Podcasts about Pleasure

The Pleasure Zone with Milica Jelenic - Diamond Host The divine masculine has been misunderstood and is often correlated to being a 'real man', whatever that means. The divine masculine is crucial to balance in relationships, even if the relationship is between people who are not men. The divine masculine and divine feminine are reciprocal energies, they invite each other to be show up more. In this episode we will discover: What is the divine masculine? How does the divine masculine invite the divine feminine to rise and shine? How does the divine feminine invite the divine masculine to be bold and brave? What are the benefits of embodying these energies? What can these energies contribute to your sensual, kinky experiences? Where I see the union of divine masculine and feminine in the future How we are seeing the expressions of divine masculine and feminine in our world now How society has seen the value of divine masculine as more valuable than the divine feminine and how that was a perversion of the truth. Join Milica Jelenic, Sex & Intimacy Coach, Holistic Health Practitioner on this episode of The Pleasure Zone where we will be "Exploring The Divine Masculine". Grab your Yes, No, Maybe list - all about Playful Tips for Pleasure here    Light From The Shadows: Enriching The Lives Of Others Inspired Choices Network Hosts Author Milica Jelenic   Amazon.com – https://www.amazon.com/dp/1738249417 Amazon.ca – https://www.amazon.ca/dp/1738249417     ~ More About The Pleasure Zone ~ Milica Jelenic is a Sex & Intimacy Coach. What is pleasure? Have you ever noticed that what is pleasing to one body is not necessarily pleasing to all bodies? What if our bodies like to be pleasing and to gift pleasure to others and to receive pleasure? In this show we will explore the world of pleasure. If your body was sensing pleasure more often would your life have more ease? We start out with magical little bodies that turn on everybody. Babies are always having people come up to them and compliment them on their beauty and get really excited to be in their presence. What would the world be like if we stopped judging ourselves, our bodies and others? How much more fun, joy and pleasure is possible on this planet if we choose to be explorers? Whose ready for an adventure??? Milica Jelenic is an advocate for pleasure. In her private practice she invites clients to create life and lifestyle that offers more pleasure and vitality. Milica's intuitive ability to sense where change is possible and to question what is stuck in the target area creates a very dynamic session that promotes choice, possibility and change.   Milica has impacted the lives and health of individuals both in Canada and abroad with her humor, kindness, gentleness, potency and intensity. Milica's approach is playful, fun and direct. Milica is willing to be whatever energy and space is required for the change you desire.   If you are interested in receiving Milica' monthly newsletter about events, classes and information on booking private sessions send and e-mail through her website.  www.milicajelenic.com/ To get more of The Pleasure Zone with Milica Jelenic, be sure to visit the podcast page for replays of all her shows here: https://www.inspiredchoicesnetwork.com/podcast/the-pleasure-zone-milica-jelenic/

To become a follower of Jesus, visit: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/MeetJesus (NOT a Morning Mindset resource) ⇒ BECOME A MONTHLY PARTNER: (not tax-deductible) You can find out how to become a monthly partner including how to receive your "thank you" gift - our bonus podcast called "Digging Deeper." God t: https://mm-gfk-partners.supercast.com/ ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: 2 Peter 1:16–18 - For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. [17] For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,” [18] we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain. (ESV) ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ FINANCIALLY SUPPORT THE MORNING MINDSET: (not tax-deductible) -- Become a monthly partner: https://mm-gfk-partners.supercast.com/ -- Support a daily episode: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/daily-sponsor/ -- Give one-time: https://give.cornerstone.cc/careygreen -- Venmo: @CareyNGreen ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ FOREIGN LANGUAGE VERSIONS OF THIS PODCAST: SPANISH version: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Spanish HINDI version: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Hindi CHINESE version: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Chinese  ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ CONTACT: Carey@careygreen.com  ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ THEME MUSIC: “King’s Trailer” – Creative Commons 0 | Provided by https://freepd.com/ ***All NON-ENGLISH versions of the Morning Mindset are translated using A.I. Dubbing and Translation tools from DubFormer.ai ***All NON-ENGLISH text content (descriptions and titles) are translated using the A.I. functionality of Google Translate.

This episode is a conversation with my dear friend Catherine Zack, which we initially recorded for her podcast "The 40 Portal". Catherine is the owner of Village Yoga in Kinderhook, NY, an executive coach, speaker, writer and collector of women's wisdom. This past summer, on her own 40th birthday - only 2 days apart to my own - she invited a group of close female friends to participate in what she calls The 40 Portal, a book in which everyone of 40 and under was invited to write a question, and everyone of over 40 was invited to share their wisdom. This book turned into the podcast The 40 Portal, on which Catherine invites 40 women to have conversations around their path towards 40, and beyond.In this conversation, Catherine and I discuss midlife and what it brings up for us to move into our 40s. I talk about what this portal means to me, and how I'm experiencing this non-linear space of self discovery. We discuss the liberation that can be found in midlife and a sense of shedding the pressure of the societal gaze. We share about embracing a sense of invisibility, the reclaiming of personal magic, erotic awakenings, re-villaging and being seen by the people we actually want to be seen by.Resources + LinksCath's ‘The 40s Portal Project'Cath's podcast ‘The 40 Portal'We mention these books: Terry Tempest Williams, “When Women Were Birds” and Miranda July, “All Fours”Sign up for my newsletter, How We Come BackMy book, Root and Ritual: Timeless Ways to Connect to Land, Lineage, Community, and the SelfConnect with me on Instagram @beccapiastrelliTimestamps[00:00] Introducing Catherine & her project ‘The 40 Portal' [08:25] The start of our friendship and the origin of the 40 Portal project [12:16] The personal definition and visual of portal and midlife [16:10] Exploration of identity through name, life phases and self definition [21:41] The myths and blessings of midlife [29:34] Seeking examples of women in their femininity and agency as a mother and as a daughter [34:47] Feeling seen, safe and at home in spaces with other women [38:23] Erotic awakening in midlife [46:29] Releasing patterns and self discovery in your 40s and beyond [50:00] Disappearing from the aggressive societal gaze and feeling seen in the community we knit [54:54] Life as a portfolio with many projects of many seasons and receiving your life's assignment

Black Women's Bodily Autonomy, Sexual Freedom, and Pleasure: Explorations of the Hot Girl Movement (Routledge, 2025) explores scholarship, practice, and advocacy for Black women's pursuit of bodily autonomy, sexual freedom, and pleasure. Inspired by Megan Thee Stallion's song "Hot Girl Summer" and pleasure activism, Dr. Clarissa E. Francis ("The Real Hot Girl Doc") examines the cultural and social impacts of "hot girl" music and its transformative effects on Black women's sexual liberation journeys. Francis introduces readers to the Hot Girl Movement, addressing intergenerational trauma, denial of bodily autonomy, and pleasure politics. This book offers a historical review and current documentation of Black women's role in the evolving movement for sexual liberation in the United States, with a particular focus on Atlanta, Georgia. Chapters delve into the history of systemic oppression, presenting research on Black women's experiences with gendered racism while demonstrating the socio-cultural influences shaping Black women's sexual liberation. The book centers Black women's narratives, featuring the work of sexologists, clinicians, somatic practitioners, and community organizers in guiding Black women to achieve sexual liberation. The final chapter outlines conclusions of the research on the Hot Girl Movement and provides recommendations for participating in and supporting this movement. This interdisciplinary text is essential reading for scholars, clinicians, healing practitioners, birthworkers, and activists, including those in fields of sexuality, sex therapy, sociology, gender studies, Black/Africana studies, public health, and social justice.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/african-american-studies

Black Women's Bodily Autonomy, Sexual Freedom, and Pleasure: Explorations of the Hot Girl Movement (Routledge, 2025) explores scholarship, practice, and advocacy for Black women's pursuit of bodily autonomy, sexual freedom, and pleasure. Inspired by Megan Thee Stallion's song "Hot Girl Summer" and pleasure activism, Dr. Clarissa E. Francis ("The Real Hot Girl Doc") examines the cultural and social impacts of "hot girl" music and its transformative effects on Black women's sexual liberation journeys. Francis introduces readers to the Hot Girl Movement, addressing intergenerational trauma, denial of bodily autonomy, and pleasure politics. This book offers a historical review and current documentation of Black women's role in the evolving movement for sexual liberation in the United States, with a particular focus on Atlanta, Georgia. Chapters delve into the history of systemic oppression, presenting research on Black women's experiences with gendered racism while demonstrating the socio-cultural influences shaping Black women's sexual liberation. The book centers Black women's narratives, featuring the work of sexologists, clinicians, somatic practitioners, and community organizers in guiding Black women to achieve sexual liberation. The final chapter outlines conclusions of the research on the Hot Girl Movement and provides recommendations for participating in and supporting this movement. This interdisciplinary text is essential reading for scholars, clinicians, healing practitioners, birthworkers, and activists, including those in fields of sexuality, sex therapy, sociology, gender studies, Black/Africana studies, public health, and social justice.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Black Women's Bodily Autonomy, Sexual Freedom, and Pleasure: Explorations of the Hot Girl Movement (Routledge, 2025) explores scholarship, practice, and advocacy for Black women's pursuit of bodily autonomy, sexual freedom, and pleasure. Inspired by Megan Thee Stallion's song "Hot Girl Summer" and pleasure activism, Dr. Clarissa E. Francis ("The Real Hot Girl Doc") examines the cultural and social impacts of "hot girl" music and its transformative effects on Black women's sexual liberation journeys. Francis introduces readers to the Hot Girl Movement, addressing intergenerational trauma, denial of bodily autonomy, and pleasure politics. This book offers a historical review and current documentation of Black women's role in the evolving movement for sexual liberation in the United States, with a particular focus on Atlanta, Georgia. Chapters delve into the history of systemic oppression, presenting research on Black women's experiences with gendered racism while demonstrating the socio-cultural influences shaping Black women's sexual liberation. The book centers Black women's narratives, featuring the work of sexologists, clinicians, somatic practitioners, and community organizers in guiding Black women to achieve sexual liberation. The final chapter outlines conclusions of the research on the Hot Girl Movement and provides recommendations for participating in and supporting this movement. This interdisciplinary text is essential reading for scholars, clinicians, healing practitioners, birthworkers, and activists, including those in fields of sexuality, sex therapy, sociology, gender studies, Black/Africana studies, public health, and social justice.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/gender-studies

Black Women's Bodily Autonomy, Sexual Freedom, and Pleasure: Explorations of the Hot Girl Movement (Routledge, 2025) explores scholarship, practice, and advocacy for Black women's pursuit of bodily autonomy, sexual freedom, and pleasure. Inspired by Megan Thee Stallion's song "Hot Girl Summer" and pleasure activism, Dr. Clarissa E. Francis ("The Real Hot Girl Doc") examines the cultural and social impacts of "hot girl" music and its transformative effects on Black women's sexual liberation journeys. Francis introduces readers to the Hot Girl Movement, addressing intergenerational trauma, denial of bodily autonomy, and pleasure politics. This book offers a historical review and current documentation of Black women's role in the evolving movement for sexual liberation in the United States, with a particular focus on Atlanta, Georgia. Chapters delve into the history of systemic oppression, presenting research on Black women's experiences with gendered racism while demonstrating the socio-cultural influences shaping Black women's sexual liberation. The book centers Black women's narratives, featuring the work of sexologists, clinicians, somatic practitioners, and community organizers in guiding Black women to achieve sexual liberation. The final chapter outlines conclusions of the research on the Hot Girl Movement and provides recommendations for participating in and supporting this movement. This interdisciplinary text is essential reading for scholars, clinicians, healing practitioners, birthworkers, and activists, including those in fields of sexuality, sex therapy, sociology, gender studies, Black/Africana studies, public health, and social justice.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/american-studies

Bruno Mars. Mitski. Grief and celebration from Gorillaz. Robin Hilton welcomes Raina Douris from WXPN in Philadelphia to chat about their favorite albums out Friday, Feb. 27. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer personal picks in the lightning round.The Starting 5(00:00) Introduction & Bruno Mars, 'The Romantic'(03:54) Mitski, 'Nothing's About to Happen to Me'(09:44) Gorillaz, 'The Mountain'(15:04) Heavenly, 'Highway To Heavenly'(20:34) Voxtrot, 'Dreamers in Exile'(27:12) Nothing, 'a short history of decay'(32:52) The Lightning Round- Buck Meek, 'The Mirror'- Maria BC, 'Marathon'- Bill Callahan, 'My Days of 58'- GENA, The Pleasure is Yours'- Sarah Kirkland Snider, 'Forward Into Light'Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist and see our Long List of notable releases on NPR.org.Credits:Host: Robin HiltonGuest: Raina Douris, WXPNAudio Producer: Noah CaldwellDigital Producer: Dora LeviteEditors: Otis Hart, Elle MannionExecutive Producer: Suraya MohamedSpecial thanks to Hazel Cills, Ann Powers, Sheldon Pearce and Tom HuizengaTo manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

You can enjoy exclusive and intense erotic audio by grabbing your copy of the Wylde Erotic App on the Apple Store, or downloading the very unofficial and unapproved Android version from WyldeInBed.com In a world where trust is a fragile illusion, Lisa finds herself trapped in a shadowy abyss of betrayal and despair. Once a passionate soul with dreams as vibrant as the city lights, she's now drowning in the darkness left behind by those she believed in. With her career shattered and her confidence stripped away, she stands on the precipice of surrender, yearning for an end to the pain. But just when she thinks all hope is lost, a flicker of light pierces the gloom. Enter the enigmatic figure who offers her an escape—a tantalizing world of desire and danger that blurs the lines between damnation and salvation. As they navigate the intoxicating depths of BDSM and forbidden romance, Lisa discovers not only the thrill of surrender but the strength she never knew she possessed. Will she find redemption in the arms of a stranger, or will the shadows of her past consume her entirely?Join Lisa on a sultry journey through dark erotica where every choice teeters on the edge of pleasure and pain, and where love might just be the ultimate act of rebellion.Dive into Ta Petite Morte—an immersive erotic story that promises to ignite your darkest fantasies and awaken the courage to reclaim your light.

“A common pattern we see is that the sex has dried up.”In millions of marriages around the globe, one partner is starving for intimacy, and the other feels confused, frightened, frozen, or all three. The sexually guarded partner doesn't know how to open, and their partner feels stuck, unhappy and alone.So what can they do?Here we explore exactly that, with a focus on a woman partner who may be terrified of engaging in sexual healing. We explore the origins and root causes of this pattern, as well as sexual intimacy, emotional intimacy, love, commitment, and connection.We talk about the phenomenon of: “I'm so flooded now that we have kids that it's really hard for me to have the bandwidth to connect physically with anyone.” And: “Our lack of physical intimacy started bleeding into a lack of emotional intimacy."We also talk about the prevalence of sexual trauma, whether from childhood or adulthood or both, as well as how to heal from it.Hint: One of the best ways to move through it is as a woman is not with a love relationship partner, but with other women.Sisterhood is powerful medicine.Mentioned on this episode:Violet's program for women: Love Integrated (https://loveandlegacy.circle.so/LoveIntegrated)Violet & Jason & Luke's program for women: Heart of Shadow for Women (https://heartofshadow.com/women/)DM 1: Pain in Pleasure, Pleasure in PainDM 348: ‘I wish we had sex more.' (ft. Violet Lange)DM 325: What if *every* woman had a self-pleasure practice? DM 265: What if she's got a sexual trauma background? How do you help? (ft. Violet Lange) DM 227: How a woman can reclaim her erotic essence (ft. Violet Lange)Memorable quotes:“It can be very easy for a woman to avoid these conversations.”“Couples are complex systems.”“If you can't talk about sex and what's coming up there, you start to close off other conversational doors.”“He's starving for intimacy, and I don't just mean physical sex.”“There's a deeper layer of healing and connection that wants to come forth.”“‘The closer we got, the less interested in sex I became; it was easy to just focus on planning the wedding.'”“I funneled all my energy into work ... and if I'd had kids, I would've funneled it into them.”“There's a leaning in so that you, as a unit, — you and your partner — are generating energy.”“I can't live a full life and exclude this part of myself.”“I'm ready, and I'm scared.”“It's about having a partner who expresses herself so that you really trust her.”“We, as humans, and especially women, are incredibly capable of change and healing and growth and renewal.”“Here I am; I'm alive!”

