Masterbators - For The Love of Sex

Hello listeners of the podcast! This is a quick goodbye, for now. I've loved making the podcast, but at the moment I'm not in a space where I can keep making it. But I hope I'll be back next year. Thanks for everything!If you have any questions, wonderings or suggestions, find me here:Twitter: @MasterbatorsPod INSTA: @MasterbatorsPodcast

While I'm on break, I decided to upload some of my favourite episodes so far. I loved this chat with actor, comedian and writer Sarah Griffin. We talked about her upbringing by a proud, second-wave feminist in Louisville, Kentucky, her experience as "Patrick" as part of the Pop Up Globe's "all male" cast of The Merchant of Venice and A Midsummer Night's Dream and her journey to identifying as genderqueer.Sarah's recommendations:Binder: GC2bPacker: Mr LimpyFind Sarah on Twitter @TheSarahGriffinAny questions, wonderings or suggestions, find me here:Twitter: @MasterbatorsPodINSTA: @MasterbatorsPodcast

This week was very exciting for me as I got to talk to writer Amy Blakelock. She's also an identical twin and more importantly she let me ask the ultimate (and incredibly sophisticated) twin question: Are they telepathic? And, more interestingly, she shared her experience of growing up as part of a unit, the importance (and struggle) of finding your own identity and the difficulty of dealing with a family member's mental illness. Amy's Theatre Company:https://paradoxtheatrecompany.com/about-usNatural Family Planninghttps://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contraception/natural-family-planning/Also I'll be taking a month off, more details at the end of the episode (basically I'm tired ;))Please rate, review and subscribe, as tedious as it is, it really helps out the podcast! If you have any questions, wonderings or suggestions, find me here:Twitter: @MasterbatorsPod INSTA: @MasterbatorsPodcast

This week was special to me, as I had the pleasure to welcome back the wonderful Nina Sever. So much has happened since we last met. From finishing and publishing their directorial debut for Erika Lust's XConfessions ("Coffee with Pleasure"), their first experiences as a performer in the porn industry, to exploring their gender identity, Nina was open and honest in discussing their recent journey.Check out their work http://www.ninasever.com/ and find them on instagram @ninasever. Please rate, review and subscribe, as tedious as it is, it really helps out the podcast! If you have any questions, wonderings or suggestions, find me here:Twitter: @MasterbatorsPod INSTA: @MasterbatorsPodcast

Join me this week for a chat with Canadian stand-up comedian and writer Kate Barron. We talked about Kate's comedy, what inspires her and the biggest challenges female comedians face. Oh, and sex...kind of.If you want to see what Kate is up to next, you can find her here:Upcoming shows: https://katebarron.ca/showsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/_katebarron/TTwitter: https://twitter.com/kate_barronAs always, if you have any questions, wonderings or suggestions, you can find me here:Twitter: @MasterbatorsPod INSTA: @MasterbatorsPodcast

Join me this week for a chat with actress Harriet Catchpole as we discuss the importance of removing stigma around masturbation and opening up the opportunity for shameless self-exploration.Harriet's social media:Instagram: @harriet_catchpole_Twitter: @harrietcatchpo1Harriet's Theatre Company: Instagram @innutshelltheatrecompanyAs always, if you have any questions, wonderings or suggestions, you can find me here:Twitter: @MasterbatorsPod INSTA: @MasterbatorsPodcast

