Sex and Psychology Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Episode 179: Let’s Talk About Gay Hookup Apps Mar 28, 2023

Show notes

Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men are increasingly finding sexual partners through apps such as Grindr. These apps haven’t just changed the way people find partners, though, they’ve also changed queer men and gay culture in major ways, some of which have been positive, while others have been negative. So let’s talk about the good, bad, and ugly of gay hookup apps.

I am joined once again by Zachary Zane, a Brooklyn-based sex writer. He is the sex and relationship columnist for Men’s Health, where he writes Sexplain It. He is the co-author of the book Men’s Health: Best. Sex. Ever. Zach’s latest book is titled Boyslut: A Memoir and Manifesto.

Some of the topics we discuss include:

How are apps like Grindr different from apps that cater more to a heterosexual audience, like Tinder?
What are some of the ways in which these apps have had positive effects on queer men and the gay community?
Did Grindr really kill the gay bar?
Do hookup apps make it easier to get the kind of sex you want?
How can we reduce toxic behavior on hookup apps?
How can individuals use these apps in healthy ways that don’t take a toll on their mental health?

Content advisory: This episode contains very frank discussion of sexual matters.

Check out more about Zach on his website, and be sure to follow him on Twitter and Instagram @ZacharyZane_.

Thank you to our sponsors!

The Modern Sex Therapy Institutes is one of the leading sex therapy certification programs in the world, meets all AASECT certification requirements, has 12 other specialty certifications, and a Ph.D. program in Clinical Sexology. Visit modernsextherapyinstitutes.com to learn more.

Check out FirmTech, awarded “most innovative sex toy of the year” by XBIZ! FirmTech’s Performance Ring is designed to boost your sexual stamina and give you harder, longer-lasting erections, while also enhancing pleasure. Their Tech Ring has the added benefit of tracking your erectile health. Visit myfirmtech.com and be sure to use my exclusive discount code Justin20 to save 20% off your purchase.

***

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 178: From Sexual Shame to Sexual Freedom Mar 24, 2023

Show notes

While the term “safe sex” might imply that there’s a perfectly safe way to have sex, there’s always going to be some degree of risk, both physical and emotional. Whenever you have sex, you’re making a choice about the level of risk you’re willing to take on in order to experience the pleasures of sex. Everyone has a different risk tolerance, though, which is why we all make different choices. However, we have a tendency to shame everyone who has a different risk tolerance, whether it’s higher or lower than our own. This sex shaming hurts everyone because it makes us less likely to talk openly about sex. So today we’re going to talk about shedding sexual shame and feeling free and empowered to make your own sexual decisions.

I am joined by Zachary Zane, a Brooklyn-based sex writer. He is the sex and relationship columnist for Men’s Health, where he writes Sexplain It. He is the co-author of the book Men’s Health: Best. Sex. Ever. Zach’s latest book is titled Boyslut: A Memoir and Manifesto.

Some of the topics we discuss include:

Why have men largely been left out of the sex-positivity conversation? And why is it important for everyone to be involved?
How might the phrase “safe sex” be misleading when thinking about sexual risk? Should we be talking about “risk-aware sex” instead?
Why do some people view STIs as an acceptable risk, while others view them as unacceptable?
Why is it important to reduce stigma around STIs?
Why is sex shaming so prevalent, even within the queer community?

Content advisory: This episode contains very frank discussion of sexual matters.

Check out more about Zach on his website, and be sure to follow him on Twitter and Instagram @ZacharyZane_

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 177: How To Prevent Sex Crimes Mar 21, 2023

Show notes

How do we prevent sex crimes from happening in the first place? Today, we’re going to talk about some of the things that do (and don’t) work. This is the second episode in a two-part series about sexual offending. In the previous show, we discussed what motivates people to sexually offend, so now that we have a sense of that, let’s discuss issues of treatment and prevention.

Dr. Michael Seto is back for this episode. He is a registered clinical and forensic psychologist and a research director with the Royal Ottawa Health Care Group. He is also a Professor in Psychiatry at the University of Ottawa. Michael has published extensively on the subject of sexual offending, which includes the books Pedophilia and Sexual Offending Against Children and Internet Sex Offending.

Some of the topics we discuss include:

Why punishment isn’t enough when it comes to stopping sexual offending.
Whether sex offender registries are an effective deterrent to sex crimes.
The most effective treatment approaches for reducing rates of sexual re-offending.
Whether we can get people at risk of committing sex crimes to voluntarily seek treatment before committing an offense.
How training in the fiend of psychology can be improved to prevent sexual violence.
The role of comprehensive sex education in preventing sexual violence.

Make sure to follow Michael on Twitter @MCSeto and learn more about his research here.

Thank you to our sponsors!

