Podcasts about Kinsey Institute

When we talk about hormones and women's sexual health, the focus is almost always on estrogen. But testosterone also plays a key role in desire, arousal, and overall sexual well-being. Despite being labeled a “male hormone,” women produce (and need) it too. In this episode, we separate myth from fact about testosterone in women and why it remains one of the most overlooked topics in sexual medicine. I am joined once again by Dr. Maria Sophocles, a board-certified OB/GYN and Menopause Society Certified Practitioner. She is the CMO of EMBR Labs, a Boston-based wellness device company. Maria is also author of the new book, The Bedroom Gap, which is all about sex at midlife. Some of the specific topics we explore in this episode include: What testosterone does in women's bodies and sex lives How levels change across the lifespan When testosterone may help menopausal symptoms Potential risks and side effects Why there's still no FDA-approved testosterone treatment for women To learn more about Maria’s work, you can check out her website. Got a sex question? Send me a podcast voicemail to have it answered on a future episode at speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology. *** Thank you to our sponsors!  Soaking Wet from VB Health is the world’s first probiotic specifically designed for vaginal and vulva health and wellness. It’s a doctor formulated blend of prebiotics, probiotics, and vitamins specifically designed to restore balance and increase lubrication. Visit vb.health and use code JUSTIN for 10% off. The Kinsey Institute is where the world turns to understand sex and relationships. You can help continue its expert-led research by donating to the Kinsey Institute Research Fund. Learn more and make a donation here: https://give.myiu.org/centers-institutes/I380010749.html  *** Want to learn more about Sex and Psychology? Click here for previous articles or follow the blog on Facebook, Twitter, or Bluesky to receive updates. You can also follow Dr. Lehmiller on YouTube and Instagram. Listen and stream all episodes on Apple, Spotify, or Amazon. Subscribe to automatically receive new episodes and please rate and review the podcast! Credits: Precision Podcasting (Podcast editing) and Shutterstock/Florian (Music). Image created with Canva; photos used with permission of guest.

Hot flashes. Vaginal dryness. Sleepless nights.If menopause has made you feel disconnected from your body or from sex, you are not alone. In this episode of Taboo To Truth, I break down what really happens to your sexual health during perimenopause and menopause and why your sex life is not over.I share my own experience, including the reality of hot flashes interrupting intimacy, and explain how hormonal shifts in estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone impact desire, arousal, orgasm, and satisfaction.You will learn why pain during sex is common but treatable, why lubricant is essential, how vibrators support vaginal health, and what the research from the Kinsey Institute reveals about pleasure after 50.Menopause changes the conversation around sex. It does not end it. This episode is your invitation to approach pleasure differently and reclaim it on your terms.In This Episode:00:00 Hot Flashes And Lost Desire00:42 Why Menopause Changes Sex01:28 What Happens To Hormones02:15 Vaginal Dryness And Painful Sex03:05 Why Sex Still Matters For Your Health03:55 What The Kinsey Institute Found04:45 Solo Pleasure As Symptom Support05:35 Tools That Help. Lube And Vibrators06:20 Reclaiming Pleasure On Your Terms07:08 Closing Want a deeper look? Watch the full episode on YouTube for a more visual experience of today's discussion. This episode is best enjoyed on video—don't miss out!Karen Bigman, a Sexual Health Alliance Certified Sex Educator, Life, and Menopause Coach, tackles the often-taboo subject of sexuality with a straightforward and candid approach. We explore the intricacies of sex during perimenopause, post-menopause, and andropause, offering insights and support for all those experiencing these transformative phases.This podcast is not intended to give medical advice. Karen Bigman is not a medical professional. For any medical questions or issues, please visit your licensed medical provider.Looking for some fresh perspective on sex in midlife? You can find me here:Email: karen@taboototruth.comWebsite: https://www.taboototruth.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taboototruthYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@taboototruthpodcastKaren Bigman, a Sexual Health Alliance Certified Sex Educator, Life, and Menopause Coach, tackles the often-taboo subject of sexuality with a straightforward and candid approach. We explore the intricacies of sex during perimenopause, post-menopause, and andropause, offering insights and support for all those experiencing these transformative phases.This podcast is not intended to give medical advice. Karen Bigman is not a medical professional. For any medical questions or issues, please visit your licensed medical provider.Looking for some fresh perspective on sex in midlife? You can find me here:Email: karen@taboototruth.comWebsite: https://www.taboototruth.com/Instagram:

What does science actually say about monogamy, desire, and long-term love? Evolutionary biologist Dr. Justin Garcia joins co-host Sue Marriott to deepen our understanding of the myths and realities of modern relationships. From monogamy to consensual non-monogamy, we explore how jealousy and trust function – not as flaws – but as deeply human signals shaped by biology and attachment. Dr. Garcia breaks down how relationships shift over time, especially as we age, and why sexual satisfaction isn't just about frequency – it's about novelty, meaning, and connection. We dive into the neuroscience of intimacy, including the roles of dopamine and oxytocin, and revisit the Kinsey scale to better understand the fluidity of sexual orientation. This conversation is a grounded, nuanced look at how passion evolves, and how couples can intentionally cultivate desire, curiosity, and emotional safety over the long haul. “Humans, the most intimate animal, will always live and die for love. Understanding why gives us the power to find and maintain the loves worth living for.” – Dr. Justin Garcia, a quote from The Intimate Animal Time Stamps for Why Long-Term Love Gets Complicated: A Scientific Approach with Dr. Justin Garcia (291) 00:57 Understanding social vs. sexual monogamy 04:32 The evolutionary perspective on relationships 08:26 Jealousy and relationship dynamics 20:25 Sexuality and aging: A new perspective 28:44 The power of eye gaze and oxytocin 30:30 Understanding aggression: Oxytocin and vasopressin dynamics 39:01 Exploring sexual diversity and the Kinsey scale About Our Guest – Dr. Justin Garcia Dr. Justin Garcia is an evolutionary biologist and international authority on the science of sex and relationships. Since 2019, he has served as the Executive Director of the world-renowned Kinsey Institute, where he is also a Senior Scientist. He holds an appointment as the Ruth N. Halls Professor in the College of Arts and Sciences at Indiana University and is a Founding Co-Director of Human Sexuality and Health at the IU School of Medicine. Dr. Garcia holds a Ph.D. in evolutionary biology and M.S. in biomedical anthropology from Binghamton University and an Executive Certificate in Public Leadership from Harvard Kennedy School.An award-winning researcher and educator, Dr. Garcia has consulted with a variety of industry partners, and he is currently the Chief Scientific Advisor to Match where he provides expertise for the annual Singles in America study. His research has been featured widely in the media and focuses on people's romantic and sexual lives throughout the life course, especially on integrative biopsychosocial models of variation in courtship, intimacy, and sexual behavior. Resources for Why Long-Term Love Gets Complicated: A Scientific Approach with Dr. Justin Garcia (291) Justin Garcia – The Kinsey Institute: Biography and other information The Intimate Animal – Dr. Garcia’s new book, order here! Beyond Attachment Styles course is available NOW!   Learn how your nervous system, your mind, and your relationships work together in a fascinating dance, shaping who you are and how you connect with others. Online, Self-Paced, Asynchronous Learning with Quarterly Live Q&A’s! Earn 6 Continuing Education Credits – Available at Checkout As a listener of this podcast, use code BAS15 for a limited-time discount. Get your copy of Secure Relating here!! You are invited!  Join our exclusive community to get early access and discounts to things we produce, plus an ad-free, private feed. In addition, receive exclusive episodes recorded just for you. Sign up for our premium Neuronerd plan!! Click here!! Join us again in Washington, DC for the 49th Annual Psychotherapy Networker! March 19-22nd! In person and online options available. Get your discounted seat HERE! Please support our sponsors – they keep our podcast free and accessible to all!  Talkiatry is a 100% online psychiatry practice that provides comprehensive evaluations, diagnoses, and ongoing medication management for conditions like ADHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD, insomnia, and more. Head to Talkiatry.com/TU and complete the short assessment to get matched with an in‑network psychiatrist in just a few minutes.

With so many dating apps—and so many people using them—why are a record number of American adults single? Is marriage as important as it was a generation or two ago? Evolutionary biologist and sex researcher Justin Garcia joins Host Flora Lichtman to talk about dating and mating, and what evolutionary biology can tell us about our need to form a “pair bond” … or not.Read an excerpt from Justin's new book, The Intimate Animal: The Science of Sex, Fidelity, and Why We Live and Die for Love.Guest: Dr. Justin Garcia is an evolutionary biologist and executive director of the Kinsey Institute. He is the author of The Intimate Animal.Transcripts for each episode are available within 1-3 days at sciencefriday.com. Subscribe to this podcast. Plus, to stay updated on all things science, sign up for Science Friday's newsletters.

Love in the time of AI? Some people seeking romance or friendship are turning to AI chatbots to fulfill those desires, but could they surpass traditional human relationships? Those who say they can argue that AI can offer empathy and safety, and it's a solution for those left out of traditional dating. Those saying they can't argue that intimacy is complicated and cannot be replicated in code. Now we debate: Could Dating an AI Be Better Than Dating a Human?  Arguing Yes: Thao Ha, Associate Professor of Psychology and Director of the @HEART Lab at Arizona State University    Arguing No: Justin Garcia, Executive Director & Senior Scientist at the Kinsey Institute; Chief Scientific Advisor to Match.com; Author of "The Intimate Animal"  Nayeema Raza, Journalist and Host of "Smart Girl Dumb Questions", is the guest moderator.  Join the conversation on Substack—share your perspective on this episode and subscribe to our weekly newsletter for curated insights from our debaters, moderators, and staff.  Follow us on YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, Facebook, and TikTok to stay connected with our mission and ongoing debates.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When people think about great sex, they often picture what happens at the peak (i.e., the orgasm). But what if we stopped thinking about pleasure as a single moment and, instead viewed it as a cycle? In today's episode, we're going to explore the three phases of the pleasure cycle–wanting, liking, and learning–and discuss how cultivating each of them can transform your sex life. I am joined once again by Dr. Nicole McNichols, an Associate Teaching Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Washington. Nicole’s course, “The Diversity of Human Sexuality,” is the largest and most popular course in the university’s history with four thousand enrolled students each year. Nicole is author of the new book You Could Be Having Better Sex. Some of the specific topics we explore include: How does connection to your own erotic self shape attraction to your partner? What happens in each phase of the pleasure cycle? How does modern life disrupt desire and dopamine? How can we leverage the power of anticipation to build more pleasure? You can check out Nicole’s website to learn more about her work. Got a sex question? Send me a podcast voicemail to have it answered on a future episode at speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology. *** Thank you to our sponsors!  With Erika Lust, you get more than porn. You get real intimacy. Real stories. Get 45% off all subscription plans at erikalust.com when you use the code JUSTIN.  The Kinsey Institute is where the world turns to understand sex and relationships. You can help continue its expert-led research by donating to the Kinsey Institute Research Fund. Learn more and make a donation here: https://give.myiu.org/centers-institutes/I380010749.html  *** Want to learn more about Sex and Psychology? Click here for previous articles or follow the blog on Facebook, Twitter, or Bluesky to receive updates. You can also follow Dr. Lehmiller on YouTube and Instagram. Listen and stream all episodes on Apple, Spotify, or Amazon. Subscribe to automatically receive new episodes and please rate and review the podcast! Credits: Precision Podcasting (Podcast editing) and Shutterstock/Florian (Music). Image created with Canva; photos used with permission of guest.

