The world feels heavy right now. The news is relentless. Personal challenges stack up. And for many men, the easiest way to cope is to shut down and go numb.

In this episode of Here Comes Sunshine, let's talk about emotional numbness, why it happens, and how it quietly disconnects us from joy, desire, and meaningful connection. This is a gentle, grounding conversation for men who feel worn down, overstimulated, or disconnected from themselves and others.

You will hear practical, doable steps to help you begin feeling again without pressure or overwhelm, along with a Deep Thoughts with Sarah segment that reminds you that numbness is not failure, it is protection.

If you have been surviving instead of living, this episode is an invitation back into your body, your heart, and your humanity.

You are not broken. You are not alone. And even on heavy days, here comes sunshine.

If you are looking for more support, encouragement, or one-on-one guidance, you can explore all of my current offerings at my Stan Store at https://stan.store/the_sarah_valentine.

If you have a question you would like me to answer on the podcast or want to reach out directly, email me anytime at sarah@intimateconsciousness.com.

And as we move through these quieter winter months, I am continuing my "Winter of a Man" special with 30-minute sessions offered at half off for those who could use connection, clarity, and encouragement right now. I would love to work with you.

As I turn 54 and step into Season 5 of Here Comes Sunshine, I am reflecting on what it actually means to live well in a world that feels louder, faster, and more uncertain than ever.

This episode is about letting go of perfection, learning how to remain calm in chaos, and choosing to live the rest of our lives on this planet with intention and honesty.

I share how, after five decades, I finally feel like I know myself, and how funny it is that at every stage of life, I thought I was already self-aware.

With hindsight being twenty twenty, I talk about the hard earned lesson that our body, heart, mind, and spirit always know the way if we are willing to listen.

This episode also includes a heartfelt nod to the passing of Bob Weir, the Grateful Dead's influence on my life, and why his death during my birthday week feels like a reminder to stay present and make it all count.

You will hear personal stories about numbing, panic, chasing validation, and the quiet, patient work it takes to break free and choose a different life.

I introduce a new Season 5 segment called Deep Thoughts, offer a simple action step for the week, and invite you to reflect on what your inner compass has been trying to tell you.

This season is about calm over chaos, joy over noise, and living out loud even when the world keeps spinning.

Welcome to Season 5.

If you are looking for more support, encouragement, or one-on-one guidance, you can explore all of my current offerings at my Stan Store at https://stan.store/the_sarah_valentine.

If you have a question you would like me to answer on the podcast or want to reach out directly, email me anytime at sarah@intimateconsciousness.com.

And as we move through these quieter winter months, I am continuing my "Winter of a Man" special with 30-minute sessions offered at half off for those who could use connection, clarity, and encouragement right now. I would love to work with you.

Season 5 of Here Comes Sunshine is here, and I am flipping the page in the best way.

I am 54, feeling more grounded, confident, and alive than ever, even as the world feels louder and more uncertain.

This season is for those of us who are craving a little more peace, a little more quiet, and a lot more truth as we age.

We will talk about confidence that comes from knowing yourself, relationships that feel safe and nourishing, intimacy that evolves with time, and the courage it takes to live authentically in a world that never stops spinning.

Life will not slow down for us. So this season is about choosing joy on purpose, living out loud, and making this chapter the one that actually feels like ours.

Join me every Wednesday on your favorite podcast platform, or watch the video on Substack.

If you are looking for more support, encouragement, or one-on-one guidance, you can explore all of my current offerings at my Stan Store at https://stan.store/the_sarah_valentine.

If you have a question you would like me to answer on the podcast or want to reach out directly, email me anytime at sarah@intimateconsciousness.com.

And as we move through these quieter winter months, I am continuing my "Winter of a Man" special with 30-minute sessions offered at half off for those who could use connection, clarity, and encouragement right now. I would love to work with you.

As part of my Winter Replay Series, I’m revisiting one of the most asked and most relevant questions for Gen X singles.
Where are people actually meeting each other these days?

If you are in your 40s or 50s and feeling discouraged, disconnected, or tired of the dating app merry-go-round, this conversation still matters. Maybe even more as we move into a new year and quietly think about what we want differently.

In this episode, I talk about where real connection is still happening, both offline and online; how to use dating apps with intention rather than burnout, if you choose to use them at all; and why focusing on building a full, grounded, meaningful life is still the most attractive place to start.

