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Did Dua Lipa just host the celebrity wedding ‘of the decade'? We rake over all the gossip from the three-day bash in Palermo and debate over whether Callum Turner's status as ‘Mr Dua Lipa' is reductive and career-damaging. Also on the show: how former ‘kidfluencer' Piper Rockelle monetises a Lolita fantasy on OnlyFans (including a countdown to her 18th birthday), Bonnie Blue's 'golden' baby shower and Euphoria star Chloe Cherry's viral interview about how we're having the wrong conversations about sex work. Plus, Cara Delevingne's incredible Call Her Daddy episode, the Right-wing backlash to Alex Cooper's pregnancy, and the woman selling ‘good wife' courses to Christian women. Thank you to this week's very special guest Emma-Louise Boynton, journalist, broadcaster and author of the incredible new book Pleasure: The Reclamation of My Body, about how sex therapy transformed her relationship with her body and broke a 17-year-cycle with bulimia.Pleasure: A Reclamation of My Body, by Emma-Louise Boynton is available to buy here. Come to see Ellie and Emma-Louise at our How to Date Better event next Wednesday in London! TicketsGet our brand-new bonus episode (plus early access and ad-free listening) on Patreon! patreon.com/straightuppodcastGet 10% off our fave (flat pack!) furniture brand Swyft Home with our code straightup10 at swyfthome.comTry the adaptogenic coffee that changed our lives with 20% off using code straightup at londonnootropics.comFollow us on IG @straightuppod and TikTok @straightuppodFind us on YouTube @straightupmediapodEmail at hello@straightuppodcast.co.ukRecs/reviewsMichael Jackson: The Verdict, NetflixMargot's Got Money Troubles, AppleTVThe strange surveilled life of Piper Rockelle: why did a former child influencer decide to go on OnlyFans?, GuardianEuphoria's Chloe Cherry On Cassie's OnlyFans Storyline: “Holy Sh*t, That's Where We Are In Society?”. Refinery29The Dark Side of Kidfluencing, NetflixWhy is the Right so mad about Alex Cooper's pregnancy? New York MagazineGen Z Women's New "Anti-Woke Voice", Diabolical Lies‘A husband expects a yes': how wife schools are shaping submissive Christian women, Guardian. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jeff Abraham didn't set out to build a sexual wellness company. He was a semiconductor engineer from a coal mining town in Pennsylvania who sold his business, retired, and got a call from his neighbor, Dr. Ronald Gilbert, the urologist who invented Promescent's delay spray. One conversation, one product sample, and one phone call later, Jeff was all in. What followed was fifteen years of building one of the most respected sexual wellness brands in the world with over 5 million bottles sold, more than 4,000 healthcare professionals recommending the product, and a mission that Jeff describes simply as helping people. Along the way, he lost his closest friend to an act of senseless violence. And he decided the best thing he could do with that grief was give Dr. Gilbert the legacy he deserved. In this episode, Dr. Jenni Skyler and Daniel Lebowitz sit down with Jeff for one of the most candid and practically useful conversations about male sexual functioning you'll find anywhere. They dig into the clinical reality of premature ejaculation, the difference between clinical PE and the much larger group of men who simply want better intimacy. Why 75% of women don't orgasm from intercourse alone, and what that means for couples. Why men who struggle with PE often stop initiating sex entirely, and the spiral that follows. How shame, not physiology, is usually the most dangerous factor in the room. And why Jeff's answer to "what's the best thing you can do for better intimacy?" is still, always, communication. They also talk about the rise of male masturbatory devices, why younger men are increasingly choosing not to pursue partners at all, the engineering logic behind Promescent's patented eutectic formula, and how to "put one in the bank" before intercourse if anxiety is running the show. This is a conversation for men who have quietly stepped back from intimacy because of shame and for the partners who don't understand why. Jeff is warm, irreverent, deeply informed, and completely unafraid to say the thing most people in this space are dancing around.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dr. Jenni Skyler and Daniel Lebowitz sit down with Zach and Sally Maxwell, relationship thought leaders, executive coaches, and co-founders of The Art of Conscious Love, for a conversation that will change how you think about romance. Together since they were 18, the Maxwells have built a modern relationship framework around a radical premise: love is not something you fall into. It's something you practice. They walk through their eight-pillar approach to conscious relationships covering personal accountability, inner narratives, transparency, desire, conflict resolution, and the art of consciously designing your own monogamy. A masterclass in what it actually takes to make love last. https://www.max-wellcoaching.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sally-swallow-maxwell/ sally@max-wellcoaching.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
If Part 1 was about the field of sexual medicine, Part 2 is about the marriage at the center of it. Dr. Jenni Skyler and Daniel Lebowitz return to their conversation with Dr. Irwin and Sue Goldstein, and this time, the questions get more personal. How do you stay married for fifty years? What does great sex actually look like across the decades? And what happens when a woman who has spent her career in sexual medicine starts experiencing low desire herself? Sue Goldstein opens up about her own journey through peri-menopause and the slow erosion of her libido- what she calls "duty sex", and the medications that brought not just her sex drive back, but a playfulness in her marriage she hadn't realized had gone missing. She walks listeners through her menopause toolbox of five treatments, explains why she's "76 and feels like she's in her 50s", and dismantles the lingering fears from the Women's Health Initiative that have kept generations of women in what she calls hormone prison. Dr. Irwin shares his own daily protocols for sexual health, why he believes most older men are leaving capacity on the table, and the surprising data from their own clinic- that more than half the Vyleesi prescriptions they write are off-label for men. They explore why dopamine is dopamine, regardless of gender. The reality of persistent genital arousal disorder. And a remarkable story of a teenage horseback rider whose chronic arousal turned out to be a herniated disc. This episode is full of practical wisdom, clinical innovation, and one of the most real conversations about long-term love you'll hear all year. The Goldsteins' secret to fifty years of marriage? Best friends, good sex, and the willingness to keep trying new things — including a chocolate sauce on the day before you change the sheets. Irwin Goldstein, MD, IF (he/him/his). Director, San Diego Sexual Medicine 5555 Reservoir Drive, Suite 300, San Diego, CA 92120, Director, Sexual Medicine, UC San Diego Health East Campus, San Diego, CA. Clinical Professor of Urology, University of California at San Diego. Voluntary Clinical Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Services Past President, International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health. Past President, Sexual Medicine Society of North America. Editor Emeritus, Sexual Medicine Reviews, The Journal of Sexual Medicine, International Journal of Impotence Research. Phone: 619 265-8865 - Mobile: 619 987-7432. Email: dr.irwingoldstein@gmail.com. http://www.sandiegosexualmedicine.com. Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SDSexMed. X: http://twitter.com/SDSexualMedSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What if the biggest barrier to better sex isn’t your body, your partner, or your libido, but the shame and silence surrounding it? In this episode, Dr Mariam sits down with Australia’s go-to sexologist, Chantelle Otten, for a candid, practical and deeply reassuring conversation about sex, intimacy and why so many of us are still too embarrassed to talk about what’s happening in the bedroom. From mismatched libidos and postpartum desire dips to painful sex, vaginismus and the mental load that can kill the mood before anyone even makes it to bed, Chantelle explains why great sex isn’t about performance, it’s about curiosity, communication and giving yourself permission to change the rules. Plus, she answers your anonymous listener questions: Why can you orgasm alone but not with a partner? Is it normal to lose all desire after kids? And what should you know before going to your first sex party? GET IN TOUCH Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon. Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here. Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room. Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok. Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber New Mamamia subscribers get $40 off — $20 off an annual membership and $20 off your TWOOBS order. Click here to subscribe.Already a subscriber? Click here for your $20 TWOOBS discount code.T&C's apply. CREDITS Hosts: Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam Guest: Chantelle Otten Senior Producer: Tahli Blackman Executive Producer: Grace Rouvray Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy Audio Producer: Scott Stronach Social Producer: Elly Moore Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.Information discussed in Well. is for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When Susan Bratton talks about intimacy, she doesn't speak in theory. She speaks from 34 years of marriage. From decades of teaching couples how to stay erotically connected through every life stage. From writing 44 books and programs on passionate lovemaking and from her own personal journey. Eleven years into her marriage, she had never had an orgasm from intercourse and was avoiding sex with her husband entirely. Then she learned. And everything changed. In this episode, Dr. Jenni Skyler and Daniel Lebowitz sit down with Susan for a wide-ranging conversation about what really keeps long-term love erotically alive. They talk about the expanded orgasm practice she learned from her mentor Dr. Patti Taylor — and how it transformed Susan from someone who couldn't orgasm during intercourse into someone who describes herself as an "orgasmic optimizer." They explore why Susan rejects the word "anorgasmia" entirely, replacing it with a single word: yet. They dig into the truth about female arousal that most couples never learn — that women's erectile tissue takes 20 to 30 minutes to fully engorge, and that the cultural script of "get hard, penetrate, finish" is, in Susan's words, "a religiously repressed patriarchal female oppression strategy that is no longer working." They talk about scheduled intimate dates (Susan and her husband have them two to six times a week), radical honesty as the foundation of a 34-year marriage, and why turn-on isn't just about sex — it's a life force that spills into everything. Susan also shares her ten intimacy principles — including the one she calls the most important of them all: practicing radical honesty. If you've ever wondered whether long-term love and erotic aliveness can coexist — Susan is the proof, and this episode is the playbook. Susan is a champion and advocate for all those who desire ageless intimacy. She is a best-selling author and publisher of 44 books and programs including Sexual Soulmates, Relationship Magic, Revive Her Drive, The Steamy Sex Ed® Video Collection, Ravish Him, Dirty Talk, The Pumping Guide and Thrust In Time. She’s the official company spokesperson for GAINSWave® and TheDr. Joel Kaplan Company. She serves as Chief Advocacy Officer of ProDxHealth.org STI testing. Susan has been a featured guest on over 1,000 podcasts and TV shows, including: Diary of a CEO, You Are Not Broken, Sex with Emily, The Human Upgrade with Dave Asprey, GoodMoms Bad Choices, HealThyself, IDIOT with Laura Clery, The Infamous “Clit Camp” Music Video, LuvBites with Dr. Tara, and The Chalene Show. Her books and interviews have helped millions take control of their sexual joy. Her message resonates across gender and age because it’s rooted in agency, body literacy, and connection. Susan Bratton | "Intimacy Expert to Millions ” CEO, Better Lover · Personal Life Media · The20 Susan has spent over two decades doing something censorship and shame have long tried to silence: teaching people the pleasure-based sex education they never received. She is the world's most prolific sex educator and author of 44 books and programs. Her newsletters, Better Lover, Personal Life Media, The20, and Longevity Wins, reach 300,000 readers, and her precision sexual vitality supplements are formulated on the science of blood flow and desire. SusanBratton.com BetterLover.com Personal Life Media, Inc.The20, LLC.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, Dr. Jenni and Daniel sit down with Michele Weiner-Davis — internationally renowned marriage therapist, bestselling author, and creator of the Divorce Busting method — for a conversation about what most therapists won't tell you: that many marriages assumed to be over are actually salvageable, and that infidelity, while devastating, is rarely the real ending.Michele shares the personal story behind her solution-focused approach, including how her own mother's divorce shaped her commitment to helping couples find another way. Michele, Jenni, and Daniel dig into the questions betrayed partners feel compelled to ask — and which ones quietly keep the pain alive longer than it needs to. They explore the unfaithful partner's essential role in repair, why "just communicate" isn't enough, and what real healing actually requires from both people in the room.This is a conversation for anyone who has wondered if their relationship can come back from something hard — and for anyone who has been told it can’t. Links: Michele@divorcebusting.com2-day intensive InformationAudiobook: Healing from InfidelityWebsite: DivorceBusting.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Send us a text & leave your email address if you want a reply!If you believe that mismatched libidos are destroying your relationship, you're not alone—but you're also not seeing the full picture. What if everything you've been told about "high desire vs. low desire" partners is completely wrong? In this explosive episode of Sex Reimagined, somatic sex therapist Susan Morgan Taylor reveals the real culprits behind fading desire and introduces her revolutionary "Pleasure Keys" process that's helping couples worldwide reignite passion—no matter how long they've been together.EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS➠ Why the "high libido vs. low libido" narrative is damaging your relationship➠ The three root causes of desire discrepancy that no one talks about➠ How mismatched sex drives are actually a skills problem, not a fundamental incompatibility➠ The critical difference between direct and indirect pleasure seeeking➠ The game-changing distinction between expressing desire vs. making requests➠ How to create safety for sharing fantasies without pressure➠ Negotiation techniques that turn "no" into enthusiastic "yes"CLICK HERE FOR LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEROOTED IN DESIRE. A Journey Back to Your Feminine Essence If you're a heart-centered woman ready to embody your femininity, awaken your sacred sexuality, and fall deeply in love with yourself, this immersion is for you. Register: https://www.sexreimagined.com/rooted-in-desire THE MALE GSPOT & PROSTATE MASTERCLASS. This is for you if… You've heard of epic anal orgasms, & you wonder if it's possible for you too. Save 20% Coupon PODCAST20. AWAKEN AROUSAL OIL LUBRICANT | Reach new levels of intimacy with our arousal oil, formulated for the female body. Once applied, this topical oil works with your body to enhance sensation and "o's," helping you reach states of euphoric pleasure.Support the showFREEBIE- Introduction to Tantric Kissing Video and WorkbookSxR WebsiteDr. Willow's WebsiteLeah's Website
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we're joined by sex therapist and psychologist Cassandra Kleefman for a no-BS conversation about libido, orgasms, painful sex, desire, shame, and what sex therapy actually looks like.We talk about spontaneous vs. responsive desire, why low libido is not always the real problem, how pelvic pain can become a mind-body feedback loop, and why so many women feel pressure to perform during sex. Cassandra also breaks down clitoral anatomy, orgasm myths, and what makes someone actually 'good in bed'.If you've ever wondered, “Is this normal?”, this episode is the conversation you probably needed years ago.Connect with Cassandra below:Website is hereInstagram is hereDon't forget to follow us on Instagram @girlsgonewellnesspodcast for updates and more wellness tips. You can also subscribe to our Youtube Channel @Girlsgonewellnesspodcast to watch our episodes! Please subscribe to our podcast and leave a review—we truly appreciate your support. Let's embark on this journey to wellness together!DISCLAIMER: Nothing mentioned in this episode is medical advice and should not be taken as so. If you have any health concerns, please discuss these with your doctor or a licensed healthcare professional.
RU393: JULIANE MAXWALD ON PSYCHOANALYTIC SEX THERAPY: https://renderingunconscious.substack.com/p/ru393-juliane-maxwald-on-psychoanalytic Join Rendering Unconscious Podcast at Substack for all new and archival episodes: https://renderingunconscious.substack.com Rendering Unconscious welcomes Juliane Maxwald to the podcast! She's here to talk about her new book Psychoanalytic Sex Therapy (Routledge, 2025): https://amzn.to/3QEyUBy Rendering Unconscious episode 393. On this episode, Juliane discusses her new book Psychoanalytic Sex Therapy, which integrates psychoanalytic theory with sex therapy, focusing on the mind-body connection. Juliane shares her own journey from aspiring artist to psychoanalyst and sex therapist. She discusses a couple of case studies from the book, emphasizing the importance of addressing sexuality's unconscious aspects. In her work, she takes an interdisciplinary approach to modern psychoanalysis. Juliane Maxwald is a Licensed Psychoanalyst (LP) and an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST), specializing in relationships, intimacy and career issues. https://julianemaxwald.com Follow her at Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julianemaxwald/ RU News & Events: Friday, May 1st: LIVE RU Podcast event with Lara Sheehi on May Day for her new book From the Clinic to the Streets: Psychoanalysis for Revolutionary Futures (Pluto Press, 2026). With Carterr Carter as discussant. https://rucenterforpsychoanalysis.substack.com/p/live-ru-podcast-event-with-lara-sheehi All paid subscribers to RU Center for Psychoanalysis and Rendering Unconscious podcast will receive the zoom link to attend this event live and the recording will be archived at both Substacks. https://rucenterforpsychoanalysis.substack.com https://renderingunconscious.substack.com Full archive of RU Center events and CLASSES HERE: https://rucenterforpsychoanalysis.substack.com/t/classes See RU Center SCHEDULE OF EVENTS HERE: https://rucenterforpsychoanalysis.substack.com/p/schedule Rendering Unconscious is also a book: Rendering Unconscious: Psychoanalytic Perspectives, Politics & Poetry vols 1:1 & 1:2 (Trapart Books, 2024): https://amzn.to/4sOqSEu Thank you for being a paid subscriber to Rendering Unconscious Podcast. It makes my work possible. If you are so far a free subscriber, thanks to you too. Please consider becoming a paid subscriber to gain access to all the material on the site, including new, future, and archival podcast episodes. It's so important to maintain independent spaces free from censorship and corporate influence. If you are interested in pursuing psychoanalytic treatment with me, please feel free to contact me directly: www.drvanessasinclair.net/contact/ Thank You.