If you've been following this series on pain with intimacy, you now understand: ✔️ What might be causing your pain ✔️ How mental load and nervous system stress impact arousal ✔️ Why pushing through makes things worse ✔️ Practical rehab strategies to reduce tension Now let's talk about something we don't normalize enough: Supportive tools. Because using tools does not mean you're broken. It means you're intentional. In this final episode of the series, we're discussing the different tools and toys that can reduce pain, improve blood flow, calm guarding, and help you rebuild positive experiences in your body — safely and confidently. In This Episode, We Cover: Why tools can help retrain pain pathways The connection between blood flow, arousal, and pelvic floor relaxation How graded exposure reduces guarding Why friction (not failure) is often the problem The role of pleasure in nervous system regulation If pain continues, worsens, or feels deeply triggering, it's time to see a pelvic floor PT. The Bigger Reframe Tools are not a crutch. They are bridges. Bridges between pain and safety. Between guarding and openness. Between survival and pleasure. Pleasure is not indulgent. It is nervous system medicine. Want Structured Guidance? Inside the Pelvic Floor, Core & More App, there is a FREE Masterclass: From Pain to Pleasure that you can access inside the app here: https://pelvic-floor-core-more.passion.io/  Or if you want more guidance join my 12 wk RESTORE program, where we combine: Breathwork Nervous system regulation Mobility and downtraining Core and pelvic floor coordination Progressive strengthening So you're not guessing which tools to use — or when. (More on what this is and how to join below) And if your pain is complex, trauma-related, or persistent, 1:1 pelvic floor PT may be your best next step. You don't have to navigate this alone. This wraps our Pain with Intimacy series — but healing doesn't end here. Your body is not broken. It is layered. And layered healing is possible. ~ XO Dr. Des

On Today's Menu on Marsha's Plate This week we talk about 50 cent trollingT.I. and Tiny.s son, the DL Whisperer getting locked up, Kat Blaque and slave play, and the Tourettes outburst at the BAFTA awards . Listen on all streaming Platforms https://pod.link/1293033444 Here we talk about cultural events, entertainment news, and gender politics from a Black Trans feminist lens. This is Diamond Stylz archival work that preserves the histories, experiences, and contributions of a marginalized community that has been historically erased, overlooked, or misrepresented. We focus on people who identitfy as Black, trans, gay, or woman...or any combination of all of them. We have merch as well if you wanna support Marsha's Plate https://teespring.com/stores/marshasplate Reading Recommendations https://bookshop.org/shop/DiamondStylz #marshasplate #girlslikeus #boyslikeus #transgender #podcast #podsincolor #podernfamily #transisbeautiful #houston #lgbt #transmen #transwomen #blackfeminism #trans101 #trans #blacktranswomen #blacktransmen #houstonpride #indiepodcast #blacktranslivesmatter #lgbtqia #lgbtq #genderidentity #pride #blackgirlmagic #blackboyjoy #podcast

Join Rabbi Joey Rosenfeld as he guides us through the world and major works of Kabbalah, Hasidic masters, and Jewish philosophy, shedding light on the inner life of the soul. To learn more, visit InwardTorah.org

In this episode, I sit down with Susan Bratton, the “Intimacy Expert to Millions,” for a powerful conversation on grief, pleasure, sexual liberation, and lifelong vitality. We begin with how to hold rage and overwhelm without losing access to joy, and expand into how pleasure regulates the nervous system and restores power. Susan shares her work on ageless sexuality, orgasmic expansion, desire in long-term relationships, and why generosity — not performance — is the key to reigniting intimacy. We explore entheogens, radical honesty, and the idea that sexual literacy is a deeply agentic act in a culture shaped by repression.An uncensored conversation on pleasure as medicine, erotic agency, and the regenerative power of intimacy.In this episode you'll hear:00:00 Intro: Grief, Rage & Why Pleasure Is Essential08:13 Sexual Repression, Agency & the Documentary Behind Closed Doors18:59 Entheogens, Orgasm & Collective Connection33:10 Why Desire Fades & How to Reignite It42:04 Yoni Massage, Generosity & Moving Beyond “Duty Booty”50:04 Affairs, Accountability & The Erotic Work of Vulnerability55:34 Sensate Focus, Expanded Orgasm & Training the Nervous System for PleasureTHE SKINNY ON OUR SEXY GUESTSusan Bratton, known as the “Intimacy Expert to Millions,” is a passionate advocate for lifelong desire, connection, and ageless sexuality. She is the co-founder and CEO of Personal Life Media, Inc., publisher of the Better Lover

In her work, sex therapist and author Dr. Lucie Fielding seeks to move trans sexualities from the margins of gender-affirmative clinical practice to centering pleasure and sparking creativity and empathic attunement within the client-provider relationship. In the latest expanded second edition of her groundbreaking book, Trans Sex, she offers new concepts such as gender-pleasure and solidarity to bring theory to practice and features contributing trans and gender expansive authors working at the intersections of sexuality and gender. * In this episode, CIIS Human Sexuality faculty and Trans Sex contributor Dr. Roger Kuhn has a conversation with Dr. Fielding exploring tools and strategies for trans and gender expansive folks and allies for circumventing limiting understandings of the erotic and opening a potential universe of pleasure that celebrates our polymorphous bodies. * This episode was recorded during an in-person and live streamed event at California Institute of Integral Studies on October, 9th 2025. You can also watch it on the CIIS Public Programs YouTube channel. A transcript is available at ciis.edu/podcast. To find out more about CIIS and public programs like this one, visit our website ciis.edu and connect with us on Instagram @ciispubprograms. * Some podcast apps may not display links from our show notes properly, so we have included a list of links below. * We hope that each episode of our podcast provides opportunities for growth, and that our listeners will use them as a starting point for further introspection. Many of the topics discussed on our podcast have the potential to bring up feelings and emotional responses. If you or someone you know is in need of mental health care and support, here are some resources to find immediate help and future healing: * -Visit 988lifeline.org or text, call, or chat with The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988 from anywhere in the U.S. to be connected immediately with a trained counselor. Please note that 988 staff are required to take all action necessary to secure the safety of a caller and initiate emergency response with or without the caller's consent if they are unwilling or unable to take action on their own behalf. * -Visit thrivelifeline.org or text “THRIVE” to begin a conversation with a THRIVE Lifeline crisis responder 24/7/365, from anywhere: +1.313.662.8209. This confidential text line is available for individuals 18+ and is staffed by people in STEMM with marginalized identities. * -Visit translifeline.org or call (877) 565-8860 in the U.S. or (877) 330-6366 in Canada to learn more and contact Trans Lifeline, who provides trans peer support divested from police. * -Visit ciis.edu/ciis-in-the-world/counseling-clinics to learn more and schedule counseling sessions at one of our centers. * -Find information about additional global helplines at befrienders.org. * LINKS * Podcast Transcripts: https://www.ciis.edu/podcast * California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) Website: https://www.ciis.edu/ * CIIS Public Programs YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/ciispublicprograms * CIIS Public Programs Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ciispubprograms/ * Mental Health Care and Support Resources: https://988lifeline.org/ https://thrivelifeline.org/ https://translifeline.org/ https://www.ciis.edu/ciis-in-the-world/counseling-clinics https://befrienders.org/

In this never released short Bonus Episode from The Modern Pleasure Podcast with Dr. Jenni Skyler and Kim Kaplan, Paul Joannides discusses cultural issues surrounding women's sexuality, including the restriction of abortion and birth control, and emphasizes the importance of sex education. Paul shares a story from a college newspaper about young women's negative views on masturbation. Dr. Skyler adds that these attitudes often stem from religious or cultural upbringing, and the conversation touches on the broader societal messaging around pleasure and sexuality.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Panelists give tips on how to increase pleasure when you're super stressed. Host Karen Yates delivers her Sermon on the Pubic Mound on getting grounded. And the audience tells us the weirdest places they've had sex. From our Seventh Anniversary show October 12, 2025. The October live show's main show sponsor was Rowan Tree Counseling. On this episode:Matthew Amador, therapistDr. Jennifer Litner, sex therapistZeuben Painter-Edington, surrogate partnerHost Karen Yates  - host, somatic sex educator, energy workerWant more Wild & Sublime? Join The Afterglow for bonus content and Wild & Sublime goodies! Or show your love for sex-positive podcasting: Leave a lil' tip!Check out our new line of tees and accessories! Be wild & sublime every day! Shipping discounts for orders over $50.Do you feel stuck? Work with host Karen Yates in Zoom groups and one-on-one as she uses the energy of sound to reduce stress and help repattern behavior. Learn more about Biofield Tuning.Get tickets to our Valentine's Kick Off in Chicago! Burlesque, standup and lively conversation about sex. Sunday Feb 8 at 6pm at the Lincoln Lodge! Tickets here!Support the showFollow Wild & Sublime on Instagram and Facebook!

THE PATH BACK TO PLEASURE AND TRUST with Maria Merloni THE PATH [TESSA] As we navigate the season of “Love Month” here at the Open Nesters, I find myself reflecting deeply on what it means to truly inhabit our bodies and our relationships as we age. I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Maria Merloni, a therapist and sex and relationship coach who is redefining what it looks like to turn sixty with vitality, grace, and an open heart. Maria's journey is a powerful reminder that our “second act” in love can often be more profound and fulfilling than our first, provided we are willing to do the cellular work required to heal and grow. BACK TO PLEASURE AND TRUST One of the most striking parts of our conversation was Maria's transparency about her own path to finding a healthy partnership. After a first marriage and a cycle of dating men with unhealed addictions, she realized she wasn’t “bad at picking men”—she was actually picking the exact right people to point her toward her own unhealed childhood trauma. By engaging in deep, somatic therapy, she broke that cycle and eventually met her husband, Paul, at a Tantra gathering. Her story beautifully illustrates that when we heal our internal landscape, the external world—and the partners we attract—changes to meet us. Maria and Paul's relationship is a masterclass in intentionality. They don't just “exist” together; they celebrate what they call a “Relationship Party” every week. While many couples only discuss the logistics of finances or children, Maria and Paul use this time to check in on their spiritual development, their health goals, and how they are feeling within the relationship itself. It turns the implicit into the explicit, ensuring that no resentment builds and that both partners feel seen and cherished. It's a practice I believe every Open Nestor could benefit from as we redefine our lives after the kids have flown the nest. Beyond the home, Maria and Paul have embraced the freedom of the Open Nest by becoming “home exchangers,” traveling the world from Bali to Hawaii while working virtually. This sense of adventure isn’t just about the stamps in a passport; it's about a lifestyle of “life wide open.” They've turned their home into a sanctuary for the community, hosting non-sexual “cuddle parties” to address the touch-deprivation so common in our modern, tech-heavy world. This commitment to service and connection is a beautiful example of how we can use our wisdom years to foster community and healing for others. We also dove into the vital topic of embodiment and “Yoni Massage,” a practice Maria teaches to help women reconnect with their bodies. For many of us, aging can bring physical changes—menopause, dryness, or a sense of disconnection—that make us feel less “sensual.” Maria reclaims this not just as a sexual act, but as a spiritual and healing practice. She explained how “stuck energy” from past traumas can live in our tissues, and how gentle, intentional massage can release that energy, balance hormones naturally, and open up new pathways for pleasure that many women never even knew were possible. It was refreshing to hear Maria debunk the “malarkey” of the patriarchy regarding women's sexual potential. She reminded me that our power is often tied to our sexual functioning and our ability to feel pleasure, yet we have been conditioned to feel shame or believe we have limitations. Whether it's exploring the lost art of the “sacred spot” or simply learning to love our bodies as they are today, the journey toward sexual empowerment doesn’t have an expiration date. At 64, I find myself constantly learning new ways to appreciate my own “juiciness” and presence, and Maria's work is a guiding light for that exploration. We closed our talk with a beautiful sentiment from her husband, Paul: the intention to “make every moment sacred.” Despite the very real hardships life has thrown their way—including the loss of a child and family health struggles—they choose to remain present. Using techniques from Tantra, they focus on the “now,” whether that's the color of the morning sky or the sensation of breath. As Open Nesters, we have the choice to stay stuck in the grief of the “empty” nest or to awaken to the divinity in every moment. I am choosing the latter, and I hope Maria's wisdom inspires you to do the same. About Tessa Tessa Krone is the engine behind and the face of The Open Nesters. Tessa holds an MA in Consciousness Studies and is a speaker, coach, program, and journey facilitator & leader, author, and, of course, Podcaster. Her offerings are based on her mission to help people open to their most self-expressed, loving selves. Tessa's specialties include embodiment from all the senses and elements of our inner and outer lives, ranging from mindfulness, dance, play, and sensory exploration in nature. If she had one superpower, it would be to help people, especially as they age, to live more open-hearted lives. Please email Tessa to make a connection. And visit her page here on the Open Nesters Website. If you like, please answer the question: What do you need to OPEN your NEST? In your LIFE. In your BODY. In your SPIRIT. Do you need MORE… Adventure  Freedom of Expression  Exploration and Fun  Body Movement  New circles of friends  Deep love relationships

"Is any thing too hard for the Lord?" This is the question that defines the lives of Abraham and Sarah. From a biological impossibility to a heartbreaking command on a mountain top, their journey proves that God can bring life out of "deadness"—if we are willing to trust Him with everything. Summary: In this episode, we study Genesis 18–23, following the "Father of the Faithful" and the "Mother of Nations" through their ultimate trials. We explore the transition from the joy of Isaac's birth to the gut-wrenching climb up Mount Moriah. The Promise to Sarah: We look at the visit of the three messengers and the shift from Sarah's "laugh of doubt" to her "laugh of joy." We discuss how she received strength to conceive because she "judged him faithful who had promised". The Sacrifice of Isaac: We dive deep into the "Abrahamic Test." Why would a God who abhors human sacrifice command this? We explore the parallels between Abraham offering Isaac and Heavenly Father offering His Only Begotten Son. Life from Death: Using Paul's words in Romans and Hebrews, we analyze how Abraham was able to obey because he accounted that "God was able to raise him up, even from the dead". Jehovah-Jireh: We discuss the significance of the "ram in the thicket" and the name "The Lord Will Provide," exploring how God provides the lamb for us when we cannot provide it for ourselves. The Burial of Sarah: We reflect on the end of Sarah's mortal journey and the faith required to buy a piece of the Promised Land as a "possession of a buryingplace." Call-to-Action: Have you ever had to surrender something you loved back to the Lord, trusting that He had a better plan? How did you find the strength to keep walking up your own "Mount Moriah"? Share your testimony in the comments. To continue your journey toward becoming "Unshaken," please like, subscribe, and share this video with someone who needs a reminder that the Lord will provide. Chapter Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 1:53 True Messengers 4:32 Hospitality 10:00 Sarah's Laughter 17:48 Pleasure this Side of Paradise 20:02 Too Hard for God 25:23 Revealing Secrets 29:13 Condescension & Comprehension 33:19 Bartering with God 44:10 Inching Toward Sodom 48:42 The Sanctuary of Standards 54:07 Sins of Sodom 1:12:35 Homosexuality 1:45:50 Standing Up to Sodom 2:03:19 Fleeing Sodom 2:13:55 Don't Look Back 2:19:22 Lot's Daughters 2:24:37 Sarah's Repeated Test 2:29:16 Abraham & Abimelech 2:41:07 Isaac's Birth 2:47:00 Hagar & Ishmael 2:58:43 Making Peace 3:02:31 Abraham & Isaac 3:16:20 Sacrifice 3:26:01 Teaching the Atonement 3:38:49 The Death of Sarah 3:45:11 The Faith of Abraham & Sarah 3:52:48 Life from Death

We are staying deep in our anal era, and trust me… it keeps getting hotter. This episode explores what it feels like to be stretched, filled, pinned down, and taken into that delicious space where pleasure and surrender collide. I share why watching a man unravel during sex might be one of my biggest turn-ons—and how my so-called punishment turned into one of the hottest orgasms of my life.

The Vanity of Life Under the Sun Without the Son, Pt. 3The Vanity of Worldly PleasureEcclesiastes 2:1-11 | King's Chapel Live StreamWhat if “living the dream” is not the dream we thought it would be?In Ecclesiastes 2, Solomon sets out to test pleasure. Laughter, possessions, accomplishments, experiences. He holds nothing back. If pleasure could satisfy the human heart, Solomon would have found it. And yet his conclusion is sobering. Under the sun, even the best experiences leave us empty.In this message, we explore the vanity of worldly pleasure and the limits of hedonism. We reflect on how modern ideas of success and the American dream echo Solomon's experiment. No achievement, possession, or experience can fill a heart made for eternity.Scripture reminds us that our hearts are deceitful and restless. God has placed eternity within us, which means we were created for something more than temporary satisfaction. The issue is not that we long too deeply, but that we often pursue too little.True joy is not found in squeezing everything we can out of this world. It is found in glorifying God and enjoying Him forever. When our hearts are rightly ordered, pleasure is no longer ultimate. God is.If you have ever chased something you thought would satisfy you only to find it did not last, this message invites you to consider a deeper and more lasting joy in Christ.Connect with King's Chapel in Longwood, FL - ▶️ www.kingschapelfl.com▶️ https://www.facebook.com/KingsChapelfl▶️ https://www.instagram.com/kingschapelfl/For the GLORY of our Great GodFor the GOOD of our NeighborEcclesiastes 2 sermon, vanity of pleasure, living the dream sermon, biblical view of success, King's Chapel Longwood FL, meaning of life Bible, hedonism and Christianity, joy in God sermon, American dream biblical perspective

In this episode, Matthew explores the biblical foundation and prophetic significance of the end-times prayer movement, emphasizing kingdom-oriented, day-and-night prayer, spiritual alertness, and the historic rise of global prayer initiatives. Discover how prayer connects to the return of Jesus and the coming of God's kingdom.

