Glow West Podcast

  Whats the appeal of swinging? Or the logistics? Here to bare all is returning guest Hannah Davis. Hannah is a 23 year old sex educator from London, living in Newcastle upon Tyne. Her recent success with her Shagify wrapped video has allowed her to open up her platform to cover all manner of sex topics including anal, group sex, and bisexuality. Find Hannah at @hannahgotthed on IG Support us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

Did you know that millions of people around the world have a foot fetish of some kind? To explore this, Im joined by pro dominatrix Domina Clarity who explains the roots of foot fetish, how people deal with shame, and why its so common. Find Clarity at dominaclarity.com or @domina_clairty on IG   Support us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

When They are Too into You: Ep 145 First flushes of love can be super exciting, but can also obscure emotionally abusive behaviour. Mary Hayes from Women's Aid talks to me about how to spot the signs of emotionally abusive behaviour in relationships and where to seek support.  Find Women's Aid at @womens_aid or 1800341900 and @toointoyou Support us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

From cherries to nagging wives, the world of vintage sex education is a mixed bag. Joining me this week is clinical sexologist Ness Cooper who shares her collection of vintage sex guides and shares some of the more...unusual suggestions. Find Ness at nesscooper.co.uk   Support us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

Joining me to chat about adult circumcision is returning guest Dean O'Reilly, who talks us through the reasons for his adult circumcision. He speaks about phimosis and how common it is to be unable to pull your foreskin back fully. Find Dean on IG @accidentalrainbow   Support us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

Joining me this week is Sarah Monaghan from Dublin Rape Crisis centre who is here to chat to me about their recent We-Consent campaign, which shows that consent can be playful as well as essential. There is a trigger warning for sexual violence for this episode. Find out more at @weconsentirl or contact DRCC at 1800 778 888   Support us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

We are back baby! A short break turned into a longer one but we are back and making up for lost time! Joining me to re pop the podcast cherry is Celine Fierro, CEO of audio erotica app OhCleo who chats about why audio erotica is having a moment, and is it really more ethical than traditional porn?  You can find OhCleo wherever you get your apps! Support us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

Being a woman in the public eye is not an easy thing, especially when we throw sex into the mix. Camille Melissa Warning returns to the podcast to talk about sex tapes, scandals, trials, and more and asks how visual terrorism impacts women. Find Camille at @thephotographictheorist   Support us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

Vaginismus in an Irish context is something that has rarely been spoken of, leaving sufferers in the dark and doctors who have not received adequate training on the topic and risk causing harm.Joining me to discuss is is Dr Maria McEvoy who has just completed her PhD on this topic. (And yes, I did mix up my pronunciation again!) Find Maria at www.vaginismusresearchireland.com and Twitter feed @Irishvaginismus   Support us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

Many people have an image in their heads of what a sex worker looks like, but this often doesnt match up to the reality. Dr Raven Bowen is here to explain sex work duality- when sex workers also have a mainstream job. Raven has an excellent book out now called Work, Money and Duality: Trading Sex as a Side Hustle'. Find Raven on twitter at @corbeau_1863    Support us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

Glow West is back and in person! Joining me for a live podcast at Waterford Pride is Ms Gay Ireland Stephanie Fogarty, who chats to me about how she got her title, why stereotypes about lesbians are so damaging, and more. Find Stephanie on IG at @ms_gay_ireland   Support us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

Fatphobia takes many different forms, from medical access to accessibility when it comes to sex toys and lingerie. Joining me to discuss this is sex educator in training Emma Martin Kelly. Emma chats about her personal experiences and explains what discrimination can look like when you are fat. (The IG live Emma is referring to with Michelle McCormack from Pure Filth podcast- worth checking out!). Find Emma on IG at @iemmahuman Support us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

Some of us might be familiar with the term 'stealthing', but it can have a few different interpretations that can impact how victims understand what has happened. Joining me to discuss this is Alex Black from @activeconsent who chats about stealthing, reproductive coercion, and pop culture. Support us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

The clitoris is an organ of wonder, and some people also wonder what it's like to get it pierced. Here to explain what its like to actually do this is sex educator Hannah Davis. Find Hannah at @hannahgotthe_d Support us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

South East Asia is a vast place of around 10 different countries, but there are a lot of similiarities to Ireland in how sex is discussed and taught. Joining me to discuss this is Jingjin Liu from zazazu.vip, a sexual wellness initiative who works to help people have better sex lives on their terms.   Support us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

Surviving Sexual Assault: Ep 132 Many people many experience sexual assault, and it is important to know that there there is so much help out there for people to reclaim power in their lives. Joining me to discuss their amazinD inclusive resources is Desdemonda Dallas from Survivors Toolbox, who provide a treasure trove of resources for survivors. Find them at @thesurvivorstoolbox or survivorstoolbox.org Support us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

