Welcome to Episode 420 of the Sexology Podcast! Today I’m excited to welcome a returning guest, Dr. Alison Ash who speaks to me about the fascinating realm of sexual fantasies, preferences, and the art of open communication with partners. Dr. Aly offers practical tools and exercises to help you uncover your deepest desires and navigate the delicate process of sharing these fantasies.

Dr. Alison Ash, aka Dr. Aly, is a trauma-informed intimacy coach and educator, Stanford University Lecturer, author, and founder of TurnON.love. As a sociologist with a PhD from Stanford, she understands the complex societal challenges that lead to unsatisfying and disempowering intimate experiences.

She has pioneered research on the orgasm gap, heterosexual dynamics, and queer and trans experiences. She has extensive training in Hakomi Mindful Somatic Psychotherapy, Innate Somatic Intelligence Trauma Therapy Approach, and Somatica Method. Dr. Aly designs workshops, courses, and retreats and offers coaching to support her clients to cultivate and sustain nourishing emotional and sexual intimacy.

In this episode, you will hear:

● How Common Fantasies Include Bdsm, Group Play, and Taboo Themes

● Guilt Around Fantasies is Normal; Understanding Emotions Helps

● Communicating Fantasies Requires Empathy and No-pressure Framing

● Saying “No” Strengthens Trust and Intimacy in Relationships

● Roleplay and Erotica Are Safe Ways to Explore Desires

● Creativity in Fantasies Can Be Expanded Through Journaling

● Respecting Boundaries Prevents Resentment and Deepens Connection

● Why Desire Discrepancy Requires Open, Pressure-free Dialogue

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Podcast Produced by Pete Bailey

Welcome to Episode 419 of the Sexology Podcast! Today is a special New Year's Episode, where I’m excited to be joined by six experts to uncover the most common mistake people make in their sex lives.

We’ll explore strategies for achieving a more exciting and passionate sex life, as well as sharing personal advice, emphasizing the importance of seeking help early for sexual concerns and the availability of various resources to improve sexual health.

The episode will feature insights from Dr. Stephanie Buehler, a psychologist and sex therapist whose current focus is on helping therapists and healthcare providers get the education and training they need to help clients with sexual concerns.

Raven O'Rourke, LCSW, MPH, a certified sex therapist working with high-achieving professionals in Tennessee. Lorean "L" Cassidy, a recent graduated with a Master's degree in Sexology and has been working as a sexual health educator in New York City for three years.

Mallory Hanfling, LCSW, a sex therapist in Philadelphia specializing in work with the late-in-life or firefly community. Dr. Evan Goldstein, Founder & CEO of Bespoke Surgical and the Co-Founder of Future Method and Adam Fields, M.A., LMFT, CST, an AASECT certified sex therapist, specializing in treating desire problems, couples affected by infidelity, compulsive sexual behavior, erectile difficulties and a myriad of other sexual issues.

In this episode, you will hear:

· How Unrealistic Expectations and Silence Hinder Sexual Satisfaction

· Why Communication is Key to Resolving Sexual Issues

· Seeking Help Early to Address Sexual Challenges

· Avoid Comparing Sex Lives to Media or Others

· How Planned Intimacy Strengthens Long-term Relationships

· Why Sex is About Connection, Not Just Orgasm

· Defining Your Own Sexual Norms and Preferences

· Understanding That Gradual Preparation is Crucial for Safe Anal Sex

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Podcast Produced by Pete Bailey

Welcome to Episode 418 of the Sexology Podcast! Today I’m excited to be joined by Keeley Rankin, a returning guest, to talk about sexual positions and how exploring them can enhance intimacy and pleasure. Keeley shares practical insights from her new course, “Sex Class,” designed to help people connect more deeply with themselves and their partners.

Keely Rankin, a leading sex and relationship coach based in San Francisco, has been helping men, women, and couples overcome intimacy challenges and achieve fulfilling sexual experiences since 2010. She holds a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology with a focus on marriage and family therapy from John F. Kennedy University. Keely is the co-founder of BetterSexEd.org and the co-creator of Sex as Meditation, an innovative workshop series that integrates mindfulness with sexuality.

Her credentials include being a Certified Somatica Method Practitioner (a relational and experiential body-based therapy), Certified Sexological Bodyworker, Certified Queer Conscious Educator, and training in Hakomi Therapy, a somatic and mindfulness-based method. She is also trained in Recreation of the Self, a system designed to help individuals live authentically and maintain deep, undivided relationships.

In this episode, you will hear:

· Practical Tips For Choosing Positions

· Common Mistakes Couples Make

· Building Confidence In The Bedroom

· Adapting Positions For All Body Types

· Communicating Effectively With Your Partner

· Managing Premature Ejaculation

· Addressing Delayed Orgasm

· Adding Playfulness To Intimacy

· Tools Like Swings And Wedge Pillows

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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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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