***Content / Trigger Warning, in this episode we discuss sensitive topics that may not be suitable for all audiences. Topics like sexual abuse, and physical abuse, including child sexual molestation. This may be an episode to skip, or use headphones for, if you have others around you that may not be prepared to listen.***   Hey everyone! Welcome to today’s episode of the Wright Conversations Podcast! For today’s episode, I’m joined by Meryl Victoria to talk about play and fantasies, the most common fantasies, and exploring core desires. Meryl also talks about de-shame-ifying sexual fantasies, the importance of safety in context, tapping into our body sensations, and fantasies versus realities. Let’s delve in!   In this Episode You’ll Learn: [01:37] A bit about Meryl. [03:18] Why Meryl is passionate about talking about sexual fantasies. [05:13] Are fantasies for you? [06:22] Defining sexual fantasies. [07:22] The more common sexual fantasies. [08:28] Core desires. [10:00] What to do with your fantasies. [12:19] Fantasies versus realities. [18:42] The insidious shame. [20:15] How to start to recognize shame. [23:34] Tapping into body sensations. [28:22] A safe context. [29:26] How shame manifests. [31:11] How to start releasing and exploring shame. [36:47] Meryl’s words of wisdom.   Quotes: “Everybody fantasizes, and everybody fantasizes for their entire lives.” [03:44] “What makes sex awesome is not the actions that you’re performing. Rather, it’s the emotions that you’re experiencing.” [08:40] “Just because you fantasize about it, doesn’t mean you want to do it for real.” [12:12] “Every time you move outside of the perceived social norm, shame is waiting for you.” [19:23] “Diversifying your feed is such an amazing thing to do for yourself.” [32:25]   Connect with Meryl Victoria Website:            www.verymeryl.com. Instagram:          @soverymeryl.   Connect with Rachel Wright Website:            https://rachelwrightnyc.com Instagram:          @thewright_rachel Twitter:              @thewrightrachel   Resources   WIN A FREE INTIMACY AFTER DARK DECK!   Get 30% OFF the NEW After Dark Deck! Use Promo Code: Rachel   Get your Zumio Discount!   Call to Action Please if you love this episode, and know someone else who is a passionate soul on a mission just like you share it with your friends and others. To help this podcast grow please leave an iTunes review and don’t forget to subscribe.

Nox Black (they/them) is a rope artist, erotic witch, conscious kink coach, and photographer, living and practicing on occupied Lenape Land in Brooklyn, NY. Using rope sessions, witch rituals, somatic therapies, magic-infused photoshoots, and more, they help others discover their erotic and sexual power.   Hey everyone! Welcome to today’s episode of the Wright Conversations Podcast! For today’s episode, I’m joined by Nox Black to talk about rope, erotic magic, and D/S dynamics. Nox also talks about some of the main reasons people decide to do rope, how to find and vet rope practitioners, and the truth about age play. Let’s delve in!   In this Episode You’ll Learn: [02:53] What is Rope? [09:27] Main reasons why people get tied. [17:33] Finding the right rope practitioner. [21:06] Defining erotic magic. [27:59] D/S dynamics. [31:03] Age play. [33:10] Nox’s words of wisdom.   Quotes: “If you’re somebody with a body, you can benefit from rope.” [11:38] “Erotic magic is a piece of witchcraft that is informed by our erotic self.” [21:18] “Regression is something that comes very naturally to the body. It is the brain’s way of protecting itself.” [32:21] “The world is not a vacuum.” [33:26]   Connect with Nox Black Website:            noxblack.com. Instagram:          @notnoxblack_. Twitter:              @noxblack_.   Connect with Rachel Wright Website:            https://rachelwrightnyc.com Instagram:          @thewright_rachel Twitter:              @thewrightrachel   Resources   WIN A FREE INTIMACY AFTER DARK DECK!   Get 30% OFF the NEW After Dark Deck! Use Promo Code: Rachel   Get your Zumio Discount!   Call to Action Please if you love this episode, and know someone else who is a passionate soul on a mission just like you share it with your friends and others. To help this podcast grow please leave an iTunes review and don’t forget to subscribe.