While new episodes are currently in production, we're revisiting past conversations that remain timely, impactful, and truly worth revisiting. Thank you for continuing to listen as we build what's ahead for But What Do I Know? --- It's definitely been a minute but we are BACK from our mid-season break and with just the right episode kick off the fall. On our Clue In Segment, Chid shares some upcoming festivals and events happing in the City of Toronto as well as a book recommendation for your Fall reading list. For our Main Segment, as September is Sexual Health Month, Chid is joined by Author and Sexual Health Educator, Lydia Collins and the two discuss everything from myths and misconceptions about sexual health to sexual racism as well as pleasure and self advocacy. This definitely feels like one of those episodes that you listen to with a your favourite drink of choice (perhaps a glass of wine) with your friends and then discuss right after. --- Connect with the "But What Do I Know?" Podcast: Twitter: @BWDIKPodcast Insta: @bwdikpodcast TikTok: @BWDIKPodcast Email: ⁠connect@bwdikpodcast.com⁠ We're excited that you can watch our main segments on youtube! Subscribe and watch this episode at the ⁠"But What Do I Know Podcast Youtube Channel"⁠ --- Connect with Lydia: Lydia's Instagram: ⁠@lacollins_⁠ Lydia's Website: ⁠https://www.lydiacollins.ca/⁠ --- Episode Credits: Intro/Outro Song: Remsen- BWDIK Podcast Theme Song Insta: @itsremsen Transition Songs: Take Care - Julian Avila ⁠http://SoundCloud.com/julian_avila Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you're a woman in your 50s or 60s who has been doing all the right things, eating well, moving your body, managing stress, and yet you still find yourself wondering if there is more you could be doing to protect your health for the long run, this episode is for you. In this conversation on Pleasure in the Pause, host Gabriella Espinosa sits down with Dr. Noor Al-Humaidhi, a board-certified family physician, menopause specialist, and founder of Lifestyles by Noor, to build what Gabriella calls the Midlife Vitality Blueprint. This is not about living longer. This is about living stronger, with vitality, confidence, and energy for the next 20, 30, even 40 years. Because midlife is not the beginning of decline. It is the beginning of design.Dr Noor Al-Humaidhi is a Board Certified Family Physician and Menopause Society Certified Practitioner.  She is affectionately known as Dr Noor in the community. She grew up in Kuwait before attending medical school in Dublin, Ireland. She then moved to the UK where she trained in General Practice and started her career. She moved to the Seacoast 7 years ago to be nearer to family and restarted her family practice career after overcoming the hurdles of Board certification here in the US. After her own experience with perimenopause coupled with her difficulty accessing care she founded Lifestyles by Noor. Lifestyles is a midlife wellness destination practice. Her aim is to arm clients with the data that they need to maximize their health span. She has a particular focus on women in perimenopause and menopause who are having difficulty accessing appropriate care to manage their symptoms. Her goal is to educate, empower and help clients feel their best. Highlights from our discussion include:Why lifting heavy weights (40, 50, 60 pounds and beyond) is the single most important lifestyle intervention.The essential labs that most doctors don't run.How to advocate for hormone therapy after age 60.The metabolic syndrome of menopause.Why DEXA scans should start at age 35, not 60.CONNECT WITH Dr. Noor:Website Personal | PracticeInstagramResources:Estrogen Matters by Avrum Bluming and Carol TavrisThe Menopause SocietyLet's Talk MenopauseQuest Diagnostics or LabCorp for labsCONNECT 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.

Welcome back to I'll Have What She's Having — and Part 2 of our 3-part orgasm series.Part 1 was about reclaiming your orgasm… this episode is about expanding it.This is where sex stops being something you do — and starts becoming a state you enter.We're diving into Orgasmic Expansion: how to move beyond goal-oriented sex, redefine what orgasm actually is, and unlock deeper, fuller, more powerful pleasure in your body.If you can already orgasm but know there's more available this episode will change how you experience sex forever.In this episode we explore:What orgasmic expansion actually isWhy most women have been taught a very limited definition of orgasmHow to experience full-body and multi-layered orgasmsMoving from performance-based sex to presence-based pleasureHow breath, sound, movement, and energy expand orgasmThe concept of orgasm as a shift in consciousnessBuilding a deeper relationship with your body and pleasurePractices to expand sensation, trust, and sexual confidenceWhy slowing down creates more powerful orgasmsHow to explore your body as an “orgasmic landscape”This episode is for you if:You can orgasm… but know there's more availableYou want deeper, more powerful, or full-body orgasmsYou feel ready to expand your pleasure and turn-onYou want better sex and a stronger connection to your bodyYou're curious about multi-orgasmic or energetic orgasmsYou want to feel more confident and present during sexThe 3 Phases of Becoming Orgasmic (3 part series)Phase 1: ReclamationPermission, safety, healing shame, and accessing pleasurePhase 2: Expansion (this episode)Redefining orgasm and expanding what your body can feelPhase 3: MasteryUsing sexual energy for healing, confidence, and life forceStart with Episode 1 if you're still building orgasmic access.Work With Me✨ 1:1 Coaching - Wild, Worthy, & OrgasmicA 12-week deep dive into reclamation, expansion, and masteryTransform your sex life, confidence, and connection to your body→ Apply: krishall.ca/coaching 

“In this sense, human and AI means a synergy where teams of humans and AI together lead to superior outcomes than either the human or the AI operating in isolation.” – Davide Dell'Anna About Davide Dell'Anna Davide Dell'Anna is Assistant Professor of Responsible AI at Utrecht University, and a member of the Hybrid Intelligence Centre. His research focuses on how AI can cooperate synergistically and proactively with humans. Davide has published a wide range of leading research in the space. Webiste: davidedellanna.com LinkedIn Profile: Davide Dell'Anna University Profile: Davide Dell'Anna What you will learn The core concept of hybrid intelligence as collaborative human-AI teaming, not replacement Why effective hybrid teams require acknowledging and leveraging both human and AI strengths and weaknesses How lessons from human-human and human-animal teams inform better design of human-AI collaboration Key differences between humans and AI in teams, such as accountability, replaceability, and identity The importance of process-oriented evaluation, including satisfaction, trust, and adaptability, for measuring hybrid team effectiveness Why appropriately calibrated trust and shared ethics are central to performance and cohesion in hybrid teams The shift from explainability to justifiability in AI, emphasizing actions aligned with shared team norms and values New organizational roles and skills—like team facilitation and dynamic team design—needed to support successful human-AI collaboration Episode Resources Transcript Ross Dawson: Hi Davide. It’s wonderful to have you on the show. Davide Dell’Anna: Hi Ross, nice to meet you. Thank you so much for having me. Ross: So you do a lot of work around what you call hybrid intelligence, and I think that’s pretty well aligned with a lot of the topics we have on the podcast. But I’d love to hear your definition and framing—what is hybrid intelligence? Davide: Well, thank you so much for the question. Hybrid intelligence is a new paradigm, or a paradigm that tries to move the public narrative away from the common focus on replacement—AI or robots taking over our jobs. While that’s an understandable fear, more scientifically and societally, I think it’s more interesting and relevant to think of humans and AI as collaborators. In this sense, human and AI means a synergy where teams of humans and AI together lead to superior outcomes than either the human or the AI operating in isolation. In a human-AI team, members can compensate for each other’s weaknesses and amplify each other’s strengths. The goal is not to substitute human capabilities, but to augment them. This immediately moves the discussion from “what can the AI do to replace me?” to “how can we design the best possible team to work together?” I think that’s the foundation of the concept of hybrid intelligence. So hybrid intelligence, per se, is the ultimate goal. We aim at designing or engineering these human-AI teams so that we can effectively and responsibly collaborate together to achieve this superior type of intelligence, which we then call hybrid intelligence. Ross: That’s fantastic. And so extremely aligned with the humans plus AI thesis. That’s very similar to what I might have said myself, not using the word hybrid intelligence, but humans plus AI to say the same thing. We want to dive into the humans-AI teaming specifically in a moment. But in some of your writing, you’ve commented that, while others are thinking about augmentation in various ways, you point out that these are not necessarily as holistic as they could be. So what do you think is missing in some of the other ways people are approaching AI as a tool of augmentation? Davide: Yeah, so I think when you look at the literature—as a computer scientist myself, I notice how easily I fall into the trap of only discussing AI capabilities. When I talk about AI or even human-AI teams, I end up talking about how I can build the AI to do this, or how I can improve the process in this way. Most of the literature does that as well. There’s a technology-centric perspective to the discussion of even human-AI teams. We try to understand what we can build from the AI point of view to improve a team. But if you think of human-AI teams in this way, you realize that this significantly limits our vocabulary and our ability to look at the team from a broader, system-level perspective, where each member—including and especially human team members—is treated individually, and their skills and identity are considered and leveraged. So, if you look at the literature, you often end up talking about how to add one feature to the AI or how to extend its feature set in other ways. But what people often miss is looking at the weaknesses and strengths of the different individuals, so that we can engineer for their compensation and amplification. Machines and people are fundamentally different: humans are good at some things, AI is good at others, and we shouldn’t try to negate or hide or be ashamed of the things we’re worse at than AI, and vice versa. Instead, we should leverage those differences. For instance, just as an example, consider memory and context awareness. At the moment, at least, AI is much more powerful in having access to memory and retrieving it in a matter of seconds—AI can access basically the whole internet. But often, when you talk nowadays with these language model agents, they are completely decontextualized. They talk in the same way to millions across the world and often have very little clue about who the specific person is in front of them, what that person’s specific situation is—maybe they’re in an airport with noise, or just one minute from giving a lecture and in a rush. The type of things you might say also change based on the specific situation. While this is a limitation of AI, we shouldn’t forget that there is the human there. The human has that contextual knowledge. The human brings that crucial context. Sometimes we tend to say, “Okay, but then we can build an AI that can understand the context around it,” but we already have the human for that. Ross: Yes, yes. I don’t think that’s what I call the framing. Framing should come from the human, because that’s what we understand—including the ethical and other human aspects of the context, as well as that broader frame. It’s interesting because, in talking about hybrid intelligence, I think many who come to augmentation or hybrid intelligence think of it on an individual basis: how can an individual be augmented by AI, or, for example, in playing various games or simulations, humans plus AI teaming together, collaborating. But the team means you have multiple humans and quite probably multiple AI agents. So, in your research, what have you observed if you’re comparing a human-only team and a team which has both human and AI participants? What are some of the things that are the same, and what are some of the things that are different? Davide: Yes, this is a very interesting question. We’ve recently done work in collaboration with a number of researchers from the Hybrid Intelligence Center, which I am part of. If you’re not familiar with it, the Hybrid Intelligence Center is a collaboration that involves practically all the Dutch universities focused on hybrid intelligence, and it’s a long project—lasting around 10 years. One of the works we’ve done recently is to try to study to what extent established properties of effective human teams could be used to characterize human-AI teams. We looked at instruments that people use in practice to characterize human teams. One of them is called the Team Diagnostic Survey, which is an instrument people use to diagnose the strengths and weaknesses of human teams. It includes a number of dimensions that are generally considered important for effective human teams. These include aspects like members demonstrating their commitment to the team by putting in extra time and effort to help it succeed, the presence of coaches available in the team to help the team improve over time, and things related to the satisfaction of the members with the team, with the relationships with other members, and with the work they’re doing. What we’ve done was to study the extent to which we could use these dimensions to characterize human-AI teams. We looked at different types of configurations of teams—some had one AI agent and one human, others had multiple agents and multiple humans, for example in a warehouse context where you have multiple robots helping out in the warehouse that have to cooperate and collaborate with multiple humans. We tried to understand whether the properties of—by the way, we also looked at an interesting case, which is human-animal-animal teams, which is another example that’s interesting in the context of hybrid intelligence. You see very often in human-animal interaction—basically two species, two alien species—interacting and collaborating with each other. They often manage to collaborate pretty effectively, and there is an awareness of what both the humans and the animals are doing that is fascinating, at least for me. So, we tried to analyze whether properties of human teams could be understood when looking at human-AI teams or hybrid teams, and to what extent. One of the things we found is that some concepts are very well understood and easily applicable to different types of hybrid teams. For example, the idea of interdependence—the fact that members in the team, in order to be a team, need to be mutually dependent, at least to some extent. Otherwise, if they’re all doing separate jobs, there’s a lack of common goal. There are also things related to having a clear mission or a clear objective as a team, and aspects related to the possibility of exhibiting autonomy in the operation of the team and taking initiative. Also, the presence and awareness of team norms, like a shared ethical code or shared knowledge about what is appropriate or not. These were things that we found people could easily understand and apply to different configurations of teams. Ross: Just actually, one thing—I don’t know if you’re familiar with the work of Mohammad Hussain Johari, who did this wonderful paper called “What Human-Horse Interactions May Teach Us About Effective Human-AI Interactions.” Again, these are the cases where we can have these parallels—learning how to do human-AI interactions from human-human and human-animal interactions. But again, it comes back to that original question: what is the same? I think you described many of those facets of the nature of teams and collaboration, which means they are the same. But there are, of course, some differences. One of the many differences is accountability, essentially, where the AI agents are not accountable, whereas the humans are. That’s one thing. So, this allocation of decision rights across different participants—human and AI—needs to take into account that they’re not equal participants. Humans have accountability, and AI does not. That’s one possible example. Davide: Yeah, definitely. I totally agree, and I remember the paper you mentioned. I agree that human-animal collaboration is a very interesting source of inspiration. When looking at this paper, we looked at the case of shepherds and shepherd dogs. I didn’t know much about it before, but then I started digging a little bit. Shepherd dogs are trained at the beginning, but over time, they learn a type of communication with the shepherd. Through whistles, the shepherd can give very short commands, and then the shepherd dogs—even in pairs—can quickly understand what they need to do. They go through the mountains, collect all the sheep, and bring them exactly as intended by the shepherd, with very little need for words or other types of communication. They manage to achieve their goals very effectively. So, I think we have a lot to learn from these cases, even though it’s difficult to study. But just to mention differences, of course—one of the things that emerged from this paper is the inherent human-AI asymmetry. Like you mentioned, accountability is definitely one aspect. I think overall, we should always give the human a different type of role in the team, similar to the shepherd and the shepherd dogs. There is some hierarchy among the members, and this makes it possible for humans to preserve meaningful control in the interactions. This also implies that different rules or expectations apply to different team members. Beyond these, there is asymmetry in skills and capabilities, as we mentioned earlier, and also in aspects related to the identity of the members. For instance, some AI could be more easily replaceable than humans. Think, for example, of robots in a warehouse. In a human team, you wouldn’t say you “replace” a team member—it’s not the nicest way to say you let someone go and bring someone else in. But with robots, you could say, “I replace this machine because it’s not working anymore,” and that’s fine. We can replace machines with little consequence, though this doesn’t always hold, because there are studies showing that people get attached to machines and AI in general. There was a recent case of ChatGPT releasing a new version and stopping the previous one, and people complained because they got attached to the previous version. So, in some cases, replacing the AI member would work well, but in others, it needs to be done more carefully. Ross: So one of the other things looked at is the evaluation of human-AI teams. If we’re looking at human teams and possibly relative performance compared to human-AI teams, what are ways in which we can measure effectiveness? I suppose this includes not just output or speed or outcomes, but potentially risk, uncertainty, explainability, or other factors. Davide: Yes, this is an interesting question, and I think it’s still an open question to some extent. From the study I mentioned earlier, we looked at how people measure human team effectiveness. There are aspects concerning, of course, the success of the team in doing the task, but these are not the only measures of effectiveness that people consider in human teams. People often consider things related to the satisfaction of the members—with their teammates, with the process of working together, and with the overall goals of the team. This often leads to reflection from the team itself during operation, at least in human teams, where people reassess and evaluate their output throughout the process to make sure satisfaction with the process and relationships goes well over time. In general, there are aspects to measure concerning the effectiveness of teams related to the process itself, which are often forgotten. It’s a matter, at least from a research point of view, of resources, because to evaluate a full process over time, you need to run experiments for longer periods. Often people stop at one instant or a few interactions, but if you think of human teams, like the usual forming, storming, norming, and performing, that often goes over a long time. Teams often operate for a long time and improve over time. So, the process itself needs to be monitored and reassessed over time. This is a way to also measure the effectiveness of the team, but over time. Ross: Interesting point, because as you say, the dynamics of team performance with a human team improve as people get to know each other and find ways of working. They can become cohesive as a team. That’s classically what happens in defense forces and in creating high-performance teams, where you understand and build trust in each other. Trust is a key component of that. With AI agents, if they are well designed, they can learn themselves or respond to changing situations in order to evolve. But it becomes a different dynamic when you have humans building trust and mutual understanding, where that becomes a system in which the AI is potentially responding or evolving. At its best, there’s the potential for that to create a better performing team, but it does require both the attitudes of the humans and well the agents. Davide: Related to this—if I can interrupt you—I think this is very important that you mentioned trust. Indeed, this is one of the aspects that needs to be considered very carefully. You shouldn’t over-trust another team member, but also shouldn’t under-trust. Appropriate trust is key. One of the things that drives, at least in human teams, trust and overall performance is also team ethics. Related to the metrics you mentioned earlier, the ability of a team to gather around a shared ethical code and stick to that, and to continuously and regularly update each other’s norms and ensure that actions are aligned with the shared norms, is crucial. This ethical code significantly affects trust in operation. You can see it very easily in human teams: considering ethical aspects is essential, and we take them into account all the time. We respect each other’s goals and values. We expect our collaborators to keep their promises and commitments, and if they cannot, they can explain or justify what they are doing. These justifications are also a key element. The ability to provide justifications for behavior is very important for hybrid teams as well. Not only the AI, but also the human should be able to justify their actions when necessary. This is where the concept of hybrid teams and, in general, hybrid intelligence requires a bit of a philosophical shift from the traditional technology-centric perspective. For example, in AI, we often talk about explainability or explainable AI, which is about looking at model computations and understanding why a decision was made. But here, we’re talking about a different concept: justifiability, which looks at the same problem from a different angle. It considers team actions in the context of shared values, shared goals, and the norms we’ve agreed upon. This requires a shift in the way we implement AI agents—they need to be aware of these norms, able to learn and adapt to team norms, and reason about them in the same way we do in society. Ross: Let’s say you’ve got an organization and they have teams, as most organizations do, and now we’re moving from classic human teams to humans plus AI teams—collaborative human-AI teams. What are the skills and capabilities that the individual participants and the leaders in the teams need to transition from human-only teams to teams that include both humans and AI members? Davide: This is a complicated question, and I don’t have a full answer, but I can definitely reflect on different skills that a hybrid team should have. I’m thinking now of recent work—not published yet—where we started moving from the quality model work I mentioned earlier towards more detailed guidelines for human-AI teams. There, we developed a number of guidelines for organizations for putting in place and operating effective teams. We categorized these guidelines in terms of different phases of team processes. For instance, we developed guidelines related to structuring the teamwork—the envisioning of the operations of the team, which roles the team members would have, which responsibilities the different team members should have. Here, I’m talking about team members, but I’m still referring to hybrid teams, so this applies to both humans and AI. This also implies different types of skills that we often don’t have yet in AI systems. For example, flexible team composition is a type of skill required to make it possible at the early stage of the team to structure the team in the right way. There are also skills related to developing shared awareness and aspects related to breaking down the task collaboratively or ensuring a continuous evolution of the team over time, with regular reassessment of the output. If you think of these notions, it’s easy to think about them in terms of traditional organizations, but when you imagine a human-AI team or a small hybrid organization, then this continuous evolution, regular output assessment, and flexible team composition are not so natural anymore. What does it mean for an LLM agent to interact with someone else? Usually, LLM architectures rely on static roles and predefined workflows—you need to define beforehand the prompts they will exchange—whereas humans use much more flexible protocols. We can adjust our protocols over time, monitor what we’re doing, and reassess whether it works or not, and change the protocols. These are skills required for the assistants, but also for the organization itself to make hybrid teaming possible. One of the things that emerges in this recent work is a new figure that would probably come up in organizations: a team designer or a team facilitator. This is not a team member per se, but an expert in teams and AI teammates, who can perhaps configure the AI teammates based on the needs of the team, and provide human team members with information needed about the skills or capabilities of the specific AI team member. It’s an intermediary between humans and AI, with expertise that other human team members may not have, and could help these teams work together. Ross: That’s fantastic. It’s wonderful to learn about all this work. Is there anywhere people can go to find out more about your research? Davide: Yeah, sure. You can look me up at my website, davidedellanna.com. That’s my main website—I try to keep it up to date. Through there, you can see the different projects I’m involved in, the papers we’re working on, both with collaborators and with PhD and master students, who often bring great contributions to our research, even in their short studies. That’s the main hub, and you can also find many openly available resources linked to the projects that people may find useful. Ross: Fantastic. Well, it’s wonderful work—very highly aligned with the idea of hybrid intelligence, and it’s fantastic that you are focusing on that, because there’s not enough people yet focusing in the area. So you and your colleagues are ahead, and I’m sure many more will join you. Thank you so much for your time and your insights. Davide: Thank you so much, Ross. Pleasure to meet you. The post Davide Dell'Anna on hybrid intelligence, guidelines for human-AI teams, calibrating trust, and team ethics (AC Ep33) appeared first on Humans + AI.

