In this episode of The Better Sex Podcast, host Jessa Zimmerman is joined by psychiatrist Dr. Hector Rodriguez to discuss the effects of trauma on sexual desire, libido, pleasure, and satisfaction. Dr. Rodriguez shares insights on how trauma can impact intimate relationships and how the brain can be rewired to facilitate healing and enjoyment of sex. He dives into the role of dopamine and oxytocin, the difference in trauma's impact on individuals, and how simple actions like hugging and handhold...
Jan 19, 2026•27 min
In this episode of The Better Sex Podcast, host Jessa Zimmerman discusses the common issue of differences in sexual desire among couples. She emphasizes the importance of open communication and partnership when addressing this issue, rather than resorting to quick fixes like CBD gummies or sex toys without mutual consent. Jessa explains why these well-intentioned solutions often backfire and are perceived as pressure or blame. Instead, she encourages couples to work together in improving their i...
Jan 15, 2026•7 min
In this episode of the Better Sex Podcast, host Jessa Zimmerman interviews Dr. Jacquie Del Rosario about the invasive impact of technology on relationships. They discuss how excessive screen time can weaken intimacy and emotional connections, and how couples can set boundaries to deepen their face-to-face interactions. Dr. Del Rosario shares insights on how technology has altered dating and wooing practices, the importance of intentional communication, and strategies for couples to reconnect. Th...
Jan 12, 2026•32 min
In this episode of the Better Sex Podcast, hosted by sex therapist Jessa Zimmerman, legendary adult film actor Mitch Hartwell shares his unique insights on male sexual performance. Drawing from his two-decade career in the adult film industry and his expertise in neurolinguistic programming, Mitch discusses the psychological and physical strategies men can utilize to improve their sexual experiences, focusing on control, mindset, and overcoming common issues like erectile dysfunction and prematu...
Jan 05, 2026•47 min
In this episode of Better Sex, host and sex therapist Jessa Zimmerman discusses a practical strategy for improving communication and collaboration in intimate relationships. She emphasizes the importance of understanding each other's perspectives and removing the pressure of making immediate decisions. By fostering empathy and seeking a win-win solution, couples can create a more harmonious decision-making process. The episode provides actionable steps on how partners can share their views and r...
Jan 01, 2026•7 min
In this episode of Better Sex, host Jess Zimmerman, a sex therapist, speaks with Gabriela Rosa about overcoming difficult fertility challenges. Rosa shares her journey into the field of infertility, which started with a broad interest in nutrition and naturopathy, leading her to specialize in reproductive health. They discuss the impact of minor factors on fertility, the importance of acting pregnant now to get pregnant later, and the role of chronic stress. Rosa also explains her approach to wo...
Dec 29, 2025•40 min
In this episode of the Better Sex Podcast, host and sex therapist Jessa Zimmerman discusses the concept of not apologizing too quickly in intimate relationships. She explains why immediate apologies can often miss the mark and how important it is to first listen and empathize with your partner's feelings and experiences before apologizing. Jessa elaborates on why understanding the emotional impact on your partner and providing a space for them to express their hurt is crucial for a sincere apolo...
Dec 25, 2025•8 min
In this episode of the Better Sex Podcast, host Jessa Zimmerman is joined by Emily Rich, who shares her personal journey of questioning her sexuality and coming out later in life. Emily discusses the factors that disconnected her from her sexuality, her 'wake-up moment,' and the subsequent process of coming out to herself and others. The conversation explores the intersection of beliefs, upbringing, and self-discovery while highlighting the challenges and rewards of embracing one's true self. Em...
Dec 22, 2025•36 min
In this episode of Better Sex, sex therapist Jessa Zimmerman critiques the traditional sensate focus technique frequently recommended in sex therapy. She outlines her concerns about its sequential, goal-oriented nature, the problematic idea of doing things to a passive partner, and the lack of emphasis on pleasure. Jessa shares her alternative approach, which focuses on pleasure and connection through exercises where the receiving partner is in control, and highlights the importance of mutual de...
Dec 18, 2025•9 min
In this episode of the Better Sex Podcast, sex therapist Jessa Zimmerman is joined by sexual wellness coach Andre Lazarus to discuss rapid ejaculation, formerly known as premature ejaculation. They explore how this condition impacts intimate relationships and offer strategies for managing and extending sexual pleasure. The conversation delves into Andre's background, causes of rapid ejaculation, psychological and physical techniques to address it, and ways partners can support each other. They e...
