Rachel Boyle

Burn The Rulebook Podcast: Real Talk On Menopause Mental, Health & Relationships

Health EN ↓ 25 episodes

Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or disconnected in midlife? You’re not broken—you’re in perimenopause or menopause. I’m Rachel Boyle, licensed therapist and sex therapy specialist, here to help you understand what’s happening to your hormones, mental health, libido, and relationships. Each week, I break down the real impact of menopause, perimenopause, people-pleasing, and emotional labor—plus how to reclaim your sex life, voice, and sanity. Subscribe for honest, therapy-informed episodes made for midlife women.

Author

Rachel Boyle

Category

Health

Podcast website

www.rachelboyle.com

Latest episode

Jul 1, 2026

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Episodes

When Sex Hurts: Breaking the Silence on Womens Sexual Health 01.07.2026

Summary: In this episode, Dr. Sameena Rahman discusses the cultural, biological, and psychological factors affecting women's sexual health, especially in South Asian communities. She shares insights on overcoming stigma, the impact of hormonal transitions, and practical solutions for improving sexual well-being. Dr. Rahman's Socials: Website - http://www.cgcchicago.com/ Instagram - https://www.ins...

Dr. O'Sullivan 10.04.2026

Summary: In this episode of the Burn the Rollbook podcast, Dr. Aoife O'Sullivan of discusses the critical need for better education and awareness around menopause and perimenopause. She shares her journey as a family physician and menopause specialist, highlighting the lack of training in medical schools and the importance of informed consent and patient advocacy. The conversation emphasizes t...

Royal College of Psychiatrists Position Statement on Menopause and Mental Health 17.03.2026

Summary:Rachel Boyle discusses the recent Royal College of Psychiatrists' position statement on menopause and mental health, highlighting gaps in awareness, healthcare, and the importance of education and support for women in midlife. Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Menopause Awareness06:22 Healthcare System Gaps and SolutionsTakeaways:• Women should start menopause screening in their late 30s...

Why Buy the Cow?: How Purity Culture Hijacks Women’s Desire and Voice 12.02.2026

Summary: In this episode of the Burn the Rulebook podcast, Rachel Boyle delves into the detrimental effects of purity culture on women's desires and voices. She discusses how societal and religious messages shape women's perceptions of their bodies, sexuality, and self-worth from a young age. The conversation explores the conditioning that leads women to feel obligated to provide sex in re...

Boys Lose Feelings, Girls Lose Voice—Then We Call It “Relationship Problems” 05.02.2026

Summary: In this episode, Rachel Boyle explores the emotional disconnects that arise in relationships due to cultural conditioning and patriarchy. She discusses how boys and girls are socialized differently, leading to men losing their emotional fluency and women losing their voice. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding these dynamics to foster intimacy and connection in adul...

Why Women Struggle to Ask for What They Want: Finding Your Voice in Love and Sex 27.01.2026

SummaryIn this episode of the Burn the Rule Book podcast, Rachel Boyle discusses the phenomenon of perimenopause and its impact on women's relationships and behaviors, particularly the shift away from people pleasing. She explores how hormonal changes during this stage can lead to increased irritability and a decreased tolerance for traditional societal expectations. Rachel emphasizes the impo...

Why Women Enjoy Sex Less 22.01.2026

Summary: In this episode of the Burn the Rule Book podcast, Rachel Boyle delves into the complexities surrounding women's sexual experiences, highlighting how societal norms and cultural scripts often lead to dissatisfaction and stress during sex. She emphasizes that the default cultural narrative surrounding sex is predominantly male-oriented, leaving women with a skewed understanding of thei...

Painful Sex, Dryness, “UTIs,” and Perimenopause: It Might Be GSM 14.01.2026

Summary: In this episode of the Burn the Rulebook podcast, Rachel Boyle discusses the often-overlooked topic of Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM), which can lead to painful sex, dryness, and urinary issues during perimenopause and menopause. She emphasizes the importance of understanding GSM, its impact on intimate relationships, and the need for proper treatment and communication between...

Is It Perimenopause…or Undiagnosed ADHD 07.01.2026

Summary:In this episode of the Burn the Rollbook podcast, Rachel Boyle discusses the complex relationship between perimenopause and ADHD, particularly in women. She highlights how hormonal changes during perimenopause can exacerbate ADHD symptoms, leading to challenges in focus, mood, and relationships. The conversation emphasizes the importance of accurate diagnosis and understanding the unique w...

Sleep and Perimenopause 24.12.2025

Summary: In this episode of the Burn the Rule Book podcast, Rachel Boyle discusses the intricate relationship between sleep, perimenopause, and mental health. She explores how hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause disrupt sleep patterns, leading to increased anxiety, mood swings, and relationship challenges. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding these connections and off...

Perimenopause and Relationship Communication: Why Emotional Changes Trigger Conflict and How to Fix It 19.12.2025

Summary In this episode of the Burn the Rulebook podcast, Rachel Boyle discusses the profound effects of perimenopause on relationship communication. She explores how hormonal shifts lead to emotional changes that can trigger misunderstandings and conflicts between partners. The episode provides insights into identifying conflict patterns, understanding emotional regulation, and offers practical s...