This week I got to sit down with actress and drag artist Alexandra Christle, aka Crystal Bollix. We had a chat about her beginnings in drag performance, the inspiration behind her show "The Bitch Ball" and how she found strength in claiming back the word "Bitch", transforming it from weakness to strength. CrystalBollix on Twitter (@CBollix): https://twitter.com/CBollix?s=09Crystal Bollix on Instagram (@CrystalBollix) https://instagram.com/crystalbollix?igshid=1mmaz1ff71kqpGo catch "Crystal Bollix Presents The Bitch Ball" in Edinburgh:https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/crystal-bollix-presents-the-bitch-ballMore info about the Maiden Speech Festival:https://www.lexiclareproductions.com/copy-of-maiden-speech-festival-1Maiden Speech (@MaidenSpeech) on Twitter:https://twitter.com/MaidenSpeech?s=09See Drag:The Working Men's Clubwww.workersplaytime.netorking http://www.workersplaytime.net/The Glory Londonhttp://www.theglory.co/Try DraD:Soho Theatre Drag & Cabaret Labhttps://sohotheatre.com/project/cabaret-drag-lab/As always, if you have any questions, wonderings or suggestions, you can find me here:Twitter: @MasterbatorsPod INSTA: @MasterbatorsPodcast

This week I had the pleasure of sitting down for a chat with Violet V. Violet has been active in the kink community for years and was happy to answer all my questions, smart and otherwise. (Get ready for a lot of "asking for a friend"). How she got into the scene, what misconceptions she would like to get rid off, her personal limit-list, tips for newbies and more. If you have any questions that I haven't asked, please feel free to contact me and we'll get back together for another episode to get a bit more indepth.Violet's recommendation for newbies to the scene:https://fetlife.com/"FetLife is the Social Network for the BDSM, Fetish & Kinky Community."Violet's Instagram: @thelittleviolet13 As always, if you have any questions, wonderings or suggestions, you can find me here:Twitter: @MasterbatorsPod INSTA: @MasterbatorsPodcast

Join me this week for a chat with singer/ song writer Beth Powell about the challenges of growing up in a small town and the experiences that lead us to become ourselves. As always, if you have any questions, wonderings or suggestions, you can find me here:Twitter: @MasterbatorsPod INSTA: @MasterbatorsPodcast

*Trigger Warning: Sexual Assault*This week I talked to cabaret artist Jacinta about her personal experience with abortion and the importance of free, legal and safe treatment. An important conversation I'm grateful for about a topic that is so important to discuss. Especially as it still holds a lot of shame and guilt which is placed on us by society, that simply shouldn't be there. We also discussed her experience with sexual assault, how the "Me Too" - movement helped her in recognising and coming to terms with her experience and the importance of consent. BPAS is the UK's leading abortion care charity - specialists in safe, confidential, high-quality abortion treatment for more than 50 years:https://www.bpas.org/abortion-care/As always, if you have any questions, wonderings or suggestions, you can find me here:Twitter: @MasterbatorsPod INSTA: @MasterbatorsPodcast

This week I'm joined by actor, writer and photographer Carina Griffiths. She took the time on educating me on endometriosis and was kind enough to share her story and the shocking lack of autonomy over her body she has felt in the medical system over the years. As always, if you have any questions, wonderings or suggestions, you can find me here:Twitter: @MasterbatorsPod INSTA: @MasterbatorsPodcast

Join me this week for a chat with the wonderful Orla Quilligan as we discuss the need for monogamy, dating apps and go off on all sorts of fun tangents from psychotherapy to the NHS.Because we touched on mental health and counseling, here are some resources I've previously linked on the topic on a previous episode, of course this list isn't comprehensive and is in no way meant as, or an alternative to, medical advice! Always talk to a medical professional if you have any concerns! https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/nhs-services/mental-health-services/how-to-access-mental-health-services/ https://guildofpsychotherapists.org.uk/home/full https://www.icope.nhs.uk/ - Coping with emotionsAs always, if you have any questions, wonderings or suggestions, you can find me here:Twitter: @MasterbatorsPod INSTA: @MasterbatorsPodcast

This week, join me for a great conversation with actor Jenet Le Lacheur. We discussed porn, its impact on young people and why its censorship should ring alarm bells. Jenet shared her personal journey to finding their gender identity, what role porn played in it and why inclusive sex education would have been and is so vital. Oh and last but not least, my new favourite topic: kink. Find Jenet on Twitter: @JenetLeLacheurSee Jenet in Hamlet:https://iristheatre.com/event/hamlet/As always, if you have any questions, wonderings or suggestions, you can find me here:Twitter: @MasterbatorsPod INSTA: @MasterbatorsPodcast

Hey lovely listeners of the pod! Just a quick one to let you know in taking a short break for the next two weeks. Afterwards I'll be back with my usual shenanigans! Enjoy the sun!

