Sex Ed Shouldn't Suck

This week we chat with Michael Timlin – comedian, butcher, and host of the podcast Work Sucks, I Know. We start off discussing his classic school sex ed experience (complete with P.E. teacher and all) and end the episode discussing what we've learned from people we've talked to on the pod. Does anyone anywhere ever get good sex ed?? Maybe, maybe not. You'll have to listen to find out. Follow Michael's Twitter to read more of his brain thoughts and definitely check out his podcast, Work Sucks, I Know (pssst if you're not tired of hearing Kaylee talk yet, you can listen to her episode here). --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sex-ed-shouldnt-suck/support

This week we talked to Cyndi Darnell, author and sex therapist from Australia, all about her new book "Sex When You Don't Feel Like It." She tells us about how her clients inspired her to research pleasure and desire, offers sage advice on how to talk to intimate partners, and basically gives us both a free therapy session on the pod! If you like this episode of the podcast, definitely go purchase and read a copy of Cyndi's book, "Sex When You Don't Feel Like It." For a chance to win a free copy, check out our Instagram for a giveaway during the month of December (2022)!

In part 2 of our interview with Jeff Eaton from the Christian Rightcast, we talk through the history of the purity movement in detail. We account for how it changed over time, from AIDS being treated as a moral issue to True Love Waits. We also discuss biblical masculinity, Bill Gothard and the Duggars, and the motivations of leaders in the purity movement.

This incredible interview with Jeff Eaton, co-host of the Christian Rightcast, is split into two episodes. In this episode, we discuss Jeff's upbringing as a Christian homeschooler in the 1980s. Jeff tells us all about his experience in purity culture, from the earnestness that he felt for the cause to his eventual deconstruction. We talk about the destructive pitfalls of purity culture and how consent is not only an avoided topic, but actually toxic to the ideology of purity culture.

This week, we got to talk to some teens who are in the midst of their sex education in school: Disha and Sara. These two are working on an incredible program called Project AdoleSENSE. Their mission revolves around bringing better sex education to young people in India, where they both live. Disha and Sara talk to us all about what sex ed is like in India, what inspired them to start Project AdoleSENSE, and how you can help support their work. Follow them on Instagram or send them an email at project.adolesense@gmail.com.

We're back for part 2 of the abortion conversation. In this episode, we talk about our experiences learning about abortion (mostly from church) in the 90s and early 2000s. Kaylee recounts her slow journey from anti-abortion to pro-choice in hopes of illuminating the path from anti-abortion to pro-choice. We end the episode by discussing what common ground there is between anti-abortion and pro-choice people. Hint: it's better sex education. If you're in need of some light and fun reading, Guttmacher Institute has a fact sheet on abortion statistics in the United States.

We're back from our mid-season break and finally ready to talk about all the crazy anti-abortion bullsh*t that's been going on in the United States. First, Kaylee outlines the legal history of abortion in the United States, from the national ban in 1910 to the passing of Roe v. Wade in 1973. Next, we discuss how abortion became a hot button issue for conservative Christians. Finally, Jen walks through what has changed state-by-state since the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Sources: Abortion Is Central to the History of Reproductive Health Care in America -- Planned Parenthood Scarlet Letters: Getting the History of Abortion and Contraception Right -- AmericanProgress.org The Religious Right and the Abortion Myth -- Politico Tracking the States Where Abortion Is Now Banned -- New York Times Indiana doctor says she has been harassed for giving an abortion to a 10-year-old -- NPR Someone Tell This Ohio Legislator You Can't Move Ectopic Pregnancies Into the Uterus -- Rewire News Group

We had the pleasure of talking to the wonderful Melissa Fabello: sex & relationship educator, life coach, and support group aficionado. Talking points include queering your life, relationship anarchy, and Gaylor Swift. Be sure to follow Melissa on Instagram to stay up to date on all her latest and greatest work.

It's Pride Month 2022 and folks, it is the year of the bisexual. Jen and Kaylee talk about being extremely bisexual, the difference between being bisexual vs pansexual vs queer, and all of the best bi stereotypes. The episode ends with a talk about how sex education could be more inclusive of the extremely bisexual. If you take anything away from this episode, please remember that being bisexual is an inclusive identity!

This week we got the privilege of interviewing Alex Liu, who just released a documentary all about sex education called A Sexplanation (streaming now!). The doc covers how lacking sex ed is in America and facilitates some difficult conversations with people from across the political spectrum, as well as Liu's parents. In our convo with Alex, we discuss our favorite moments of the documentary, why he decided to make it, and then launch into a wonderful discussion about how to help people—especially people in favor of abstinence-only sex ed—see the value of comprehensive sex education.

