Sex and Psychology Podcast

Teens today are waiting longer to have sex, but engaging in riskier practices. This episode explores when and how parents should discuss sex with their kids. It covers key topics like healthy relationships and talking about porn. The podcast also addresses having "the talk" if your kid is on the autism spectrum.

The podcast explores the changing sexual landscape for teens, including the rise of rough sex and online exploration. Dr. Debby Herbenick offers practical advice on becoming an 'askable' parent, navigating uncomfortable questions, and explaining consent. Topics include impacts of technology, importance of open discussions, conflicting outcomes in teenage sexuality, and the mainstreaming of rough sex among teenagers.

In the Information Age, keeping our private lives private is becoming harder and harder to do. For example, our online searches and chats are leaving digital traces, while our phones (and even our cars) are collecting information on where we go. All of this data is vulnerable, and there’s growing concern about the risk of our most sensitive personal information being exploited. In today’s episode, we’re going to focus on ways we can mitigate the risks of data surveillance and keep our personal information more secure. I am joined once again by Albert Fox Cahn. He is founder and executive director of the Surveillance Technology Oversight Project (also known as STOP). He is also a Practitioner-in-Residence at N.Y.U Law School’s Information Law Institute and a fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School’s Carr Center For Human Rights Policy and Yale Law School’s Information Society Project. As a lawyer, technologist, and activist, Albert has become a leading voice on how to govern and build the technologies of the future. Some of the topics we explore include: What are some practical ways individuals can keep their online data more secure? How safe (or unsafe) is it to use apps that track our health data, sexually and otherwise? For individuals traveling out of state to access legally available care that might not be available in their home state, are there any steps they can take to mitigate data surveillance? What steps can providers take to protect patients and clients when it comes to data that might be subject to government surveillance? What responsibility do tech companies have to offer more protection over consumer data? You can connect with Albert online on Twitter and Bluesky. 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. Expand your sexual horizons with Beducated! Featuring more than 100 online courses taught by the experts, Beducated brings pleasure-based sex ed directly into your bedroom. Enjoy a free trial today and get 60% off their yearly pass by using my last name – LEHMILLER – as the coupon code. Sign up now at: https://beducate.me/pd2349-lehmiller *** 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.

In 2022, the United States Supreme Court reversed a half-century old ruling that had legalized abortion in this country. Since then, reproductive healthcare has become more difficult to access in certain areas, prompting concern about technology being leveraged as a form of abortion surveillance and tracking. Text messages, Google searches, emails, and period-tracking apps all have the potential to be used against people seeking abortions. In today’s show, we’re going to explore how online surveillance of abortion is increasing and the effects this is having, as well as the broader risks of living in a time when there’s unparalleled surveillance of our private lives. My guest is Albert Fox Cahn. He is founder and executive director of the Surveillance Technology Oversight Project (also known as STOP). He is also a Practitioner-in-Residence at N.Y.U Law School’s Information Law Institute and a fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School’s Carr Center For Human Rights Policy and Yale Law School’s Information Society Project. As a lawyer, technologist, and activist, Albert has become a leading voice on how to govern and build the technologies of the future. Some of the topics we explore include: How has the landscape for abortion care in the United States shifted since Roe v Wade was overturned? In what ways is abortion care subject to surveillance? Are new surveillance practices having an effect on pregnant women’s decision making and feelings of agency? What are the implications of surveillance for accessing gender-affirming care? Can you be tracked when you travel to another state to access healthcare? You can connect with Albert online on Twitter and Bluesky. 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. Ever questioned, wondered, or fantasized about trying something different? Feeld is the place where you freely explore your desires. For a limited time, receive a free month of Majestic Membership when you download the app as a new member. Download the Feeld app at feeld.co/justin to access your free month of Majestic Membership. Please allow up to 24 hours for your free Majestic trial to activate. *** 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.

