Better Sex

In this episode of the Better Sex Podcast, host and sex therapist Jessa Zimmerman discusses the importance of experiential practice in improving intimate relationships. She introduces the Giver-Receiver Exercise, a powerful tool from her sex therapy practice and online course, 'Intimacy with Ease.' She explains how this exercise integrates nine essential skills for a thriving sex life, such as prioritizing intimacy, learning to communicate about sex, and practicing mindfulness. Listeners are guided through the instructions of the exercise and its benefits. She also shares the origins of the practice and emphasizes the importance of practicing regularly for long-lasting change. The episode concludes with reminders about the natural challenges that may arise and the significance of personal growth and patience in the process.00:00 Introduction to Better Sex01:21 The Giver Receiver Exercise Explained03:26 Detailed Instructions for the Exercise06:38 Addressing Common Challenges08:08 Integrating the Nine Skills15:20 Final Thoughts and Encouragement17:40 Closing RemarksWant to learn more about my sponsored charity? Charity: Water is committed to providing clean water to every human on the planet, 100% of your contribution will be used directly for water projects around the globe. You can learn more at https://www.bettersexpodcast.com/water.More info and resources:Secret Podcast for the Higher Desire Partner: https://www.intimacywithease.com/hdppodcastSecret Podcast for the Lower Desire Partner: https://www.intimacywithease.com/ldppodcastHow Big a Problem is Your Sex Life? Quiz – https://www.sexlifequiz.comThe Course – https://www.intimacywithease.comThe Book – https://www.sexwithoutstress.comPodcast Website – https://www.intimacywithease.comAccess the Free webinar: Intimacy Made Easy: 3 Secrets to Bridging Libido Differences: https://intimacywithease.com/masterclass

In this episode of the Better Sex Podcast, host Jessa Zimmerman delves deep into the topic of hormonal birth control with nurse practitioner Mia Neustein from San Diego Sexual Medicine. The discussion covers various forms of hormonal and non-hormonal birth control, their side effects, and the specific impact of hormonal birth control on sexual health. Mia explains the vestibule, its role in sexual functioning, and how hormonal birth control can sometimes cause pain, itching, and burning during sex. The episode also explores the importance of testosterone in women's bodies, how hormonal birth control can affect these levels, and the potential benefits and drawbacks of birth control beyond pregnancy prevention.00:00 Introduction to Better Sex Podcast00:49 Guest Introduction: Mia Neustein01:30 Mia's Journey into Sexual Medicine04:14 Overview of Birth Control Methods04:33 Non-Hormonal Birth Control Options07:06 Hormonal Birth Control: Types and Effects09:48 Unexpected Side Effects of Hormonal Birth Control14:00 Impact of Hormonal Birth Control on Testosterone19:46 Understanding Birth Control Side Effects20:16 Personal Insights and Expertise20:44 Impact on Libido and Sexual Health21:17 Jess's Mid-Show Break21:40 Benefits of Birth Control Beyond Pregnancy Prevention22:36 Managing Menstrual and Reproductive Health Issues24:22 Addressing Hormonal Imbalances and Conditions25:23 Effectiveness and Limitations of Birth Control Methods25:48 Investigating and Resolving Birth Control Side Effects27:26 Hormonal Treatments and Their Applications31:25 Growing Awareness and Medical Practices34:53 The Role of Lab Work in Hormonal Treatments38:49 Finding the Right Medical Support41:04 Conclusion and ResourcesWant to work with Jessa? Visit https://www.intimacywithease.comBio:Mia Neustein, MSN, RN, WHNP-BC, NCMP is a board-certified Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner. She obtained her BA in Economic History at Barnard College of Columbia University and her BSN-equivalency and Masters of Science in Nursing from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. (After five years in Alabama, Mia says “y’all” and loves country music.) Mia appreciated her time working at Planned Parenthood, which provided her extensive training in general gynecology. Her interest in sexual medicine peaked when she encountered male and female patients with sexual dysfunction, and she joined the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH). Mia’s interest in menopause management led her to become certified by The Menopause Society. Mia prides herself on providing gentle, trauma-informed care that is patient-centered. Mia lived in Lima, Peru and speaks fluent Spanish with what she hopes is a Limenian accent.Want to learn more about my sponsored charity? Charity: Water is committed to providing clean water to every human on the planet, 100% of your contribution will be used directly for water projects around the globe. You can learn more at https://www.bettersexpodcast.com/water.More info and resources:Secret Podcast for the Higher Desire Partner: https://www.intimacywithease.com/hdppodcastSecret Podcast for the Lower Desire Partner: https://www.intimacywithease.com/ldppodcastHow Big a Problem is Your Sex Life? Quiz – https://www.sexlifequiz.comThe Course – https://www.intimacywithease.comThe Book – https://www.sexwithoutstress.comPodcast Website – https://www.intimacywithease.comAccess the Free webinar: Intimacy Made Easy: 3 Secrets to Bridging Libido Differences: https://intimacywithease.com/masterclass

