Sex and Psychology Podcast

Mary Jane Minkin, a practicing gynecologist and clinical professor at Yale, discusses essential insights for maintaining vaginal health. She addresses how lifestyle choices affect vaginal well-being and the significance of a balanced pH. Tips for managing vaginal dryness are shared, along with guidance on selecting safe feminine hygiene products. Minkin emphasizes informed contraceptive choices and the importance of personalized care, helping listeners prioritize their sexual health in a thoughtful and practical manner.

In this lively discussion, Ashley Manta, an award-winning sex educator known for her expertise at the intersection of psychedelics and sexuality, dives into the intriguing effects of MDMA, psilocybin, and ketamine on sexual experiences. She explains how these substances can enhance emotional connections while also presenting unique challenges. The conversation highlights the importance of informed, consensual use and open communication with partners, as well as the therapeutic potential of psychedelics in resolving sexual difficulties. Tune in for insights on combining sex and psychedelics mindfully!

In this insightful discussion, guest Ashley Manta, an award-winning sex educator and certified sexologist, explores the intriguing connection between cannabis and sexuality. She explains the role of the endocannabinoid system and its effects on sexual function for both men and women. The conversation covers individual variability in cannabis effects, the distinctions between THC and CBD, and practical tips for using cannabis to enhance sexual experiences. Manta emphasizes the importance of communication and experimentation for personalizing pleasure.

Discover the intriguing world of bromances, where emotional and physical intimacy creates deep bonds among men. Learn why many heterosexual men struggle with vulnerability in friendships and how societal norms shape these relationships. Explore the evolution of male connections, from changing perceptions of sexuality to the complexities of friendships that may include cuddling or more. Dive into the unique dynamics of bromantic relationships and the significance of emotional depth in male friendships across various orientations.

Mark McCormack, a Professor of Sociology at Aston University with a rich background in gender and sexuality research, joins to delve into the complexities of kink. They explore what it means to have a kink orientation and discuss the five components that define it. McCormack emphasizes the importance of viewing kink along a continuum rather than in a binary way. The conversation also touches on societal stigma, the significance of self-exploration through kink quizzes, and the normalization of sexual fantasies, highlighting the shared nature of diverse interests.

The complexities of managing finances in romantic relationships are tackled head-on. Discover why many couples are opting for separate finances, even in monogamous unions. Learn about the various financial arrangements that polyamorous individuals adopt. The conversation dives deep into how partners handle discrepancies in income and debt. Plus, uncover the surprising financial perks of having multiple partners. It's an enlightening exploration of love and money that challenges traditional approaches!

Laura Boyle, author known for her book on polyamory, shares insightful tips for living harmoniously with multiple partners. They discuss common living arrangements and how to address challenges like scheduling conflicts and personal space. Laura emphasizes the impacts of 'new relationship energy' on dynamics when a new partner moves in. She also tackles practical issues such as navigating leases and societal biases faced by polyamorous households. Listeners gain valuable advice on fostering communication and adaptability in their relationships.

Dr. Rena Malik, a board-certified urologist and sexuality educator with a massive online following, shares valuable insights for men seeking to enhance their sexual health. She tackles the common challenge of delayed orgasm and offers tips to boost pleasure, including the use of sex toys and improving communication. Listeners learn about the natural variability of erections, hydration's role in performance, and the myths surrounding penis size enhancement. Malik encourages realistic expectations and promotes safer alternatives for those concerned about size.

Female sexual pleasure is a topic that is not often covered in traditional sex education. In fact, it’s extraordinarily rare for the word “clitoris” to even be mentioned in sex ed! The unfortunate result is that many women (and their partners) never learn the information they really need to know. In today’s show, we’re diving into the sex ed you never got in school and discussing key facts about women’s sexual health and pleasure. My guest is Dr. Rena Malik, a board-certified urologist and sexuality educator. With over 300 million views and 2 million subscribers, her YouTube channel @RenaMalikMD has become a go-to destination for frank, evidence-based discussions of taboo topics. With a prolific portfolio boasting over 80 peer-reviewed publications, she has contributed to advancement and innovation in the field of urology. Some of the specific questions we answer in this episode include: What are some ways of making intercourse more pleasurable for women? How do you deal with a problem like sexual pain, and what are some common solutions for it? What can women do if they’re having trouble orgasming? What should women who are concerned with vaginal taste and smell know? What can you do to prevent vaginal infections? You can check out Rena’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!  Are you looking for a space that celebrates diverse perspectives, explores new frontiers and brings all of your favorite people together?  The Annual Sexological Conference hosted by Sexual Health Alliance is where sexuality leaders gather. Get your ticket to be inspired, educated, and empowered. Head over to SexualHealthAlliance.com, select the Annual Sexological Conference page and save your spot today! 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. *** 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.

Sex educators and researchers are often called upon to serve as expert witnesses in legal proceedings. This is particularly true in cases that center around kink or BDSM, consensual non-monogamy, and sexual or gender minorities. The job of the experts is to help judges and juries better understand the sexual issues at hand. In today’s show, I’m going to interview a colleague who has extensive experience serving as an expert witness. We’re going to talk about the some of the cases she’s been a part of, what the experience is like, and more. My guest is Dr. Elisabeth Sheff, a researcher, expert witness, coach, speaker, and educational consultant. Dr. Eli holds a PhD in Sociology and certification as a Sexuality Educator from AASECT. She has published four books, over 30 peer-reviewed journal articles and chapters, and is currently editing a series of books on relationship and sexual diversity. Some of the specific questions we answer in this episode include: How do you decide which legal cases to get involved in? What are some reasons why you might not take a particular case? What kinds of legal issues come up for non-monogamous individuals that would require an expert witness? What are some of the legal issues that come up in the context of kink and BDSM? Given that consent is not a valid legal defense for injuries that arise during sex, what do kinky folks need to know with respect to avoiding potential legal peril? You can visit Dr. Eli’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 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.