In the previous episode, we explored the life and times of Shere Hite, who published what is perhaps the bestselling non-fiction book about sex ever to hit the market. Despite selling 50 million copies, it has been largely forgotten in the half-century since its release.  However, it’s back in the spotlight again with the release of the new documentary The Disappearance of Shere Hite. In today’s show, I’m going to continue my conversation with the director of this film to dive into the story behind it. We’re also going to talk about why Shere’s work is more relevant than ever. I am joined once again by Nicole Newnham, the Oscar-nominated, Emmy-winning documentary producer and director behind The Disappearance of Shere Hite. This film premiered at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival is now playing in select theaters. Nicole also co-directed and produced the 2021 Academy Award-nominated documentary Crip Camp. In this episode, we discuss: What compelled the making of a documentary about Shere’s work? Why did this extraordinary woman and her work seemingly disappear? How did the media try to craft “gotcha” moments to discredit Shere? What are some lessons from the film, and Shere’s story, that are important in modern times? Visit sherehitedoc.com to find out where The Disappearance of Shere Hite is playing near you. 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. Expand your sexual horizons with Beducated! Featuring more than 100 online courses taught by the experts, Beducated brings pleasure-based sex ed directly into your bedroom. Enjoy a free trial today and get 40% off their yearly pass by using my last name – LEHMILLER – as the coupon code. Sign up now at: https://beducate.me/pd2348-lehmiller *** 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.

There are a lot of hidden figures in the history of sex research who made important contributions to the field, but who are frequently forgotten. One of them is Shere Hite, who authored the best-selling non-fiction book on women’s sexuality titled The Hite Report in 1976. This book sold 50 million copies, a figure that puts it among the 30 bestselling books of all times! However, there’s a good chance you’ve never heard about this book or the author behind it. Enter The Disappearance of Shere Hite, a new documentary about the life and times of an extraordinary woman who dared to study women’s sexuality and whose work remains as radical and revolutionary as ever. My guest today is Nicole Newnham, the Oscar-nominated, Emmy-winning documentary producer and director behind The Disappearance of Shere Hite. This film premiered at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival is now playing in select theaters. Nicole also co-directed and produced the 2021 Academy Award-nominated documentary Crip Camp. In this episode, we discuss: Who was Shere Hite and what was she most well-known for? What is The Hite Report about and how did Shere go about collecting her data? What are the major findings of The Hite Report? How (and why) did people try to discredit The Hite Report? After two decades in the media spotlight, why did Shere disappear? Visit sherehitedoc.com to find out where The Disappearance of Shere Hite is playing near you. 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 Handy is a Scandinavian pleasure device like no other: it’s an adult toy for anyone with a penis that enables new sexual experiences through interactive technology. The Handy can be synched with online content from multiple adult websites to offer immersive experiences. Visit thehandy.com and get 10% off your purchase with discount code sexandpsych.  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. 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.

What does the future hold when it comes to sex toys? Artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and robotics are just a few of the many emerging technologies that are likely to become an increasingly big part of the way that we experience pleasure. In this episode, we’re going to explore the high-tech pleasure products of the future. I am joined one again by Sarah Tomchesson, who works as a sex educator, sex toy evangelist and podcast host. Sarah is Lovehoney’s Resident Sexual Wellness Advisor and hosts free monthly workshops through Lovehoney.com. Sarah’s podcast, F*ck Yeah, disrupts traditional ideas about sexuality and relationships, and her online education program, Pleasure Practices, supports cultivating personal power through pleasure exploration. Some of the topics we discuss include: How do app-connected sex toys open up new opportunities for pleasure? How might AI revolutionize sex toys? How does virtual reality have the potential to completely change the way we interact with and experience sex toys? How can technology make sex toys more accessible? How can sex toys help us to monitor our sexual health? For more to listen to, you can check out Sarah’s podcast here. 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!  Earth and Salt offers a curated selection of sex toys, accessories, and gender expression gear to help you access your pleasure, your way. Visit Earth and Salt at earthandsaltshop.com, and use “Lehmiller” as the discount code for 15% off your next purchase.  Expand your sexual horizons with Beducated! Featuring more than 100 online courses taught by the experts, Beducated brings pleasure-based sex ed directly into your bedroom. Enjoy a free trial today and get 60% off their yearly pass by using my last name – LEHMILLER – as the coupon code. Sign up now at: https://beducate.me/pd2347-lehmiller Ever questioned, wondered, or fantasized about trying something different? Feeld is the place where you freely explore your desires. For a limited time, receive a free month of Majestic Membership when you download the app as a new member. Download the Feeld app at feeld.co/justin to access your free month of Majestic Membership. Please allow up to 24 hours for your free Majestic trial to activate. *** 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.

