Ladies Let's Talk About Sex

Today we talk with the CEO of The Canadian Partnership for Women and Children's Health Julia Anderson. We discuss how women are perceived in positions of power especially within the femme oriented health space. If you would like to learn more about Julia and the work CanWaCH focuses on check out their about page at https://canwach.ca/about/.

We sit down with Ella, the head of Sex and Self Concordia, and chat a bit about what it means to be a women in leadership. Especially when you're leading an overtly sexual organization. You can find out more about the work Sex and Self does at Concordia on their Instagram: sexandselfconcordia. 

Our second solo episode, proudly sponsored by DurexCanada, is all about sex and pleasure. Shifting away from anti-sex narratives towards pro-pleasure and pro-good fulfilling sex. Thanks for listening!

We have an illuminating conversation with author Fiona Dawson about her new book that's all about bisexuality. Get a sneak peak before the book is released guided by our lovely host Felicia. You can find more of Fiona on her Instagram @nowwithfiona or her website www.nowwithfiona.com. Link to the book: https://www.nowwithfiona.com/arebisexualsjustgreedy

Today we have Courtney, host of Something Positive, discussing not only diagnoses that involve STIs but the much larger culture of stigma. A stigma that harms everyone whether queer and black or white and heterosexual. If you'd like to hear more from Courtney make sure to check out their podcast Something Positive for Positive People where ever you listen. 

Bringing down the virginity industrial complex one episode at a time. This week we have Lidie Silva talking about virginity and its social space, how its perpetuated and why its mostly nonsense. You can find more of Lidie on her Instagram @lidie_silva. Don't forget to rate the pod where ever you listen.

This weeks episode was made possible by DurexCanada! In a very special solo episode, Felicia lasers in on a topic plenty of us try to pretend never happened: our firsts! Your first sexual experience may mean a whole lot or a whole not, and that's perfectly fine. Join Felicia as she explores the topic in our first sponsored episode. Also a special thank you to all our listeners for their continued support.   UNLOCK YOUR BEST SEX LIFE at https://www.durexcanada.com/blogs/sex-101

Can tiktok turn you gay? How does one navigate being a queer women? Is sexuality stagnant for life, or are we always changing? All that and more is discussed in this week's episode with our special guest Sophie. If you'd like to learn more about Sophie's group Mobilizing for Milton Parc please check out their Instagram @mobilizingformp. And don't forget to rate our podcast on Spotify!!

Host of How Cum, Remy Kassimir, discusses one of the most destructive elements of rape culture: victim blaming. As well as how the "cool-girl" archetype can often lead to unsafe sex relations in the cool-girl's pursuit of male attention. If you wanna hear more from Remy be sure to check out her podcast How Cum where ever you get your podcasts or HowCumpodcast.com Check out Remykassimir.com if you'd like to attend live episodes or see her stand up, if you want to catch her on tiktok she's under @remykassimir. 

Here we sit down with Jordan, a physician assistant, and chat about the bevy of misinfo that surround STIs. Everything from terminology to general myth-busting to how regular you should get tested are all right here. If you'd like to hear more from Jordan be sure to follow her on Instagram @jordandelle as well as her podcast Vaginas, Vulvas, and Vibrators available where ever you listen. To access the ultimate foreplay guide please go to foreplay.jordandelle.com (the site will be back up soon!).

TW: This episode deals with serious subject matter such as sexual assault. Today's episode comes from our conversation with Katie around her traumatic sexual experience. We encourage everyone to listen and learn from this important first hand account. If you have any questions for Katie you can reach her on Instagram @_katiebates_

Today we have Kyle Munns tell us all about our bums. How we should start exploring them and precautions everyone should take. Kyle also dishes some entertaining personal stories and we finish with a in-depth talk about protection and sex. You can find Kyle on Instagram @kyle_munzy, don't be afraid to dm and ask whatever you want. 

Why is finding the right birth control such a tiresome and labourious process? We sit down with Dallas, CEO of ReyaHealth, to try and identify the problems, and hoops, uterus owners go through when choosing birth control. Ultimately we learn how everyone's different and a one size fits all model does not address our diverse needs. If you'd like to learn more about Reya and their mission make sure to check out their website reyahealth.ca they're also on Instagram: @reyahealth

This week's episode has us explore an unexpected area of anxiety: the bed room. Join us as we talk with Madeline as she details firsthand experiences with sexual anxiety and the steps she took to cope and develop. You can find Maddy on her Instagram @madelineehs and her articles can be found on the Varsity's website: thevarsity.ca. Make sure to subscribe to the Sex and Self Podcast where ever you listen, and don't forget to leave a review if you can. Our new Instagram handle is @sexandself_podcast, drop us a question and follow to stay up to date on new episodes and giveaways!