Dr. Emma Smith about how trauma, shame, and cultural conditioning can distort intimacy — and what it actually takes to reclaim pleasure, desire, and connection in an embodied, sustainable way. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Emma shares her journey from trauma therapy into sex therapy, and explains why healing doesn't end when symptoms disappear. Along the way, we explore how the nervous system prioritizes survival over pleasure, why many people lose touch with desire after trauma or chronic stress, and how cultural messages about "good" and "bad" sexuality create deep layers of shame that can disconnect us from our bodies and our relationships. Dr. Emma also offers powerful insights into what healing really looks like in practice: learning to recognize bodily signals of yes and no, cultivating curiosity instead of judgment, and rebuilding intimacy through small, accessible moments of pleasure. She explains how compassion toward ourselves opens the door to reclaiming desire, and how couples can shift from criticism and defensiveness into deeper connection by reconnecting with their own internal turn-on first. At its core, this conversation is a reminder that no matter where you're starting from, possibility exists — and reclaiming pleasure is not about fixing what's broken, but about returning to your humanity, your curiosity, and your capacity to experience aliveness. Better sex is a practice — and you can begin again anytime. Connect with Dr. Emma Smith Website:  https://soliloquie.co/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/emmasmithphd  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JerseyEJ  Connect with Deborah Skool: https://www.skool.com/better-sex-9290 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@deborahkat9349 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deborahtantrakat/ Podcast Feedback DeborahTantraKat@Gmail.com  Book a breakthrough session with Deborah 
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There's a silent struggle that many couples face—issues of pain, discomfort, or disconnection in intimate life that go unspoken and unattended. For so long, pelvic floor challenges have been seen as private burdens to bear alone, surrounded by stigma or confusion about where to turn for help. But what if we viewed these not as individual problems, but as shared matters that impact the whole relationship? Could better understanding and open conversation actually transform your intimacy and emotional connection? In this episode, you'll discover how pelvic floor health influences pleasure, pain, and intimacy—and why these challenges are best faced together, not solo. Drawing from expert insights and practical guidance, you'll learn how increased awareness and communication can bridge the gap between partners, foster support and compassion, and empower you with tools for healing. Whether you're struggling silently or simply want to deepen trust and connection, this conversation offers actionable steps and hope for anyone ready to turn hidden struggle into shared strength. Since 2007, Dr. Sara Reardon has been caring for people's pelvic floors as a board-certified pelvic floor physical therapist. She is the Founder of The V-Hive, an online pelvic floor workout platform for pregnancy, postpartum, menopause, painful sex, and pelvic floor strengthening. As The Vagina Whisperer on Instagram and TikTok, she has hundreds of thousands of followers. She is the author of FLOORED: A Woman's Guide to Pelvic Floor Health at Every Age and Stage.   Episode Highlights 03:53 Understanding pelvic floor anatomy and its impact on intimacy. 07:50 Breaking stigma and introducing pelvic health conversations. 09:37 The role of partners and destigmatizing pelvic floor challenges. 14:47 Exploring pelvic floor dysfunction: Causes and effects on relationships. 18:56 Pelvic floor health and sexual pleasure.. 21:16 Exploring arousal: Physical and emotional components. 23:13 Daily habits and exercises for intimate health. 28:26 Tools, devices, and progression in pelvic floor therapy. 36:35 Debunking myths: Arousal, climax, and individual differences.   Your Check List of Actions to Take Learn about your pelvic floor anatomy to understand how it affects day-to-day functions and intimacy. Openly discuss pelvic health and intimacy challenges with your partner to reduce shame and foster teamwork. Attend pelvic floor therapy sessions together when possible for shared education and support. Practice mindful urination and bowel movements—sit fully, breathe, and avoid straining or "power peeing." Incorporate pelvic-friendly exercises such as yoga poses (e.g., child's pose, pigeon, happy baby) to encourage muscle relaxation. Explore self-stimulation privately to discover which types of touch and stimulation are most pleasurable or comfortable. Consider using vaginal trainers or dilators, starting small and gradually increasing size, and involve your partner for support and collaboration. Normalize communication around sexual pleasure, pain, and individual needs, recognizing that every body and relationship is unique.   Mentioned Floored (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book) V-Hive (*Google Play link) (app) Online Workouts (free workout) Come as You Are (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book) Squatty potty (e-commerce website) Vaginal Dilators (e-commerce website) 12 Relationship Principles to Strengthen Your Love (free guide) Connect with Dr. Sara Reardon Websites: thevagwhisperer.com Facebook: facebook.com/thevagwhisperer YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UC2MllrS6zD974pxBFbVUHdA Instagram: instagram.com/the.vagina.whisperer LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sara-reardon-pt-dpt-wcs-4a6b1025 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thevagwhisperer  

We explore single-parent dating, the realities of being a sex therapist on the apps, and what it really takes to talk about sex without shame. Keri Green shares tools for mismatched desire, sexual timelines, and opening tough conversations with care and consent.• single mom dating constraints and filters• clarifying what sex therapy is and is not• handling disrespect and myths on dating apps• mismatched desire and starting where comfort is• using a sexual timeline for insight and healing• orgasm intensity, letting go and aftershocks• squirting basics and reducing stigma• conversation tools and yes/no/maybe lists• ethical non-monogamy foundations and boundaries• recommended books and resources• how to connect with KeriGreenIf you love this episode, be sure to tell your friends about it and follow it as well, read it as well, tooSend a textSupport the showThanks for listening!Check out this site for everthing to know about women's pleasure including video tutorials and great suggestions for bedroom time!!https://for-goodness-sake-omgyes.sjv.io/c/5059274/1463336/17315Take the happiness quiz from Oprah and Arthur Brooks here: https://arthurbrooks.com/buildNEW: Subscribe monthly: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1805181/support Email questions/comments/feeback to tamara@straightfromthesourcesmouth.co Website: https://straightfromthesourcesmouthpod.net/Instagram: @fromthesourcesmouth_franktalkTwitter: @tamarapodcastYouTube and IG: Tamara_Schoon_comic Want to be a guest on Straight from the Source's Mouth: Frank Talk about Sex and Dating? Send Tamara Schoon a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17508659438808322af9d2077

Do you take pleasure in other people's misfortune? Do you wish you were able to stop and enjoy the simpler things in life? In this episode, Danny and Randy discuss the concepts of Schadenfreude or the Simple Pleasures. Thanks to listener Jon B. for suggesting this topic. Subscribe to ESP's YouTube Channel! Thanks for listening!  Do you have a question you want answered in a future episode? If so, send your question to: existentialstoic@protonmail.com 

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Vanessa Santos — former millionaire CEO, award-winning strategist, and transformational leader — to talk about burnout, hustle culture, and reclaiming pleasure after corporate success.Vanessa built multi-million-dollar companies, led in corporate America, and achieved the kind of success many women are taught to chase. But behind the accolades, her body was breaking down. Chronic stress, nervous system dysregulation, and the pressure of high performance forced her to confront a painful truth: success without pleasure is not success at all.In this episode, we explore:• The hidden cost of hustle culture and corporate ambition• Burnout symptoms and what happens when your nervous system collapses• Sacrificing health, marriage, and identity for achievement• Leaving a CEO role and walking away from external validation• Reclaiming feminine power, embodiment, and pleasure• Redefining success beyond money, titles, and productivityIf you're a high-achieving woman, entrepreneur, creative, or leader navigating burnout, identity shifts, or life transitions, this conversation will resonate deeply. We talk about healing trauma, reconnecting with the body, feminine leadership, and building a life rooted in pleasure instead of pressure.This episode is about nervous system healing, embodiment, self-worth, and the courage to choose joy over performance.Listen now if you're ready to redefine success and reclaim the pleasure of being alive.

The Pleasure Zone with Milica Jelenic - Diamond Host Discover a transformative exploration of pleasure, presence, and embodied life force in Energetic Orgasms & Erotic Innocence. This episode delves into how authentic sensuality can become a gateway to deeper connection, creativity, and self-liberation. Inspired by the work and wisdom of embodiment guide Patty Alfonso, this experience invites you to shift your relationship with pleasure from something perfunctory or performance-oriented into an expansive, conscious, and life-enhancing practice. Patty's teachings are rooted in somatic awareness, energy embodiment, and personal sovereignty. We'll also explore the concept of erotic innocence. This episode invites listeners to reconnect with their physical and energetic bodies in ways that honor both pleasure and personal integrity. Join Milica Jelenic, Holistic Health Practitioner, Sex & Intimacy Coach, along with Patty Alfonso, Erotic Priestess on this episode of The Pleasure Zone where we will explore "Energetic Orgasms & Erotic Innocence" Patty Alfonso is an Erotic Priestess, embodiment guide, and creator of Embody Her, a private mentorship journey for women ready to live from the wisdom of their bodies. With over 20 years of experience in embodiment and energy work, she guides women into a mature integration of pleasure, power, and truth. Known as The Orgasmic Body Whisperer, Patty's work bridges the erotic and the sacred through a trauma-aware, body-led approach rooted in Erotic Innocence. Her core teachings invite women to remember that nothing is missing and the body already knows the way. https://www.pattyalfonso.com/ pattyalfonsohealer@gmail.com   Grab your Yes, No, Maybe list - all about Playful Tips for Pleasure here    Light From The Shadows: Enriching The Lives Of Others Inspired Choices Network Hosts Author Milica Jelenic   Amazon.com – https://www.amazon.com/dp/1738249417 Amazon.ca – https://www.amazon.ca/dp/1738249417     ~ More About The Pleasure Zone ~ Milica Jelenic is a Sex & Intimacy Coach. What is pleasure? Have you ever noticed that what is pleasing to one body is not necessarily pleasing to all bodies? What if our bodies like to be pleasing and to gift pleasure to others and to receive pleasure? In this show we will explore the world of pleasure. If your body was sensing pleasure more often would your life have more ease? We start out with magical little bodies that turn on everybody. Babies are always having people come up to them and compliment them on their beauty and get really excited to be in their presence. What would the world be like if we stopped judging ourselves, our bodies and others? How much more fun, joy and pleasure is possible on this planet if we choose to be explorers? Whose ready for an adventure??? Milica Jelenic is an advocate for pleasure. In her private practice she invites clients to create life and lifestyle that offers more pleasure and vitality. Milica's intuitive ability to sense where change is possible and to question what is stuck in the target area creates a very dynamic session that promotes choice, possibility and change.   Milica has impacted the lives and health of individuals both in Canada and abroad with her humor, kindness, gentleness, potency and intensity. Milica's approach is playful, fun and direct. Milica is willing to be whatever energy and space is required for the change you desire.   If you are interested in receiving Milica' monthly newsletter about events, classes and information on booking private sessions send and e-mail through her website.  www.milicajelenic.com/ To get more of The Pleasure Zone with Milica Jelenic, be sure to visit the podcast page for replays of all her shows here: https://www.inspiredchoicesnetwork.com/podcast/the-pleasure-zone-milica-jelenic/