Peggy J. Kleinplatz, Ph.D. is Professor in the Faculty of Medicine and Director of the Optimal Sexual Experiences Research Team at the University of Ottawa. She is a clinical psychologist, Board Certified in Sex Education and is a Diplomate and Supervisor of Sex Therapy. She is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association. She was awarded the Prix d'Excellence in 2000 for her teaching of Human Sexuality. She has a particular interest in sexual health among older people, disabled and marginalized populations. Kleinplatz has edited five books, notably New Directions in Sex Therapy: Innovations and Alternatives, (Routledge, 2nd Edition), winner of the AASECT 2013 Book Award, Sadomasochism: Powerful Pleasures with Dr. Charles Moser (2006) and Sexuality and Ageing (2015) with Dr. Walter Bouman. She is the author with A. Dana Ménard, Ph.D. of Magnificent Sex: Lessons from Extraordinary Lovers, winner of the Society for Sex Therapy and Research Consumer Book Award 2021. In 2015, Kleinplatz received the Professional Standard of Excellence Award from the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counsellors and Therapists. In 2021, Kleinplatz received a Distinguished Sexual and Gender Health Revolutionary Award from the Medical School of the University of Minnesota. Her clinical work focuses on eroticism and transformation. Her research, writing, teaching and clinical work have been intended to challenge, expand and diversify the field of sex therapy. Listeners, you can get in touch with Peggy and her team of researchers at Optimal Sexual Experiences and learn more about her bio and publications through the University of Ottawa! If you want to catch up on other shows, just visit our website and please subscribe! We love our listeners and welcome your feedback, so if you love Our Better Half, please give us a 5-star rating and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. It really helps support our show! As always, thanks for listening!
If your relationship feels off but nothing is “wrong,” you're not alone. In this episode, Andryanna sits down with relationship coach Monica Tanner to explore why couples feel disconnected, how roommate syndrome shows up in modern relationships, and what it actually takes to reconnect in a realistic way.It's that subtle shift where a relationship looks “fine” on the surface; but connection feels distant, conversations feel functional, and both partners can end up feeling unseen in different ways.Drawing from her work in Relational Life Therapy and Sex Therapy, Monica shares a grounded, real-life perspective on why this happens, especially during busy seasons of life, and how couples can begin to understand and shift these patterns without adding more pressure. Together, they unpack the invisible dynamics that shape modern relationships and offer practical, realistic ways to move back toward connection and true partnership.In this episode:What “roommate syndrome” actually is and why so many couples experience it;Why relationships can feel disconnected even when there's love and effort;What's really happening underneath resentment; How mental load and daily life pressures show up inside a relationship;Why “just communicate” often doesn't work and what to do instead;The difference between compromise and true collaboration;What real teamwork looks like in a modern relationship;How small shifts in awareness can begin to rebuild connection.This episode offers a refreshing and honest take on relationships, not focused on perfection, but on understanding, awareness, and sustainable change.CONNECT WITH MONICA:MonicaTanner.comOn InstagramMonica's Book - Bad Marriage Advice: Debunking Myths That Will Make You Miserable and What To Do InsteadCONNECT WITH ANDRYANNA:Get your copy of The Juggle is Real: Authentic Self-Care Planner Vol. 2 HERE! On InstagramEmail: hello@andryanna.comAnd please visit Andryanna.com for blogs, giveaways, workshops, tools, resources and more.Keywords: roommate syndromefeeling disconnected in a relationshipwhy couples feel like roommatesemotional disconnection in marriagerelationship feels offmental load in relationshipsresentment in marriagehow to reconnect in a relationshipmarriage after kidsrelationship advice for busy momscollaboration vs compromiseteamwork in relationships
Re-introducing Dr A back to host Sex PharmD. Sex Therapy 101 and the 5 Love Languages
As therapy language floods social media, more people are associating friends, partners, and co-workers with mental health disorders, spotting “red flags” everywhere, and labeling regular human flaws as psychological abuse. In this episode, host Gabe Howard is joined by psychologist and author Dr. Isabelle Morley to unpack how therapy speak, short-form content, and armchair psychology are reshaping modern human interaction — and not always for the better. For example, believing your ex is a narcissist might feel validating, but is it actually helping you heal, or quietly harming your ability to connect? Listeners will learn: why increased mental health awareness can both help and harm relationships how “therapy speak” can shut down communication instead of improving it what real red flags look like, and which behaviors require more context Together, they explore the difference between true abuse and imperfect behavior, why nuance gets lost online, how misused labels end conversations, and what happens when everyone becomes an “expert” after a 3-minute video. If you've ever wondered whether awareness has crossed into overdiagnosis, or felt unsure where healthy boundaries end and pathology begins, this conversation will challenge how you think about relationships, self-reflection, and mental health education itself. “Therapy terms don't need to leave the therapy room. They almost never need to be used in person in a conversation with someone. And people, I think, are using words to avoid more vulnerable connection . . .” ~Dr. Isabelle Morley, Author of They're Not Gaslighting You: Ditch the Therapy Speak and Stop Hunting for Red Flags in Every Relationship Our guest, Dr. Isabelle Morley, is a clinical psychologist and EFT-certified couples therapist (Emotionally Focused Therapy). She is a contributing author to Psychology Today in her blog Love Them or Leave Them, where she analyzes on-screen romantic relationships. She is also the co-host of Rom-Com Rescue, a podcast that teaches life and love lessons from romantic comedies. She is co-author of Navigating Intimacy: An Introductory Guide to Couples and Sex Therapy. Dr. Isabelle is frequently sought out by journalists for expert commentary on topics such as relationships, couples therapy, and reality television, and has been featured in The New Yorker, The Boston Globe, Business Insider, Vox, and Very Well Mind, among others. In philanthropic work, Dr. Isabelle is a founding board member of The Unscripted Cast Advocacy Network (UCAN) Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports reality TV cast members in accessing mental health and legal support and advocates for industry change. Our host, Gabe Howard, is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available directly from the author. Gabe is also the host of the "Inside Bipolar" podcast with Dr. Nicole Washington. Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can't imagine life without. To book Gabe for your next event or learn more about him, please visit gabehoward.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Kelsey Madenwald is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate and sex therapist at Redefined Intimacy Therapy. She supports adults, couples and polycules with concerns around intimacy, desire, communication, and relationship patterns—bringing a calm, grounded presence that helps clients feel safe being real (even when the topic feels awkward, tender, or taboo). Kelsey is also actively working toward her sex therapy certification through the Sexual Health Alliance, deepening her training in evidence-based, pleasure-positive, and trauma-informed care.In the therapy room, Kelsey's style is warm, collaborative, and practical—like having a skilled guide beside you with a flashlight and a map, not someone shouting directions from the mountaintop. She helps clients build clarity, confidence, and tools they can actually use between sessions, whether they're navigating mismatched desire, sexual concerns, identity exploration, healing from shame, or creating healthier connection.We're grateful to have Kelsey on our team, and I'm excited for you to get to know her work.Support the showJust a quick note: this show is for education and conversation. It isn't therapy, and it's not a substitute for therapy. Sometimes I'll have therapists and other professionals on the show, but this still isn't personal clinical care. If you need support, please reach out to a licensed professional in your area. And if you're in crisis or there's an emergency, contact your local emergency services right away.
