Meet Treena Orchard, the sex-positive author of ‘Sticky, Sexy, Sad’, a dating apps memoir
I’m a sex-positive feminist over 50 who believes in the magic of reading and writing to change the world and deepen the connection we have with ourselves. As a university professor in the School of Health Studies at Western University in London, Ontario (aka the “other London”), I inspire my students and colleagues to think critically, creatively, and courageously. Life’s short, take the path less traveled once in a while!
As of February 2026, I’m in the midst of:
- Writing a screenplay for a pilot episode of a potential streaming series inspired by my memoir, Sticky, Sexy, Sad: Swipe Culture & the Darker Side of Dating Apps. This scary and exhilarating moment represents a turning point in my career and my life as a woman laying myself — and more than a few men — bare. Writing has been a central piece in my transformative sobriety journey since 2012, and it’s something I’m deeply grateful for.
- Interviewing men for my new book called Vulnerbro, which will explore various aspects of masculinity and vulnerability.
- Launching a new undergraduate course called Friends with Benefits: Exploring Intimacy, Health & Relationships Between People, Digital Platforms, and AI. It’s going really well!
The best thing about my current age, 53
Being 53 is awesome because I’m prioritizing myself and because women 50+ are claiming cultural space in a big way. That’s no small feat in a society that tells us to be small and silent, and to put others first. I’m growing into who I am with humour, vulnerability, and a bit of grace; I love that, too.
The best thing I’ve done for myself in midlife
Staying sober and putting in the hard healing work personally and professionally. Life is a tough, beautiful ride and I want to be grounded and alive to all the stardust that it offers. To quote Fleetwood Mac: “Rock on Gold Dust woman.”
My midlife must-have
Downtime to read and chill with my cats, gardening, and being the best version of myself with the amazing community of people I call friends, family, and colleagues. Another must have is to continue to bet on myself and take chances driven by my intuition and desires. We have but one tour around the sun, let’s make it count.
My Grown-Ass Lady heroes
Shirley Jackson, Sylvia Plath, Billie Holiday, Frida Kahlo, Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Joni Mitchell, Viola Davis, and Greta Gerwig
What’s next?
- An exciting trip to Japan with one of my sisters and my two nephews
- Scoring a literary agent and new book deal for Vulnerbro (fingers crossed)
- Keeping my heart open to new creative opportunities
Follow Treena Orchard
Personal website: https://treenaorchard.com/
Instagram @treenaorchard
Treena Orchard is a member of The Midst Founder community of entrepreneurial women. We’re building a network of entrepreneurs, creators, and leaders on a mission to help women play by their own rules, together — because it takes a community to thrive in midlife. Learn about the benefits here.