Welcome back everyone!! I know you've all missed Felicia and her guests but fret not, we're back from our hiatus rebranded with inclusivity in mind. Join us for season three where we learn a lot about sex, and, if you're lucky, a little about yourself too. We're also still looking for guests and questions for our new FAQs with Felicia, if you're curious about submitting a question, or being a guest, simply fill out the forms found in our Instagram bio @sexandself_pod

What is toxic masculinity and how does it affect male identifiers? Lenny, long-time friend of Felicia, speaks about his own experiences dealing with the concept and certain expectations society has about male-identifying persons. You can find Lenny on Instagram @lennyhana.

El Bush, a non-binary friend of the pod, is here talking to us about their lived experiences with coming to terms with themselves, labels in the the LGBTQ+ community, coming out, and living authentically. You can follow El @elyssabush on Instagram and read their blog post about gender here: https://www.sexandself.com/blog/ofwu9svhuvse3c2mymtraxpv5a228v

Menstrual cramping, caused by periods, is one of the most misunderstood and least respected types of chronic pain. In the guest chair today we have Ruby Moon on behalf of August, a company who's mission is to destigmatize periods. Topics include how to start the work of destigmatizing and what can we all do to help, as well as how the disparity between penis versus vagina research is large and that destigmatizing is part of addressing that problem. You can follow August's work on Instagram @itsaugust and a questions account answered by verified medical professionals @askaugust, they're also on Tiktok @itsaugust.co.

Trigger Warning: this episode deals with traumatic themes relating to sexual assault. Emma Pileggi is here as a survivor of sexual assault and is talking about her emotional experience as well as the physical and mental toll the events had on her. We also find out the steps she took directly after the fact and how she's doing on her path towards wellbeing. If you'd like to DM Emma you can find her @emma.pileggi on Instagram.  

When you think of true crime what's the first thing that pops into your head? A well-to-do white lady being murdered by her enraged husband in their Summer home in Montauk? As entertaining as those cases may be, they paint a false impression of who really bears the brunt of homicidal violence in North America: transgender people of color. Join Felicia as she sits down with LA based podcaster Mallery Jenna Robinson, host of A Hateful Homicide, as they conceptualize the work Mallery accomplishes with each one of her episodes. How can true crime break down and help us better understand some of the most vulnerable members of our community? Listen in for another stimulating conversation and don't forget you can find A Hateful Homicide where ever you get your podcasts by searching ahatefulhomicide. Also follow Mallery on Instagram @malleryjenna90, she encourages feedback so don't be afraid to DM!

Today we take a trip down memory lane and have a talk with one of Felicia's classmates from high school. They discuss female sexuality, losing your virginity, and how important supportive parents can be. If you'd like to find more about Maddi visit her @madisonleonardo_ on Instagram. 

We have Cass from Bodies A-Z, an organization that provides young students in the Montreal area with comprehensive sex-ed workshops and seminars. Bodies A-Z is a part of Sex and Self, and by extension, the LLTAS podcast. Cass tells us about the work she does and its far reaching consequences. We dive into some high school stories and examine what in hindsight were probably some toxic relationships. You can find Cass @casstedescco on Instagram. Also, this month we're having our biggest fundraiser to support Sex and Self, Bodies A-Z, and LLTAS. On May 7th the Bodies A-Z team will host a educational seminar on mental health. Interested in learning more? Want to donate? Checkout www.sexandself.com for fundraising goals and ways you can support us. 

This week is about reproductive justice and intersectionality. With us we have sexologist Michelle Hope who's here to help deepen our understanding of reproductive justice. She maintains it is a human right to decide whether or not one wants to carry a pregnancy to term. We explore Michelle's fascinating career path from dancer to activist, as well as discussing what intersectionality means and how it applies to our sex positive spaces. You can follow Michelle on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @mhsexpert.

Today we have three experts on being Black at McGill. They are Vanessa Richardson, Shaquiera Hamilton, and Khan Bouba-Dalambaye. Vanessa and Shaquiera are both current students at McGill while Khan has since graduated and works as a clinical counselor and psychology instructor in the Montreal area. Our guests discuss with Felicia the current state of the McGill Black student body, and what is being done, along with what should be done, to create an equitable and safe environment for the university's marginalized students. Turn in for an illuminating discussion about race from people who are on the front lines directly combatting racism in our community. You can learn more about the workshop Being Black @ McGill here: https://www.mcgill.ca/studentservices/being-black-mcgill. You can follow Our Shared Spaces on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/oursharedspacesmcgill/. Find Vanessa @vanessaxrichardson on Instagram and Khan on LinkedIn by searching: Khan Bouba-Dalambaye.