The “Perfect” Couple and Infidelity: Why High-Achieving Relationships Break (And What to Do Next) You did everything right. You were the smart couple. The committed couple. The high-achieving, “we've got this” couple. Date nights. Careers. Kids. Goals. You worked hard. You showed up. You performed well. So how did infidelity happen to you? If you've ever thought, “We were the perfect couple. This doesn't make sense,” this episode will open your eyes in the most grounded, compassionate way. In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Rachel Dornianu of Sage Counseling & Wellness to unpack the hidden dynamics behind the “perfect couple” myth — and why high-achieving, Type A, perfectionistic relationships are often more vulnerable than they appear. We explore how perfectionism, people-pleasing, high sensitivity, emotional avoidance, and the Gottman “Four Horsemen” quietly erode intimacy over time — even in relationships that look beautiful on the outside. If you're navigating infidelity, feeling blindsided, or wondering how something could fall apart when you both “did everything right,” this episode will help you understand what really happened — and what healing actually requires. Top 3 Takeaways Perfection Isn't the Same as Connection High achievement, polished date nights, and shared goals can mask roommate syndrome, emotional loneliness, and avoidance. When couples stop pausing, attuning, and truly connecting, resentment and unmet needs quietly build beneath the surface. Performance is not intimacy. Infidelity Is Often a Maladaptive Coping Mechanism While betrayal is devastating, it's frequently rooted in avoidance, trauma, shame, unmet emotional needs, and poor coping skills — not pure moral corruption. Understanding the why doesn't excuse the behavior, but it creates clarity. And clarity is the first step toward healing. Healing Requires Addressing What Was Already There Perfectionism. People-pleasing. High sensitivity. Fawning. Walking on eggshells. Avoidance. Emotional flooding. Infidelity doesn't create these patterns — it exposes them. Whether you choose to stay or separate, the real work is learning how to regulate your nervous system, communicate honestly, and stop performing so you can start being. Favorite Quote “Perfection isn't intimacy. Performance isn't connection. And infidelity doesn't create the cracks — it exposes the ones that were already there.” Loving this show? Ready to go deeper? If this episode hit close to home and you're thinking, “This is exactly what happened in my relationship,” you don't have to figure this out alone. Download your free Betrayal Recovery Toolkit at www.BetrayalRecoveryGuide.com and begin making sense of the chaos. If you're ready for personalized support — whether through Voxer coaching, private sessions, or deeper transformational work — visit www.LoraCheadle.com. And if this conversation resonated, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear that perfection is not the goal — connection is. Favorite Hash Tags #PerfectCoupleMyth #InfidelityRecovery #BetrayalHealing #PerfectionismInMarriage #HighAchievingWomen #RelationshipAfterInfidelity #EmotionalIntimacy #MarriageAfterAffair #FlauntPodcast--- About Rachel Dorneanu Rachel Dorneanu (she/her) is a licensed therapist, AASECT- certified sex therapist, and board-certified coach specializing in Anxiety, HSPs, People Pleasing, Perfectionism, and Sex Therapy, with a passion for helping people reconnect with their bodies, reduce shame, and find freedom in their wellness journey. She holds a Master's in Counseling and brings over 8 years of experience working with millennial women and moms. Through her work as a therapist and coach, Rachel integrates evidence-based approaches with compassionate education to normalize topics often left in the dark—like pelvic pain, pleasure, and embodiment. She is known for her relatable, down-to-earth style and her ability to make complex or uncomfortable topics accessible and affirming. Outside of her professional life, Rachel enjoys practicing yoga, spending time with her husband and 2 children, and traveling. Learn more at: www.sagecounselingtherapyandwellness.com or www.racheldorneanu.com CBT Workbook for Perfectionism: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07B91P55R?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzrach0e83-20&creativeASIN=B07B91P55R&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.3HY29OX8D6BTK&ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ons_d_asin LOVE THE SHOW? TAKE THE NEXT STEP Don't just listen—start healing. Get your free downloadable guide on the “The Top Three Ways You Betray Yourself Every Day, and How to Stop” at www.burnoutorbetrayal.com. https://workplace-burnout.com/the-top-3-ways-you-betray-yourself-every-day-and-how-to-stop/ If you're ready to Rise Up & Reign as the creator and queen of your life, let's talk. I will walk by your side and give you the perspective, permission, and wisdom needed to turn your betrayal experience into something constructive, empowering, and transformative in all the right ways. Learn more at www.loracheadle.com and follow me across all social! Download your Sparkle After Betrayal Recovery Guide at www.BetrayalRecoveryGuide.com, a guide designed to help you take the first steps in feeling better, so you can reclaim your power, own your worth, and start putting yourself, and your life, back together again. About Lora: Lora Cheadle, JD, CHt is a betrayal recovery coach, attorney, TEDx speaker, and author of FLAUNT! and It's Not Burnout, It's Betrayal. After uncovering her husband's 15-year affair, she turned her own pain into purpose—helping high-achieving women reclaim their identity, power, and joy. A trauma-aware coach, somatic therapist, and former attorney, Lora blends legal insight with emotional and spiritual healing for full-spectrum recovery. She is the author of FLAUNT! Drop Your Cover and Reveal Your Smart, Sexy, & Spiritual Self (an International Book Awards Finalist and Tattered Cover Bestseller) and It's Not Burnout, It's Betrayal: 5 Tools to FUEL UP & Thrive. She also hosts the podcast FLAUNT! Create a Life You Love After Infidelity and Betrayal. Learn more at www.loracheadle.com and follow me across all social! Get the support you need to find your footing, begin making sense of it all, and feel better fast. As an attorney, betrayal recovery expert, and survivor of infidelity I can help you find the clarity and confidence to create a life that you love on the other side of betrayal. Book Your Session Here: https://calendly.com/loras-schedule/coaching-session Thank you to BetterHelp for sponsoring this podcast! Take charge of your mental health and get 10% off your first month of therapy at https://BetterHelp.com/FLAUNT READY TO START A BETTER CHAPTER? Step into the future you've always dreamed of with the power of transformative rituals with the Mindful Subscription Box. Get a monthly box full of crystals, aromatherapy, and other spiritual tools worth $120. You deserve high-quality gems, crystals, oils, and mindfulness tools for self-care that truly work. It's a monthly dose of self-love delivered right to your door! Go to www.Mindfulsouls.com and use Discount Code LORA25 for 25% off your order!
You did everything right. You were the smart couple. The committed couple. The high-achieving, “we've got this” couple. Date nights. Careers. Kids. Goals. You worked hard. You showed up. You performed well. So how did infidelity happen to you? If you've ever thought, “We were the perfect couple. This doesn't make sense,” this episode will open your eyes in the most grounded, compassionate way. In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Rachel Dornianu of Sage Counseling & Wellness to unpack the hidden dynamics behind the “perfect couple” myth — and why high-achieving, Type A, perfectionistic relationships are often more vulnerable than they appear. We explore how perfectionism, people-pleasing, high sensitivity, emotional avoidance, and the Gottman “Four Horsemen” quietly erode intimacy over time — even in relationships that look beautiful on the outside. If you're navigating infidelity, feeling blindsided, or wondering how something could fall apart when you both “did everything right,” this episode will help you understand what really happened — and what healing actually requires. Top 3 Takeaways Perfection Isn't the Same as Connection High achievement, polished date nights, and shared goals can mask roommate syndrome, emotional loneliness, and avoidance. When couples stop pausing, attuning, and truly connecting, resentment and unmet needs quietly build beneath the surface. Performance is not intimacy. Infidelity Is Often a Maladaptive Coping Mechanism While betrayal is devastating, it's frequently rooted in avoidance, trauma, shame, unmet emotional needs, and poor coping skills — not pure moral corruption. Understanding the why doesn't excuse the behavior, but it creates clarity. And clarity is the first step toward healing. Healing Requires Addressing What Was Already There Perfectionism. People-pleasing. High sensitivity. Fawning. Walking on eggshells. Avoidance. Emotional flooding. Infidelity doesn't create these patterns — it exposes them. Whether you choose to stay or separate, the real work is learning how to regulate your nervous system, communicate honestly, and stop performing so you can start being. Favorite Quote “Perfection isn't intimacy. Performance isn't connection. And infidelity doesn't create the cracks — it exposes the ones that were already there.” Loving this show? Ready to go deeper? If this episode hit close to home and you're thinking, “This is exactly what happened in my relationship,” you don't have to figure this out alone. Download your free Betrayal Recovery Toolkit at www.BetrayalRecoveryGuide.com and begin making sense of the chaos. If you're ready for personalized support — whether through Voxer coaching, private sessions, or deeper transformational work — visit www.LoraCheadle.com. And if this conversation resonated, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear that perfection is not the goal — connection is. Favorite Quote #PerfectCoupleMyth #InfidelityRecovery #BetrayalHealing #PerfectionismInMarriage #HighAchievingWomen #RelationshipAfterInfidelity #EmotionalIntimacy #MarriageAfterAffair #FlauntPodcast About Rachel Dorneanu Rachel Dorneanu (she/her) is a licensed therapist, AASECT- certified sex therapist, and board-certified coach specializing in Anxiety, HSPs, People Pleasing, Perfectionism, and Sex Therapy, with a passion for helping people reconnect with their bodies, reduce shame, and find freedom in their wellness journey. She holds a Master's in Counseling and brings over 8 years of experience working with millennial women and moms. Through her work as a therapist and coach, Rachel integrates evidence-based approaches with compassionate education to normalize topics often left in the dark—like pelvic pain, pleasure, and embodiment. She is known for her relatable, down-to-earth style and her ability to make complex or uncomfortable topics accessible and affirming. Outside of her professional life, Rachel enjoys practicing yoga, spending time with her husband and 2 children, and traveling.
