What Excites Us!

In this episode of What Excites Us, we are thrilled to welcome Amory Jane, a pioneering figure in the world of psilocybin facilitation and sexual wellness. Amory Jane shares her transformative journey from sex educator to becoming one of the first licensed psilocybin facilitators in the United States. Together, we explore the powerful intersection of psychedelic therapy and sexuality, shedding light on its profound healing potential. Tune in as Amory Jane recounts her early involvement with Measure 109 in Oregon, the groundbreaking legislation that legalized psilocybin in therapeutic settings. She offers deep insights into the essential concepts of set and setting, the different stages of a psilocybin journey, and the critical role facilitators play in creating safe and supportive environments for participants. Drawing on her rich background in sex education and therapy, Amory Jane explains how psilocybin can help address mental health challenges like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and PMDD. We delve into how this powerful medicine allows people to confront their shadow parts, embrace self-acceptance, and unlock their full potential. Throughout the conversation, we also explore the importance of integration sessions for sustained healing, overcoming shame in sexuality, and fostering healthier relationships with oneself and others. Plus, Amory gives us a sneak peek into her sex-positive furniture venture, adding a unique twist to her multifaceted career. Don't miss this enlightening discussion that bridges the gap between psychedelics, therapy, and sexuality, offering hope for personal healing and acceptance. Episode Highlights: Amory Jane's path from sex education to psilocybin facilitation. Insights into Oregon's Measure 109 and the legalization of psilocybin therapy. The significance of set and setting in psychedelic journeys. How psilocybin therapy can aid in mental health issues like PTSD, anxiety, and PMDD. Overcoming shame in sexuality through psychedelic experiences. The critical role of integration sessions post-journey. Amory’s passion project: a sex-positive furniture company. Be sure to visit Amory Jane at:https://www.amoryjane.com/https://www.triumphantunfolding.com/Amory.Design Visit whatexcitesus.com to find past shows, links and more!And please rate and review wherever you listen to podcasts. Thanks!

Understanding OCD and Anxiety: Navigating Intimacy with Sarah Hazleton In this episode we dive into the intricacies of OCD and anxiety, particularly focusing on how they affect intimacy and relationships, with guest Sarah Hazleton, a licensed clinical social worker. Sarah explains how OCD manifests through intrusive thoughts and compulsions, its impact on relationships, and the different subtypes of OCD including relationship OCD and Pure O. We discuss the importance of appropriate therapeutic approaches, like Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), and resources for those seeking help. The conversation touches on the stigma and shame surrounding OCD, particularly when it involves sexual and intimate thoughts. Practical advice is provided for those seeking therapy, including how to find qualified therapists through reliable sources. This episode is released in recognition of mental health awareness, emphasizing the significance of understanding and accepting diverse mental health challenges. Sarah is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker specializing in treatment of OCD and anxiety related disorders. She completed her master’s degree at University of New England in 2007 and spent the early part of her career as a clinician working with children, adolescents, and families experiencing severe and persistent mental health challenges. Over recent years, Sarah has focused her therapy practice on the treatment of OCD and anxiety disorders using Exposure Response Prevention and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy as primary treatment modalities. Intimacy, gender, and sexuality are often interwoven in a client's obsessive and anxious thoughts, yet are often not identified by clients as a treatment issue. Sarah hopes to improve awareness of some of the "unspoken and taboo" thoughts and worries people experience. She wants to decrease the stigma felt by people whose OCD and/or anxiety is affecting their relationships, intimacy, and identity. You can find Sarah at www.hazeltoncounseling.com The article mentioned at the beginning - https://www.verywellmind.com/impact-of-ocd-on-sex-life-5086811 The International OCD Foundation - https://iocdf.org/ Here are some books recommended by Sarah and the IODCF. Buying them through these links will help support What Excites Us! Thank you! The Anti-Anxiety Program: A Workbook of Proven Strategies to Overcome Worry, Panic, and Phobias - Peter J. Norton (Author), Martin M. Antony (Author) - https://amzn.to/4eZWGyL Coping With OCD: Practical Strategies for Living Well With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder - Bruce Hyman, PhD with Troy Dufrene - https://amzn.to/3zR8ch7 The OCD Answer Book: Professional Answers to More Than 250 Top Questions About Obsessive-Compulsive Disorderby Patrick B. McGrath, PhD - https://amzn.to/4eFf5kK "It'll be Okay:" How I Kept Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) from Ruining My Lifeby Shannon Shy - https://amzn.to/3XZQ6S5 Overcoming Unwanted Intrusive Thoughts: A CBT-Based Guide to Getting Over Frightening, Obsessive or Disturbing Thoughts - by Sally Winston, PsyD & Martin Seif, PhD - https://amzn.to/3zVtlGQ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Content Warning 03:05 Understanding OCD and Anxiety 12:16 Types of OCD 17:22 OCD's Impact on Relationships 21:24 Compulsions During Intimacy 25:09 Relationship OCD 32:43 Challenges Faced by Teens with OCD 36:35 Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) Explained 47:52 Resources for OCD Support 53:27 Finding the Right Therapist56:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

My guest CJ, from No Shame with CJ, and I explore how societal norms have shaped our views on aging, particularly for women, and how breaking free from those constraints can open up a world of erotic evolution and neuro-expansion. CJ shares her journey from a shy and quiet person into someone who actively pursues pleasure, non-monogamy, and kink. She has insights on how being intentional can help you age better, navigating hormonal changes, and advocating for yourself in medical settings. Whether it’s debunking myths or embracing alternative pleasures, CJ's has wisdom that anyone can use, and share with your loved ones. CJ is an alternative pleasure coach and mentor who is all about liberating sexual expression and cultivating new pleasure palates. She gets off on debunking the myths around female aging, desire and desirability as well as talking about the taboo. She loves welcoming midlife + women into alternative pleasures and lifestyles so that they can experience erotic evolution and neuro-expansion as they age. Please follow her on Instagram and her website, she has freebies there including a free call! https://www.instagram.com/noshamewithcj or @noshamewithCJhttps://www.noshamewithcj.com/ CJ mentions Dr. Marie Claire Haver and Kelly Casperson. Their books are linked below and you buy them through these links We will get a tiny donation, an actual win win! The New Menopause: Navigating Your Path Through Hormonal Change with Purpose, Power, and FactsBy Marie Clare Haver - https://amzn.to/3ZGbjmD The Galveston Diet: The Doctor-Developed, Patient-Proven Plan to Burn Fat and Tame Your Hormonal SymptomsBy Marie Clare Haver - https://amzn.to/3zBII7e Midlife Matters: How to Become Stronger, Live Wiser, and Sail Through MenopauseBy Kelly Casperson M.D. - https://amzn.to/4gJBmiy You Are Not Broken: Stop "Should-ing" All Over Your Sex LifeBy Kelly Casperson M.D. - https://amzn.to/4emVi9y Please also visit WhatExcitesUs.comAnd leave me a message, sign up for our Patreon or listen to past episodes!