Join me this week for an exciting chat with Reg, sex therapist in training and absolutely lovely human. She openly shared her first experiences with sex, from discovering the joys of masturbation, to her first time as well as her more recent experiences on her journey into the world of Tantra. An incredible conversation and certainly not our last! "It's been a ride and I've learned a lot and I've cried a lot and I've had a lot of orgasms."~RegThings to look into:Andrew Barnes: http://andrewbarnes.cz/en/Sex Club Orange : www.sexclubme.comAs always, if you have any questions, wonderings or suggestions, you can find me here:Twitter: @MasterbatorsPod INSTA: @MasterbatorsPodcast

This week we celebrate a little anniversiary, it's the 20th episode of Masterbators! With me for the occassion were Mesha Maria Wright and Bethany Parker who came to chat about their show "Tits, Teeth and Twats" that premiered at Brighton Fringe last year. The play centers around two young women who are struggling to cope in a society obsessed with Snapchat filters, glitter and the Kardashians. We talked about their inspiration behind the play, the unrealistic beauty standards young people are subjected to, online dating, gender roles and insecurities. Keep an eye out on their social media, the show will return soon!The show's socials:Insta: @titsteethtwatTwitter: @TitsteethtwatFacebook: @titsandteethAs always, if you have any questions, wonderings or suggestions, you can find me here:Twitter: @MasterbatorsPod INSTA: @MasterbatorsPodcast

Another week, another amazing guest! This week I had a chat with burlesque performer into the dark side, Aine Oniel aka Curly Chaos, for an exciting chat about everything from figuring our masturbation, to first orgasms, finding your sex and communication what you want and owning your kink. I have so many more questions, so this will not be the last time you hear Aine on the podcast!Find her on instagram @curly_chaos_Burlesque If you're really quick you can catch her show tonight ;), all details here: https://www.thechapelkingscross.co.uk/whats-on/2019/5/18/the-cheek-of-it-presents-the-after-school-club-cabaretAs always, if you have any questions, wonderings or suggestions, you can find me here:Twitter: @MasterbatorsPod INSTA: @MasterbatorsPodcast