  Imagine if your government paid for public access porn- well, Germany did just that! Joining me to discuss what this looked like is feminist pornographer Paulita Pappel, who directed this film. She talks about the content and responses, while explaining how important open conversations about sex and porn are. Find Paulita and the film at Lustery.com Support us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

A controversial definition, but we do need to talk about sex addiction. Is it real? What harm does it do? Joining me to discuss this is Silva Neves who works in this area and is the author of of Compulsive Sexual Behaviours, A Psycho-Sexual Treatment Guide for Clinicians. Find Silva at silvaneves.co.uk or sexpositivityuk.com   Support us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

There are different ways to approach the issue of sex work, but which one might be the best way? Joining me to discuss this is sociologist Dr Niina Vuolajarvi, who researches sex work and migration.She explains the differences between the Nordic model, legislation, and decriminalisation. Support us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

Joining me for the second live Glow West podcast is PhD candidate David Carroll, who is studying queer pop music in the 80s. David chats to me about how Elvis set the scene for the 80s, how MTV changed the game, and how he surprised Pete Burns with some champagne at RTE.(Correction note: Lori was 15, not 13 as mentioned in our discussion re Bowie) Support us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

South Asia might seem on the surface to be quite conversative- but did you know there is a South Asian porn industry, hijab festivals, and thriving queer communities? Joining me to shine a light on this topic is Sangeeta Pillai, host of the amazing Masala Monologues podcast and founder of soulsutras.co.uk. Find Sangeeta on twitter at @soul_sutras   Support us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

Lube is one of the best inventions in this world - once you use the right one! Joining me to discuss why its so important to use the correct lube that is body safe is co-founder of Hanx lube, Sarah Welsh. Sarah also explains what its like to be in the femtech world, and talks about the important of sexual wellness products for all. Find Hanx at @hanx_official on twitter Support us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

Many sex workers keep their activity to themselves, which can be stressful and isolating. Coming out can be an option, with privilege attached. Joing me to discuss how she is coming out as a sex worker is Melissa Mermin. Melissa speaks about her personal experiences as a sex worker and coming out to her family. Find Melissa at @naked_therapist on twitter Support us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

Anal is for everyone and sure if you're spicing up your sex life, amazing anal sex can be a lot of fun. Joining me today to walk us through how to have the best anal sex of your life is Dean O'Reilly, who hosts bottoming classes and is a student union leader. Find Dean at @accidentalrainbow Support us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

Recently, Amnesty International released a report on the experiences if sex workers in Ireland since the change in the law in 2017. To discuss this report I'm joined by current sex workers Poppy Devine and Roman, (@redumbrellafront), former sex worker Adeline Berry (@adeline_whitney), and Amnesty worker Anna Blus (@annamblus). You can find the report here: HERE and a blog post here: HERE Support us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

Can porn be feminist? What could make porn feminist in the first place? To answer these questions, Im joined by feminist pornographer Paulita Pappel, found of lustery.com and hardwerk.com. She explains what feminist porn looks like, and how we can support sex workers. Find Paulita at @paulitapappel on twitter Support us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

We know that trans people face additional challenges in life, but what about trans people of colour? Joining me to discuss this is Sabah Choudrey, author of Supporting Trans People of Colour. Find Sabah at @sabahchoudrey on twitter and sabahchoudrey.com Support us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

What kind of questions about sex do people ask when they get to ask anonymous questions? Here to answer this is Grace Alice O'Shea, author of Sex Educated - a brand new book providing inclusive sex education for young people and adults. She also outlines what sex coaching is, and how we can enjoy our digital and in-person sex lives. Find Grace at gracealice.com Support us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

Last week an online vigil was held to remember Ashling Murphy, recently murdered by a man. However, this vigil was disrupted in the most disgusting way. I talk to three of the women involved in this vigil- Christine O'Mahony, Rosemarie Maughan, and Evie Nevin who share their experiences. This is an upsetting conversation so there are trigger warnings for sexual violence and gender based violence. Support us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

This episode sees artist and creator Luis Noguera Benitez share his story about what it was like to be diagnosed with HIV as he was preparing to move countries, and how he uses art to educate and challenge stereotypes. Find Luis at @louisnoguera and if you are in Ireland and want a HIV test please reach out to HIV Ireland. Support us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

This week on the Sunday Special we were joined by Glow West podcast host, Dr Caroline West, Dublin Inquirer reporter, Shamim Malekmian and Adoption Rights and Clann Project co-founder, Claire McGettrick. It was an absolute privilege. We discuss Shamim's latest story about how migrants are denied access to life-saving organ transplants because of the possible later requirement for State supports HERE. We go into a lot of depth as to why the recent "gamechanger" on access to records for the survivors of Mother and Baby Homes/Magdalene Laundries was very much NOT a gamechanger. Then we discussed the outpouring of emotion following the shocking murder of Ashling Murphy, some of the aspects of the societal response and what it says about us and our need for genuine change versus the actual willingness to change. Please do join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

