Talk with Tara | Divorce, Dating & Women’s Midlife Reinvention

For many women, midlife brings unexpected questions about confidence, attraction, dating, relationships, and intimacy.
After years of raising children, navigating careers, or leaving long marriages, many women find themselves wondering how to reconnect with themselves and what intimacy looks like in this next chapter.
In this candid conversation, intimacy expert Susan Bratton joins me to talk about why confidence is more attractive than perfection, how women can communicate what they want without hurting their partner's feelings, and why many of us have been taught to think about intimacy in ways that simply don't serve us anymore. She tells us exactly what men want. It may not be what you think. 
We also dive into women's sexual wellness, body confidence, dating after divorce, and the science behind maintaining intimacy as we age.
Whether you're happily partnered, newly dating, or simply curious about this stage of life, this conversation is honest, practical, and full of insights that every woman deserves to hear.
In this episode we discuss:
• Why confidence becomes more attractive than youth• Dating and intimacy after divorce• How to tell your partner what you like without embarrassment• The biggest communication mistakes couples make• Body image and learning to feel comfortable in your own skin• Why women and men experience desire differently• The importance of slowing down and building connection• Vaginal health, hormones, blood flow, and intimacy after menopause• Practical ways to improve intimacy and sexual wellness• How to build stronger relationships through honest communication
About Susan Bratton
Susan Bratton is a leading intimacy educator, bestselling author, and advocate for lifelong sexual wellness. She has authored dozens of books and educational programs and has appeared on more than 1,000 podcasts, television shows, and media outlets, helping millions of people build healthier, happier intimate relationships.
Connect with Susan
Website: BetterLover.com, SexualSoulmatePact.com
Connect with Tara
Website: TalkWithTara.com
Instagram: @talkwithtarapodcast
If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with someone who might need this conversation today.

Have you ever built everything society told you to build and still felt completely unfulfilled? In this episode, I sit down with master certified life coach Katie Pulsifer to talk about one of the biggest questions women are asking right now: what actually brings me joy?
Katie has over 13 years of coaching experience, including five years as an executive leader at the Life Coach School. She has trained thousands of coaches and helped countless women navigate major life transitions with clarity, courage, and confidence. Her own journey through divorce, career upheaval, and rediscovering herself is what brought her to this work, and her story is one you will not want to miss.
We cover:
Why your brain actively argues against your dreams and how to override it
A simple sensory exercise to figure out what brings you joy when you have no idea
The difference between happiness and joy and why it matters
Dating again after divorce and overcoming the fear of being alone
Self-abandonment in relationships and how to stop people-pleasing
What women are chasing that they do not actually need
How to find a great coach and what to look for
Katie's Golden Coaching Certification program for women who want to coach others
If there is one thing to take away from this episode, it is that courage does not have to come all at once. It can show up in the smallest moments, and that is enough to start.
Connect with Katie Pulsifer
Website: katypulsifercoaching.com -- Take her free "Getting Unstuck" quiz and receive a personally recorded voice memo response from Katie
Substack: Capable for Coaching
Private Coaching and Certification Info: Available at her website
If this episode resonated with you, please follow Talk with Tara and share it with a friend. It means the world and keeps this show going. See you next time.

Dating in midlife can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to. In this solo episode of Talk with Tara, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned about navigating online dating with confidence, safety, and success.
From overcoming the fear of being alone to handling ghosting with grace, I open up about my own experiences, unfiltered truths, and strategies that actually work. You’ll hear how to spot red flags, protect your privacy, attract high-value partners, and most importantly rediscover yourself along the way.
If you’re ready to stop settling and start dating smarter, this episode is your ultimate playbook.
Follow me on Instagram: @talkwithtarapodcast
Email: talkwithtarapodcast@gmail.com
Share this episode with a friend who’s ready to reclaim her dating confidence