This week I had the privilege to sit down with MUA, councellor in training and dear friend, Alessandra Pavan. She bravely shared her experience with domestic violence, how she broke free and what it's like to deal with the aftermath.Alessandra's Instagram: @alessapavanThe blog Alessandra mentioned: Amja UnabashedlyTwitter: @AUnabashedly Instagram: @amjaunabashedlySome resources regarding support for victim's of domestic violence. This list is in no way exhaustive and can change depending on where you live, but it might be able to provide someone in need a starting point. National Domestic Violence HelplineThe Freephone 24 Hour National Domestic Violence Helpline0808 2000 247http://www.nationaldomesticviolencehelpline.org.uk/Citizens Advisehttps://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/family/gender-violence/domestic-violence-and-abuse/Domestic abuse: how to get help https://www.gov.uk/guidance/domestic-abuse-how-to-get-helpVictim Support"We believe that all survivors of domestic abuse should be able to get the support they need to move on from the impact of abuse. We don’t just help people who’ve recently experienced domestic abuse — we’re here to support both men and women, weeks, months and years afterwards."https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/crime-info/types-crime/domestic-abuseMenInformation regarding support for male survivors from Women's Aid:https://www.womensaid.org.uk/information-support/support-for-male-survivors/ManKind Initiative"Confidential helpline, available for all men across the UK suffering from domestic violence or domestic abuse by their current or former wife or partner (including same-sex partner)." https://www.mankind.org.uk/Men's Advice Line"Men's Advice Line: confidential helpline for men experiencing domestic violence from a partner or ex-partner (or from other family members)."0808 801 0327http://www.mensadviceline.org.uk/Men's Aid"Men’s Aid strives to remove bias and prejudice from all parts of our Society and focuses on providing help and assistance to anyone, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, who may need it, but in particular males."https://www.mensaid.co.uk/LGTBQI+Galop"The LGBT+ anti-violence charity"http://www.galop.org.uk/domesticabuse/Stonewall Housing"Stonewall Housing is the specialist lesbian, gay, bi and trans (LGBT) housing advice and support provider in England."https://www.stonewall.org.uk/help-advice/criminal-law/domestic-violenceReducing the Risk of Domestic Violence"We are local: we provide the Independent Domestic Violence Advisor team and other services for Oxfordshire"https://www.reducingtherisk.org.uk/cms/content/lgbtThe London LGBT Domestic Abuse Partnership"The London LGBT Domestic Abuse Partnership (DAP) is a way for LGBT people who have experienced domestic abuse to get the maximum amount of help with a minimum amount of hassle. The DAP is open to any LGBT person experiencing domestic violence who is living or working in London"https://lgbtdap.org.ukWomenWomen's Aid"Since 1974, we have been at the forefront of shaping and coordinating responses to domestic abuse."https://www.womensaid.org.uk/Solace Women's Aid"Solace Women’s Aid offers free advice and support to women and children in London to build safe and strong lives. Futures free from abuse and violence."Freephone 0808 802 5565https://www.solacewomensaid.org/Refuge"At Refuge, we believe that no-one should have to live in fear of violence and abuse. On any given day Refuge supports more than 6,000 clients, helping them rebuild their lives and overcome many different forms of violence and abuse; for example domestic violence, sexual violence, so-called ‘honour’-based violence

This week I had the pleasure to chat with artist, interaction designer and self proclaimed pseudopoet Jay Whitehead. She shared her story with me, how she dealt with battling leukemia as a child, finding strength in art and how it helped her through the darkest times and the importance of "fuck it moments". Truly one of the most honest and inspiring conversations I've ever had. If you'd like to check out some of her art, you can find her in Instagram @J.whiteheadintdesarts and @s_catteredAs always, if you have any questions, wonderings or suggestions, you can find me here:Twitter: @MasterbatorsPod INSTA: @MasterbatorsPodcast

This week I got to sit down with actress and all-round lovely human Tricia Wey. We discussed our favourite sex toys, Tricia's journey and experience with polyamory and her identity as a Black woman. It was so much fun, can't wait for you guys to hear it!As always, if you have any questions, wonderings or suggestions, you can find me here:Twitter: @MasterbatorsPod INSTA: @MasterbatorsPodcast

*Trigger Warning:This week's episode deals with eating disorders and associated behavious*This week things are getting a little more serious as Chrissy Kapartis joins me to talk body image, self-love and her journey of overcoming an eating disorder. A difficult, but wonderful, open and honest conversation.Find Chrissy's blog here: https://ckapartis.wixsite.com/actingandhealing?fbclid=IwAR3dTfaRfZFSIWi-aV3wtqiY_8woRc-LTh7GwDKkKK-VafCM1vlUuUtYoywThe recover clinic's website: https://www.therecoverclinic.co.ukRecover clinic's youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeYFlpqLE22gbpkjhqdAhkQEmmy's youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoEM-dohxHbGgYZjiPEeDAQ/videosEmmy's website: http://emmybrunner.comAnd Grace Victory’s interview with Emmy Chrissy referenced in the episode: https://youtu.be/sVNMU8SOBoUAny questions, wonderings or suggestions, find me here:Twitter: @MasterbatorsPod INSTA: @MasterbatorsPodcast

