Untangling the Science of Sex and Pleasure
Welcome to Episode 413 of the Sexology Podcast! I’m thrilled to be joined by Soleil Merroir a certified sex therapist, supervisor, and sex worker, who brings a rare perspective on the intersection of therapy and sex work. Soleil opens up about her journey from a strict upbringing in a fundamentalist Christian cult to becoming a clinical social worker who integrates her professional identities as both a therapist and sex worker. This unique blend of experiences informs her work and advocacy for sex worker rights and mental health care improvements.
Angie/ Soleil (she/ they) is a licensed clinical social worker, AASECT certified sex therapist and supervisor, group facilitator, and sex worker. While their sex therapy and sex work clientele never overlap, a similar wealth of psychological, emotional and erotic knowledge integrates into every aspect of their work.
Soleil strives to combine technology and sexuality efficiently and creatively, including sex tech and VR/ XR intersections, as well as digital teaching, client and play offerings. In addition to sexuality, they are a new mom, and love art, music, dance, nature, cultural exploration and learning Spanish.
In this episode, you will hear:
· Soleil Miroir's Background and Journey
· Understanding Sex Work and Its Diversity
· Personal Experiences and Empowerment in Sex Work
· Navigating Dual Identities
· Challenges and Misconceptions in Therapy
· Systemic Oppression and Its Impact
· Equitable Care Certification
· Supporting Sex Workers and Advocacy
· Creating Equitable Care Certification
Get Your Sex Bucket List
Podcast Produced by Pete Bailey
Welcome to Episode 412 of the Sexology Podcast! I’m thrilled to have Suzannah Weiss with us today as we delve into her powerful new book, Subjectified. In this episode, we explore the book’s central themes, focusing on empowering women to reclaim their sexuality and self-determination. Suzannah also shares her personal journey of healing from an eating disorder, a struggle intricately linked to societal pressures around sexualization.
Suzannah Weiss is a writer and sexologist based in Los Angeles. She is the author of Subjectified: Becoming a Sexual Subject, which describes her search for sexual empowerment and her vision for a world where women are subjects, not just objects, of desire. She has written over 8800 articles, which have appeared in publications such as The New York Times and The Washington Post.
As a sex educator certified by the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists, Suzannah has taught courses and given talks on topics including consent, orgasms, childbirth, non-monogamy, and neurodiversity. She is regularly quoted as an expert in publications like Cosmopolitan and Men's Health as resident sexologist for Biird and also works as a sex/love coach, birth doula, and sexual assault counselor.
In this episode, you will hear:
· Reflecting on ‘Subjectified’: A Discussion on Body and Identity
· How Societal Standards Influence Self-Perception and Self-Worth
· Reconnecting With and Celebrating the Body
· Examining the Male Gaze and Its Effect on Women’s Body Image
· Healing Through Self-Acceptance and Embracing Body Positivity
· Challenging and Redefining Harmful Beauty Norms
· Navigating Media’s Role in Shaping Self-Perception
· Embracing Authenticity in Personal Appearance Choices
· Advice for Nurturing Personal Sexual Empowerment
Podcast Produced by Pete Bailey
Welcome to Episode 411 of the Sexology Podcast! I’m excited to have Dr. Avrum Weiss joining us today. Dr. Weiss is a psychologist, author, and speaker, known for his work on men's emotional experiences and fears in relationships, and his latest book, Hidden In Plain Sight: How Men’s Fears of Women Shape Their Intimate Relationships.
In this episode, we explore the complex and often misunderstood fears that heterosexual men experience in relationships, especially when it comes to showing vulnerability. Drawing from his background as a psychotherapist, Dr. Weiss shares how deeply these fears are rooted in early life and shaped by societal messages about masculinity.
We discuss everything from evolutionary influences and the role of early maternal attachment to the cultural pressures men face. Dr. Weiss offers practical strategies, including the value of men’s groups, to help foster emotional openness. We also look at how understanding these fears can create more empathy between partners and lead to stronger, more resilient relationships.
In this episode, you will hear:
· Insights From Dr. Weiss's Book
· The Roots of Men’s Fears in Relationships
· A Look at the Still Face Experiment
· Evolutionary Views on Male Vulnerability
· Concerns About Control and Abandonment
· How Masculinity is Culturally Reinforced
· Therapeutic Approaches and Support Groups
· Why Taking Risks and Embracing Vulnerability Matters
Podcast Produced by Pete Bailey
Welcome to Episode 410 of the Sexology Podcast! I’m thrilled to be joined today by Dr. Elliot Justin, Founder and CEO of FirmTech. In this conversation, we explore Dr. Justin’s inspiring journey - from launching FirmTech to developing innovative, sophisticated solutions for men’s sexual health. We’ll also explore the creation of his breakthrough product, a cutting-edge and remarkably comfortable cock ring designed to support both function and comfort.