In this episode of The Better Sex Podcast, sex therapist Jessa Zimmerman discusses nine essential competencies for creating and maintaining a great sex life. Jessa emphasizes the importance of prioritizing intimacy, effective communication about sex, accessing desire, enjoying the journey, being present, celebrating 'no,' balancing being selfish and giving, and exploring eroticism. These competencies focus on internal mindsets and skills rather than physical techniques. She also emphasizes the need for practice and understanding one's and their partner's erotic preferences for a fulfilling intimate relationship.00:00 Introduction to Better Sex00:58 The Competencies for a Great Sex Life02:09 Prioritizing Intimacy03:54 Communicating About Sex05:35 Accessing Desire07:01 Enjoying the Journey08:39 Being Present09:57 Celebrating 'No'12:36 Being Selfish and Giving14:27 Exploring Eroticism17:57 Conclusion and Next StepsWant to learn more about my sponsored charity? Charity: Water is committed to providing clean water to every human on the planet, 100% of your contribution will be used directly for water projects around the globe. You can learn more at https://www.bettersexpodcast.com/water.More info and resources:Secret Podcast for the Higher Desire Partner: https://www.intimacywithease.com/hdppodcastSecret Podcast for the Lower Desire Partner: https://www.intimacywithease.com/ldppodcastHow Big a Problem is Your Sex Life? Quiz – https://www.sexlifequiz.comThe Course – https://www.intimacywithease.comThe Book – https://www.sexwithoutstress.comPodcast Website – https://www.intimacywithease.comAccess the Free webinar: Intimacy Made Easy: 3 Secrets to Bridging Libido Differences: https://intimacywithease.com/masterclass

Bea Albina, a UCSF-trained Family Nurse Practitioner and author, discusses the concept of 'emotional outsourcing,' explaining how chronic people-pleasing and codependency can hinder personal joy and relationships. She shares her journey of reclaiming authenticity, emphasizing the importance of body awareness and healthy boundaries in intimacy. Listeners can gain practical tips for reducing resentment, reconnecting with themselves, and calming their nervous systems, fostering deeper and more meaningful connections.

In this episode of the Better Sex Podcast, host and sex therapist Jessa Zimmerman delves into the sexual avoidance cycle, a term she coined to describe a common issue in intimate relationships. She explains how negative experiences and unmet expectations lead to avoidance, creating a cycle of increasing pressure and anxiety around sex. Jessa discusses various factors that contribute to this cycle, such as personal insecurities, relationship conflicts, and external life stressors. She emphasizes the importance of challenging unrealistic expectations, addressing negative feelings, and communicating openly with one's partner to break free from this cycle and enhance intimate relationships.00:00 Welcome to Better Sex00:50 Introduction to the Sexual Avoidance Cycle01:17 Understanding the Cycle05:36 Factors Contributing to the Cycle08:16 Challenging Expectations and Breaking the Cycle09:49 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsWant to learn more about my sponsored charity? Charity: Water is committed to providing clean water to every human on the planet, 100% of your contribution will be used directly for water projects around the globe. You can learn more at https://www.bettersexpodcast.com/water.More info and resources:Secret Podcast for the Higher Desire Partner: https://www.intimacywithease.com/hdppodcastSecret Podcast for the Lower Desire Partner: https://www.intimacywithease.com/ldppodcastHow Big a Problem is Your Sex Life? Quiz – https://www.sexlifequiz.comThe Course – https://www.intimacywithease.comThe Book – https://www.sexwithoutstress.comPodcast Website – https://www.intimacywithease.comAccess the Free webinar: Intimacy Made Easy: 3 Secrets to Bridging Libido Differences: https://intimacywithease.com/masterclass