Join us as we welcome Aubri Lancaster, an AASECT certified sexuality educator, to explore the nuanced and often misunderstood realms of asexuality and aromanticism. Aubrey shares her personal journey from conducting adult toy parties to discovering her own asexual and gray romantic identities. We unravel the definitions of asexuality and aromanticism, shedding light on the spectrum of these experiences, including terms like gray romantic. Aubrey's insights challenge societal expectations of romantic relationships and emphasize the importance of understanding and respecting diverse orientations. Listen in as we unpack the complexity of asexuality and aromanticism, highlighting the diversity within these identities through the lens of the Asexual Community Survey. We discuss how self-identification empowers individuals and the need to create space for all experiences on the spectrum. Aubrey also touches on the societal pressures to make asexuality more palatable and advocates for nuanced understanding and open dialogue about personal experiences, moving beyond mere myth-busting. If you buy any of the books from these links the podcast will get a small amount, so it’s a great and easy way to support this work. Please visit Aubri Lancaster at:Her Website - AceSexEducator.comOn Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/acesexeducation/ On Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AubriLancasterSEOn Threads - https://www.threads.net/@acesexeducation People she mentions: Miranda Fricker - Epistemic Injustice: Power and the Ethics of Knowinghttps://amzn.to/4glOryB Lisa Orlando - Author of the Asexual Manifestohttps://asexualagenda.wordpress.com/2019/08/01/lisa-orlando-author-of-the-asexual-manifesto-1972/ Myra T. Johnsonhttps://acearchive.lgbt/artifacts/johnson-asexual-and-autoerotic-women/ Boston Marriages: Romantic but Asexual Relationships Among Contemporary Lesbians Paperback – November 17, 1993, by Esther D. Rothblum (Editor), Kathleen A. Brehony (Editor) https://amzn.to/3z7vQFT Bella DePaulo - Single at Heart - https://amzn.to/3XotpXs Please also visit whatexcitesus.com for more and how to follow Gwyn

In this episode of 'What Excites Us,' Francis Bollwage shares his mission to foster deep human connections in a world often dominated by digital disconnection. He recounts his near-death experience and how it shifted his consciousness, leading him to explore spirituality, sensuality, and community dynamics, specifically through finding the BDSM community. Francis delves into the therapeutic and spiritual benefits of Shibari, and other types of rope bondage, his workshops designed to foster connection, and the integration of aromatherapy using essential oils to enhance the experience. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes the importance of forming connections beyond physical intimacy, embracing spirituality, and the profound impact of aroma on memory and experience. You can find Francis on: Instagram: @snarfox.wild.wellness Tiktok: @truxvulpe.wild.wellnessWebsite: wildenergyessentials.comFacebook: Franciscus D. Peragranator & Wild Energy EssentialsFetlife: SnarFox & TERRAvita Please be sure to Rate an Review the podcast on all the placesPlease visit WhatExcitesUs.com for past episodes, talking back to me and more

How can exploring your deepest desires transform your life?Jay House joins us to unravel her fascinating journey from Monogamy to ENM to a celibacy practice. Please join us as we celebrate the joy of human connections, the power of words, and the importance of staying true to one's core values in the journey of personal growth. We discuss Jay's journey from Mama Gena’s program as the beginning of identifying her true desires, beyond just sexuality, leading to a significant breakup and a redefined understanding of relationships. She shares her shift from being a straight, monogamous woman to embracing identities like polyamorous, ethically non-monogamous, and kinky, revealing the profound changes and personal growth that followed. Venturing further, we explore the realm of non-romantic, intimate spiritual partnerships, diving into the challenges of defining and understanding these unique connections. Jay discusses her bold six-month celibacy experiment aimed at achieving emotional and nervous system sobriety. She details the journey’s constraints, including avoiding sexual play and genital contact while still engaging in certain kink scenes. Together, we examine the potential benefits of this personal experiment, emphasizing self-exploration and the importance of setting boundaries for a focused and introspective path. Finally, we shift our focus to the critical aspect of integration and self-awareness in personal development. Reflecting on various courses and teachings, such as BDSM practices, shamanic kink, and urban tantra, we highlight the value of integrating this knowledge into one’s life. The discussion touches on understanding different parts of oneself and how this awareness fosters better communication and healthier relationships. To connect with Jay on Substack - https://futuristphilospher.substack.com/ Or on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jaylamarhouse We talked about these Programs: -Mama Gena - https://mamagenas.com/ -Kasia Urbaniak - https://www.kasiaurbaniak.com/ -Shamanic Kink - https://www.shamanickink.com/ -Jay was talking about the Professionals Training program that Barbara Carrellas, the author of -Urban Tantra runs - https://barbaracarrellas.com/ -Om Rupani - https://www.omrupani.com/ -The Five Personality Types by Stephen Kessler - https://the5personalitypatterns.com/ For past episodes, or to talk back, learn more about Gwyn, rate and review the podcast and more, please visit WhatExcitesUs.com

What does it truly mean to feel alive and embrace who you are right now? Join us as we embark on a powerful conversation with Dr. Fanny, the incredible host of "Your Sexyfied Life." In this episode, Dr. Fanny challenges the relentless societal pressure for self-improvement, advocating instead for finding joy and contentment in our present selves. Drawing from her rich experience in gynecology and the positive feedback on her soothing voice, Dr. Fanny shares her inspiring journey of launching her podcast to help others step out of survival mode and thrive. We also dive into the nuanced process of self-discovery and healing. Dr. Fanny discusses the importance of individualized wellness over trend-chasing, the courage to embrace our emotional messiness, and the subjective nature of pain. The conversation reaches a poignant climax as we explore the deep connection between sexual energy and life's essence. Dr. Fanny beautifully illustrates how reclaiming this suppressed energy can unlock our creative potential and deepen our connection to life's vibrancy. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of what it means to live fully and authentically, despite life's inevitable challenges. Please visit Dr. Fanny at https://www.fannyleboulanger.com/ And find Your Sexyfied Life wherever you listen to podcasts Please join the Patreon for What Excites Us for Early and Ad-Free Episodes at www.patreon.com/whatexcitesus Or just come to whatexcitesus.com And if you like Facebook Groups, we have one! https://www.facebook.com/groups/1543350126400516

Ever wondered how your attachment style shapes your relationships or why certain emotional blockages manifest as physical pain? This episode promises to reveal the transformative journey of intimacy through the expert guidance of Shelby Avann, an intimacy coach and healer. With a foundation in attachment theory, sexuality, kink, Tantra, and energy healing, Shelby's approach is multifaceted and deeply insightful. Learn how Reiki can uncover hidden emotional obstacles and understand the profound connection between your root and sacral chakras and your overall well-being. Shelby Avann’s expertise shines as we explore the complexities of attachment styles and their profound impact on our relationships. Discover the four primary attachment styles—secure, anxious, dismissive avoidant, and fearful avoidant—and gain insights into how these patterns are formed and how they can evolve over time. Shelby shares practical tools for identifying core wounds, setting healthy boundaries, and moving towards a more secure attachment style, fostering not just improved relationships but also personal growth and emotional resilience. Our conversation doesn't stop there. We dive into Shelby's specialized three-month coaching program tailored for the queer, kink, and polyamory communities, highlighting the benefits of one-on-one versus group coaching. Learn about the importance of self-consent, body awareness, and how understanding Jaya's Erotic Blueprints can revolutionize your sexual experiences. Shelby's vision for accessible online programs underscores the potential for significant, positive change, creating ripples of transformation within our communities. Join us for an episode brimming with insights and practical tips for fostering intimacy and healing. Learn more about Shelby and her offerings at: https://www.shelbyavann.ca And follow her on IG: https://www.instagram.com/shelby.avann Please Rate and Review What Excites Us if you listen on Spotify or Apple Pods, and be sure you are subscribed! You can see all past episodes and learn more about Gwyn or coaching with Gwyn at: WhatExcitesUs.com And please join us on Patreon! whatexcitesus.com/patreon

