Sex and Psychology Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Episode 149: All About Orgasms Nov 29, 2022

Show notes

We’ve talked a lot about orgasms on this show, but there’s still much to explore! So today’s episode is going to dig into some interesting aspects of orgasm we haven’t really discussed before. We’re also going to consider some tips on having better and more pleasurable orgasms.

I am joined once again by sex therapist Dr. Laurie Mintz, a Professor at the University of Florida and author of the books Becoming Cliterate: Why Orgasm Equality Matters and How to Get It as well as A Tired Woman’s Guide to Passionate Sex. Some of the topics we discuss include:

We hear a lot about the importance of closing the orgasm gap–but we also hear a lot about how orgasms shouldn’t be the goal of sex. So is orgasm the goal or not?
Is orgasm a reliable metric of whether people are having good and satisfying sex?
Some women say they aren’t sure whether they’ve had an orgasm before. How do you know if you’ve had one or not?
What’s the key to helping women have more orgasms?
What do we know about multiple orgasms in men?
How can everyone get more pleasure from orgasm?

Learn more about Laurie at drlauriemintz.com

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 148: Let’s Normalize Sex Toys For Men Nov 25, 2022

Show notes

For decades, sex toys were largely marketed to women, with male sex toys really only starting to make an appearance in the last few years. Survey studies find that most adult men say they’ve never used a sex toy before (whereas most women have), and part of the reason for this is because male sex toys are more stigmatized. So let’s normalize sex toys for men!

My guest today is Jens Petter Wilhelmsen, CEO of Sweet Tech, the Norwegian company that designed and developed the Handy, a revolutionary high-tech sex toy aimed at taking masturbation to new heights. Some of the topics we explore include:

Why are there so many more sex toys for women than they are for men?
Why are male sex toys more stigmatized, and what holds men back from exploring them?
How do sexual wellness companies navigate the taboos around male sex toys?
What is The Handy, and how is it different from other strokers and masturbators?
How can sex toys benefit men’s intimate lives beyond enhancing pleasure?
What’s the future of male sex toys?
How do we cultivate a more sex-positive society where fewer taboos exist around masturbation and sex toys?

Want to get your hands on The Handy? Get 10% off your order by using my exclusive discount code (sexandpsych) Follow this link to learn more: https://link.thehandy.com/sexandpsych-1

Thank you to our sponsors!

The Kinsey Institute’s (kinseyinstitute.org) 75th anniversary is underway and you are invited to join in the celebration! Follow @kinseyinstitute on social media to learn more about upcoming events. Also, please consider a gift or donation to the Institute to support sex research and education. Click here to donate.

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

Episode 147: Masturbation and the Science of Self-Pleasure Nov 22, 2022

Show notes

We are once again in the midst of the annual abstinence challenge known as “No Nut November.” Basically, it involves men giving up ejaculation for the entire month (i.e., no “nutting” allowed). Those who partake do so for a wide variety of reasons, but they seem to be rooted in the idea that masturbation and orgasm are somehow unhealthy. So what does the research actually say? Let’s talk about it!

For today’s episode, I’ve pulled together some of my favorite clips on the history and science of self-pleasure from the archives. My guests include Dr. Eric Sprankle, Marie Aoyama from TENGA, Harvard professor Carole Hooven, urologist Joshua Gonzalez, sleep researcher Michele Lastella, and sex therapist Emily Jamea. This fascinating group of folks will answer the following questions for you:

How long have humans been masturbating?
What do humans think about when they masturbate?
Does abstaining from masturbation boost testosterone?
Can abstinence improve athletic performance?
Can masturbation help us fall asleep faster?
How can we have a healthier relationship with self-pleasure?
How can we get more pleasure from masturbation?

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 146: Gen Z is Walking Away From the Pill. Will They Turn Back? Nov 18, 2022

Show notes

In recent years, a growing number of women of reproductive age have started walking away from the birth control pill. In fact, one survey found that 70% of those who were using the pill said they had either stopped taking it or were thinking about going off of it in the last three years. Why are so many Gen Z and millennial adults going off the pill? What contraceptives are they using instead? And how is the U.S. Supreme Court’s reversal of Roe v. Wade going to impact all of this? Let’s talk about it.

