Closing the Pleasure Gap with Danielle Bezalel
The Girlfriend Doctor w/ Dr. Anna Cabeca
Release Date: 10/18/2024
The Deadly Secrets in Your Smile Part 1
The Girlfriend Doctor w/ Dr. Anna Cabeca
Most of us have no idea how much our mouths are telling us—and not just about our teeth. In this jaw-dropping episode, I sat down with Dr. Ellie Campbell, a powerhouse in functional medicine and the author of The Blood Pressure Blueprint, to uncover how oral health is deeply tied to cardiovascular disease, hormonal imbalance, cognitive decline, and more. You’ll learn why blood pressure readings at your doctor’s office might be misleading, how mouth bacteria can trigger heart attacks and Alzheimer’s, and why mouth taping at night could be the simplest step toward better sleep and brain...
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Decoding Physical and Mental Knots
The Girlfriend Doctor w/ Dr. Anna Cabeca
There’s this deep connection between how we feel, what we think, and what our bodies go through—especially during big transitions like menopause. I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Yasmine Saad, an award-winning NYC Psychologist and TEDx Speaker, who’s doing some seriously powerful work helping people understand their emotions in a whole new way. She talked about how our feelings—like sadness, anger, even loneliness—don’t just pass through quietly; they show up in our bodies. And when we start to really listen to those messages, that’s when the real healing...
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Genetics & The Future of Personalized Medicine
The Girlfriend Doctor w/ Dr. Anna Cabeca
Most women don’t realize their DNA might be the reason they’re feeling off—foggy, tired, overwhelmed—and just chalk it up to getting older. But what if your genes were actually holding the answers to what’s going on with your hormones, your energy, even your ability to handle stress? I sat down with Kashif Khan, TEDx speaker, Author of The DNA Way, and Founder of The DNA Company, to talk about exactly that. He breaks down how understanding your unique genetic blueprint can completely shift how you approach your health—especially when hormones start doing their own thing. We also...
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Repair Your Mitochondria, Heal Your Body
The Girlfriend Doctor w/ Dr. Anna Cabeca
Most people have no idea that something as tiny as algae is one of the most powerful foods for longevity, energy, and hormone balance. But what if just a few tiny tablets a day could support your mitochondria (those little powerhouses in your cells), detoxify your body, and even ease menopause symptoms? Catharine Arnston, algae expert and Founder of ENERGYbits®, breaks down the science behind spirulina and chlorella—two superfoods packed with antioxidants, protein, and essential nutrients for women’s health. We’re talking detoxification, hormone support, and even slowing down...
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The Gut-Hormone Link You Need to Know with Steven Wright
The Girlfriend Doctor w/ Dr. Anna Cabeca
Sometimes, feeling “off” isn’t just about stress or aging—it could be your gut trying to tell you something. Your digestion plays a bigger role than you might think, influencing everything from your energy and hormones to your mood and even your sex life. Steven Wright, Functional Medicine Expert and Founder of The Healthy Gut Company, is back to share why gut health is the key to feeling like yourself again. We get into the hidden culprits behind bloating, brain fog, and even intimacy struggles—because, yes, your gut impacts that too! Turns out, simple changes can make a big...
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HRT: Compounding Hormones & Customization with Sahar Swidan
The Girlfriend Doctor w/ Dr. Anna Cabeca
Have you ever felt like your hormones are running the show? One minute you’re energized, the next you’re dragging—or maybe those hot flashes and mood swings are making life way harder than it needs to be. The thing is, not all hormone therapies work the same, and that’s where compounding comes in. Dr. Sahar Swidan, PHARM.D., ABAAHP, FAARFM, FACA, is back to break down what you need to know about custom-compounded hormones, different formulations, and how to figure out what’s actually best for your body. Dr. Sahar is a powerhouse when it comes to compounding pharmacy and hormone...
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The Benefits and Story of Mighty Maca
The Girlfriend Doctor w/ Dr. Anna Cabeca
Did you know ancient Peruvian warriors used Maca for strength and stamina? Turns out, they were onto something—this little root is a powerhouse for energy, mood, and hormone balance. Studies even show it can ease anxiety and depression in postmenopausal women, which is huge! But what really makes Maca so special, and how can it actually help you feel better every day? I first discovered Maca during a rough time—infertility, early menopause, the whole rollercoaster. That journey led me to explore healing superfoods, and Maca completely changed the game for me. In this episode, I’m...