In this episode of the Better Sex Podcast, host Jessa Zimmerman talks with Paul Abramowitz, author of 'Sexed: Hardwired by Nature, Evolving by Choice,' about the intrinsic preoccupation men have with sex due to biological hardwiring. They discuss how this drive impacts men's lives and relationships, the importance of understanding and managing it, and the potential benefits of reflective engagement. Abramowitz shares insights from his book on men’s reproductive biological intelligence, the socio-cultural and biological aspects affecting men's and women's sexual behaviors, and the concept of 'intoxicated masculinity.' They also explore the implications of such understanding for enhancing intimacy and connection in heterosexual relationships, moving beyond the 'romance industrial complex.'00:00 Introduction to Better Sex Podcast00:42 Guest Introduction: Paul Abramowitz01:41 Paul's Journey and Inspiration for Writing04:26 Understanding Male Sexual Drive08:17 Impact of Biological Hardwiring14:43 Female Partners' Perspective22:55 Intoxicated Masculinity vs. Toxic Masculinity38:34 Romance Industrial Complex44:50 Conclusion and Contact InformationInterested in sharing your personal story on the show? This can be done anonymously! Email us at info@intimacywithease.comPaul's Bio:Having followed a rather circuitous route into his formal training in Human Sexuality by studies in both Eastern (Totality Therapy) and Western traditions (Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality (PhD)), Paul is a long-time student of yoga and meditation, a painter, sculptor, and singer-songwriter who has dedicated most of his adult life to exploring creative avenues of expression and practice that lead to a fuller understanding of the lived human experience.Born in Cape Town, South Africa in 1962, Paul graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, USA in 1985 with a Doctorate in Dental Medicine and a Post-Doctoral Specialty Certification in Periodontology in 1990, upon which he held post-doctoral teaching positions as Assistant Professor of Periodontology at the University of Pennsylvania and Associate Professor of Periodontology at Temple University before returning to private practice in Cape Town.Links:sexed.globalabrap@iafrica.comWant to learn more about my sponsored charity? Charity: Water is committed to providing clean water to every human on the planet, 100% of your contribution will be used directly for water projects around the globe. You can learn more at https://www.bettersexpodcast.com/water.More info and resources:Secret Podcast for the Higher Desire Partner: https://www.intimacywithease.com/hdppodcastSecret Podcast for the Lower Desire Partner: https://www.intimacywithease.com/ldppodcastHow Big a Problem is Your Sex Life? Quiz – https://www.sexlifequiz.comThe Course – https://www.intimacywithease.comThe Book – https://www.sexwithoutstress.comPodcast Website – https://www.intimacywithease.comAccess the Free webinar: Intimacy Made Easy: 3 Secrets to Bridging Libido Differences: https://intimacywithease.com/masterclass

In this solo episode of the Better Sex Podcast, hosted by sex therapist Jessa Zimmerman, the spotlight is on the two distinct types of sexual desire—proactive and reactive. Zimmerman explains how proactive desire involves thinking about sex and feeling aroused independently, while reactive desire requires specific conditions and stimuli to become aroused. She discusses the common misconceptions surrounding these types of desire, their impact on relationships, and offers strategies to accommodate and embrace reactive desire. By understanding and working with these concepts, couples can enhance intimacy and reduce desire discrepancies in their relationships.00:00 Introduction to Better Sex Podcast00:58 Understanding the Two Types of Desire02:03 Proactive Desire Explained03:05 Reactive Desire Unveiled05:01 Bridging the Desire Gap06:24 Creating Space for Reactive Desire07:58 Flexibility and Intimacy11:22 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsWant to learn more about my sponsored charity? Charity: Water is committed to providing clean water to every human on the planet, 100% of your contribution will be used directly for water projects around the globe. You can learn more at https://www.bettersexpodcast.com/water.More info and resources:Secret Podcast for the Higher Desire Partner: https://www.intimacywithease.com/hdppodcastSecret Podcast for the Lower Desire Partner: https://www.intimacywithease.com/ldppodcastHow Big a Problem is Your Sex Life? Quiz – https://www.sexlifequiz.comThe Course – https://www.intimacywithease.comThe Book – https://www.sexwithoutstress.comPodcast Website – https://www.intimacywithease.comAccess the Free webinar: Intimacy Made Easy: 3 Secrets to Bridging Libido Differences: https://intimacywithease.com/masterclass

In this episode of the Better Sex Podcast, host Jessa Zimmerman is joined by Paula Leech, a therapist and author who returns to discuss her book on overcoming anxiety in sex and relationships. The conversation delves into how anxiety manifests in intimate settings, including performance anxiety, body image issues, and past traumas. Leech explains the importance of understanding and interacting with one's anxiety, offering actionable steps for fostering a healthier mindset, relaxing the body, and improving intimate connections with partners.00:00 Introduction to Better Sex Podcast00:44 Guest Introduction: Paula Leech on Anxiety in Sex01:55 Understanding Anxiety and Its Impact07:31 Anxiety in Sexual Performance and Body Image10:17 Managing Anxiety in Intimate Relationships20:53 Practical Steps to Overcome Anxiety30:05 Conclusion and ResourcesWant to take my quiz, How big a problem is your sex life? https://www.sexlifequiz.comPaula's Bio:I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Family and Human Development at Arizona State University and then went on to receive my Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at the University of Massachusetts, at Boston. Post family therapy licensure, I became AASECT (American Association for Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists) certified as a Sex Therapist and worked with individuals, relationships, and families in private practice in Quincy, Massachusetts for over ten years. In that time, I received AASECT certification as a Supervisor of Sex Therapy, and co-founded a sex therapy agency and training institute where we saw clients in addition to training therapists to become competent, confident sex therapists themselves. I continue to regularly present at various training institutes as well as Universities and therapy agencies across the US.Want to learn more about my sponsored charity? Charity: Water is committed to providing clean water to every human on the planet, 100% of your contribution will be used directly for water projects around the globe. You can learn more at https://www.bettersexpodcast.com/water.More info and resources:Secret Podcast for the Higher Desire Partner: https://www.intimacywithease.com/hdppodcastSecret Podcast for the Lower Desire Partner: https://www.intimacywithease.com/ldppodcastHow Big a Problem is Your Sex Life? Quiz – https://www.sexlifequiz.comThe Course – https://www.intimacywithease.comThe Book – https://www.sexwithoutstress.comPodcast Website – https://www.intimacywithease.comAccess the Free webinar: Intimacy Made Easy: 3 Secrets to Bridging Libido Differences: https://intimacywithease.com/masterclass