If you’re looking to take your sex life to the next level, something you might want to think about it is trying more sex toys! Sex toys have the potential to make sex, both solo and partnered, even better. And if you’ve never used sex toys before, we have you covered. The sheer number of options out there can be overwhelming, so we’ll discuss some good places to start if you’ve new to the idea of bringing toys into the bedroom. I am joined by Sarah Tomchesson, who works as a sex educator, sex toy evangelist and podcast host. Sarah is Lovehoney’s Resident Sexual Wellness Advisor and hosts free monthly workshops through Lovehoney.com. Sarah’s podcast, F*ck Yeah, disrupts traditional ideas about sexuality and relationships, and her online education program, Pleasure Practices, supports cultivating personal power through pleasure exploration. In this episode, we discuss how sex toys can assist in: Understanding yourself as a sexual person and uncovering new pleasure sources Increasing/improving sexual communication Providing stress relief Building up sexual self-confidence Closing the orgasm gap For more to listen to, you can check out Sarah’s podcast here. 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 Handy is a Scandinavian pleasure device like no other: it’s an adult toy for anyone with a penis that enables new sexual experiences through interactive technology. The Handy can be synched with online content from multiple adult websites to offer immersive experiences. Visit thehandy.com and get 10% off your purchase with discount code sexandpsych.  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. 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.

How can I have better, hotter sex? This is a super common question people have about their intimate lives, so that’s what we’re going to be talking about today. In this episode, we’re going to walk you through what you need to know about taking your sex life to the next level. I am joined once again by both Amy Baldwin and April Lampert. Amy is a sex and relationship coach, as well as a certified sex educator. April is Vice President and co-owner of Hot Octopuss, an innovative pleasure product company. Together, Amy and April combined forces to create the Shameless Sex Podcast, and the brand new book Shameless Sex: Choose Your Own Pleasure Path to Unlock the Sex Life You’ve Been Waiting For. Some of the topics we explore include: How can you figure out what it is that you really want from sex? How can you use your sexual fantasies as a source of inspiration? How can changing your sexual mindset open the door to greater pleasure? How can you make sex great again when the old ways stop working? What are some healthy ways to introduce new things in the bedroom? How can couples “keep the fire burning” in the bedroom for the long run? You can learn more about Amy and April on the Shameless Sex website.  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!  Earth and Salt offers a curated selection of sex toys, accessories, and gender expression gear to help you access your pleasure, your way. Visit Earth and Salt at earthandsaltshop.com, and use “Lehmiller” as the discount code for 15% off your next purchase.  Expand your sexual horizons with Beducated! Featuring more than 100 online courses taught by the experts, Beducated brings pleasure-based sex ed directly into your bedroom. Enjoy a free trial today and get 60% off their yearly pass by using my last name – LEHMILLER – as the coupon code. Sign up now at: https://beducate.me/pd2346-lehmiller *** 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.

The co-hosts of the Shameless Sex Podcast discuss their new book on the Sex and Psychology Podcast. They explore topics such as shameless sex, normality in sexual experiences, and having healthy communication about sex with your partner. They also introduce their Connect Formula for difficult conversations and stress the importance of starting heavy conversations with the positives.