Sex and Psychology Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Episode 309: What Happens In The Brain During An Orgasm? (Essential Listen) Jul 12, 2024

Show notes

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 Distinguished Professor of Psychology at Rutgers University-Newark. He has published more than 180 research articles and has co-authored and edited five books, including “The Science of Orgasm,” which has been published in 7 languages.

Some of the topics we explore include:

How is an orgasm defined scientifically?
What’s really happening in the brain during an orgasm?
Do orgasms feel the same or different across genders?
Why do some people experience orgasms from nipple or other non-genital stimulation?
Can you teach yourself to have multiple orgasms?

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

***

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.

***

Want to learn more about Sex and Psychology? Click here for previous articles or follow the blog on Facebook, Twitter, or Reddit to receive updates. You can also follow Dr. Lehmiller on YouTube and Instagram.

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 308: Sex Ed on Social Media – The Good, Bad, and Ugly Jul 09, 2024

Show notes

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. Justin Dubin, a Urologist who specializes in men’s health at Memorial Healthcare System in South Florida. Dr. Dubin is passionate about men’s health and education and is co-host of the podcast Man Up: A Doctor’s Guide to Men’s Health.

Some of the topics we cover in this episode include:

How can social media be helpful (and harmful) to our sexual health?
Why do the most popular social media posts often contain the least accurate information?
What are some common things people get wrong about infertility and sexual dysfunction on social media?
What is “semen retention” and why is there so much bogus information about it on social media?
How can we become more informed consumers of social media?

You can learn more about Dr. Dubin’s work here.

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

***

Thank you to our sponsors!

Xersizer is the world’s only FDA regulated hydropump and it provides a discreet and effective way to exercise an area of the body that’s neglected in the gym. To learn more and get a 20% discount off of your purchase, visit xersizer.com/SAP.

***

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 307: Testosterone Myth Versus Fact Jul 05, 2024

Show notes

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 some of them pushing their hormones to dangerous levels? Today’s show is all about what men need to know about testosterone.

My guest is Dr. Justin Dubin, a Urologist who specializes in men’s health at Memorial Healthcare System in South Florida. Dr. Dubin is passionate about men’s health and education with the goal of improving the lives of men and their partners. He co-hosts the podcast Man Up: A Doctor’s Guide to Men’s Health.

Some of the topics we cover in this episode include:

What’s fueling all of this anxiety over testosterone levels in men?
What percentage of men actually have low testosterone?
Are there any risks of having too much testosterone in the body?
How can men maintain healthy testosterone levels as they age?
Is there any truth to the claim that abstaining from masturbation boosts testosterone?

You can find more about Dr. Dubin’s work here.

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

***

Thank you to our sponsors!

***

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 306: Is It Normal To Fall Asleep During Sex? (Listener Questions) Jul 02, 2024

Show notes

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 experience this, and is there anything they can do if it’s interfering with their pleasure? Let’s talk about it!

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

Make sure to check out our previous episode where we respond to listener questions as well, which you can find here.

***

Thank you to our sponsors!

***

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 305: Mastering the Art of Mindful Dating Jun 28, 2024

Show notes

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 relationship coach and author of the new book What Is Compersion? Understanding Positive Empathy in Consensually Non-Monogamous Relationships. Marie is the founder of Love InSight, a mindful dating and relationship coaching practice.

Some of the topics we cover in this episode include:

What does it mean to engage in mindful dating?
Why is it important to clarify your “dating vision” when looking to find a partner?
How do you build an empowering self-concept, and why is this important to do when dating?
When using dating apps, what does “mindful swiping” look like?
How can you learn to communicate in order to connect?

You can check out Marie’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.

***

Thank you to our sponsors!

Whether you’re just a few dates in or have been together a long time, it’s time to lighten the mood and have fun with your partner by using Paired. Head over to paired.com/justin to get a 7-day free trial and 25% off if you sign up for a subscription.

***

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 304: What Is Compersion? Jun 25, 2024

Show notes

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: What Is Compersion? Understanding Positive Empathy in Consensually Non-Monogamous Relationships. Marie is the founder of Love InSight, a mindful dating and relationship coaching practice where she supports people of all backgrounds and relational orientations to create intentional and vibrant love lives.

Some of the topics we cover in this episode include:

Why does compersion seem to come easier to some people?
Does our ability to experience compersion change with age?
Can you learn how to feel compersion if you’ve never felt it before?
What are some different approaches to learning compersion?

You can check out Marie’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.

***

Thank you to our sponsors!

***

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 303: Common Things We Get Wrong About Sex (Essential Listen) Jun 21, 2024

Show notes

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 “Do We Know Things?”

Some of the topics we explore include:

What do we actually know about the G-spot?
Do we know what the average penis size really is?
Does peeing after sex actually prevent UTIs?
Does pubic hair grooming affect STI risk?
Can men have multiple orgasms too?

To learn more about Lisa Dawn and her work, visit doweknowthings.com.

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

***

Thank you to our sponsors!

Passionate about building a career in sexuality? Check out the Sexual Health Alliance. With SHA, you’ll connect with world-class experts and join an engaged community of sexuality professionals from around the world. Visit SexualHealthAlliance.com and start building the sexuality career of your dreams today.

***

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 302: The Psychology Behind Attraction To Monsters Jun 18, 2024

Show notes

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 of the Monstrous Desire Study. The study examines the cultural history of erotic monsters around the globe based on research data from over 2,200 respondents. Ella was my guest in the previous episode, in which we explored people’s biggest monster crushes.

Some of the topics we cover in this episode include:

What physical or other attributes of monsters do people find arousing?
To what extent do monster fantasies overlap with interest in kink and BDSM?
What is the role of fear in sexual arousal?
Why do monster fantasies seem to be particularly appealing to women and LGBTQ+ folks?
How important is it for us to understand where our sexual fantasies come from?

You can check out Ella’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.

***

Thank you to our sponsors!

***

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 301: Monsters With Serious Sex Appeal Jun 14, 2024

Show notes

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 episode, we’re going to get into the psychology behind attraction to monsters.

My guest is Ella Gallego, a researcher, writer, and the founder of the Monstrous Desire Study. The study examines the cultural history of erotic monsters around the globe and presents research data from over 2,200 respondents.

Some of the topics we discuss include:

What does it mean to be a “monster f*cker?”
How long have people been attracted to monsters?
Which specific monsters are people into?
Why are monsters often depicted in the media in erotic ways?

You can check out Ella’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.

***

Thank you to our sponsors!

***

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 300: Let’s Talk About Penis Pumps! Jun 11, 2024

Show notes

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, whether they can make your penis bigger, and more.

I am joined once again by Dr. Lance Frank, a pelvic health physical therapist who runs Flex PT ATL in Midtown, Atlanta. His practice focuses on providing services to patients managing sexual health and intimacy concerns, pelvic pain, and urinary or bowel dysfunction. He also talks extensively about men’s pelvic health on social media, and you can follow him at @lanceinyourpants.

Some of the topics we cover in this episode include:

What is a penis pump anyway, and how does it work?
What are the benefits of using these devices?
Compared to other erectile enhancers (e.g., medications, cock rings), what are the advantages of a pump?
What are best practices for using a penis pump?
What should someone consider when purchasing a pump?

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

***

Thank you to our sponsors!

***

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.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Sex and Psychology Podcast

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected