Sex and Psychology Podcast

Alicia Walker and Arielle Kuperberg, both sociology professors and co-authors of "Bound by BDSM," explore the fascinating world of kink. They debunk myths surrounding BDSM, emphasizing that it's not solely about sex or trauma. The discussion reveals the emotional benefits and community aspects of BDSM, shedding light on how consent and trust are fundamental. They also touch on why BDSM is notably prevalent in the LGBTQ+ community and discuss the wide spectrum of practices beyond common stereotypes.

Margaret Grace Myers, a writer, researcher, and educator from Maine, discusses the pressing issues in U.S. sex education. She highlights the lack of federal mandates and the ongoing battle for comprehensive curricula. The conversation reveals surprising bipartisan support among parents for better sex ed and contrasts U.S. practices with effective models from other countries like the Netherlands. Myers emphasizes the need for continuous education and grassroots activism to empower communities and improve youth health outcomes.

Sex education is highly controversial. Last year alone, 27 US states introduced bills aimed at restricting sex ed! However, this fight over what sex ed should cover (and whether it should even be taught at all) is nothing new. We’ve been having the same fights about sex ed for over a century, and that’s a big part of the reason why modern sex education still sucks. I’m joined today by Margaret Grace Myers, a writer, researcher, educator, and former bookseller based in Maine. She is the author of the new book The Fight For Sex Ed: The Century Long Battle Between Truth and Doctrine. Some of the specific topics we explore include: Why do we keep having the same arguments about sex ed? What really holding sex education back? How did abstinence become such a dominant part of sex education in the US? Does abstinence education actually work as intended? Why is it so hard to access comprehensive sex education when it’s what most parents say they want? You can check out Margaret’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!  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 LEHMILLER as the coupon code. To redeem this offer, visit: https://beducate.me/hot-summer  Head to https://paired.com/JUSTIN and download the #1 app for couples to start maintaining your lasting love 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.

Why are some people straight while others are gay or bisexual? What determines our sexual orientation anyway? Today, we’re going to be diving into what we’ve learned about the biological origins of our sexuality from decades of scientific research. As you’ll see, there’s not a simple and easy story—it doesn’t boil down to something like a “gay gene.” It’s way more complex than that! I am joined once again by Nathan Lents, a Professor of Biology at John Jay College, where he is the director of the Cell and Molecular Biology program. His research lab studies human genetic evolution and forensic DNA technology. He also writes popular science articles and is the author of the new book The Sexual Evolution: How 500 Millions Years of Sex, Gender, and Mating Shape Modern Relationships. Some of the specific topics we explore include: Is same-sex attraction genetic? How can two people who share 100% of the same DNA have different sexual orientations? When researchers are studying sexual orientation, should they be looking at attraction, identity, behavior, or all of the above? Why is having more older brothers linked to greater odds of homosexuality in men? What other biological factors are associated with sexual orientation? You can check out Nathan’s website to learn more about his 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!  Load Boost is a supplement designed to improve the taste, volume, and overall health of your semen. If you want to elevate your sexual performance, check out Load Boost from VB Health. Visit loadboost.com to learn more and save 10% with code JUSTIN. 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. Be sure to register for the Sex and Aging Symposium, which will take place on October 4, 2025. *** 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.

In this engaging discussion, Nathan Lents, a Professor of Biology at John Jay College and author of 'The Sexual Evolution,' shares insights into whether humans are biologically wired for monogamy or non-monogamy. Listeners explore the critical distinctions between social and sexual monogamy, the evolutionary implications of mating strategies observed in other primates, and the role of brain chemistry in romantic attachments. Lents advocates for a nuanced understanding of relationships, challenging traditional notions and celebrating diverse partnerships.

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Nazanin Moali, a clinical psychologist and sex therapist, dives into the hidden causes of erectile dysfunction. She explains the psychological roots, such as the impact of early attachment trauma and performance pressure often tied to childhood messages. The conversation also addresses whether porn really causes ED and the rising rates among young men. Dr. Moali highlights the benefits of sex therapy, emphasizing that true healing involves understanding emotional and relational dynamics beyond just medication.

