When people become nonmonogamous, they don’t always stay nonmonogamous for life. Sometimes people decide to take a temporary break from it. Other times, people stop practicing it altogether because it’s just not what they want or need anymore. Maybe they only want to pursue one relationship right now, or perhaps they just want to be single. So what does a post nonmonogamous life look like? That’s what we’re going to be talking about in this episode. My guest today is Andr...
Aug 13, 2024•30 min•Ep 318•Transcript available on Metacast A common theme in many people’s sexual fantasies is being “forced” to have sex. In the world of kink, this is widely known as consensual non-consent (CNC). So why is this such a popular sexual interest? In today’s show, we’re going to explore the psychology behind it. We’re also going to delve into some of the political aspects of CNC fantasies and discuss how the growing emphasis on affirmative and enthusiastic consent might paradoxically be making these fantasies more popular than ...
Aug 09, 2024•30 min•Ep 317•Transcript available on Metacast People have the potential to develop fetishes for virtually anything. If you can think of it, somebody probably has a fetish for it! However, fetishes remain among the most misunderstood and stigmatized sexual interests. So in today’s show, we’re going to dive into the world of fetishes and dispel some common misconceptions about them. We’ll also discuss a new way of thinking about fetishes, as well as tips for how to communicate about fetish interests with a partner. My guest is Tina Horn...
Aug 06, 2024•32 min•Ep 316•Transcript available on Metacast Imagine for a moment that your partner told you they had a sexually transmitted infection. What should (and shouldn’t) you say or do in that situation? That’s what we’re going to be talking about in this episode: tips for navigating a partner’s STI disclosure. Some of the topics we’ll explore include tips for keeping the conversation productive and not perpetuating STI stigma, how to manage a relationship where one partner has an STI and the other doesn’t, and what it means when someone in...
Aug 02, 2024•33 min•Ep 315•Transcript available on Metacast A lot of people find it hard to talk to their partners about sex in general. But discussing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) specifically can be even more challenging. It is such a fraught topic that many people who have STIs don’t even tell their partners. That’s why I’ve put together a two-part series for you on STI disclosure. In today’s show, we’re going to discuss how to tell your partner you have an STI. In the next episode, we’re going to explore what to do when yo...
Jul 30, 2024•37 min•Ep 314•Transcript available on Metacast “Life is short, have an affair.” That’s the tagline of Ashley Madison, the infamous online dating service that caters to married people who are looking to commit infidelity. Ever since its launch in 2002, it has been the subject of endless controversy, culminating in a widely reported data breech in 2015. A Netflix documentary series titled Ashley Madison: Sex, Lies, and Scandal recently premiered and it is fascinating! In today’s show we’re going to dive into this series and talk all abou...
Jul 26, 2024•38 min•Ep 313•Transcript available on Metacast MILFs are having a moment. Sexy moms have been a fixture in the popular media for decades, but they’ve never been more popular than they are now. So what’s behind the appeal of the MILF? And is all of the attention they’re receiving objectifying or empowering to women? Today, we’re going to trace the history of hot moms in the popular media and explore the rise of the MILF. We’re also going to dive into season two of the popular dumpster fire of a television series known as MILF Manor (for a rec...
Jul 23, 2024•41 min•Ep 312•Transcript available on Metacast Physical intimacy is one of the keys to maintaining healthy and satisfying relationships. But I’m not just talking about sex. Non-sexual physical intimacy is just as important, if not more so! In today’s show, we’re going to explore why touch is so powerful and tips for introducing more touch into your relationships. We’ll also discuss why, paradoxically, intimate partners often retreat from touch at the times they need it the most—and how to deal with this. I am joined once again by Chris Maxwe...
Jul 19, 2024•37 min•Ep 311•Transcript available on Metacast Most people say that they find oral sex to be a pleasurable activity, but that doesn’t mean that people always enjoy giving or receiving it. A quick search on social media reveals countless posts from people reporting on bad experiences with oral sex, so let’s talk about how to have better oral. In today’s show, we’re going to explore tips and techniques for amazing oral sex. We’ll also discuss what to do if you find yourself getting bored giving oral sex, how to make sixty-nining fun, and...
Jul 16, 2024•38 min•Ep 310•Transcript available on Metacast Did you know that July 31 is National Orgasm Day? That’s right—there’s actually a holiday dedicated to the big O! Unfortunately, we don’t get the day off of work, but we’re going to celebrate anyway. In commemoration of National Orgasm Day’s impending arrival, we’re going to be talking all about orgasms today. In this show, we’re going to revisit one of my favorite conversations on the topic: my interview with Dr. Barry Komisaruk which originally aired back in 2022. Barry is a Distinguishe...
