• How is a sex doll brothel different from a traditional brothel?
• How common are sex doll brothels around the world? Where are they located?
• What is it like to serve as the voice for a sex doll?
• Who is the clientele for these brothels?
• What does it cost to visit a sex doll brothel? How does this compare to rates for in-person sex work?
• Will sex doll brothels eventually replace in-person sex work, or are they serving different audiences?

• How many people have ever used a sex doll, chatbot, or sex robot?
• How are age, gender, and relationship status associated with sextech use?
• What are some of the key factors that motivate people to use sex dolls, chatbots, or sex robots?
• How effective is sextech at meeting people's needs for intimacy and companionship?
• What are some of the key ethical concerns related to sextech?

• How prevalent is teen sexting?
• What motivates sexting among teens and adolescents?
• How worried should we be about the rise of teen sexting?
• What should parents know about sexting, and what should they be teaching their kids about it?
• How does sex ed need to change to best serve today's youth?

• How have portrayals of teen sexuality on screen changed over time?
• What does the term "consent culture" mean?
• How is consent culture changing the way sexuality is portrayed in popular media?
• How does media exposure impact young viewers when it comes to sexuality and relationships?
• What are some examples of films or media that can serve as teachable moments about consent?

• What motivates women to have affairs?
• What is the difference between an empowering affair, a sex-driven affair, a love affair, and a self-esteem affair?
• Are some types of affairs more prevalent than others?
• How did the pandemic impact women's infidelity?
• How do women feel about the affairs they're had?

• Are women today actually cheating more, or are they just more willing to admit to it than they were in the past?
• What role does technology play in women's infidelity?
• How is age related to having an affair among women?
• In what ways do women say that affairs made their relationships or marriages better?
• At what point do affairs become a catalyst to leave a relationship?

• How is asexuality defined scientifically?
• Why is it important to study asexual person’s sexual response and function?
• What can studying asexual persons' sexual response and function tell us about the nature of asexuality?
• When showing people erotic films, how are asexual men's sexual responses similar to or different from those of gay and heterosexual men?
• How are the fantasies of asexual men different from men of other sexual orientations?
• What do we know about sexual arousal and response in asexual women?

• Why is it important to study how sexual orientation develops?
• How is sexual orientation defined in scientific research, given that sexual attraction, behavior, and identity do not overlap perfectly?
• Why are men with more older brothers more likely to be gay?
• How is testosterone exposure in the womb related to sexual orientation?
• Is there such a thing as a "gay gene?"

• Compulsive sexual behavior, hypersexuality, and sex addiction are all terms that get thrown around when people report problems stemming from porn use. Which one should we be using?
• What might compulsive sexual behavior disorder look like in everyday life?
• What constitutes "too much" when it comes to porn use or sex?
• How common is compulsive sexual behavior? Is there a gender difference in it?
• What might a typical treatment approach look like for compulsive sexual behavior?

• What is meant by the term "moral incongruence" and what are some of the ways that this might play out?
• How is moral incongruence related to whether individuals self-identify as "porn addicts?"
• Do religious people have more porn problems than non-religious people, or do their problems just stem from different causes?
• What is the impact of moral incongruence on people's sex lives and relationships?
• Clinically, how do you help a person who experiences a conflict between their sexual interests and personal values?

• Where is the rise in anti-porn sentiment coming from?
• What might a typical reboot program look like?
• What does a "relapse" mean in the context of a reboot? How common is this kind of relapse?
• How do men engaged in reboot programs fare in terms of their mental health and sexual function?
• For individuals who feel distressed about their porn usage, what can they do?

• What counts as porn anyway, and how can you accurately measure porn use on surveys when different people hold different definitions of porn?
• Why are there so many discrepant findings in the scientific literature about pornography's effects?
• Why shouldn't we think of porn as addictive? How should we think of it instead?
• When people identify porn as a problem in their lives, is porn per se really the issue or is there something else going on?
• In what ways can porn potentially have positive effects on people?

• How did a burgeoning sex scene develop in in the middle of what has historically been a very conservative state?
• How did the sex scene it Atlanta set the stage for the city's growth?
• What made Atlanta a popular home and destination for the LGBTQ community?
• How did the nightlife scene in Atlanta help to galvanize the gay rights movement?
• How can visiting so-called "vice" establishments also be a virtue in terms of promoting self-acceptance and sex-positivity?