Unlock your inner strength and build confidence by embracing kink in both intimate settings and daily life!Join me, Gwyn Isaacs, as I share personal updates and engage in an enlightening conversation with Amy Rowan, the Suburban Sexologist. Discover how kink can dismantle societal stigma and enhance personal empowerment, leading to profound changes not just in the bedroom but throughout your life. Navigate your intimate relationships with newfound clarity by exploring boundaries and preferences through practical tools like the "yes, no, maybe" list. Learn how effective communication and respect for each other's limits can deepen intimacy and trust. We also share innovative strategies, such as using Google Docs for feedback and making small daily requests, to empower you to confidently express your desires. These techniques can positively influence your life outside the bedroom as well. Delve into the nuanced dance between pain and pleasure in kink, emphasizing the crucial aspects of consent, safety, and aftercare. Understand the power dynamics between tops and bottoms, the importance of safe words, and how regular check-ins can ensure a pleasurable experience for all. Lastly, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Amy Rowan for her valuable insights and leave you with a warm note of appreciation for your continued support on this journey of self-discovery and empowerment. You can find Amy at TheSuburbanSexologist.com The Patreon for What Excites Us! - Patreon.com/whatexcitesus To Join the Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1543350126400516

Episode Summary: In this episode, Gwyn Isaacs interviews Julia Sheldon, also known as Auntie Julia or Ask Auntie Julia, about the healthy relating camp for teens that she is creating. They discuss the importance of healthy relationships and how the camp aims to set teenagers up for success in all areas of their lives. Julia shares details about the camp, including the activities, sleeping arrangements, and the focus on experiential learning. They also touch on Julia's work with adults and how she helps them navigate their relationships. This episode provides valuable insights for both teenagers and adults on how to relate better with others and foster healthier relationships. About the Guest(s): Julia Sheldon, also known as Auntie Julia or Ask Auntie Julia, is a sex and relationship educator for teens. She has been working with teenagers for 25 years and has a degree in sexuality, marriage, and family studies from St. Jerome's University. Julia is the founder and director of Connection Camp, a healthy relating camp for teens. She is passionate about empowering teenagers to have healthy relationships and providing a safe space for them to be themselves. Key Takeaways:Connection Camp is a healthy relating camp for teens that aims to set teenagers up to have the kinds of relationships they want in their lives. The camp provides a safe and inclusive environment where teenagers can openly discuss, learn about, and understand the dynamics of healthy relationships. The camp focuses on experiential learning, using activities, games, and workshops to teach teenagers about consent, boundaries, emotional regulation, and more. Julia and her team of staff members, who come from diverse backgrounds, are committed to modeling healthy relationships and providing a supportive and non-judgmental space for teenagers. The camp offers opportunities for personal growth, self-discovery, and building strong friendships, and aims to empower teenagers to be accountable for their physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Connection Camp website: connectioncamp.org Auntie Julia's website: askauntiejulia.com Auntie Julia on Instagram: @askauntiejulia The Emotional Lives of Teenagers by Lisa Damour: book https://thesuburbansexologist.com/gwyn-isaacs whatexcitesus.com

In this episode, Gwyn interviews Jennifer Rahner, a certified body sex facilitator and sex educator. Jenn shares her journey from working in IT to pursuing her passion for sexual education. She explains the Body Sex experience, as founded by Betty Dodson, which involves a group of vulva owners coming together to explore their bodies, share their experiences, and learn techniques for achieving orgasm. They discuss the power of body sex in creating a sense of sisterhood and acceptance, and how it can be a transformative experience. She also talks about her plans to expand body sex to include all genders and the importance of inclusive sexual education, as well as facilitating Body Sex online. About the Guest(s):Jennifer Rahner is a certified body sex facilitator and sex educator. She offers virtual and in-person classes focused on anatomy, pleasure, and body acceptance. A professional writer for more than two decades, she is passionate about helping people experience more pleasure in their lives - sexual and otherwise. You can learn more at JenniferRahner.com or find her as @geekysexlove Notable Quotes: "When somebody gets up the nerve to come and learn from me, it's a wonderful thing. That first step is the hardest one." - Jennifer Rahner "Body sex feels like getting back to our roots and sharing information that is our birthright." - Jennifer Rahner "Education is the key to reducing unwanted pregnancies, STI transmission, and sexual assault. We need to normalize conversations about sexuality and provide comprehensive sexual education." - Jennifer Rahner Resources:JenniferRahner.com Bodysex.com More about Soft Cock Week and Michelle Renee https://earthlydesire.com/podcast/episode-45-michelle-renee-intimacy-guide/ WhatExcitesUs.com

This tell-all episode is with my friend Blue.We have a fantastic conversation where Blue discusses his sexual journey and preferences, including his experience as a serial monogamist and his exploration of exhibitionism. He talks about the importance of communication in his relationship and how his own sexual practices have positively impacted his connection with his partner. Blue also shares his interest in watching real people in pornography and his desire to be desired. He reflects on his changing body and attraction to his partner over time. **About The Guest:** Blue is a middle-aged man who identifies as heterosexual and has been in a long-term relationship with his partner for 13 years. He describes himself as a serial monogamist and is interested in exploring exhibitionism and other aspects of his sexuality. ​ **Key Takeaways:** - Blue is a heterosexual man who identifies as a serial monogamist. - He has been in a long-term relationship with his partner for 13 years and finds their sexual connection to be loving and reaffirming.- Blue enjoys watching real people in pornography and has explored exhibitionism through sharing pictures and videos with his partner.- He desires to be desired and finds attraction to be a complex and multi-faceted experience. ​ **Great Quotes:** - "Sex now, 13 years into our relationship, is better than it's ever been." - "My desire is to be desired."- "I find my wife sexier now than I did in the beginning." If you enjoy listening to my Gen Xness, it really shines in this one, I literally say to the max! **Please:**Share this episode with a friend!Come visit the website at whatexcitesus.comAnd consider buying me a coffee or joining the Patreon for bonus content patreon.com/whatexcitesus

Jeana Jorgensen is a folklorist and gender studies scholar. She holds a Ph.D. in Folklore and Gender Studies from Indiana University and has taught at various universities. Jeanna has published numerous academic articles and book chapters on gender and sexuality in folklore, literature, and pop culture. Her current research focuses on ethical non-monogamies and the history of sex education. Summary: In this episode, Gwyn interviews Jeana Jorgensen, a folklorist and gender studies scholar, about the intersection of folklore and sex education. Jeana discusses how folklore influences our understanding of sex and sexuality, and how it shapes our beliefs and attitudes. She also explores the history of sex education and the role of folklore in shaping cultural norms and values. Jeanna emphasizes the importance of understanding folklore in order to challenge and change harmful narratives around sex and sexuality. Key Takeaways: Folklore is informally transmitted traditional culture that shapes our beliefs, attitudes, and stereotypes around sex and sexuality. Moral panics and conspiracy theories often target marginalized groups as scapegoats for societal issues. Sex education has a long history of moral panics and censorship, influenced by figures like Anthony Comstock and the Comstock laws. Fairy tales have been used to perpetuate gender roles and heteronormative ideals, but they can also be reimagined to challenge and subvert these norms. Folklore and sex education are intertwined, and understanding folklore can help us challenge harmful narratives and promote inclusive and accurate sex education. Pick up a copy of Sex Education 101 at: www.folklore101.com or by visiting her website: JeanaJorgensen.com You can follow Jeana on X and other Social Media Platforms using the handle FoxyFolklorist Finally, be sure to visit whatexcitesus.com for more great content