Support sex science by becoming a friend of the Kinsey Institute at Indiana University. Visit kinseyinstitute.org to make a donation to support ongoing research projects on critical topics. You can also show your support by following the Kinsey Institute on Facebook, Twitter, 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 176: Inside the Minds of Sex Offenders Mar 17, 2023

Show notes

Why do people commit sex crimes? We often hear that they’re not really motivated by sex and, instead, that they’re about power and control. However, it’s more complex than that, and understanding that complexity is key to preventing these crimes from happening in the first place. So let’s talk about. This is the first episode in a two-part series on the psychology of sexual offending and what we can do to stop it. Today, we’ll focus on the why question. In the next show, we’ll focus on prevention.

I am joined by Dr. Michael Seto, a registered clinical and forensic psychologist and a research director with the Royal Ottawa Health Care Group. He is also a Professor in Psychiatry at the University of Ottawa. Michael has published extensively on the subject of sexual offending, which includes the books Pedophilia and Sexual Offending Against Children and Internet Sex Offending.

Some of the topics we discuss include:

How common is sexual offending?
What are some of the common challenges in studying sexual offending?
How does sexual violence relate to sex, power, and control?
What is the Motivation-Facilitation Model, and how can it help us to understand the psychology behind sex crimes?
How is sexual fantasy related to sexual offending?
How common is it for sex offenders to reoffend? And can we predict who is most likely to do so?

Make sure to follow Michael on Twitter @MCSeto and learn more about his research 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 175: When Single Life Sucks Mar 14, 2023

Show notes

The stereotype we often hear about singles in the popular media is that they’re sad. In reality, however, a lot of them are thriving and living their best lives, which we talked all about in the previous episode. But being single isn’t sunshine and rainbows for everyone, though. For some, being single just sucks. So let’s talk about it. In this episode, we’re going take a look at when and why people struggle with single life and the factors that can make it a negative experience, including social exclusion, attachment anxiety, social pressure to be in a relationship, and more.

I am joined once again by Dr. Yuthika Girme, an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at Simon Fraser University in Canada, who has conducted extensive research on singlehood. Some of the topics we discuss include:

In what ways are singles stigmatized or “singled out” in modern society?
What is the role of family and culture in shaping people’s experiences with being single?
How is singlehood experienced similarly or differently for men and women?
How does sexual orientation factor into experiences with singlehood?
How does attachment style impact one’s feelings about being single?

Check out the SECURE lab to learn more about Yuthika’s research, and be sure to follow her on Twitter.

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 174: When Being Single Is Awesome Mar 10, 2023

Show notes

The number of American adults living single has been on the rise for years. Part of this increase has been driven by a growing number of folks who simply prefer the single life. And, for them, being single can be awesome. At the same time, though, some singles don’t want to be single and they’re pretty miserable. So let’s talk about the good, bad, and ugly of singlehood. I have a two-part series for you on what it’s like to be single today. In this episode we’re going to explore the positive side of singlehood and, next time, we’re going to explore the negative side.

I am joined by Dr. Yuthika Girme, an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at Simon Fraser University in Canada. Her research focuses on reconciling the complexities associated with singlehood and relationship experiences with the aim of fostering security and well-being. Some of the topics we discuss include:

Why have relationship researchers historically downplayed the experiences of singles?
What are some of the reasons people might choose to be single? What do they see as the benefits?
Why are older singles more satisfied than younger singles?
When are singles most likely to be sexually satisfied?
Why might someone prioritize having friendships (or platonic life partners) over romantic relationships?
How do our personal (and cultural) values shape the experience of singlehood?

Check out the SECURE lab to learn more about Yuthika’s research, and be sure to follow her on Twitter.

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 173: Tips for Treating Pelvic Floor Problems Mar 07, 2023

Show notes

In the previous episode, we talked all about the pelvic floor, including what it is, the important role it plays in sexual function, as well as what you need to know about Kegel exercises. Today, we’re going to be continuing our conversation on pelvic health by exploring the world of pelvic floor physical therapy. Pelvic floor therapy can potentially help to resolve everything from painful intercourse in women to erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation in men. So how do you know whether pelvic floor physical therapy is right for you, and what does this kind of therapy actually look like?

For today’s episode, I am joined once again by Dr. Alicia Jeffrey-Thomas, an experienced pelvic floor physical therapist who works with patients of all genders and ages with pelvic health diagnoses. She is known for spreading evidence-based pelvic health information in humorous and relatable ways on social media through @ThePelvicDanceFloor, which has over 1 million combined followers between Instagram and Tiktok. Some of the topics we discuss include:

Who is pelvic floor physical therapy for? How do you know if it’s right for you?
How do you find a provider, and is this kind of therapy usually covered by insurance?
What does a typical therapy session consist of?
What sexual health issues can pelvic floor physical therapy help with?
Beyond Kegels, what other kinds of exercises can help with pelvic health issues?