I am joined once again by Dr. Sarah Hill, an award-winning research psychologist and professor. She is author of the fascinating book Your Brain on Birth Control, The Surprising Science of Women, Hormones, and the Law of Unintended Consequences. Some of the topics we discuss include:

The factors prompting a decline in birth control use among young women.
Common myths about hormonal birth control.
The rise of fertility-tracking apps, and what users need to know about them.
Where we are in the search for a male equivalent of the pill.
How changing access to reproductive rights is changing the conversations we’re having around contraception.

Learn more about Sarah at sarahehill.com and be sure to get a copy of Your Brain on Birth Control.

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.

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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 145: Solving Sexual Problems Without Sex Therapy Nov 15, 2022

Show notes

Most people will encounter a sexual problem at some point in their lives, but most will suffer in silence. Shame and embarrassment lead a lot of folks to avoid talking about sex problems and seeking help for them. Unfortunately, by doing nothing, these problems often end up growing into much bigger issues. But it doesn’t have to be this way! Many sex problems can be solved on our own, without the need for therapy. So let’s talk about things you can do to solve common sexual problems and get your sex life back on track.

What it means to give yourself permission.
How a little bit of sex education can go a long way toward resolving sexual difficulties.
Examples of “homework” exercises you can do to work on problem areas.
When self-help isn’t enough and you should head straight to a therapist or healthcare provider.
Reasons why some people have difficulty orgasming.
Tips for dealing with orgasmic difficulties.
General tips for preventing sexual difficulties and maintaining a healthy sex life.

Learn more about Laurie at drlauriemintz.com

Thank you to our sponsors!

The Handy, made by Sweet Tech, is an automatic stroker designed for self-pleasure. Pair it with your sleeve of choice to mimic realistic sensations of different partnered activities with precise speed and stroke control. Visit https://link.thehandy.com/sexandpsych-1 to learn more and use my exclusive discount code (sexandpsych) to get 10% off your order.

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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 144: Your Brain On Birth Control Nov 11, 2022

Show notes

When it comes to birth control pills, there’s more than meets the eye. Hormonal contraception can have wide-ranging effects on both body and mind, to the point where who you are on the pill might actually be quite different from who you are off the pill. The way your body responds to stress, the people you’re attracted to, your overall desire to have sex—these are just a few of the many ways that hormonal contraceptives might impact someone. So, let’s talk about!

My guest today is Dr. Sarah Hill, an award-winning research psychologist and professor. She is author of the fascinating book Your Brain on Birth Control, The Surprising Science of Women, Hormones, and the Law of Unintended Consequences. Some of the topics we discuss include:

How common is it for hormonal contraception to lower sexual desire, and why does this happen?
How do birth control pills change the types of men that heterosexual women are attracted to? And what does this mean for their sex lives and relationships?
How does hormonal contraception affect the body’s stress response, and what are the implications of this?
Why does hormonal birth control increase the risk of depression, and is this part of the reason women why have higher rates of depression than men?
Do all hormonal contraceptives have similar side effect profiles?
Birth control clearly has many positive implications for people’s lives, but also a number of unintended side effects. What do people need to know when it comes to making an informed decision about which contraceptive to use?

Learn more about Sarah at sarahehill.com and be sure to get a copy of Your Brain on Birth Control.

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 143: Boy Toys – Women Who Buy Male Sex Dolls Nov 08, 2022

Show notes

Although the modern sex doll industry largely caters to straight men, a growing number of heterosexual women are getting in on the action by purchasing male sex dolls. Sex dolls for women have actually been around for more than a half-century, but they’ve changed quite a bit over the years. So who are the women buying male sex dolls? What are their reasons for purchasing them, and are they meeting women’s needs? And why is there so much stigma around sex doll ownership? Let’s talk about it!

I am joined once again by Hallie Lieberman, a sex historian and journalist. She is also author of the book Buzz: A Stimulating History of the Sex Toy, which we discussed back in episode 21 of this show. Some of the topics we discuss include:

The history of male sex dolls (it all started with “Big John!”).
How many women have ever used a sex doll, and how much these dolls cost.
What male sex dolls tend to look like.
Women’s reasons for buying sex dolls and how they’re similar/different compared to men.
Whether sex dolls are effective at satisfying sexual and other needs.
Why sex dolls are more stigmatized than vibrators and dildos.
The future of sex dolls for women.