Artemisia de Vine is a sexual fantasy coach and writer. She helps leading sexperts and self-discovery seekers gain a profound understanding of sexual fantasies, and master skills to engage erotic narratives on an embodied level through sexual or BDSM play. We talk about: How she discovered the power of fantasy in unlocking our potential for personal growth and super hot sex play. What and why sexual fantasies are clues into our psyche.How the ego gets in the way of super-satisfying sexual playHow to approach some beginning steps with her DeVinery method.People who feel they don’t have sexual fantasies And more! Please go get her FREE 45-minute starting lesson at: https://www.artemisiadevine.com/ And then come visit me at: whatexcitesus.com

This conversation with Lady Vivus is so fun and edifying! While she came to me originally to promote the Pleasure Bound tour of presenting workshops in a bunch of places across the US, we had such a great time chatting and vibing that I’m sure you will enjoy it even though The Pleasure Bound Tour, may sadly be over or almost over by the time you hear this. But we go on to discuss some of the many classes she offers, a little bit about her Pro Domme work, and more! We talk about:Sissyfication, why some trans people don’t approve of it Boot Blacking, and the love of leather Hucow play, which has lots of intricacies and is something I didn’t even know existedCreating Community Accessibility The epidemic of loneliness affecting people, especially cis menProfessional Domination To learn more about Lady V please visit her webpage: https://ladyvivus.com/ She is Lady_Vivus on Fetlife Also, be sure to learn more about Sex Positive World at: https://www.sexpositiveworld.org/ Sex Positive Portland is at: https://www.sexpositiveportland.org/ You can also listen to my interview with the Executive Director, Jamie Cawelti which is Episode 42: https://earthlydesire.com/podcast/episode-42-jamie-cawelti-of-sex-positive-world/ Please visit the podcast website at whatexcitesus.com Or the Patreon at patreon.com/whatexcitesusPlease Rate and Review the podcast in all the apps you have! This would mean so much to me! Thank you!!!

Marisa Hunter is a life, sex, and business coach for high achieving humxns. She teaches her clients how to use the power of their mindset and energy of pleasure to have more freedom in their minds, bodies, and bank accounts! We talk about all sorts of things, including:True erotic authentic self-expression Ass playSeasons of sexuality & how they all should be celebratedWhy bragging is wonderful and an easy form of rebellion and how to do it to get the biggest rewards And more! We had a great time chatting and would love for you to enjoy the conversation too. Please keep it going by sharing with a friend, joining the Patreon, and following Marisa on Instagram or Facebook. https://www.instagram.com/marisatellsall/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100007588216748&ref=xav_ig_profile_web Whatexcitesus.com patreon.com/whatexcitesus

Seeming part 3 of a series in HypnoKink, this is a conversation with Panda, the other half of PandaStory.love. PandaPet (it/they) is a polyamorous pet with a penchant for the use of alliteration. It has been a longstanding member of the New England and DC/NoVa communities, and has taught for a fair number of hypnosis and kink conferences. A tireless volunteer, it has also worked behind the scenes on educational programming at a handful of kink conventions for the past ten years. It co-founded CONsolation (a Discord community that offers kink education) with it's master HypnoStory and partner Yoshi. Unashamedly itself in all things, it is an advocate for the darklings, pets, age players, neurodivergent, and queerdos of our community. Frequently the hypnotee or bottom we talk about a lot of things including: What hypnosis feels like,Common Concerns, Phases of Hypnosis, What a pre-talk is, and how it’s different from negotiation, Safety precautions, Agency, Consent violations and so much more. If you are a fan of the podcast episodes that are a couple of folks vibing and having random conversation, I highly encourage you to visit and join (if you aren’t already a member of) the Patreon. Because Panda and I had the MOST FUN chatting, and it’s a 2.5 hour conversation. Now I will warn there is some craziness that happens during that time, but it is just really fun, and if you want to feel like a fly on the wall this is the place to do it, at patreon.com/whatexcitesus Please visit: Panda & Hypnpstory’s website: pandastory.love Directly to the Hypnosis 101: pandastory.love/101 The Discord Server CONsolation: https://discord.gg/Cnsb8UYfaA Sleeping Girl - https://sleepingirl.carrd.co/ And of course - whatexcitesus.com

HypnoStory (they/them) loves to share the joy and power of hypnosis with most anyone who will listen. They have been doing various forms of hypnosis for over 25 years, and have taught for Charmed!, Entranced, NEEHU, KinkyCon, and The Fetish Fair Fleamarket among others. In addition to erotic and recreational hypnosis, they occasionally perform as a stage hypnotist and work with clients using hypnosis for personal growth. Together with their partner Panda, they offer kink and hypnokink education through their company Pandastory, LLC, and also run CONsolation (a Discord server that presents kink education) We start this episode with my cynicism regarding hypnosis and how it can be misused, some of the misinformation out there, and how to navigate unsavory players. We dive a bit deeper into that piece regarding kink in general and how to be safer when vetting playmates. We talk about engaging in different play qualities and ways to approach a hypnosis scene even when you don’t know specifically what you are aiming for. The Hypnokink 101 class is available on a sliding scale at - https://www.pandastory.love/101 The discord group is called - CONsolation - https://discord.gg/UrtkFT5d Is an invite like that will never expire. Please visit whatexcitesus.com and/or patreon.com/whatexcitesus

This episode withHypnoStory about Hypno Kink and Erotic Hypnosis is part 1 of 2, because we had such a lovely conversation that I wanted to share all of it with you.If you would rather wait and listen to the whole conversation, I understand that. HypnoStory (they/them) loves to share the joy and power of hypnosis with most anyone who will listen. They have been doing various forms of hypnosis for over 25 years, and have taught for Charmed!, Entranced, NEEHU, KinkyCon, and The Fetish Fair Fleamarket among others. In addition to erotic and recreational hypnosis, they occasionally perform as a stage hypnotist and work with clients using hypnosis for personal growth. Together with their partner panda, they offer kink and hypnokink education through their company Pandastory, LLC and also run CONsolation (a Discord server that presents kink education)We talk about: What is hypnosis, sort of. What is Hypno Kink, mostly. Our experiences being nervous about being kinky and going to events. Stage hypnosis and hypnosis for change - ways they are similar and different.We break as I’m starting to bring some of my cynicism to the table, and that's where we will pick it up next time. The Hypnokink 101 class is available on a sliding scale at - https://www.pandastory.love/101The discord group is called - CONsolation - https://discord.gg/UrtkFT5dOther Mentions: Read Only Mind - https://readonlymind.com/James Tripp - https://www.hypnosiswithouttrance.com/Sarah Sloan - https://www.sarahsloane.net/ Devyn Stone & his property Guan Xuan - https://www.devynstone.com/Hannah the Scribe - https://hannahthescribe.com/ Please visit whatexcitesus.com and/or patreon.com/whatexcitesus