Perimenopause, Pain (or Discomfort) with Sex — and Why It’s a Relational Problem 18.11.2025

In this episode of the Burn The Rulebook podcast, Rachel Boyle discusses the common experience of pain or discomfort during sex that many women face during perimenopause. She emphasizes that this is a shared experience and not a personal failing, exploring the physical and emotional changes that contribute to this issue. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding both the bodily c...

Perimenopause & Boundaries — How to Reclaim Your Power and Protect Your Peace 04.11.2025

In this episode, Rachel Boyle discusses the transformative journey of perimenopause, emphasizing the importance of living truthfully and establishing boundaries. She highlights how boundaries serve as acts of self-care and are essential for fostering authentic intimacy in relationships. By communicating and sharing boundaries, individuals can transition from feelings of resentment to understanding...

Your Desire Isn't Broken 03.11.2025

In this episode of the Burn the Rulebook Podcast, Rachel Boyle explores the complexities of desire, particularly focusing on the differences between spontaneous and responsive desire. She discusses how societal expectations can create feelings of shame for those who do not experience spontaneous desire, especially women. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding one's unique...

The Four Pillars Of Perimenopause 07.10.2025

In this episode of the Burn the Rulebook Podcast, Rachel Boyle discusses the complexities of sex and intimacy during perimenopause. She introduces the concept of the four pillars of sex, which include medical factors, relationship dynamics, personal sexual satisfaction, and cultural messages. By understanding these pillars, women can navigate the changes in their bodies and relationships, ultimate...

Perimenopause, Trauma, and the Truth About Women’s Mental Health 11.09.2025

In this episode of the Burn the Rule Book podcast, guest Dr. Harita Raja, a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in women's mental health, discusses the critical issues surrounding perimenopause and menopause. She highlights the significant gaps in training for healthcare providers regarding women's hormonal health and the impact of these changes on mental well-being. The conversation...

Why Testosterone Might Not Be Enough 09.09.2025

In this episode of the Burn the RuleBook podcast, Rachel Boyle discusses the role of testosterone in enhancing libido during midlife, particularly in the context of menopause. She emphasizes that while testosterone can be beneficial, it is not a standalone solution. The conversation explores the complexity of desire, the importance of emotional safety, and the four pillars that contribute to a hea...

Why Menopause is Misdiagnosed 02.09.2025

Summary This episode of the Burn the RuleBook podcast addresses the critical issue of misdiagnosis of mental health conditions in perimenopausal and menopausal women. It highlights the hormonal changes that can lead to symptoms often misattributed to psychiatric disorders, the importance of proper screening, and the need for evidence-based treatment. The host emphasizes the necessity for women to...

Perimenopause & People Pleasing: Why You’re Done Saying Yes to Everything 27.08.2025

Summary In this conversation, Rachel Boyle explores the theme of people pleasing, particularly in the context of perimenopause. She discusses how societal conditioning has led many women to prioritize others' needs over their own, often resulting in emotional exhaustion. As women enter perimenopause, they may feel a shift that prompts them to question this lifelong habit. Rachel provides practical...

The Perimenopause Awakening: From People Pleasing to Personal Power 20.08.2025

Summary In this episode, Rachel Boyle discusses the intersection of perimenopause and people pleasing, highlighting how this phase of life can lead to an emotional awakening. She explores the psychological and cultural factors that contribute to women's tendency to prioritize others over themselves, the impact of hormonal changes on emotional well-being, and practical strategies for setting bounda...

Why Do I Feel So Overwhelmed? 13.08.2025

Summary In this episode, Rachel Boyle explores the overwhelming feelings many women experience during midlife, particularly during perimenopause and menopause. She discusses the emotional and mental labor that women often carry, the impact of hormonal changes, and practical strategies for rebalancing responsibilities. Rachel emphasizes the importance of recognizing the invisible load women bear an...

Anxiety & Perimenopause, Part 2 06.08.2025

Summary In this episode of the Burn The Rule Book podcast, Rachel Boyle explores the intricate relationship between anxiety and menopause, particularly focusing on the physiological aspects. She discusses how hot flashes and anxiety are interconnected through the autonomic nervous system, emphasizing the role of hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause. Rachel introduces polyvagal theor...

Anxiety & Perimenopause 31.07.2025

Episode 3: Anxiety & Perimenopause—What’s Really Going On Welcome back to Burn the Rule Book , the podcast where we explore menopause, mental health, and relationships—one truth at a time. In this episode, host Rachel Boyle—licensed couples and sex therapist, and certified menopause specialist—dives into how anxiety can suddenly appear or intensify during perimenopause . You'll learn: What’s a...

Why I Became A Menopause Specialist 24.07.2025

Host: Rachel Boyle, Licensed Couples and Individual Therapist, Sex Therapist, and Certified Menopause Specialist Episode Overview: In this episode, Rachel Boyle shares her personal journey into specializing in women's sexual health, particularly focusing on the often-overlooked phase of perimenopause. She discusses the systemic gaps in medical training regarding women's health and the impo...

The Rollercoaster of Perimenopause 08.07.2025

In this episode of the Burn the Rulebook podcast, host Rachel Boyle delves into the often misunderstood world of perimenopause. Discover the eight most common symptoms, why lab tests might not provide the answers you seek, and how to find a well-trained women's health provider. Rachel shares valuable insights and resources to help you navigate this transitional phase with confidence. Understanding...

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