Our extra special guest is a anonymous fem-id sex worker. She's here to talk about nitty gritty of sex work and how it can even effect your own perception of self. We dive into the bodily commodification of "selling" your body and what that means for your self esteem. The explosion of sex work during the pandemic has really necessitated more conversations about sex work and its various pitfalls. Join us for a simulating conversation and be sure to follow us where ever you get your podcasts.

Here in the studio we have sexologist Megan Stubbs talking about sex and the self. About the give and take of any relationship and what it means to have sex and be single. Megan wrote a whole book about sex and the self over quarantine called: A Single's Guide to Sex, Dating, and Happiness. Want to connect with Megan? You can find Megan on her website sexologistmegan.com, and @sexologistmegan on Twitter and Instagram.

Our guest this week is... me? Yes that's right, your beloved editor Thomas is out from behind the scenes. Felicia and I discuss bisexual media tropes, sex-ed, and living and breathing as bi identifying man. What's it like working with women as a man? Why might some men not tune in to our podcast? All that and more is discussed! You can find me @whendovesad on Instagram and my letterboxd @dovesad.

Tessy Vanderhaeghe is an educator based all the way in beautiful British Columbia, she is a passionate sexual health educator who strives to make students feel empowered via accessible, evidence-based, holistic, comprehensive, inclusive and sex-positive workshops. We discuss the importance of introducing sexual health early and being frank and honest about questions dealing with developing, or soon to be developing, bodies. She talks about her YesTess program and some personal memorable stories when she was still figuring out her own body. You can find Tess on her website yestess.ca, Instagram @yestess_she, and TikTik @yes.tess.

We have a jack-of-all trades here today, Danielle Bezalel of the Sex-ed with DB pod!! She's here telling us all about the bizarre censorship of sex-ed material happening right now on almost every major social media platform. We also get into the unmentionable quality of female sexuality, while meanwhile male sexuality  seems to be celebrated without question. We learn how sex education is a life long experience and can lead to a clearly better and more dignified future for all. You can listen to Sex-ed with DB wherever you get your podcasts. And make sure to check out their various socials: www.sexedwithdb.com, Twitter and TikTok @sexedwithdb, Facebook @edwithdb, and Instagram @sexedwithdbpodcast.

Today we have an extra special guest taking the form of Govindi Dyal. She's returning from our first episode, and she's here to talk all about the famed Barstool sex podcast: Call Her Daddy. Our hosts talk about "red flags" they noticed when listening and move on to the more alarming aspects of one of the most popular sex podcasts ever. Like how Call Her Daddy perpetuates the idea that women must compete with each other. Or the harmful thinking that goes into the toxic "cycle of cheating". It's all tied up with how damaging Call Her Daddy can be to impressionable women and girls. If any listeners have ideas for future episodes we'd love to hear them, just DM us on our Instagram @ladiesletstalkaboutsex.

We're here with a fellow podcaster and journalist Natalie Riveria from the How I Fuck Podcast to get back to the basics: sex and who's allowed to have it. The hosts discuss some problematic media depictions of women's sexuality and why it really isn't helping. Felicia also takes on the Call Her Daddy monolith and hints at a future episode. We also talk about how to appease your desires during the complex reality of sex/being horny during Corona. You can check out Natalie's podcast where ever you get your pods, just search "howifckpodcast", you can also check out more of Natalie's work on Instagram and Twitter @howifckpodcast. Also, check out the website www.howifckpodcast.com.

We have Dr. Alyson K. Spurgas on today to talk about her latest book: Diagnosing Desire Biopolitics and Femininity into the Twenty-First Century. Felicia picks her brain and they discuss the main ideas put forward in professor Spurgas' first book. Issues like how young female socialization play a role in their sexual satisfaction later in life. Or how often female identifying people's sexuality is thought of and treated of as being reactive and passive. You can find more information on about Dr. Spurgas on her faculty profile, her twitter @alysonkspurgas, and website alysonkspurgas.com. Diagnosing Desire Biopolitics and Femininity into the Twenty-First Century can be found at all major online book sellers, if purchased directly from the publisher a discount of 30% can be applied at checkout with code: DIAGNOSING.