Michelle Renee is my guest as we talk about her work as a Surrogate Therapy partner and Professional Cuddler. We also discuss being trauma-informed and what that means to her. Why she created Soft Cock Week, Responsive Desire, her personal story, and so many other random sex geekery topics. You can learn more about Michelle at meetmichellerenee.com or follow on social media as @meetmichellerenee and take a moment to visit softcockweek.com Things that came up during our discussion: Betty Martin’s Wheel of Consent - https://bettymartin.orgBrian Gibney - https://www.briangibney.org/ Cuddlist - https://cuddlist.com/ Embrace Surrogate Partner Resource Group - embracespt.org https://us.movember.com/ Come As You Are is an amazing book by Emily Nagoski - https://www.emilynagoski.com/home Shameless Sex Podcast - https://www.shamelesssex.com/ Reid Mihalko - Reidaboutsex.com Please also visit: Whatexcitesus.com patreon.com/whatexcitesus

If you listened to the precious episode, some of this will be familiar. This is the whole raw conversation with Mollena Lee Williams-Haas where we talk about her project The Kink Doula, and also a bunch of other random Gen X stuff, growing up in the city, etc.If you enjoy this please join my Patreon at patreon.com/whatexcitesus for raw conversations with almost every guest!or let me know by going to whatexcitesus.com

Mollena Lee Williams-Haas is a writer, actor, singer, and distinguished member of the Kink Community. She was International Ms. Leather in 2010, hosts a fantastic podcast of her own, All That and Mo’, has written two very useful books of her own, and has several essays published in other’s books. She is married to her beloved owner and spousemiester Georg Frederich Haas, together they are the subjects of a delightful documentary called The Artist and The Pervert. This conversation is mostly about Her Kink Doula project and how she is helping folks by offering individualized coaching. We also talked about why saying a class is for everybody when it’s not if you aren’t addressing how different bodies and different skin types react to various stimuli, particularly kinky stimuli. There was also lots of just chatting about random things including travel, packing, and her best come back ever. Next week I will be posting the raw conversation as a bonus episode, where there is even more laughter and rambling, and it’s so fun. Her Podcast: All That and Mo’ Her Books: Playing Well with Others: Your Field Guide to Discovering, Exploring and Navigating the Kink, Leather and BDSM Communities by Lee Harrington and Mollena Williams The Toybag Guide to Playing With Taboo (Toybag Guides) She shouts out Substantia Jones of The Adipositivity Project: https://theadipositivityproject.zenfolio.com/

I talk with Jamie Cawelti of Sex Positive World in this conversation. We learn about their mission, their methods and get lots of tidbits along the way of how to enjoy healthier happier sex lives for ourselves along the way. As well as touching on Jamie's personal story and more. Sex Positive World is an umbrella organization that encourages and supports worldwide sex positive communities. We are an entirely volunteer-run non-profit committed to changing societal ideas and values around sexuality through education and empowerment. This organization was founded in 2009 as a single chapter in Portland, Oregon, and we have since expanded to more than 5000 members and 10 chapters in cities across the US and Europe. Thier umbrella covers all aspects of human sexuality including gender and orientation (LGBTQIA), relationship styles (monogamy-polyamory), and sexual expressions (kink, tantra, lifestyle). We focus on consent and boundaries, how to have a sexy safer sex talk, body-positivity, healthy touch, sexual health, reproductive freedom, trans rights, anti-racism (yes, this is a sex positive issue!), sex-positive parenting, and more.To learn more about what was mentioned please follow these links: Sexpositiveworld.com Jamie Cawelti - @ExploringJamie on all the socialsMaketimeforthetalk.com Marla Renee Stewart https://www.marlareneestewart.com Andrea Allen Andrea Allan (@andreacomedy69) Books:Love's Not Color Blind: Race and Representation in Polyamorous and Other Alternative Communities by Kevin A. Patterson The Ethical Slut: A Practical Guide to Polyamory, Open Relationships, & Other Adventures by Janet W. Hardy and Dossie Easton Pleasure Activism: The Politics of Feeling Good (Emergent Strategy) Part of: Emergent Strategy (8 books) - by Adrienne Maree Brown and AK Press Good Sex: Getting Off without Checking Out - by Jessica Graham

Master Arch is my guest for this episode. He is an OG findom and lifetime sex worker who identifies as an emotional sadist and slut. He’s constantly pushing the envelope in content creation and in how he shows up in his fetish work. This conversation is not for the faint at heart or timid sexual explorer. We dive into some extreme play talk and views on being a dom, living life to the fullest, and exploration of mining trauma for play. Arch describes himself as an arrogant master financial dom who knows what he wants and has clients who provide it for him. I ask that if you choose to listen you do so with an open mind. You don’t have to agree with everything he says, but to be able to understand you do need to truly hear. To learn more about Master Arch he can be found on Twitter at @AllForArch He is MasterArch on FetLife Or his website is www.AllForMasterArch.com We met online as a part of a Facebook group for sex professionals who have been to Sex Geek Summer Camp, a wonderful place to learn how to better promote your sexuality business, and network. Find out more at sexgeeksummercamp.com

Tonya Holliday of the Swipe Left (or Right) podcast joins me on this episode to talk about her podcast, how it came to be and some of her stories similar to what you would hear when listening to Swipe Left or Right. We also cover lots of thoughts and ideas when it comes to online dating including: tips around creating your profile, meeting people in person for the first time or what she calls first contact, dating in general, boundaries, safety, why coffee is the best first date, and more. You can subscribe to Swipe Left (or Right) wherever you are listening now, and all other fine podcast players. When you do that, please take a moment to rate or review What Excites UIs! It helps so much, and is truly appreciated! (And of course subscribe, if you aren’t already) THANK YOU!Please Visit whatexcitesus.com to buy amazing lube and other personal products, listen to past episodes, join the Patreon where we have raw and no ad versions of most of the conversations, learn more about Gwyn, and so much more.

This episode I’m chatting with Lucia Gabriela who is bringing three workshops to Long Island this July. Links for tickets below Our conversation starts by learning a little bit about Lucia and her journey including how healing from cancer as a teenager eventually brought her to leading these workshops and creating the Sarasota Dark Temple.We talk about the importance of energetics and how resentments affect relationships. Lucia discussed how important intentions are as well as giving consideration to all aspects of sensations involved in a scene. She tells us a little bit about her system of bringing Tantra and Kink together called Tantrikink. Over the course of the chat we glean lots of tidbits that we can begin putting to use right away in our intimate lives. Lucia Gabriela helps individuals and couples to master their life, relationships, and intimacy with themselves and others. As a Trauma-Informed Relationship and Intimacy Coach, Lucia Gabriela creates a sacred and safe space for individuals and couples to heal, transform, and uplevel their relationships. As a result, clients learn how to develop conscious and meaningful intimacy. As a Trauma-Informed Somatic Therapist and Tantra Facilitator, Lucia Gabriela specializes in and works with individuals whose journey is to liberate themselves from emotional and sexual traumas. She helps them reclaim their creative power, body, voice, sensuality, and sexuality and welcomes pleasure into their lives, creations, and relationships. Lucia Gabriela offers her coaching and somatic services at Nuna Holistic Retreat Center. As a Trauma-Informed Therapeutic Kink Practitioner and TantriKink® Creator, Lucia Gabriela fuses the power of Tantra and Kink/BDSM to help clients connect with their body wisdom, discover their erotic archetypes, and master their erotic energy. As a Trauma-Informed Event Producer, Lucia Gabriela founded Sacred Love Temple (Tantric Shamanic Community & Events), Sarasota Dark Temple (Conscious Kink/BDSM Community & Events), and Sol y Luna Tantric Shamanic Retreat-Festival and Intimacy and Desire 2.0 Conference. Lucia Gabriela is also the co-producer of Turn On Miami™ and eXplore Tantra Festival™. As a Trauma-Informed Intimacy Expert, Lucia Gabriela is the Tantric Shamanic Somatic Healing, TSSH™ Certification Trainings co-teacher. If you are near New York in July, consider going to her events: Kink ßDSM Workshop: Dark Eros Initiation (Long Island, NY) - https://rb.gy/ws871 Sensual Embodiment: A Tantric Journey for Women (Long Island, NY) - https://rb.gy/rzbn4 The Art of Ecstatic Intimacy - A Tantric Date for Couples (Long Island, NY) https://rb.gy/hto7y And if you are near Sarasota Florida anytime look into the offerings she hosts athttps://sacredlovetemple.com/ and https://floridakinkbdsm.com/ Over in the Patreon there is bonus content where we go into some of the myths involved in kink and Tantra. You can find that at:www.patreon.com/whatexcitesus And please visit whatexcitesus.com for links to great lube, past episodes and more