 Of all of the vulvar conditions out there, two of the most frustrating to treat are VULVODYNIA and LICHEN SCLEROSUS.  Even when properly diagnosed, treatment can be challenging. But help is on the way! In this episode, Dr. Andrew Goldstein discusses new cutting-edge research and treatments for both vulvodynia and lichen sclerosus. Dr. Goldstein describes 5 ongoing studies and how you can participate in this groundbreaking research. This is truly one of the most exciting and groundbreaking interviews I have ever done, which will change the lives of millions of women who suffer from vulvar conditions.VULVODYNIA AND VESTIBULODYNIA Definition of vulvodynia and vestibulodynia Symptoms of vulvodynia and vestibulodynia Why these conditions are underdiagnosed How to get an accurate diagnosis The role of tight pelvic floor muscles Why it is important to examine the belly button  Current treatments When surgery is appropriate 3 New Vestibulodynia Research Studies! Ketotifen StudyKetotifen fumarate is a topical medication used to reduce nerve sensitivity and inflammation. It was recently identified by a group of vulvodynia experts as the best option to research for treatment of provoked nerve pain at the vulvar vestibule.The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of ketotifen fumarate 0.25% cream for treating vestibular nerve pain. The study willinclude 4 clinic visits over an approximately 15-week period. Resiniferatoxin (RTX) StudyPelvic Floor Study LICHEN SCLEROSUS Definition of Lichen Sclerosus (LS)  Why it is important to treat Who gets it Symptoms (and lack of symptoms) of LS Why an adequate vulvar exam is so important Current treatment of LS 2 Research StudiesJaK-Stac Pathway InhibitorsStrataMGT™To participate in vulvodynia and lichen sclerosus researchE-mail: Research.cvvd@gmail.comOther LINKSDr. Goldsteons webiste: vulvodynia.com How to get a Hands-free vulvar viewSubstack Post :Vulvar Care: The Dos, The Don't and the MythsStrataMGT can be purchased outside of a study protocol. It is NOT to be used instead of your prescribed medication, but as an adjunct.  https://us.stratamgt.com/COME AGAIN is a 30-part audio series to address the biological, hormonal, and medical issues that can sabotage your sex life. This solution-driven, science-based guide will help get your libido to kick in and your clitoral nerve endings to wake up.For more information, go to DrStreicher.com/COMEAGAINDr. Streicher is on SUBSTACK      DrStreicher.Substack.com Articles Monthly News Flash Reports on recent research  Monthly Zoom Ask Me Anything Webinar Lauren Streicher MD, is a clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, the founding medical director of the Northwestern Medicine Center for Sexual Medicine and Menopause, and a Senior Research Fellow of The Kinsey Institute, Indiana University. She is a certified menopause practitioner of The Menopause Society. Dr. Streicher is the medical correspondent for Chicago's top-rated news program, the WGN Morning News, and has been seen on The Today Show, Good Morning America, The Oprah Winfrey Show, CNN, NPR, Dr. Radio, Nightline, Fox and Friends, The Steve Harvey Show, CBS This Morning, ABC News Now, NBCNightlyNews,20/20, and World News Tonight. She is an expert source for many magazines and serves on the medical advisory board of The Kinsey Institute, Self Magazine, and Prevention Magazine. She writes a regular column for The Ethel by AARP and Prevention Magazine.   LINKS Subscribe To Dr. Streicher's Substack Information About COME AGAIN Dr. Streicher's CV and additional bio information To Find a Menopause Clinician and Other Resources  Glossary Of Medical Terminology Books by Lauren Streicher, MD  Slip Sliding Away: Turning Back the Clock on Your Vagina-A gynecologist's guide to eliminating post-menopause dryness and pain Hot Flash Hell: A Gynecologist's Guide to Turning Down the Heat Sex Rx- Hormones, Health, and Your Best Sex Ever The Essential Guide to Hysterectomy                                      Dr. Streicher's Inside Information podcast is for education and information and is not intended to replace medical advice from your personal healthcare clinician. Dr. Streicher disclaims liability for any medical outcomes that may occur because of applying methods suggested or discussed in this podcast.    

Måske går du rundt med en sexfantasi, som du har gemt væk i den allermest hemmelige skuffe i din hjerne. En fantasi, du tænker, at de færreste deler - og som du måske endda skammer dig over.Men hvad nu, hvis din fantasi slet ikke er så sjælden endda?I denne episode går Anne Sophie på jagt i store datasæt og psykologisk forskning for at finde ud af, hvor vores sexfantasier egentlig kommer fra. Og her dukker et overraskende mønster op: Forskere har identificeret syv grundlæggende temaer, de mener, går igen i langt de fleste menneskers fantasier.Episoden dykker også ned i forbindelsen mellem personlighed og sexfantasier. Noget tyder nemlig på, at dine personlighedstræk og dit tilknytningsmønster kan forme, hvad du fantaserer om - og hvorfor.Den forsker, der guider os gennem det hele, er en af verdens førende på området: socialpsykologen Justin Lehmiller, der har skrevet flere bøger og en lang række videnskabelige artikler og står bag en podcast og en blog om sexfantasier.Sidst men ikke mindst får du svar på, om fantasier bør deles eller blive i hovedet - og hvorfor sexfantasier stadig er så tæt forbundet med skam, selvom de fleste går rundt med dem.Dette er andet og sidste afsnit i Brainstorms serie om sexfantasier. Første afsnit hedder ‘Hvor kommer dine sexfantasier fra?'._MedvirkendeJustin Lehmiller, seniorforsker i socialpsykologi, The Kinsey Institute, Indiana UniversityRedaktionAnne Sophie Thingsted, Nana Elving Hansen, Eva Berg Søndergaard, Christoffer Bjerre og Benjamin D'SouzaStudier, vi nævner i afsnittet Justin Lehmillers bog 'Tell me what you want'. Her kan du læse om hans spørgeskema-undersøgelser om udbredelsen af sexfantasier og koblingen mellem sexfantasier og personlighedstræk Justin Lehmillers studie fra corona-nedlukningen Andre studier, der har inspireret os Videnskabelig gennemgang af forskning i sexfantasier, hvor Justin Lehmiller er førsteforfatter. Her kommer forskerne frem til, at de færreste sexfantasier lader til at være sjældne og undersøger hvorfor. Studie, der undersøger, hvilke sexfantasier der er sjældne.  Brainstorm er støttet af Lundbeckfonden.

Justin Garcia (The Intimate Animal: The Science of Sex, Fidelity, and Why We Live and Die for Love) is an evolutionary biologist, researcher on sex and relationships, and Executive Director of the Kinsey Institute. Justin joins the Armchair Expert to discuss the unique quality that human sex is so tied to our social behavior, the physiological constraints on mating in other animals, and how sexually we are like magpies. Justin and Dax talk about why gorillas have really small testes, how the pandemic resulted in couples weathering the storms of relationship conflict, and an evolutionary explanation for how difficult it is to choose mates on a dating app. Justin explains how collecting hormone samples at a brothel in Las Vegas led him to write his book, why there's no requirement to enter a relationship fully healed, and the social science behind love, partnership, fidelity, and heartbreak.Follow Armchair Expert on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Watch new content on YouTube or listen to Armchair Expert early and ad-free by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/armchair-expert-with-dax-shepard/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Are we in an intimacy and loneliness crisis? And if so, what's so bad about that? A lot more than you might think. Dr. Justin Garcia's new book The Intimate Animal: The Science of Sex, Fidelity, and Why We Live and Die for Love details why intimacy is VITAL for survival in the human species. We are social animals, and that's not something the digital age can get around. Join DB for this BRILLIANT conversation with Dr. Justin Garcia all about what intimacy is, how it works, and why we need it. GUEST DETAILSDr. Justin Garcia is an evolutionary biologist and international authority on the science of sex and relationships. Since 2019, he has served as the Executive Director of the world-renowned Kinsey Institute, where he is also a Senior Scientist and Ruth N. Halls Professor in the College of Arts and Sciences at Indiana University. His latest book, The Intimate Animal, explores the science behind why we live for love and is available now for purchase. https://kinseyinstitute.org/about/staff/executive-director-justin-garcia.html https://kinseyinstitute.org/research/intimate-animal.html https://www.instagram.com/kinseyinstitute https://www.instagram.com/drjustingarcia/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/kinsey-institute/ https://x.com/kinseyinstitute https://x.com/DrJustinGarcia FIND DR. JUSTIN GARCIA'S BOOK HERE The Intimate Animal: The Science of Sex, Fidelity, and Why We Live and Die for Love (This is an affiliate link to our Bookshop.org shop! We'll receive a percentage back if you buy with our link -- and we hope you will!) AND FIND THE FULL VERSION OF THIS EPISODE ON OUR NEWSLETTER SOON! Subscribers to our paid tier (THE SLEEPOVER) on our newsletter will get an extended version of this episode -- AND our monthly premium-only editions with TRUE sexy stories, questions from listeners, product recommendations, deep dives, and more!!! sexedwithdb.substack.com ARTICLES ON THE "MALE LONELINESS EPIDEMIC" "Why Are Women Leaving – And Men Are Calling It 'Loneliness'" "Why the 'Male Loneliness Epidemic' Is Largely Down to Men Themselves" "OPINION: The male loneliness epidemic is severely misleading" TAKE OUR SMUT QUIZFind your page-turning turn-on with our new SMUT QUIZ! In just 5 questions, you'll get right to the good stuff with curated pages, poems, and audios. No slow burn. No fluff. Just pleasure. Take the quiz here: https://sexedwithdb.fillout.com/smutquiz ABOUT SEASON 13 Season 13 of Sex Ed with DB is ALL ABOUT PLEASURE! Solo pleasure. Partnered pleasure. Orgasms. Porn. Queer joy. Kinks, sex toys, fantasies -- you name it. We're here to help you feel more informed, more empowered, and a whole lot more turned on to help YOU have the best sex. CONNECT WITH USInstagram: @sexedwithdbpodcast TikTok: @sexedwithdbThreads: @sexedwithdbpodcast X: @sexedwithdbYouTube: Sex Ed with DB SEX ED WITH DB SEASON 13 SPONSORS Uberlube, Magic Wand, LELO, and Happy V. Get discounts on all of DB's favorite things here! GET IN TOUCH Email: sexedwithdb@gmail.comSubscribe to our BRAND NEW newsletter for hot goss, expert advice, and *the* most salacious stories. FOR SEXUAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS Check out DB's workshop: "Building A Profitable Online Sexual Health Brand" ABOUT THE SHOW Sex Ed with DB is your go-to podcast for smart, science-backed sex education — delivering trusted insights from top experts on sex, sexuality, and pleasure. Empowering, inclusive, and grounded in real science, it's the sex ed you've always wanted. ASK AN ANONYMOUS SEX ED QUESTION Fill out our anonymous form to ask your sex ed question. SEASON 13 TEAM Creator, Host & Executive Producer: Danielle Bezalel (DB) (she/her) Producer and Growth Marketing Manager: Wil Williams (they/them) Social Media Content Creator: Iva Markicevic Daley (she/her) MUSIC Intro theme music: Hook Sounds Background music: Bright State by Ketsa Ad music: Soul Sync by Ketsa, Always Faithful by Ketsa, and Soul Epic by Ketsa. Thank you Ketsa!

What if the most important love story you nurture this Valentine's Week isn't with a partner, but with yourself? In this conversation on Pleasure in the Pause, host Gabriella Espinosa sits down with Amy St. Germain, founder of Oboo, a pleasure-forward wellness brand creating tools designed specifically for midlife bodies. This episode is a shame-free exploration of self-pleasure as self-care, the health benefits of vibrators for midlife women, and why desire doesn't disappear as our bodies change. Whether you're navigating dryness, decreased sensitivity, or simply want to reclaim pleasure on your own terms, this conversation reminds you that your body is amazing at every age.Amy St. Germain is the founder of Oboo, a pleasure-forward wellness brand creating tools and products designed for midlife bodies. What started as her own wake-up call turned into a mission to make intimacy, desire, and self-pleasure feel accessible, practical, and shame-free. Through Oboo's thoughtfully designed products and open, honest conversations, Amy helps women feel more at home in their bodies, laugh a little more about the changes of midlife, and stay open to trying something new. Her approach blends curiosity, humor, and real-life usefulness. Her favorite reminder: desire doesn't disappear in midlife. It just needs better lighting, better language, and better tools.Highlights from our discussion include:50% of women over 50 stop having sex or being intimate altogether, but we have at least 30 more years to enjoy pleasure.Vibrators aren't just for pleasure. They improve blood flow, reduce dryness, support pelvic floor health, and can even reduce hot flashes.The "Pleasure Reset" is five minutes of pressure-free self-pleasure with no goal, no performance, just reconnection with your body.Better lighting, better language, and better tools are what desire needs in midlife, not fixing something that's broken.Pregaming (warming yourself up before partner intimacy) takes the pressure off and allows you to arrive ready and connected.Using lubricant makes everything feel better, even if you don't think you need it. Comfort first, then move to the next steps.Connect with Amy St. Germain:WebsiteInstagramResources Mentioned:Blog - The Pleasure Reset (5-minute pressure-free self-pleasure practice)Kinsey Institute research on self-pleasure and symptom reliefEp 80 Good VibesEp 64 Communicating with a Partner about PleasureCONNECT WITH GABRIELLA ESPINOSA:InstagramLinkedIn Celebrate Valentine's Week with the Oooh Palm Massager giveaway from OBO, created for midlife bodies. Leave a review for Pleasure in the Pause, screenshot it, and DM @gabriellaespinosa on Instagram to enter. Full episodes on YouTube. The information shared on Pleasure in the Pause is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health or treatment. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or Pleasure in the Pause.