Crystal Rose O’Connor Bio Crystal Rose O’Connor is a somatic intimacy coach, intimacy director, performer, and food lover. Crystal’s mission is to make sure other people feel seen and legitimized, each with a story worth telling. Crystal received training in Sexology at The Somatica Institute, learning the art of deep healing, communication, kink, trauma release, conflict resolution, healthy attachment, open relationships, and embodiment.   Raj Bandyopadhyay Bio Raj Bandyopadhyay is a personal branding photographer and artist. Prior to joining the art and photography world, Raj earned a PhD in Computer Science and worked as a software engineer and data scientist. In 2017, when his spouse came out as transgender and started transitioning, Raj began his own soul-searching journey, and transitioned into his photography career.   Hey everyone! Welcome to today’s episode of the Wright Conversations Podcast! For today’s episode, I’m joined by Crystal O’Connor and Raj Bandyopadhyay to talk about insecurities between sex and photography, how to work through perfectionism, and overcoming self-limiting beliefs. Crystal and Raj also talk about the benefits of utilizing containers and somatic tools, and what people can do start feeling more comfortable on camera. Let’s delve in!   In this Episode You’ll Learn: [01:48] A bit about Crystal. [02:21] A bit about Raj. [03:56] How Crystal and Raj connected. [05:55] Common insecurities between sex and photography. [13:50] Working through perfectionism. [19:12] Overcoming self-limiting beliefs in clients. [27:44] The most common hurdles that people face. [28:45] Safe containers from the world of BDSM. [30:26] How using these tools transform people. [35:13] Who needs to have these experience? [42:25] Words of wisdom.   Quotes: “Your vulnerability makes you relatable, and it’s better for your brand.” [10:11] “Shoulds are about perfectionism, which is the opposite of vulnerability.” [10:37] “If we never did anything that was uncomfortable, none of us would ever have sex for the first time.” [26:05] “Do it because you want it and because you think it will be fun, even if no one ever sees them.” [39:22]   Connect with Crystal Rose O’Connor Email:               crystal@yourbodyyourstory.net. Website:            yourbodyyourstory.net.   Connect with Raj Bandyopadhyay Website:            www.seriesaphotography.com. LinkedIn:            Raj Bandyopadhyay. Instagram:          @seriesaphotography.   Connect with Rachel Wright Website:            https://rachelwrightnyc.com Instagram:          @thewright_rachel Twitter:              @thewrightrachel   Resources   WIN A FREE INTIMACY AFTER DARK DECK!   Get 30% OFF the NEW After Dark Deck! Use Promo Code: Rachel   Get your Zumio Discount!   Call to Action Please if you love this episode, and know someone else who is a passionate soul on a mission just like you share it with your friends and others. To help this podcast grow please leave an iTunes review and don’t forget to subscribe.

Hey everyone! Welcome to today’s episode of the Wright Conversations Podcast! For today’s episode, I’m joined by Tawny Lara to talk about sobriety and sex, working through arrested development, and learning sexual expression. Tawny also talks about the importance of mindful sexual exploration, learning about asexuality, co-dependency and addiction, and how to separate sex, identity, and alcohol. Let’s delve in!   In this Episode You’ll Learn: [01:06] A bit about Tawny. [01:39] Tawny, The Sober Sexpert. [04:45] The physical effects of alcohol and sex. [06:16] The “liquid courage = fun drunk sex” narrative. [07:22] Discovering who she is sexually without alcohol. [08:17] Separating sex, gender identity, sexuality, and alcohol. [09:22] Arrested development. [13:07] How alcohol hinders sexual response. [15:21] From performative drunk sex, to sober non-performative sex. [17:50] The biphasic effects of alcohol. [21:38] Can you benefit from trying sober sex? [23:01] The biggest challenges when experiencing sober sex for the first few times. [24:37] How to replace the liquid courage with your own intrinsic courage. [25:02] Asexuality and sobriety. [27:35] Top takeaways from Ace, by Angela Chen. [32:12] There is hope. [34:09] Replacing dates with “drinks”. [36:00] Tawny’s advice.   