In long-term relationships, almost everyone will go through a sexual dry spell at some point. This is normal, and it doesn’t necessarily mean that there’s something fundamentally wrong with you or your relationship. However, the good news is that there’s a lot you can do to break the dry spell and get your intimate life back on track. Today, we’re going to explore the reasons why sex often disappears in relationships, and what you can do about it. I am joined by Dr. Nazanin Moali, a licensed clinical psychologist, AASECT-certified sex therapist, and the host of the internationally acclaimed Sexology Podcast. Based in Los Angeles, she leads a successful private practice where she helps individuals and couples deepen emotional intimacy, overcome sexual challenges, and create more fulfilling relationships. Some of the specific topics we explore include: How many people are in sexless relationships? What questions should we be asking when we find ourselves in a sexual dry spell? How can you bring erotic tension back into your relationship? What are ways to bring a sense of mystery and play back into sex? How can we reinvent our date nights in a way that’s going to cultivate more erotic energy and excitement? You can check out Nazanin’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!  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 LEHMILLER as the coupon code. To redeem this offer, visit: https://beducate.me/hot-summer  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.

As many as 1 in 5 adults have visited an erotic camsite. However, the appeal of these sites goes far beyond sexual gratification. A new study of camsite users finds that they are often looking for emotional connection and fulfillment, too. But are they actually finding it? In today’s show, we’re diving into the data and exploring whether intimacy is really an experience that can be commodified. I’m joined once again by Ellen Kaufman, a Senior Research Associate at the Kinsey Institute. Her research focuses on the intersection of sexuality and technology, exploring how our relationships and overall sexual and emotional wellbeing are shaped by new modalities of connection. Some of the specific topics we explore include: How is a camsite different from a traditional porn site? Who are the primary visitors of camsites? To what extent do users feel emotional bonds with cam models? Can we develop authentic intimacy in a transactional setting? You can check out the website for the VIBES research team to learn more about Ellen’s 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!  A bad mattress can ruin your intimate life. If you want to upgrade your sleep, check out Brooklyn Bedding, where you can try a 120-night comfort trial. Go to brooklynbedding.com and use my promo code JUSTIN at checkout to get 30% off sitewide.  If you’re ready to ditch the shady stuff and choose a libido supplement that’s effective and that you can feel confident about, it’s time to check out Drive Boost.  Visit vb.health and use code JUSTIN for 10% off. *** 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.

Everyone is talking about how artificial intelligence (AI) is going to fundamentally change almost every aspect of our lives, and that includes our intimate lives. So in today’s show, we’re going to explore the impact that AI is already having on the world of dating and relationships and whether it’s helping or hurting our chances of finding lasting love. I am joined by Ellen Kaufman, a Senior Research Associate at the Kinsey Institute. Her research focuses on the intersection of sexuality and technology, exploring how our relationships and overall sexual and emotional wellbeing are shaped by new modalities of connection. Some of the specific topics we explore include: How many singles are currently using AI to boost their dating odds? In what ways are people using AI to help them date? Is AI going to ruin dating or make it better? How many people have sought an AI romantic companion? What’s the appeal of an AI companion? Can AI actually provide emotional fulfillment? You can check out the website for the VIBES research team to learn more about Ellen’s 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!  If you’re looking for a libido supplement that’s effective and that you can feel confident about, it’s time to check out Drive Boost by VB Health. Visit vb.health and use code JUSTIN for 10% off. A bad mattress can be bad for your intimate life. If you want to upgrade your sleep, check out Brooklyn Bedding, where you can try a 120-night comfort trial. Go to brooklynbedding.com and use my promo code JUSTIN at checkout to get 30% off sitewide.  *** 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.

KC Davis, a licensed therapist and bestselling author, dives deep into the often misunderstood world of boundaries in relationships. She debunks common myths, explaining why boundaries are about responsibility, not control. The conversation reveals how people-pleasing is rooted in discomfort and offers insights on navigating under-functioning dynamics. KC emphasizes the importance of honest communication and pragmatic approaches to boundary-setting, vital for all types of relationships. Tune in for actionable advice to enhance your connections!