How to Light Your Brain Up with Pleasure with Dr. Nan Wise

“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 health, particularly as we age. Her studies have uncovered the vital role that orgasms play in boosting oxygen flow to the brain, underscoring the critical role pleasure plays in our overall well-being.

Join Erin and Dr. Nan for an eye-opening conversation about the transformative power of pleasure and how it can help us cultivate healthier, more fulfilling relationships with ourselves and others as we grow older.

1. Pleasure isn't a luxury—it's essential for a healthy brain and maintaining well-being.
2. Why many women experience better sex as they age
3. Unpacking elements of modern life that diminish our ability to experience genuine pleasure.
4. The importance of engaging in pleasurable activities for managing anxiety, depression, and stress.
5. Why active sexual desire isn't necessary for a healthy sex life
6. Tips to maintaining and ‘rebooting’ long-term relationships
7. Cultivating an attuned relationship with your body and the things that bring you pleasure

OUR GUEST: Dr. Nan Wise is a licensed psychotherapist, cognitive neuroscientist, certified sex therapist, and clinical hypnotherapist with 30 years of experience. Motivated by a deep curiosity about the brain's role in shaping moods and behaviors, she earned a Ph.D. in cognitive neuroscience from Rutgers-Newark in 2014. Her research, particularly her fMRI study on female orgasm, has filled critical gaps in understanding the neural basis of human sexuality, attracting international recognition. Dr. Nan’s journey is rooted in both personal and professional experiences, having faced anxiety from a young age and turning her challenges into a lifelong pursuit of emotional well-being.

Want more Dr. Nan? Find her online and get a free consultation at https://askdoctornan.com and read her book Why Good Sex Matters. Follow her on:

1. Instagram: @askdoctornan
2. X/Twitter: @askdoctornan
3. Facebook: @AskDoctorNan

Want more Hotter Than Ever? Subscribe to the Hotter Than Ever Substack to dive deeper.

Find episode transcripts at