• The story of Michael Hardwick, who was arrested for having consensual sex with another man in the 1980s and appealed his case to the highest court in the land.
• The 1986 Bowers v Hardwick Supreme Court case that upheld sodomy laws.
• The 2003 Supreme Court case that declared sodomy laws unconstitutional.
• How the reversal of sodomy laws paved the way for same-sex marriage and non-discrimination laws.
• Current attempts to revive old laws that infringe on sexual and reproductive freedom.
• The future of sodomy laws in the U.S.

• How is avoidant attachment related to consensual non-monogamy? What about anxious attachment?
• How is the structure of polyamory (i.e., hierarchical vs. non-hierarchical) related to attachment style?
• Why do so many people seem so convinced that consensual non-monogamy just can’t work?
• How can polyamorous individuals identify healthcare providers who are affirming?
• How are attitudes toward polyamory and CNM more broadly changing?

• What do we know about who engages in consensual non-monogamy?
• What are the main reasons people pursue consensual non-monogamy?
• Are conflict and jealousy inevitable in consensual non-monogamous relationships?
• How do rates of STIs compare between monogamous and consensually non-monogamous persons?
• What does research say about parenting skills and families among consensually non-monogamous persons?

• How are apps like Grindr different from apps that cater more to a heterosexual audience, like Tinder?
• What are some of the ways in which these apps have had positive effects on queer men and the gay community?
• Did Grindr really kill the gay bar?
• Do hookup apps make it easier to get the kind of sex you want?
• How can we reduce toxic behavior on hookup apps?
• How can individuals use these apps in healthy ways that don't take a toll on their mental health?

• Why have men largely been left out of the sex-positivity conversation? And why is it important for everyone to be involved?
• How might the phrase "safe sex" be misleading when thinking about sexual risk? Should we be talking about "risk-aware sex" instead?
• Why do some people view STIs as an acceptable risk, while others view them as unacceptable?
• Why is it important to reduce stigma around STIs?
• Why is sex shaming so prevalent, even within the queer community?

• Why punishment isn't enough when it comes to stopping sexual offending.
• Whether sex offender registries are an effective deterrent to sex crimes.
• The most effective treatment approaches for reducing rates of sexual re-offending.
• Whether we can get people at risk of committing sex crimes to voluntarily seek treatment before committing an offense.
• How training in the fiend of psychology can be improved to prevent sexual violence.
• The role of comprehensive sex education in preventing sexual violence.

• How common is sexual offending?
• What are some of the common challenges in studying sexual offending?
• How does sexual violence relate to sex, power, and control?
• What is the Motivation-Facilitation Model, and how can it help us to understand the psychology behind sex crimes?
• How is sexual fantasy related to sexual offending?
• How common is it for sex offenders to reoffend? And can we predict who is most likely to do so?

• In what ways are singles stigmatized or "singled out" in modern society?
• What is the role of family and culture in shaping people's experiences with being single?
• How is singlehood experienced similarly or differently for men and women?
• How does sexual orientation factor into experiences with singlehood?
• How does attachment style impact one's feelings about being single?

• Why have relationship researchers historically downplayed the experiences of singles?
• What are some of the reasons people might choose to be single? What do they see as the benefits?
• Why are older singles more satisfied than younger singles?
• When are singles most likely to be sexually satisfied?
• Why might someone prioritize having friendships (or platonic life partners) over romantic relationships?
• How do our personal (and cultural) values shape the experience of singlehood?

• Who is pelvic floor physical therapy for? How do you know if it's right for you?
• How do you find a provider, and is this kind of therapy usually covered by insurance?
• What does a typical therapy session consist of?
• What sexual health issues can pelvic floor physical therapy help with?
• Beyond Kegels, what other kinds of exercises can help with pelvic health issues?

• What is the pelvic floor anyway ?
• What are the most common pelvic floor issues, and how are they similar or different across genders?
• When (and for whom) are Kegel exercises a good idea?
• What's the right way to do Kegels?
• How do pelvic floor issues vary across the lifespan?
• What are some common myths and misconceptions about the pelvic floor?

• Why does initiating sex feel so hard for people?
• What should you do (and what should you avoid) when it comes to sexual initiation?
• What are the six different sexual initiation styles?
• How can individuals navigate sex when they have different initiation styles?
• How do you say "no" to a partner's initiation attempt without hurting their feelings?
• What are some things you can do to encourage your partner to initiate sex more?

• Why do we often struggle with romantic relationships more than other types of relationship in life?
• How do you find the middle ground between moving "too fast" and "too slow" when you're dating someone new?
• What are some relationship red, green, and yellow flags to pay attention to?
• How can you tell if someone is just being friendly or if they're flirting?
• How can you drop the big expectations while also still upholding your standards?
• Why is it important to approach dating with curiosity?

• How to start acknowledging sex in conversation.
• How partners can successfully communicate about sex and build connection with one another.
• How someone can identify their own sexual desires and share those with a partner.
• How individuals can practice talking about pleasure so that they're more confident when expressing their desires.
• Why asking a partner "what's your fantasy?" might be the wrong place to start when trying to explore new things in the bedroom.

• How can we unburden ourselves of sexual shame when it's standing in the way of our fantasies?
• How do you communicate about sexual fantasies with a partner in a healthy way?
• How do you deal with situations where you and your partner have totally different fantasies?
• What kinds of things do you need to think about and consider before acting on a fantasy?
• What should you do if acting on a fantasy doesn't work out the way you thought it would?

• What do each of the four attachment styles look like in dating?
• How do you know which attachment style you have? Is it possible to have more than one?
• How might someone work on cultivating a more secure attachment style?
• How can you tell what someone else's attachment style is?
• Can relationships work between people who have different attachment styles?

• What are some of the most common reasons partners get out of synch when it comes to sex?
• What are some ways we can identify our own sexual desires?
• How can partners have productive conversations about sexual desire?
• What are some things you can do to build up sexual self-confidence?

• What are the origins of the Unbound Love project and who participated in the survey?
• What was the most common fantasy that emerged in the survey, and why is it so popular?
• Is it normal for people in romantic relationships to fantasize about someone other than their partner?
• Why is kink appealing to so many people?
• How do our sexual fantasies differ across gender and age?

• How is jealousy different from other emotions, such as envy?
• What are some examples of the ways jealousy can benefit a relationship? How can jealousy harm a relationship?
• How can someone learn to manage jealousy in healthier ways?
• Is it possible to get rid of jealous feelings?
• Are there any strategies to help a partner better cope with jealousy?

• What was it like for Alex to give viewers an intimate look at his own sex life and coming out journey as part of this film?
• Why Alex included frank discussions about sex with his parents in the film---and how that changed their relationship.
• How Alex got a Catholic priest to come on camera and talk about sex---and how this conversation completely changed Alex's view on sex and spirituality.
• How people can learn to become more vulnerable and have more meaningful conversations about sex.
• How porn is affecting us as sexual beings.
• How sex education needs to change to better serve the next generation.

• Why does monogamy seem to be so difficult for so many people?
• What is "creative monogamy" anyway?
• Where do you start when it comes to building a creatively monogamous relationship?
• For individuals who have developed a creative monogamy approach to their relationship, what might that look like?
• How often should people revisit their relationship agreements?
• How can someone in a monogamous relationship effectively communicate with their partner about wanting to change their relationship structure?

• How is sexual self-confidence related to both giving and receiving facials?
• How is porn shaping the way people approach sex?
• When and why did facials become so popular?
• How does being in an altered state (such as being under the influence of drugs or alcohol) relate to performative sex?
• What is the link between prior experience with sexual victimization and performative sex?
• How can you break free of expectations about performative sex if they're interfering with your pleasure?

• Why isn't consent enough when it comes to having good sex?
• How do individuals navigate expressing their desires when they might not know what they want, and also when there's a risk of being shamed or judged for sharing them?
• What does it really mean to have good sex?
• Is it a realistic goal for sex to always be good?
• A lot of sex advice comes down to "be vulnerable." But vulnerability can be terrifying to some. So how do we navigate this?
• How does sex ed need to change to help people grapple with the complexities of sex?