You might remember TDo from previous appearances on the pod, including Kissing Girls > Kissing Boys and What's This Whole Kink Thing About? You may think we've run out of topics to talk to TDo about since we've already covered sexuality and kink, but YOU'RE WRONG! This episode may be our best TDo appearance yet. What do we discuss? You've got to listen to find out.

Did you know that on any given day, it's estimated that 1 in 5 people have a sexually transmitted infection (STI)? If it's such a common occurrence, why is there so much shame wrapped up in a positive diagnosis? In this week's episode, Kaylee and Jen talk through their experiences learning about STIs when they were in school, which included graphic images passed around the room and essentially no useful information whatsoever. Then, Kaylee talks through her research into breaking stigmas and outing misinformation. To wrap up, Jen and Kaylee talk about ways to conduct useful, science-based, shame-free STI education that not only provides info for identifying infections, but also helps students understand how to get help, talk to their doctors, and to their partner(s). Check out our sources: STIs podcast episode (Positively Positive) Hot Sex with STIs w/ Dr. Ina Park podcast episode (Sex with Emily) STD vs STI — What's the Difference? blog post (Planned Parenthood)

We caught up with Blair, who runs all socials with the handle Talk Purity to Me, to talk about her sex ed experiences and all things purity culture. This one's got it all, folks! Abstinence-only sex ed in public schools, "radically middle" living room churches, fundamental misunderstandings of how pregnancy happens, and so much more! If you haven't yet, make sure to follow Blair on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok for all of your purity culture shame banishment needs.

In this episode, Jen walks us through the long and arduous history of birth control, from random experiments (did someone say elephant dung?) to condoms, diaphragms, and birth control pills. A good portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing Margaret Sanger, covering not only her world-changing work on birth control reform and the establishment of Planned Parenthood, but also how many of her views overlapped with eugenics, culminating in the birth control pill trials that took place in Puerto Rico. Check out some of our sources: Birth Control Pill: A History (Planned Parenthood) The First Birth Control Pill Used Puerto Rican Women as Guinea Pigs (History.com) The Dark History of Forced Sterilization of Latina Women (University of Pittsburgh) La Operación (Dailymotion)

We talked to Rachel Fey, the VP of Policy and Strategic Partnerships at Power to Decide, all about her career journey working in sex ed policy. Rachel gives us an in-depth review of the current state of the law available for sex education funding and learning requirements among the different states in the US, as well as information on what we can do to help push for better sex ed. If you want to learn more, check out Power to Decide and Bedsider. Additionally, you can read up on the federal sex ed bill that Rachel mentioned, the Real Education for Healthy Youth Act (REHYA), as well as some of the federal sex ed funding programs she covered, like the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program (TPPP), the Personal Responsibility Education Program (PREP), and Title X. Finally, you can take a look at some of the online sex ed resources Rachel mentioned in the episode, including Scarleteen, Go Ask Alice, and Amaze.

Dating shouldn't suck, but more often than not, it does. In this episode, Jen, Kaylee, and a few of their friends share some of their most unbelievable and cringe-worthy sex and dating moments. You'll laugh, you'll cry, and hopefully you'll feel less alone. If you liked this episode and think this format is something we should do more often, please tell us! Email us at hello@sexedshouldntsuck.com or send us a DM on Twitter or Instagram. We'd love to hear from you

We all probably know a lot about sex in our current culture, but have you ever wondered how sex was viewed and talked about in the past? In this episode, Kaylee and Jen dive into the ancient history of sex in India, China, and Greece. Want to learn more? Check out our sources: A graphic history of sex History of human sexuality What Was Sex Like in Ancient India? Sex and Sexuality According to the Vedas Sexual Culture in Ancient China Love, Sex, & Marriage in Ancient Greece

Calling all fans of feet pics, and those that are just foot-curious, this is the episode for you. Jen and Kaylee interview Kellie, a self-proclaimed semi-retired foot artist who is on OnlyFans! Talking points include white picket fences, having the “cool mom,” and...cockroaches? Want to experience some of her sexy feet pics? Subscribe to our Patreon to get an exclusive look!

Ever heard of the relataionship escalator? In the simplest terms, it's the expectation that a relationship take concrete steps from first date to moving in together, engagement, marriage, and finally making a family. If a relationship isn't moving up to the next level, it's a failure and should end. In this episode, Kaylee and Jen discuss wha the relationship escalator is, pontificate on why society is so intense about it, and then discuss why it often fails so many of us.