Gwyn goes raw and unscripted with this one. After receiving several questions in quick succession she decided to talk about this topic that doesn’t come up much. As a lifelong feminist, she is a little surprised that this topic felt so important. But, the fact is that when people are suffering they do more harm to others, so it seems valuable to discuss. After the initial rant, she discusses how to use and craft an affirmation to help anyone heal, and then goes into a couple of the questions that prompted the talk in the first place. Even off handed comments can strike deeply, so please let’s stop talking about other people’s bodies! To talk about coaching with Gwyn please visit earthlydesire.com or send her an email at gwyn@earthlydesire.com WhatExitesUs.com has all the other pertinent links

Join my guest Sam Leeson and I as we discuss the importance of fertility awareness whether you want or don’t want to conceive. How being knowledgeable in how your body works plays a part in that, and how to teach children to be comfortable with their bodies and what their bodies may do. Sam’s expertise in family planning with and as a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, leads to some great conversation around hormones and how they affect all of us, and how to potentially handle some of what comes up for trans folks, among other things. Sam Leeson has dedicated herself to supporting individuals and couples for over two decades, providing education, coaching, and guidance to those looking to start or expand their families. As the founder of babyREADY (including babyREADYlgbtq), she has helped hundreds of people navigate the journey of parenthood. Visit www.babyREADY.info for more information about Sam and her organization. And don't forget to visit whatexcitesus.com

When I was in Vegas I got to see the Burlesque Hall of Fame, And, I was lucky enough that the director Dustin M. Wax agreed to sit down and talk to me. We talked about how the museum came to exist, why it’s important, a little bit about some of these amazing performers, how gender plays out in the neo-burlesque movement and the previous incarnations, as well as some advice for aspiring performers and so much more. When you are in Las Vegas, you should plan on a visit, it’s right in the Downtown Arts District, easy to get to and well worth the time. To learn more visit https://www.burlesquehall.com We mentioned so many great performers and teased you with little bits about a bunch of fun history, I thought I’d help you get a headstart with some links. And please be sure to visit whatexcitesus.com too. Lydia Thompson and her contribution to 19th century American Theater: https://editions.covecollective.org/chronologies/lydia-thompsons-contribution-19th-century-burlesque-theater-america Tempest Storm comes up a few times: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tempest_Storm https://www.burlesquehall.com/tempest-storm/ Sally Rand: https://www.kqed.org/arts/13902628/the-burlesque-pioneer-who-fought-censorship-and-multiple-arrests Every Rocky Horror’s Fan Favorite, Lili St. Cyr: https://www.burlesquehall.com/museumathome-burlesque-legends-lili-st-cyr/ A little bit about the Riot Grrl Movement: https://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-blogs/brief-history-riot-grrrl-space-reclaiming-90s-punk-movement-2542166 The Something Weird Video Channel https://www.youtube.com/@SomethingWeirdDotCom/featured An Interview with a couple of Burlesque Legends, including Jennifer Fox: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTxj2Vi94sM A little bit about Hedy Jo Star: https://zagria.blogspot.com/2012/01/hedy-jo-star-1920-1999-showgirl.html The post mentioned about Marinka: https://www.burlesquehall.com/transgender-day-of-visibility-honoring-marinka/ Aida Overton Walker’s Wiki page https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aida_Overton_Walker Tony Midnite’s Wiki Page https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Midnite About Jennie Lee: http://redhotsburlesque.com/2013/legend-jennie-lee/ About Sherry Britton: https://burlexe.com/burlesque/burlesque-icons/sherry-britton-burlesque-history/

Luna Pearl is my guest on this episode about lingerie. She is a Sex Coach in training at Sex Coach U, a Meditation Coach, owner of Pink Pearl Lingerie, and Lingerie Talk Magazine. The purpose behind everything she does is to empower women to get sexy for themselves first! And using Lingerie as a tool to unblock and heighten sensuality can help us feel connected to our bodies, be more grounded, and comfortable in your own skin. We discuss a variety of topics including: Why Lingerie is Luna’s Superpower and how it can be yours. Why comfort is the most important aspect of lingerie. How to approach picking out lingerie for the first time, and some tips and strategies for doing that, both online and in person. And the myth of women not liking each other Please visit whatexcitesus.com for more episodes and more, and rate and review the show if you can! Thank you! Sex Coach U is where I trained and she is training now, and if you think you may be interested in their program, please visit https://sexcoachu.com/ If you happen to be interested in vintage beads please visit heybeads.com

I had the pleasure of speaking with coach and sex educator Valerie Schrader. We discussed her journey through a traumatic childhood with a narcissistic mother, and how she turned her experiences into a career helping others heal from generational trauma. We explored the importance of somatic therapy and its connection to the body and the mind, as well as sacred sexuality and self-work. Valerie shared her self-guided healing program, which allows individuals to work through their trauma at their own pace and the importance of meeting people where they are in their healing journey. We also touched on promoting open conversation and continuing the dialogue around these important topics. You can learn more about Valerie at valerieschrader.com or on her podcast Sensual Power. Please Visit WhatExcitesUs.com to check out our links to UberLube, Good Clean Love and Patreon. You can catch up on past episodes there too!