In this episode, Bela Gandhi is joined by Dr. Justin Garcia, Executive Director of the Kinsey Institute and author of The Intimate Animal, for a fascinating conversation on modern dating, emotional availability, and healthy relationships.They explore why humans crave both intimacy and novelty, how sex influences connection, why dating apps feel overwhelming, and what actually helps high achieving women and men find love again without settling.This episode blends research, compassion, and real life dating wisdom you can actually use.Apply to work with our dating coaches:https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/contactWebsite:https://www.smartdatingacademy.comPurchase Justin's book:https://www.amazon.com/Intimate-Animal-Science-Fidelity-Live/dp/0316594032

The chances are that if any of us were asked to describe what it feels like to be in love we'd turn to art, poetry or music to help give us the answer. But what does science have to say about this uniquely human experience? In this episode, we're joined by Dr Justin Garcia, an evolutionary biologist and sex researcher based at the Kinsey Institute in the US, to talk about his book, The Intimate Animal: The Science of Love, Fidelity and Connection He tells us how the evolutionary history of human pair bonding led to the development of our feelings of love, how and why we seek certain characteristics in our romantic partners, and how our attitude to relationships has altered due to changes in thinking, culture, and technology. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Knowing someone loves you is one thing. Actually feeling that love in your body and daily life is another—and that's where many relationships get stuck. In this episode, we move from problem to solution, exploring five research-backed mindsets that help love land and deepen real connection. I am joined once again by Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky, a Distinguished Professor of Psychology at the University of California, Riverside and author of the best-selling books The How of Happiness and The Myths of Happiness. Her latest book, co-authored with Dr. Harry Reis, is titled How To Feel Loved: The Five Mindsets That Get You More Of What Matters Most. Some of the specific topics we explore in this episode include: How does the “Relationship Sea-Saw” explain the give-and-take of feeling loved? What does healthy self-disclosure actually look like in a relationship? How can couples sustain curiosity in long-term partnerships? How can we approach our relationships with more compassion and less scorekeeping? How can we learn to become better listeners and stop having repetitive conflicts? To learn more about How to Feel Loved, click here. Got a sex question? Send me a podcast voicemail to have it answered on a future episode at speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology. *** Thank you to our sponsors!  Wrap the ones you love in luxury with Cozy Earth. Share a little extra love this February and wrap yourself—or someone you care about—in comfort that truly feels special. Head to cozyearth.com and use my code JUSTIN for up to 20% off.  If you’re ready to ditch the shady stuff and choose a libido supplement that's effective and that you can feel confident about, it’s time to check out Drive Boost.  Visit vb.health and use code JUSTIN for 10% off.  The Kinsey Institute is where the world turns to understand sex and relationships. You can help continue its expert-led research by donating to the Kinsey Institute Research Fund. Learn more and make a donation here: https://give.myiu.org/centers-institutes/I380010749.html  *** Want to learn more about Sex and Psychology? Click here for previous articles or follow the blog on Facebook, Twitter, or Bluesky to receive updates. You can also follow Dr. Lehmiller on YouTube and Instagram. Listen and stream all episodes on Apple, Spotify, or Amazon. Subscribe to automatically receive new episodes and please rate and review the podcast! Credits: Precision Podcasting (Podcast editing) and Shutterstock/Florian (Music). Image created with Canva; photos used with permission of guest.

Today we're excited to be joined by Brett Chamberlin and Dr. Amy Moors to discuss the recent results of the largest non-monogamy survey done to date. Brett Chamberlin (he/him) is the Founder & Executive Director of OPEN, a grassroots nonprofit advancing legal rights and cultural acceptance for non-monogamy. Under his leadership, OPEN has passed landmark non-discrimination protections in multiple cities and established itself as a leading voice in the rapidly growing movement for relationship freedom.A repeat nonprofit founder with over a decade of movement-building experience, Brett has led global grassroots campaigns reaching millions, including for the Emmy-winning documentary film "The Story of Plastic." His work has been featured in The New York Times, NPR, CNN, and NBC.Dr. Amy C. Moors is an Assistant Professor of Psychology and Faculty Affiliate in Engineering at Chapman University. She serves as a Research Fellow at The Kinsey Institute at Indiana University and the founding co-chair of the American Psychological Association's Division 44 Committee on Consensual Non-Monogamy. Dr. Moors has published more than 60 journal articles and dozens of educational materials on topics related to sexuality and consensual non-monogamy. Dr. Moors has received several awards for her pioneering research on polyamorous, swinging, and other forms of consensually non-monogamous relationships, including the Kenneth R. Haslam, MD, Relationship Diversity Research Award and the Distinguished Professional Contribution Award from the American Psychological Association Division 44.Find Dr. Moors on social media @professormoors, and find more about OPEN and Brett at www.open-love.org. Join our amazing community of listeners at multiamory.com/join. We offer sliding scale subscriptions so everyone can also get access to ad-free episodes, group video discussions, and our amazing Discord community.Get 10% off sexual health supplements at https://vb.health/discount/multi?utm_source=multiamory with promo code MULTI.Multiamory was created by Dedeker Winston, Jase Lindgren, and Emily Matlack.Our theme music is Forms I Know I Did by Josh and Anand.Follow us on Instagram @Multiamory_Podcast and visit our website Multiamory.com. We are a proud member of the Pleasure Podcasts network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why do people risk everything for love but treat sex like it's no big deal? Why is intimacy the most expensive thing in a brothel? And why do jealousy, infidelity, and heartbreak push otherwise rational people into behavior they later can't explain? Evolutionary biologist and sex researcher Justin Garcia, executive director of the Kinsey Institute and author of The Intimate Animal, joins Michael Shermer for a candid conversation about the biology of sex, the evolutionary logic of pair bonding, and why love—not lust—is what often pushes people past the point of reason. Justin R. Garcia is an evolutionary biologist and sex researcher. He is Executive Director & Senior Scientist at the Kinsey Institute. He is also the Scientific Advisor to Match Group and Match.com, where he provides expertise to the company's annual Singles in America study. His research has been featured in outlets like The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, TIME, Cosmopolitan, and Vanity Fair. His new book is The Intimate Animal.

W tym odcinku rozmawiam z psycholożką i terapeutką Patrycją Bujarską o tym, dlaczego młode pokolenie coraz częściej doświadcza samotności, trudności w relacjach i problemów z budowaniem bliskości.Rozmawiamy o wpływie mediów społecznościowych, pandemii, przebodźcowania, perfekcjonizmu w relacjach oraz o tym, dlaczego coraz trudniej być „tu i teraz” z drugim człowiekiem.To odcinek o relacjach, samotności, potrzebie bliskości i o tym, jak bardzo współczesny świat zmienił sposób, w jaki się ze sobą łączymy.W rozmowie powołuję się na badanie: Kinsey Institute (2021) „Kinsey Annual Report 2021”.Patrycję znajdziecie tutaj: https://www.instagram.com/70_tysiecy_mysli/

One out of ninety women will develop ovarian cancer in her lifetime. It is the second most common gynecologic cancer and the fifth leading cause of death among women from cancer. Roughly 25% percent of ovarian cancer is hereditary. If a woman is a carrier of one of the gene mutations associated with ovarian cancer, her risk is strikingly higher than the risk of the general population.  But most women who carry this genetic mutation…don't know it.  My guest is Dr. Michelle Jacobson, an internationally recognized expert in menopause and cancer survivorship who has dedicated her professional life to educating women about hereditary cancer syndromes- who should be screened, and what to do with that information. She is an assistant professor at the university of Toronto, the chief of OBGYN for Osler Health Systems and the lead author of The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada Clinical Guidelines on menopause management after breast cancer and is also the host of the Hysterical Women's Podcast.www.covenhealth.comInsta: @covenhealth We discuss how to know if you fall into a high-risk group, and if you do, what to do about it. We also discuss prevention and detection of ovarian cancer if you do not have a genetic predisposition. Link to study on use of hormone therapy with a BRCA mutationhttps://drstreicher.substack.com/p/can-women-at-the-highest-risk-ofFacing Our RiskNational  Comprehensive Care NetworkDr. Michelle Jacobsonwww.covenhealth.comInsta: @covenhealth Facebook: coven women's health  https://www.facebook.com/share/1J4vcK2fie/?mibextid=wwXIfrLinked in: Dr. Michelle Jacobson OBGYN  http://linkedin.com/in/dr-michelle-jacobson-obgyn-763028310  COME AGAIN is a 30-part audio series to address the biological, hormonal, and medical issues that can sabotage your sex life. This solution-driven, science-based guide will help get your libido to kick in and your clitoral nerve endings to wake up.For more information, go to DrStreicher.com/COMEAGAINDr. Streicher is on SUBSTACK      DrStreicher.Substack.com Articles Monthly News Flash Reports on recent research  Monthly Zoom Ask Me Anything Webinar Lauren Streicher MD, is a clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, the founding medical director of the Northwestern Medicine Center for Sexual Medicine and Menopause, and a Senior Research Fellow of The Kinsey Institute, Indiana University. She is a certified menopause practitioner of The Menopause Society. Dr. Streicher is the medical correspondent for Chicago's top-rated news program, the WGN Morning News, and has been seen on The Today Show, Good Morning America, The Oprah Winfrey Show, CNN, NPR, Dr. Radio, Nightline, Fox and Friends, The Steve Harvey Show, CBS This Morning, ABC News Now, NBCNightlyNews,20/20, and World News Tonight. She is an expert source for many magazines and serves on the medical advisory board of The Kinsey Institute, Self Magazine, and Prevention Magazine. She writes a regular column for The Ethel by AARP and Prevention Magazine.   LINKS Subscribe To Dr. Streicher's Substack Information About COME AGAIN Dr. Streicher's CV and additional bio information To Find a Menopause Clinician and Other Resources  Glossary Of Medical Terminology Books by Lauren Streicher, MD   Slip Sliding Away: Turning Back the Clock on Your Vagina-A gynecologist's guide to eliminating post-menopause dryness and pain Hot Flash Hell: A Gynecologist's Guide to Turning Down the Heat Sex Rx- Hormones, Health, and Your Best Sex Ever The Essential Guide to Hysterectomy                                      Dr. Streicher's Inside Information podcast is for education and information and is not intended to replace medical advice from your personal healthcare clinician. Dr. Streicher disclaims liability for any medical outcomes that may occur because of applying methods suggested or discussed in this podcast.                     

Have you ever looked at your long-term partner and wondered: Is this still the connection I want? Who are we now? Can we feel close again? If you've reached midlife and found yourself in a relationship that feels more like roommates than lovers, if the spark has faded and you're not sure how to reignite it, or if you're navigating the dating world again after years away, this episode is for you.Gabriella Espinosa sits down with Dr. Justin Garcia. Dr. Garcia brings decades of research to answer the questions many midlife women are asking: Why do long-term relationships drift into disconnection? Can desire return after years together? Is it possible to rebuild intimacy when life, hormones, and identity are all shifting at once? And perhaps most importantly: Are we asking romantic partnerships to do something evolution never designed them for?Dr. Justin R. Garcia is an evolutionary biologist and international authority on the science of sex and relationships. Since 2019, he has served as Executive Director of the world-renowned Kinsey Institute, where he is also a Senior Scientist. He holds an appointment as the Ruth N. Halls Professor in the College of Arts and Sciences at Indiana University and is a Founding Co-Director of Human Sexuality and Health at the IU School of Medicine. An award-winning researcher and educator, Dr. Garcia is the Chief Scientific Advisor to Match, where he provides expertise for the annual Singles in America study. His research focuses on people's romantic and sexual lives throughout the life course, especially on integrative biopsychosocial models of variation in courtship, intimacy, and sexual behavior. He has co-authored over 100 academic articles and book chapters and is co-author of Evolution and Human Sexual Behavior. His latest book, The Intimate Animal: Why We Live for Love, explores the science behind human connection and is available now.Highlights from our discussion include:Intimacy Lives in the Shadow of SexSocial Monogamy vs. Sexual MonogamySexual Habituation Is Normal (And Solvable)What Keeps Passion Alive in Long-Term RelationshipsThe Intimacy Crisis Is RealMidlife Dating Prioritizes Chemistry AND CompatibilityGray Divorce and RenegotiationCuriosity Is the Best Tonic for RelationshipsSexual Satisfaction Increases with AgeTechnology Is a Tool, Not a ReplacementWhether you're in a long-term partnership, newly dating, or choosing singlehood, you'll discover why humans are wired for belonging and how midlife can be the beginning of your real love story.CONNECT WITH Dr. Justin Garcia:InstagramKinsey InstituteCONNECT WITH GABRIELLA ESPINOSA:InstagramLinkedInWork with Gabriella!  Go to https://www.gabriellaespinosa.com/ to book a call.Full episodes on YouTube. The information shared on Pleasure in the Pause is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health or treatment. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or Pleasure in the Pause.