Most people think sex therapy means Masters and Johnson-style homework or uncomfortable demonstrations. Dr. Shannon Chavez explains what it actually is—and why sexual concerns are rarely about sex at all. They're about intimacy, attachment, and learning to feel safe in your own body.Dr. Chavez has spent her career helping individuals and couples navigate sexual shame, intimacy disorders, and compulsive behaviors through a trauma informed, non-pathologizing framework. We discuss how shame is learned, not inherent, and why the opposite of shame is acceptance. We talk about how she approaches vaginismus and pelvic pain patients in therapy, why pain can live in the body even after the physical issue is resolved, and how mental rehearsal and visualization help people reclaim pleasure.We also discuss compulsive sexual behaviors not as addiction in the traditional sense, but as intimacy disorders rooted in early trauma and attachment. Dr. Chavez explains why the sex negative addiction model has done more harm than good, how porn is designed to overconsume just like doom scrolling, and why education around healthy sexuality is more effective than abstinence only approaches. We cover pleasure literacy, the difference between healthy desire and compulsive use, and why sex should feel like play, not another item on your to-do list.HighlightsThe body keeps score even after physical pain is resolved, which is why sex therapy is essential for sexual dysfunction issues.Compulsive sexual behaviors are often rooted in early trauma, attachment issues, and lack of self-soothing skills rather than traditional addiction.The sex-negative addiction model has created more stigma and hasn't been effective healing intimacy disorders is more successful.Pleasure literacy means understanding what pleasure means to you personally, not fitting into a prescribed definition.AI companions and technology are creating more isolation, which amplifies sexual and intimacy issues.If you've been struggling with sexual shame, pain, or compulsive behaviors, know that you're not broken. These are things many people navigate at different points in our lives, and reaching out for help doesn't mean years of therapy sometimes it's just getting permission or validation from someone who understands.Get in Touch with Dr. Chavez:WebsiteInstagramTikTokYoutubeGet in Touch with Me: WebsiteInstagramYoutubeSubstack
Paul Joannides is an author and sex therapist who discusses the impact of his book on reducing anxiety and shame around sex. In this never before published episode from the Modern Pleasure Podcast which Kim Kaplan and Dr. Jenni Skyler co-hosted together, they discuss the challenges parents face in educating their children about sex and the importance of starting these conversations early. They also explore the role of religion and societal norms in shaping sexual attitudes. Dr. Paul emphasizes the need for better sex education, particularly for men, and the importance of understanding the differences between male and female sexuality.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Did you know? Sex isn't just physical. It is deeply connected to your nervous system, trauma history, body image, and sense of safety. In this episode of The Wellness Effect, we explore how intimacy can actually become a space for healing when it's rooted in trust and regulation. Today we're joined by Ivana Kolakovic, a registered Sex & Relationships Therapist from Kat Kova Therapy specializing in sex and relationship therapy. We dive into how trauma lives in the body, why shame blocks sexual desire, and the difference between spontaneous and responsive desire. We talk about brakes and accelerators in intimacy, body image struggles, hormonal shifts, parenting transitions, and how couples can rebuild connection through nervous system safety. This conversation is nuanced, compassionate, and deeply practical; especially if you've ever wondered, "What's wrong with me?" when it comes to sex or intimacy. What You'll Learn: In this episode, we discuss: What somatic therapy actually means (and how it differs from talk therapy) How trauma gets stored in the nervous system Why safety is the foundation of pleasurable sex Accelerators vs. brakes in sexual desire Why relationships are powerful tools for nervous system regulation Chapters: 01:21 - Meet Ivana + what somatic therapy means 06:44 - Talk therapy vs. somatic work 08:49 - Why sex can be a space for healing 10:05 - Low desire, shame & sexual disconnection 18:22 - Safety, ventral state & healing through intimacy 25:00 - Parenting, burnout & libido changes 29:33 - Responsive vs. spontaneous desire 33:04 - Accelerators and brakes explained 40:00 - Body image, shame & self-acceptance 48:31 -Trauma responses in intimacy 53:49 - Open relationships: when they work (and when they don't) Connect with Kat Kova Therapy: Website: https://katkovatherapy.com/ Email: info@katkovatherapy.com Want to Work With Us? Join us in the Root Cause Reset Program: https://www.lifestyleucoaching.ca/wellness-effect-906145 and use code "Wellness Effect" for a FREE functional lab test when you join the program. Follow us on Instagram: The Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/wellnesseffectpod/ Lacey Iskra - https://www.instagram.com/laceeiskk/ Jensen - https://www.instagram.com/wellnesswjensen/ Kira Iskra - https://www.instagram.com/kiraiskk/ Lifestyle U have helped over 1,000+ women transform their mind and body and become the best version of themselves. Want to be next? Click Here to Apply! - https://www.lifestyleucoaching.ca/apply If you loved this episode and want to hear more, subscribe and leave a review! Share this episode with a friend who's ready to start their own wellness journey. Follow us on Instagram at @wellnesseffectpod to stay up-to-date with the latest episodes and tips.
Send a text- On-Demand Programme Link - https://mailchi.mp/bb2a7b851246/kairos-centreFrom where did you get your Sex Ed knowledge back there during the developing childhood years, which you have been following through and repeatedly practising in adulthood? Was it 'Peers, banter and porn' which set up your sexual template, long before school Sex Ed - which got there way too late; the deed was already done. You give a wry smile when asked about Sex Ed at home from parents! For most - there was none at home; for others, if there was, it came way too late.Once the five senses of sight, smell, taste, touch & sound brings images and experiences onto the brain - those 'firsts' have already set up the templates - which will then be repeatedly played out in adulthood sexuality, as being 'right' and 'works'. Not necessarily true. They are templates, but they may not be accurate of 'right'. They are just what your brain experienced as 'first time' and the template is set up (whether wanted or not) and will reproduce and reproduce; churning out the same old, same old - 'seems to work'; (but you know it isn't working as you want it to work!The setting up of those templates during the childhood development period are called sexual myths. Sexual myths need to be unlearned. Then replaced with accurate knowledge about human sexually and physiological responses. That is what The Kairos Centre provide, when its Therapists are wearing a different hat and skill set called Psychosexual Therapy. (I use the shorted term of 'Sex Therapy').It can be transformation, when (for the first time) you experience Sensuality, Intimacy, Romance, Deep Love & Affection - at a must higher level (after cleansing out the dross); which is so fulfilling on its own; and you haven't even had sex yet!Come and see and experience it for yourself. Then you will have eyes to see and body to feel the difference of 'sex gone wrong' all those years that you have been doing it!Help is here for you: bit.ly/pornaddictionhelpGary McFarlane (BA, LLM, Dip, Certs), Accredited EMDR Practitioner.Key words: sex addiction, addicted, partner, porn addiction, recovery, sex drive, therapy, sex therapy, podcast, relationships, relationship counseling, relationship advice, addiction, couples, couples therapy, sex therapy, emdr, love addiction, behavior, psychology, codependency, sex life, neuroscience, sex ed, sober, sobriety, sexual dysfunction, relationship issues, sex coach, sexual, trauma, ptsd, sex science, The sex porn love Addiction Podcast, The Singles Partners Marrieds and Long Time Marrieds Podcast, Gary McFarlane, porn addiction, what neuroscience says, neuroscience, young adults, sex, sex addict, porn, recovery, porn addiction issue, porn addiction in teens, sex addiction in teens, sex hormones,Support the show
In this bonus episode, Kim Kaplan, Dr. Jenni Skyler, and Natalie discuss the therapeutic use of psychedelics, particularly MDMA, for healing sexual trauma. They emphasize that different psychedelics are suited to different traumas and that set and setting are crucial. Natalie highlights the importance of a knowledgeable guide and the process of preparation, including obtaining informed consent. They role-play a preparation session, illustrating the need to address ambivalence and fear. Dr. Skyler experiences anxiety and fear, which Natalie validates and respects. The conversation underscores the necessity of creating a safe therapeutic environment where clients can express their true feelings and needs, empowering them in their healing journey.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this lost episode from "The Modern Pleasure Podcast" Kim and Jenni talk to Natalie Cooney who runs the Compass Healing Project about healing trauma with both somatic experiencing and psychedelics. Natalie is an expert on somatic experiencing and how sexual trauma can exist in our body and how to heal that. We dive into sexual disassociation, the power of psychedelics and how to be present with that trauma and deeply heal. Industry Portfolio: www.natalierushcooney.comLicensed Clinical Work: www.compasshealingproject.comCoaching + Consulting: www.myembodiedsoul.com Instagram: @compasshealingproject Twitter/X: @natalierushcooney Facebook: /compasshealingproject Linkdin: www.linkedin.com/in/natalierushcooney // Compass Healing Project See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Listen to this Bonus Episode where Kim, Jenni and Daniel discuss the hows, when and why talking about sex with your children is an important part of healthy sexual development. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sex Therapy, Sobriety & Intimacy On this episode of the Make Mental Health Matter Show host Kelli Melissa Reinhardt has special guest Angela Skurtu. Little bit about Angela's story from her: I am a Sex and Marriage Therapist. I am on e360tv as well. I have couples retreats, a recent best seller anthology I am in where I discuss getting sober from alcohol and I have a fun event "Dinner with a Sex Therapist" coming up on Valentine's Day. Short bio: Angela Skurtu, M.Ed., LMFT-S, ACST-S, is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified Sex Therapist, and supervisor for both. Known for “opening bedroom doors” (literally and metaphorically), she helps couples move from being great roommates to becoming great lovers again—no shame, no awkward silences, just real talk about real relationships. She's the author of three books, including From Fck No to Fck Yes Sex!, and the host of The Open Bedroom Doors Show on YouTube, where she explores everything from awkward first times to reigniting passion after decades of marriage. With humor, honesty, and practical strategies, Angela brings tough topics like intimacy, infidelity, and conflict into the light—making them feel less intimidating and even fun. She speaks at conferences across the country and internationally, and leads retreats and events that help couples reconnect in creative, meaningful ways. Learn more at OpenBedroomDoors.com. Find out more about Angela here: www.openbedroomdoors.com https://www.youtube.com/@Openbedroomdoors https://www.facebook.com/groups/iopenbedroomdoors https://www.facebook.com/openbedroomdoors https://www.patreon.com/c/OpenBedroomDoors https://www.instagram.com/openbedroomdoors https://www.tiktok.com/@openbedroomdoors https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B01BX1CK9I?ccs_id=369e9695-932e-41fc-98b5-e6d417fba7d8 Want to find out when the next incredible episode of Make Mental Health Matter show is dropping? Sign up for the Make Mental Health Matter newsletter for special tips, and insider only offers. Click HERE to sign up today! Need more resources? www.makementalhealthmatter.org https://linktr.ee/makementalhealthmatter
Listen to this past episode from the Modern Pleasure Podcast where Kim talks to Dr. Jenni and her husband, Daniel Lebowitz on the subject of ED. Daniel explains how ED plagues both the partnership and the man, but how important it is for the penis to be the signal, acting like a lightning rod for your needs, wants, fears and boundaries. Daniel also covers important facts around prostate surgery. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This "Listen Again" episode was one of our favorites, and it deserves a re-visit! Dr. Jenni and Kim talk to Dr. Craig Heacock, an adolescent and adult psychiatrist and addiction specialist in Colorado who hosts the psychiatric storytelling podcast “Back from the Abyss.” He is a co-therapist in the Phase 3 trial of MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy for PTSD and has particular interest in the use of psychedelics to treat severe mood disorders and PTSD. In this conversation, we talk about psychiatric drugs and their effect on our sex drive. Dive into this fascinating conversation for the first time, or again...with Dr. Craig Heacock. Find Dr. Heacocks podcast here https://www.craigheacockmd.com/podcast-page/ Kim’s blog 31-50 - https://31to50.blogspot.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today I spoke with Juliane Maxwald abut her new book Psychoanalytic Sex Therapy: Exploring the Unconscious Life of Sexuality (Taylor & Francis, 2025). Maxwald bridges psychoanalytic theory with contemporary sex therapy to demonstrate that sexual symptoms are rarely just about sex—they're embodied expressions of unconscious conflict, early attachment wounds, relational trauma, and unmet developmental needs. Through eleven richly detailed clinical cases—including Jon's shame-bound spanking fantasies, Connie's trauma-releasing masturbation, Maurice's porn use masking performance anxiety, Joelle's compulsive sexual behavior, Brian's BDSM healing, and Anna and Darren's painful desire discrepancy—Maxwald shows how integrating psychodynamic insight with behavioral interventions, somatic awareness, and trauma-informed care creates transformative healing. The book argues that sexuality is a "portal to the unconscious," where repetition compulsion, dissociation, shame, and erotic transference play out in the body, and that therapeutic work requires not just fixing dysfunction but decoding symbolic meanings, tolerating ambiguity, attending to countertransference, and creating relational safety where clients can reclaim embodied agency, authentic desire, and the capacity for surrender—while acknowledging that sometimes, pragmatically, "a cigar is just a cigar" and simpler medical or behavioral solutions serve clients best. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/psychoanalysis
Today I spoke with Juliane Maxwald abut her new book Psychoanalytic Sex Therapy: Exploring the Unconscious Life of Sexuality (Taylor & Francis, 2025). Maxwald bridges psychoanalytic theory with contemporary sex therapy to demonstrate that sexual symptoms are rarely just about sex—they're embodied expressions of unconscious conflict, early attachment wounds, relational trauma, and unmet developmental needs. Through eleven richly detailed clinical cases—including Jon's shame-bound spanking fantasies, Connie's trauma-releasing masturbation, Maurice's porn use masking performance anxiety, Joelle's compulsive sexual behavior, Brian's BDSM healing, and Anna and Darren's painful desire discrepancy—Maxwald shows how integrating psychodynamic insight with behavioral interventions, somatic awareness, and trauma-informed care creates transformative healing. The book argues that sexuality is a "portal to the unconscious," where repetition compulsion, dissociation, shame, and erotic transference play out in the body, and that therapeutic work requires not just fixing dysfunction but decoding symbolic meanings, tolerating ambiguity, attending to countertransference, and creating relational safety where clients can reclaim embodied agency, authentic desire, and the capacity for surrender—while acknowledging that sometimes, pragmatically, "a cigar is just a cigar" and simpler medical or behavioral solutions serve clients best. 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
Today I spoke with Juliane Maxwald abut her new book Psychoanalytic Sex Therapy: Exploring the Unconscious Life of Sexuality (Taylor & Francis, 2025). Maxwald bridges psychoanalytic theory with contemporary sex therapy to demonstrate that sexual symptoms are rarely just about sex—they're embodied expressions of unconscious conflict, early attachment wounds, relational trauma, and unmet developmental needs. Through eleven richly detailed clinical cases—including Jon's shame-bound spanking fantasies, Connie's trauma-releasing masturbation, Maurice's porn use masking performance anxiety, Joelle's compulsive sexual behavior, Brian's BDSM healing, and Anna and Darren's painful desire discrepancy—Maxwald shows how integrating psychodynamic insight with behavioral interventions, somatic awareness, and trauma-informed care creates transformative healing. The book argues that sexuality is a "portal to the unconscious," where repetition compulsion, dissociation, shame, and erotic transference play out in the body, and that therapeutic work requires not just fixing dysfunction but decoding symbolic meanings, tolerating ambiguity, attending to countertransference, and creating relational safety where clients can reclaim embodied agency, authentic desire, and the capacity for surrender—while acknowledging that sometimes, pragmatically, "a cigar is just a cigar" and simpler medical or behavioral solutions serve clients best. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It may be a little taboo to talk about it, but there are a lot of people out there who, for a variety of reasons, don't have as much sex as they would like, or arguably need. And there's actually a form of therapy out there which is specifically designed to help people become more comfortable with sex and intimacy. The idea of sex surrogacy started catching on in Europe in the 2000s, and these days it's actually regulated and even covered by social security in some countries, like Switzerland, Denmark and the Netherlands. Still, in many places it's a legal grey area, and raises a number of ethical questions to boot. For example it became a subject of debate in France in 2013, when a proposal was put forward to cover sex surrogacy expenses for disabled people. Why would someone need to use the services of a sex surrogate? What's the difference between a sex surrogate and a sex worker? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions ! To listen to the latest episodes, click here: Will Star Wars: Andor live up to the hype? Why were the queen's bees told of her death? Do I have poor blood circulation? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First Broadcast: 24/9/2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rebeccasode! Dr Kirk and Rebecca answer patron emails. December 30, 2025This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/KIRK to get 10% off your first month.00:00 Rebecca's painting & Tracy Chapman 13:14 Is sex therapy long form work? 18:23 Preparing to teach workshops 33:28 Accepting sexual changes 42:01 Working with older adults 54:47 Expressing political hurt 1:13:28 Has therapist training gone downhill?Become a member: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOUZWV1DRtHtpP2H48S7iiw/joinBecome a patron: https://www.patreon.com/PsychologyInSeattleEmail: https://www.psychologyinseattle.com/contactWebsite: https://www.psychologyinseattle.comMerch: https://psychologyinseattle-shop.fourthwall.