We talked to Ryan Sudhakaran—comedian, engineer, and overall joy of a human—all about his experiences in sex education and puberty. Talking points include 1960s bunker sex ed videos, boner simulators, and pick up artists. If you just couldn't get enough of Ryan, find him on Twitter, Instagram, or if you're in the Bay, at one of his live comedy shows.

Anyone else think virginity as a concept is super weird? Just us? Hopefully after this episode you'll agree, and also refuse to respect the concept of virginity any longer. Jen and Kaylee talk all about the definition of virginity through the ages, and then discuss all the reasons it makes no sense in real life. Also gay hell?

Got questions about love and sex? You're in luck! This week, we talked to Julia Naftulin—a writer and advice columnist for Insider. From dating apps to masturbation questions, Julia's got it all covered. Be sure to follow Julia on Twitter, check out her writing on Insider, and her column Doing It Right.

We're joined this week by the esteemed Ragean McDonald-Mosley, MD, MPH. Not only is Dr. Raegan an OBG-YN, but she's also CEO of Power to Decide—a platform dedicated to providing information and fighting for access to birth control. In this episode, we discuss in detail all of the various types of birth control, where you can go to get it, and then talk about the problem of contraceptive deserts around the United States.

There are just about a billion different kinds of birth control and everyone's experience with them is unique. This week, Kaylee walks through her journey to find the right blend of birth control methods that work for her. From confusing moralistic messages around the pill to pushy OB-GYNs hawking IUDs, it's a riveting tale. But at the end of it all, we're thankful birth control exists because it empowers us to make independent decisions about our bodies. Check out our blog for a written form of this episode, and if you need birth control, head over to Bedsider to find a healthcare provider near you.

This week, Kaylee and Jen talk about all things menstruation with Britta, co-founder of Vulvani. From cycle tracking as birth control to free bleeding as an eco-friendly alternative to period products, this episode has it all. If you don't feel inspired to change the way you manage your time of the month after listening, you will at least be moved by Britta's passion for normalizing periods and fighting taboos around menstruation.

Jen and Kaylee talk an awful lot about sex education on this podcast, but this week, they take a moment to consider relationships. Should relationship education be taught in school alongside sex ed? Or should we let the youths continue to stumble into attachments blind, with only overly romanticized movies to light the way? Probably…probably the first one.

Have you ever had sex in a funeral home? Tim Lagman from Sex Ed with Tim has! This episode has that juicy story and more, including how Tim subtly got his parents to accept gay people, straight girls asking for anal advice, and Tim's path to becoming the sexy sex educator he is today. Also, “Tight Hole” awards? Listennnnnn, if you want more Tim, you can check out his podcast and subscribe to his Patreon!

Jen and Kaylee discuss the history of the term "sex positivity" and dig into what it means to them personally. According to recent articles from BuzzFeed and the New York Times, sex positivity has fallen out of vogue in recent years, especially for Gen Z. While that thought might strike fear into Millennials who were raised in abstinence-only sex education, the roots of the departure are worth considering.

It's season 3, baby! This trailer episode has a few exciting clips to give you a sneak peek of the season to come, plus lots of useful info about what we've got going on for this season. Make sure you stick around until the end for a...hoedown?

In the final episode of season 2, Jen and Kaylee discuss the major learnings they took away from this season and their favorite episodes. Special guest Kent Soliday joins for a short discussion on whatever it is he does for the Sex Ed Podcast that deserves thanking at the end of every episode, plus he gives us a special peek into what his sex education was like. Finally, this episode ends with a short talk about what to expect for season 3. Also...Kaylee doesn't know how to put a condom on???

We got to talk to one of our idols, DB from the podcast Sex Ed with DB. Already 5 seasons in to her podcast, DB is an inspiration who works tirelessly to educate people with comprehensive sex ed not only on her show, but also on TikTok, Instagram, and more. She shares how a job teaching English in Israel inspired her to start Sex Ed with DB, how she uses her platform to help amplify the voices of many different kinds of people, and how reproductive justice is a critical element of comprehensive sex ed.

This week we're joined by Chara, owner of theblackbisexual Instagram account, to talk about all things bisexuality. Talking points include kissing girls in bathrooms at school, how straight-passing privilege is just bi-erasure, and biphobia from within the LGBTQ+ community.