Dating and relationships have never been simple — but in today's world of apps, algorithms, and endless options, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and disconnected. In this episode, I speak with Dr. Justin Garcia, Executive Director of the Kinsey Institute, evolutionary biologist, sex researcher, and author of the upcoming book The Intimate Animal. We talk about what our biology can (and can't) tell us about love and desire, how technology is reshaping intimacy, and why breakups can hit so hard. We also get personal — sharing stories about grief, recovery, non-monogamy, and navigating love in the real world. Dr. Garcia brings a refreshingly nuanced perspective, blending science, lived experience, and a deep respect for the complexities of modern relationships. Topics Covered The biological basis of pair bonding and why love is a survival strategy How dating apps are changing the way we connect — and the pitfalls of infinite choice Non-monogamy, open relationships, and what science really says about them Breakups, heartbreak, and why they feel like addiction withdrawal Infidelity: what motivates it, and why it's often about secrecy more than sex Practical dating advice backed by years of research The neuroscience of attraction, and how foreplay, communication, and intention keep passion alive How personal experience shaped Dr. Garcia's latest work — including his own recent marriage and fatherhood Guest Bio Dr. Justin Garcia is an evolutionary biologist, sex researcher, and Executive Director of the Kinsey Institute at Indiana University. He's also the Chief Scientific Advisor for Match Group, guiding large-scale studies on modern relationships like the annual Singles in America survey. His research has been featured in outlets like The New York Times, TIME, and CNN, and his new book The Intimate Animal: The Science of Sex, Fidelity, and Why We Live and Die for Love will be released on January 27, 2026. Learn more: Kinsey Institute Bio – https://kinseyinstitute.org/about/staff/executive-director-justin-garcia.html Pre-order The Intimate Animal – https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/justin-r-garcia-phd/the-intimate-animal/9780316594035/ Resources Mentioned Singles in America study – https://www.singlesinamerica.com/ Kinsey Institute – https://www.kinseyinstitute.org/ Dr. Garcia's social media: Search "Dr. Justin Garcia" on major platforms or follow updates via the Kinsey Institute Key Takeaways Love and sex are biologically distinct but deeply intertwined. We're wired for long-term bonding, but novelty and desire often create tension within those bonds. Breakups are more than emotional — they're neurochemical. Love activates the brain's reward systems, and heartbreak can mimic drug withdrawal. Modern dating can feel overwhelming because our brains haven't evolved to handle endless digital choice. Intention and curiosity matter more than perfection. Non-monogamous relationships aren't inherently less loving or stable. They often demand high levels of communication and negotiation. Infidelity is less about desire and more about secrecy. Even in non-monogamous relationships, broken trust hurts. There's no perfect formula for love. Each connection is unique, and understanding yourself can help you show up better in relationships. Connect with Me Have a question, topic suggestion, or want to be a guest? Email: duffthepsych@gmail.com Website: https://duffthepsych.com Contact form: https://duffthepsych.com/contact Please rate and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform — it helps more people find the show!

What if most sexual shame isn't personal failure—but bad information? In this episode, Dr. John talks with Dr. Justin Garcia, Executive Director of the Kinsey Institute, about what the science actually says about desire, intimacy, fidelity, and pair-bonding. They unpack why “normal” is a misleading idea in sex, why many couples are touch-deprived, and how stress and low-level threat responses can shut down connection and arousal. You'll also hear surprising research on men and heartbreak, what people truly want in long-term partners and what might be behind the so-called “sex recession.” The throughline: curiosity is a powerful aphrodisiac—and you're not broken, you're under-informed.Key topics covered (bullets): “Am I normal?” why the data says variation is the norm The “touch crisis” and why many partners feel touch-starved Men, romance, and why breakups can hit men harder Trust, kindness, and “self-expansion” as core mate preferences Stress, trauma, and the nervous system's impact on desire The sex recession: is it real, is it bad, and what might be causing it Sexual literacy: why better information improves connection and consent Want To Learn More About Relational Happiness? Here's Where To Start:

When people hear about certain kinks, the reaction is often one of confusion or judgment. The question that comes up again and again is, “Why would anyone be into that?” Today, we're exploring some lesser-known and often misunderstood kinks, not to sensationalize them, but to understand the psychology behind why different people are drawn to different things. I am joined once again by Gigi Engle, a certified sex and relationships psychotherapist, and sex educator. Gigi is an associate clinician at The Therapy Yard, where she specializes in work with gender, sexuality, and relationship diverse clients. She is also the author of two books, with her latest being Kink Curious. Some of the specific topics we explore in this episode include: What is age play, and why are some people drawn to it? What’s the psychological appeal of pet play? Where do sensory-based kinks like balloon play come from? How can we help people think about sexual diversity in a way that’s more curious than judgmental? You can check out Gigi’s website to learn more about her work. Got a sex question? Send me a podcast voicemail to have it answered on a future episode at speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology. *** Thank you to our sponsors!  Wrap the ones you love in luxury with Cozy Earth. Discover bedtime bliss with Cozy Earth’s bamboo sheet set and loungewear. Using code JUSTIN to get 40% off your purchase.  The Kinsey Institute is where the world turns to understand sex and relationships. You can help continue its expert-led research by donating to the Kinsey Institute Research Fund. Learn more and make a donation here: https://give.myiu.org/centers-institutes/I380010749.html  *** Want to learn more about Sex and Psychology? Click here for previous articles or follow the blog on Facebook, Twitter, or Bluesky to receive updates. You can also follow Dr. Lehmiller on YouTube and Instagram. Listen and stream all episodes on Apple, Spotify, or Amazon. Subscribe to automatically receive new episodes and please rate and review the podcast! Credits: Precision Podcasting (Podcast editing) and Shutterstock/Florian (Music). Image created with Canva; photos used with permission of guest.

Women who are in the throes of menopause are never thrilled about having hot flashes, but they aren't particularly surprised by them.  It's other symptoms that often blindside women, including symptoms that are not often associated with menopause.Esoteric symptoms are different than unusual symptoms. An unusual symptom is something that rarely occurs. An esoteric symptom, on the other hand, is one that occurs commonly, but is rarely discussed and often not well understood. My guest is Makeba Williams, MD, FACOG, MSCP a Professor of OB-GYN and the Director of the Center for Health Awareness and Research on Menopause at the University of IllinoisWe discuss: Tingling Skin Other Skin Changes Ringing in the Ears Hearing Loss Dry, Burning Eyes Dry Mouth  Facial Changes Sleep Apnea Voice Changes Palpitations Reflux, Bloating, Frequency of Bowel Movements Arthritis/Joint Pain Bladder Symptoms For more information on post menopause hearing loss: Estrogen and Your Ears For more information on post menopause dry mouth: Dry Mouth? I'm Doing Some Research For more information on post menopause palpitations: Palpitations in Mid-life Women For more information on post menopause gastrointestinal changes: Menopause and the Gut COME AGAIN is a 30-part audio series to address the biological, hormonal, and medical issues that can sabotage your sex life. This solution-driven, science-based guide will help get your libido to kick in and your clitoral nerve endings to wake up.For more information, go to DrStreicher.com/COMEAGAIN Dr. Streicher is on SUBSTACK      DrStreicher.Substack.com Articles Monthly News Flash Reports on recent research  Monthly Zoom Ask Me Anything Webinar Lauren Streicher MD, is a clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, the founding medical director of the Northwestern Medicine Center for Sexual Medicine and Menopause, and a Senior Research Fellow of The Kinsey Institute, Indiana University. She is a certified menopause practitioner of The Menopause Society. Dr. Streicher is the medical correspondent for Chicago's top-rated news program, the WGN Morning News, and has been seen on The Today Show, Good Morning America, The Oprah Winfrey Show, CNN, NPR, Dr. Radio, Nightline, Fox and Friends, The Steve Harvey Show, CBS This Morning, ABC News Now, NBCNightlyNews,20/20, and World News Tonight. She is an expert source for many magazines and serves on the medical advisory board of The Kinsey Institute, Self Magazine, and Prevention Magazine. She writes a regular column for The Ethel by AARP and Prevention Magazine.   LINKS Subscribe To Dr. Streicher's Substack Information About COME AGAIN Dr. Streicher's CV and additional bio information To Find a Menopause Clinician and Other Resources  Glossary Of Medical Terminology Books by Lauren Streicher, MD   Slip Sliding Away: Turning Back the Clock on Your Vagina-A gynecologist's guide to eliminating post-menopause dryness and pain Hot Flash Hell: A Gynecologist's Guide to Turning Down the Heat Sex Rx- Hormones, Health, and Your Best Sex Ever The Essential Guide to Hysterectomy                                     Dr. Streicher's Inside Information podcast is for education and information and is not intended to replace medical advice from your personal healthcare clinician. Dr. Streicher disclaims liability for any medical outcomes that may occur because of applying methods suggested or discussed in this podcast.    o   

“Sex-positive” is a term that gets used a lot these days, but it doesn't always mean the same thing to everyone. Sometimes it's about sexual openness or enthusiasm, other times it's about respect for sexual diversity, and sometimes it's even used in coercive ways. In this episode, we explore what sex-positivity actually is, and what it isn't. I am joined once again by Dr. Carol Queen, the staff sexologist, Company Historian, and Curator of the Antique Vibrator Museum at Good Vibrations. A noted cultural sexologist whose work has been widely published, she’s written and edited several books, including The Sex & Pleasure Book: Good Vibrations Guide to Great Sex for Everyone. Some of the specific topics we explore in this episode include: What are the core features of sex-positivity? What are some common usages of the term that miss the mark? Why is it important to separate sex-positivity from things like sexual behavior, frequency, and identity? How can you recognize when sex-positivity is being used coercively rather than ethically? How can you apply sex-positive values in everyday life? You can click here to learn more about Dr. Carol Queen. Got a sex question? Send me a podcast voicemail to have it answered on a future episode at speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology. *** Thank you to our sponsors!  Wrap the ones you love in luxury with Cozy Earth. Discover bedtime bliss with Cozy Earth’s bamboo sheet set and loungewear. Using code JUSTIN to get 40% off your purchase.  Soaking Wet from VB Health is the world’s first probiotic specifically designed for vaginal and vulva health and wellness. It’s a doctor formulated blend of prebiotics, probiotics, and vitamins specifically designed to restore balance and increase lubrication. Visit vb.health and use code JUSTIN for 10% off. The Kinsey Institute is where the world turns to understand sex and relationships. You can help continue its expert-led research by donating to the Kinsey Institute Research Fund. Learn more and make a donation here: https://give.myiu.org/centers-institutes/I380010749.html  *** Want to learn more about Sex and Psychology? Click here for previous articles or follow the blog on Facebook, Twitter, or Bluesky to receive updates. You can also follow Dr. Lehmiller on YouTube and Instagram. Listen and stream all episodes on Apple, Spotify, or Amazon. Subscribe to automatically receive new episodes and please rate and review the podcast! Credits: Precision Podcasting (Podcast editing) and Shutterstock/Florian (Music). Image created with Canva; photos used with permission of guest.

Dr. Jen Ashton- you know her as the chief medical correspondent for ABC News and Good Morning America, who appeared in your home every morning, explaining the hot topics in health.  Today, we talk about her pivot into her passion- fitness and wellness- and how to incorporate into the second half of your life..and love your age.  How Dr. Ashton ended up as an anchor on Good Morning America How she has reinvented herself as a wellness and obesity expert We revisit “The Reinvention Convention we participated in years ago The key traits of women who “Love their Age.” Why Dr. Ashton is learning to play Mah Jong How to plan for the second half of life For women who don't love their age, what should they accept and… not accept Dr. Ashton's Wellness Experiment The difference between wellness and longevity What most doctors get wrong about nutrition The concept of “nutritional gynecology”  “Super foods” Menopause nutrition Exercise after age 55- for the avid exerciser and the never excerciser Why BAREFOOT Training is important Dr. Jennifer Ashton is board-certified in OB-GYN and Obesity Medicine with a Master's degree in Nutrition from Columbia University. She is the Founder and President of Ajenda, a multimedia health platform focused on science-driven metabolic and hormonal health for women. For 12 years, Dr. Ashton was seen by millions of people daily on national television as the  Chief Medical Correspondent for ABC News and co-host of  GMA3: What You Need to Know.  She was the first woman and only the third physician to hold that role in network history. https://www.instagram.com/drjashton/?hl=enhttps://www.instagram.com/joinajenda/?hl=enhttps://www.joinajenda.com/experiment COME AGAIN is a 30-part audio series to address the biological, hormonal, and medical issues that can sabotage your sex life. This solution-driven, science-based guide will help get your libido to kick in and your clitoral nerve endings to wake up.For more information, go to DrStreicher.com/COMEAGAINDr. Streicher is on SUBSTACK      DrStreicher.Substack.com Articles Monthly News Flash Reports on recent research  Monthly Zoom Ask Me Anything Webinar Lauren Streicher MD, is a clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, the founding medical director of the Northwestern Medicine Center for Sexual Medicine and Menopause, and a Senior Research Fellow of The Kinsey Institute, Indiana University. She is a certified menopause practitioner of The Menopause Society. Dr. Streicher is the medical correspondent for Chicago's top-rated news program, the WGN Morning News, and has been seen on The Today Show, Good Morning America, The Oprah Winfrey Show, CNN, NPR, Dr. Radio, Nightline, Fox and Friends, The Steve Harvey Show, CBS This Morning, ABC News Now, NBCNightlyNews,20/20, and World News Tonight. She is an expert source for many magazines and serves on the medical advisory board of The Kinsey Institute, Self Magazine, and Prevention Magazine. She writes a regular column for The Ethel by AARP and Prevention Magazine.   LINKS Subscribe To Dr. Streicher's Substack Information About COME AGAIN Dr. Streicher's CV and additional bio information To Find a Menopause Clinician and Other Resources  Glossary Of Medical Terminology Books by Lauren Streicher, MD  Slip Sliding Away: Turning Back the Clock on Your Vagina-A gynecologist's guide to eliminating post-menopause dryness and pain Hot Flash Hell: A Gynecologist's Guide to Turning Down the Heat Sex Rx- Hormones, Health, and Your Best Sex Ever The Essential Guide to Hysterectomy                                     Dr. Streicher's Inside Information podcast is for education and information and is not intended to replace medical advice from your personal healthcare clinician. Dr. Streicher disclaims liability for any medical outcomes that may occur because of applying methods suggested or discussed in this podcast.                     

