Sex and Psychology Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Episode 349: What Movies Get Right (And Wrong) About Relationships Nov 29, 2024

Show notes

Romantic comedies are one of the most popular film genres. But how accurate are rom-coms in the way they portray sex, love, and relationships? My guests today are the hosts of a new podcast that uses the science of relationships to separate fact from fiction in some of the biggest rom-coms of all time. We’re going to explore some of the things that Hollywood gets right and wrong in the way they depict relationships.

I am joined by Dr. Paul Eastwick and Dr. Eli Finkel. Dr. Eastwick is a Professor at the University of California, Davis, where he studies romantic attraction and close relationships. Dr. Finkel is a professor at Northwestern University and author of the bestselling book The All-Or-Nothing Marriage: How the Best Marriages Work, which we discussed back in Episode 45. Together, they co-host the Love Factually podcast.

Some of the specific questions we answer in this episode include:

In movies, partners often meet as strangers and fall in love. Is this how relationships typically start in real life?
Falling in love at first sight is a common theme in rom-coms. But what does the science say about this?
Opposites often attract on screen, but is that also true IRL?
What are some things films often get wrong about sex?
Is it necessarily a bad thing if rom coms aren’t always accurate?

You can check out the Love Factually podcast website to learn and listen more.

Got a sex question? Send me a podcast voicemail to have it answered on a future episode at speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology.

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Thank you to our sponsors!

The Kinsey Institute at Indiana University has been a trusted source for scientific knowledge and research on critical issues in sexuality, gender, and reproduction for over 75 years. Learn about more research and upcoming events at kinseyinstitute.org or look for them on social media @kinseyinstitute.

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Credits: Precision Podcasting (Podcast editing) and Shutterstock/Florian (Music). Image created with Canva; photos used with permission of guest.

Episode 348: How To Stay Sexually Healthy Your Entire Life Nov 26, 2024

Show notes

Our sexuality is something that evolves and changes over time. However, traditional sex education does a poor job of preparing us for those changes. In today’s show, we’re going to talk about how to stay sexually healthy for your entire life. We’re going to explore what people at different stages of life need to know, why maintaining sexual health is so important, tips for navigating low sexual desire, and so much more.

I am joined once again by Dr. Evelin Dacker, who is the creator of the STARS framework for sexual communication, which we discussed in depth in the last episode. She is a physician who specializes in sexual wellness, menopause and hormones, and vitality throughout life.

Some of the specific questions we answer in this episode include:

What are the key things young adults should know about staying sexually healthy?
How can we effectively communicate with our partners about sexual difficulties when they arise?
What do mid-life and older adults need to know about maintaining a healthy sex life?
How do you maintain a healthy sex life when your sexual desire (or your partner’s desire) declines?
How do you talk to your doctor about sex?

You can check out Evelin’s website to learn more about the STARS method and follow her on the socials @sexmeddoc.

Got a sex question? Send me a podcast voicemail to have it answered on a future episode at speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology.

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Thank you to our sponsors!

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Credits: Precision Podcasting (Podcast editing) and Shutterstock/Florian (Music). Image created with Canva; photos used with permission of guest.

Episode 347: How To Improve Your Sexual Communication Skills Nov 22, 2024

Show notes

Most of us recognize how important sexual communication is, yet we still struggle with it. In today’s show, we’re going to discuss a practical framework for improving your sexual communication skills. It’s called the STARS method. Using this technique will help you and your partner(s) to better understand each other and lay the groundwork for hot and healthy intimate encounters.

My guest is Dr. Evelin Dacker, the creator of the STARS method. She is a physician who specializes in sexual wellness, menopause and hormones, and vitality throughout life. Her unique approach to health incorporates pleasure as an important aspect for healing trauma and illness.

Some of the specific questions we answer in this episode include:

What does STARS stand for? What are the key things we should be discussing with our partners?
How can we go about discovering our turn-ons and communicating them effectively?
How do you tell your partner about the things you don’t want and communicate your boundaries?
How do you make discussions about sexual health and STIs easier?
Why is it important to communicate your relationship intentions, and how do you do this?

You can check out Evelin’s website to learn more about the STARS method and follow her on the socials @sexmeddoc.

Got a sex question? Send me a podcast voicemail to have it answered on a future episode at speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology.

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Thank you to our sponsors!

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Credits: Precision Podcasting (Podcast editing) and Shutterstock/Florian (Music). Image created with Canva; photos used with permission of guest.

Episode 346: What You Don’t Know About the Clitoris Nov 19, 2024

Show notes

The clitoris is a piece of anatomy that has repeatedly been discovered, described, and forgotten. In today’s show, we’re going to dive into the history of the clitoris and what you need to know about it. We’ll also explore whether there’s really a difference between clitoral and vaginal orgasms, the surprising role of testosterone in clitoral health, and how recent research has completely changed our understanding of clitoral anatomy.