Sex education in schools is incredibly heteronormative. Most of the time, the only topics that are covered are safe sex protocols for PIV (penis-in-vagina) sex. Even though many young people identify as LGBTQ+, the ways that they experience their sexuality are never covered. Ignoring queer-inclusive sex ed stigmatizes being LGBTQ+ and can lead to bullying, harassment, and even assault. If sex education were changed to be more comprehensive and inclusive of LGBTQ+ kids, a whole spectrum of sexual orientations, genders, and gender expressions would be normalized. This episode covers the harm that straight-only sex ed brings to LGBTQ+ students, what queer-inclusive sex ed would look like, and ways that you can help. Don't forget: the Sex Ed Podcast is donating $1 to the Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network (GLSEN) for every listen that this episode gets in the next month, so please share with your friends! If you want to read more about LGBTQ+ inclusive sex ed, peep some of these resources: GLSEN 2019 National School Climate Survey GLSEN Sex Education HuffPost: What An LGBTQ-Inclusive Sex Education Would Have Taught You Scotland: First Country in the World to Include LGBT Education The Atlantic: The Power of Inclusive Sex Education GLAAD: why lgbtq youth need sex education

Meet Nat, a gender and sex educator, and the wonderful person behind the transfats3xedu Instagram account. In this episode, we cover trans masculine identities, fat liberation, and a whole bunch of queerness. Also hey mom, what is a carpet muncher?

Jen shares their journey to discovering their gender identity in this informative and touching episode of the Sex Ed Podcast. From how to interpret pronouns to the best way to be an ally to non-binary peeps, we talk about all kinds of things you definitely never learned in sex ed. Pssst! Don't forget to download your free copy of Stone Butch Blues. Jen said it revolutionized their life. Maybe it'll change yours too.

This week, we talked to the freaking AUTHOR of the The Ethical Slut: Dossie Easton! If you haven't heard of it before, The Ethical Slut is a comprehensive book on ethical non-monogamy that's a must-read for anyone considering the lifestyle. Dossie is not only a writer, sex educator, and psychotherapist, she's also a wealth of useful knowledge and intriguing stories. Our conversation covers topics such as life-changing acid trips, vows to never be monogamous again, the benefits of sex-positivity, raising children in communes, and normalizing the word "slut." To learn more about Dossie Easton, check out her website, or go take a look at her new project that involves workshops and an upcoming book: Navigating Consent.

In this episode, we talk to Michelle, the creator of Polyamorous While Asian and the coolest solo polyamorist in Portland. Talking points include the book Sex at Dawn, learning about sex and ethical non-monogamy at the same time, and working towards a more inclusive poly community.

What is ethical non-monogamy? Is it the same thing as polyamory? What about open relationships? This week, Kaylee and Jen talk about all things non-monogamy–from term definitions to personal experiences, and even how some ethical non-monogamy concepts can greatly improve sex education.

We're joined by Chloe from the Stripper Stories Podcast for an episode packed with anecdotes that will shock and awe. Learn all about how Chloe started stripping at the suggestion of her douchey boyfriend and then metamorphosed her way into camming, which she says is way better. We also discussed body confidence, kinks, and OnlyFans (including the way that Bella Thorne screwed over sex workers on the platform). All in all, Chloe is an absolute wizard and you should definitely check out the Stripper Stories Podcast. Now fly, you fools.

Remember when we talked to TDo in season 1 about discovering her queerness and coming out to her mom? Well, she's back and better than ever. This week, we're chatting with TDo all about kink, specifically impact play, edging, and Shibari (a form of Japanese rope bondage). Talking points include giant tubs of Crisco, suspension, and aftercare for tops. If you're interested in learning more about kink, you can check out the resources that TDo and Jen mentioned in the episode here: Vox Body, Twisted Monk, The Duchy, and Dark Odyssey.

This week, Jen takes us on a journey through the history of kink and BDSM. It's a broad overview, but we cover ancient history all the way up to modern movements. Talking points include vagina worship, consent concepts in the Kama Sutra, the ickiness of Marquis de Sade, leather daddies, Tom of Finland, and Dykes on Bikes.