Quotes: “There’s a laundry list of ways that alcohol does not help you sexually, despite the societal narrative.” [06:02] “Porn is for entertainment of adults, not education.” [13:53] “Alcohol can, and often does, do a disservice to your sexual experience.” [17:42] “Alcohol is giving you this fun, uninhibited sex, sure, but it’s not the alcohol.” [18:27] “Read the label before you eat the food. Know what you’re getting into.” [21:04] “Replace the liquid courage with channeling your own intrinsic courage.” [24:31] “Indulge in the things that make you feel sexy.” [24:49] “A big part of some people’s sexual liberation is realizing that they actually do not like sex, and that’s okay, too.” [25:03] “If you’re not a sexual being, pleasure can be a really luxurious bubble bath.” [26:08] “Your sexual journey is sometimes ongoing.” [29:15] “You’re not alone. There are tons of free resources out there.” [32:42] “For dating, I would highly recommend an experiential date.” [34:59] “There are so many outside-of-the-box date ideas, you do not need to incorporate alcohol.” [35:47] “It’s more about the ritual than the actual substance.” [37:25] “Just because the person you love is struggling, it’s not your problem to fix.” [40:55]   Connect with Tawny Lara Website:            www.sobrieteaparty.com.                         www.tawnylara.com. Instagram:          @tawnymlara. Twitter:              @TawnyMLara. LinkedIn:            Tawny Lara. Facebook:          Tawny Lara. YouTube:           Tawny Lara. TikTok:              @tawnymlara.     Connect with Rachel Wright Website:            https://rachelwrightnyc.com Instagram:          @thewright_rachel Twitter:              @thewrightrachel   Resources The Recovery Rocks Podcast. Book: Ace, by Angela Chen.     WIN A FREE INTIMACY AFTER DARK DECK!   Get 30% OFF the NEW After Dark Deck! Use Promo Code: Rachel   Get your Zumio Discount!   Call to Action Please if you love this episode, and know someone else who is a passionate soul on a mission just like you share it with your friends and others. To help this podcast grow please leave an iTunes review and don’t forget to subscribe.

Hey everyone! Welcome to today’s episode of the Wright Conversations Podcast! For today’s episode, I’m joined by Lina Dune to talk about kink, sexuality, and her lived experience as a 24/7 sub. Lina also talks about the most common misconceptions, how to take the first steps into the world of kink, and the importance of boundaries in D/S relationships. Let’s delve in!   In this Episode You’ll Learn: [01:19] A bit about Lina. [02:22] What encouraged Lina to get into this work? [06:23] What kink means to Lina. [09:56] Being a 24/7 sub. [12:56] Kink and exploring sexuality and sexual orientation. [15:28] Demisexuality and kink. [20:11] The misconceptions. [26:47] Getting started. [31:26] Power dynamics in D/S relationships. [35:12] Lina’s words of wisdom.   Quotes: “[kink] is just a safe and negotiated container to experiment with things that are considered alternative from the mainstream of sexuality.” [07:20] “Sex-positive doesn’t mean every single person is going to be a fit.” [21:10] “If you don’t know what your limits are, we can’t look outside ourselves for that information.” [30:17] “The dom has their hands on the steering wheel, but the sub has their foot on the brake.” [31:49] “Your boundaries are a gift.” [35:22] “It’ll never be perfect but it can be fun along the way.” [36:50]   Connect with Lina Dune Website:            www.askasub.com. Instagram:          @askasub. Twitter:              @askasub. Patreon:            AskASub.     Connect with Rachel Wright Website:            https://rachelwrightnyc.com Instagram:          @thewright_rachel Twitter:              @thewrightrachel   Resources The Conscious Kink Course. The Sub Survival Guide.   WIN A FREE INTIMACY AFTER DARK DECK!   Get 30% OFF the NEW After Dark Deck! Use Promo Code: Rachel   Get your Zumio Discount!   Call to Action Please if you love this episode, and know someone else who is a passionate soul on a mission just like you share it with your friends and others. To help this podcast grow please leave an iTunes review and don’t forget to subscribe.1