I am joined once again by Dr. Maria Uloko, a board certified urologist specializing in comprehensive sexual health, reconstruction, and prosthesis. She is the CEO of MUMD Sexual Medicine Consulting and the founder of VULVAi, an innovative patient advocacy tool that employs AI to aid patients grappling with vulvovaginal issues.

Some of the specific questions we answer in this episode include:

When did people first start recognizing the importance of the clitoris in female sexual pleasure?
Why did it take so long for us to develop a basic understanding of clitoral anatomy?
How many nerve ending are in the clitoris?
How can a better understanding of clitoral anatomy help improve women’s sexual health and pleasure?
Are there really different “types” of female orgasm?

You can check out Maria’s website to learn more about her work.

Got a sex question? Send me a podcast voicemail to have it answered on a future episode at speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology.

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Thank you to our sponsors!

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Listen and stream all episodes on Apple, Spotify, Google, or Amazon. Subscribe to automatically receive new episodes and please rate and review the podcast!

Credits: Precision Podcasting (Podcast editing) and Shutterstock/Florian (Music). Image created with Canva; photos used with permission of guest.

Episode 345: Secrets of the Vulva Nov 15, 2024

Show notes

The vulva is one of the most misunderstood pieces of sexual anatomy. So in today’s show, we’re going to talk about what you don’t know about the vulva. Among other things, we’ll discuss the lifespan of the vulva, the importance of maintaining vulvar health, and how sex education is failing us all when it comes to understanding the vulva.

My guest is Dr. Maria Uloko, a board certified urologist specializing in comprehensive sexual health, reconstruction, and prosthesis. She is the CEO of MUMD Sexual Medicine Consulting and the founder of VULVAi, an innovative patient advocacy tool that employs AI to aid patients grappling with vulvovaginal issues.

Some of the specific questions we answer in this episode include:

What is the difference between the vulva and the vagina?
Are doctors learning enough about the vulva?
How does the vulva evolve and change with age?
How can paying attention to vulvar health improve overall wellbeing?
How do you maintain a happy and healthy vulva?

You can check out Maria’s website to learn more about her work.

Got a sex question? Send me a podcast voicemail to have it answered on a future episode at speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology.

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Thank you to our sponsors!

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Listen and stream all episodes on Apple, Spotify, Google, or Amazon. Subscribe to automatically receive new episodes and please rate and review the podcast!

Credits: Precision Podcasting (Podcast editing) and Shutterstock/Florian (Music). Image created with Canva; photos used with permission of guest.

Episode 344: The Surprising History of Kink, Porn, and Fetishes Nov 12, 2024

Show notes

For as long as humans have been having sex, they’ve been having kinky sex. So let’s talk about our kinky history and how it can help us to better understand sexuality today. In this episode, we’re going to explore the roots of a number of popular fetishes, including leather, nylon, and feet. We’re also going to talk about the history of porn, including the rise of animated porn in popular culture.

I am joined once again by Esmé Louise James, who is best known for her Kinky History podcast and social media series which has amassed nearly 3 million followers. She is author of the new book Kinky History: A Rollicking Journey Through Our Sexual Past, Present, and Future.

Some of the specific topics we discuss in this episode include:

How did leather and nylon come to be associated with sex in the first place?
When and why did foot fetishes start to become popular?
When did humans start making porn?
Historically, why was porn often used for political purposes?
When did cartoon/animated porn begin to rise in popularity?

You can check out Esmé’s website to learn more about her work and follow her on the socials @esme.louisee.

Got a sex question? Send me a podcast voicemail to have it answered on a future episode at speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology.

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Thank you to our sponsors!

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Listen and stream all episodes on Apple, Spotify, Google, or Amazon. Subscribe to automatically receive new episodes and please rate and review the podcast!

Credits: Precision Podcasting (Podcast editing) and Shutterstock/Florian (Music). Image created with Canva; photos used with permission of guest.

Episode 343: The Fascinating History Of Sex Toys Nov 08, 2024

Show notes

Sex toys are far from a modern invention. Humans have actually been making them for millennia! So let’s dive into the fascinating history of sex toys. In today’s show, we’ll tell you about the oldest dildo ever discovered, the true story behind the invention of the vibrator, and so much more.

I am joined by Esmé Louise James, who is best known for her Kinky History podcast and social media series which has amassed nearly 3 million followers. She is author of the new book Kinky History: A Rollicking Journey Through Our Sexual Past, Present, and Future.

Some of the specific topics we discuss in this episode include:

How long have humans been using sex toys?
When did people start mass-producing dildos?
When was the vibrator invented, and why were the first versions geared toward men?
When were cock rings first developed and what were they like?
What did people use for contraception before condoms or birth control pills existed?

