Podcast Summary: "Is Menopause Sexy?"
Podcast: Everything is Fine
Hosts: Jennifer Romolini and Kim France
Episode Release Date: January 13, 2025
Introduction
In the episode titled "Is Menopause Sexy?", hosts Kim France and Jen Romolini delve into the multifaceted experiences of women navigating life over 40. The conversation weaves through personal growth, relationships, mental health, identity shifts, and societal perceptions of aging, culminating in an exploration of menopause's place in modern discourse.
Decluttering and Identity Transformation ([02:43] - [10:06])
The episode opens with a candid discussion about the challenges of decluttering and moving, aptly named "Packing Hell." Jen Romolini shares her struggle with overconsumption, particularly unpacked items accumulated over years, such as party supplies and sentimental clothing.
Jen Romolini:
"[...] we've really made a vow to each other that we would go through everything. And we have given, we have donated carloads of things."
[05:37]
Kim France relates by mentioning her experience with sorting through her son’s belongings as he moves out, emphasizing the emotional labor involved in parting with items that no longer represent their current selves.
Relationship Growth and Therapy ([10:07] - [27:05])
The hosts transition into discussing their personal relationships and the impact of therapy. Jen reflects on her marriage, highlighting a decade-long partnership characterized by teamwork and mutual growth, contrasting it with her initial perception of having the "worst marriage."
Jen Romolini:
"I just think people get better as they get older. Like we've had moments in this where I had one real big meltdown when we were going through like a lot of personal stuff of mine."
[05:24]
Kim shares her journey through therapy, exploring childhood traumas and the enduring impact of parental relationships. They discuss the concept that despite personal growth, core essences from childhood persist, influencing current mental states.
Kim France:
"You know, the person I was at 10 is the person I was at 18 is the person I was at 30 and 60."
[22:34]
Cultural Identity and Personal Heritage ([27:06] - [19:58])
A poignant segment covers Kim's upcoming trip to Houston, Texas, to attend a memorial service for her mother's friend, Marilyn. Marilyn's influence on Kim's appreciation for art and individuality is highlighted, juxtaposed with the emotional challenges of returning to a place laden with childhood memories.
Kim France:
"She was an art patron. Anybody who lives in Houston knows about the Art Car Parade and the Orange Show. These are both art things that she really was responsible for."
[18:01]
Jen discusses her connection to Baltimore, reflecting on cultural identity and the comfort derived from familiar traditions like the Feast of the Seven Fishes.
Jen Romolini:
"So, yeah, I love Baltimore. I fucking love Baltimore."
[17:40]
Media and Pop Culture Reviews ([33:23] - [46:17])
The conversation shifts to recent films and television shows, with the hosts offering critiques and personal impressions.
-
Film "Anora": Both hosts express their appreciation for the film's artistic value and its portrayal of female experiences, though Jen questions the extent of depicting female suffering.
Kim France:
"The final scene encapsulated so much about what it is to be female on this planet and like the rage, the sadness, the just everything."
[34:22] -
Golden Globes Commentary: They critique the emphasis on celebrity physiques and the superficiality of award ceremonies.
Jen Romolini:
"I feel like everybody was too skinny."
[37:02] -
Surgeon General's Announcement on Alcohol: The hosts discuss the new health guidelines linking alcohol to cancer, reflecting on their personal relationships with drinking.
Kim France:
"My gynecologist was really banging the drum for me to give up alcohol entirely."
[58:02]
Listener Questions and Advice ([48:37] - [60:46])
The hosts address listener-submitted questions, offering insights and personal anecdotes:
-
Laser Resurfacing and Skin Tightening:
- Jen describes her positive experience with the "Clear and Brilliant" laser treatment and mentions options like Soft Wave and Ulthera for sagging jawlines.
Jen Romolini:
"I do think that is worth it from the people I know who have had it."
[49:43] -
Favorite Candy:
- Kim shares her love for Nerds, Scummy Clusters, and sour candies.
Kim France:
"Nerd Scummy clusters by such a wide margin."
[49:43]- Jen reveals a penchant for chocolate-covered items and an addiction to cough drops.
Jen Romolini:
"I love cough drops."
[50:22] -
Experiences with Menopause:
- Both hosts open up about their perimenopausal journeys, discussing symptoms like heavy periods, fatigue, and emotional fluctuations.
Jen Romolini:
"I think that some of my depression was probably perimenopause caused."
[51:29]Kim France:
"I didn't have terrible symptoms. I didn't get terrible insomnia."
[51:51] -
End of Period and Menopause Insights:
- Kim describes her gradual transition into menopause, noting fewer symptoms and reflecting on past mental health struggles exacerbated by hormonal changes.
Kim France:
"I had moments where I had a real big meltdown when we were going through like a lot of personal stuff of mine."
[05:24]
Therapist Relationships and Boundaries ([27:05] - [30:16])
A discussion about the complexities of therapist-patient relationships ensues, with both hosts recounting challenging experiences and highlighting the importance of finding the right therapeutic fit.
Jen Romolini:
"I have had a therapist who had a patient who didn't want to be seen by anyone. [...] it wasn't like John Kennedy Jr."
[27:56]
Kim France:
"Therapists can be really weird. They can be really weird."
[28:53]
Personal Growth and Boundaries ([26:18] - [30:16])
Kim and Jen explore the evolution of setting boundaries in personal relationships, emphasizing the balance between supporting loved ones and maintaining self-protection.
Jen Romolini:
"I want to work on... not bowing out, showing up for a relationship that's difficult while still protecting myself."
[26:38]
Kim France:
"That's what getting older is. And understanding that about yourself."
[20:09]
Final Thoughts and Conclusion ([46:17] - [60:30])
Wrapping up the episode, the hosts reflect on societal expectations of women, particularly concerning aging and menopause. They challenge the notion of menopause being "sexy," emphasizing that it often feels anything but due to the physical and emotional toll it can take.
Kim France:
"I never wanted to be humiliated or dominated when I was powerful."
[44:45]
Jen Romolini:
"I didn't get terrible symptoms. [...] I think that some of my depression was probably perimenopause caused."
[51:29]
The episode concludes with a heartfelt acknowledgment of their shared experiences and the ongoing journey of self-discovery and empowerment in midlife.
Notable Quotes
-
Jen Romolini on Relationship Growth ([05:37]):
"We've really made a vow to each other that we would go through everything. And we have given, we have donated carloads of things." -
Kim France on Childhood Trauma ([22:34]):
"You know, the person I was at 10 is the person I was at 18 is the person I was at 30 and 60." -
Jen Romolini on Heavy Menopause ([51:29]):
"I think that some of my depression was probably perimenopause caused." -
Kim France on Cultural Identity ([18:01]):
"She was an art patron. Anybody who lives in Houston knows about the Art Car Parade and the Orange Show." -
Jen Romolini on Cough Drops Addiction ([50:22]):
"I love cough drops."
Conclusion
"Is Menopause Sexy?" serves as a nuanced exploration of midlife challenges and transformations. Through personal narratives and honest conversations, Kim France and Jen Romolini offer listeners a relatable and empowering perspective on navigating the complexities of aging, mental health, and societal expectations.
For more episodes, insights, and community discussions, visit Everything is Fine on Patreon, follow Kim France on Substack, and Jen Romolini on Substack. Join their private Facebook group for continued support and conversation.