Join me this week for a chat with actor, comedian and writer Sarah Griffin, as we talk about her upbringing with a mother who made no secret of the struggles that lay ahead of her because she was a woman, her experience as "Patrick" as part of the Pop Up Globe's "all male" cast of The Merchant of Venice and A Midsummer Night's Dream and her journey to identifying as genderqueer.Sarah's recommendations:Binder: GC2bPacker: Mr LimpyFind Sarah on Twitter @TheSarahGriffinAny questions, wonderings or suggestions, find me here:Twitter: @MasterbatorsPod INSTA: @MasterbatorsPodcast

This week I'm chatting with Louisa Cowell about her journey of discovery with pole dancing, gender stereotypes and the books that debunk them.Louisa is a teacher of pole dancing at https://www.readingpolearts.com and first time director at http://www.progresstheatre.co.uk. You can find more details about the production here.If you're in the London area and want to check out pole dancing, here, as promised, are Louisa's recommendations: http://www.polefitlondon.comhttps://www.theealingpolestudio.comThe books referenced in this episode are "Come as you are" by Emily Nagoski, "Testosterone Rex" by Cordelia Fine and, in case you have a casual interest in starting a revolution, "Blueprint for Revolution" by Srdja Popovic.Any questions, wonderings or suggestions, find me here:Twitter: @MasterbatorsPod INSTA: @MasterbatorsPodcast

Join me for a chat with bio-chemist turned comedian, Mariana Feijo. We talked about her unique journey, self-love, the importance of failing, polyamory and, of course, masturbation.Find Mariana on Twitter: @_mariana_feijo_ and Instagram: @marianafeijo and don't forget to check out her website: Marianafeijo.comThe movie we referenced is called "Professor Marston and the Wonder Women"And a little article about our little vibrating friends and what exactly they do to us:https://spectrumboutique.com/what-is-your-vibrator-really-doing-to-your-body/Any questions, wonderings or suggestions, find me here:Twitter: @MasterbatorsPod INSTA: @MasterbatorsPodcast

This week I sat down for a chat with actress Elena Novello. We had a wonderful conversation about intimacy, what it is, how we can cultivate it and where it begins. Here are the articles referenced in the episode:https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/romantically-attached/201802/the-7-elements-define-intimate-relationshiphttps://www.psychologytoday.com/us/articles/196912/intimacy-the-art-relationshipshttps://exploringyourmind.com/emotional-responsibility/Find Elena on Twitter @EleNovello and on Instagram @elenanovelloAny questions, wonderings or suggestions, find me here:Twitter: @MasterbatorsPod INSTA: @MasterbatorsPodcast

Join me this week, for a chat with Sandy Thomson. Sandy is a director, writer and producer and runs a story machine company called "Poorboy". We disussed her most recent work, "Monstrous Bodies", a play that explores the years Mary Shelley spent in Dundee, the origin of Frankenstein, "titpics" and the decision to build the play around a scene where a teenage girl gets her first period on stage. We also got to talk about Sandy's experience with sex education during the HIV crisis, being a child of the 70s, porn pre-internet, masturbation and coming off age. Find Sandy on Twitter @Poorboy_stories and all about her work with Poorboy here: http://www.poorboy.co.uk/#home-sectionBook of the week (let's just pretend this is a thing): Mary Wollstonecraft - A Vindication of the Rights of WomanAny questions, wonderings or suggestions, find me here:Twitter: @MasterbatorsPod INSTA: @MasterbatorsPodcast

Join me this week for a chat with friend, collaborator and fellow actor Simon Christian as we discuss friendship, coming out, working together and sex in art.You can find Simon on Twitter @simonchrisactor and on Instagram @sichristian1504. Check out his work here: www.simonchristian.comAny questions, wonderings or suggestions, find me here:Twitter: @MasterbatorsPod INSTA: @MasterbatorsPodcast