In this Reboot Republic Podcast Rory talks to Dr Caroline West (host of Glow West) about the issues of gender based violence in the context of the shocking murder of Ashling Murphy. Caroline talks about her own experience, and what men and society as a whole can do to end sexual violence against women. She explains about the retraumatizing of victims, and makes the point that there is a lot Government can be doing, like funding prevention and education, and funding domestic violence services properly. It is disgraceful that refuges have to turn victims away and help lines have to fund raise to pay for services. We discuss patriarchy, and how men consider women their ‘property', and that men need to educate themselves, take responsibility, and challenge the conversations and culture that tolerates sexual harassment and violence. If you are affected by any of the issues discussed in this podcast you can contact National Support Services: Women's Aid National Freephone Helpline 1800 341 900 (Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week) National Rape Crisis Helpline 1800 778 888 (operated by the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre and open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)

What's it like to film queer porn- and to film porn in a pandemic? Joining me to share their experiences is queer porn performer Tommy Clifford who chats about remote filming porn in a pandemic, trans representation in porn, and filming after bottom surgery. Find Tommy at @TomdeFun on Instagram Support us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

There's more to the politics of sexual pleasure than just the orgasm gap. Joining me to discuss this is PhD researcher Katalin Zsiga who talks about her research and findings from around the world that identifies barriers to true sexual equality. Find Katalin at @zsigakatalin on twitter. Support us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

In this very special tortoise shack podcast Dr Caroline West of Glow West joins Martin and Tony to talk the year to come, the resolutions and revolutions they want to see and the things that they want to see left in 2021. You'll also hear from Green Party Cllrs (Dublin & Belfast) Hazel Chu and Brian Smyth, former UN Special Rapporteur for Housing, Leilani Farha, full-time teacher and part-time Reboot host, Jana Lyons, Solicitor and hero Simon McGarr, Tallaght Person of the Decade Senator Lynn Ruane, Ana Liffey CEO Tony Duffin, Amnesty's Colm O'Gorman, Our Man in Stockholm Philip O'Connor, Business Post Journalist Killian Woods, the wonderful as always Ber Grogan, friend of the pod Marika Bourke, our very own 'Newcomer of the Year' Lefty Loyalist, Sam McIlwaine, Threshold's Anne Marie Reilly, Sunday Special Stalwart Oisin Murphy-Lawless, Solidarity PBP TD Paul Murphy, Mr Irish History Podcast Fin Dwyer, Madrid based Professor Joe Haslam, the Irish Examiners Mick Clifford and a fella called Blindboy. All sung out by Mick Finnegan. Join us for 2022 at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

Condoms, French letters, Johnnies- whatever you call them, condoms are an important part of sexual wellness. Joining me to discuss this topic is Mike Taylor from EXS condoms who put the fun back in condoms. Mike explains what a vegan condom is, and explores the future of eco friendly condoms- reusable condoms anyone? Find Mike and EXS on IG at: @exscondomsofficial  Support us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

Sex positivity has become a bit of a buzzword, but what does it actually mean, and how can we be sex positive in real life? Joining me to answer this is sex educator Natasha Lama who explores how we can have a healthy attitude to sex. Find Natasha at @browngirl.sexology Support us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

Don't get boring presents this year - get some pleasure enhancing gifts for your loved one - and for yourself! Here to help you choose the right toy for you is the legendary Shawna Scott from sexsiopa.ie who sells body safe sex toys for all. Treat yo self this year! Support us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

Online flirting can be just as fun as in person flirting, and hey with covid we have to get used to it! To help with getting you all hot and bothered via your phone, this episode explores the world of hot hot hot sexting with the founder of sexting app Amorous. Elizabeth Dell talks to us about how puzzles, games and scripts can turn sexting into a super hot experience! Support us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

November 30th is the International Day of Consent, and to celebrate this I am joined by Dr Siobhan O'Higgins and Siobhan Healy-Cullen from Active* Consent who explain what sexual rights are, how we can support others to enjoy their sexual rights as part of their human rights. Find Active* Consent at @activeconsent on twitter and Instagram. Support us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

Ever heard of the term 'slut pages'? To discuss this disturbing trend, I'm joined by Professor Megan Maas who researches this area. The use of violence as a bonding tool is disturbing and we need to examine this. The role of social media, online porn sites and victim blaming is also discussed. Find Megan at meganmaas.com Support us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

Glow West was finally live in front of a lovely audience, and I had the perfect guest joining me to pop this cherry. Aoife Drury, sex therapist and PhD candidate joined me to explore what sexual pleasure is, how we can achieve it, and what really goes on in a sex therapy session. Find Aoife at drurytherapy.com Support us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

What is sexual racism? Here to discuss this with me is activist and writer Pradeep Mahadeshwar. Born in India and living in Ireland, he has experienced sexual racism on a structural and individual level. From dating apps to social groups, exclusion and sexual racism can harm people. Find Pradeep at @queermyths on Instagram. Support us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack