Hotter Than Ever

Have you ever felt the urge to hit pause on your career without walking away entirely? Or maybe you’re ready to quit but wondering how to plan a break that works financially while setting yourself up for what’s next? This week’s guest, Laura Nguyen, knows exactly how to navigate these crossroads. After stepping back from her role as a marketing executive to take a career break, Laura founded Solle...

“Release yourself from the idea that your relationship needs to fit into anybody's box.” Have you ever wondered if you and your partner are truly compatible? Or struggled to express your needs, feeling lost in a sea of unmet expectations? Whether you’re exploring non-monogamy, redefining relationship norms, or simply seeking deeper connections, this episode is for you. Our guest, Dr. Joli Hamilton...

“Don't let fear put you out of reach of your dreams.” As the Thanksgiving and holiday season unfolds, it’s natural to focus on gratitude for the good things in life. But what happens when life’s transitions leave you feeling lost, isolated, or stuck in a downward slump? This week’s guest, Madeleine Smithberg, knows all about navigating those emotional valleys. As the co-creator of “The Daily Show”...

“A period of stuckness always precedes a period of serious growth.” So many of us find ourselves grappling with the overwhelming feeling of being stuck, especially as we navigate midlife. Weighed down by societal expectations and self-imposed narratives, we can struggle to align our lives with what we truly value and desire. Enter Deanna deBara, writer and host of the “Season of Stuck” podcast, wh...

Is entrepreneurship truly a solo journey, or would you rather start a business with a friend? For Dr. Keri Ohlrich and Kelly Guenther, co-founders of the leadership and HR consultancy the Abbracci Group and co-hosts of “The Breakout” podcast, the answer is clear: collaboration is key. Together, they’re on a mission to help women and entrepreneurs navigate both professional and personal changes, bi...

“Sex isn't really worth having without vulnerability.” Sexuality and intimacy can be sensitive topics, especially in long-term relationships. But what if these conversations could be transformed into pathways to deeper connection and more fulfilling, mutually satisfying sex? In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome our first couple(!) to Hotter Than Ever: Vanessa and Xander Marin. Vanessa, a lic...

If you’ve ever wondered why stories of women in midlife are so rare in movies and TV, you’re not alone. In a landscape where male-centered narratives often take center stage, Laura Fischer (Co-President of director Paul Feig’s feature film company Feigco) stands out as a force for change. In partnership with the iconic comedy director, Laura champions films anchored by funny women (think Kristen W...

Ever wondered why some women experience low libido and what can be done about it? Or what orgasms look and feel like for different women? These questions often go unanswered, but Dr. Maureen Slattery—a board-certified OBGYN specializing in sex and menopause—is here to change that. A leading advocate for women’s sexual health, Dr. Slattery joins us in this episode to share her mission of empowering...

"I think our value and our values get all kinds of conflated and mixed up." We often hear about self-love and its pivotal role in creating a joyful life. But defining self-love is subjective and multifaceted. It involves caring, self-respect, boundaries, and counteracting our harsh inner critic. Today, Erin delves beyond self-love to examine the societal and personal metrics we use to gauge our wo...

“Astrology is a tool, not a rule. And when you use it as a tool, it can expand your power, your consciousness, your awareness.” Long-time listeners of Hotter Than Ever know Erin tends to be a skeptic when it comes to anything ‘woo’ (remember the episode “Woo Adjacent”?). So, it might come as a surprise that today’s episode dives deep into astrology. But after hearing from astrologer Ophira Edut, e...

“How much fun can we have and what is that going to do for us as we age?” In this milestone 100th episode of Hotter Than Ever, we’re celebrating not only the podcast's journey but also the incredible community it has built around redefining midlife for women. To mark this special occasion, we’re thrilled to present an extraordinary conversation with CJ. CJ isn’t just a kink and non-monogamy coach;...

It’s no secret that our culture often presents aging in a negative light, particularly for women, leaving many of us uncertain or even fearful about life beyond 40, 50 or (god forbid), 60. But one iconic sitcom has challenged these stereotypes with humor, heart, and authenticity: The Golden Girls. For Maria Carpiac, a professor of Gerontology at California State University, Long Beach, and an advo...