*Disclaimer* This episode contains adult content and is not recommended for young listeners.   284. DON'T MISS THIS! Controversial Sex Questions, Answered with Dr. Juli Slattery   1 Samuel 24:19b NIV “May the Lord reward you well for the way you treated me today.”   *Transcription Below*   Bio: Instagram Facebook Authentic Intimacy Website Java with Juli Podcast   Thank you to Our Sponsor: Leman Property Management Company   Questions and Topics We Cover: As Christ followers, should we use a friend's preferred names and pronouns? If one part of Scripture talks about turning the other cheek, is that the same as saying God expects you to stay in an abusive marriage? Is it reasonable to assume that once they have a smartphone, 100% of kids will be exposed to pornography?   Previous Episodes on Sexual Intimacy on The Savvy Sauce, Including Past Episodes with Dr. Juli Slattery: Fostering a Fun, Healthy Sex Life with your Spouse with Dr. Jennifer Konzen  Ways to Deepen Your Intimacy in Marriage with Dr. Douglas Rosenau  Ten Common Questions About Sex, Shared Through a Biblical Worldview with Dr. Michael Sytsma Hope For Treating Pelvic Pain with Tracey LeGrand Treatment for Sexual Issues with Certified Sex Therapist, Emma Schmidt Talking With Your Kids About Sex with Brian and Alison Sutter Natural Aphrodisiacs with Christian Certified Sex Therapist, Dr. Douglas Rosenau Healthy Sexuality, Emotional Intelligence, and Parenting Children with Autism with Counselor, Lauren Dack Pain and Joy in Sexual Intimacy with Psychologist and Certified Sex Therapist, Dr. Jessica McCleese Identifying and Fighting Human Trafficking with Dr. Jeff Waibel Bridging the Gap Between Military and Civilian Families with Licensed Professional Counselor, Cuthor, Podcaster, and 2015 Military Spouse of the Year, Corie Weathers Enjoying a God-Honoring, Healthy Sex Life with Your Spouse with Certified Sex Therapist and Ordained Minister, Dr. Michael Sytsma Enjoying Parenting and Managing Conversations About Sex with Certified Sex Therapist and Author, Dr. Jennifer Konzen Conflict Resolution, Infidelity, and Infertility with Licensed Psychologist and Certified Sex Therapist, Dr. Jessica McCleese Hormones and Body Image with Certified Sex Therapist, Vickie George Passion Pursuit with Dr. Juli Slattery Female Orgasm with Sue Goldstein Erectile Dysfunction, Premature Ejaculation, and Treatments Available with Dr. Irwin Goldstein Turn Ons, Turn Offs, and Savoring Sex in Marriage with Dr. Jennifer Konzen Desire Discrepancy in Marriage with Dr. Michael Sytsma Answering Listener's Questions About Sex with Kelli Willard Anatomy of an Affair with Dave Carder Supernatural Restoration Story with Bob and Audrey Meisner Healthy Minds, Marriages, and Sex Lives with Drs. Scott and Melissa Symington Female Pornography Addiction and Meaningful Recovery with Crystal Renaud Day Building Lasting Relationships with Clarence and Brenda Shuler Healthy Ways for Females to Increase Sexual Enjoyment with Tracey LeGrand Pornography Healing for Spouses with Geremy Keeton Sexual Sin Recovery for You and Your Spouse (Part Two) Personal Development and Sexual Wholeness with Dr. Sibylle Georgianna  Our Brain's Role in Sexual Intimacy with Angie Landry Discovering God's Design for Romance with Sharon Jaynes Sex in Marriage and Its Positive Effects with Francie Winslow, Part 1 Science and Art of Sexual Intimacy in Marriage, Part 2 Making Love in Marriage with Debra Fileta Mutually Pleasing Sex in Marriage with Gary Thomas Sex Series: God's Design and Warnings for Sex: An Interview with Mike Novotny Sex Series: Enhancing Female Pleasure and Enjoyment of Sex: An Interview with Dr. Jennifer Degler Sex Series Orgasmic Potential, Pleasure, and Friendship: An Interview with Bonny Burns  Sex Series: Sex Series: Healthy Self, Healthy Sex: An Interview with Gaye Christmus Sex Series: Higher Sexual Desire Wife: An Interview with J Parker Sex Series: Six Pillars of Intimacy with Tony and Alisa DiLorenzo 215 Enriching Women's Sexual Function, Part One with Dr. Kris Christiansen 216 Enriching Women's Sexual Function, Part Two with Dr. Kris Christiansen 217 Tween/Teen Females: How to Navigate Changes during Puberty with Dr. Jennifer Degler 218 Secrets of Sex and Marriage: Interview with Dr. Michael Sytsma 222 Pornography: Protecting Children and Personal Healing, Victory, and Recovery in Christ with Sam Black Special Patreon Release: Holy Sex: An Interview with Dr. Juli Slattery Special Patreon Release: His Desires and Her Desires in the Bedroom with Dr. Jennifer Konzen 224 Surprising Discoveries of Sex in Marriage: An Interview with Shaunti Feldhahn 252 Maximizing Sexual Connections as Newlyweds to Long Term Marriages and Recovering from a Sexless Marriage with Dr. Cliff & Joyce Penner 260 Sex After Cancer with Dr. Kris Christiansen 277 Breaking Through Addiction in Marriage with Matthew and Joanna Raabsmith   Connect with The Savvy Sauce on Facebook or Instagram or Our Website   Gospel Scripture: (all NIV) Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”   Romans 3:24 “and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”   Romans 3:25 (a) “God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.”    Hebrews 9:22 (b) “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”    Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”    Romans 5:11 “Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”    John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”   Romans 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”    Luke 15:10 says “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”   Romans 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”   Ephesians 1:13–14 “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession- to the praise of his glory.”   Ephesians 1:15–23 “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.”   Ephesians 2:8–10 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God‘s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.“   Ephesians 2:13 “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.“   Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”   *Transcription*   Music: (0:11 – 0:11)   Laura Dugger: (0:11 – 2:21) Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, where we have practical chats for intentional living. I'm your host, Laura Dugger, and I'm so glad you're here.   Today's message is not intended for little ears. We'll be discussing some adult themes, and I want you to be aware before you listen to this message.   Leman Property Management Company has the apartment you will be able to call home, with over 1,700 apartment units available in Central Illinois. Visit them today at lemanproperties.com or connect with them on Facebook.   My returning guest for today is Dr. Juli Slattery.   She has authored another book entitled Surrendered Sexuality: How Knowing Jesus Changes Everything, and we're going to cover a few themes from this book, but I think what you're going to find most helpful are her candid responses to some really tricky questions related to dating and pornography, technology, thought life, shows that we watch as believers, divorce, and just intimacy in general as married couples.   So, I think this is an episode that you're going to want to learn from yourself, but you'll also want to share with others because Dr. Juli has offered us such a gift as she directs us back to the heart issues and wisely guides us into sexual integrity in our own lives.   Here's our chat.   Welcome back to The Savvy Sauce, Dr. Juli.   Dr. Juli Slattery: (2:21 – 2:21) Thanks so much for having me back. It's always a joy.   Laura Dugger: (2:21 – 2:22) Well, I love that you've been a repeat guest many times. So, we get to just dive right in today because I'm going to link all of your previous episodes in the show notes. But to dive in, I'm just curious, as believers, where does your heart break as you see us compromising on God's design for sex?   Dr. Juli Slattery: (2:22 – 3:31) Hmm. That's such a good question. You know, I think my heart breaks the most in that when we compromise God's design for sexuality, or even when we don't understand it or understand His goodness, it means that there is a breach in our relationship with God.   And so, I am so passionate about what I do, not necessarily because I love talking about sexuality, but because for a lot of people, sexuality represents a wall between them and God, like an issue they can't resolve, or a place of shame that they just can't quite shake free from, or battle with sin that they feel like they're enslaved to. And so, those things mean that there's a limit to how much they invite God into their lives.   And so, for me, that's where my heart breaks the most is, you know, ultimately, we were created for the greatest fellowship with God and anything that gets in the way of that is something that God cares about and something that I care about.   Laura Dugger: (3:32 – 4:03) You say that well, and you've written many books, but in this most recent one, you plainly state one issue when you write, “You will not be able to obey God with your sexual thoughts, while binging shows and music that continually display the exact opposite.”   And I love how practical that is. So, Juli, why do you think this has become so normalized? And I would say, especially in Christian marriages.   Dr. Juli Slattery: (4:05 – 5:58) Yeah, you know, I think a lot of it is that the church has been historically really quiet about sexuality, you know, like we might talk about save sex for marriage, and don't cheat on your husband and that sort of thing. But the gray areas about how we think about our sexuality and kind of what we have the liberty and freedom to engage in, there's kind of silence, or maybe there's legalism.   And I think in that space, what ends up happening is the culture is so forthright with a message about sexuality, like woven throughout every single show that you could stream on any platform, you know, your music on Spotify, even the news you consume, the Instagram feeds, whatever, it's consistently showing you a way to understand sexuality that is contrary to God's design, and the messaging can be so subtle, or so repetitive that we don't even realize we're ingesting it.   And so, it's normal to talk about with your friends, like the latest season of The Bachelor, or, you know, the latest thing that you're streaming that if you really look at it, there's probably 100 references to sexuality that are outside of God's design. And so, we end up just having our mind conformed to this world.   And the scripture says really clearly in Romans 12, that we can't offer ourselves to God while we're still thinking like the world thinks that it requires an act of transformation of our thinking. And I don't know that there's anywhere more than we need this than in the topic of understanding our sexuality.   Laura Dugger: (6:00 – 6:59) Okay, so for I'm thinking of married couples, because I was recently at a wedding shower. And I love a friend from church. Her name is Dawn Karius. And she was giving the devotional and just sharing. You know, it's very easy to get married and fall into this trap. She was talking about what you watch specifically.   And she said, so many couples will watch something together, watch a show before bed, but be really intentional. If that is what you choose to do, then the shows that you're watching, even though you're with your spouse, is that drawing both of you closer to Christ? Because if it's pulling you further away from Christ, it's also pulling you away from one another.   And so, with all of that, and with what you've studied and written about, if a couple's hearing that and or some single person just hearing this, what would be your practical advice or encouragement for them?   Dr. Juli Slattery: (7:00 – 9:29) Yeah, some of it is, we can't live in a bubble. You know, it's, I think that there are some couples will have the conviction that, you know, we're just going to get rid of all of our devices, we're going to get rid of every streaming service. And there's nothing wrong with that decision, you might feel convicted to do that.   But for most couples, I would say, they're like, okay, we live in this world, we need to understand even the world we live in. And so, it's not like we're going to completely be cut off. But are we being discerning about what we consume?   And what are the standards that we might hit where we might just say, “You know what, we don't need to be watching this.” You know, like I can think of one show in particularly that my husband and I were watching. And it was a well-written show. It was exciting. But there was just so much profanity and just gross kind of sexual content that after two or three episodes, we're both just like, “You know what, as good as the show is, we just, this isn't, we're not watching this. Like we need to stop.”   And I think you need to have those discussions and you might have a different level of conviction than your spouse does. And that's okay, but at least have those conversations and you need to follow your conviction.   But then the other thing I would say that is equally important, if not more important, what are you consuming that helps you get God's perspective of sexuality? And what I've found is that a whole lot of Christian married couples know very little about what it looks like to build a healthy sex life in their marriage. And they're not consuming anything that helps them know how to love each other better, how to overcome differences, even how their bodies work, how to focus on one another and enjoy sex in a holy erotic way.   And so, even if you're watching and consuming very little content from the world, but you're not actively pursuing anything that gives you a biblical perspective, you're still going to end up defaulting to what the world says. And so, I think that again, it's equally as important or not, if not more important to be pursuing what's true and what's right and what's good.   Laura Dugger: (9:31 – 9:53) I love that, how you flipped it. And that discernment piece is huge because we don't want to be desensitized to then that we're consuming and we also want to feed on the good. So, I think it even leads to a broader question, again, as Christ followers, how can we recognize if our conscience is being pricked?   Dr. Juli Slattery: (9:54 – 12:05) Yeah, we can start by asking the Lord. You know, I mean, I think it's in, is it Psalm 139, where, you know, David is basically saying, “Search me, oh God, and know my thoughts, you know, show me if there's any offensive way within me.”   I think that's a beautiful prayer as an individual and as a couple, like God, we want to honor you with what we consume in media, with what we think about, would you guide us and would you show us? And then I think we all have that experience of watching something or listening to something or reading something where we're like, “Uh, I don't know, like, this is sort of a gray area. Like, I'm uncomfortable here. I probably shouldn't be watching this.” Or “Wow, that's really, that's really in your face. Like that's really graphic.”   And it's heeding the Holy Spirit when you get those prompts, instead of just pushing through and being like, “Ah, it's not that big of a deal. It's not going to affect me.” Like when you feel that sense of prompting, you respond to it and you say, “All right, I'm going to put this down. I'm going to shut this off.”   And, um, you know, the scripture says that we can become callous to those promptings of the Holy Spirit if we are in a habit of just running right through that. But we become more sensitive to the Holy Spirit when we yield and when we obey.   Um, and so, I think even just keeping track, you know, every day or every week, like where were the times regarding this or anything else that I really felt convicted by the Holy Spirit about maybe something I said about a friend, uh, or about a little white lie I told, you know, where were the times where I really felt the Holy Spirit nudging me and what did I do? Um, where do I need to confess that I didn't respond well? And where do I need to celebrate that? Yes, I listened, I obeyed, I yielded. Um, and so, I think that's a practice we get into of either ignoring that conviction or really yielding to it.   Laura Dugger: (12:06 – 12:28) Hmm. And that gets after the heart issue, which Jesus is so concerned about our heart. And that's a very softened heart approach. Yes. I hope we can have. And as it relates to sexual integrity, then what are some other ways that we need to be on guard so that we're careful not to be misled?   Dr. Juli Slattery: (12:29 – 13:37) Yeah, boy, I think there's just so much conversation. Um, again, even in Christian circles, sometimes around having a negative attitude towards sex, um, kind of accepting some forms of pornography as normal and even good, you know, husband bashing, wife bashing, you know, like complaining, kind of letting the thought feed in your mind of maybe I should have married somebody else.   Maybe that my life would be easier if I, I weren't married to this person. I wish they were this or that. So, sort of that discontent that is natural to feel in marriage. But the question is, what do you do with it? Do you give it space to grow and to nurture, or do you bring that before the Lord?   Um, so, I think those are some of the ways that we want to look at, like, how am I giving the enemy space in my life and in my marriage versus how am I inviting God to really reclaim what's broken here?   Laura Dugger: (13:38 – 14:01) Well, and then even thinking of the other side to guard ourselves from having a critical and judgmental spirit toward others or just having self-righteous pride. Can you educate us on some common reasons why some people may be predisposed to struggle with some certain sexual sins?   Dr. Juli Slattery: (14:02 – 17:20) Yeah, absolutely. I think that's so important, um, because the research really shows that some of us are more, I don't know if I'd say it that way, but we are going to be more predetermined maybe to struggle with things like pornography or same-sex attraction, or even hooking up.   And it's never like a one plus one equals two exactly. But there are what we might say indicators or risk factors that make you more vulnerable to those kinds of sexual struggles. And some of them might be unhealthy family dynamics growing up, you know, none of us had a perfect family, but let's say you grew up in a family where one of your parents was like overtly critical towards you all the time.   Maybe you went through a divorce with your parents where, um, you know, at a certain age, you just, your family fell apart and you're kind of looking for that stability and love. People who have experienced sexual trauma in childhood or the teen years are going to be more pre-dispositioned to want to understand that or act that out.   People who might struggle with anxiety. And, you know, some of it is we got to understand that sex, because it elicits dopamine in our brain and oxytocin and endorphins, which are all really feel good kind of experiences and hormones and neurotransmitters. When we had a sexual experience at a young age, our brain can learn, “Oh, this is how I deal with stress. This is how I deal with depression. This is how I deal with loneliness.”   So, a lot of times when you talk to somebody who has an ongoing struggle with a sexual temptation or sin, it's because they've learned as a pattern from maybe the time they were 10 years old or 12 years old or 15 years old, that this is how I dealt with the stress in my family. This is how I dealt with when my father died. This is how I dealt with when I was sexually abused. Like this was the way that I found to self-regulate and to self-medicate and to find comfort.   And that can be masturbation. It can be pornography or again, you know, acting out sexually. And so, for people who have that kind of story, and this might be your spouse, or this might be against somebody that you're looking at and judging to just say, “You need to stop that behavior,” is often not going to be enough. They need to do the work of really looking at what am I using sex for? What are the wounds that I'm using sex to cover up?   And how do I actually get the healing I need and find healthier and safer ways for me to cope with negative emotions? And that's why groups are really important for people who have sexual struggles. Counseling is really important. And again, that long journey of healing and freedom, not just a one-time decision that I'm going to try to never do this again.   Laura Dugger: (17:21 – 20:19) Love that word freedom, even because that hope is available. And just pointing out how you said this is not deterministic. That's not what we're saying is if you experience something, you will act out sexually. But I agree with you that it is fascinating and helpful to hear the correlation of certain things that happen, especially in childhood, and how that plays out long-term.   And I am blanking on which guest it was on The Savvy Sauce, but somebody was enlightening me. I think it was for females that if they were sexually abused, typically before a certain age, then they were more likely to struggle in marriage with wanting to completely avoid sex. But then if it was after a certain age, that it was completely opposite where they maybe used sex to medicate, or they were very aggressive and even would act out, let's say in single years, that they would sleep around with a bunch of partners if they had been wounded.   And so, I just think it just, it helps us to not be judgmental of one another. We don't know the full story.   Dr. Juli Slattery: (20:20 – 21:09) Yes. Yeah. There's always more there than we usually realize at first. And, you know, this plays out a lot in marriage because there are a lot of women who are married to guys who are addicted to pornography. And that's a deeply painful dynamic. That's really hard.   But to understand that your husband didn't want to have this struggle, often doesn't know how to get out of it, you know, gives you compassion. It doesn't mean that you look the other way, you need to get help, and you need to insist on getting help. But it does give you empathy and compassion that there's something underlying this and feeding it. It's not just, “Oh, I think I'm going to, you know, look at porn and hurt my wife again,” that there's always a deeper dynamic at work.   Laura Dugger: (21:10 – 21:50) Absolutely. And even an example from your book, I'll just read a quote where you said, “I spoke with a man who runs a sexual addiction program. He told me he had never met someone with sexual addiction, who did not also have significant sexual or psychological trauma in their past.”   And I think it goes along with what we're saying. But if we also then flip it and look at more of the positive side, how can we rightly prioritize connection and intimacy in marriage as God intended?   Dr. Juli Slattery: (21:53 – 24:24) I think first of all, we need to be convinced that this is worth it. You know, when we look at everything there is to do in life, there's so many worthy demands on our time. You know, from I want my house to look nice, and we need to make friends and we need to be an outreach to our community. And our kids are taking a lot of time and they should, and they've got all their activities and our church needs our help. Like when do you have time to do all this? And then, oh yeah, prioritize your marriage.   And I think we have to become convinced that if we're not working on our marriage, and specifically if we're not working on the sexual connection in marriage, then all those other things have the potential to fall apart. That the way I've learned it over time is that sex is never going to be a neutral issue in your marriage. It's either going to be something that is bonding you together and causing you to work on the deeper levels of intimacy, even as you talk through sexual difficulties, or it's going to be something not immediately, but over time, that becomes a wedge between you.   It might start as a wedge of resentment of my needs aren't getting met, or I feel like you're objectifying me or you're putting pressure on me. Or it might be a deeper wedge of a pornography addiction or something that's not being addressed. Or I don't trust my husband because of my trauma. And those things don't just stay dormant. The wedge becomes bigger and bigger and bigger until you get to the place where now you're not comfortable being in the same room anymore and you feel like roommates. And then now one of you is attracted to somebody else and the story plays on.   And there are very wonderful godly men and women who have gotten married with every purpose to stay together. But a wedge like this has grown over time to the point where they're now thinking about divorce or one of them has cheated on the other. And so, we have to be convinced that honoring God in our lives means prioritizing our marriage, and it means working on this intimate aspect of our marriage so that we can be a stable foundation for our families and our churches and our communities.   Laura Dugger: (24:26 – 24:39) And so, if we're getting as practical as possible, what are the best practices that you've seen in married couples who are happily married? How have you experienced that?   Dr. Juli Slattery: (24:40 – 28:04) Yeah. I'll put it in kind of like a cliche sort of way because I think sometimes that's catchy. Number one, I would say they're couples who will resist the drift, who will repair the rift, and who will adjust to the shift.   So, I can kind of break that down a little bit. But you know, the first thing is resisting the drift of you can go weeks without meaningfully connecting with your spouse. And I don't just mean sexually, but I mean like eye to eye, you know, just loving touch, just connecting to their hearts. And so, couples who know how to resist that drift, like they have regular times built into their calendar where this is where we connect every day. Like even for 10 minutes, this is where we hold each other's hands, we look at each other in the eye, we really connect with what's in your heart, how are you? And they have regular rhythms of once a week or once every other week, we're going to go out and do something fun together, just the two of us. We've worked through what sex looks like in this season. Like how many times do we want to have sex? Are we scheduling that? How are we making sure that's a priority? And so, that's the resisting the drift.   And the second one is repairing the rift. And at every marriage, there are going to be things that tear you apart. And sometimes those things might be sexual in nature, like a temptation, an emotional affair, pornography use, sometimes it's going to be something else where you have a deep disagreement that you can't resolve on your own. And you need to be courageous enough to reach out for help and say, like, if we don't get help, if we don't address this issue, like it's going to become something that tears us apart. Any couple that you meet who is happily married for like 30 years or more, they can tell you a story of when they had a rift, and the kind of help that really address that.   And then I think the third thing is adjusting to the shift. And in even the normal stages of marriage, there are shifts that happen. Like, you know, I'm in the stage right now where me and the people my age are going through biological changes with menopause and with aging. And, you know, some people are going through becoming grandparents and retirement. And there's all these shifts that are happening even naturally. There's other couples that are younger who are going through the shift of pregnancy and battling infertility. And some people are going through cancer. And there are things that happen that require you to shift your expectations. And to not just wish that it is like it used to be. But this is the marriage we have now. Here are the circumstances we have now. Here are the bodies we have now. How do we learn to love each other and embrace this season, given the changes that we're experiencing?   And so, I think that's a framework that I've seen healthy couples navigate over time that really fosters intimacy.   Laura Dugger: (28:05 – 29:29) That is incredible. I love how you put that. And I've shared with you before that my background is in Christian sex therapy. So, sex is a topic that does come up a lot and people feel comfortable sharing or asking questions. So, just in regular conversation, I want to recap two conversations that kind of show stances on both ends of the spectrum. And I'd love to hear your wisdom on how to respond to each one.   So, first, there was a Christian married woman with children, and she was teaching younger women to say yes to every single sexual advance from their husband. And she said, “If your husband has the higher drive, and he wants to have sex twice a day, then consider yourself lucky. And don't ever say no, because your body is not your own.” Yeah, it's hard to recap. So, this is not my perspective. So, sharing both ends.   So, that was one person. And then on the other end, I've heard a woman tell me, “You know, I just didn't feel like having sex for about a year and a half after we had our baby. So, I just told my husband, you're going to have to wait.”   So, loaded question, but Dr. Juli, how would you respond to each of those?   Dr. Juli Slattery: (29:29 – 32:31) Well, Laura, I feel like you probably would have just as good of response as I would to those. Yeah, I like that you're presenting those as two extremes, because they are two extremes. And I think both extremes kind of miss the heart. We want to be able to say yes to sex and intimacy. And being able to say yes means also being able to say no.   In that first situation, essentially, what is going to end up happening is that that wife is going to start feeling like my husband wants me for sex. And I don't have the capacity to enjoy it twice a day. I'm starting to feel like an object or used. And the husband is never going to learn that covenant love requires self-denial. And at every level, you know, what did, what did Paul say to husbands in Ephesians 5, like love your wife as you love your own body and be willing to lay down your, your life for your wife. And that means being sensitive to the fact that she doesn't have the same sexual appetite as you do. She doesn't have the same biology you do, that it actually can be physically painful, emotionally traumatic for a wife to have sex when she's not physically ready. Really, that couple is not working on intimacy. They're, they're kind of reinforcing a pattern that sex is about the husband getting his needs and desires met only through the wife without considering her. And that might work for short term, but that's not building intimacy in the long term. And it's not teaching either of them. And that wife needs to learn her own sexual desires and patterns and be able to communicate those to her husband. So, that's what I would say in that first one.   And the second one, essentially, you have a wife kind of having that more selfish perspective of, I only have sex when I want it and on my terms, instead of considering the husband. And, you know, how do I focus on him? How do I work on experiencing sexual desire? How do I foster that? Because it's important for my husband, it's important for our marriage. And I don't want to be selfish.   And so, I think both of those situations are kind of approaching sex where one person gets to be selfish, and the other person has to sacrifice. That's ministry, that's not intimacy. And so, we really want to be at a place where both of us, the higher desire one and the lower desire one, are learning what does it look like to really love well, to love sacrificially and to communicate the ways that I feel loved. I don't know, what would you add to that or change?   Laura Dugger: (32:31 – 33:11) That's why I asked you, you said that beautifully, better than I could have responded. And again, you're getting back to the heart of it and pointing us back to Jesus with each answer. And, you know, commonly people do struggle with having a safe place where they can ask candid questions about sex.   So, I am going to throw some more at you. And some of these are ones that you wrote about. But just to give us a little taste, even of the book, or if somebody has a burning question like this, I'd love your healthy response.   So, how do you respond when people ask, “How far is too far to go in a dating relationship?”   Dr. Juli Slattery: (33:14 – 36:32) Yeah, I think people are looking for a line, you know, like, as long as I don't cross this line, are we good? And of course, I think their traditional line would be as long as you're not having intercourse. But I think that misses the larger context of the purpose of sex. I've had to be convicted of this in my own life. And we talked very early in our conversation about how we've just sort of ingested messages from the culture. And the culture says that healthy sexuality is an expression of how I feel, right? So, so if I feel safe with you, if I feel romantically connected to you, if I feel sexually attracted to you, then it would be healthy for me to engage sexually with you. And then Christians would come and say, yes, but as long as you don't cross this line. So, that's sort of the narrative that I think a lot of us have heard in the church.   But if we look at, from a biblical perspective, God did not design sex to be an expression of how I feel. Okay, let that sink in for a minute. God did not design sex to be an expression of how I feel. He designed it to be a seal and a celebration of covenant, of the choice that a man and a woman make to covenant their lives to one another. And for them to say, just like I give you my whole life, I promise faithfulness to you. I promise that we are becoming one as a family. We have now a physical way to symbolize that in becoming one with our bodies. And so, even if I feel romantically attached to somebody I'm not married to, I don't act on that. Or even if I don't feel romantically attached to my husband, we work on our sex life because we're in covenant.   And so, when you begin to understand sex from that standpoint, you answer that question differently of how far can I go? Why are you sharing your body with another person when you haven't shared your life with them? And, you know, I think that the standard is not legalistic, but the heart of the question is a lot, that's a harder question. You know, like it says, and I think 2 Thessalonians or 1 Thessalonians, you know, Paul says, the will of God is that you do not engage in sexual immorality. Don't take advantage of a brother or sister.   And how many times in dating relationships do you look back and you're like, “Wow, I gave too much of myself to that person or I took too much of myself from that person. Like we engaged in things that now we're broken apart. Like I wish I could take back.” And so, what does it look like to honor each other? What does it look like to honor the Lord? So, I think those kinds of questions help you get to the heart of how do we steward dating relationships a lot better than looking for a line we're not supposed to cross.   Laura Dugger: (36:33 – 37:31) When was the first time you listened to an episode of The Savvy Sauce? How did you hear about our podcast? Did a friend share it with you? Will you be willing to be that friend now and text five other friends or post on your socials anything about The Savvy Sauce that you love? If you share your favorite episodes, that is how we continue to expand our reach and get the good news of Jesus Christ in more ears across the world.   So, we need your help.   Another way to help us grow is to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts. Each of these suggestions will cost you less than a minute, but it will be a great benefit to us. Thank you so much for being willing to be generous with your time and share. We appreciate you.   As Christ followers, should we use a friend's preferred names and pronouns? So, how would you respond to that?   Dr. Juli Slattery: (37:32 – 39:20) Boy, this is a hot topic. There are people who have really strong opinions on this. You're saying, do I use a friend's preferred names and pronouns?   And I think the fact that you have a friendship means that you can have a deeper conversation about the meaning of the names and pronouns. And I think that deeper conversation needs to happen. Because, you know, ultimately we don't like, we don't want to just say, “Oh yeah, whatever you want to call yourself is fine with me. Truth doesn't matter.” But on the other hand, we really want to get to the spiritual issue underneath this. And there's a, there's a big difference between somebody who doesn't know the Lord, doesn't know where you stand on any of this, and somebody that you can engage in a conversation with and seek wisdom on.   I think there, there's probably more latitude to use somebody's preferred name than pronouns. And I think in friendships, sometimes you can work that through and just say, you know, “Hey, I love you. I understand where you're coming from. I'm going to try my best to use the name that you're asking. But the pronoun is something that I'm not comfortable with. And here's why. And just like I'm, I want to understand where you are. I hope that you would have grace and understand where I am.” So, in a friendship, you're able to have those kinds of conversations. Whereas if it's a coworker or it's a stranger or a neighbor, sometimes we can't have that level of conversation. And so, I, we might choose to handle the situation a little differently.   Laura Dugger: (39:21 – 39:36) That's good. A hundred percent truth, a hundred percent love or kindness. And what if somebody asks, how much attention should we be giving these secondary issues as believers?   Dr. Juli Slattery: (39:39 – 41:03) Boy, I, I think first of all, the secondary issues come out of the primary issues. So, the primary issue, and you know, the issue I wrote Surrendered Sexuality is about is if my life belongs to the Lord, then my whole life needs to belong to Him, including how I think about cultural issues, including how I treat my neighbor.   And so, I don't see them as secondary issues. I see them as an outgrowth of the primary issue. I think when they become secondary issues are when we argue with other believers about it and it becomes the most important thing. Like I put you in a category based on, will you use preferred names and pronouns? And then I think we're missing what God calls us to.   The primary issue is that we want to honor God and we want to love each other. And so, let's keep going back to that primary issue. How do I love my neighbor well? How do I honor God's truth well? How do I pursue unity within the body of Christ well, as we're navigating some of these secondary issues? So, you know, like if we're going back to the primary issue, it means that we have to talk about the secondary issues, but we talk about them in light of what's primary.   Laura Dugger: (41:04 – 41:17) I like that. And I just have three more of these kind of tricky questions. So, another one, does pornography addiction qualify as reasons for a biblical divorce?   Dr. Juli Slattery: (41:20 – 42:50) I would say, first of all, technically, if we look at the word for sexual immorality in the scripture, which is porneia, we would say, yeah, you know, pornography does qualify for that.   But for the person who's asking this, maybe the woman who's asking this, I would say, why do you want to get out of the marriage? And what Jesus said is Moses permitted divorce because of the hardness of your heart. And I think a more important question is where's your heart and where's your husband's heart? Because I've seen people with pornography addictions who have really open hearts towards healing, and they're willing to get the help that they need. They're repentant. They're willing to do the work. They're willing to go through even a time of separation to show that they're serious about that work.   And then there are people who have very hard hearts of, “This is who I am. I might go through the motions, but I'm really not interested in change.” And so, I think the pornography addiction is less the issue than the posture of the person's heart and their willingness to work. And if your spouse is willing to work, then I think it's on us to have soft hearts too, and to be open to the work that God can do.   Laura Dugger: (42:51 – 43:34) That's good because saying you have to zoom out and see more of the story in that stance, because that's very different. Somebody who's working on it and hates the struggle and is wanting to break free versus being married to a narcissist who is abusing you and treating you in a certain way and addicted to pornography. So, you point out well that all of these questions have more to them.   Okay. So, two more, if a spouse has had an emotional affair in the past with a coworker, but they still work with this person, what is the wise thing to do and how should they handle it if their spouse is uncomfortable with them still working there?   Dr. Juli Slattery: (43:36 – 44:33) Yeah, boy, that's something that I would want to seek counseling on. You and your spouse really need to get with a counselor and talk that through. The generic advice in that situation would be to get a different job, to not have that relationship still a temptation or available.   But there are sometimes very extenuating circumstances where that's not a possibility, or at least for now, that's not a possibility. And so, I would really encourage you to meet with a third party to sort through the details of your particular situation. Because it could be that your spouse isn't willing to take that hard step of cutting off that relationship, or it could be that they're willing, but again, there's extenuating circumstances. And I would really want a wise person who is engaging with you to help you navigate that.   Laura Dugger: (44:34 – 44:44) But I love that, how you highlight that something to look for though, is that you would hope your spouse would be willing to make that right, especially if they were the offending.   Dr. Juli Slattery: (44:46 – 44:46) Okay.   Laura Dugger: (44:47 – 45:00) And then also, Juli, because scripture does talk about turning the other cheek, does that mean it's the same as saying God expects you to stay in an abusive marriage?   Dr. Juli Slattery: (45:02 – 47:41) Absolutely not. If you were in an abusive marriage, you are not doing your spouse any good. You are allowing your spouse to be in a place where they're destroying their own life and they're destroying the people that they love.   Now you say, okay, where biblically do we see this? We see that Jesus, he says in John, he says, “I laid down my life for my sheep. I lay it down willingly. No one has the authority to take it from me. I have the authority to lay it down and I have the authority to take it up again.” And we see Him living that out with religious leaders who were after Him all the time, who wanted to stone Him, who were accusing Him of things. It says over and over again that Jesus escaped from them. He just got out of there until it was time that the Father said, now is the time for you to give yourself for the world.   So, we take that principle and we say, Jesus was not abused. Jesus did not let Himself be abused. He gave Himself as a lamb to the slaughter as a sacrifice for the Father and for the world. But that's very different. Up until that time, we see Him have great boundaries. We see Him not get, it even says He didn't entrust Himself to man because He knew what was in their hearts. I mean, He had boundaries with people that could have hurt Him.   And I also love when we see this in the story of King David and Saul, when Saul is chasing David, Saul is abusive, right? He wants to kill David. And so, David escapes. And there's a situation where David has the power or the opportunity to kill Saul and he doesn't do it. And then Saul just is struck by his conscience, and he comes back to David. He goes, “You're a better man than I am. I'm so sorry. You know, come back with me and I'll treat you well.” And even though David doesn't take revenge, he doesn't go back with Saul. He's still, he's like, “You go your way. I'll go my way. I'm going to let the Lord judge between us.”   And I think that's a great model. If you're in any kind of abusive relationship, you don't take revenge, but you also don't stay in that situation. You go your way, let them go their way, and you let God judge between you. And I think we see that over and over again in scripture.   Laura Dugger: (47:42 – 48:19) I think that is so well said. And it reminds me of a somewhat recent conversation in 2025 with Stacey Womack who's saying with domestic violence, really the way God would see it is child abuse. And that kind of helps our paradigm because we are His child.   And she elaborates on that. So, I said that that was the last one, but I actually thought of one more as it relates to our children.   So, is it reasonable to assume that once a child has a smartphone, 100% of them will be exposed to pornography?   Dr. Juli Slattery: (48:21 – 49:15) Yeah, it is. And I would say not just once they have a smartphone, because I know with one of my kids, we delayed the smartphone decision, but he had a learning disability that required him to have an iPad for school. And somehow, even though we locked down all the apps, somehow he's able to access it through that. Or it can be a gaming system, or it can be a friend's phone. And so, having a smartphone or device like that certainly makes it more probable.   But you know, like our kids are surrounded by screens and technology, not just what's in our home, but in other people's homes and at school. And so, I think it's safe to assume, unfortunately, that yes, 100% of our kids are going to be exposed to pornography, probably by the time they're 13 or 14.   Laura Dugger: (49:16 – 49:31) And sadly, some much younger than that. But even if there's parental controls, or filters put on, it is just something on my heart that we have to be so vigilant against.   Dr. Juli Slattery: (49:32 – 50:12) Yeah, no, I felt like when, you know, I have three boys, and when they were all three kind of in those teen years, I felt like I was trying to plug holes in a boat, and there'd be new ones popping up all the time. Whether it's like apps, or you know, things that you think are completely safe. Somehow, pornography can get through.   And our kids are smart, like they know the workarounds to the parental things. And that's why we just need to have conversation after conversation, just discipling them, not just protecting them from pornography, but discipling them through what they're inevitably going to be exposed to.   Laura Dugger: (50:13 – 51:05) That's a great point that not just being reactive, but proactive. I think why I have such a heart for this is because practicing and doing therapy and having so many people come in those wounds, that if that addiction gets a stronghold, and that pornography use, it just can wreak havoc in people long term. And so, if we can do that hard work of discipling early on, it is such a blessing to our children, to the generation.   So, I'm just so grateful for your candid responses. And I think it's also a helpful reminder just to never take on a burden that was never meant for us to carry. So, are there any ways that God has taught you to not try and do His business?   Dr. Juli Slattery: (51:07 – 52:16) Yeah. Boy, that's such a great question. I've had to come to the conclusion that I can't convince anyone of right and wrong. You know, like, I can't convince anyone that pornography is wrong, or gay marriage is wrong, or you know, like, that's not my job. My job is to walk with the Lord with integrity and faithfulness and to testify as to who He is.   And so much of this work, whether we're talking about marriage or our friends or our children, so much of this work has to be the Lord's work. And you reach a stage with your kids when they hit those teen years, where you realize the things my kids most need, I can't give them. I can't give them a relationship with God. I can't give them the desire to follow and seek the Lord. Like, I can model that for them. I can encourage them. But that is between them and the Lord. And if I try to control that, I'm just getting in the way of the work that God wants to do in their lives.   Laura Dugger: (52:18 – 52:33) Goodness, I will need to write that down and reflect on that. That is so good, Juli. And there's still so much more that you could share with us.   So, where is your preferred place that we can go online and continue learning from you?   Dr. Juli Slattery: (52:34 – 52:48) Yeah, I would say two places. Number one, our website is authenticintimacy.com. And the second one is the podcast that I do called Java with Juli. It goes along with The Savvy Sauce, you know, like they kind of go together.   Laura Dugger: (52:49 – 53:11) Yes, absolutely. We will certainly link to all of that in the show notes for today's episode.   And you're familiar, I've asked you many times before, because we are called savvy, because savvy is synonymous with practical knowledge or discernment. So, as my final question for you today, Dr. Juli, what is your savvy sauce?   Dr. Juli Slattery: (53:13 – 53:58) Oh, I don't even remember how I answered this the last few times. I think I may have said this before, but I think reading the dead old guys is one of my savvy sauce, like reading people who didn't live in this generation who loved the Lord.   And learning from them is just, that's probably taught me more discernment than anything, because they just cut right through the cultural noise that I think sometimes can blind us. And they really help me see my heart for what it is and help me really want to pursue God at a deeper level.   Laura Dugger: (53:59 – 54:03) Wow. Any specific recommendations that have been personal favorites there?   Dr. Juli Slattery: (54:04 – 54:22) Yeah, I love A.W. Tozer. I love many of Andrew Murray's books, particularly Humility and Absolute Surrender. And C.S. Lewis is another great one, Mere Christianity. So, those are some that I would recommend you start with.   Laura Dugger: (54:23 – 54:44) That is wonderful. Thank you for sharing that.   And Juli, it's just always such a delight to get to share an hour of conversation with you. And you are just this beautiful mixture of bold and gentle and humble, all combined into one. So, thank you for being my returning guest today.   Dr. Juli Slattery: (54:44 – 54:49) Oh, thank you. And it's such a pleasure to be with you. Thanks for your great questions.   Laura Dugger: (54:51 – 58:33) One more thing before you go, have you heard the term gospel before? It simply means good news. And I want to share the best news with you, but it starts with the bad news.   Every single one of us were born sinners, but Christ desires to rescue us from our sin, which is something we cannot do for ourselves. This means there's absolutely no chance we can make it to heaven on our own. So, for you and for me, it means we deserve death, and we can never pay back the sacrifice we owe to be saved.   We need a savior, but God loved us so much. He made a way for his only son to willingly die in our place as the perfect substitute. This gives us hope of life forever in right relationship with him.   That is good news. Jesus lived the perfect life. We could never live and died in our place for our sin.   This was God's plan to make a way to reconcile with us so that God can look at us and see Jesus. We can be covered and justified through the work Jesus finished. If we choose to receive what he has done for us, Romans 10:9 says, “that if you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”   So, you pray with me now. Heavenly father, thank you for sending Jesus to take our place. I pray someone today right now is touched and chooses to turn their life over to you.   Will you clearly guide them and help them take their next step in faith to declare you as Lord of their life? We trust you to work and change lives now for eternity. In Jesus name we pray.   Amen. If you prayed that prayer, you are declaring him for me. So, me for him, you get the opportunity to live your life for him.   And at this podcast, we're called The Savvy Sauce for a reason. We want to give you practical tools to implement the knowledge you have learned. So, you're ready to get started.   First, tell someone, say it out loud, get a Bible. The first day I made this decision, my parents took me to Barnes and Noble and let me choose my own Bible. I selected the Quest NIV Bible and I love it.   You can start by reading the book of John. Also get connected locally, which just means tell someone who's a part of a church in your community that you made a decision to follow Christ. I'm assuming they will be thrilled to talk with you about further steps such as going to church and getting connected to other believers to encourage you.   We want to celebrate with you too. So, feel free to leave a comment for us here. If you did make a decision to follow Christ, we also have show notes included where you can read scripture that describes this process.   And finally, be encouraged. Luke 15:10 says, “in the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” The heavens are praising with you for your decision today.   And if you've already received this good news, I pray you have someone to share it with. You are loved and I look forward to meeting you here next time.