Before we jump in, I have a small favor to ask. If you're enjoying Talk with Tara, please hit the follow button and share the show with a friend. Every follow, review, and share helps me continue bringing you meaningful conversations that educate, inspire, and empower women. Your support truly means the world to me and helps keep this podcast growing.
In this episode of Talk with Tara, I sit down with family law attorney, certified family law specialist, mediator, and author Diana Romanov for an eye-opening conversation about what really happens during divorce.
Whether you're contemplating separation, currently going through a divorce, supporting a friend through one, or simply want to understand how the process works, this episode is packed with practical advice and insights.
Diana shares powerful stories from her years of experience helping clients navigate some of life's most difficult transitions. She also explains why staying logical, informed, and emotionally supported can save families significant stress, time, and money.
One of my favorite takeaways from this conversation is that divorce is not just a legal process. It's also an emotional, financial, and personal transformation. The more informed and empowered you are, the better decisions you'll make for yourself and your family.
CONNECT WITH DIANA ROMANOV
YouTube:Divorce Like a Boss with Diana Romanov
Website:www.romanovlaw.com
Book:Divorce Like a Boss
To learn more about Diana, schedule a consultation, or access her educational resources, search "Divorce Like a Boss with Diana Romanov".
CONNECT WITH ME
Podcast: Talk with Tara
Instagram:@talkwithtarapodcast
Email:talkwithtarapodcast@gmail.com
Thank you for listening and being part of this community. I appreciate every one of you and I'm grateful you're here.

In this episode of Talk with Tara, I sit down with professional organizer, certified life coach, and founder of Simply Squared Away, Tracy Hoth, for a deeply honest conversation about clutter, emotional attachment, and what it really means to let go.
We talk about why it is so hard to part with certain belongings, especially during major life transitions like divorce, moving, becoming an empty nester, or losing a loved one. Tracy shares practical organizing strategies along with the emotional mindset shifts that help people release what no longer serves them and create space for who they are becoming next.
From overflowing closets and paperwork piles to sentimental furniture, kids’ artwork, and the famous junk drawer, we cover the real-life struggles so many women face when trying to simplify their homes and lives. I also share some of my own experiences with downsizing, moving, and letting go of meaningful items connected to different chapters of my life.
This episode is not just about organizing your house. It is about organizing your emotions, your energy, and your future. If you have ever felt overwhelmed by clutter, stuck in the past, or unsure where to begin, this conversation will leave you feeling inspired, grounded, and ready to take the first step forward.
To learn more about Tracy Hoth, visit Simply Squared Away at simplysquaredaway.com, follow her on Instagram @tracyhoth, and listen to her podcast, The Organized Coach. Tracy also offers free trainings and practical organizing resources through her website.

Why do I keep choosing the wrong man?Why does the chemistry feel so strong… but something still feels off?And how do I finally attract a healthy, lasting relationship instead of repeating the same painful patterns?
In this episode of Talk with Tara, I sit down with relationship coach and bestselling author Daniel Ratner to unpack what truly creates lasting love, especially for women dating after divorce, heartbreak, or long periods of being single.
We also talk about insights from his newest book, Emotional Vampires, and how to recognize when someone is draining you emotionally instead of building something healthy with you.
We talk about:
• Why chemistry is not a reliable indicator of compatibility• The four phases of love and how to recognize where you are• How to stop chasing emotionally unavailable partners• The real reason you feel “unloved” in relationships• How to build confidence that attracts emotionally mature men• Dating and breaking old relationship patterns
If you’re navigating dating in midlife, trying to heal from past relationships, or wondering why your love life feels stuck, this conversation will shift the way you see attraction and connection.
This episode is for women who want depth, emotional safety, passion, and partnership without losing themselves in the process.
Listen now and start choosing love differently.
Daniel Ratner is a relationship coach and bestselling author dedicated to helping people break painful dating patterns and build lasting, healthy love. He is the author of:
• Emotional Vampires (his newest release)• Sunscreen for the Soul• The Four Phases to Find the Love You Want• Never Feel Unloved Again
 