Dr. Justin is an Emergency Medicine (EM) specialist and healthcare technology consultant in erectile neuromodulation, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. He spent 25 years practicing EM and directing ERs. In 2004, he started the second oldest telemedicine company, SwiftMD.
In 2008, he established Pegasus Emergency Group, an EM company that staffed more than 30 ERs nationwide and won awards for its customer service. Dr. Justin has founded six healthcare companies and exited four of them, as well advising as several service, telemedicine, and tech startups.
In this episode, you will hear:
· Innovative Approaches to Men’s Sexual Health
· The Benefits of Regular Sexual Activity
· Navigating Challenges in Sexual Health Conversations
· Addressing Ejaculation Concerns
· Impact of Medications and Illness on Sexual Health
· Cock Rings: Uses and Benefits
· Objective Measurements for Men's Health
· Counseling’s Role in Sexual Health
· Managing Performance Anxiety and Relationship Issues
· Adding Variety to Sexual Experiences
· Addressing Erectile Dysfunction Over 50
Thank you to our sponsor FirmTech! Their incredible TechRing enhances sexual performance and health monitoring with an easy-to-use smart design. It monitors firmness, length of time, and more in the heat of the moment. Additionally, the FirmTech MaxPR, their non-tech ring, enhances pleasure and endurance.
Grab an exclusive 10% discount using the code “Sexology”
Podcast Produced by Pete Bailey
Welcome to episode 409 of the Sexology Podcast! Today I am delighted to be speaking with Gabriela Rosa. In this conversation, we discuss the often-overlooked issue of male fertility, highlighting the need for comprehensive diagnostic approaches and lifestyle changes.
Gabriela Rosa is a fertility specialist, reproductive health educator, and Harvard University-awarded scholar and an accomplished and experienced business leader and entrepreneur. Gabriela created the world’s first entirely virtual and holistic fertility clinic. As the founder and CEO of The Rosa Institute, which currently serves patients in every continent (other than Antarctica), Gabriela leads a team of holistic specialists.
Her treatment methodology has become an authority in its industry for identifying and addressing biochemical obstacles that guide couples in overcoming infertility and recurrent miscarriage, despite previous reproductive difficulties and failed treatments. Through various programs, Gabriela and her team have educated over 140,000 couples in more than 110 countries. She is also the host of the TalkSex with Gabriela RosaTM podcast.
In this episode, you will hear:
· Personal Fertility Journey
· Challenges in Male Fertility
· Systemic Issues in Fertility Treatments
· Importance of Comprehensive Testing
· Personal Experiences and Insights
· Male Fertility: Key Factors and Recommendations
· Case Studies and Success Stories
Thank you to our sponsor FirmTech! Their incredible TechRing enhances sexual performance and health monitoring with an easy-to-use smart design. It monitors firmness, length of time, and more in the heat of the moment. Additionally, the FirmTech MaxPR, their non-tech ring, enhances pleasure and endurance.
Grab an exclusive 10% discount using the code “Sexology”
Podcast Produced by Pete Bailey
Welcome to episode 408 of the Sexology Podcast! Today I am delighted to be speaking with Justin Birckbichler. In this conversation, we discuss his personal journey with testicular cancer. Justin shares the importance of self-examination, recounts his diagnosis at 25, and the subsequent emotional and physical challenges.
Justin Birckbichler is the Director of Project Management at Savvy Cooperative, an innovative healthcare platform that connects patients with healthcare companies to provide valuable insights and feedback. In this role, Justin oversees the planning, implementation, and tracking of multiple projects that aim to empower patients to share their experiences and knowledge with the healthcare industry.
As a survivor of testicular cancer, he started the blog "A Ballsy Sense of Tumor" to share his story and raise awareness about men’s health issues. He has further spread his message by performing a TEDx talk on the importance of early detection of testicular cancer. Outside of the health field, Justin enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, and cooking.
In this episode, you will hear:
· Discovering Testicular Cancer
· Diagnosis and Immediate Actions
· Emotional Impact and Coping Mechanisms
· Prevalence and Awareness of Testicular Cancer
· Fertility Concerns and Solutions
· Using Humor to Cope
· Encouraging Men to Prioritize Health
Thank you to our sponsor FirmTech! Their incredible TechRing enhances sexual performance and health monitoring with an easy-to-use smart design. It monitors firmness, length of time, and more in the heat of the moment. Additionally, the FirmTech MaxPR, their non-tech ring, enhances pleasure and endurance.
Grab an exclusive 10% discount using the code “Sexology”
Podcast Produced by Pete Bailey
Welcome to episode 407 of the Sexology Podcast! Today I am delighted to be speaking with Dr. Justin Houman. In this conversation, we discuss the often overlooked issue of delayed orgasm in men. Dr. Houman explains the primary causes, including aging, erectile dysfunction, and mental factors, and provides insights into the differentiation between physiological and psychological issues.