Make sure to check out Alicia on TikTok and Instagram @ThePelvicDanceFloor.

Thank you to our sponsors!

Put a “ring” on it with FirmTech’s Performance Ring, which is designed to boost your sexual stamina and give you harder, longer-lasting erections, while also enhancing pleasure. Their Tech Ring has the added benefit of tracking your erectile health. Visit myfirmtech.com and be sure to use my exclusive discount code Justin20 to save 20% off your purchase.

***

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 172: What Everyone Needs To Know About The Pelvic Floor Mar 03, 2023

Show notes

The pelvic floor is a super important set of muscles that plays a vital role in sexual, reproductive, urinary, and bowel function. However, most of us don’t know all that much about it, which is a shame because paying attention to your pelvic health has the potential to improve your overall health and give you a boost in the bedroom, too. So, let’s talk about what everyone needs to know about their pelvic floor!

For today’s episode, I am joined by Dr. Alicia Jeffrey-Thomas, an experienced pelvic floor physical therapist who works with patients of all genders and ages with pelvic health diagnoses. She is known for spreading evidence-based pelvic health information in humorous and relatable ways on social media through @ThePelvicDanceFloor, which has over 1 million combined followers between Instagram and Tiktok.

Some of the topics we discuss include:

What is the pelvic floor anyway ?
What are the most common pelvic floor issues, and how are they similar or different across genders?
When (and for whom) are Kegel exercises a good idea?
What’s the right way to do Kegels?
How do pelvic floor issues vary across the lifespan?
What are some common myths and misconceptions about the pelvic floor?

Make sure to check out Alicia on TikTok and Instagram @ThePelvicDanceFloor.

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 171: How to Initiate Sex Feb 28, 2023

Show notes

A lot of people struggle with sexual initiation. In fact, this is one of the most common topics that readers and listeners ask me about! So why is sexual initiation so hard, and what can we do to make it easier? Let’s talk about it!

For today’s show, I am joined once again by Vanessa Marin, a licensed psychotherapist specializing in sex therapy, as well as Xander Marin, a self-described “regular dude” who left a cushy career in tech once he realized it was more fun to talk about sex with his wife all day. They co-host the “Pillow Talks” podcast and co-authored the new book, Sex Talks: Five Conversations That Will Transform Your Love Life.

Some of the topics we discuss include:

Why does initiating sex feel so hard for people?
What should you do (and what should you avoid) when it comes to sexual initiation?
What are the six different sexual initiation styles?
How can individuals navigate sex when they have different initiation styles?
How do you say “no” to a partner’s initiation attempt without hurting their feelings?
What are some things you can do to encourage your partner to initiate sex more?

Make sure to check out Vanessa and Xander’s website, and visit their Youtube, Instagram, and TikTok to learn more. And be sure to get a copy of Sex Talks!

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 170: Love Signals – Relationship Red and Green Flags Feb 24, 2023

Show notes

When it comes to navigating romantic relationships, the struggle is real. So why are relationships so hard? And is it possible to make things a little easier? Let’s talk about it! Today’s episode is all about “love signals,” or the signs you should be paying attention to. Specifically, we’re going to discuss relationship red flags and green flags, how to avoid moving too fast or too slow, how to know when someone is genuinely interested in you, and how to avoid sabotaging your own chances at love and happiness.

I am joined once again by Dr. Morgan Anderson, who is a clinical psychologist, author of the new book Love Magnet, and host of the podcast Let’s Get Vulnerable. Some of the topics we discuss include:

Why do we often struggle with romantic relationships more than other types of relationship in life?
How do you find the middle ground between moving “too fast” and “too slow” when you’re dating someone new?
What are some relationship red, green, and yellow flags to pay attention to?
How can you tell if someone is just being friendly or if they’re flirting?
How can you drop the big expectations while also still upholding your standards?
Why is it important to approach dating with curiosity?

Make sure to check out Morgan’s website, follow her on Instagram, and subscribe to her YouTube channel to learn more.

Thank you to our sponsors!

Give the gift of year-round pleasure with Beducated! Their library of online courses will teach you what you need to know. Treat yourself or a loved one to a subscription and get 40% off their yearly pass by using my last name – LEHMILLER – as the coupon code. Sign up now at: https://beducate.me/pd2308-lehmiller

If you love the science of sex, consider becoming a friend of the Kinsey Institute at Indiana University. The Kinsey Institute is the world’s premiere research organization on sex and relationships, and you can help continue the legacy of Alfred Kinsey by visiting kinseyinstitute.org to make a donation that helps support ongoing research projects that make an impact in the world of sex research. You can also show your support by following the Kinsey Institute on Facebook, Twitter, 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.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Sex and Psychology Podcast

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected