Sex and Psychology Podcast

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.

Esmé Louise James, a PhD candidate at the University of Melbourne and author of Kinky History, dives into the fascinating evolution of kink and sexuality. She discusses how leather and nylon became iconic fetish materials and the cultural significance behind foot fetishes. The conversation also covers the origins of pornography, including its political uses and the rise of animated porn. Esmé reveals how sexual desire persists even through societal restrictions, emphasizing the importance of open dialogue about our sexual history.

Esmé Louise James, a PhD candidate at the University of Melbourne and author of 'Kinky History', sheds light on the surprisingly rich history of sex toys. She explores the ancient origins of dildos, dating back 28,000 years, and unpacks the evolution of vibrators from medical devices aimed at men to symbols of sexual pleasure. The conversation also humorously addresses the unconventional marketing tactics for sexual wellness products and reveals the fascinating history of cock rings and ancient contraception methods.

In this insightful discussion, Dr. Emily Jamea, an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist and author of Anatomy of Desire, shares her expertise on maintaining passion in relationships. She emphasizes the role of curiosity in enhancing intimacy and offers tips for couples to embrace new experiences. The conversation also highlights the importance of vulnerability and attunement, likening emotional connection to the rhythm of a ballroom dance. By fostering deeper understanding, couples can cultivate a more fulfilling and passionate sex life.

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Emily Jamea, an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist and author of Anatomy of Desire, tackles the modern distractions impacting our sexual experiences. She explains how technology and multitasking can hinder intimacy, sharing practical strategies to enhance presence during sex. Discover the concept of 'flow state' and its importance for pleasure, alongside techniques for embodying connection through touch. Jamea's insights aim to help couples deepen their relationships and cultivate passion through mindful practices.

Join Dr. Nicole McNichols, an expert in psychology and co-author of a key textbook on human sexuality, as she explores the impact of social media on dating. They discuss how online interactions can trigger insecurities and complicate relationship dynamics. Nicole highlights the blurry lines around cheating and emphasizes the challenges of deciphering intentions in this digital landscape. She also shares mindful strategies for healthier social media use, promoting deeper connections while navigating the pitfalls of modern romance.