Sam (She/They) is the Founder of Shrimp Teeth. As a peer mentor, Sam has helped over 900 clients work through challenges around alternative relationships, kink, and queerness, with a focus on ethical non-monogamy and polyamory, queer identity and sexuality, kink and BDSM practices, and sexual violence prevention and recovery.   Hey everyone! Welcome to today’s episode of the Wright Conversations Podcast! For today’s episode, I’m joined by Sam to talk about the link between creativity and eroticism, where to start to get into eroticism, and working through the initial shame/embarrassment. Sam also talks about when the best time is to reevaluate your chosen direction, and how you can get started with Shrimp Teeth’s exciting daily erotica prompts. Let’s delve in!   In this Episode You’ll Learn: [01:15] A bit about Sam. [01:59] How Sam got started with Shrimp Teeth. [03:30] The connection between creativity and eroticism. [06:45] Where to begin if you feel a disconnect. [08:54] How Sam figured out that creativity and eroticism are linked. [10:17] Working past the shame/embarrassment. [14:35] When to reevaluate. [16:01] Sam’s words of wisdom.   Quotes: “It’s about giving yourself permission as much as it is about honing in your craft.” [10:09] “You don’t need to share any of this with anybody until you feel good.” [12:00] “If you’re trying something for the first time, you need to give yourself at least three opportunities before you decide whether or not you’re going to like it.” [13:16] “You can set the bar where you can step over it easily. That’s where you start.” [17:02]   Connect with Sam Website:            shrimpteeth.com. Instagram:          @shrimpteeth.     Connect with Rachel Wright Website:            https://rachelwrightnyc.com Instagram:          @thewright_rachel Twitter:              @thewrightrachel   Resources Subscribe to Shrimp Teeth..     WIN A FREE INTIMACY AFTER DARK DECK!   Get 30% OFF the NEW After Dark Deck! Use Promo Code: Rachel   Get your Zumio Discount!   Call to Action Please if you love this episode, and know someone else who is a passionate soul on a mission just like you share it with your friends and others. To help this podcast grow please leave an iTunes review and don’t forget to subscribe.

Dr. Courtney Tracy, aka The Truth Doctor, is a renowned psychotherapist, licensed clinical social worker, healthcare entrepreneur, activist, creator, speaker, writer, and host of The Truth Doctor Show. By the age of 30, she became a licensed therapist, and received four degrees, including a Master of Social Work and a PhD in Clinical Psychology. Through her platform, The Truth Doctor, she is helping Gen Z and their families understand mental health stigma and healing.   Hey everyone! Welcome to today’s episode of the Wright Conversations Podcast! For today’s episode, I’m joined by Dr, Courtney Tracy to talk about being transparent on social media as a therapist, her BPD, and mental health diagnoses. Dr. Tracy also talks about the most common issues since the pandemic started, cultivating courage, and how to take the first steps towards navigating vulnerability. Let’s delve in!   In this Episode You’ll Learn: [01:14] A bit about Dr. Courtney Tracy. [02:31] Sharing online as a therapist. [04:49] Borderline Personality Disorder. [07:00] Why BDP is so stigmatized. [09:25] Are mental health issues becoming over-diagnosed or are people becoming more aware and seeking diagnoses? [11:57] What has been the most common issue lately? [15:42] Dr. Tracy’s advice. [17:52] Does Dr. Tracy need to cultivate courage? [19:51] How can someone know that they can benefit from what Dr.Tracy is putting out into the world? [22:08] The first step towards sharing and navigating vulnerability. [26:49] Dr. Tracy’s words of wisdom.   Quotes: “Our species needs a lot of f*cking work.” [10:58] “Even connecting with your distress is important.” [16:59] “I’m just trying to share my truth with the hopes that it will prevent you from hiding yours.” [20:31] “I wish we lived in a world where being yourself was not considered an act of f*cking bravery.” [21:05] “You may think that everything in your life is out of control right now, but the things that are in your control once weren’t, and they’re so in your control now that you didn’t even realize it.” [27:01]   Connect with Dr. Courtney Tracy Website:            www.thetruthdoctor.com. Instagram:          @the.truth.doctor. Twitter:              @_thetruthdoctor. TikTok:              @the.truth.doctor. YouTube:           The Truth Doctor Show. Podcast:            Truth Doctor Show. LinkedIn:            Dr. Courtney Tracy.     Connect with Rachel Wright Website:            https://rachelwrightnyc.com Instagram:          @thewright_rachel Twitter:              @thewrightrachel   Resources   WIN A FREE INTIMACY AFTER DARK DECK!   Get 30% OFF the NEW After Dark Deck! Use Promo Code: Rachel   Get your Zumio Discount!   Call to Action Please if you love this episode, and know someone else who is a passionate soul on a mission just like you share it with your friends and others. To help this podcast grow please leave an iTunes review and don’t forget to subscribe.