As “Hotter Than Ever” nears its 100th episode, we’re reflecting on the impact this podcast has had since launching a year and a half ago, and the steps needed to elevate its vision to new heights. Join Erin as she candidly shares the realities of transitioning from a financially stable corporate life to the entrepreneurial hustle. This episode is about peeling back the layers of how Erin is suppor...

If you’re searching for proof that our most successful chapters can unfold in midlife, look no further than Melissa Palmer, co-founder and CEO of the skincare brand Osea. While Melissa and her mother launched Osea 28 years ago, it wasn’t until year 20 that their business truly skyrocketed. And as her career soared, Melissa also found the most significant relationship of her life, showing us that m...

“I’m in a phase of my life where I want to f*cking shine. I do not want to shrink.” Sometimes we just need to admit we’re mad. While society may not always make space for women's anger, when we reflect on the challenges we face today, it can be hard not to feel it. Why do women still carry the heaviest load of care in relationships? Why are we still criticized for our ambition and judged for maint...

“We need to understand that pleasure is not a luxury—it’s a necessity for sending good signals back to the brain.” When Dr. Nan Wise had a panic attack at just 21 years old, it sparked her lifelong fascination with the brain. Today, as a seasoned behavioral neuroscientist and sex therapist, Dr. Nan is at the forefront of research exploring the deep connection between sex, pleasure, and brain healt...

If you’ve ever paid attention to female representation in Hollywood or the push for more women filmmakers in entertainment, you’ve likely encountered the work of Melissa Silverstein. As the founder of Women and Hollywood , one of the pioneering platforms advocating for gender diversity in the film industry, Melissa has been a driving force in this movement. She also co-founded the Athena Film Fest...

“I want you to know what your options are at this point in your life.” In this special episode, we’re breaking from our usual format to bring Hotter Than Ever producer, Erica, out from behind the scenes for a candid conversation with Erin about the podcast's journey and it’s future. Inspired by thoughtful feedback from our hottie listeners and Erin’s reflections during this ‘slow-roll summer,’ we’...

As part of our ‘slow roll summer’ on Hotter Than Ever, we’re revisiting one of our favorite early conversations with Oprah dynasty legend, author, producer and transformation doula Sheri Salata. In this episode, we explore self-love and renegotiating what life looks like after you’ve achieved your wildest dreams (hint: it’s not over!). We unpack what it means to focus on yourself beyond your work,...

In a world where beauty standards are constantly evolving and societal pressures can feel overwhelming, makeup artist Molly R. Stern brings a refreshing perspective to the conversation. With a career spanning over two decades and a client list that includes some of Hollywood's most iconic faces, Molly has witnessed firsthand the struggles women face with self-perception and the impact of the beaut...

“The job of life is to get good at change, because it never stops.” Why do so many of us resist change instead of embracing it? For our host Erin, life over the past few years has become almost unrecognizable, but in the best way possible. In this episode, she takes us through her journey of navigating and thriving through these shifts. From battling COVID to a complete lifestyle overhaul, Erin ex...

“I'm striving for excellence, but I'm not pretending to be perfect anymore.” The Covid-19 pandemic was a watershed moment of change for everyone, reshaping both personal and professional lives. For our host Erin, it catalyzed her divorce and sparked a career pivot that led to the birth of “Hotter Than Ever”. But what major trends emerged post-pandemic that are now influencing how we navigate our n...

Navigating modern life as a working mother and a creative professional is no small feat. In this episode, we dig deep into comedian and Mom Ophira Eisenberg's journey through comedy, storytelling, and podcasting. Ophira, a multi-talented comic, storyteller, and host of the podcast "Parenting is a Joke," shares her captivating story with humor, and recounts the diverse roles she has embraced to car...

“Every single person is special, but most of us are too afraid to show up in the world and let them see how special we are.” In a world that often values polished presentations and corporate facades, finding and maintaining authenticity in professional and personal settings can feel like a daunting task. Yet, it's precisely this authenticity and vulnerability that can create genuine connections an...

"It's in vulnerability and self-love that we find our true strength." If you've been tuning into Hotter Than Ever, you know that while our host Erin offers plenty of dating advice, especially for those re-entering the scene after a marriage, her aim isn’t necessarily to find love herself. But regardless of whether you're skeptical about love or seeking it with all your heart, you'll enjoy this con...