• What is a "slut page"?
• How are slut pages and revenge porn similar or different?
• How common are slut pages, and what draws people to them?
• Why are women sometimes active participants in the slut-shaming of other women?
• How does being the target of a slut page affect someone's mental health?
• What should someone do if they discover a slut page or revenge porn about them? And what can we do to prevent online sexual harassment?

• Cyber Civil Rights Initiative
• Without My Consent

• How to take care of your mental health while dating.
• When to disclose a mental health condition to a partner.
• How depression can impact marriages and other long-term relationships.
• How to know when being unhappy is a mental health issue vs. a relationship issue.
• What people can do to be supportive of a partner with depression.
• Suggestions for navigating a breakup while managing depression or anxiety.

• How do you make conversations about sex comfortable instead of awkward?
• As a parent, how can you model healthy communication for your kids?
• What are some ways parents can teach basic consent principles to their children?
• What are some things parents can do to help their kids cultivate healthy body image?
• Pleasure is one of the primary reasons people have sex, but it is rarely taught in sex ed. What should be addressed when talking about pleasure?
• What do you need to know when it comes to talking to kids about porn?

• What are some new ways of making friends in the coming year?
• How can you maintain strong friendships without causing friction with your romantic partner?
• What can we do to become better online daters this year?
• What kind of communication skills do you need to cultivate in order to help your relationship thrive in the long term?
• For people in long-term relationships, how can they resolve to maintain a healthy level of autonomy and independence?
• What resolutions can men make to better themselves?

• What are some practical things people can do to develop a greater sense of sexual empowerment?
• What are some resolutions people can make to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being that can also boost sexual performance and sexual satisfaction, too?
• How can partners break out of sexual routines and introduce more novelty into their sex lives in the new year?
• How can you learn to be more "present" during sex so that you can fully enjoy the experience?
• What does a "sex plan" involve, and how could you benefit from developing your own sex plan?
• Are there any sexual resolutions you shouldn't make that might be counterproductive?

For today's show, I am joined once again by Dr. Lori Brotto, a Professor at the University of British Columbia, practicing psychologist, and author of the books Better Sex Through Mindfulness and the all-new Better Sex Through Mindfulness Workbook. Some of the topics we discuss include:

• When scientists study sexual arousal, how do they decide what kind of porn or erotic content to show participants?
• Why might VR offer a more powerful way of studying arousal in a sex lab than traditional 2-D porn?
• How does VR impact feelings of "presence" and sexual arousal over and above 2-D porn?
• How might VR erotica be helpful for treating sexual difficulties? And what kinds of difficulties might this technology be helpful for?
• What is the future of VR in sex research and therapy?

• When an intimacy coordinator is hired for a gig, where do they begin? What are all of the things that have to happen before a scene is ever filmed?
• How does consent operate in the context of simulated sex?
• On the day a sex scene is actually filmed, what does that situation look like? And what are the kinds of things intimacy coordinators are monitoring?
• What are the roles of prosthetics and modesty garments in filming a sex scene?
• What are some of the unique considerations surrounding sexual assault and trauma that come up in these situations?
• What happens when an intimate scene involves a minor, such as a teenager having their first kiss?
• How do you make simulated sex seem authentic?

• What are the power dynamics like on set, and how does this influence actors' ability to advocate for themselves?
• How were sex scenes typically navigated before intimacy coordinators?
• When did intimacy coordinators first come onto the scene and what prompted studios to start hiring them?
• What are some of the things that people get wrong about intimacy coordinators, and how do we make production teams more receptive to the idea of bringing them on board?
• What is the certification process like to become an intimacy coordinator?
• Do intimacy coordinators have specializations? Or, do they need to be prepared for virtually any intimate scenario?

Low sexual desire is one of the most common sexual problems out there, but it's something that has been notoriously difficult to treat pharmacologically. The search for a pill that can produce desire out of thin air has been elusive, and that’s because desire is very complex.  So we need to look elsewhere for answers. One research-backed solution that has a lot of demonstrated success at both increasing sexual desire and dealing with other sexual difficulties is changing your headspace through mindfulness practices. In today's episode, we’re going to discuss what mindfulness is, how it works, who it’s for, and practical tips for incorporating it into your sex life.