Dr. J.J Kelly (she/they), aka The Punk Rock Doc, is a licensed clinical psychologist and emotional skills training expert. She spent 16 years working as a mental health professional in the health system, seeing first-hand the systemic injustices of ableism, elitism, homophobia, racism, sexism, and narcissism. She then decided to build a system based on love, laughter, and teaching, to achieve global healing and help others like themselves and unlock their superpowers.   Hey everyone! Welcome to today’s episode of the Wright Conversations Podcast! For today’s episode, I’m joined by Dr. J.J Kelly to talk about Dialectical Behavior Therapy, the misconceptions around its usage, and the reality of working with insurance companies. Dr. Kelly also talks about ‘I feel’ statements, identifying and owning our emotions, the symptoms of shame, and achieving global healing through gratitude. Let’s delve in!   In this Episode You’ll Learn: [01:39] A bit about Dr. Kelly. [02:54] What is DBT? [04:32] BPD and DBT. [06:16] Who is DBT for? [07:52] The problem with working with insurance companies. [09:17] “I feel like…” statements. [16:33] Why do emotions matter? [18:25] Identifying shame. [21:09] The symptoms of shame. [23:13] How to start learning these skills. [26:18] Dr. Kelly’s words of wisdom.   Quotes: “It shouldn’t be black and white. Everything is gray.” [04:06] “The word that comes after the word ‘feel’ has to be an emotion word.” [10:35] “The majority of misery that humans experience is because of a lack of connection to themselves and each other.” [17:33] “There’s nothing more illogical than denying emotions.” [17:45] “The very heart of narcissism is shame.” [22:54] “Happy people act right.” [26:38] “The natural by-product of liking yourself is wanting to give.” [28:00]   Connect with Dr. Kelly Website:            www.drjjkelly.com. Instagram:          @drjjkelly. YouTube:           Dr. J.J Kelly.     Connect with Rachel Wright Website:            https://rachelwrightnyc.com Instagram:          @thewright_rachel Twitter:              @thewrightrachel   Resources   WIN A FREE INTIMACY AFTER DARK DECK!   Get 30% OFF the NEW After Dark Deck! Use Promo Code: Rachel   Get your Zumio Discount!   Call to Action Please if you love this episode, and know someone else who is a passionate soul on a mission just like you share it with your friends and others. To help this podcast grow please leave an iTunes review and don’t forget to subscribe.