Today's episode is all about the big H: herpes! Our host Felicia gets into the weeds about the often unjustly stigmatized herpes virus with Sarah from the Positively Positive Podcast. Sarah and Felicia play myth busters and try to combat the bevy of false information surrounding herpes and STIs in general. We learn that it does get better, and that people can live normal, and sexual, lives after a diagnosis. Sarah can be found @positivelypositivepodcast on Instagram and the pod is available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Today on the pod we've hit a milestone with our first cis-heterosexual male ID guest! Felicia sits down for a talk about sex education in a Catholic school environment with childhood friend Colm Heath. The conversation develops into a discussion about pronouns and their use in society. We get to hear both sides and have a fruitful episode that sheds a little light on the cisgender perspective and the conversations that cis-gender folks typically avoid having.

Trigger warning: this episode deals with sexual assault subject matter.This week's episode has Ava Rutgers, a final year McGill student, giving an inspiring account of her surviving an episode of sexual assault as a teenager. She walks us through one of the most difficult times of her life and discusses the latest bout of sexual violence right here on McGill's campus. Ava and Felicia talk about the relative lack of progress that institutions have made regarding punishing perpetuators of sexual assault.If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual assault in McGill or the Montreal community do not hesitate to inquire about services offered by OSVRSE and SACOMSS: https://www.sacomss.org/wp/osverse/

This week, Felicia sits down with Addison Rose Vincent (@intersexrec), Executive Director of the Non-Binary and Intersex Recognition Project. Join the two as they discuss why Transgender Day of Remembrance should be thoughtfully celebrated, and the recognition we need to acknowledge to the trans community who have fought for equal rights as well as being victim of heinous systems that reinforce global oppression. Together we learn from Addison about what we can do to support, and how we can incorporate this type of activism into our daily lives and our practices towards gender inclusivity. 

This week Felicia speaks with Bethany Stevens, the two discussed the intersections of sexuality and disability. Bethany is a PHD candidate focusing on disability sexuality, specifically pleasure, they focus on breaking down barriers and dismantling social constructs that limits individuals who are disabled. Bethany speaks to Felicia about how to positively discuss sex within the community, and how she's been working through the pandemic to help share the word with likeminded individuals to develop and share ideas regarding disability and sexuality. The two discuss topics such as language and transability, helping to work langauge we might not be familiar with into our everyday vocabulary. Make sure to check out Bethany's YouTube channel, and blog for more about Bethany! 

This week Felicia sits down with Pelvic Floor Specialist Laura Meihoffer from @laurameihofer. Laura takes us through how to seek the help we need, how to know if we need assistance with strengthening and looking after our pelvic floors, and what session of physical therapy for pelvic floor concerns might look like. Laura shows us a few exercises to practice at home and shares resources for those looking to advocate for their pelvic floor health. Laura has a wonderful website with information on pelvic floor services, education tools and videos on all things plevic floor! You can check it out at https://www.laurameihofer.com/

This week, Felicia speaks with Amy from the Shameless Sex Podcast about all things Sex toys. The ladies breakdown the most accessible and widely know toys from vibrators, dildos, butt plugs and yoni eggs following with information on how individuals can use them! Amy discusses her first experience with a vibrator and the dangers of using low quality sex toys. Amy emphasises the importance of keeping your toys clean and some basic sex toy hygiene practices. This is the perfect episode for all the sex toy newbies and super relevant for everyone practicing safe solo sex during the pandemic! 

This week, for Intersex Awarness Day, Felicia speaks with Mel Thompson, who works for the Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity as an advocate for intersex awareness. Mel will share the experience of intersex individuals at different stages of life, and address medical prejudices against intersex people, who have to deal with the ignorant attitude of medical professionals ongoingly viewing intersexuality as an issue that needs fixed. Resources for intersex individuals are shared, as well as advice for how to speak to your health professionals should any issues arise - but most importantly, Mel shares with us their positive experience as an intersex individual.

This week Felicia talks to the brilliant paediatrician, Dr. Tessa, about puberty and all the myths and uncomfortable discussions that go alongside it. The ladies discuss common misconceptions about puberty, the misinformation surrounding it and the repercussions it can lead to. Dr Tessa talks about the importance of a proper sexual education system and tells us how she uses her social media platforms to spread teen body awareness and acceptance and have real conversations about self love and safe six with adolescents who need to hear it.

This week Felicia continues her conversation with Tori Ford, founder of Medical Herstory, an award winning international platform working to de- stigmatise discussions on our health and bodies. The ladies talk about Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), their own experiences with them and debunk the concept of STIs being socially taboo. Tori tells us about her positive sexual education experience, and how it still did not protect her from contracting an STI. Reminding us that regardless of your education, STI's are very normal and there should be no shame associated with a positive result. Tune in to hear some advise on how to protect yourself and what to do if you do recieve a positive result. 