To learn more about Hallie, follow her on the socials @hallielieberman and be sure to pick up a copy of her book, Buzz.

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 142: Sex, Love, and Life Advice From the Experts Nov 04, 2022

Show notes

Want to lead a better life in the bedroom and beyond? This episode is for you! I asked six experts for their favorite pieces of sex advice, relationship advice, and life advice. These bonus interviews come from a stellar line-up of previous guests on the show, including:

Sex researcher, educator, and therapist Dr. Kristen Mark (who appeared on Episode 46)
Sex writer Tracy Clark-Flory (who appeared on Episode 24)
Author and sex guru Emily Nagoski (who appeared on Episode 48)
Sex therapist and author Martha Kauppi (who appeared on Episode 35)
Sex researcher and author Brian Earp (who appeared on Episode 23)
Physician and sex educator Ina Park (who appeared on Episode 39)

All of these folks have amazing wisdom to share that will give you a new outlook on leading a good life! Enjoy!

Thank you to our sponsors!

Advance your training in human sexuality at the Modern Sex Therapy Institutes! Visit modernsextherapyinstitutes.com to explore programs and certifications in sex therapy and education.

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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 141: Why Cartoon and Animated Porn are so Popular Nov 01, 2022

Show notes

What was the most popular porn search term last year? According to Pornhub, it was hentai. This term refers to a form of animated or cartoon porn and it seems to be on the rise. So how did hentai come to be such a popular thing in the first place? And why do some people prefer animated porn to live action porn? Let’s talk about it!

Sexuality educator Ashley Weller returns for this show. Ashley is a professor at Chapman University who runs a podcast called What’s your Position? that tackles issues surrounding sexuality, relationships, life, and love from a comedic yet educational point of view. Some of the topics we explore include:

The origins of hentai and its surprisingly long history.
How legal restrictions on pornography production and consumption paved the way for the rise of animated porn.
Who watches hentai, and how its appeal differs based on gender and sexual orientation.
How personality and attachment style relate to interest in animated porn.
How many people fantasize about cartoon or anime characters.
The impact of hentai porn consumption vs. mainstream porn on audiences.

To learn more about Ashley, check out her podcast What’s your Position? and follow her on Instagram @whatsyourpositionpodcast

Thank you to our sponsors!

Advance your training in human sexuality at the Modern Sex Therapy Institutes! Visit modernsextherapyinstitutes.com to explore programs and certifications in sex therapy and education.

***

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 140: Women Who Pay For Sex, And The Men Who Sell It Oct 28, 2022

Show notes

When it comes to buying and selling sex, people most commonly think of men as the buyers and women as the sellers. However, while men are indeed far more likely than women to report having paid for sex, recent media reports suggest that the number of women buying sex may be on the rise. So, let’s talk about it.

I am joined by Hallie Lieberman, a sex historian and journalist who has written extensively about sex work. She is also author of the book Buzz: A Stimulating History of the Sex Toy, which we discussed back in episode 21 of this show. Some of the topics we discuss include:

Who are the women who pay for sex sex?
What are the most common reasons women pay for sex?
Why do so many women feel that paying for sex is safer than having casual sex?
Who are the men who sell sex to women?
What are the main reasons men become gigolos?
Where do gigolos usually work, and what kinds of services do they sell?

To learn more about Hallie, follow her on the socials @hallielieberman and be sure to pick up a copy of her book, Buzz.

For further information on the research discussed in this episode, see here.

Thank you to our sponsors!

Level-up your intimate life with Beducated, the Netflix of better sex! They have a whole library of online courses to teach you what you need to know. Enjoy a free trial today and get 40% off their yearly pass by using my last name – LEHMILLER – as the coupon code. Sign up now at: http://beducate.me/pd2243-lehmiller

Advance your training in human sexuality at the Modern Sex Therapy Institutes! Visit modernsextherapyinstitutes.com to explore programs and certifications in sex therapy and education.

***

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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