Sex and Psychology Podcast

In this discussion, Tom Bruett, a licensed marriage and family therapist and founder of the Queer Relationship Institute, sheds light on the surprising prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) among gay men. The conversation delves into performance anxiety and its effect on sexual health, while also tackling how recreational drugs can influence sexual functioning. Bruett offers practical strategies for improving erectile function and re-evaluates perceptions around premature ejaculation in different contexts, fostering a deeper understanding of queer sexual wellness.

In this engaging discussion with Tom Bruett, a licensed marriage and family therapist and founder of the Queer Relationship Institute, listeners gain insight into the unique dynamics of gay men's relationships. They explore the various stages queer relationships undergo and tackle topics like 'daddy issues' and the challenges of moving past the honeymoon phase. The importance of understanding attachment styles is emphasized, alongside tips for finding gay-affirming therapists. Prepare for a thoughtful dive into relationships crafted for queer experiences!

Jessica van Meir, a PhD candidate at Harvard Kennedy School and co-founder of MintStars, explores the alluring world of financial domination. She discusses the psychological reasons behind findom, highlighting how it intertwines with themes of power, control, and modern economic issues. Jessica explains the rise in popularity of these relationships amid financial crises and how they reflect and challenge traditional gender dynamics. Listeners are invited to rethink perceptions of findom alongside its implications for financial independence and societal norms.

Dr. Bernadette Barton, Professor of Sociology and Director of Gender Studies at Morehead State University, explores the intricacies of today's highly pornified culture. She discusses the rise of raunch culture, its impact on women's sexuality, and the contradictory existence of both raunch and purity cultures. The conversation delves into the transformation of porn accessibility, the need for comprehensive sex education, and the importance of porn literacy for youth. Barton critiques the societal norms that shape our understanding of sexuality in a hypersexualized world.

Sugar dating typically involves an older, wealthy person who financially supports a younger, attractive partner in exchange for companionship and intimacy, and sometimes sex. In today’s episode, we’re going to explore the growing popularity of sugar dating and the unique grey area that it occupies in between traditional dating and sex work. My guest is Dr. Bernadette Barton, a Professor of Sociology and the Director of Gender Studies at Morehead State University. Barton is co-editor of the new book Sex Work Today: Erotic Labor in the 21st Century. Her research and teaching explore contemporary issues of gender, sexuality, religion, culture, happiness, and the sex industry. Some of the specific questions we answer in this episode include: What are some common examples of sugaring arrangements? How is sugar dating different from traditional dating? Is sugar dating sex work? What’s the legal status of sugar dating? Who holds the power in sugar dating relationships? You can get 30% off  Sex Work Today when you input code NYUP30 at checkout on nyupress.org. 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!  Maintain your intimate health with NeuEve. Check out NeuEve’s array of science-backed products created by an OB/GYN for promoting vaginal wellness. Visit neueve.com/justin to learn more and save 5% off of your order! *** Want to learn more about Sex and Psychology? Click here for previous articles or follow the blog on Facebook, Twitter, or Bluesky 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.

Join Dr. Paul Eastwick, a UC Davis professor studying romantic attraction, and Dr. Eli Finkel, a Northwestern University professor and author, as they dissect the truths and myths of romantic comedies. They explore whether love at first sight really exists and challenge the idea that opposites attract. Discover how films misrepresent intimacy and the complexities of relationships. With insights from iconic movies like 'When Harry Met Sally,' they emphasize the need to recognize both the charming and misleading aspects of cinematic love.

Dr. Evelin Dacker, a physician and expert in sexual wellness, discusses the importance of maintaining sexual health throughout life. She shares insights on sexual health education for young adults, addressing issues like STIs and consent. The conversation shifts to challenges during midlife, including menopause and erectile dysfunction, highlighting the need for open communication with partners. Dacker emphasizes redefining intimacy for older adults and discusses strategies for maintaining desire, urging listeners to engage in honest health discussions.

Dr. Evelin Dacker, a physician specializing in sexual wellness and the creator of the STARS method, joins to discuss enhancing sexual communication. She breaks down the STARS method, emphasizing its role in establishing safety and understanding boundaries in relationships. Listeners learn how to articulate their desires and boundaries effectively, making conversations about sexual health and STIs less daunting. Dr. Dacker also highlights why communicating relationship intentions is crucial for fostering intimacy and connection.

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. *** 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 Bluesky 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.

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. *** 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. *** Want to learn more about Sex and Psychology? Click here for previous articles or follow the blog on Facebook, Twitter, or Bluesky 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.