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/psychologyinseattle/Facebook Official Page: https://www.facebook.com/PsychologyInSeattle/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kirk.hondaThe Psychology In Seattle Podcast ®Trigger Warning: This episode may include topics such as assault, trauma, and discrimination. If necessary, listeners are encouraged to refrain from listening and care for their safety and well-being.Disclaimer: The content provided is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. Nothing here constitutes personal or professional consultation, therapy, diagnosis, or creates a counselor-client relationship. Topics discussed may generate differing points of view. If you participate (by being a guest, submitting a question, or commenting) you must do so with the knowledge that we cannot control reactions or responses from others, which may not agree with you or feel unfair. Your participation on this site is at your own risk, accepting full responsibility for any liability or harm that may result. Anything you write here may be used for discussion or endorsement of the podcast. Opinions and views expressed by the host and guest hosts are personal views. Although, we take precautions and fact check, they should not be considered facts and the opinions may change. Opinions posted by participants (such as comments) are not those of the hosts. Readers should not rely on any information found here and should perform due diligence before taking any action. For a more extensive description of factors for you to consider, please see www.psychologyinseattle.com(By The Daily Telegraph. Copyright holders of the image of Madeleine at three are Kate and Gerry McCann. The age-progressed image was commissioned by Scotland Yard from forensic artist Teri Blythe for release to the public. Both images have been widely disseminated by the copyright holders, and have been the subject of significant commentary., Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=39861556)
Producer Kim Kaplan interviews Jenni and Daniel on their experience hosting the first season of Sex and the Psyche, and take a look back at some of their favorite episodes and what they've learned in the process. They also give a glimpse of what to expect in Season Two. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Previously on Sex and the Psyche, Dr. Jenni and Daniel interviewed a male guest named Andy (Episode 5- The Irony of Sexual Selfishness). Andy is back to report on his progress after three months, and brings along his wife for a fun surprise!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dr. Jenni and Daniel learn about how sex toys are chosen and produced at America’s largest sex toy company, Adam and Eve. Guest colleague, Ginger Vickery “sells smiles and pleasure products”. She discusses the company’s best sellers and how to shop whether you are a beginner or advanced user of the pleasure products! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dr. Jenni and Daniel continue their conversation on the Commodification of Sex in this Bonus Episode that provides suggestions for creating deeper connections within sexual relationships in the Gen Z era. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jenni and Daniel respond to a listener question from a mom with two Gen-Z kids who is wondering why her 20-something children don’t pursue relationships or sex. Jenni and Daniel unpack this conundrum as they explore factors such as screens, social media, cultural narratives, and, how intimacy has become commodified. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Drs Dulcinea Alex Pitagora and Alex Iantaffi discuss academic journeys, the complexities of aging as a queer person, and the importance of community and intergenerational connections. They discuss the challenges faced by the queer and trans communities in the current socio-political climate, the experience of being an openly queer therapist, and the impact of capitalism on mental health, while emphasizing the need for self-compassion, joy, and connection in navigating it all. Dr. Dulcinea/Alex Pitagora is a NY-based psychotherapist and sex therapist (also licensed in NJ, PA, and CO). They have a brick-and-mortar private practice in NYC that includes individual, couples/multi-partner relationship, and poly/leather family therapy, as well as supervision and mentorship. Dr. Pitagora is an out and proud member of the queer, trans, kink, and polyamory communities, and is equally proud to be a former sex worker, as well as an anti-racist/-oppression/-exploitation activist. Dr. Pitagora holds a Master of Arts in Psychology from the New School for Social Research; a Master of Social Work from New York University; a Master of Education and a Doctorate in Clinical Sexology from Widener University; and is an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist, CST Supervisor, and CE provider along with their colleague Dr. Jillien Kahn. Dr. Pitagora teaches sexual health at New York University; has published articles and chapters in peer-reviewed journals and books; and presented at conferences on the topics of alternative sexuality and gender diversity. Dr. Pitagora is the founder of ManhattanAlternative.com, a nationwide alternative lifestyle affirmative provider listing; and was a co-founder and -organizer of the AltSex NYC Conference. Find out more about Dr Dulcinea's work at the following links: https://www.dulcineapitagora.com/ https://kinkdoctor.com/ @kinkdoctor Instagram: GenderStoriesHosted by Alex IantaffiMusic by Maxwell von RavenGender Stories logo by Lior Effinger-Weintraub
Jenni and Daniel read 3 listener questions from women who have male partners with low sex drive. Learn what depletes the male drive, even when testosterone is healthy or high. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What does great sex really mean? And why is the simplest question – “What do you really want?” – often the hardest one to answer?In this episode of The Weekly Hot Spot, Mistress Olivia and Mistress Erika sit down with the brilliant Dr. Jaime Grant – researcher, LGBTQ+ advocate, and author of Great Sex: Mapping Your Desire – for a conversation that dismantles shame, celebrates pleasure, and redefines intimacy from the inside out.This isn't just a talk about kink or technique. It's a deep dive into the emotional archaeology of desire – how shame, silence, and societal scripts keep us from claiming our deepest pleasures, especially when those desires feel taboo. Dr. Grant opens with a powerful admission: she got into this work because she was a “liar” – performing a version of herself to survive a repressive Irish Catholic upbringing. “We all develop a liar,” she explains, “and that liar shows up in our sexuality.” Whether you're a submissive wrestling with guilt, a sissy navigating feminization, or someone whose fantasies clash with their identity, this episode meets you where you are – without judgment.The conversation turns to the “purge cycle” – that all-too-familiar pattern where submissives and sissies throw away their toys and clothes in shame, only to rebuild their collections once again. Dr. Grant reframes this not as failure, but as desire breaking through. Then comes the practical magic. Dr. Grant introduces her “Name Tag Exercise” – a fun exercise tool where you introduce yourself not by your job or role, but by three words that describe your core desires. Words like slut, rope enthusiast, curious, neuro spicy, bootlicker, orgasm controller. Mistress Erika shares hers: “Fun. Curious. Obey.” Mistress Olivia, ever the wordsmith, lands on “Control as Connection,” “Intellectual Eroticism,” and “Transformation.” She reveals how power exchange, for her, is a form of artistic expression – a “ballet” of sensual influence – and how she's turned on more by minds than bodies, drawn to “the space between words.”But the mapping goes deeper. Dr. Grant applies desire mapping to orgasm control, chastity, and tease/denial – not as games of endurance, but as rituals of presence. “If you're just going through the motions,” she says, “it's choreography, not connection.” True power play begins when you're grounded in what actually moves you – the raw, vulnerable parts of yourself that turn you on because they feel dangerous.Fantasy, she insists, is not disloyalty – it's breadcrumbs. Your roleplay scenarios, dark power exchanges, and gender-bending dreams aren't distractions from real desire – they are the map. And if someone tries to police your inner world? “You're with the wrong person."The episode closes with a radical truth: You already have everything you need. The voice of shame – that internal critic whispering, "You shouldn't want this" – that voice is not yours. It's the echo of a priest, a parent, a culture.Desire mapping helps you trace that voice back to its source, so you stop obeying it and start honoring your sacred material: your body, your history, your truth.If you've ever felt like an imposter in your own pleasure… If you've silenced a fantasy because it didn't fit your identity… If you've wondered why surrender feels so terrifying – and so freeing……this episode is your invitation to map your desire – not apologize for it.Tune in. Listen closely. And start asking yourself the question that changes everything:What do you really want?Books by Dr. Jaime Grant on AmazonReach out to Dr. Grant for readings or coaching at jaimemgrant@gmail.com and catch her podcast at www.justsexpodcast.comContact us:Mistress Olivia:Email: Olivia@EnchantrixEmpire.com. Twitter X: @MistressOlivia1. Blue Sky: @MsOliviaBlog: Experienced MistressMistress Erika: Email: Erika@EnchantrixEmpire.comTwitter X and Blue Sky: @ErikaEnchantrixBlog: Intelligent Phone Fantasy MEET DR. JAIME GRANT Friday, November 21 at Red Emma's Bookstore in BaltimoreDr. Grant and her co-author Jack Harrison-Quintana do exercises from the book and share bits of their kink highlight reels.Wednesday evening, January 21, 8pm at the Washington Hilton Hotel, as part of the Creating Change Conference. Dr. Grant and her co-author Jack Harrison-Quintana read from Kink for Dummies and share tips.From late January through mid-March, Dr. Grant will be at the SketchPad Artist's residency in Hyannis Mass, offering Desire Mapping open studios every Saturday. Book readings on the Cape in this period TBD.Friday April 24th @ 7:30pm, at Charis Books in Atlanta, Dr. Grant will talk about Kink for Dummies with Ignacio Rivera, technical editor on the book, and two kink story contributors, Asha Leong and tia marie.