Last week I got to ask Rebecca all my questions (at least the ones I was able to squeeze in, there are so many) about sex work. This week we are discussing the legality of sex work and how the law impacts the life of sex workers. Any questions for Rebecca? Email them to masterbatorspodcast@gmail.com for a future episode! If you have any questions, wonderings or suggestions, find me here: Twitter: @MasterbatorsPod INSTA: @MasterbatorsPodcast

This week I've had the pleasure to sit down with Rebecca who is a sex worker and was happy to answer each and every of my questions (no matter how silly/relevant). If you have any questions for her, please get in touch! You can find me here: Twitter: @MasterbatorsPod INSTA: @MasterbatorsPodcast

Join me this week for a chat with erotic photographer, writer and director Nina Sever. We discuss the challenges of her work as a model, her empowering work as a photographer and her recent experience as a writer and director for Erica Lust's XConfessions. Check out her work http://www.ninasever.com/ and find her on instagram @ninasever. Please rate, review and subscribe, as tedious as it is, it really helps out the podcast! If you have any questions, wonderings or suggestions, find me here: Twitter: @MasterbatorsPod INSTA: @MasterbatorsPodcast

Join me and Carmen Ali as we discuss masturbation, first orgasms and a woman's right to be "disgusting" (or, you know, human). Carmen Ali is a London based stand-up comedian, you can read the discussed blog post here: https://carmenali.com/2019/01/11/my-first-orgasm/ Find her on instagram @carmenjeanali and twitter @carmenali. If you have any questions, wonderings or suggestions, find me here:Twitter: @MasterbatorsPod INSTA: @MasterbatorsPodcast

Join me and the absolutely delightful and incredibly inspiring Danni Spooner as we dive into our struggles with mental health, discuss how 30 Seconds to Mars saved my life and how we might all benefit from creating a drag alter ego. Danni is a dancer, filmmaker and drag artist who's amazing shortfilm "Fag" got her on DAZEDDIGITAL.com's list of promising UK filmmakers under the age of 25! Everything about Danni can be found on dannispooner.com Twitter: @MasterbatorsPod INSTA: @MasterbatorsPodcast

Join me in conversation with Ingrid as we discuss the urgent need of a revolution in sex education, the importance of communication for good sex and starting a Tinder experiment at 50! Twitter: @MasterbatorsPod Insta: @MasterbatorsPodcast

This week I got to sit down with Miriam Gould, theatre maker, musician and all around creative being to discuss, among other things, ethical porn, the importance of good porn in art, body image, body posititivity and the importance of representation in the media. Give it a listen and let me know your thoughts on twitter where you can find me @masterbatorspod or on Instagram where it's @masterbators_podcast. The books referenced are "Emmanuelle" by Emmanuelle Arsan and Emily Nagoski's "Come as You Are". Her TED talk is definitely worth a watch! You can find it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HILY0wWBlBM And of course I can't stop banging on about the incredible Brené Brown who's TED Talk and various books you should definitely check out! Thank you to Jakob Welding for the amazing theme tune!

Join me for the first episode of Masterbators where I get to talk to the wonderful Nicole Wood where we discuss everything from mental health struggles, overcoming toxic relationships and our journey to self-love and so much more! Follow Nicole on instagram @caribbeanfox Find the podcast on instagram @Masterbators_Podcast and if you want to get in touch drop me an email to masterbatorspodcast@gmail.com Here you can find the links to the mental health services we've discussed, of course this list isn't comprehensive and we are in no way giving medical advice! Always talk to a medical professional if you have any concerns! https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/nhs-services/mental-health-services/how-to-access-mental-health-services/ https://guildofpsychotherapists.org.uk/home/full https://www.icope.nhs.uk/ - Coping with emotions The self-care box for you or a friend in need can be ordered here: https://www.blurtitout.org/buddybox/ Nicole's Book recommendation: Get Me Out of Here: My Recovery from Borderline Personality Disorder by Rachel Reiland And the TED talks I referenced are Amy Cuddy - Your body language may shape who you are and Brené Brown - The power of vulnerability Special thanks to Jakob Welding for the amazing intro!