A lot has changed very quickly lately, and nowhere is this more evident than in LGBTQ+ health. In just a short period of time, we've seen shifts in research funding, data collection, public health infrastructure, and the broader social climate, all of which have real, measurable consequences for people's mental, physical, and sexual well-being. In today's episode, I'm joined by two experts who study how stress, stigma, and uncertainty affect LGBTQ+ people, and what these rapid changes mean for health and resilience right now. I am joined today by Dr. Lisa Diamond and Dr. Scout. Dr. Diamond is Distinguished Professor of Psychology and Gender Studies at the University of Utah who is well-known for her pioneering research on sexual fluidity. Dr. Scout is the Executive Director of the National LGBTQI+ Cancer Network and a sought after advisor on LGBTQ+ health issues. Some of the specific topics we discuss include: What are the key changes that have happened around LGBTQ+ health and research? What do these changes mean for the broader community? How does social connection help buffer against stress? How can LGBTQ+ people, their families, and the professionals who work with them support each other right now? To take part in the OUT Community survey led by Dr. Diamond and Dr. Scout, visit bit.ly/OUTCommunitySurvey Got a sex question? Send me a podcast voicemail to have it answered on a future episode at speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology. *** Thank you to our sponsors!  The Kinsey Institute is where the world turns to understand sex and relationships. You can help continue its expert-led research by donating to the Kinsey Institute Research Fund. Learn more and make a donation here: https://give.myiu.org/centers-institutes/I380010749.html  *** Want to learn more about Sex and Psychology? Click here for previous articles or follow the blog on Facebook, Twitter, or Bluesky to receive updates. You can also follow Dr. Lehmiller on YouTube and Instagram. Listen and stream all episodes on Apple, Spotify, or Amazon. Subscribe to automatically receive new episodes and please rate and review the podcast! Credits: Precision Podcasting (Podcast editing) and Shutterstock/Florian (Music). Image created with Canva; photos used with permission of guest. Holiday photo by Arthur Brognoli on Unsplash.

In 2023, Kirin Clawson's endocrinologist placed a puberty-blocking implant in her arm, a medical intervention that is associated with improved mental health for many trans kids with gender dysphoria. In February 2024, Indiana joined several other conservative states banning this treatment for minors. In this episode we hear from the Clawsons how the ban has impacted their family. And, we hear from psychologist, Dr. Myeshia Price about how all adults in the lives of children can support gender diverse youth, despite increasing discriminatory anti-trans laws aimed at kids. This episode, originally released in June 2024, kicks off the Making Contact Anniversary Capsule: celebrating 30 years of social justice journalism. The miniseries will take us from protests on the streets of Seattle to an Indiana family fighting for their daughter's gender affirming care. It will explore a racial reckoning in the world of romance writers, and tell the story of border walls from Gaza to Arizona. These shows embody how Making Contact has been digging into the story beneath the story since 1994. Featuring: This episode features the Clawson family including Beth, mother and Child Health Worker; Nathaniel, father and Project Manager; and children Kirin, Max, and Izzy Clawson. The episode also features Dr. Myeshia Price, an Associate Professor at Indiana University in the Human Development program within the Department of Counseling & Educational Psychology and Associate Research Scientist with the Kinsey Institute; and Bradford Barrett, Indiana State House Representative. Credits: This episode is hosted by Amy Gastelum with Production Assistant Emily Miles. It is produced by Anita Johnson, Lucy Kang, Salima Hamirani, and Amy Gastelum. Our executive director is Jina Chung. Jeff Emtman is our engineer and LIssa Deonorain does digital media marketing. Learn More:  Gender Nexus | Gender Expansive Kids and Company | Trans Solutions | Protect Our People | LGBTQ services and support map from Family Acceptance Project and the Innovations Institute | Family Acceptance Project |The Kinsey Institute Making Contact is an award-winning, nationally syndicated radio show and podcast featuring narrative storytelling and thought-provoking interviews. We cover the most urgent issues of our time and the people on the ground building a more just world.

If you’re feeling hornier than usual right now, it’s not just you! The winter holidays are a time of year when sexual interest and behavior reliably increase. We see this in everything from a spike in condom sales to an increase in sexual injuries to a peak in STD rates early in the new year. So why is that? That’s what we’re going to explore in today’s episode. Some of the specific topics we’re discussing include: How (and why) does sexual behavior change with the seasons? Why is Santa such a popular sex symbol at this time of year? How do you prevent holiday stress from spoiling the mood? Got a sex question? Send me a podcast voicemail to have it answered on a future episode at speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology. *** Thank you to our sponsors!  Firmtech’s Tech Ring will help you to track your sexual health–and keep it up. Visit myfirmtech.com/justinlehmiller and use code JUSTIN15 for 15% off your purchase.  If you’re ready to ditch the shady stuff and choose a libido supplement that's effective and that you can feel confident about, it’s time to check out Drive Boost.  Visit vb.health and use code JUSTIN for 10% off.  The Kinsey Institute is where the world turns to understand sex and relationships. You can help continue its expert-led research by donating to the Kinsey Institute Research Fund. Learn more and make a donation here: https://give.myiu.org/centers-institutes/I380010749.html  *** Want to learn more about Sex and Psychology? Click here for previous articles or follow the blog on Facebook, Twitter, or Bluesky to receive updates. You can also follow Dr. Lehmiller on YouTube and Instagram. Listen and stream all episodes on Apple, Spotify, or Amazon. Subscribe to automatically receive new episodes and please rate and review the podcast! Credits: Precision Podcasting (Podcast editing) and Shutterstock/Florian (Music). Image created with Canva; photos used with permission of guest. Holiday photo by Arthur Brognoli on Unsplash.

Our guest today is Dr. Justin Lehmiller, a social psychologist, author, and Senior Research Fellow at The Kinsey Institute. He is host of the Sex and Psychology Podcast and is author of the popular book Tell Me What You Want: The Science of Sexual Desire and How It WillHelp You Improve Your Sex Life. Dr. Lehmiller is an award-winning educator, having been honored three times with the Certificate of Teaching Excellence from Harvard University, where he taught for several years. He is also a prolific researcher who has published more than 50 academic works, including a textbook titled The Psychology of Human Sexuality that is used in college classrooms around the world. Dr. Lehmiller is a much sought-after voice in the media on sexuality research and education. He's been interviewed by The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and CNN, and he has appeared on dozens of international radio, podcast, and television programs. We talked about the seven categories of sexual fantasies, how fantasies change as we age, and their current study on masturbation and menopause. Click here if you'd like to learn more about Dr. Justin Lehmiller's work and check out his blog and his podcast too. If you're interested in Justin Lehmiller's immersive study abroad programs, go to Sexual Health Alliance Study Abroad for lots of great information! You can follow him on Instagram @JustinJLehmiller. If you want to catch up on other shows, just visit our website and please subscribe! We love our listeners and welcome your feedback, so if you love Our Better Half, please give us a 5-star rating and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. It really helps support our show! As always, thanks for listening!  

What actually has to happen inside the body for an erection to occur? And what is the most common cause of erectile dysfunction (ED)? In today’s show, we’re diving into the science of how erections work, as well as why men sometimes struggle to get or maintain them. We’ll also unpack some common misconceptions about ED and discuss why the standard “just take a pill approach” overlooks a bigger issue. My guest is Dr. Elliot Justin, the CEO and founder of FirmTech, a sextech company focused on keeping men fit and firm for a lifetime of lovemaking. He is an Emergency Medicine specialist and healthcare technology consultant who has spent 25 years practicing emergency medicine and directing ERs. Some of the specific topics we explore in this episode include: What are the biggest things people get wrong about erectile dysfunction? What is venous leak, and why is it such an under-diagnosed contributor to ED? Why do nighttime erections happen, and what do they tell us about men’s health? What’s the problem with using pills as a one-size-fits-all solution to ED? Check out FirmTech’s website to learn more and use code JUSTIN15 to save 15% off your purchase. Got a sex question? Send me a podcast voicemail to have it answered on a future episode at speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology. *** Thank you to our sponsors!  The Kinsey Institute is where the world turns to understand sex and relationships. You can help continue its expert-led research by donating to the Kinsey Institute Research Fund. Learn more and make a donation here: https://give.myiu.org/centers-institutes/I380010749.html  Passionate about building a career in sexuality? Check out the Sexual Health Alliance. With SHA, you’ll connect with world-class experts and join an engaged community of sexuality professionals from around the world. Visit SexualHealthAlliance.com and start building the sexuality career of your dreams today. *** Want to learn more about Sex and Psychology? Click here for previous articles or follow the blog on Facebook, Twitter, or Bluesky to receive updates. You can also follow Dr. Lehmiller on YouTube and Instagram. Listen and stream all episodes on Apple, Spotify, or Amazon. Subscribe to automatically receive new episodes and please rate and review the podcast! Credits: Precision Podcasting (Podcast editing) and Shutterstock/Florian (Music). Image created with Canva; photos used with permission of guest.

On this episode of Trending with Timmerie Episode Guide Women opting out of casual sex. Saying goodbye to the hookup culture (2:07) Christmas gift ideas for adults and kids with a Catholic twist (21:14) How the fulfillment of Advent changed everything (28:45) Hope and the meaning of the Advent wreath (40:03) Resources mentioned: The State of Us: National Study on Modern Love & Dating in 2025, a survey conducted in partnership by DatingAdvice.com and the Kinsey Institute. https://www.datingadvice.com/studies/virginity-survey Book: “The incarnation, birth, and infancy of Jesus Christ” by St. Alphonsus Liguori https://tanbooks.com/products/books/the-incarnation-birth-and-infancy-of-jesus-christ-deluxe-edition/?srsltid=AfmBOorNV5eWxEhqm64wor6jTmvWR4duz9goDxv9PtMDaEByTW-r-pqx PDF of the above book https://www.saintsbooks.net/books/St.%20Alphonsus%20Maria%20de%20Liguori%20-%20Complete%20Works%20-%204%20-%20The%20Incarnation,%20Birth,%20and%20Infancy%20of%20Jesus%20Christ.pdf Christmas gift ideas - Relevant Radio Store https://relevantradio.store/ Advent/Christmas books ‘Twas the Day Before Christmas in Bethlehem Town https://amzn.to/4pFWgCZ The Wise Men Who Found Christmas https://sophiainstitute.com/product/wise-men-who-found-christmas/?srsltid=AfmBOoqbeaPvPnIgVaw3fM-g9cBe4RDr7CEQ0D0VhliSKCa55lp5WzAw Gift Ideas: Shining Light Dolls – all things Catholic kids https://shininglightdolls.com Telos Art Shop – Catholic Jewelry https://telosartshop.com/ Perfume, cologne, and more https://saltandlightbysami.com/products/perfume-sample-pack The Catholic Company https://www.catholiccompany.com My Saint My Hero – Catholic Jewelry https://mysaintmyhero.com/ House of Joppa – decor and jewelry https://www.houseofjoppa.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZepC159Ilur65Zk7tUfNQ4Rr477DSgnAn0ZCOV-3-hFzILn7vevlT7oNc_aem_5SiDeRO3YRWV4aEKoMIipg Chews Life – baby teething and shoes https://chewslife.com/ The Little Catholic https://thelittlecatholic.com The Protection We All Need - The Saint Benedict Medal and exorcism explained https://relevantradio.com/2025/11/the-protection-we-all-need/

Although gay men are often seen as being pretty uninhibited when it comes to sex, their fantasy lives tell a more complex story. Like everyone else, many gay men experience shame, confusion, or conflict around their fantasies. In today's show, we're diving into common themes that show up in gay men's fantasies, the psychology behind them, and how to drop the shame. My guest is Dr. Joe Kort, the clinical director and founder of The Center for Relationship and Sexual Health in Royal Oak, Michigan. He is a board-certified clinical sexologist and author of multiple books, including Cracking the Erotic Code: Helping Gay Men Understand Their Fantasies. Some of the specific topics we explore in this episode include: What do sexual fantasies actually mean or represent? What kinds of things are gay men likely to fantasies about? Why are taboo themes so prevalent in gay men’s fantasies? How does porn shape gay men’s fantasies? What do gay men who feel ashamed or confused about their fantasies need to know? You can visit Joe’s website to learn more about his work. Got a sex question? Send me a podcast voicemail to have it answered on a future episode at speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology. *** Thank you to our sponsors!  Firmtech’s Tech Ring will help you to track your sexual health–and keep it up. Visit myfirmtech.com/justinlehmiller and use code JUSTIN15 for 15% off your purchase.  If you’re ready to ditch the shady stuff and choose a libido supplement that's effective and that you can feel confident about, it’s time to check out Drive Boost.  Visit vb.health and use code JUSTIN for 10% off. The Kinsey Institute is where the world turns to understand sex and relationships. You can help continue its expert-led research by donating to the Kinsey Institute Research Fund. Learn more and make a donation here: https://give.myiu.org/centers-institutes/I380010749.html  *** Want to learn more about Sex and Psychology? Click here for previous articles or follow the blog on Facebook, Twitter, or Bluesky to receive updates. You can also follow Dr. Lehmiller on YouTube and Instagram. Listen and stream all episodes on Apple, Spotify, or Amazon. Subscribe to automatically receive new episodes and please rate and review the podcast! Credits: Precision Podcasting (Podcast editing) and Shutterstock/Florian (Music). Image created with Canva; photos used with permission of guest.