This replay is not about pressure or chasing outcomes. It is about mindset, curiosity, and becoming the kind of person you would actually want to meet. If meeting someone is one of your goals for the year ahead, this episode offers perspective, encouragement, and practical ways to approach connection with more ease and hope.

Perfect for winter listening and for anyone entering the new year wanting to date differently and more consciously.

This winter can feel heavy for many men, especially as the days grow shorter and life's uncertainties settle in.

I am offering my Winter of a Man 30-minute coaching session for half off through the end of January. If you are craving encouragement, clarity, or simply a genuine connection during these challenging months, this space is for you. Book your session and step into the season with more confidence and support. ⁠stan.store/the_sarah_valentine⁠.

This is from Season One, Episode 81, in 2023, and the quote is: "The past is your head, and the future is in your hands." It is interesting and enlightening to see how far I have come, and you should be celebrating your growth as well! Listen to the end for some guided deep breathing!

You can email me at ⁠⁠sarah@intimateconsciousness.com⁠⁠.

You can also find me on ⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠, where I share weekly musings and the video version of this podcast.

This winter can feel heavy for many men, especially as the days get shorter and life's uncertainties set in. I am offering my Winter of a Man 30-minute coaching session for half off through the end of January. I

f you are seeking encouragement, clarity, or a genuine connection during these challenging months, this space is for you.

Book your session and step into the season with more confidence and support. ⁠⁠stan.store/the_sarah_valentine⁠⁠.

This was my most-played episode from last year (Season Three). I hope you enjoy the replay and the message!

Confidence for Men Series: Conversations that Build Connection

Does small talk make you anxious? Do you struggle to keep a conversation flowing without overthinking every word? In today's episode of Here Comes Sunshine, we're talking about the art of building meaningful conversations with ease. Whether it's in dating, business, or deepening friendships.

You'll learn:

Simple conversation starters that feel natural (not forced).

How to keep a conversation going without awkward silences.

The secret to making people feel seen and heard.

Action Step: Start a conversation with someone new this week using one of the techniques shared.

If you've been following our confidence series, you know we've built the mindset and daily habits; now it's time to take that confidence into real-life interactions.

Need help solidifying your confidence? Let's connect!

You can email me at ⁠sarah@intimateconsciousness.com⁠.

You can also find me on ⁠Substack⁠, where I share weekly musings and the video version of this podcast.

This winter can feel heavy for many men, especially as the days get shorter and life's uncertainties set in.

I am offering my Winter of a Man 30-minute coaching session for half off through the end of January. If you are seeking encouragement, clarity, or a genuine connection during these challenging months, this space is for you. Book your session and step into the season with more confidence and support. ⁠stan.store/the_sarah_valentine⁠.

In this short and heartfelt episode, I pause to share some incredible updates about this podcast and to say thank you.

The numbers came in, and they reminded me that this little Sarah who could is actually reaching the people who need encouragement, hope, honesty, and a gentle nudge forward.

It means more than you know. As we move toward the launch of Season 5 on Wednesday, January 14th, I will continue revisiting a few favorite episodes from past seasons.

They are the stories and lessons that still hold power, and I want you to have them close as we begin a new chapter together.

Thank you for listening. Thank you for being here. And thank you for letting me shine a little light into your world.

You can email me at ⁠sarah@intimateconsciousness.com⁠.

You can also find me on ⁠Substack⁠, where I share weekly musings and the video version of this podcast.

This winter can feel heavy for many men, especially as the days get shorter and life's uncertainties set in.

I am offering my Winter of a Man 30-minute coaching session for half off through the end of January. If you are seeking encouragement, clarity, or a genuine connection during these challenging months, this space is for you. Book your session and step into the season with more confidence and support. ⁠stan.store/the_sarah_valentine⁠.

Happy Holidays, my handsome friend!

Through December and January, I am doing something special. Each Wednesday, I’m bringing back one episode from the first four seasons.

These throwback episodes are here to support you during the winter months while I get Season 5 ready for its January 14 premiere!

These are RANDOMLY selected. This episode was from Season One, Episode 83, which was recorded on February 9, 2023. Wow, I have enjoyed rambling to you for these past four seasons!!! What were YOU doing in February 2023?

If this episode spoke to you, I’d love to hear from you.

You can email me at sarah@intimateconsciousness.com.

You can also find me on Substack, where I share weekly musings and the video version of this podcast.

If you want to go deeper, book a private session at stan.store/the_sarah_valentine.

Reminder: I am still offering my 30-minute Session Special and have extended it until the end of JANUARY! Get on my calendar!!