You can check out Esmé’s website to learn more about her work and follow her on the socials @esme.louisee.

Got a sex question? Send me a podcast voicemail to have it answered on a future episode at speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology.

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Thank you to our sponsors!

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Listen and stream all episodes on Apple, Spotify, Google, or Amazon. Subscribe to automatically receive new episodes and please rate and review the podcast!

Credits: Precision Podcasting (Podcast editing) and Shutterstock/Florian (Music). Image created with Canva; photos used with permission of guest.

Episode 342: The Secret To Cultivating Passion Nov 05, 2024

Show notes

How do you create a lasting connection with a partner and sustain passion in a relationship over time? In today’s show, we’re going to discuss the secrets you need to know for cultivating hotter and healthier sex lives. By following these tips, you can learn to have the kind of sex that we all really want to be having, which is where it feels almost effortless because you’re totally in synch with your partner.

I am joined once again by Dr. Emily Jamea, an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist based in Houston, Texas. Dr. Jamea hosts the popular Love & Libido Podcast and is author of the new book Anatomy of Desire: Five Secrets to Create Connection and Cultivate Passion.

Some of the specific topics we discuss include:

Why is curiosity an important element of great sex?
How do you build up the courage to try something new if that sounds a little scary or stressful to you?
How can you learn to become more adaptable in the bedroom?
Why is vulnerability important for having great sex?
What is attunement, and how can we become more attuned to our partners during sex?

You can check out Emily’s website to learn more about her work and follow her on the socials at @DrEmilyJamea.

Got a sex question? Send me a podcast voicemail to have it answered on a future episode at speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology.

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Thank you to our sponsors!

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Listen and stream all episodes on Apple, Spotify, Google, or Amazon. Subscribe to automatically receive new episodes and please rate and review the podcast!

Credits: Precision Podcasting (Podcast editing) and Shutterstock/Florian (Music). Image created with Canva; photos used with permission of guest.

Episode 341: How To Stop Feeling Distracted During Sex Nov 01, 2024

Show notes

One of the most common sex problems people report today is that they can’t seem to clear their mind during sex. They find themselves distracted or they’re multi-tasking, and this is getting in the way of their pleasure. In today’s show, we’re going to discuss why this problem is on the rise and what we can do about it. Specifically, we’re going to learn how to have embodied sex, which is the kind of sex that allows us to get out of our heads and into the moment.

I am joined by Dr. Emily Jamea, an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist based in Houston, Texas. Dr. Jamea hosts the popular Love & Libido Podcast and is author of the new book Anatomy of Desire: Five Secrets to Create Connection and Cultivate Passion.

Some of the specific topics we discuss include:

How is our modern world making it harder for us to be present during sex?
What is a “flow state,” and why is this an important element of good sex?
How can we learn to become more embodied during sex?
What are some everyday ways to practice embodiment?
How can we leverage the power of touch to enhance sex and relationships?

You can check out Emily’s website to learn more about her work.

Got a sex question? Send me a podcast voicemail to have it answered on a future episode at speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology.

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Thank you to our sponsors!

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Listen and stream all episodes on Apple, Spotify, Google, or Amazon. Subscribe to automatically receive new episodes and please rate and review the podcast!

Credits: Precision Podcasting (Podcast editing) and Shutterstock/Florian (Music). Image created with Canva; photos used with permission of guest.

Episode 340: Is Social Media Ruining Dating? Oct 29, 2024

Show notes

Social media has permeated many aspects of our lives, including our intimate lives. In today’s show, we’re going to discuss the good, bad, and ugly of how social media has changed dating. Some of the topics we explore include how social media can stoke relationship insecurity and undermine authentic connection, as well as why social media is increasingly a terrible place to learn about relationships. We’ll also consider tips for using social media in healthier ways.

I am joined once again by Dr. Nicole McNichols an Associate Teaching Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Washington. Nicole is the co-author of the textbook “Human Sexuality In A Diverse Society” and author of the forthcoming book “You Could Be Having Better Sex.”

Some of the specific topics we discuss in this episode include:

How can social media increase uncertainty about whether someone is really interested in you?
How is the fact that people are constantly posting private details of their lives changing the way we’re approaching dating?
When do social media interactions cross the line into cheating?
Are there any ways that social media can be good for relationships?
How can we use social media in a more mindful way?

You can learn more about Nicole’s work on her website, and be sure to check out her videos on TikTok as well.

Got a sex question? Send me a podcast voicemail to have it answered on a future episode at speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology.

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Thank you to our sponsors!

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Listen and stream all episodes on Apple, Spotify, Google, or Amazon. Subscribe to automatically receive new episodes and please rate and review the podcast!

Credits: Precision Podcasting (Podcast editing) and Shutterstock/Florian (Music). Image created with Canva; photos used with permission of guest.

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