Jenni and Daniel continue the conversation with colleague and friend, Michelle Miscione. They dive deeper into how resentment erodes relationships, and how laughter and personal responsibility are essential antidotes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jenni and Daniel sit down with couples therapist colleague, Michelle Miscione, to discuss a case study on sexuality and neurodivergence. Michelle talks about "Eli and Marcus", who navigate ADHD and autism traits and how they successfully have made sex and intimacy work for them. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dr. Jenni and Daniel resolve their marital tension on this bonus episode that follows Delayed Ejaculation: Jenni vs Daniel. They explore differences in their styles of thinking, and differences in how they approach sex therapy. Listen as they find common ground- as a couple and as colleagues. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Straight from the Source's Mouth: Frank Talk about Sex and Dating
Send us a textWe sit down with sex therapist Skyblu Cutchie to explore how to let pleasure lead, drop pressure, and build desire you can actually feel. We share practical tools for communication, emotional connection, and making good sex start long before the bedroom.• common complaints couples bring to sex therapy• person‑centered and developmental lenses in practice• training the “what do I want” muscle outside the bedroom• modeling touch and solo exploration as education• spontaneous vs responsive desire and why scheduling helps• pleasure without pressure and handling no with grace• removing orgasm and penetration as goals• linking emotional intimacy to sexual desire• daily pleasure rituals to fill your cup• clear, kind communication for better sexIf you love this episode, be sure to tell your friends about it and rate it as wellSupport 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
In this episode of the You Are Not Broken podcast, Dr. Kelly Casperson speaks with Dr. Rachel Boyle, a sex therapist specializing in perimenopause and menopause. They explore the complexities of women's sexual health, the impact of hormonal changes, and the importance of communication in relationships. Dr. Boyle shares her journey into understanding perimenopause, the effectiveness of EMDR therapy for trauma, and the cultural pressures women face regarding their bodies and sexuality. The conversation emphasizes the need for qualified therapists and the significance of creating safe spaces for women to explore their desires and experiences. Takeaways Low libido can be a message rather than a problem. Healing trauma doesn't require reliving it, but releasing it. Perimenopause can last for many years, affecting women's health. EMDR therapy helps process traumatic memories effectively. Women often bear the emotional labor in relationships, leading to stress. Communication about sex is crucial for healthy relationships. Desire for sex can be influenced by hormonal changes and emotional safety. Cultural attitudes towards women's bodies impact their sexual health. Consensual non-monogamy requires clear communication and boundaries. Therapists should be trained in women's sexual health issues. https://www.rachelboyle.com/ To my fellow clinicians: listen to this podcast on Pinnacle for FREE to earn CME credit Take my Adult Sex Ed Master Class: My Website Interested in my sexual health and hormone clinic? Waitlist is open Thanks to our sponsor Midi Women's Health. Designed by midlife experts, delivered by experienced clinicians, covered by insurance.Midi is the first virtual care clinic made exclusively for women 40+. Evidence-based treatments. Personalized midlife care.https://www.joinmidi.com To learn more about Via vaginal moisturizer from Solv Wellness, visit via4her.com and get 20% off your first order. For an additional $5 off, use coupon code DRKELLY5. Providers can request patient materials or samples at hcp.solvwellness.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dr. Jenni and Daniel explore delayed ejaculation, teasing out their different approaches to this topic. Listeners get to peek into real-time conversations between Jenni and Daniel, witnessing their marital conversations and disagreements around sex therapy. They define the Arousal Spectrum and why it's so important to work with this in your body to build awareness for optimum sexual functioning. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What really happens when you stop settling for “fine” in the bedroom? This week, Andrea Knoche sits down with somatic sex therapist and Pleasure Keys creator Susan Morgan Taylor to unpack how women can reignite desire, heal sexual disconnection, and rewrite their pleasure story. From escaping a sexless marriage to discovering that orgasm starts in the mind, Susan shares how emotional safety, curiosity, and body awareness create real chemistry. It's raw, liberating, and guaranteed to make you rethink everything you thought you knew about female desire.
Send us a text & leave your email address if you want a reply!Does this sound familiar? You used to tear each other's clothes off. Now you're scheduling sex like dentist appointments—and still canceling. You're wondering: Is this just what happens in long-term relationships? Is the spark gone forever? What if the problem isn't your attraction, your partner, or even your sex life—but a fundamental misunderstanding of how intimacy actually works?In this episode of Sex Reimagined, we sit down with Briana Bass, a board-certified sexologist and therapist who helps high-functioning couples transform their intimacy. After climbing the corporate ladder to senior vice president, Briana made a radical career change to help people solve the very problems she witnessed in boardrooms: emotional disconnection, burnout, and the slow erosion of desire in long-term relationships.EMOTIONALLY FOCUSED THERAPY FOR HIGH ACHIEVERSWhy Type A personalities struggle with emotional intimacyThe powerful questioning technique that breaks through intellectual wallsHow to help partners who say "I don't feel anything" access their emotionsRECOVERING FROM INFIDELITYHow to hold space for both the betrayed and the betrayerBoundary-setting conversations that rebuild trustUnderstanding the "origin story" behind cheatingLINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE CAN BE FOUND ON THE WEBSITELAST 10x LONGER. If you suffer from premature ejaculation, you are not alone, master 5 techniques to cure this stressful & embarrassing issue once and for all. Save 20% Coupon: PODCAST20. THE VAGINAL ORGASM MASTERCLASS. Discover how to activate the female Gspot, clitoris, & cervical orgasms. Save 20% Coupon: PODCAST 20Support the show FREEBIE- Introduction to Tantric Kissing Video and Workbook SxR Website Dr. Willow's Website Leah's Website
If you struggle with low desire, pain during sex, or difficulty with orgasm and don't know where to go for help, this week's Java with Juli is for you! Juli sits down with certified sex therapist Josh Spurlock to explore what Christian sex therapy really is—and what it isn't. Josh explains the difference between sex therapy and traditional counseling, the most common challenges he helps couples overcome, and why having a therapist who respects God's design for sexuality matters. From dispelling myths like “sex is supposed to hurt” to offering hope that orgasm is possible for nearly every woman, this conversation brings biblical wisdom and practical help to some of the most sensitive places in your marriage. “I wish I would've known this 20 years ago” doesn't have to be your story. Listen in! Guest: Josh Spurlock, LPC, CST Online Book Studies are open. Join one today! Find a Christian sex therapist at MyCounselor.Online.
Dr. Emily Morse of SEX WITH EMILY joins Kelly LIVE to take all of your pressing sex questions. Dr. Emily answers your calls about foreplay, communication, lubrication, and exploration. She advises on how open relationships work, how to get the spark back, and all those alphabet spots in the body! Plus you won't want to miss a famous couple (Jerry O'Connell and Rebecca Romijn) call in to get some advice about their sex life!