Untangling the Science of Sex and Pleasure
Welcome to Episode 417 of the Sexology Podcast! In this episode, I'm excited to be joined by Dr. Debby Herbenick, who speaks to me about sexting, its role in sexual development, and how we can navigate this topic with care and understanding.
Dr. Debby Herbenick is an internationally recognized sexual and reproductive health professor, researcher, and educator.
She is a Provost Professor at the Indiana University School of Public Health and director of the Center for Sexual Health Promotion.For more than 20 years, she has dedicated her efforts to understanding how people experience their bodies and sexual lives.
Among her 200+ peer-reviewed scientific publications, she has published on population-level sexual health issues (including Zika knowledge and adolescent/young adult sexuality education), college sexual health, and changing sexual behavior trends. Dr. Herbenick has also developed and validated measurement scales to assess genital self-image (which can be thought of as how people feel about their genitals and is relevant to people’s willingness to seek healthcare) as well as sexual pleasure.
In this episode, you will hear:
● Sexting As Part Of Adolescent Development
● State Laws And Legal Risks Of Sexting
● Educating Teens To Reduce Risky Behaviors
● Open Communication Between Parents And Teens
● Sexting Risks And Practices For Adults
● Privacy Protection And Harm Reduction Tips
● AI-Generated Nudes And Their Impact
● Trusted Adults To Support Teens’ Education
● Dr. Herbenick’s New Book On Teen Sexual Health
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Podcast Produced by Pete Bailey
Welcome to Episode 416 of the Sexology Podcast! In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking to Dr. Marina Gerner to discuss her fascinating book on femtech - short for female technology. Together, we explored some groundbreaking innovations in women's health tech, such as smart bras designed for heart monitoring and devices aimed at preventing birth injuries.
Dr. Gerner shared the challenges that femtech continues to face, including biases in funding and the persistent societal taboos surrounding women's health. Our conversation highlighted just how critical this technology is for advancing women’s health, while also emphasizing the need for increased visibility and investment in this space.
Marina Gerner is an award-winning journalist who has written about finance, tech and culture for publications including The Economist, Financial Times, Wired, The Times, Wall Street Journal, and more. Hailed as "a Renaissance woman of the modern age," she brings a unique interdisciplinary perspective. Marina is also an Adjunct Professor at NYU Stern School of Business and holds a PhD from the London School of Economics. Born in Kyiv, she has lived in Frankfurt, New York, and London.
In this episode, you will hear:
● A Quick Overview of Her Book on Femtech
● The Systemic Biases Against Female Health Products
● Innovations Like the Smart Bra for Heart Health
● The Challenges Facing Female Health Innovators
● Why Sexual Pleasure is a Vital Part of Health
● Underfunded Areas Like Pregnancy Loss and Incontinence
● Breaking Through Taboos in Women’s Health
● Social Media Censorship Challenges for Female Health Products
● Exciting Future Trends in Sex Tech
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Podcast Produced by Pete Bailey
Welcome to Episode 415 of the Sexology Podcast! I’m thrilled to be joined by Alyssa Brayboy, an incredibly talented independent filmmaker and sex worker. In this episode, she talks about her beginnings in Virginia to her life in Los Angeles, sharing her unique journey of navigating the entertainment world while embracing sex work as a way to support her artistic passions.
Our conversation looks into the misconceptions surrounding sex work, the complexities of juggling multiple roles, and how sex work has profoundly shaped Alyssa's perspective. Alyssa also opens up about her documentary, A Sex Worker's Guide to Parenting, which shines a light on the specific struggles sex-working parents face, including navigating co-parenting, legal hurdles, and finding community support.
Alyssa Brayboy is an independent filmmaker and the Co-Founder and President of Buttons, a Black and Latina female-owned production company that focuses on amplifying underrepresented and diverse voices in front of, and behind the camera. Alyssa has been an independent full service escort for 6 years and is a member of Sex Workers Outreach Project Los Angeles (SWOPLA).
In this episode, you will hear:
· Alyssa's Background and Journey to Filmmaking
· Starting a Production Company
· Diving into Sex Work
· First Experiences in Sex Work
· Challenges and Realizations
· Public Perception and Stigma
· Outing and Personal Safety
· The Sex Worker's Guide to Parenting
· Future of Sex Work Rights and Representation
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Podcast Produced by Pete Bailey
Welcome to Episode 414 of the Sexology Podcast! I’m thrilled to be joined by Amy Taylor, who speaks about her fascinating and multifaceted career, including her experiences in sex work.
In this conversation we touched on her decision to enter the industry, the autonomy and financial independence it brought her, and the profound challenges she faced—such as the trauma of being outed by a pimp. Together, we explored the pervasive stigma surrounding sex work and the misconceptions that often obscure the humanity and depth of individuals in the industry. Amy’s story is one of resilience, personal growth, and a commitment to advocacy, which made this dialogue incredibly meaningful.
Amy Taylor is an MBA, MENSA member, commercially licensed pilot who’s flown cargo, charter and been a flight instructor. She’s been featured on and inside Elle, L’Officiel, Sports Illustrated, GQ, FHM, Maxim, Muscle & Fitness, Men’s Health, Women’s Fitness, and Playboy. Now in her 40s, she’s just getting started! When she’s not in the skies or in front of a camera, you can find her staying fit, having fun with family and friends, and generally just enjoying this gift called life, in Manhattan or wherever life takes her.
In this episode, you will hear:
· Amy's Path to Sex Work
· Combating Stigma and Advocating for Change
· Navigating Personal Struggles and Legal Issues
· Thoughts on Legalization and Society’s Role
· Exploring the Dehumanization of Women
· Breaking the Stigma Around Sexuality
· The Nuances of Client Relationships
· Personal Insights and Reflections
· Advocacy and Humanizing Sex Workers
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Podcast Produced by Pete Bailey
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
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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.
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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
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