Dr. Justin Houman is a urologist and fellowship-trained Male Reproductive Medicine and Surgery specialist, whose practice is focused on men’s health, include male hormone management, sexual and ejaculatory dysfunction, male fertility, male incontinence, and Peyronie’s disease. As a minimally-invasive microscopic surgeon, he specializes in microsurgical varicocelectomies, vasectomy reversals, sperm retrievals, penile implants, Peyronie’s disease, and male incontinence. Dr. Houman’s practice is centered on enhancing men’s quality of life through hormone management, improving sexual function, and achieving reproductive goals.
In his academic pursuits, Dr. Houman has published multiple manuscripts on Men’s Health, male fertility, and the health effects of wearable technology.
Dr. Houman’s studies have been published in peer-reviewed journals such as the Journal of the American Medical Association and the Journal of Sexual Medicine. He has also presented his research at the national and international levels.
In this episode, you will hear:
· Understanding Delayed Orgasm
· Causes of Delayed Orgasm
· Penile Sensitivity and Aging
· Psychological vs. Physiological Factors
· Impact of Medications
· Alternative Therapies and Placebo Effect
· Emerging Treatments and Techniques
· Addressing Sexual Health Concerns
Thank you to our sponsor FirmTech! Their incredible TechRing enhances sexual performance and health monitoring with an easy-to-use smart design. It monitors firmness, length of time, and more in the heat of the moment. Additionally, the FirmTech MaxPR, their non-tech ring, enhances pleasure and endurance.
Grab an exclusive 10% discount using the code “Sexology”
Podcast Produced by Pete Bailey
Welcome to episode 406 of the Sexology Podcast! Today I am delighted to be speaking with Justin Dubin, MD. In this conversation, we discuss the prevalence of erectile dysfunction among both the general male population and male porn stars, findings from Dr. Dubin's research studies, and the unrealistic expectations set by the porn industry.
Dr. Justin Dubin is a Urologist who specializes in Men's Health at Memorial Healthcare System in South Florida. Justin grew up in Wayne, NJ and graduated from Johns Hopkins University in 2010 with a BA in Biology and Minor in Entrepreneurship and Management. He then attended Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School which he graduated from in 2016.
Dr. Dubin completed his training in Urology at the University of Miami in 2021 and his Andrology fellowship at Northwestern University in 2022. Dr. Dubin is passionate about men’s health and education with the goal of improving both the lives of men and their partners.
He has published multiple papers on both male infertility and sexual health, has been quoted in the NY Times, Insider, GQ and Men’s Health and is the current co-host of the men’s health podcast Man Up: A Doctor’s Guide to Men’s Health through which he hopes to destigmatize men's health topics and motivate men to improve their overall lives.
In this episode, you will hear:
· Dr. Justin Dubin's Background and Research
· Understanding Erectile Dysfunction
· Factors Contributing to Erectile Dysfunction
· Porn Stars and Erectile Dysfunction
· Addressing Erectile Dysfunction with Medication
· Penile Size and Cosmetic Enhancements
· Female Sexual Dysfunction in Adult Entertainment
· Penile Size and Sexual Satisfaction
Thank you to our sponsor FirmTech! Their incredible TechRing enhances sexual performance and health monitoring with an easy-to-use smart design. It monitors firmness, length of time, and more in the heat of the moment. Additionally, the FirmTech MaxPR, their non-tech ring, enhances pleasure and endurance.
Grab an exclusive 10% discount using the code “Sexology”
Podcast Produced by Pete Bailey
Welcome to episode 405 of the Sexology Podcast! Today I am delighted to be speaking with Dr. Tracy Gapin, a board-certified urologist and founder of the Gapin Institute. In this discussion, we’re exploring the core habits men can build to support their sexual health, while also recognizing how closely it's linked to overall well-being. We’re focusing on key elements like gut health, regulating blood sugar, balancing hormones, and managing stress—all of which are essential for maintaining sexual vitality.
Tracy Gapin, MD is the founder and CEO of the Gapin Institute, the Leader in Precision Medicine. He’s a board-certified urologist and world renowned men’s health & performance expert with over 25 years of experience focused on men’s health optimization, performance and longevity. Recognizing our traditional healthcare system is broken, he created the proprietary Gapin Precision Method and G1 Program for High Performance Health, designed to help entrepreneurs optimize their mind and body so they can be the best version of themselves.
He’s a member of the American Academy of Anti-Aging, Age Management Medical Group, and the International Peptide Society. He’s a thought leader, a TEDx speaker, and the author of the best-selling books Male 2.0 and Codes of Longevity. He’s been featured on NBC, Entrepreneur Magazine, and Dave Asprey’s Biohacking Conference.