Connect with Daniel Ratner:
Website: https://danielratner.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielratnerFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/danielratnerauthorBooks: Available on Amazon and major retailers

In this powerful episode of Talk with Tara, I sit down with confidence and self trust coach Angela Fercho to explore what really happens after leaving a chaotic or addiction impacted relationship. We dive into the emotional aftermath of divorce, why confidence does not automatically return, and how you can rebuild self trust from the ground up.
Angela shares her personal journey of leaving a 13 year marriage and introduces her 3S Method stop stabilize and search, a practical approach to calming your nervous system and making clear aligned decisions. We talk about trauma bonding, fear of being alone, decision making paralysis, and how to recognize both red flags and green flags in relationships.
You will also learn simple breathing techniques to regulate your emotions, how to tell the difference between intuition and trauma responses, and why self love is essential for creating a grounded and confident life.
Join Angela’s free Confidence Reset Masterclass to learn how to feel calmer more grounded and more confident right away: https://mailchi.mp/957260672afa/confidence-reset-masterclass
Connect with Angela FerchoTikTok and YouTube @rebuildconfidence_coachInstagram @angela_rebuildconfidence_coachFacebook Facebook
This episode is for you if you are navigating divorce healing from a toxic relationship or learning how to trust yourself again and move forward with clarity and strength.

In part two of my conversation with Dr. Lizellen La Follette, we go deeper into the midlife health questions so many women are asking right now. We talk about what really supports longevity in perimenopause and menopause, including walking, resistance training, better sleep habits, and why prevention matters more than waiting until something becomes a full blown health issue.
We also get into the emotional side of perimenopause, including anxiety, mood changes, sleep disruption, cortisol, and how hormonal shifts can affect the way women feel in their 40s and beyond. Dr. La Follette explains why these changes are real, why women should not dismiss them, and what options may help, from lifestyle shifts to HRT and more individualized care.
In this episode, we also discuss bone density and why waiting until age 65 may be too late for many women, how to think about prevention earlier, and why muscle, movement, and body composition matter so much for healthy aging. We also talk openly about GLP-1s, peptides, metabolic health, side effects, weight loss, cardiovascular risk, and what women need to know before jumping on the latest trend.
And because no midlife conversation is complete without it, we also talk about sex, libido, vaginal health, dryness, intimacy, and why women are not doomed to lose that part of themselves as they age. This is an honest, empowering conversation about taking your health seriously, making yourself a priority, and creating a vibrant second half of life with more knowledge, more confidence, and more support.
Dr. Lizellen La Follette is a longtime OB-GYN based in Greenbrae, California, in Marin County. She has been dedicated to women’s health since 1993 and is deeply engaged in clinical care, research, clinical trials, speaking engagements, and the growing conversation around women’s healthspan, prevention, and longevity. In addition to her private practice, she has a strong interest in helping women navigate perimenopause, menopause, bone health, sleep, sexual wellness, and healthy aging.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing in this episode is intended to be medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. I am sharing this conversation to inform and empower women, but I always encourage you to speak with your own qualified medical provider about your personal health, symptoms, medications, and treatment decisions.
How to find Dr. Lizellen La FolletteDr. Lizellen La Follette is in private practice in Greenbrae, California in Marin County.Website: https://www.lflmd.comPhone: (415) 461-5755