Think you're just “not a people person”? Most tech leaders quietly believe this about themselves, and it's exactly what's holding them back.In this episode, Martijn Versteeg, founder of peer leadership community Group Effort and former CPTO with a background in organizational psychology, makes the case that it's not: human behavior follows predictable patterns you can understand and work with, just like any system. The conversation covers a six-variable model for understanding what drives behavior and disengagement on your team, why popular personality tools like MBTI and DiSC often do more harm than good, and a clear structure for delivering bad news without the usual stress buildup. We also get into what it really takes to let go of hands-on coding when you move into leadership, why developing a product mindset matters even if product isn't in your title, and the psychological risks of heavy AI use that most teams still aren't thinking about.Key topics discussed:The 6 human needs that predict human behaviorWhy MBTI and DiSC often do more harm than goodHow to stop avoiding difficult conversationsDeliver bad news clearly using a 10-second ruleWhy becoming a bottleneck is a slow career killerBuilding a product mindset when you're in techThe mental health risks of heavy AI useWhat peer groups give you that books can'tTimestamps:(00:00:00) Trailer & Intro(00:03:06) Why Small Steps Matter More Than Career Turning Points(00:05:11) About Martijn Versteeg(00:07:01) How Can I Learn People Skills Systematically?(00:13:19) Six Human Needs That Predict Behavior(00:17:28) How Does It Compare to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs?(00:19:49) Why Are Personality Tests Like MBTI Unreliable?(00:23:20) How Do I Use Pain and Pleasure to Drive Growth?(00:28:30) How Do I Handle Conflict and Difficult Conversations?(00:32:47) A Model for Delivering Bad News in 10 Seconds(00:36:12) How Do I Transition from Tech Lead to Engineering Leader?(00:41:12) How Do I Let Go of Coding as a Leader?(00:42:49) The Vanilla Orchid Story: Why Leaders Must Let Go(00:46:55) How Can Engineers Develop a Product Mindset?(00:53:17) What Are the Hidden Risks of AI for Mental Health?(01:02:19) What Is the Value of Learning Through Podcast Conversations?(01:07:19) Why Consuming Knowledge Is Not the Same as Producing(01:09:06) 3 Tech Lead Wisdom_____Martijn Versteeg's BioMartijn Versteeg is the founder of Group Effort, a Netherlands-based collective that empowers tech and product leaders across Europe through peer groups, offsites, and specialized training. As a key figure in the global product community, he is also an organizer of the Product Mastery Conference, where he helps curate insights for the next generation of product leaders.Before founding Group Effort, Martijn built and successfully sold an EdTech IT platform and spent over five years as an Agile coach and Scrum Master. His unique perspective on leadership is rooted in high-performance athletics; at just 22 years old, he served as the National Rowing Coach for Singapore.Today, Martijn is a vocal advocate for community-led learning. He frequently challenges leaders to move past the search for “golden nuggets” of wisdom and instead focus on the consistent, incremental iterations that solve the “hard people stuff” in scaling organizations.Follow Martijn:LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/versteegGroup Effort – groupeffort.nlNewsletter – groupeffort.nl/newsletterFree training on Massive Action-Taking for Product Leaders – groupeffort.nl/actionLike this episode?Show notes & transcript: techleadjournal.dev/episodes/248.Follow @techleadjournal on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.Buy me a coffee or become a patron.