People’s definitions of cheating are evolving. Infidelity isn't just about physical betrayal anymore. It's emotional, it's digital, and sometimes it doesn't even involve another human at all. In today’s show, we’re diving into the new rules of cheating. We’re also going to talk about how modern technology is making it harder than ever to keep infidelity a secret. I am joined once again by Dr. Amanda Gesselman a research scientist and head of the VIBES research team at the Kinsey Institute at Indiana University. Digital intimacy is a major focus of her research, including how people use tools like camsites, AI companions, dating apps, and social media to navigate connection and desire. Some of the specific topics we explore in this episode include: What do people today think “counts” as cheating? Is watching porn a form of infidelity? What about sexting with an AI chatbot? How many people suspect a partner has cheated on them before? What kind of detective work do people do to determine if a partner has cheated? How do we balance the benefits and challenges of digital intimacy? To learn more, you can read a brief report of this study here. Got a sex question? Send me a podcast voicemail to have it answered on a future episode at speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology. *** Thank you to our sponsors!  Thread & Tether is a therapy practice dedicated to helping couples rebuild trust, strengthen intimacy, and heal after betrayal. Led by AASECT-certified sex therapist Jason Powell, the practice offers virtual sessions in multiple states and in-person intensives in Boston and Manhattan. Visit threadandtether.com to learn more. Passionate about building a career in sexuality? Check out the Sexual Health Alliance. With SHA, you’ll connect with world-class experts and join an engaged community of sexuality professionals from around the world. Visit SexualHealthAlliance.com and start building the sexuality career of your dreams today. *** Want to learn more about Sex and Psychology? Click here for previous articles or follow the blog on Facebook, Twitter, or Bluesky to receive updates. You can also follow Dr. Lehmiller on YouTube and Instagram. Listen and stream all episodes on Apple, Spotify, or Amazon. Subscribe to automatically receive new episodes and please rate and review the podcast! Credits: Precision Podcasting (Podcast editing) and Shutterstock/Florian (Music). Image created with Canva; photos used with permission of guest.

Struggling with low libido, painful sex, or poor sleep during menopause? There's a science-backed wellness tool that can help with all of these symptoms and more—but it's been wrapped in shame for far too long. In this episode, we're having an honest, research-based conversation about vibrators as legitimate health tools for midlife women, and why sexual wellness is essential wellness. This episode explores how vibrators support women's health during perimenopause and menopause, backed by compelling research from the Kinsey Institute and other studies.You'll discover why the clitoris is the primary source of orgasm for 80% of women, how external vibration improves pelvic floor health without requiring orgasm, and why midlife libido shifts from spontaneous to responsive desire. We'll bust harmful myths, discuss different types of vibrators, share practical guidance on choosing and using them, and explain how regular use can improve sleep, mood, stress levels, lubrication, and menopause symptoms. This is a shame-free, science-grounded guide to reclaiming your pleasure and vitality. Key Takeaways / Main Points: • Research shows women ages 40-65 rated self-pleasure at 4.35 out of 5 for menopause symptom relief, more effective than many lifestyle changes • The clitoris contains over 10,000 nerve endings and external stimulation is how 80% of women experience orgasm • Gentle external vibration for just 5-10 minutes, 2-3 times weekly improves pelvic floor relaxation, reduces UTIs, eases vaginal dryness, and relieves painful intercourse • Vibrators increase blood flow to genital tissue, restore sensitivity lost to declining estrogen, and help your body remember pleasure • Orgasms release dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins that regulate mood, lower cortisol, improve sleep, and strengthen your pelvic floorCheck out Gabriella's Intimacy Holiday Gift Guide for curated vibrator recommendations, lubricants, and sensual essentials to support your journey. Remember: you deserve sensation, connection, and joy—not someday, but now.CONNECT WITH GABRIELLA ESPINOSA:InstagramLinkedInWork with Gabriella! Access the Intimacy Holiday Gift Guide today. Go to https://www.gabriellaespinosa.com/ to book a call.Full episodes on YouTube. The information shared on Pleasure in the Pause is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health or treatment. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or Pleasure in the Pause.

On this episode of Trending with Timmerie Episode Guide Women opting out of casual sex. Saying goodbye to the hookup culture (2:07) Christmas gift ideas for adults and kids with a Catholic twist (21:14) How the fulfillment of Advent changed everything (28:45) Hope and the meaning of the Advent wreath (40:03) Resources mentioned: The State of Us: National Study on Modern Love & Dating in 2025, a survey conducted in partnership by DatingAdvice.com and the Kinsey Institute. https://www.datingadvice.com/studies/virginity-survey Book: “The incarnation, birth, and infancy of Jesus Christ” by St. Alphonsus Liguori https://tanbooks.com/products/books/the-incarnation-birth-and-infancy-of-jesus-christ-deluxe-edition/?srsltid=AfmBOorNV5eWxEhqm64wor6jTmvWR4duz9goDxv9PtMDaEByTW-r-pqx PDF of the above book https://www.saintsbooks.net/books/St.%20Alphonsus%20Maria%20de%20Liguori%20-%20Complete%20Works%20-%204%20-%20The%20Incarnation,%20Birth,%20and%20Infancy%20of%20Jesus%20Christ.pdf Christmas gift ideas - Relevant Radio Store https://relevantradio.store/ Advent/Christmas books ‘Twas the Day Before Christmas in Bethlehem Town https://amzn.to/4pFWgCZ The Wise Men Who Found Christmas https://sophiainstitute.com/product/wise-men-who-found-christmas/?srsltid=AfmBOoqbeaPvPnIgVaw3fM-g9cBe4RDr7CEQ0D0VhliSKCa55lp5WzAw Gift Ideas: Shining Light Dolls – all things Catholic kids https://shininglightdolls.com Telos Art Shop – Catholic Jewelry https://telosartshop.com/ Perfume cologne and more https://saltandlightbysami.com/products/perfume-sample-pack The Catholic Company https://www.catholiccompany.com My Saint My Hero – Catholic Jewelry https://mysaintmyhero.com/ House of Joppa – decor and jewelry https://www.houseofjoppa.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZepC159Ilur65Zk7tUfNQ4Rr477DSgnAn0ZCOV-3-hFzILn7vevlT7oNc_aem_5SiDeRO3YRWV4aEKoMIipg Chews Life – baby teething and shoes https://chewslife.com/ The Little Catholic https://thelittlecatholic.com The Protection We All Need - The Saint Benedict Medal and exorcism explained https://relevantradio.com/2025/11/the-protection-we-all-need/

Popular GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound aren’t just transforming weight loss. They’re also changing our intimate lives in surprising ways. In today’s show, we’re diving into results from a new national study finding that a majority of people taking one of these medications reported a change in their sex and dating lives, for better or for worse. My guest is Dr. Amanda Gesselman a research scientist and head of the VIBES research team at the Kinsey Institute at Indiana University. Digital intimacy is a major focus of her research, including how people use tools like camsites, AI companions, dating apps, and social media to navigate connection and desire. Some of the specific topics we explore in this episode include: What specific changes are people noticing in their dating lives as a result of taking one of these drugs? Why does weight loss seem to be benefiting men more than women when it comes to dating? How do GLP-1 medications affect sexual health and function? And is it different for men and women? Are people taking GLP-1 medications worried about social judgement? To learn more, you can read a brief report about the study here. Got a sex question? Send me a podcast voicemail to have it answered on a future episode at speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology. *** Thank you to our sponsors!  Firmtech’s Tech Ring will help you to track your sexual health–and keep it up. Visit myfirmtech.com/justinlehmiller and use code JUSTIN15 for 15% off your purchase.  The Kinsey Institute is where the world turns to understand sex and relationships. You can help continue its expert-led research by donating to the Kinsey Institute Research Fund. Learn more and make a donation here: https://give.myiu.org/centers-institutes/I380010749.html  *** Want to learn more about Sex and Psychology? Click here for previous articles or follow the blog on Facebook, Twitter, or Bluesky to receive updates. You can also follow Dr. Lehmiller on YouTube and Instagram. Listen and stream all episodes on Apple, Spotify, or Amazon. Subscribe to automatically receive new episodes and please rate and review the podcast! Credits: Precision Podcasting (Podcast editing) and Shutterstock/Florian (Music). Image created with Canva; photos used with permission of guest.

Dr. Wendy dives into the science behind sex, fidelity, and human connection with Dr. Justin Garcia, director of the Kinsey Institute and author of the upcoming book The Intimate Animal.All that and more on KFI AM-640!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Wendy is talking to the director of the Kinsey Institute, Dr. Justin Garcia, about relationships today and his new book, The Intimate Animal The Science of Sex, Fidelity, and Why We Live and Die for Love, available for pre-order now.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do you make a non-monogamous relationship work? In today’s show, we're diving into a brand-new study that set out to map the most common and effective relationship practices for consensually non-monogamous (CNM) people. We're going to discuss the key strategies that help people maintain multiple partners with intention, stability, and harmony. I am joined once again by Dr. Justin Mogilski, an associate professor of psychology at the University of South Carolina Salkehatchie, where he teaches courses on human sexuality, the psychology of marriage, and evolutionary psychology. Some of the specific topics we explore in this episode include: What is the Multiple Relationships Maintenance Scale, and what can it tell us about how CNM relationships work? How do people in CNM relationships navigate things like jealousy, resource distribution, and hierarchy? What are people in the most successful CNM relationships doing? What can monogamous couples learn from how CNM people structure their relationships? You can click this link to read the full study discussed in this episode. Got a sex question? Send me a podcast voicemail to have it answered on a future episode at speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology. *** Thank you to our sponsors!  Wrap the ones you love in luxury with Cozy Earth. Discover bedtime bliss with Cozy Earth’s bamboo sheet set and loungewear. Using code JUSTIN to get 40% off your purchase.  If you’re ready to ditch the shady stuff and choose a libido supplement that's effective and that you can feel confident about, it’s time to check out Drive Boost.  Visit vb.health and use code JUSTIN for 10% off. The Kinsey Institute is where the world turns to understand sex and relationships. You can help continue its expert-led research by donating to the Kinsey Institute Research Fund. Learn more and make a donation here: https://give.myiu.org/centers-institutes/I380010749.html  *** Want to learn more about Sex and Psychology? Click here for previous articles or follow the blog on Facebook, Twitter, or Bluesky to receive updates. You can also follow Dr. Lehmiller on YouTube and Instagram. Listen and stream all episodes on Apple, Spotify, or Amazon. Subscribe to automatically receive new episodes and please rate and review the podcast! Credits: Precision Podcasting (Podcast editing) and Shutterstock/Florian (Music). Image created with Canva; photos used with permission of guest.