I am joined once again by Dr. Lori Brotto, a Professor at the University of British Columbia, a practicing psychologist, and author of the books Better Sex Through Mindfulness and the all-new Better Sex Through Mindfulness Workbook. Some of the topics we discuss include:

• What does the term "mindfulness" really mean?
• How can mindfulness lead to more satisfying sex, and what's the evidence for its effectiveness?
• How can practicing mindful eating help you to become more mindful in the bedroom?
• How do you learn to be mindful if you're someone who has a very difficult time getting out of your head?
• How can fantasy and mindfulness work together to elicit arousal?
• How can romantic partners practice mindfulness together?
• How can mindfulness augment other treatments for sexual difficulties?

• Why depression may lower sexual interest in some people, but increase libido for others.
• The sexual side effects of various antidepressant treatments.
• How to take control of your sexuality when you're depressed.
• How to work with your healthcare provider(s) to minimize side effects of depression medication and treatment.
• How to communicate with a partner about sex when you're depressed.

We've talked a lot about orgasms on this show, but there's still much to explore! So today's episode is going to dig into some interesting aspects of orgasm we haven't really discussed before. We're also going to consider some tips on having better and more pleasurable orgasms.

• We hear a lot about the importance of closing the orgasm gap--but we also hear a lot about how orgasms shouldn't be the goal of sex. So is orgasm the goal or not?
• Is orgasm a reliable metric of whether people are having good and satisfying sex?
• Some women say they aren't sure whether they've had an orgasm before. How do you know if you've had one or not?
• What's the key to helping women have more orgasms?
• What do we know about multiple orgasms in men?
• How can everyone get more pleasure from orgasm?

For decades, sex toys were largely marketed to women, with male sex toys really only starting to make an appearance in the last few years. Survey studies find that most adult men say they've never used a sex toy before (whereas most women have), and part of the reason for this is because male sex toys are more stigmatized. So let’s normalize sex toys for men!

My guest today is Jens Petter Wilhelmsen, CEO of Sweet Tech, the Norwegian company that designed and developed the Handy™, a revolutionary high-tech sex toy aimed at taking masturbation to new heights. Some of the topics we explore include:

• Why are there so many more sex toys for women than they are for men?
• Why are male sex toys more stigmatized, and what holds men back from exploring them?
• How do sexual wellness companies navigate the taboos around male sex toys?
• What is The Handy, and how is it different from other strokers and masturbators?
• How can sex toys benefit men's intimate lives beyond enhancing pleasure?
• What's the future of male sex toys?
• How do we cultivate a more sex-positive society where fewer taboos exist around masturbation and sex toys?

We are once again in the midst of the annual abstinence challenge known as “No Nut November.” Basically, it involves men giving up ejaculation for the entire month (i.e., no "nutting” allowed). Those who partake do so for a wide variety of reasons, but they seem to be rooted in the idea that masturbation and orgasm are somehow unhealthy. So what does the research actually say? Let's talk about it!

• How long have humans been masturbating?
• What do humans think about when they masturbate?
• Does abstaining from masturbation boost testosterone?
• Can abstinence improve athletic performance?
• Can masturbation help us fall asleep faster?
• How can we have a healthier relationship with self-pleasure?
• How can we get more pleasure from masturbation?

• The factors prompting a decline in birth control use among young women.
• Common myths about hormonal birth control.
• The rise of fertility-tracking apps, and what users need to know about them.
• Where we are in the search for a male equivalent of the pill.
• How changing access to reproductive rights is changing the conversations we're having around contraception.

Most people will encounter a sexual problem at some point in their lives, but most will suffer in silence. Shame and embarrassment lead a lot of folks to avoid talking about sex problems and seeking help for them. Unfortunately, by doing nothing, these problems often end up growing into much bigger issues. But it doesn’t have to be this way! Many sex problems can be solved on our own, without the need for therapy. So let’s talk about things you can do to solve common sexual problems and get your sex life back on track.