Enjoy!

A Note from James:In the first two episodes with Dr. Nicole McNichols, we talked about chemistry, communication, anatomy, and the science of pleasure. This final episode is really about something deeper—how relationships evolve over time and what actually keeps desire alive.Because the truth is, long-term relationships don't stay exciting automatically. They require intention. They require curiosity. And sometimes the issue isn't your partner at all—it's that you've stopped doing things that light you up in your own life.We also talk about novelty, sex toys, aging, hormones, communication, and why pleasure itself is not optional for wellbeing—it's essential.This conversation tied everything together for me.Episode Description:How do couples keep desire alive years—or decades—into a relationship?In the final part of this series, Dr. Nicole McNichols explains why long-term passion isn't about constant novelty or dramatic reinvention. It's about intentional connection, personal growth, communication, and maintaining a sense of play.They discuss the “seven-year itch,” why boredom often comes from losing personal passion rather than losing attraction, and how seeing your partner energized by their own interests can reignite desire. The conversation also explores sex toys as collaborative tools, the health benefits of sexual activity, aging and sexuality, hormone therapy, and practical ways to communicate about sex without embarrassment.The episode closes with a powerful reminder: pleasure is not a luxury—it's a core component of wellbeing.What You'll Learn:Why boredom in relationships is often about your own life—not your partnerHow pursuing individual passions can increase attraction in long-term couplesWhy sex toys enhance connection rather than threaten itThe physical and psychological health benefits of sexual activityHow curiosity, humor, and vulnerability improve sexual communicationTimestamped Chapters:[00:02:00] Pleasure, Playfulness & Why Attraction Fades[00:03:28] The Seven-Year Itch & Long-Term Desire[00:04:00] Intention, Communication & Intimacy Dates[00:04:45] When Boredom Is About Your Own Life[00:05:25] Personal Passion & Seeing Your Partner Differently[00:06:11] The Best Sex of Your Life After Kids[00:08:16] Novelty Without Threatening the Relationship[00:09:24] Erotic Identity & Emotional Needs[00:11:00] Frequency of Novelty & Sexual Compatibility[00:11:21] Men Feeling Threatened by Novelty[00:11:42] Sex Toys as Collaborative Tools[00:13:26] The Pleasure Cycle: Wanting, Liking, Learning[00:14:12] Sex, Stress Reduction & Sleep[00:15:23] Health Benefits of Sex[00:16:08] Pleasure as Essential Wellbeing[00:19:00] Is Sex the Most Enjoyable Activity?[00:20:00] Presence, Mindfulness & Happiness Research[00:21:39] Sex and Meditation[00:22:00] Sex in Your 80s & Aging[00:23:22] Loneliness, Health & Sexual Function[00:24:25] Erectile Dysfunction & Physical Health[00:25:00] Menopause, Hormones & Sexual Pain[00:26:23] Hormone Therapy & Medical Guidance[00:27:35] Communication as the Core Skill[00:28:35] Leading With Curiosity[00:29:56] Humor, Playfulness & Awkward Conversations[00:31:08] Closing ThoughtsAdditional Resources:You Could Be Having Better SexNicole McNicholsDaniel Gilbert — Happiness research referencedSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you've been trying to “fix” yourself for years… this episode might change everything.So much of the emotional wellness space is focused on one thing:Getting rid of what's wrong.The anxiety.The stress.The overthinking.The guilt.The burnout.The trauma.And while support matters, here's what's missing:You cannot build a thriving life by only trying to eliminate what hurts.In this episode, I'm teaching a core concept I walk my private clients through — the emotional teeter-totter — and why balance, not eradication, is the real goal.Because life is 50/50.Your brain is wired to scan for danger.And trying to remove every uncomfortable emotion will keep you stuck in survival mode.Instead, we need to learn how to build the other side.Joy.Pleasure.Excitement.Belonging.Desire.Purpose.When you intentionally build those, everything changes.✨ In This Episode, We Talk About:Why “fixing yourself” can actually make you feel worseHow self-help sometimes overemphasizes what's brokenThe 50/50 nature of emotional life (and why it's normal)How your primitive brain keeps you in survival modeThe emotional teeter-totter analogy that explains everythingWhy eliminating stress isn't the goalHow to build emotional capacity instead of avoidanceThe difference between tolerating emotions and processing themWhy creating joy is a skill (not a luxury)How doing hard, scary things on purpose builds empowermentWhy pleasure, excitement, and fulfillment are your responsibility