In this episode, you will hear:
· Foundational Habits for Male Sexual Health
· Understanding Sexual Health Beyond the Physical
· The Importance of Vascular Health
· Hormones and Sexual Performance
· The Role of Cortisol and Stress
· Diet and Nutrition for Sexual Health
· Blood Sugar Regulation: Carbs and Protein
· Hydration and Blood Sugar's Impact on Sexual Health
· Fasting: Benefits and Best Practices
· The Truth About Ozempic and Weight Loss
· Early Signs of Sexual Health Issues in Men
FirmTech
Thank you to our sponsor Firm Tech! Firm Tech’s TechRing enhances sexual performance and health monitoring with an easy-to-use smart design. It monitors firmness, length of time, and more in the heat of the moment. Additionally, the Firmtech Max PR, their non-tech ring enhances pleasure and endurance.
Grab an exclusive 10% discount using the code “Sexology”
Make Her Go Wild In The Bedroom
Ready to elevate your bedroom game and make her wild with desire? Go here to get a step-by-step approach to help you become an exceptional lover in the bedroom.
Podcast Produced by Pete Bailey
Welcome to episode 404 of the Sexology Podcast! Today I am delighted to be speaking with Dr. Daniel Watter. In this conversation, we discuss his insightful book: “The Existential Importance of the Penis: A Guide to Understanding Male Sexuality”. Dr. Watter explains how childhood trauma can influence sexual dysfunction, why men might experience erectile unpredictability in deepening relationships, and how existential crises can lead men to seek a functioning penis at great lengths.
Dr. Watter is an AASECT-certified sex therapy supervisor and has been elected to Fellowship Status in the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH) and the Sexual Medicine Society of North America (SMSNA). In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Watter has held several faculty appointments. Currently, he is a faculty member at the University of Michigan School of Social Work’s Sexual Certification Program and the Modern Sex Therapy Institutes.
A frequent lecturer at professional meetings throughout North America, Dr. Watter is the author of more than 30 professional articles and book chapters on topics such as sexual function and dysfunction, and ethics in healthcare practice. He is the author of the recently released book, “The Existential Importance of the Penis: A Guide to Understanding Male Sexuality”.
In this episode, you will hear:
● Understanding Male Sexual Communication
● War Veterans and the Existential Crisis of Losing the Penis
● Medical Interventions and Psychological Impacts
● The Deepening Relationship and Erectile Unpredictability
● Existential Psychotherapy and Sexual Addiction
● Sexual Addiction and Existential Psychotherapy
● Confrontation with Mortality and Sexual Behavior
FirmTech
Thank you to our sponsor Firm Tech! Firm Tech’s TechRing enhances sexual performance and health monitoring with an easy-to-use smart design. It monitors firmness, length of time, and more in the heat of the moment. Additionally, the Firmtech Max PR, their non-tech ring enhances pleasure and endurance.
Grab an exclusive 10% discount using the code “Sexology”
Make Her Go Wild In The Bedroom
Ready to elevate your bedroom game and make her wild with desire? Go here to get a step-by-step approach to help you become an exceptional lover in the bedroom.
Podcast Produced by Pete Bailey
Welcome to episode 403 of the Sexology Podcast! Today I am delighted to be speaking with Jean Franzblau.In this conversation, we discuss the meaning of kink, sexual shame, and the misrepresentation of kinky behaviors in media. They also discuss the importance of consent, safe words, and the impact of cultural norms on sexual expression.
As an Intimacy Coordinator for TV and film, Jean Franzblau helps actors perform sexy scenes with respect and care. This year she made a decision to disclose her private backstory. She is the writer and performer of My Mother Doesn't Know I'm Kinky.
It's an award-winning solo play which is now on tour. Passionate to share what she has learned, she created the Sexual Bucket List online class. You can find Jean featured in Rolling Stone and as a guest expert on Keeping Up with the Kardashians.
In this episode, you will hear:
· Understanding Kink and Its Cultural Context
· Media Representation of Kink
· Personal Experiences and Reflections on Kink
· Sexual Shame and Healing
· Discovering Kinks and Early Memories
· Communicating Desires in Relationships
· Tools for Safe Exploration of Kinks
· Understanding Slow Healing Kink
· Resources and Tools for Exploring Kink
FirmTech
Thank you to our sponsor Firm Tech! Firm Tech’s TechRing enhances sexual performance and health monitoring with an easy-to-use smart design. It monitors firmness, length of time, and more in the heat of the moment. Additionally, the Firmtech Max PR, their non-tech ring enhances pleasure and endurance.
Grab an exclusive 10% discount using the code “Sexology”
Podcast Produced by Pete Bailey
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