I am joined once again by sex therapist Dr. Laurie Mintz, a Professor at the University of Florida and author of the books Becoming Cliterate: Why Orgasm Equality Matters and How to Get It  as well as A Tired Woman’s Guide to Passionate Sex. Some of the topics we discuss include:

• What it means to give yourself permission.
• How a little bit of sex education can go a long way toward resolving sexual difficulties.
• Examples of "homework" exercises you can do to work on problem areas.
• When self-help isn't enough and you should head straight to a therapist or healthcare provider.
• Reasons why some people have difficulty orgasming.
• Tips for dealing with orgasmic difficulties.
• General tips for preventing sexual difficulties and maintaining a healthy sex life.

My guest today is Dr. Sarah Hill, an award-winning research psychologist and professor. She is author of the fascinating book Your Brain on Birth Control, The Surprising Science of Women, Hormones, and the Law of Unintended Consequences. Some of the topics we discuss include:

• How common is it for hormonal contraception to lower sexual desire, and why does this happen?
• How do birth control pills change the types of men that heterosexual women are attracted to? And what does this mean for their sex lives and relationships?
• How does hormonal contraception affect the body's stress response, and what are the implications of this?
• Why does hormonal birth control increase the risk of depression, and is this part of the reason women why have higher rates of depression than men?
• Do all hormonal contraceptives have similar side effect profiles?
• Birth control clearly has many positive implications for people's lives, but also a number of unintended side effects. What do people need to know when it comes to making an informed decision about which contraceptive to use?

• The history of male sex dolls (it all started with "Big John!").
• How many women have ever used a sex doll, and how much these dolls cost.
• What male sex dolls tend to look like.
• Women's reasons for buying sex dolls and how they're similar/different compared to men.
• Whether sex dolls are effective at satisfying sexual and other needs.
• Why sex dolls are more stigmatized than vibrators and dildos.
• The future of sex dolls for women.

• Sex researcher, educator, and therapist Dr. Kristen Mark (who appeared on Episode 46)
• Sex writer Tracy Clark-Flory (who appeared on Episode 24)
• Author and sex guru Emily Nagoski (who appeared on Episode 48)
• Sex therapist and author Martha Kauppi (who appeared on Episode 35)
• Sex researcher and author Brian Earp (who appeared on Episode 23)
• Physician and sex educator Ina Park (who appeared on Episode 39)

What was the most popular porn search term last year? According to Pornhub, it was hentai. This term refers to a form of animated or cartoon porn and it seems to be on the rise. So how did hentai come to be such a popular thing in the first place? And why do some people prefer animated porn to live action porn? Let's talk about it!

• The origins of hentai and its surprisingly long history.
• How legal restrictions on pornography production and consumption paved the way for the rise of animated porn.
• Who watches hentai, and how its appeal differs based on gender and sexual orientation.
• How personality and attachment style relate to interest in animated porn.
• How many people fantasize about cartoon or anime characters.
• The impact of hentai porn consumption vs. mainstream porn on audiences.

When it comes to buying and selling sex, people most commonly think of men as the buyers and women as the sellers. However, while men are indeed far more likely than women to report having paid for sex, recent media reports suggest that the number of women buying sex may be on the rise. So, let's talk about it.

I am joined by Hallie Lieberman, a sex historian and journalist who has written extensively about sex work. She is also author of the book Buzz: A Stimulating History of the Sex Toy, which we discussed back in episode 21 of this show. Some of the topics we discuss include:

• Who are the women who pay for sex sex?
• What are the most common reasons women pay for sex?
• Why do so many women feel that paying for sex is safer than having casual sex?
• Who are the men who sell sex to women?
• What are the main reasons men become gigolos?
• Where do gigolos usually work, and what kinds of services do they sell?

Imagine you are a sex therapist and one of your patients discloses a sexual interest that either makes you personally uncomfortable or is something you are totally unfamiliar with. This often happens when kinky people seek out sex therapy, and it sometimes results in clients not getting the help they really need. So let's talk about navigating sex therapy with kinky clients. We’re going to discuss what therapists need to know, as well as how patients can identify kink-affirming providers.

• How much training do sex therapists usually get in the area of kink and BDSM anyway?
• How do you deal with a problem like sexual shame?
• How do you navigate power dynamics in the therapy office with kinky clients?
• What should you do when a client expresses a sexual interest that makes you uncomfortable?
• What should you do when a client's sexual interests pose a very high risk of harm to the self or others? How do you encourage safety without shaming them?
• Where's the best place to find a kink-affirming therapist?