Dr. Cara Judea Alhadeff discusses her work and the profound ideas in her book Zazu Dreams: Between the Scarab and the Dung Beetle, A Cautionary Fable for the Anthropocene Era. She explores themes of dream consciousness, cultural and ecological extinction, radical symbiosis, and the concept of apocalyptic parenting as a strategy for social justice and ecological ethics, an antidote to petroleum parenting. The discussion digs into the interdisciplinary ties found in her stories, her collaborative projects, and the communal effort in creating sustainable futures. Dr. Alhadeff also shares her real-life experiences of living for almost a decade in a reclaimed school bus, 'The Love Bus', exemplifying the principles of radical mothering, reuse, collective creativity, and joy amidst systemic challenges. Dr. Cara Judea Alhadeff is a professor and author of dozens of books and articles on art, philosophy, sexuality, climate justice, life-passion activism, and "petroleum parenting," including the critically-acclaimed Zazu Dreams: Between the Scarab and the Dung Beetle, A Cautionary Fable for the Anthropocene Era, and Viscous Expectations: Justice, Vulnerability, The Ob-scene. Alhadeff's forthcoming book, Unlearning What We Think We Know (Vernon Press), will be performed during the World Affairs Conference. Her photographs/ performance videos are in private and public collection,s including San Francisco MoMA, MoMA Salzburg, Austria, the Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender, and Reproduction, and include collaborations with international choreographers, composers, poets, sculptors, architects, and scientists. She has been interviewed by The New York Times, San Francisco Chronicle, Pacifica Radio, NPR, and the New Art Examiner. Alongside Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Vandana Shiva, Alhadeff received the Random Kindness Community Resilience Leadership Award, 2020. In 2022, Alhadeff was nominated for a MacArthur Fellowship. Her theoretical and visual work is the subject of documentaries for international public television/ radio. A former professor of Critical Pedagogy & Performance at UC Santa Cruz and Founder of Radical Art in Action, Alhadeff teaches, performs, and parents a creative-zero-waste life. She and her family live and perform in their eco-art installation, a repurposed school bus. www.carajudeaalhadeff.com Topics 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Cara Judea Alhadeff 01:35 Exploring 'Zazu Dreams' 04:01 Dreams and Cultural Extinction 06:08 Fractal Democracy and Radical Art 08:39 Sensory Consciousness and Neuroaesthetics 14:50 Interconnected Oppressions and Emancipation 28:05 Ancestral Lineage and Multiculturalism 34:00 Exploring Automatic Behaviors and Consciousness 34:50 Interbeing and Consumer Decisions 36:35 The Impact of Privilege and Capitalist Norms 38:06 Radical Symbiosis and Cultural Conditioning 39:21 Eco-Spirituality and Political Awareness 41:18 Apocalyptic Parenting and Deep Noticing 48:01 The Love Bus: A Journey of Reuse and Respect 54:40 Adapting to Change and Collective Creativity 57:55 Conclusion: Embracing Art and Language Resources: Dr. Cara Judea Alhadeff's Website ZAZU DREAMS: Between the Scarab and the Dung Beetle, A Cautionary Fable for the Anthropocene Era by Dr. Cara Judea Alhadeff Zazu Dreams book-to-film animation adaptation Fractal Flourishing: Jeremy Lent (Sounds of SAND Podcast) Arab Jewish Mysticism: Hadar Cohen (Sounds of SAND Podcast) Quantum Listening: IONE (Sounds of SAND Podcast) Deep Listening: Pauline Oliveros 5Rhythms Dance Rural Studio: Samuel Mockbee and an architecture of decency Thrutopian Dreams: Manda Scott (Sounds of SAND Podcast) An Ecotopian Lexicon edited by Schneider-Mayerson and Bellamy Challenging Petroleum Parenting Decolonizing Motherhood Empire of Normality: Neurodiversity and Capitalism by Robert Chapman Viscous Expectations: Justice, Vulnerability, The Ob-scene by cara judea Alhadeff The Love Bus: Beauty & Waste In the Face of Climate Crisis Facing Apocalyspe by Catherine Keller Benjamin Lay: The first Revolutionary Quaker Abolitionist Cara Judea Alhadeff, PhD, Promiscuous Crossings (Substack) Email Cara Support the mission of SAND and the production of this podcast by becoming a SAND Member

In case you missed it, last week was quite the week in the menopause world. The FDA made a landmark decision to remove all black box warnings from estrogen products and to update the labels of individual products. I was in the room where it all happened and in this episode, I'm going to break it all down for you. But here's the headline- this label change is overall, a good thing, a very good thing. A transcript of this podcast, along with photos and graphics, can be found on DrStreicher.Substack.com In this episode:  A historical perspective of how the Black Box label came to be on all estrogen products A review of the Women's Health Initiative Study  (WHI) that lead to the specific warnings on the label.  The fall out from the release of the WHI The Problems with the Black Box label on estrogen products Class Labeling The difference between oral, transdermal and local vaginal estrogen.  How the required black box label influenced the likelihood of physicians writing a prescription for estrogen, and the likelihood that women would use hormone therapy.  Why I never stopped prescribing estrogen Last week's announcement from the FDA If it is medically appropriate to remove the black box warning from local vaginal estrogen If it is medically appropriate to remove the black box warning from systemic estrogen The inaccurate messaging during the FDA press conference The POLITICS  of WHY the FDA removed the Black Box warnings Related Podcasts:  Episode 124 All Hormones Are Not Created Equal with Dr. James Simon Episode 164 Is Bioidentical Always Best? Episode 181 The FDA Roundtable on Menopausal Hormone Therapy Related Substack Articles Top 20 Questions about Local Vaginal Estrogen Is Bioidentical Always Best? BLOOD CLOTS and ESTROGEN: The Facts Crises at the FDA Why RFK is a Scary Choice for HHS Dr. Streicher is on SUBSTACK      DrStreicher.Substack.com Articles Monthly newsletter All COME AGAIN podcast episodes Monthly News Flash Reports on recent research  Monthly Zoom Ask Me Anything Webinar    Information on Dr. Streicher's COME AGAIN Podcast- Sexuality and Orgasm     Lauren Streicher MD, is a clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, the founding medical director of the Northwestern Medicine Center for Sexual Medicine and Menopause, and a Senior Research Fellow of The Kinsey Institute, Indiana University. She is a certified menopause practitioner of The Menopause Society. S   Dr. Streicher is the medical correspondent for Chicago's top-rated news program, the WGN Morning News, and has been seen on The Today Show, Good Morning America, The Oprah Winfrey Show, CNN, NPR, Dr. Radio, Nightline, Fox and Friends, The Steve Harvey Show, CBS This Morning, ABC News Now, NBCNightlyNews,20/20, and World News Tonight. She is an expert source for many magazines and serves on the medical advisory board of The Kinsey Institute, Self Magazine, and Prevention Magazine. She writes a regular column for The Ethel by AARP and Prevention Magazine.    LINKS Subscribe To Dr. Streicher's Substack Information About the COME AGAIN Podcast Dr. Streicher's CV and additional bio information To Find a Menopause Clinician and Other Resources  Glossary Of Medical Terminology Books by Lauren Streicher, MD    Slip Sliding Away: Turning Back the Clock on Your Vagina-A gynecologist's guide to eliminating post-menopause dryness and pain Hot Flash Hell: A Gynecologist's Guide to Turning Down the Heat Sex Rx- Hormones, Health, and Your Best Sex Ever The Essential Guide to Hysterectomy                                        Dr. Streicher's Inside Information podcast is for education and information and is not intended to replace medical advice from your personal healthcare clinician. Dr. Streicher disclaims liability for any medical outcomes that may occur because of applying methods suggested or discussed in this podcast.                                     

It's November again, and that means a bunch of people on the internet are giving up masturbation for the month. While “No Nut November” is a relatively recent phenomenon, it actually has deep roots and reflects humans' longstanding and very complicated relationship with self-pleasure. In this show, we’re talking about the history of masturbation and why people are so conflicted over it. My guest is Dr. Eric Sprankle, an Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology and the co-director of the Sexuality Studies program at Minnesota State University, Mankato. He’s also a licensed clinical psychologist and AASECT-certified sex therapist affiliated with the Minnesota Sexual Health Institute. His latest book is DIY: The Wonderfully Weird History and Science of Masturbation. Some of the specific topics we explore in this episode include: Where does the idea of masturbation as sinful originate? Historically, how have religious and political figures dissuaded people from masturbating? When did masturbation start to become a public health concern? How has the rise of social media coincided with the rise of negative views of masturbation? You can visit Eric’s website to learn more about his work. Got a sex question? Send me a podcast voicemail to have it answered on a future episode at speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology. *** Thank you to our sponsors!  The Kinsey Institute at Indiana University is where the world turns to understand sex and relationships. Now, you can help continue its expert-led research. This month, the Match Group is offering an incredible 2:1 match for all gifts to the Kinsey Institute Research Fund. Learn more and make a donation here: https://knsy.in/giftmatch  Head to https://paired.com/JUSTIN and download the #1 app for couples to start maintaining your lasting love today. A bad mattress can ruin your intimate life. If you want to upgrade your sleep, check out Brooklyn Bedding, where you can try a 120-night comfort trial. Go to brooklynbedding.com and use my promo code JUSTIN at checkout to get 30% off sitewide.  *** Want to learn more about Sex and Psychology? Click here for previous articles or follow the blog on Facebook, Twitter, or Bluesky to receive updates. You can also follow Dr. Lehmiller on YouTube and Instagram. Listen and stream all episodes on Apple, Spotify, or Amazon. Subscribe to automatically receive new episodes and please rate and review the podcast! Credits: Precision Podcasting (Podcast editing) and Shutterstock/Florian (Music). Image created with Canva; photos used with permission of guest.

For a lot of people who grew up in religious or conservative environments, they learned to fear sex and/or feel ashamed of. Purity culture teaches folks that their personal value is tied to their sexual choices: “good” people wait to have sex, while “bad” people don't. In this episode, we're going to talk about what it's like to grow up in purity culture, how to move past it, and whether it's possible to still hold onto your faith while letting go of purity culture. My guest is Lauren Elise Rogers, a Certified Holistic Sexuality Educator and Embodied Intimacy & Relationship Coach. Lauren brings an empathetic and non-judgmental approach, offering practical tools that empower her clients to take ownership of their pleasure and grow in confidence and connection. Some of the specific topics we explore in this episode include: How does purity culture shape attitudes toward sex, desire, and one’s own body? What are some ways to work through the shame that people often feel due to purity culture? How can you begin exploring your sexuality when you still have some internal conflicts about it? Is it possible to remain religious without adopting the sexual shame that often comes with it? You can visit Lauren’s website to learn more about her work. Got a sex question? Send me a podcast voicemail to have it answered on a future episode at speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology. *** Thank you to our sponsors!  If you’re ready to ditch the shady stuff and choose a libido supplement that's effective and that you can feel confident about, it’s time to check out Drive Boost.  Visit vb.health and use code JUSTIN for 10% off. The Kinsey Institute is where the world turns to understand sex and relationships. You can help continue its expert-led research by donating to the Kinsey Institute Research Fund. Learn more and make a donation here: https://give.myiu.org/centers-institutes/I380010749.html  *** Want to learn more about Sex and Psychology? Click here for previous articles or follow the blog on Facebook, Twitter, or Bluesky to receive updates. You can also follow Dr. Lehmiller on YouTube and Instagram. Listen and stream all episodes on Apple, Spotify, or Amazon. Subscribe to automatically receive new episodes and please rate and review the podcast! Credits: Precision Podcasting (Podcast editing) and Shutterstock/Florian (Music). Image created with Canva; photos used with permission of guest.

A sex toy is so much more than just a fun gadget. Toys can help us to explore our bodies, rekindle the connection in a relationship, improve sexual communication, and more. In this episode, we’re going behind the scenes of how sex toys are designed and developed. We’re also going to talk about what makes a toy truly great, as well as how to tell which toys are worth your money and which ones aren't. I am joined by Venus O'Hara, a pleasure educator, author, and content creator. She became Spain's first professional sex toy tester, and since 2014 has tested and reviewed over 1,000 products from leading sexual wellness brands worldwide. She is the author of Orgasmic Manifestation and hosts the podcast, The Orgasmic Lifestyle. Some of the specific areas we explore in this show include: What does it mean to view sex toys as experiences rather than products? What all goes into designing and developing a new sex toy? How can you tell the good sex toys from the bad? In what ways can sex toys help us to improve our sex lives? Learn more about Venus by checking out her website here. Got a sex question? Send me a podcast voicemail to have it answered on a future episode at speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology. *** Thank you to our sponsors!  Expand your sexual horizons with Beducated! Featuring more than 100 online courses taught by the experts, Beducated brings pleasure-based sex ed directly into your bedroom. Enjoy a free trial today and get 65% off their yearly pass by using LEHMILLER69 as the coupon code. To redeem this offer, visit: https://beducate.me/pd2546-lehmiller  The Kinsey Institute is where the world turns to understand sex and relationships. You can help continue its expert-led research by donating to the Kinsey Institute Research Fund. Learn more and make a donation here: https://give.myiu.org/centers-institutes/I380010749.html  *** Want to learn more about Sex and Psychology? Click here for previous articles or follow the blog on Facebook, Twitter, or Bluesky to receive updates. You can also follow Dr. Lehmiller on YouTube and Instagram. Listen and stream all episodes on Apple, Spotify, or Amazon. Subscribe to automatically receive new episodes and please rate and review the podcast! Credits: Precision Podcasting (Podcast editing) and Shutterstock/Florian (Music). Image created with Canva; photos used with permission of guest.

