Turn Me On

What if closeness was overwhelming to your senses? For neurodivergent individuals, sensory avoidant or sensory seeking behaviours can cause havoc in relationships if not properly understood. The good news is that communication, no surprise, can make a world of difference. This week the hosts sit down with certified somatic sex coach and trauma specialist, Nuria Reed, and the conversation takes some twists and turns, including some thoughts on spiritual frameworks for healing, a chaotic kundalini awakening, and the impact of aging and shifting values on personal identity. This is a unique conversation for and from unique minds, and a reminder that self acceptance is key to healing, and that healing happens in relationship.Find more of Nuria's offerings at www.nuriareed.com or on Instagram @nuriareed

Sex education rests in the hands of the media and serves the objectives of capitalism - sounds healthy and pleasurable, right? So not sexy. To undo this, let’s go back to school on the subject of childhood development. Dr. Tina Schermer Sellers is chatting with the podcast hosts once again, revisiting and diving deeper into the implications of abstinence only sex education and purity culture, and how we can make the future happier and healthier for the next generation by liberating ourselves from sexual shame. Dr. Tina gives a breakdown of the capacity for understanding verbal and non verbal cues about sexuality throughout the developmental stages of childhood, and the impact those cues have to our brains, bodies, and relationships. The hosts have questions about the significance of the language we use to name body parts, the link between purity culture and violence against women, and like, wtf is the madonna/whore complex? Finally, Dr. Tina shares her latest work with psychedelic assisted therapy and some inspiration for what that therapeutic approach can offer to those of us wanting to liberate ourselves perhaps a little more efficiently!This is a great follow up to the podcast's first conversation with Dr. Tina back in December 2022. Listen to that episode for some great information about the origins of abstinence only sex-ed and how it has physical and psychological outcomes on a person akin to the experience of childhood sexual trauma.Learn More:InannaRising.orgtinaschermersellers.comInstagram: @DrTinaShameless@inanna_rising_pat

Sometimes the biggest challenges in a relationship come from within, and sometimes they come from how the world sees us. This week, Anna explores a study on intimacy and sexuality from the perspective of partners of transgender and non-binary individuals. She delves into the complexities of gender dysphoria during intimacy, the importance of consent and microaffirmations, and the many strategies couples use to navigate body dysphoria, such as regendering body parts or using prosthetics. Whether it's avoiding sex, or finding new ways to connect, this discussion highlights the importance of open communication in love and relationships.Link to study

This one's for the penis'. Jeremie reviews the most recent product the podcast has received from a guest, made especially for the penis, inspired by real, watchable blow jobs. Truly the gift that will keep on giving. Take a listen to August's episode "Blowjobs Unlimited: The Mechanical Blowjob" to hear more about how Autoblow came to be and where you can find your very own VacuGlide, the toy that Jeremie is keeping for himself. Bryde tells Jeremie a bit about phalloplasty (penis surgery), the techniques involved in creating a penis (which includes, but is not limited to growing one on your arm for 4 months), and the outcomes for each kind of penis in terms of sensitivity, rigidity, and ability to urinate. If you have a penis or if you want one, maybe it's time to ask yourself whether you would sacrifice one of your own digits for it. Not an arm and a leg, but still pretty steep. See 1st source for photos. NSFW.Sources:https://www.cureus.com/articles/292183-phallus-reconstruction-using-the-third-finger-transplant-method-a-case-report#!/https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12449578/https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/penile-implants/about/pac-20384916https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563292/https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/phalloplasty-for-gender-affirmation

Window shopping for romance may define this era of dating. Apps have taken over the public spaces where we used to make social connections, and swiping takes seconds, where sifting through a pile of profiles at olympic speed gets you to the bottom of an empty barrel pretty quickly. Today, sex researcher Anna talks the hosts through a paper on the impact of choice overload when it comes to all those fish in the sea (in the barrel?). Turns out that the more fish, the less satisfaction. Have a listen to this week’s Carnal Knowledge for interesting findings about loneliness, satisfaction, and rejection mindset when it comes to our modern way of courting. Then put your phone down and maybe try chatting up that cutie in the coffee shop like the good ol days.Link to Study

Do you talk to your doc about your sex life? Dr. Evelin Dacker is a family practitioner and sexual health educator. Her experience over 30 years in practice has guided her towards being a leader among physicians, educating other doctors on how and why they should be talking to their patients about sex. The hosts chat with Evelin about the medical impact of pleasure, the healing nature of authenticity, and the result of a culture that glorifies suffering. Dr. Dacker breaks down her STARS framework for thinking and talking about safety, turn ons, boundaries, relationship expectations, and sexual health status. Another one for the toolkit, the STARS method is a great perspective for sorting out our own thoughts and feelings about sex, and finding the words to share that with others. Find more on the STARS framework keep up with Dr. Evelin Dacker here:https://www.maketimeforthetalk.com/On instagram:@maketimeforthetalk@sexmeddocEvelindacker.com

History has been hard on our favourite hands-on hobby. Wanking has not been thoroughly explored in science research despite its significance in human sexuality from beginning to end of life, but Dr. Eric Sprankle has compiled his findings in a book all about our favourite pastime, “DIY: The Wonderfully Weird History and Science of Masturbation”. In this episode, Dr. Sprankle shares some curious and strange tales from the history of masturbation including how the act has been viewed by different religions over time, the stories that have been made up and passed down to discourage self pleasure, and the rise of semen retention as a belief system. The hosts chat with Dr. Sprankle about the interpretation of art, social media and psychology, Satan’s semen, the criminalization of sex toys, and the clashing of our mythologies. Rest assured that no demons are waiting to mix your seed with Satan’s reproductive fluids.You can find the book at https://www.drsprankle.com/ and definitely follow Eric on Instagram and Twitter

When it comes to pelvic floor health, it’s not just about Kegels and crossed legs. Dr. Sara Reardon, a.k.a. "The Vagina Whisperer," demystifies the often-overlooked world of pelvic floor therapy, revealing that it’s not just for those with vaginas. In this episode, she dives deep into the common issues like urinary leakage, pain, and tension that can affect anyone, regardless of gender. Do you blow your nose while you pee like Bryde? Well, you shouldn't. From sneezing while peeing to managing scar tissue after abdominal surgery, Dr. Reardon breaks down the importance of proactive care and open conversations. This episode has something for everyone—because pelvic health is universal. Find Dr. Sara Reardon on Instagram!@ the.vagina.whisperer