Dec 15, 2025•31 min
In this episode of The Better Sex Podcast, sex therapist Jessa Zimmerman addresses a fascinating question from a coaching call about whether couples receive the same information from the same course. She explains how different interpretations arise due to the brain's filtering and meaning-making processes. She emphasizes the importance of curiosity and communication in bridging these gaps in understanding, using this phenomenon as an opportunity to build empathy and rapport within relationships....
Dec 11, 2025•8 min
In this episode of the Better Sex podcast, host Jessa Zimmerman engages in a meaningful conversation with Vanessa Carlisle about reclaiming intimacy and pleasure after addiction and trauma. Vanessa discusses her personal and professional experience in navigating violence, trauma, and sex work. They explore the gaps in support for sexual recovery among trauma and addiction survivors, the cultural and systemic challenges in discussing sexuality, and the path to reconnecting with one's body and ple...
Dec 08, 2025•40 min
In this episode of the Better Sex Podcast, host Jessa Zimmerman welcomes guest Cory Allen to discuss the concept of learning to love the spouse you have, rather than an idealized version of them. They delve into topics such as managing expectations, taking personal responsibility, and the challenges that arise in intimate relationships. Cory emphasizes that love has no strings attached and involves acceptance as well as personal growth. They also discuss the importance of owning one's choices, t...
Dec 01, 2025•41 min
In this episode of the Better Sex Podcast, hosted by sex therapist Jessa Zimmerman, the focus is on helping partners with low or zero libido. Jessa discusses strategies to uncover obstacles that block desire, such as health issues, trauma, and mental health concerns, and provides methods to unlock potential desire. She highlights the concept of reactive desire and offers practical advice, encouraging solo exploration, use of fantasies, and finding alternative ways to share pleasure and connectio...
Nov 27, 2025•10 min
In this episode of the Better Sex Podcast, host and sex therapist Jessa Zimmerman talks with Dr. Jennifer Valli about the impact of prostate cancer and its treatments on sexual health. Dr. Valli shares insights from her personal and professional experiences, emphasizing the lack of information patients often receive about sexual health post-treatment. They discuss the physical and psychological impacts of prostate treatments like prostatectomy and radiation, and the importance of early and consi...
Nov 24, 2025•50 min
In this episode of The Better Sex Podcast, sex therapist and host Jessa Zimmerman explores the critical importance of focusing on the lower desire partner in relationships struggling with mismatched libidos and desire discrepancy. Drawing from real insights from a recent couples coaching call, Jessa reveals why higher desire partners need to shift their perspective and develop deeper empathy and understanding for their lower desire counterparts. This episode is essential listening for any couple...
Nov 20, 2025•11 min
Welcome back to the Better Sex Podcast! In this powerful episode, host Jessa Zimmerman reunites with returning guest Rob Kancler for an in-depth conversation about transforming your intimate life through body-based practices. 🔥 WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE: ✨ Erotic Circuitry & Sexual Wellness Understanding your unique erotic circuitry and how to activate it Unlocking your full orgasmic potential through body awareness How to cultivate body intelligence for better sex 💨 Breathwork for...
Nov 17, 2025•1 hr 25 min
In this soapbox episode of the Better Sex Podcast, host Jessa Zimmerman addresses the common misconception that menopause is a temporary phase. She explains that menopause is a permanent change, where hormone production reverts to levels similar to those of a young child. Drawing on a conversation with Dr. Irwin Goldstein, she emphasizes the importance of adapting to or treating this change, often through hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Jessa encourages listeners to research, talk to their do...
Nov 13, 2025•6 min
Jessa Zimmerman, host of Better Sex, welcomes back Jess Levith to discuss 'sexual emergence' – the fluid nature of sexuality and its changes over time. They delve into personal experiences and professional insights, covering the impact of life stages and contexts on sexual identity. Jess Levith explains how her unexpected crush led to a journey of self-discovery and the concept of sexual emergence. They also discuss the application of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and the 'sexaflex' mo...
Nov 10, 2025•33 min
n this episode of The Betters Sex Podcast, hosted by sex therapist Jessa Zimmerman, the focus is on exploring the implications of framing sexual desires as needs within intimate relationships. Jessa discusses the potential problems that arise when individuals feel their sexual needs aren't being met by their partners, and stresses the importance of viewing desires from a mutual perspective. She encourages listeners to reflect on what they truly gain from sex and consider if those desires can be ...