Alegra is a licensed marriage and family therapist, a feminist, OCD advocate, writer, and Founder of the Center for OCD, Anxiety, and Eating Disorders. Apart from her experience with OCD in clinical settings, Alegra also has a lived experience of the disorder.   Hey everyone! Welcome to today’s episode of the Wright Conversations Podcast! For today’s episode, I’m joined by Alegra Kastens to talk about OCD, the misconceptions surrounding OCD, and some common obsessions and compulsions. Alegra also talks about treatments for OCD, how to get an accurate diagnosis, and recognizing mental compulsions as compulsions. Let’s delve in!   In this Episode You’ll Learn: [01:20] A bit about Alegra. [02:47] What is OCD? [05:47] How OCD shows up relationally. [07:08] Common obsessions or compulsions. [09:21] Unwanted thoughts or obsessions? [10:33] Relationship OCD. [12:30] Obsessive thoughts without OCD. [13:29] Meta note: finding a therapist that specializes in a diagnosis. [18:54] How and why is OCD misrepresented? [23:56] Exposure and response prevention. [26:51] Mindfulness skills training. [28:46] DBT for treating OCD? [31:27] Best practices to get an accurate diagnosis. [34:23] Is medication a helpful tool? [36:10] Mental compulsions.   Quotes: “So many people suffer in silence not knowing that what they’re experiencing is OCD because it’s so misunderstood.” [02:06] “Everybody from time to time does get an unwanted and intrusive thought, but you’re able to move on from it easily. A person with OCD cannot.” [09:44] “With OCD, you would see the presence of both obsessions and compulsions.” [13:05] “It is a big deal because people die not knowing that what they’re experiencing is OCD.” [23:34] “People with OCD tend to feel a ton of distress in response to the obsession.” [28:26] “Interrogate the sh*t out of the therapist that you’re going to see.” [31:57] “Mental compulsions are compulsions.” [36:24] “Mental compulsions are just as compulsive and need to be treated.” [36:47]   Connect with Alegra Kastens Website:            alegrakastens.com. Instagram:          @obsessivelyeverafter. LinkedIn:            Alegra Kastens.     Connect with Rachel Wright Website:            https://rachelwrightnyc.com Instagram:          @thewright_rachel Twitter:              @thewrightrachel   Resources International OCD Foundation.     WIN A FREE INTIMACY AFTER DARK DECK!   Get 30% OFF the NEW After Dark Deck! Use Promo Code: Rachel   Get your Zumio Discount!   Call to Action Please if you love this episode, and know someone else who is a passionate soul on a mission just like you share it with your friends and others. To help this podcast grow please leave an iTunes review and don’t forget to subscribe.

Rae is a sex-positive associate marriage and family therapist, working with clients who have experienced religious trauma, family of origin trauma, as well as those with ADHD, anxiety, cancer, chronic illnesses, depression, and relational and intimacy issues. Over 20 years ago, she left the Mormon faith, and she has been working to reclaim her own spirituality, and curiosity, and explore her post-Mormon sexual and gender identity. She hosts a Former Mormon Support Group, and co-hosts the FoMo (Former Mormon) Podcast with Melissa Hannan.   Hey everyone! Welcome to today’s episode of the Wright Conversations Podcast! For today’s episode, I’m joined by Rae Gross to talk about religious trauma, it’s effects on sex and mental health, and how to figure out if you have religious trauma. Rae also talks about her experience of religious trauma, how she reintegrated into the world after leaving the Mormon faith, and she gives advice to those who are in a similar position. Let’s delve in!   In this Episode You’ll Learn: [02:05] A bit about Rae. [04:04] Let’s define religious trauma. [05:23] How to tell if you have religious trauma. [06:34] Religious trauma’s effects on sexuality and sex life. [09:16] Religious trauma’s effects on mental health. [11:07] Rae’s story through religious trauma. [18:39] Reintegrating into the world. [26:00] Finding what Rae wanted. [29:03] Rae’s advice to anyone in the same position. [33:33] Rae’s words of wisdom.   Quotes: “Sexuality is such a huge part of what it means to be human.” [03:35] “Religious trauma starts in the organization.” [06:56] “There’s never a discussion of love or attraction in Mormonism. There’s only a discussion of righteousness and worthiness.” [12:07] “Nothing seems scary because staying is the scariest thing on earth.” [16:30] “Discover your boundaries.” [29:33] “Be gentle on yourself.” [30:09] “Above all, be safe. Practice safe sex.” [30:29] “Honor your body and your autonomy as much as you can.” [30:51] “Sexuality is one of the pillars of being human, and when you don’t have all the pillars, the structure isn’t stable.” [36:34]   Connect with Rae Gross Website:            www.raegross.com.                         www.thefomopodcast.com.   Connect with Rachel Wright Website:            https://rachelwrightnyc.com Instagram:          @thewright_rachel Twitter:              @thewrightrachel   Resources The FoMo Podcast. Set Boundaries, Find Peace, by Nedra Glover Tawwab. The Mormon Mental Health Association.     WIN A FREE INTIMACY AFTER DARK DECK!   Get 30% OFF the NEW After Dark Deck! Use Promo Code: Rachel   Get your Zumio Discount!   Call to Action Please if you love this episode, and know someone else who is a passionate soul on a mission just like you share it with your friends and others. To help this podcast grow please leave an iTunes review and don’t forget to subscribe.