This week we talked to Emerson, the person behind The Kink Educator Instagram account that serves up bite-sized informative tidbits all about how to engage in safe and healthy kink. We discuss the four main pillars of kink: negotiation, consent, communication, and aftercare. Emerson believes that these concepts can be used not only in kinky sex, but also in vanilla sex and even non-sexual situations. Of course, it wouldn't be an episode on kink if we didn't discuss the problematic Mr. Christian Grey...but we also share our views on other pop culture instances of kink, including the movie Secretary and the new Netflix show Bonding. To finish up the episode, Emerson gave us a list of her favorite resources for getting involved in kink, including The New Bottoming Book and The New Topping Book by Janet Hardy and Dossie Easton, the Ask a Sub meme account on Instagram that also has a Patreon for long-form content, Watts the Safeword on Youtube, and Evie Lupine on Youtube.

In this week's episode, Kaylee and Jen do a deep dive into sex ed policy around the United States. First, Kaylee covers the variations of rules for sex ed content on a state-by-state level. Then, we go through the history of abstinence-only sex ed funding in the US, particularly looking at the Adolescent Family Life Act (AFLA), Title V of the Social Security Act, and Community Based Abstinence Education (CBAE). After covering these federal grants, Kaylee makes the case that abstinence-only sex education perpetuates systemic racism in the US. You can get involved to fight against systemic racism in sex education by asking your representatives to support the Real Education for Healthy Youth Act and the Youth Access to Sexual Health Services Act, or by donating to the Sexuality Information and Education Council of the US (SIECUS). Sources: Sex ed content in states Abstinence-only sex ed funding Impacts of abstinence-only sex ed through Title V UNAIDS/WHO evaluation Redlining Public school funding Funding amounts for white vs nonwhite schools Study – Abstinence-Only Education Fails African American Youth Pregnancy rates in Black and Hispanic women Teen pregnancy and graduation rates

Content warning: This episode contains discussion of sexual assault and child pornography. This week, Kaylee opens up about a revenge porn experience she had when she was a teenager. While this story does involve some ridiculous things like MySpace and victim-blaming cops, we also dig into the harsh aftermath of the incident⏤from having one's sexual privacy violated to being treated as a spectacle of men's sexual entertainment. Jen and Kaylee also discuss how legislation for revenge porn has changed over the last 13 years...including how a federal revenge porn law still doesn't exist in United States.

This week we talked to Kate Isaacs, founder of the Not Your Porn campaign and host of the Let's Talk About Porn, Baby podcast (find it on Spotify and Apple Podcasts) about all things porn-related. First, we share our experiences with porn when we were growing up, including "fit blonde chicks" and blowjob POVs. Then, we discuss how porn can act as a sex educator for kids and how to address those problems as a parent. Finally, Kate tells us all about the horrors of tube sites (like Pornhub) for problems like revenge porn, underage porn, and stolen porn. Is it possible to watch porn ethically? Find out on this episode of the Sex Ed Podcast.

In this episode, Jen and Kaylee take a look into how spiritual practices––like tarot card reading, morning pages, and self care rituals––can help with connecting to our sexuality. Jen shares about how their spiritual practices helped them overcome the shame brought on by their religious upbringing, while Kaylee refuses to admit she might actually be a spiritual being. Also...ghost sex?

Kaylee and Jen talk all the time about how growing up religious filled them with shame and warped their outlook on sex. But what if it didn't have to be that way? This week, we talked to Kaylee's friend Christal about how she maintains a sex-positive and LGBTQ+ affirming outlook with her Christian faith. We discuss the Kinsey scale, "slippery slopes" when interpreting scripture, and how to go about finding your people when your beliefs aren't mainstream.

The words "sex education" might at first stir up memories of an awkward class you had in high school, probably involving putting condoms on bananas. But really, we think sex education is so much more than that. We learn about sex in so many different ways and as we grow, we internalize those teachings.  Join hosts Kaylee and Jen as they kick off season 2 of the Sex Ed Podcast by discussing what sex education is, outside of a school setting...and also sexy men lumberjacks in maid costumes on Tik Tok.

This week, Kaylee and Jen wrap up season 1 with a discussion of learnings, favorite moments, and plans for season 2. What were some of your favorite moments? What do you want us to cover next season? Let us know!

In this episode, we talk to Gokce, who grew up in Turkey. She tells us about odd advice her mother gave her, avoiding boys in order to get good grades in school, and the dreaded "elderlies" who gossip about sex lives of teenagers. Don't worry, this one finishes on the most heart-warming note about doing what feels right to you (and no one else).

This week, we talked to future sex ed curriculum creator Lindsay Michelle about her vision of comprehensive sex education in schools. We also discussed butt.com, hula hooping MILFs, and queer allies. This one will leave you feeling positive about future generations and give you concrete tips on what you can do to help! Check out more of Lindsay's work at sexedwithlindsay.com.