Join me, Tara, on Talk with Tara, as I welcome the incredible Dr. Lizellen La Follette—a globally recognized, board-certified OB/GYN who’s transforming women’s health from every angle. In this episode, we dive deep into:
Dr. La Follette’s candid insights on perimenopause and menopause—how symptoms like anxiety, dryness, and pain extend far beyond hot flashes, and why it’s critical to ask, “Could this be hormonal?” She breaks down safe and effective hormone options (like body-identical estradiol and vaginal estrogen) and shares when and why to consider HRT.
We also explore the often-overlooked role of testosterone, compounded vs. non‑compounded bioidentical hormones, and the best strategies for maintaining sexual health, libido, and vaginal comfort—including modern techniques like the Mona Lisa Touch CO₂ laser and targeted vaginal estrogen.
Dr. La Follette walks us through managing common issues like UTIs, urinary incontinence, and labial laxity with aesthetic—and often minimally invasive—solutions such as radiofrequency tightening. Plus, we talk proactive health measures: bone density testing before age 50, vaccination for HPV up to age 50 to reduce cervical and throat cancer risk, and cutting-edge early cancer detection with tests like GALLERI.
Every segment reflects her compassionate, patient-first approach—encouraging women to prepare beforehand, ask smart questions, and advocate for their health across midlife and beyond.
This episode is a must-listen for women navigating hormonal shifts, sexual wellness, preventive care, and the full spectrum of midlife health. Hit follow on Talk with Tara and tune in—you won’t want to miss this inspiring and empowering discussion!
In this episode, we cover:
The lesser-known symptoms women face in midlife, plus anxiety, mood and the rippling effects of hormonal changes
Bio-identical hormone therapy, vaginal estrogen, progesterone, testosterone 
Solutions for painful sex, dryness, libido loss, UTIs and vaginal/vulva changes—from vaginal laser to RF treatments
Tips for bone health, heart disease prevention, and addressing “healthspan” versus lifespan
What Dr. La Follette recommends for cancer screening—falling under the radar: HPV vaccine, Galleri testing, calcium heart scan and carotid ultrasound
Why sleep, cognition, community—and even sparkling female entrepreneurship—factor into long-term well-being
Dr. La Follette says:
“If you are really having a tough time, you should have that conversation…women deserve to be given the risks and benefits and then to make their own decisions.”
That’s the heart of this episode: giving you the knowledge and confidence to become your own biggest health advocate—especially in midlife.
Want to connect directly with Dr. La Follette?Office: Marin County (open 6 days/week; Saturday mornings available)Website: www.drlafollette.com
If you loved today’s episode, follow the show and share it with a friend. And if you have questions or wince-free sex tips of your own, DM me—there’s so much more to talk about. Talk soon.

This podcast is for entertainment and for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider before making health decisions.
If you've said, “My labs are normal, but I feel off,” this episode is for you. Fatigue, brain fog, bad sleep, weight gain, mood swings, and low libido can make perimenopause and menopause feel confusing, and the internet is louder than ever with misinformation about HRT, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), and trending peptides like GLP-1s, glutathione, and the “beauty peptide”.
In this episode of Talk with Tara, I sit down with Nayan Patel, PharmD, clinical pharmacist, educator, and founder of Central Drugs Compounding Pharmacy, to break down what “bioidentical” actually means, how I can ask the right questions about my prescriptions, and why symptoms in perimenopause can be more complex than simply “low estrogen.”
We also get into a grounded, no-hype conversation about peptides (including GLP-1 medications), what seems promising, what may be overblown, and why the foundations matter: stress/cortisol, insulin and nutrition, thyroid balance, and then sex hormones like estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone. 
 
Disclaimer
This episode is for informational and educational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. The views shared are general in nature and may not apply to your specific situation. Talk with Tara and the episode guest are not providing medical diagnosis, treatment, or prescribing advice. Always consult your physician, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication, hormone therapy, supplement, peptide, or wellness protocol. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast. If you believe you may be experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
Guest
Nayan Patel, PharmDFounder, Central Drugs Compounding PharmacyAuthor, The Glutathione RevolutionWebsite: https://www.centraldrugsrx.com/
What we cover
What “bioidentical” means and why chemical structure matters
The questions I should ask my pharmacist about HRT
Perimenopause vs menopause: why symptoms can look similar but have different drivers
Why stress (cortisol/adrenaline), insulin, and thyroid balance impact how I feel
Testosterone for women: why it matters and why access has been complicated
Peptides and GLP-1s: what they are, what’s hype, and what to consider before I jump in
Glutathione and the “beauty peptide” trend: what’s being discussed and why it’s everywhere