Girl Boner Radio: True Sex and Relationship Stories

Have you ever felt as though you've lost yourself or your confidence after a relationship? Or wondered how a romantic relationship that started out like a fairytale spiraled into lies, gaslighting and pain? If so, you may be one of the many people who've grappled with narcissistic abuse syndrome. August has been there, as have numerous of her past guests. For this week's episode, she explores the impact of narcissistic abuse with Dr. Kate Balestrieri, a sex therapist and psychologist who specializes in treating people on both sides of the equation. A few things you'll learn about in the episode: What Kate learned about sex and sexuality growing up Common signs of narcissistic abuse syndrome How gaslighting can impact sex and intimacy Kate's thoughts for a listener whose controlling ex restricted sex and affection Dr. Megan's thoughts for a listener who's haunted by her ex's "porn addiction" How trauma can impact sex and pleasure Important truths about healing from trauma A few powerful things healing can bring to our lives Save 15% on your first order of lube, arousal gel, delay spray and more at Promescent with promo code august 15: delayspray.com Check out Dr. Megan's FREE pleasure challenge: greatlifegreatsex.com/pleasure Join August on Patreon to get an upcoming bonus episode on this topic and more!: patreon.com/girlboner Instagram: @themodernintimacy @drkatebalestrieri @GirlBonerMedia @dr.megan.fleming Girl Boner Radio is hosted and produced by August McLaughlin, with transcript support from KM Huber. Learn more and find lightly edited transcripts at augustmclaughlin.com.

Self-love plays an important role in everything from pleasure and intimacy to our everyday interactions. But how do you cultivate it, especially when things feel difficult? In this Girl Boner Radio episode, Mike Johnson, author of Making the Love You Want, speaks about his childhood, how he's cultivated self-love and the impact self-love has had on his life. He also answers Girl Boner listeners' questions, reflects on how he was depicted on The Bachelorette, and shares his top tips for sexual empowerment! A few things you'll learn about in the episode: Why Mike describes his mom as a shining star of resiliency, determination and persistence Gender roles Mike feels we should do away with, including personal examples from his life How Mike felt revealing the sexual assault he endured during childhood in Making the Love You Want The difficult breakup that brought Mike lengthy grief and how he found healing How he feels about how he was depicted on The Bachelorette Mike's answers to listeners' questions! Why he prefers the term "rising action" over "foreplay," and how he defines it How self-love can enhance pleasure + tips for cultivating it from Dr. Megan Fleming LEARN MORE: Order a signed copy of Mike's book at mikejohnsonsmile.com. Follow him on Instagram at @Mike_Johnson. Check out the latest specials at The Pleasure Chest! thepleasurechest.com Check out Dr. Megan's FREE pleasure challenge: greatlifegreatsex.com/pleasure Join August on Patreon: patreon.com/girlboner Show IG: @GirlBonerMedia Read a lightly edited episode transcript: girlboner.org/mike-johnson Girl Boner Radio is hosted and produced by August McLaughlin, with transcript support from KM Huber.

If you've ever had a one night stand and then felt like you shouldn't talk about it, worried that you cared too much about sex outside of a relationship or acquired an STI from an abusive partner, you're not alone. Ella Dawson experienced all of these issues and writes about them, both so she can process it all and to help others who relate. A few things you'll learn about in this episode: Why Ella believes "casual sex" is a misnomer A few experiences from her life that illustrate major gaps in what we're taught about physical intimacy outside of relationships The link between intimate partner abuse and STIs What you can get by joining Ella's Patreon community! What to do when you start falling for your "friends with benefits" pal, with Dr. Megan Fleming Join August on Patreon for GirlBoner extras: patreon.com/girlboner. Join us on Instagram: @brosandprose @GirlBonerMedia @dr.megan.fleming Girl Boner Radio is hosted and produced by August McLaughlin, with transcript support from KM Huber.

Ever wondered why sex used to feel easy and pleasurable and gradually, or suddenly, that stopped? Or wished you could experience orgasms or great sex in the first place? Dr. Bat Sheva Marcus, sex therapist and author of SEX POINTS, believes everyone who wishes to can have "rockin' sex" and that all related challenges are surmountable. She spoke with August about her personal journey and lessons we can all learn from challenges she's encountered in the lives of her clients, as well as her own. A few things you'll learn about in this episode: Unforgettable sex-talk stories from Dr. Marcus's childhood Why it's important to consider sexual arousal, desire and functional challenges beyond the psychological Ways birth control can influence sexual desire and orgasms What many of us get wrong about fantasizing The myth that women do better with monogamy than men Common factors that can lower what Dr. Marcus calls "sex points" What led her to "lose her orgasms" twice, and how she found her way back to that pleasure Dr. Megan Fleming's thoughts for a listener who wants to experience orgasm (and for her partner to, too) during intercourse, versus only through masturbation Stream an exclusive bonus segment, and get more rewards, by joining August's Patreon community: patreon.com/girlboner. Check out the latest specials at The Pleasure Chest! Free, discreet shipping over $75. Join us on Instagram: @drbatsheva @GirlBonerMedia @dr.megan.fleming @pleasurecheststores Girl Boner Radio is hosted and produced by August McLaughlin, with transcript support from KM Huber.