Katherine Zitterbart is my guest for this conversation. We discuss her latest project and offering A Felt Sense of YES: Yin Yoga for Sexual Health, beginning with what yin is, some Taoist principles, what dantian are, how she works with these elements and so much more. Katherine's life's work is to hold supportive and inclusive space for neurodiverse and LGBTQIA+ individuals living with chronic pain and illness, through somatics and sound in a sex-positive framework. You can learn more about her at kayteezee.com TikTok as @thekayteezeeInstagram @katherinezitterbart https://twitter.com/kayteezee http://www.youtube.com/c/KatherineZitterbart

This Tell All is with Baggins who is a Gender Queer person with DID and Chronic illness who is is Polyamourous, Asexual and identifies as a Bottom. We discuss Dissociative Identity Disorder, their System and Alters, how they came to these identifications as well as Coping with CPTSD, the discourse around the validity of self diagnosis and more.Some vocabulary words: Ace is short for Asexual meaning people who don’t frequently experience sexual desire. T is testosterone A Meta is a shortening of word metamore, which a term used in polyamory meaning the partner of your partner but who isn’t your partner. And Polysaturated means not looking for other partners

This is an enlightening and relatively in-depth conversation with clinical therapist Sarah Hazelton who specializes in OCD among other areas of mental health. We define OCD and the difference between that and anxiety. She talks about how it plays out with intimacy, how to treat it, how to find a qualified therapist to help, and what a person can do if they can't access a therapist. There is more that had to be cut for time available at patreon.com/whatexcitesus Some can be heard even if you aren't a member. Learn more about Sarah at www.hazeltoncounseling.com The article I reference at the beginning of the episode: How OCD Can Impact Your Sex Life at VeryWellMind.com - https://bit.ly/3RvjA6A IOCDF.org - the International Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Foundation website is full of great information Sarah recommends this book for clients: Relationship OCD: A CBT-Based Guide to Move Beyond Obsessive Doubt, Anxiety, and Fear of Commitment in Romantic Relationships by Sheva Rajaee MFT And this one for Practitioners: Sexual Obsessions in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Step-by-Step, Definitive Guide to Understanding, Diagnosis, and Treatment by Monnica T. Williams, Ph.D., ABPP, and Chad T. Wetterneck, PhD

I was lucky enough to chat with Alyssa Gonzalez who recently published Nonmonogamy and Neurodiversity, which will be officially released on February 17th by Thornapple Press. But, if you hurry over to https://www.alyssacgonzalez.com/store you might be able to grab an author-signed copy before then. Of course, pre-ordering from your favorite local bookstore is also an option. ; ) We talked about how the book came to be, a couple of tips from the book, some theory, and more, all while having plenty of fun and giggles along the way. It's truly a pleasant and enjoyable conversation. To learn more about Alyssa you can visit: https://www.alyssacgonzalez.com/ The Perfumed Void - the-orbit.net/alyssa Thornapple Press - https://thornapplepress.ca/

D20 domme is a femdom in her life, and a coach as an occupation. She has a Ph.D in Human Behavior and uses it to help her clients as well as enjoy her life as the head of a polyandrous household. You can learn more about her at mundanemiss.com In our conversation, we discuss her life & lifestyle in some detail, the difference between a submissive and a slave, her dissertation, finding the ‘why’, is nature or nurture responsible for a kinky desire and more!

This conversation with Kaytlin Bailey from Old Pros was a dream for me as her podcast The Oldest Profession is one of my all-time favorites! We discussed why the war on prostitution is really a war on women, what SESTA/FOSTA act is and how it's really a wolf in sheep's clothing designed to trick people into thinking it's a benefit. She tells us about the larger network that she heads up, called Old Pros, and ways that you can be supportive to help folks understand that sex workers' rights matter. You can learn more at oldprosonline.org or by adding The Oldest Profession Podcast to your pod feed.

Gwyn is still on a bit of a hiatus, but she was on another podcast called Bitch, You Need to Hear This, hosted by Katie Ploss. They discussed how Gwyn coaches, some coaching techniques, and the state of the world in general.

This episode answers a couple of questions I have recently gotten, and fills you in on what is going on for me personally and how it relates to What Excites Us!

Did you know that perimenopause can start as early as your 30s? In this episode, I talk with Kim Benoy from Midlife with Courage about what exactly peri- and menopause is, what it does to the bodies of people with uteruses, and what some of the symptoms are. It’s way more than just hot flashes, and some essential oils you can use to help alleviate those symptoms, including some that can be immediately effective. See the Patreon for a free list of what she talks about in this episode at Patreon.com/whatexcitesus and please consider joining or buying me a coffee if you are able. Kim Benoy’s website is www.midlifewithcourage.com and you can listen to her podcast there or find it in your favorite podcast player.

In this episode, I’m chatting with Julia Sheldon aka Ask Auntie Julia. She is is a Teen Relationship Coach who helps teens have better relationships with themselves, their bodies, and others, so that they feel seen, heard, and supported. Her goal is to help set them up with skills, tools, and knowledge that will help them for the rest of their lives. We talk about helping parents have hard conversations, how she addresses porn, what teenagers really want, Why she has hope for the future and so much more. There was a lot I cut from this episode! If you would like the raw unedited version, please join the Patreon at the . And if you have questions for Julia and would like me to bring her back let me know on the website, whatexcitesus.comIf you would like to see a picture of Velma the Vulva, or another adorable picture of Julia it's on the episode webpage which you can find at earthlydesire.com/ep24Visit her at askauntiejulia.com https://www.facebook.com/AskAuntieJulia/ https://www.instagram.com/askauntiejulia/ https://www.tiktok.com/@askauntiejulia

Linda River Valente joins me again to discuss using Tarot and Oracle Cards to guide sexual play with yourself and others. We begin by talking about how the planet Venus in Gemini affects us and inspired this topic because it is happening now, June 22 - July 17. Linda then walks us through some fun exersizes and ways you can use the cards to inspire some sexy times if you are alone or with others. We finish off by talking about some ways to go about buying a deck is you are looking to get your first deck(s) Linda is an astrologer, tarot visionary, witch, holistic sexuality educator, burlesque performer, and producer who lives in Vermont with her husband, son, and their handsome and beloved ginger tomcat.You can learn more about LRV at https://www.lindarivervalente.net/Or on facebook at https://bit.ly/3nfFtbK Join her patreon at https://www.patreon.com/LindaRiverValente Send her an email at charmed.flow@gmail.com She used the Linestrider Tarot Deck https://siolothompson.com/linestrider-tarot And the Wild Unknown Archetypes Deck https://www.thewildunknown.com/

Somatic Sex Educator and Sexological Bodyworker Melody Joyce joins me to discuss why Pleeasure is Healing on this episode. We talk about what somatic sex education is, and why it's not woo-woo but based in science. She shares her healing process and why she wants to help you. She also goes over some simple ideas to feel more embodied that you can practice right away. We talk about the vagus nerve, the connection between the jaw and the pelvis, the five tools she uses, and so much more. To learn more about and schedule a chat with Melody yourself please visit Bodysouljourney.com Her email is bodysouljourney@protonmail.com Or you can go to the Association of Sexological Body Workers at https://sexologicalbodyworkers.org/ We also mentioned Betty Dodson's book “Sex for One” as a great book, Betty Martin's Wheel of Consent, and “The Body Keep The Score” by Bessel van der Kolk

This episode is my framework for helping you have great sex by keeping it REAL. While I do mean being in your body and the present moment, REAL is also an acronym. R is to encourage you to redefine what you consider sex, E stands for Evaluate what your desired outcomes are for the sex you are about to have, A is to remind you to Align with yourself and your partners, and L is about leaving everything else at the door. In the episode I talk about how cheesy I am and my new tattoo that emphasizes that. I offer permission to you, and I reference a few folks who have influenced this discussion. To see the tattoo, get the permission slip, or talk back to me please visit the show webpage whatexcitesus.com Emily Nagoski and her book Come As You Are is available at:https://www.emilynagoski.com/home Here is the list of reasons some folks have had sex https://psychcentral.com/blog/237-reasons-to-have-sex#4 I think this is the episode of the American Sex Podcast with Sunny Megatron that I reference, but really most episodes of this podcast are fantastic, and certainly the ones with Midori https://sunnymegatron.com/hotter-negotiation-midori-podcast/https://sunnymegatron.com/category/podcast/For more about Midori https://bit.ly/3z2YsO4 And the video of How to train to Monkey Mind https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PkrhH-bkpk