We asked for your big questions on hormone therapy–and an avalanche ensued! This week, after 5+ years of Hit Play Not Pause, we're doing a level set on hormone therapy. This week's guest, nationally-recognized menopause expert Lauren Streicher, MD, digs into hormone therapy research, what it tells us and what it doesn't, why formulations matter, perimenopause versus postmenopause therapy, the cardiovascular implications of hot flashes, why hormone therapy needs to be personalized, and how every woman should approach her own care. Lauren Streicher, MD is a clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine and the founding medical director of the Northwestern Medicine Center for Sexual Medicine and Menopause. Dr. Streicher is a Certified Menopause Practitioner of The Menopause Society, serves on the Editorial Board of the journal Menopause, and is a Senior Research Fellow for the Kinsey Institute, Indiana University. She is a Fellow in the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and The International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health. She is also a best-selling author and the host of two podcasts. Resources:Dr. Streicher's Substack: Menopause: The Inside InfoLearn more about her and her work at www.drstreicher.comPodcasts:Menopause, Midlife and More Podcast. COME AGAIN Sexuality and OrgasmBooks:The Essential Guide to HysterectomySex Rx: Hormones, Health, and Your Best Sex Ever. Slip Sliding Away: Turning Back the Clock on Your Vagina Hot Flash Hell: A Gynecologist's Guide to Turning Down the HeatSign up for our FREE Feisty 40+ newsletter: https://feisty.co/feisty-40/Learn More and Register for our Feisty 40+ Strong Retreat: https://feisty.co/events/feisty-40-strong-retreat/ Learn More and Register for our 2026 Tucson Bike Camp: https://feisty.co/events/gravel-camp-x-bike-mechanic-school/ Follow Us on Instagram:Feisty Menopause: @feistymenopause Hit Play Not Pause Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/807943973376099 Support our Partners:Phosis: Use the code FEISTY15 for 15% off at https://www.phosis.com/ Midi Health: You Deserve to Feel Great. Book your virtual visit today at https://www.joinmidi.com/Previnex: Get 15% off your first order with code HITPLAY at https://www.previnex.com/ Nutrisense: Go to nutrisense.io/hitplay and use code: HITPLAY to get 30% offWahoo KICKR RUN: Use the code FEISTY to get a free Headwind Smart Fan (value $300) with the purchase of a Wahoo KICKR RUN at https://shorturl.at/maTzL This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Spotify Ad Analytics - https://www.spotify.com/us/legal/ad-analytics-privacy-policy/Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacyPodscribe -...

Earlier this year, a tweet went out from the official account of the Democratic Party, tagging the Trump advisor Stephen Miller. It was an image of what appeared to be a simple hotel room chair. But for those in the know, it was much more than that: It was a “cuck chair,” an online meme straight out of a popular genre of hardcore pornography in which a man watches his partner have sex with another man. How did we get to a place where the Democrats could flame a political opponent with an image out of cucking porn and have millions of people immediately understand it? In this episode we trace the complicated and intricate history of the cuck. It's a history that includes everything from Jacobean dramas to World War II pilots to, yes, pornography, as well as a host of deeply American prejudices that have become a lot less submerged over the last 10 years. And we also situate the cuck within a larger context, one in which porn is the elephant in the room of American culture. It's a potent force, shaping and reflecting our very wants and desires and it is constantly seeping into mainstream culture—and yet we don't analyze, critique, or even talk about it very much because, well, it's porn. In this NSFW episode, you'll hear from: Slate staff writer Luke Winkie who wrote about the tweet that kicked this episode off; Samantha Cole, one of co-founders of 404 Media and the author of How Sex Changed the Internet and the Internet Changed Sex;  Jennifer Panek, professor of English at the University of Ottawa; sex therapist and clinical psychologist Dr. David S. Ley; Dr. Justin Lehmiller, social psychologist, senior research fellow at the Kinsey Institute, and podcast host; Mireille Miller-Young, associate professor of feminist studies at UC Santa Barbara and the author of A Taste for Brown Sugar: Black Women in Pornography, and New York Magazine tech columnist John Herrman.  This episode was written by Willa Paskin. It was edited by Josh Levin and produced by Katie Shepherd, Willa Paskin, Max Freedman, and Evan Chung, Decoder Ring's supervising producer. Merritt Jacob is Senior Technical Director, and we had help from Sophie Summergrad. We'd also like to thank Gabriel Roth, Talia Lavin, Tatum Hunter, Rebecca Fasman, Jessica Stoya, Aiden Starr, Perrin Swanmoore, Sophie Gilbert, and Kevin Heffernan, who was a fount of knowledge.  If you have any cultural mysteries you want us to decode, email us at DecoderRing@slate.com or leave a message on our hotline at (347) 460-7281. Get more of Decoder Ring with Slate Plus! Join for exclusive bonus episodes of Decoder Ring and ad-free listening on all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe from the Decoder Ring show page on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Or, visit slate.com/decoderplus for access wherever you listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Earlier this year, a tweet went out from the official account of the Democratic Party, tagging the Trump advisor Stephen Miller. It was an image of what appeared to be a simple hotel room chair. But for those in the know, it was much more than that: It was a “cuck chair,” an online meme straight out of a popular genre of hardcore pornography in which a man watches his partner have sex with another man.How did we get to a place where the Democrats could flame a political opponent with an image out of cucking porn and have millions of people immediately understand it? In this episode we trace the complicated and intricate history of the cuck. It's a history that includes everything from Jacobean dramas to World War II pilots to, yes, pornography, as well as a host of deeply American prejudices that have become a lot less submerged over the last 10 years. And we also situate the cuck within a larger context, one in which porn is the elephant in the room of American culture. It's a potent force, shaping and reflecting our very wants and desires and it is constantly seeping into mainstream culture—and yet we don't analyze, critique, or even talk about it very much because, well, it's porn.In this NSFW episode, you'll hear from: Slate staff writer Luke Winkie who wrote about the tweet that kicked this episode off; Samantha Cole, one of co-founders of 404 Media and the author of How Sex Changed the Internet and the Internet Changed Sex;  Jennifer Panek, professor of English at the University of Ottawa; sex therapist and clinical psychologist Dr. David S. Ley; Dr. Justin Lehmiller, social psychologist, senior research fellow at the Kinsey Institute, and podcast host; Mireille Miller-Young, associate professor of feminist studies at UC Santa Barbara and the author of A Taste for Brown Sugar: Black Women in Pornography, and New York Magazine tech columnist John Herrman. This episode was written by Willa Paskin. It was edited by Josh Levin and produced by Katie Shepherd, Willa Paskin, Max Freedman, and Evan Chung, Decoder Ring's supervising producer. Merritt Jacob is Senior Technical Director, and we had help from Sophie Summergrad.We'd also like to thank Gabriel Roth, Talia Lavin, Tatum Hunter, Rebecca Fasman, Jessica Stoya, Aiden Starr, Perrin Swanmoore, Sophie Gilbert, and Kevin Heffernan, who was a fount of knowledge. If you have any cultural mysteries you want us to decode, email us at DecoderRing@slate.com or leave a message on our hotline at (347) 460-7281.Get more of Decoder Ring with Slate Plus! Join for exclusive bonus episodes of Decoder Ring and ad-free listening on all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe from the Decoder Ring show page on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Or, visit slate.com/decoderplus for access wherever you listen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Earlier this year, a tweet went out from the official account of the Democratic Party, tagging the Trump advisor Stephen Miller. It was an image of what appeared to be a simple hotel room chair. But for those in the know, it was much more than that: It was a “cuck chair,” an online meme straight out of a popular genre of hardcore pornography in which a man watches his partner have sex with another man.How did we get to a place where the Democrats could flame a political opponent with an image out of cucking porn and have millions of people immediately understand it? In this episode we trace the complicated and intricate history of the cuck. It's a history that includes everything from Jacobean dramas to World War II pilots to, yes, pornography, as well as a host of deeply American prejudices that have become a lot less submerged over the last 10 years. And we also situate the cuck within a larger context, one in which porn is the elephant in the room of American culture. It's a potent force, shaping and reflecting our very wants and desires and it is constantly seeping into mainstream culture—and yet we don't analyze, critique, or even talk about it very much because, well, it's porn.In this NSFW episode, you'll hear from: Slate staff writer Luke Winkie who wrote about the tweet that kicked this episode off; Samantha Cole, one of co-founders of 404 Media and the author of How Sex Changed the Internet and the Internet Changed Sex;  Jennifer Panek, professor of English at the University of Ottawa; sex therapist and clinical psychologist Dr. David S. Ley; Dr. Justin Lehmiller, social psychologist, senior research fellow at the Kinsey Institute, and podcast host; Mireille Miller-Young, associate professor of feminist studies at UC Santa Barbara and the author of A Taste for Brown Sugar: Black Women in Pornography, and New York Magazine tech columnist John Herrman. This episode was written by Willa Paskin. It was edited by Josh Levin and produced by Katie Shepherd, Willa Paskin, Max Freedman, and Evan Chung, Decoder Ring's supervising producer. Merritt Jacob is Senior Technical Director, and we had help from Sophie Summergrad.We'd also like to thank Gabriel Roth, Talia Lavin, Tatum Hunter, Rebecca Fasman, Jessica Stoya, Aiden Starr, Perrin Swanmoore, Sophie Gilbert, and Kevin Heffernan, who was a fount of knowledge. If you have any cultural mysteries you want us to decode, email us at DecoderRing@slate.com or leave a message on our hotline at (347) 460-7281.Get more of Decoder Ring with Slate Plus! Join for exclusive bonus episodes of Decoder Ring and ad-free listening on all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe from the Decoder Ring show page on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Or, visit slate.com/decoderplus for access wherever you listen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is The Briefing, a daily analysis of news and events from a Christian worldview.On today's edition of The Briefing, Dr. Mohler discusses the real ‘succession' story of Rupert Murdoch and the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel's late night show, and he answers questions about violent video games, conservatives critique of the ‘T' in LGBTQ but not the rest of its ideology, and parents who suspect their son is dating a transgender woman.Part I (00:15 – 10:01)The Real ‘Succession’ Story: Rupert Murdoch Buys Out Three of His Children to Ensure the Continuation of His Conservative Media EmpirePart II (10:01 – 10:58)More Media News: ABC Pulls Jimmy Kimmel Late Night Show in After Charlie Kirk CommentsPart III (10:58 – 16:32)Do Video Games Play a Role in the Violence of Young Men? — Dr. Mohler Responds to Letters from Listeners of The BriefingPart IV (16:32 – 20:49)Polymorphous perversity in the heartland: The scandal of the Kinsey Institute and Indiana University by AlbertMohler.com (R. Albert Mohler, Jr.)Part V (20:49 – 26:08)Sign up to receive The Briefing in your inbox every weekday morning.Follow Dr. Mohler:X | Instagram | Facebook | YouTubeFor more information on The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, go to sbts.edu.For more information on Boyce College, just go to BoyceCollege.com.To write Dr. Mohler or submit a question for The Mailbox, go here.

Katie Simon is a journalist and sexual assault survivor. They talk about the impact that sexual assault can have on your sex life and share resources for how to manage and discuss this complex situation. For more info, look for their new book, Tell Me What You Like: An Honest Discussion of Sex and Intimacy After Sexual Assault.This episode is sponsored by NOCD. If you're struggling with OCD or unrelenting intrusive thoughts, NOCD can help. Book a free 15 minute call to get started: https://learn.nocd.com/mentalpodBuy Katie Simon's book here: https://www.kensingtonbooks.com/9780806542782/tell-me-what-you-like/Katie's List of Resources:National Domestic Violence Hotline https://www.thehotline.org/ Dial 1-800-799-HOPEWomen's Law: https://www.womenslaw.org/Veterans Affairs: https://www.ptsd.va.gov/National Sexual Violence Resource Center https://www.nsvrc.org/Planned Parenthood: https://www.plannedparenthood.org/The Trevor Project: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/1in6: https://1in6.org/Kinsey Institute: https://kinseyinstitute.org/OMGYES: https://www.omgyes.com/Google “sexual assault help + [name of nearest city]” for more local optionsIf you're interested in seeing or buying the furniture that Paul designs and makes follow his IG @ShapedFurniture or visit the website www.shapedfurniture.com WAYS TO HELP THE MIHH PODCASTSubscribe via Apple Podcasts (or whatever player you use). It costs nothing. It's extremely helpful to have your subscription set to download all episodes automatically. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/mental-illness-happy-hour/id427377900?mt=2Spread the word via social media. It costs nothing.Our website is www.mentalpod.com our FB is www.Facebook.com/mentalpod and our Twitter and Instagram are both @Mentalpod Become a much-needed Patreon monthly-donor (with occasional rewards) for as little as $1/month at www.Patreon.com/mentalpod Become a one-time or monthly donor via PayPal at https://mentalpod.com/donateYou can also donate via Zelle (make payment to mentalpod@gmail.com) To donate via Venmo make payment to @Mentalpod See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.