Nov 06, 2025•8 min
In this episode of the Better Sex Podcast, hosted by sex therapist Jessa Zimmerman, guests Britton and Carolee share their transformative journey from a strict Mormon upbringing to a deeply connected and sexually fulfilling relationship. They discuss the challenges of infidelity, the lack of support within their church, and the pivotal role of trauma-informed healing practices, including psychedelics and yoga. The couple's story unfolds from dealing with church disciplinary actions to exploring ...
Nov 03, 2025•37 min
In this episode of The Better Sex Podcast, sex therapist Jessa Zimmerman explores what it means to have a healthy sexual relationship. She introduces the six principles of sexual health as identified by the World Health Organization: consent, non-exploitation, honesty, shared values, safety, and pleasure. Jessa delves into each principle, explaining its importance and providing insights on how couples can apply these concepts to strengthen their intimate relationships. Listeners are encouraged t...
Oct 30, 2025•15 min
In this episode of the Better Sex Podcast, host Jessa Zimmerman interviews Lauren Elise Rogers, a certified holistic sexuality educator and intimacy coach. They discuss the journey from a sex-negative upbringing to crafting a fulfilling and values-aligned sex life. Lauren shares her personal story of overcoming restrictive beliefs rooted in a conservative religious background, through education, therapy, and self-discovery. They explore the concept of sexual scripts and the importance of integra...
Oct 27, 2025•32 min
In this episode of Better Sex, hosted by sex therapist Jessa Zimmerman, listeners are guided through the complexities behind the lack of sexual intimacy in relationships. Zimmerman discusses the factors that contribute to this issue, such as changes in brain chemistry, desire discrepancies, emotional connection, and life stressors. She provides insight into common feelings, like shame and inadequacy, and offers practical strategies for couples to improve their intimate lives. Emphasis is placed ...
Oct 23, 2025•23 min
In this episode of the Better Sex Podcast, host Jessa Zimmerman welcomes author Tash Doherty to discuss her work on a spicy coming-of-age novel and a sex writing journal. Doherty shares her goal of helping people explore their sexuality and desires through writing while confronting shame. The conversation delves into her personal experiences, creative process, and the impact of sharing intimate stories publicly. The episode also highlights an upcoming Kickstarter for Doherty's journal, aiming to...
Oct 20, 2025•25 min
Why do women fake orgasm — and what does it really mean for the relationship? In this video, we dive deep into the real reasons women pretend to climax, from avoiding conflict and protecting their partner’s ego to feeling pressure to “perform.” You’ll learn what’s actually happening beneath the surface, why faking it can create emotional distance, and how couples can rebuild honesty, safety, and genuine pleasure in bed. If you’ve ever wondered: Why do women fake orgasm even when they love their ...
Oct 16, 2025•9 min
Should You Take HRT? | Hormone Replacement, Menopause & Perimenopause Explained Are you navigating perimenopause or menopause and wondering, “should I take HRT?” In this video, Dr. Sarah Daccarett and I break down hormone replacement therapy (HRT), how it works, risks, benefits, and who might be a good candidate. We also explore the hormonal shifts during perimenopause and menopause, and ways to manage symptoms naturally (or with medical support). Topics covered include: What HRT is and how ...
Oct 13, 2025•40 min
Can a Sexless Marriage Be Happy? | Understanding Low Desire, Intimacy, and Relationship Satisfaction Can a marriage without sex still be a happy one? In this episode, we explore what it really means to be in a sexless marriage—from couples who are mutually content without sex to those where one partner feels lonely, rejected, or frustrated. We’ll look at the common reasons for a sexless marriage, including conflict, emotional distance, mismatched libidos, sexual dysfunction, trauma, menopause, a...
Oct 09, 2025•9 min
In this episode of the Better Sex Podcast, host Jessa Zimmerman welcomes Dr. Winnifred Cutler to discuss her extensive research on pheromones and their impact on human sexuality. Dr. Cutler, a passionate researcher, shares her journey from psychology graduate student to becoming a leading expert in the field of pheromones. The conversation covers the history of pheromones, the different types, and their effects on human attraction, fertility, and romantic behavior. Dr. Cutler also highlights her...
Oct 06, 2025•42 min
In this episode of The Better Sex Podcast, host and sex therapist Jessa Zimmerman discusses the crucial role of experiential practice in improving intimate relationships. She underscores the importance of embodying the knowledge gained through communication, challenging myths about sex, and understanding desire. Drawing on her Intimacy With Ease Method, Zimmerman highlights the need for hands-on experiences to truly transform one's sex life. Listeners are provided with valuable resources and are...
Oct 02, 2025•7 min
