led to the birth of “Hotter Than Ever”. But what major trends emerged post-pandemic that are now influencing how we navigate our next chapters—midlife and beyond?

To explore this, we’re joined by Lori Hamilton, an award-winning writer, director, performer, and insights expert. In this episode, Lori delves into her research, highlighting how the pandemic prompted a reassessment of our relationship with work, redefined our notions of success, and emphasized the value of authentic connections. Erin and Lori also discuss the joy and fulfillment that come from identifying and pursuing your unique talents and finding work that aligns with your core values, moving beyond the pursuit of perfection.

Join us as we embrace authenticity and explore:

• Recognizing and pursuing your true gifts rather than forcing yourself into roles that don’t fit.
• Balancing corporate work with artistic endeavors for a more fulfilling career.
• How sharing vulnerabilities can enhance our well-being and relationships.
• Post-COVID corporate dynamics and the efforts made to shift from perfectionism to authenticity and genuine care in the workplace.
• The importance of aligning your relationship with your employer to your personal values.
• Focusing on relationships and activities that bring true joy and fulfillment, and setting boundaries with those that do not.
• Prioritizing environments that appreciate and value your contributions.

OUR GUEST: Lori Hamilton is an award-winning writer, director, performer, and creator with 69 awards for creative excellence, including 28 for short films. Her work includes Project Spudway, a take off of Project Runway with animated potatoes, to Landalor Industries, a serious corporate satire, to North Star (or what I listened to instead of my intuition), a one-woman show from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, to 150+ short films, comedy bits, TV pilots and feature film scripts.

Want more Lori? Find her online at https://thelorihamilton.com/ and follow her on:

• Instagram: @thelorihamilton
• TikTok: @thelorihamilton
• X/Twitter: @thelorihamilton
• Threads: @thelorihamilton
• LinkedIn: Lori Hamilton

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