Navigating Desire Discrepancy: Common Traps and SolutionsIn this episode of the Better Sex Podcast, sex therapist Jessa Zimmerman discusses the universal issue of desire discrepancy in intimate relationships. Jessa explains the frequent traps and mistakes made by both higher and lower desire partners, which often exacerbate the problem. She emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing these pitfalls with compassion and offers strategies to improve communication and intimacy. The episode aims to provide listeners with hope and practical advice for navigating their differences in libido.00:00 Introduction to Better Sex Podcast00:57 Understanding Desire Discrepancy02:41 Common Traps for Higher Desire Partners07:54 Common Traps for Lower Desire Partners11:03 Co-Creating Solutions11:52 Conclusion and Next StepsVisit https://www.desirediscrepancy.com for more resourcesWant to learn more about my sponsored charity? Charity: Water is committed to providing clean water to every human on the planet, 100% of your contribution will be used directly for water projects around the globe. You can learn more at https://www.bettersexpodcast.com/water.More info and resources:Secret Podcast for the Higher Desire Partner: https://www.intimacywithease.com/hdppodcastSecret Podcast for the Lower Desire Partner: https://www.intimacywithease.com/ldppodcastHow Big a Problem is Your Sex Life? Quiz – https://www.sexlifequiz.comThe Course – https://www.intimacywithease.comThe Book – https://www.sexwithoutstress.comPodcast Website – https://www.intimacywithease.comAccess the Free webinar: Intimacy Made Easy: 3 Secrets to Bridging Libido Differences: https://intimacywithease.com/masterclass

Join host Jessa Zimmerman on the Better Sex Podcast as she interviews sex therapist Susan Morgan Taylor. They discuss the concept of blocks to pleasure and how different types of tension—mental, emotional, and physical—can impede sexual satisfaction and connection. Susan shares her personal journey from a sexless marriage to becoming a sex therapist dedicated to helping others experience their full sexual potential. They explore strategies for overcoming these blockers, including relaxation, presence, and awareness, and discuss the importance of redefining sex beyond goal-oriented outcomes. They also touch on societal myths, particularly around female sexuality, and the importance of an education that encompasses pleasure and intimate connection.00:00 Introduction to Better Sex Podcast00:55 Guest Introduction: Susan Morgan Taylor01:44 Susan's Personal Journey to Sex Therapy04:45 Understanding Blocks to Pleasure08:56 Principles for Relieving Tension13:51 Connecting with Your Partner19:14 The Myth of Low Desire in Women25:02 Resources and ConclusionDesire Discrepancy resources: https://www.desirediscrepancy.comBio:Susan Morgan Taylor, MA, is a leading somatic sex therapist who helps couples deepen their intimacy and create lasting, fulfilling connections. With over 25 years of experience in somatic healing, she developed The Pleasure Keys Process™, a powerful approach to reigniting sexual and emotional harmony in relationships. After a personal awakening from a sexless marriage, Susan became passionate about helping others remove obstacles to pleasure, love, and orgasm. She is also the creator of the Pleasure Keys Retreats and host of the Sex Talk Café Podcast. When not working, she enjoys hiking and singing karaoke in the mountains of Western North Carolina.https://www.pleasurekeys.comhttps://www.pathwaytopleasure.comWant to learn more about my sponsored charity? Charity: Water is committed to providing clean water to every human on the planet, 100% of your contribution will be used directly for water projects around the globe. You can learn more at https://www.bettersexpodcast.com/water.More info and resources:Secret Podcast for the Higher Desire Partner: https://www.intimacywithease.com/hdppodcastSecret Podcast for the Lower Desire Partner: https://www.intimacywithease.com/ldppodcastHow Big a Problem is Your Sex Life? Quiz – https://www.sexlifequiz.comThe Course – https://www.intimacywithease.comThe Book – https://www.sexwithoutstress.comPodcast Website – https://www.intimacywithease.comAccess the Free webinar: Intimacy Made Easy: 3 Secrets to Bridging Libido Differences: https://intimacywithease.com/masterclass