Love, Sex, and Self in Midlife: Real Talk for Burnt-Out Women

In episode 54 of Midlife Reclaimed, we dive into one of the most quietly complex areas of midlife burnout recovery—relationships and intimacy.

Whether you’re partnered or not, midlife often brings emotional and relational shifts that can leave us questioning what connection, desire, and closeness mean now. This conversation is an open, compassionate look at how burnout impacts intimacy—and how we can gently reconnect with ourselves and each other.

Together with a special guest expert, we explore:

- Why desire can feel like it disappears during midlife or burnout

- The most common relational challenges women face in this season

- What healthy intimacy actually looks like (and how to rebuild it)

- Practical steps for nurturing communication and closeness

This episode is a must-listen if you’ve ever wondered, “Is it supposed to feel this hard?” or “Can we get back to what we had—or something better?”

Guest: Isiah McKimmie is one of Australia’s most highly qualified Sex and Relationship Experts. She’s a Couples Therapist, Sex Therapist, Sexologist, and Coach who has spent over a decade helping women and couples build deeper intimacy and connection.

With two Master’s degrees (Relational Psychotherapy and Sexual Counselling), a Postgraduate Diploma in Sexology, and a certificate from the Institute for the Advanced Studies of Human Sexuality, Isiah combines clinical depth with practical tools.

Website: https://isiah-mckimmie.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isiahmckimmie.sexologist/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Isiah

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isiah-mckimmie-52320153

She’s worked with thousands of people, writes a widely-read weekly advice column, lectures in Couples Therapy, and is known for her warm, relatable approach to topics many find difficult to talk about.

Host - Shannon Swales: a psychologist dedicated to empowering individuals with essential mental health skills to prevent, navigate & grow from midlife burnout. Having overcome burnout in her early midlife, Shannon guides others from chronic stress to wellness with balance & empathy. Join her as she shares transformative experiences & insights on growth through adversity.

If you enjoy the Midlife Reclaimed Podcast, join our community:

• Midlife Reclaimed Online Community: A space to come home to yourself - Find Out More & Join here

• Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn @shannon.a.swales

• 1:1 Therapy: www.burnoutpsychologysupport.com/burnout-therapy

Stay in Touch: Subscribe to my Mailing List here and receive your very own eJournal to help you towards coming back to yourself.

Disclaimer: This podcast does not create a therapist-client relationship with Shannon Swales. The views expressed are general & not a substitute for personalised therapy. If in distress, seek professional help. Remember—you don’t have to face your struggles alone.

Disclaimer

Engaging with this podcast does not intend to create, nor does it create, a therapist-client relationship between you and Shannon A Swales. All views, opinions, and tips expressed by me or my guests are general in nature and not a replacement for personalised therapy. As I have done for myself, I encourage anyone experiencing distress to seek professional support. In Australia, if you are in a life-threatening emergency, please dial 000. For immediate counselling, contact Lifeline (13 11 14) or 13YARN (13 92 76) for First Nation Australians. Stay safe, and remember—you don’t have to face your struggles alone.

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