Does great sex start at 50? It sure can, according to Tracey Cox, a renowned bestselling author and expert about sex and relationships. A few things you'll learn in this episode: What leads to sexlessness in relationships When to accept or change that dynamic Myths about sexless marriages How to talk about low sexual desire or frequency, even if years have passed without sex The truth about "lesbian bed death" How to fuel female sexual desire The role body image can play in pleasure and desire How Tracey went from high to low libido, then to some of the best sex of her life Her top advice for anyone struggling in these areas What struck Tracey most while completing Great Sex Starts at Fifty Dr. Megan Fleming's Pleasure Pick of the Month! And how you can enter a very special giveaway. Join August on Patreon at patreon.com/girlboner. IG: @GirlBonerMedia @traceycoxsexauthor @dr.megan.fleming Girl Boner Radio is hosted and produced by August McLaughlin, with transcript support from KM Huber.

Curious about threesomes? Or ways to make your next one better? Stella Harris, a Certified Intimacy Educator, Sex Coach and author of The Ultimate Guide to Threesomes, is expert at ways to effectively become "a threesome person," benefits of thoughtful threesomes and how to decide whether or not to bring this type of play into an existing relationship or your life in the first place. A few things you'll learn in the episode: What many folks get wrong about threesomes Questions to consider before deciding on a threesome Why jealousy isn't the worst thing (or unusual) How intoxication can impact threesome play Ways to more comfortably ease into your first one Where to meet people for a threesome Dr. Megan Fleming's thoughts for a listener who's struggling after a threesome didn't go as she had hoped Register for Stella's book launch party with SheBop here! Check out the latest specials at The Pleasure Chest! Free, discreet shipping over $75. Join August on Patreon at patreon.com/girlboner. Girl Boner Radio is hosted and produced by August McLaughlin, with transcript support from KM Huber.

Have you ever wondered if you orgasm "weird?" August hears about that a lot. The truth is, there are many ways of experiencing orgasm and all of those Os are valid. A few things you'll learn about in this episode: First orgasm stories of Lynn Anderton, Dr. Lanae St. John and Jayne Renault, all of which took them by surprise 7 types of "female orgasms," including sleep-gasms, back-gasms, cervical orgasm and more What we tend to get wrong when talking about "clitoral" and "vaginal" orgasms 3 types of orgasm penis owners may experience Dr. Megan Fleming's thoughts for a listener who wonders if using a vibrator consistently can make it difficult to climax without one To support the show and get fun extras, join August on Patreon! patreon.com/girlboner.

Have you ever felt let down because your partner doesn't meet your expectations? Or wondered if you're having enough sex? Dr. Gary Lewandowski, psychologist and author of Stronger Than You Think: The 10 Blind Spots That Undermine Your Relationship...and How to See Past Them, has been studying relationships for years through his Relationship Science Lab. He's also been featured by The New York Times, NPR, The Atlantic and Cosmopolitan. His empowering TEDx Talk, "Break-Ups Don't Have to Leave You Broken," has been viewed nearly 2 million times. Dr. Lewandowski joined August recently to explore several common relationship myths that can really cause problems, if you buy into them—which is easy to do! He also shared his own love story, including how he met his wife, some of the challenges they've faced and signs they're on the right track. A few things you'll learn in the episode: The difference a maximizer and a satisficer in terms of relationships, and which is a better aim Why a "sex challenge" isn't usually helpful What's most important about your sex life for boosting relationship satisfaction A common misbelief about breakups 5 ways to heal and move on after a break up, with tips from Dr. Megan Fleming Support the show and/or sponsors + have more fun: Join August on Patreon! patreon.com/girlboner. To up your sexual novelty game or invite more pleasure to your life, explore the latest specials at thepleasurechest.com. Save 25% on Dr. Megan's Rekindle Desire audio and workbook program at greatlifegreatsex.com/desire.

Have you felt a more or less sex-inclined lately? Or wished you could have more spicy fun and pleasure during these zany times? If your answers are yes or yes, this episode is for you. A few things you'll learn: Ways the pandemic and social distancing are impacting sexuality, including thoughts from listeners Awesome sex toys for clitoris, penis and couple's play How to set the stage for spicier scheduled sex A sensual way to spend Valentine's Day at home Some of Dr. Megan Fleming's top sex advice More! Check out Dr. Megan's recommendations: greatlifegreatsex.com/resources Support Girl Boner Radio + get fun extras! patreon.com/girlboner

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to talk to strangers about their sexual experiences? Julia Rothman and Shaina Feinberg did just that, and more, for their new book, Every Body: An Honest and Open Look at Sex from Every Angle. A few things you'll hear in this episode: An excerpt from August's first time hitting the streets to ask people, "What's a Girl Boner?" What Julia and Shaina recall learning about sex early on What struck them most about the books' stories about masturbation, Shaina's Betty Dodson interview, body acceptance and religion What takeaways they want you to embrace from their experience creating Every Body What numerous listeners wish others knew about sex or their sexuality The role attention can play in arousal, pleasure and desire Check out Sex Hacks with Kenneth Play and the replay Dr. Megan mentioned: greatlifegreatsex.com/sexhacks Join August on Patreon to support the show and get fun extras! patreon.com/girlboner Learn more: girlboner.org