Jul 12, 2024•24 min•Ep 309•Transcript available on Metacast Social media is increasingly where people are turning in order to learn about sexual health, from dealing with sex problems to coping with infertility. But is it giving us accurate information? Not so much. In today’s show, we’re going to tackle sexual health misinformation on TikTok and Instagram. We’re going to dive into what the science really says about popular sexual health claims on social media and talk about how to use these platforms in a more mindful way. I am joined once again by Dr. ...
Jul 09, 2024•40 min•Ep 308•Transcript available on Metacast A growing number of men seem to be in a panic about their testosterone levels. Social media platforms are full of posts from guys who are convinced that they don’t have enough of this hormone in their bodies and that their sex and dating lives are suffering because of it. The result is that more and more men are seeking to boost their testosterone, and companies are eager to cash in on this by selling hormone supplements. But do these guys really have low testosterone in the first place? Are som...
Jul 05, 2024•37 min•Ep 307•Transcript available on Metacast For today’s show, we’re diving into more listener questions! I’m going to answer two questions that popped up in my podcast voicemail that I thought were really interesting. The first deals with falling asleep during sex and/or foreplay. Is that normal? And what are the reasons why that might happen? The second question involves whether premature orgasm is something that only men can experience, or if it can happen to women as well. So what does the research say on it? How many women...
Jul 02, 2024•17 min•Ep 306•Transcript available on Metacast Stuck in a dating rut? It might be time for a new approach! In today’s show, we’re going to learn how to master the art of mindful dating, which involves taking a more intentional approach to relationship development. We’re going to explore the six pillars of mindful dating and how to put them into practice. We will also discuss tips for cultivating deeper connections and ways to increase your chances of finding lasting happiness. I am joined once again by Marie Thouin , PhD, a dating and relati...
Jun 28, 2024•33 min•Ep 305•Transcript available on Metacast When you take pleasure in your partner’s pleasure or happiness, this is known as compersion. It’s a form of positive empathy that many people in non-monogamous relationships experience. However, some people seem to have an easier time feeling compersion than others. So can it be learned? And should compersion always be a goal in non-monogamy? Let’s talk about it! My guest is Marie Thouin , PhD, a dating and relationship coach and author of the new book: W hat Is Compersion? Und...
Jun 25, 2024•32 min•Ep 304•Transcript available on Metacast It turns out that many of the things we think we know about sex aren’t entirely true. So let’s set the record straight and explore what we do and don’t know about sex and the human body. For today’s show, we’re revisiting one of my favorite conversations of all time, my interview with Dr. Lisa Dawn Hamilton that originally aired back in episode 53. Dr. Hamilton is an associate professor of Psychology at Mount Allison University in Sackville and host of the podcast “...
Jun 21, 2024•50 min•Ep 303•Transcript available on Metacast From the vampires and werewolves in Twilight to Bigfoot to the beast from Beauty and the Beast , it turns out that a lot of people are turned on by the idea of getting it on with a monster. But why is that? Where do these attractions come from in the first place? In this episode, we’re going to explore the rich psychology that helps to explain why monstrous, mythical, and scary creatures can sometimes become turn-ons. I am joined once again by Ella Gallego , a researcher, writer, and the founder...
Jun 18, 2024•37 min•Ep 302•Transcript available on Metacast When I studied the sex fantasies of thousands of Americans for my book Tell Me What You Want , I found that 33% of adults had fantasized about a monster or mythical creature before, such as a vampire, werewolf, or demon. Clearly, some people find monsters to be seriously sexy. So why is that? I have a two-part series for you on monstrous desire. In today’s show, we’re going to talk about who people’s biggest monster crushes are and explore the history of sexy monsters in the media. In the next e...
Jun 14, 2024•37 min•Ep 301•Transcript available on Metacast Sex toys and sexual wellness products for men have long been stigmatized, but it’s time to change that. There are numerous products on the market that have the potential to help men improve their sexual health and performance, and that includes penis pumps! In today’s episode, we’re going to do a deep dive into these devices. We’ll talk about how penis pumps can help in terms of improving sexual self-confidence and erectile health, how to use them correctly and safely, wh...
Jun 11, 2024•29 min•Ep 300•Transcript available on Metacast In recent years, the pelvic floor is a topic that has received increased attention in the popular media. However, discussions of pelvic health tend to focus mostly on women. Male pelvic health is important for us to talk about, too, so that’s what we’re going to be discussing today. In this show, we’re going to speak with a pelvic doc for the lowdown on why we need to pay attention to male pelvic health. We’re also going to do a deep dive into Kegel exercises for men. My guest ...