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Pause & Learn: Peri-Post Menopause Explained
The Girlfriend Doctor w/ Dr. Anna Cabeca
One day, you’re cruising along like usual, and the next… everything feels off. Your mood’s all over the place, sleep is a struggle, and let’s not even talk about the sudden weight changes. Sound familiar? In this episode, my daughter Amira joins me again as we unpack what’s really happening during perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause—when it starts, what to expect, and how to handle the rollercoaster of symptoms. We’re getting real about everything from hormone therapy to natural ways to feel better, plus the surprising links between menopause, bone health, and heart...
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Breast Implant Illness? Explant? with Candice Barley
The Girlfriend Doctor w/ Dr. Anna Cabeca
It’s wild how something that’s supposed to make you feel more confident can actually be the thing making you sick. Candice Barley learned this the hard way after struggling with years of unexplained symptoms—fatigue, gut issues, even liver problems—before realizing her breast implants were the culprit. Now, as a leading advocate for women with Breast Implant Illness (BII), she’s on a mission to educate and support others through their own healing journeys. She’s here to share what she wishes she knew sooner, from the hidden health risks to the life-changing decision to explant. ...
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Dating Then vs. Now: A Mother-Daughter Tell-All
The Girlfriend Doctor w/ Dr. Anna Cabeca
Ever looked at today’s dating scene and thought, “Wow, things have really changed?” Dating apps, social media, and modern expectations make it a whole new world compared to back in the day. And since we’re still in February—fresh off Valentine’s Day—love, dating, and intimacy are definitely hot topics. So, I sat down with my daughter, Amira, and thought, this would be the perfect time to swap stories, talk red flags, and figure out what really makes someone a great partner. Confidence, kindness, and a few unexpected surprises—this conversation is full of eye-opening (and...
info_outlineLet’s get real—sexual health, pleasure, and intimacy are things we don’t talk about nearly enough, even though they’re so important to our overall happiness. Today, we’re breaking down the "pleasure gap," where straight women often miss out compared to others in the bedroom, and what we can actually learn from queer relationships about communication and intimacy. Danielle Bezalel, a master’s degree holder in public health and the creator of the popular podcast Sex Ed with DB, is joining me to share her expertise on why this happens and how we can change it, so pleasure becomes something we all experience more fully.
Danielle also gets super candid about her own three-week self-pleasure experiment—yes, three weeks of daily self-care with the Magic Wand—and how it transformed her well-being. You’ll hear some fascinating takeaways on the role of self-pleasure, how to better communicate with your partner, and some real talk on using sex toys and lubricants safely. If you’ve been feeling disconnected or just want to improve your intimate life, this episode has tons of helpful tips you can put into practice right away.
Oh, and a quick heads-up—I'm celebrating 15 years of Mighty Maca! To mark World Menopause Day on October 18th, I’m offering a special discount on my menopause bundle and Mighty Maca blend, which has helped so many people feel more energized and balanced. Head over to dranna.com/mighty15 to grab those savings—I can’t wait to hear how it works for you!
Key Takeaways:
[00:02:09] Pleasure deficit disorder.
[00:06:52] Masturbation experiment and wellness.
[00:08:51] Magic wand benefits and effects.
[00:12:27] Clitoral stimulation and pleasure.
[00:14:39] Clitoral anatomy and stimulation.
[00:20:49] Pleasure without the pressure.
[00:21:31] Orgasm gap in queer relationships.
[00:25:22] Sex toy safety tips.
[00:29:03] Choosing the right lubricant.
[00:32:45] Uncomfortable topics in sexual health.
Memorable Quotes:
"Sexual health and wellness is so paramount to so many things that happen in our lives, whether it be with ourselves, with our partners, with our families, with our happiness, with our mental health, our wellbeing." [00:06:00] – Danielle Bezalel
"The more we are to embrace kind of this idea of pleasure and that we are deserving of this pleasure, the more likely I personally believe that your body will respond as such." [00:11:45] – Danielle Bezalel
Links Mentioned:
Mighty Maca Super Savings: https://dranna.com/mighty15
Connect with Danielle Bezalel:
Website: https://www.sexedwithdb.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sexedwithdbpodcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/edwithdb
Twitter: https://x.com/SexEdwithDB
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sexedwithdb
Connect with Dr. Anna Cabeca:
Website: https://drannacabeca.com/pages/show
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegirlfrienddoctor/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thegirlfrienddoctor
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drannacabeca
Produced by Evolved Podcasting: www.evolvedpodcasting.com