I AM THE GOD WHO SEES YOU. www.curlynikki.com

Derrick loves giving erotic massages to women and couples and he called in to talk all about it. Tune in to hear all the details including how he realized he was into giving erotic massages, when he decided to post online looking for women he could massage, how and why he cals himself a pleasure dom and why he prefers his sessions to be non-reciprocal, the type of women who responded to his posts, the questionnaire that he created and the questions he has on it,, the average time he spends on an erotic massage, exactly what does down during one of his first massages, the couple he gave a massage to and what went down, the double couple he also massaged and what went down with them, how many he's gone all the way and why it hasn't happened a lot, how he has helped women via his massages plus a whole lot more. Reddit: Undermyfirmhands GET A COPY OF THE STRICTLY ANONYMOUS BOOK! Strictly Anonymous Confessions: Secret Sex Lives of Total Strangers. A bunch of short, super sexy, TRUE stories. GET YOUR COPY HERE: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/4i7hBCd⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To see HOT pics of my female guests + hear anonymous confessions + get all the episodes early and AD FREE, join my Patreon! It's only $7 a month and you can cancel at any time. You can sign up here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/StrictlyAnonymousPodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and when you join, I'll throw in a complimentary link to my private Discord! To join SDC and get a FREE Trial! click here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.sdc.com/?ref=37712⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or go to SDC.com and use my code 37712   Want to be on the show? Email me at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠strictlyanonymouspodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.strictlyanonymouspodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and click on "Be on the Show." Want to confess while remaining anonymous? Call the CONFESSIONS hotline at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠347-420-3579⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. All voices are changed.   Sponsors: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bluechew.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Get 10% OFF your first month of Bluechew GOLD! Use code: STRICTLYANON⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.quince.com/strictlyanon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — For premium quality Quince clothing plus FREE shipping and 365 day returns ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://VB.HEALTH,com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — To get 10% off DRIVE BOOST use code: STRICTLY ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://beducate.me/pd2605-anonymous ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get your personalized road map to pleasure ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://butterwellness.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get the Butter massager and get 20% off your whole order Follow me! Instagram  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/strictanonymous/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ X  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/strictanonymous?lang=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.strictlyanonymouspodcast.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Everything else ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/Strictlyanonymouspodcas⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠t⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pelvic floor tips to move from tension and guarding to comfort and confidence If you've been listening to this series and thinking… “Okay, I understand what might be causing my pain.” “I see how stress and mental load are affecting my body.” “But what do I actually DO?” This episode is your next step. Pain with intimacy is common — but it is not something you have to push through, numb out, or accept as your new normal. Today we're talking about practical, body-based strategies to reduce pelvic floor tension, rebuild safety, and gradually restore comfort and confidence in the bedroom. Because healing isn't about forcing relaxation. It's about creating safety. In This Episode, We Cover: Why pushing through pain makes it worse The pain → guarding → more pain cycle Why many women with painful intercourse actually have an overactive pelvic floor (not a weak one) The importance of downtraining before strengthening 360 breathing and long exhale techniques to calm tension “Hip breathers” and mobility work that support pelvic relaxation External soft tissue release before internal work How to approach dilators or pelvic wand work safely (if appropriate) The power of slowing down arousal and removing performance pressure Lube, positioning, and small environmental shifts that make a big difference How graded exposure helps retrain the brain and calm pain pathways The Big Reframe Pain with intimacy is not a sign that you are broken. It is information. Your nervous system and pelvic floor are communicating something — often about tension, overwhelm, fear, or past experiences. When we respond with pressure, force, or avoidance, the guarding increases. When we respond with safety, breath, and gradual progression, the body adapts. Your brain and pelvic floor are deeply connected — and both can relearn safety. Practical Starting Points If you're experiencing pain with intercourse, consider: ✔️ Pausing penetration temporarily ✔️ Focusing on breath and long exhales daily ✔️ Addressing hip, inner thigh, and glute tension ✔️ Prioritizing arousal before penetration ✔️ Experimenting with positions that give you control ✔️ Removing pressure to “perform” Remember: intimacy does not equal penetration. Connection and pleasure are broader than we were taught. When to See a Pelvic Floor PT You may benefit from professional support if: Pain persists beyond a few months You have a history of tearing or scar tissue You experience severe guarding or anxiety You're avoiding intimacy entirely DIY approaches aren't helping Inside RESTORE, we focus on breath coordination, nervous system regulation, mobility, and pelvic floor retraining in a progressive, supportive way. For more complex or severe pain, 1:1 pelvic floor physical therapy may be the best next step. You do not have to navigate this alone. Up Next in the Series In our next episode, we'll talk about rebuilding confidence and reclaiming pleasure — not just reducing pain. Because healing is not just about eliminating symptoms. It's about expanding what's possible. If this episode resonated, share it with someone who needs to hear that pain with intimacy is treatable — and that softness is strength. ~ XO Dr. Des

WOW!!!

In this episode,  Adam Torres interviews Dr. Tina Koopersmith, Founder of DrTinaPlays, podcast host of Your Healing Playground, and bestselling author of Your Healing Playground: How Play, Pleasure, and Connection Unlock Your Body's Power to Heal. Dr. Tina shares why chronic illness and infertility are rising, how stress-driven nervous system patterns impact health, and why play, pleasure, and connection can help unlock the body's natural ability to heal. Follow Adam on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/askadamtorres/ for up to date information on book releases and tour schedule. Apply to be a guest on our podcast: https://missionmatters.lpages.co/podcastguest/ Visit our website: https://missionmatters.com/ More FREE content from Mission Matters here: https://linktr.ee/missionmattersmedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sex, pleasure, and intimacy are often framed as indulgences. But what if they're essential to healing, longevity, and accessing non-ordinary states of consciousness? In this episode of The Psychedelic Report, host Dr. Dave Rabin sits down with sex therapist, educator, and author Juliana Hauser for a powerful conversation about the intersection of sexuality, pleasure, trauma healing, and psychedelic states. Together, they explore how intimacy and orgasm can act as gateways to altered states of consciousness without the use of substances, and why pleasure is not a luxury but a core component of human health. Drawing from neuroscience, clinical work, and ancient wisdom, the conversation reframes sex as a teacher, a regulator of the nervous system, and a path to deeper self-connection. Juliana shares insights from her work with clients healing from sexual trauma, including how breathwork, somatic awareness, and micro-pleasure practices can rebuild safety in the body and restore agency. Dr. Rabin connects these experiences to psychedelic science, time dilation, and the brain's capacity to heal through presence and connection. This episode challenges cultural shame around sexuality and invites listeners to see pleasure and intimacy as vital tools for resilience, authenticity, and well-being.Web: https://dr-juliana.com/Book: A New Position on SexWeb: https://thepsychedelic.reportInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdavidrabinX: https://twitter.com/DrDavidRabinMore from Dr. Dave: https://www.drdave.io/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A Note from James:In the first episode with Dr. Nicole McNichols, we talked about chemistry, myths, and why communication matters more than performance. This episode goes deeper—into biology, anatomy, dopamine, desire, and the mechanics of pleasure.There are a lot of myths around sex. Some are cultural. Some are Hollywood. Some come from bad science. And some just come from silence.This conversation gets specific. We talk about orgasm, desire, scheduling sex, the so-called “missionary problem,” novelty in long-term relationships, and why so much of what we assume about men and women sexually just isn't true.If Part 1 was about mindset, Part 2 is about understanding how sex actually works.Episode Description:What actually happens in the body during orgasm? Why does anticipation sometimes feel better than the act itself? And why are so many of our beliefs about sex simply wrong?In Part 2 of this three-part series, Dr. Nicole McNichols breaks down the biology of desire, the science of orgasm, and the myths that quietly sabotage long-term relationships.She explains why dopamine peaks during anticipation, why consistency—not intensity—is often key to orgasm, and why “missionary” might be underrated. They explore the anatomy of the clitoris (including research only fully mapped in 2006), the orgasm gap, responsive vs. spontaneous desire, and why scheduling intimacy can actually increase desire.This episode reframes sex not as performance, but as collaboration—an evolving, communicative process rooted in curiosity and growth.What You'll Learn:Why dopamine spikes during anticipation—and how to avoid the post-expectation letdownThe difference between spontaneous and responsive desire (for both men and women)Why consistency is physiologically critical during orgasmThe science behind the orgasm gap and what actually closes itWhy scheduling intimacy can increase frequency and desire—not kill spontaneityTimestamped Chapters:[00:02:00] No One Craves Bad Sex & The Myth of “Boring” Positions[00:03:18] Previously on Part 1: Porn Myths & Feeling Wanted[00:04:00] Chemistry, Pheromones & The Role of Safety[00:06:00] Sexual Growth Mindset & Compatibility[00:08:00] Fireworks vs. Communication[00:10:00] Anatomy, Diversity of Touch & The Clitoris Explained[00:12:00] Scripts, Feedback & How to Talk During Sex[00:17:00] Novelty, Micro-Novelty & Preventing Boredom[00:19:00] Wanting, Liking & Learning: The Pleasure Cycle[00:23:00] Expanding the Definition of Sex[00:25:00] The “Sex Recession” & Frequency Myths[00:27:00] Planning Intimacy & Scheduling Sex[00:31:00] Why Missionary Deserves a Rebrand[00:34:00] Internal Anatomy, the Clitoral Complex & Size Myths[00:39:00] What Is an Orgasm, Physiologically?[00:45:00] The Orgasm Gap & Why Fingering Matters[00:47:00] Consistency vs. “Faster & Harder”[00:49:00] Masturbation Myths & No Nut November[00:51:00] Refractory Period & Aging[00:55:00] Multiple Orgasms & What Research Shows[01:00:00] Love, Orientation & Novelty in Long-Term RelationshipsAdditional Resources:You Could Be Having Better SexNicole McNicholsHelen O'Connell – Research mapping full clitoral anatomy (MRI studies)Beverly Whipple – Orgasm research & physiological studiesA Moveable Feast – Referenced during discussionSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From the jigs of County Clare to the reels of Donegal, this week we're taking you on a musical journey across Ireland and beyond. We've got everything from Boxing Robin's energetic traditional sets to contemporary voices like Nerea The Fiddler and Irish Millie. Plus, the legendary Altan stops by with a stunning reel selection. Grab your headphones—this is This Week in Celtic Music on the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast #747  -  -  Subscribe now at CelticMusicPodcast.com! Boxing Robin, Alex Sturbaum, Vienna Scheyer, The Drowsy Lads, Nerea The Fiddler, Erin Ruth, Autumn Rhodes, Tulua, ISHNA, Sue Tillotson, Jim Cunningham, Altan, Low Power Trio, Ian Alistair Gosbee, Ironwood music, Callán, Irish Millie, The Irish Rovers GET CELTIC MUSIC NEWS IN YOUR INBOX The Celtic Music Magazine is a quick and easy way to plug yourself into more great Celtic culture. Enjoy seven weekly news items with what's happening with Celtic music and culture online. Subscribe now and get 34 Celtic MP3s for Free. VOTE IN THE CELTIC TOP 20 FOR 2026 This is our way of finding the best songs and artists each year. You can vote for as many songs and tunes that inspire you in each episode. Your vote helps me create this year's Best Celtic music episode. You have just three weeks to vote this year. Vote Now! THIS WEEK IN CELTIC MUSIC 0:06 - Boxing Robin "Clare to Donegal Jigs" from The View From Here 3:29 - WELCOME 5:29 - Alex Sturbaum "Irishman's Heart to the Ladies / Hills of Glenorchy / When the Cock Crows it is Day (feat. Vienna Scheyer)" from Slash 10:25 - The Drowsy Lads "Memories and Moments" from Time Flies 13:57 - Nerea The Fiddler "A Moment of Absence" from Off The Beatn Path 16:15 - Erin Ruth, Autumn Rhodes "Irish Ways & Irish Laws" from single 19:10 - FEEDBACK 23:09 - Tulua "Rambling Boys of Pleasure" from No Coming No Going 28:56 - ISHNA "Cunla" from Slí Amach 32:57 - Sue Tillotson & Jim Cunningham "Star of the County Down" from Water Horse 35:55 - Altan "The House of Baoithín Selection: Miss Stewart's/Bonnie Annie/Hand Me Down The Tea Things/House of Baoithín (Reels)" from Donegal 39:42 - Low Power Trio "Arthur McBride" from Dirty Old Town 45:13 - THANKS 47:05 - Ian Alistair Gosbee "Grace" from Ray of Sunshine 50:01 - Ironwood "The White Gypsy" from Gretna Green 54:08 - Callán "Young Bridie" from Bloody Callán 56:57 - Irish Millie "Big Red" from GRACE 1:00:49 - CLOSING 1:01:49 - The Irish Rovers "Across The Western Ocean" from Drunken Sailor 1:04:21 - CREDITS Support for this program comes from Hank Woodward. Support for this program comes from Dr. Annie Lorkowski of Centennial Animal Hospital in Corona, California. Support for this program comes from International speaker, Joseph Dumond, teaching the ancient roots of the Gaelic people. Learn more about their origins at Sightedmoon.com Support for this program comes from Cascadia Cross Border Law Group, Creating Transparent Borders for more than twenty five years, serving Alaska and the world. Find out more at   www.CascadiaLawAlaska.com The Irish & Celtic Music Podcast was produced by Marc Gunn, The Celtfather and our Patrons on Patreon. The show was edited by Mitchell Petersen with Graphics by Miranda Nelson Designs. Visit our website to follow the show. You'll find links to all of the artists played in this episode. Todd Wiley is the editor of the Celtic Music Magazine. Subscribe to get 34 Celtic MP3s for Free. Plus, you'll get 7 weekly news items about what's happening with Celtic music and culture online. Best of all, you will connect with your Celtic heritage. Please tell one friend about this podcast. Word of mouth is the absolute best way to support any creative endeavor. Finally, remember. Clean energy isn't just good for the planet, it's good for your wallet. Solar and wind are now the cheapest power sources in history. But too many politicians would rather protect billionaires than help working families save on their bills. Real change starts when we stop allowing the ultra - rich to write our energy policy and run our government. Let's choose affordable, renewable power. Clean energy means lower costs, more freedom, and a planet that can actually breathe. Promote Celtic culture through music at http://celticmusicpodcast.com/. WELCOME THE IRISH & CELTIC MUSIC PODCAST * Helping you celebrate Celtic culture through music. I am Marc Gunn. I'm a Celtic musician and also host of Pub Songs & Stories. Every song has a story, every episode is a toast to Celtic and folk songwriters. Discover the stories behind the songs from the heart of the Celtic pub scene. This podcast is for fans of all kinds of Celtic music. We are here to build a diverse Celtic community and help the incredible artists who so generously share their music with you. If you hear music you love, please email the artists to let them know you heard them on the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. These musicians are not part of some corporation. They are small indie groups that rely on people just like you to support their music so they can keep creating it. Please show your generosity. Buy a CD, Album Pin, Shirt, Digital Download, or join their community on Patreon. You can find a link to all of the artists in the shownotes, along with show times, when you visit our website at celticmusicpodcast.com. Email follow@bestcelticmusic to learn how to subscribe to the podcast and you will get a free music - only episode. IRISH & CELTIC MUSIC PODFEST Join us Sunday, March 8, 2026, from 12 to 6 PM for the Irish & Celtic Music PodFest and Arts Market at The Lost Druid Brewery in Avondale Estates, Georgia. Spend the afternoon surrounded by live Celtic and folk music from Kinnfolk, The Muckers, May Will Bloom, and Marc Gunn. Grab a pint, enjoy the tunes, and share the energy of a true Celtic gathering. While the music plays, explore our Arts Market filled with handmade crafts, art, and unique gifts from local creators. It's a celebration of music, creativity, and community — all in one place. Come for the songs. Stay for the spirit. We'll see you at The Lost Druid on March 8.

This talk was given by Gil Fronsdal on 2026.02.17 at the Insight Meditation Center in Redwood City, CA. ******* A machine generated transcript of this talk is available. It has not been edited by a human, so errors will exist. Download Transcript: https://www.audiodharma.org/transcripts/24455/download ******* For more talks like this, visit AudioDharma.org ******* If you have enjoyed this talk, please consider supporting AudioDharma with a donation at https://www.audiodharma.org/donate/. ******* This talk is licensed by a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License

This talk was given by Gil Fronsdal on 2026.02.17 at the Insight Meditation Center in Redwood City, CA. ******* A machine generated transcript of this talk is available. It has not been edited by a human, so errors will exist. Download Transcript: https://www.audiodharma.org/transcripts/24455/download ******* For more talks like this, visit AudioDharma.org ******* If you have enjoyed this talk, please consider supporting AudioDharma with a donation at https://www.audiodharma.org/donate/. ******* This talk is licensed by a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License