Jun 07, 2024•28 min•Ep 299•Transcript available on Metacast When it comes to having sex, there are a lot of “rules” that what we’re supposed to follow. But many of those rules contradict one another, making it hard to know what to do. In today’s show, we’re going to discuss whether we should even be following the “rules” of sex in the first place. We’re also going to explore how to increase your sexual self-understanding, as well as tips for having better sex. I am joined once again by Todd Baratz , a licensed ps...
Jun 04, 2024•29 min•Ep 298•Transcript available on Metacast A lot of the relationship advice littering every corner of the internet tries to distill love into a simple set of “rules.” It’d be nice if things were that easy, but they aren’t! It’s time to ditch the so-called “rules” of relationships because they might be getting in the way of our ability to find love. In today’s show, we’re going to talk about how to approach relationships in a way that’s more likely to lead to lasting happiness, and how we can do it with...
May 31, 2024•30 min•Ep 297•Transcript available on Metacast Anal sex (and how to make it pleasurable) is one of those topics that people usually have to figure out all on their own. So think of today’s episode as the all-you-need-to-know guide to good anal sex. Some of the topics we’ll explore include what you need to know about anal douching, how to choose the right lube, tips for preparing and relaxing so that you can experience pleasure instead of pain, and more. I am joined once again by Dr. Evan Goldstein , who is the Founder and CEO of Bespok...
May 28, 2024•30 min•Ep 296•Transcript available on Metacast Anal sex is something humans have been practicing for thousands of years. However, is has long been shrouded in taboos, which has led to the proliferation of a lot of myths and misconceptions. In today’s show, we’ll be discussing common things people get wrong about anal sex. Some of the topics we’ll explore include the myth of anal sex as “gay sex,” whether there’s any truth to the stereotype that anal sex roles correspond to power and gender roles, and whether there’s any truth to ...
May 24, 2024•32 min•Ep 295•Transcript available on Metacast It’s Masturbation Month, so today’s episode is going to be all about self-pleasure! The origins of Masturbation Month date back to 1995, when US Surgeon General Dr. Joycelyn Elders stated that masturbation is a natural part of human sexuality and something that should perhaps be taught in sex ed. Elders’ comments set off a political firestorm that ultimately led to her being fired. To mark her unjust dismissal, May 14 was declared National Masturbation Day, which was later expanded to incl...
May 21, 2024•31 min•Ep 294•Transcript available on Metacast For today’s show, we’re diving into listener questions! I’m going to answer two questions that popped up in my podcast voicemail that I thought were really interesting. The first deals with sensory changes that happen upon reaching orgasm. It seems that some people experience temporary sensory disruptions following climax, including changes in hearing and vision. What’s that all about? The second question involves what to do if you really want to have casual sex, but you seem t...
May 17, 2024•18 min•Ep 293•Transcript available on Metacast Modern psychology has a very complicated relationship with gender. Gender differences have become one of the most contentious areas in the field, and it seems like psychology isn’t entirely sure what to do with men anymore. This is especially true for heterosexual men, who are often viewed through a pathological lens. So in today’s show, we’re going to dive into some controversy. Some of the topics we’ll discuss include why men are often blamed for their own sexual problems, why it’s...
May 14, 2024•30 min•Ep 292•Transcript available on Metacast A lot of sex advice boils down to one popular idea: that good sex is simply a matter of combining the right physical sensations with the right kind of mental activity. In other words, great sex is just friction plus fantasy. However, it’s more complicated than that. To have really great sex, we need to start by understanding the true nature of the sexual self. In today’s show, we’re going to explore a new way of thinking about sex, as well as discuss what you really need to know when it co...
May 10, 2024•29 min•Ep 291•Transcript available on Metacast Sex is something that evolves with us over the course of our lives. Your level of desire, the connection you have with your partner(s), and what feels good during sex can all shift quite a lot. However, despite all of these ways that sex tends to change, most of us are expecting that it will stay the same, and that’s where problems arise. In today’s show, we’re going to talk about how to adapt to and embrace sexual change so that you can have hot and healthy sex for your entire life. I am joined...
May 07, 2024•35 min•Ep 290•Transcript available on Metacast Most sexual problems don’t require intensive therapy to solve because, more often than not, the root cause is a lack of sex education. Most of us never really learned what we need to know about sex or about our own bodies, which makes it all to easy for us to think that there might be something wrong with us when there really isn’t. So in today’s episode, we’re going to be answering some of the most common questions people have about sex. My guest is Kate Moyle , a psychosexual and relationship ...
May 03, 2024•35 min•Ep 289•Transcript available on Metacast 
