The science (and art) of creating lasting sexual connections | Emily Nagoski on TED Talks Daily Summer Book Club
Feb 25, 2025
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Emily Nagoski, a renowned sex educator and author of 'Come Together,' dives deep into creating lasting sexual connections while debunking common myths. She shares insights on the importance of effective communication and self-awareness in enhancing intimacy. Discover how pleasure, rather than just desire, can transform relationships. Nagoski also emphasizes redefining intimacy in long-term relationships, highlighting the significance of playfulness and openness. Expect a humorous yet enlightening approach to navigating the complex landscape of sexual connections.
Understanding sexual connections requires dismantling myths and focusing on genuine pleasure rather than merely maintaining desire.
Deep human connection drives sexual desire, emphasizing the importance of shared pleasure over the pursuit of orgasm in relationships.
Deep dives
Challenging Mainstream Narratives
The conversation centers on the need to dismantle prevalent myths surrounding sexual relationships. Emily Nagoski emphasizes that many common beliefs, such as the idea that distance is necessary to maintain eroticism, are misleading. Through scientific research and her own experiences, she suggests that high-quality sexual connections are less about 'keeping the spark alive' and more about fostering pleasure. Instead of focusing solely on desire, couples should examine what genuinely brings them joy and satisfaction in their intimate lives.
The Importance of Connection
A significant takeaway from the discussion is that the desire for sex is often driven by a deeper need for connection. Participants in Nagoski's research frequently cited wanting to share pleasure and feel desired as key motivations for engaging in sexual activities. Connection extends beyond mere physical intimacy; it involves understanding and appreciating each other's pleasure. This shared experience of pleasure, rather than just aiming to achieve an orgasm, is how many couples find fulfillment in their sexual relationships.
Understanding the Dual Control Model
Nagoski introduces the dual control model as a framework for understanding sexual response. This model suggests that sexual arousal operates through an 'accelerator' and 'brakes,' with the accelerator signifying factors that stimulate desire and the brakes representing inhibitions. Understanding one's unique drivers and barriers to arousal helps individuals and couples enhance their sexual experiences. By recognizing these dynamics, partners can work together to create a more conducive environment for intimacy and connection.
The Role of Context in Pleasure
The context of sexual experiences is crucial and can significantly influence pleasure. Nagoski highlights how external factors, like emotional well-being and relationship dynamics, can shift the way individuals perceive intimate moments. Situations that may foster pleasure in one context can lead to disconnection in another, reflecting the need for couples to communicate openly about their feelings and desires. This awareness fosters a playful and relaxed approach to sex that enhances overall satisfaction.
This is an episode of TED Talks Daily, another podcast from the TED Audio Collective. It's a special episode of the TED Talks Daily Summer Book Club series. Join host Elise Hu as she interviews TED speakers about their books and their ideas beyond the page.
As a sex educator and author, Emily Nagoski is renowned for dismantling the sexual myths that surround us, and replacing them with healthy ideas, backed by science. And then…her own sex life fell apart. Her latest book, “Come Together, the Science (and Art!) of Creating Lasting Sexual Connections,” is Emily’s attempt to research her way out of her own sexual desert. The result is a book that delights with humor and insights for anyone looking to improve their own relationship to pleasure and intimacy.
This interview was recorded live as part of the TED Membership program. TED Members are invited to attend our live recordings and participate in Q&As with authors. To join in on the fun, sign up at go.ted.com/membership.