Melissa Grove Azzaro RDN LD, The Hormone Dietitian, and I discuss PCOS, which is a prevalent cause of infertility and affects vulva owners in many other ways. We talk about what exactly PCOS is and how it affects you, polyps and fibroids, that there is more than one kind of estrogen, and that sometimes the body doesn’t metabolize it well, why there aren’t more health studies of or even with women, Melissa’s approach to helping you, and more. You can find Melissa at thehormonedietitian.com and on Instagram at instagram.com/the.hormone.dietitian

Alicia Davon, who you can find at PleasureCourse.com, is my guest in this episode. We talk about extended orgasm, what it is & how to do it. Some ways to bring the spicy back into your relationship, and strategies for moving through mismatched libido. The Davons (Alicia and her husband Erwan) have a bunch of classes coming up, including the 5 Keys for A Successful Relationship on May 21st & 22nd, 2022, and they take coaching clients as well. For informationabout the upcoming class on May 21 & 22, 2022: https://bit.ly/3Lwrl8C You can also find her on her Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/davonmethod/ Or skip right to the link tree at https://linktr.ee/davonmethod The Vendetta by Stefan Kartenberg (c) copyright 2018 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/JeffSpeed68/58628 Growth in the Garden (Feel Good Mix) by Doxent Zsigmond (c) copyright 2014 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/doxent/47682

This episode is a tell-all with Aetherius, and she does not hold back. Aetherius is a 35-year-old trans woman. She is a prominent member of a small kink group in northern Vermont, and she says that even though she is newer to the scene she feels like she’s found a piece of herself she didn’t realize was missing. She works in IT, enjoys gaming with her children, and relaxing with her wife and their boyfriend.

In this episode I talk about why pleasure is good for you, going into detail about hormones and the effects on the body. Plus some simple ways to cheat the system.Bibliography: https://theconversation.com/what-is-hedonism-and-how-does-it-affect-your-health-78040https://neurosciencenews.com/pleasure-brain-8909/https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/07/200727114739.htmhttps://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/longing-nostalgia/201903/too-much-pleasure-not-enough-happinesshttps://www.healthline.com/health/affects-of-joy#3.-Your-autonomic-nervous-systemhttp://www.psychedinsanfrancisco.com/the-importance-of-pleasure/ https://www.mdlinx.com/physiciansense/what-do-sex-chocolate-and-exercise-have-in-common-research-explains/https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15834840/ [Oxytocin, a mediator of anti-stress, well-being, social interaction, growth and healing] by Kerstin Uvnas-Moberg 1, Maria Petersson article found at the NIH National Library of Medicinehttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3183515/The orgasmic history of oxytocin: Love, lust, and labor Navneet Magon and Sanjay Kalrahttps://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-increase-oxytocin 12 Ways to Boost Oxytocin by Crystal Raypole as found on Healthline.com https://www.everydayhealth.com/oxytocin/guide/ What Is Oxytocin? By Lindsey Konkel on EverydayHealth.com https://toneandsculpt.app/blogs/eat/food-to-improve-your-love-hormoneFood to increase oxytocin: how to boost oxytocin level by Nicole Ramirez on ToneSculpt.com https://www.everydayhealth.com/sexual-health-pictures/orgasms-for-a-better-life-the-surprising-benefits-of-sexual-pleasure.aspx Orgasms for a Better Life: The Surprising Benefits of Sexual Pleasure at Everyday Health https://www.healthline.com/health/dopamine-effects#definition How Does Dopamine Affect the Body? Crystal Raypole at Everyday Healthhttps://atlasbiomed.com/blog/whats-going-on-with-hormones-and-neurotransmitters-during-sex/ What’s Going On With Hormones And Neurotransmitters During Sex Michelle Clarke https://www.henryford.com/blog/2021/05/how-to-boost-feel-good-hormones-naturally How To Boost Feel-Good Hormones Naturally On the Henry Ford Health Center pagehttps://www.sclhealth.org/blog/2019/06/the-real-health-benefits-of-smiling-and-laughing/The Health Benefits of Smiling on the SCL health page https://badgirlsbible.com/why-does-sex-feel-so-good Why Does Sex Feel Good? Bad Girls Bible Bloghttps://www.maxim.com/maxim-man/why-sex-feels-good-2016-11 Science Has Finally Discovered Exactly Why Sex Feels So Good ZEYNEP YENISEYhttps://www.refinery29.com/en-us/why-does-sex-feel-good-sexual-pleasure Why Does Sex Feel So Good, Anyway? KASANDRA BRABAW https://teachmeanatomy.info/pelvis/other/pudendal-nerve/ The Pudendal Nerve from Teach Me Anatomy

Angel Rowe is a professional sex coach, this is his personal story of living with chronic pain from CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome) as well as some professional insights as well. We talk about his strategies for coping when first diagnosed and struggling, ow using his non-dominant hand has helped him reframe touch, breathwork, sensate focus, how practice helps, his dogs and being a dog trainer and so much more. One of the things I’m taking away from this conversation is that even if you don’t believe that everything happens for a reason, that engaging in the reframing that Angel has done helps tremendously.Sensate Focus in Sex Therapy: The Illustrated Manual by Linda Weiner & Constance Avery-Clark. The app Angel was talking about is called Breathwork. You can find Angel at albertasexcoach.com or if you are on tiktok, follow him and his dogs as wolfyrain.

This episode is a conversation with my dear friend Shahn about his sexual journey beginning as a young queer kid growing up in Vermont, to where his identity lands now. It is raw and honest and is not for delicate ears. Outright Vermont - An organization dedicated to helping youth who identify as LGBTQIA+. They hold regular programs, a summer camp, peer groups, and have a whole bunch of educational info for kids and parents too. www.outrightvt.org While talking about what to name this episode Shahn went down an internet rabbit hole and found this article, and we thought it was interesting and useful to share https://xanwest.wordpress.com/2014/03/09/what-is-stone/Music notes: Opening Theme - The Vendetta by Stefan Kartenberg (c) copyright 2018 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/JeffSpeed68/58628Coaching Ad - Harmony by PolyPlus (c) copyright 2021 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/polyplus/63962 Patreon Ad - Let me talk, Carol (instrumental) by Josh Woodward - Found on FMA The Free MusicArchive End music - Shahn aka 1nterupt on Sound Cloud - https://soundcloud.com/1nterrupt

This is a conversation with two women who tell a powerful and unique story of how the two of them came to know each other through the magic of science, genetics, and the internet. Marion was an egg donor while completing a master's degree, and Zoe is the result of one of her gifts to parents to be. Cover photo of Zoe and Marion by Raquel Reis, web site is http://raquelreis.com Music notes: Opening Theme - The Vendetta by Stefan Kartenberg (c) copyright 2018 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/JeffSpeed68/58628 Coaching Ad - Harmony by PolyPlus (c) copyright 2021 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/polyplus/63962 Patreon Ad - Let me talk, Carol (instrumental) by Josh Woodward - Found on FMA The Free Music Archive End Music - Mo’ Baby by ETRNLproducer from Pixabay