Join Felicia and published erotica author and sexual educator, Lexi Sylver,  as they discuss the taboo topic of non-monogamous relationships. The ladies discuss the positive aspects of open relationships, the importance of it being ethical and consensual and the questions that need to be asked when transitioning from a monogamous relationship to an open one. Lexi talks how normal it is to experience jealousy in all types of relationships and the important part how we act out on it, the need self-love and communication in and how it’s fine if non-monogamy is not for you. Lexi shares her years of experience as a coach, making us realise that what we feel is valid - whatever type of relationship we’re in and imparts resources for learning more about the culture of non-monogamy.

Join Felicia this week as she talks to Dr Jessica. former high teacher turned author and sexual educator who preaches the importance of sexual education and how her book ‘the Art of Seduction’ will help us to better understand that. The ladies discuss the importance of seduction and foreplay in a happy relationship , the different forms of communication, both romantically and sexually, and how you can utilise this in your relationships. Dr Jessica tells us the science behind seduction and how the absence of a comprehensive sex education can lead to false conceptions regarding pleasure and educations us on the the common assumptions that can arise from it.

This week Felicia talks to Tori, founder of Medical Herstory, web based platform for women and femme-identified folks to share their experience and difficulties in regards to healthcare, medicine and wellness. Tori talks about her experience with chronic yeast infections, how prejudiced the medical community can be and her own experience in dealing with it. The ladies discuss the need for the normalization of discussions around yeast infections both medically and socially, as well as addressing how her experiences with chronic yeast infections have impacted her life. Tori tells us the lack of urgency, information and research dedicated to this field and the mental health repercussions of suffering from chronic yeast infections.

This week Felicia talks to Raquel, the owner of Viita, a sustainable protective underwear brand to safeguard users from leaks of any kind! The ladies talk about the frequency of both urinal and period leakage in women and how  discussions surrounding these problems should be normalized. Raquel walks us through the journey of how a school project turned into an amazing  brand which caters to all kinds of womanly issues and  deconstructs taboos and shames surrounding period and bladder leakage. The ladies share their opinions on the pink tax and subsidization of period products and we get to hear Raquel’s perspective not only as a business owner, but as a woman.

This week, Felicia is joined by social worker Marnie Spiegel to discuss the concept of consent, how we can implement it in our lives  from an early age and the importance of normalizing it. The ladies discuss the impact of consent on everyone’s life,  different resources for education on this topic at all stages of the curriculum and  the concept of body autonomy. They venture on how to identify gaps in our learning and how to gear prevention education in order to be survivor centric and effective. Marnie makes us realize the lack of representation of consent in public media and the need for the reformulation of language surrounding this topic.

This week, Felicia is joined by Devon Day, a personal trainer, nutrition specialist and self love specialist who preaches body positivity and helps women struggling with it based on her own personal journey. The ladies discuss the the effects of social media on our body image, the effect of your insecurities on your relationships and the benefits of having a healthy body image. Devon walks us through her own journey and how her eating disorder turned into one of her greatest strengths and shares advice on how to be more accepting of your body.

This week, Felicia is joined by a sex therapist, the wonderful Dr Laurie Betito! The ladies discuss the pleasure principle, the importance of accurate sexual education for young women, as well as how to understand our own anatomy in order to learn about what feels good for our own bodies. As a cultural figurehead, Dr Betito shares her journey as a sex therapist and educates us on sexuality, telling us what has and hasn’t changed since her entrance into the field and throughout her career. The ladies bust myths and false narratives surrounding women’s health and physiology and walk you through an empowering discussion on women’s roles throughout the times and why it’s about time that things should change.

This week, Felicia speaks with Taylor Nolan, @taymocha, a podcast host, therapist, social media personality and badass woman! The ladies talk about how they have redefined womanhood by highlighting personal experiences they have each gone through. Taylor shares with us personal stories such as breaking the teen pregnancy cycle she was exposed to, along with the challenges society has presented to her, as she is a bi-racial women. The women have a fun conversation about boundaries, dating, sex, and look at how these concepts have changed overtime and throughout their lifetime.

This week, Felicia and sexual violence educator Bianca, from OSVRSE at McGill University, break down terminology surrounding sexual violence and the importance of letting survivors label their own experiences, and navigating their stories at their own pace and time. The ladies touch on intersectionality within sexual abuse and how this can effect anybody directly or indirectly and how BIPOC experience abuse differently. The ladies discuss personal sexual harassment stories and Bianca explains to us how to best react to someone who decides to disclose their sexual assault experience and how to be an active bystander, especially during the COVID 19 crisis.