Sexology

Why can trauma make you lose interest in sex, disconnect from your body, or freeze during intimacy? In this episode of the Sexology Podcast, somatic instructor Liz Tenuto, also known as The Workout Witch, explains how trauma affects the nervous system, sexual desire, pleasure, and our ability to feel safe in the body.Liz shares her personal journey of living with PTSD, chronic pain, sleep difficulties, and the long-term effects of trauma. She explains how gentle somatic exercises and small, intentional movements may help reduce habitual tension, regulate the nervous system, and rebuild a sense of safety and connection with the body.We also explore the fawn and freeze responses during sex, why anxiety can be mistaken for a lack of desire, and how trauma survivors can begin reconnecting with sexual sensation without forcing themselves to move faster than their bodies are ready for.Liz opens up about healing after an abusive marriage, coming out, and discovering her sexuality later in life. She shares how becomi

How do you rebuild trust after infidelity? Can a relationship survive an affair, and can emotional intimacy and sexual desire return after betrayal?In this episode of the Sexology Podcast, Dr. Nazanin Moali speaks with renowned couples therapist and sex therapist Dr. Laurie Watson about infidelity recovery, forgiveness, attachment wounds, and rebuilding trust after cheating.Dr. Watson explains why relationship problems involving sex are rarely just about sex. She explores how emotional attachment and sexual attachment intersect, creating a pursue and withdraw cycle in which one partner feels rejected while the other feels pressured, overwhelmed, or disconnected.You’ll also learn why people cheat, how an affair affects emotional and sexual intimacy, and what it takes to repair a relationship after betrayal. Dr. Watson shares practical guidance for understanding attachment patterns, healing relationship wounds, restoring trust, and reconnecting sexually after infidelity.Whether you are recovering from an affair

Welcome to Episode 504 of the Sexology Podcast! Today I am excited to welcome back Dr. Richard Espinoza, who speaks to me about how attachment styles shape our dating patterns, relationships, and sexual connections.In this episode, Dr. E and I discuss why we can have such intense chemistry with people that we may not be compatible with at all. We look at how our early attachment experiences influence who we find familiar and attractive as adults, why emotionally unavailable partners can sometimes create an intoxicating sense of desire, and how the nervous system can mistake anxiety, uncertainty, or old relational patterns for chemistry. Richard “Dr. E” Espinoza, PsyD, is a leading clinical psychologist based in Los Angeles, specializing in trauma and resilience. His practice places a strong emphasis on serving the LGBTQ+ community and its allies, striving to empower individuals from diverse backgrounds through comprehensive psychological assessments, transformative talk therapy, and dedicated activism. Dr. Es

Welcome to Episode 503 of the Sexology Podcast! Today I am excited to be joined by Midori who speaks to me about exploring kink, dominance, submission, and finding authentic ways to embrace our desires.In this episode, I speak with Midori about why we’re seeing a rise in women getting curious about dominance and BDSM, particularly women in their 40s and beyond. We discuss how difficult cultural assumptions can open up opportunities for greater sexual self-exploration, and that it’s OK to be dominant without being mean, scary or playing a stereotypical dominatrix. Midori is an internationally recognized sexologist, kink educator, coach, and author. She's the founder of ForteFemme Women's Dominance Intensive, the groundbreaking program she's run for over 20 years, and the author of The Seductive Art of Japanese Bondage, the first English-language book on Shibari, along with contributions to several academic volumes. She also trains therapists and wellness professionals as Curriculum Director for the

Welcome to Episode 502 of the Sexology Podcast! Today I am excited to be joined by Jane Garnett, LMFT who speaks to me about how our attraction patterns develop and whether we change who we are drawn to.In this episode, Jane and I discuss why we can have so much attraction to people who are emotionally unavailable or unable to give us the secure relationship we want. We also look at how attachment styles, cultural conditioning, unmet emotional needs, and past relationship experience can influence what is exciting or desirable. Jane Garnett is an Oxford-educated speaker, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), EMDR practitioner, and author of This Time with Feeling (May 12, 2026). With nearly 20 years in private practice, her work often centers on high-functioning individuals whose lives look successful on the outside but are shaped by patterns of emotional disconnection, anxiety, or underlying dissatisfaction.  As a psychotherapist, Jane helps people rewrite the beliefs that subconsciously shape their

Welcome to Episode 501 of the Sexology Podcast! Today I am excited to be joined by Heather Florio and Dr. Fenwa Milhouse who speak to me about sexual health, desire, and pleasure during perimenopause and menopause.In this episode, we discuss how changes in levels of oestrogen and testosterone can affect the brain, genitals, arousal and sex drive. We examine why hormones alone are rarely the cause of low libido, and how relationship dynamics, painful sex, body image, stress, shame, and the natural shift from spontaneous to responsive desire can all impact someone’s sexual experience.Heather Florio is the second-generation CEO of Desert Harvest, a women's-health company her family founded in 1993. She writes the monthly Dear Sexpert column for BELLA Magazine, sits on BELLA's Medical Advisory Board, and is a Forbes Leading Woman in Business (2022). Late-diagnosed autistic.Dr. Fenwa Milhouse—widely known as “Your Favorite Urologist”- is a board-certified urologist and fellowship-trained sub-specialist in

Welcome to Episode 500 of the Sexology Podcast! Today, I am excited to be joined by some of my most memorable guests, who speak to me about the biggest lessons on pleasure, desire, intimacy, and connection from the past nine years.In this special milestone episode, I revisit conversations that challenged common assumptions about what fulfilling sex is supposed to look like. We explore why foreplay often begins long before anyone enters the bedroom, how every human body experiences pleasure differently, and why there is no single correct way to orgasm. We also look at what research can teach us about sexual positions, pelvic floor contractions, stimulation, and the importance of adapting sexual experiences to our individual bodies.I also reflect on the deeper lessons these 500 conversations have taught me about becoming a more attentive and connected partner. We discuss moving beyond sexual autopilot, questioning techniques learned through pornography, understanding our fantasies without shame, and keeping des

Welcome to Episode 499 of the Sexology Podcast! Today I am excited to be joined by Dr. Michelle Sands, who speaks to me about the connection between hormones, stress, the nervous system, and women’s sexual desire.In this episode, Dr. Sands explains why a loss of desire is not always a libido problem. We discuss how changes in estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, circulation, sleep, and vaginal health can affect arousal and sexual comfort, particularly during perimenopause and menopause. We also talk about why pain during sex can naturally reduce desire and why women should not assume that they are broken or failing their partners.Dr. Michelle Sands, ND, is a #1 bestselling author, licensed naturopathic physician, speaker, female hormone expert, and epigenetics coach. She is passionate about helping women harness the power of nature to elevate their genetic expression and live vibrant, fulfilling lives by supporting their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health.In this episode, you will hear:Libido

Welcome to Episode 498 of the Sexology Podcast! Today I am excited to be joined by Amanda Dames who speaks to me about soft dom dynamics, masculinity, and communication in kink.In this episode Amanda and I discuss what it really means to be a soft dom and how this style of dominance is different than the harsh, controlling stereotypes often associated with dom-sub dynamics. We talk about the basis for soft domination, on care, attunement, emotional safety and the desire to bring out the best in a partner, as opposed to control, punishment or ego. As a Certified Somatica® Sex and Relationship Coach and Certified Sexologist, Amanda helps clients uncover a holistic and balanced relationship with intimacy. She understands that there is no one-size-fits-all approach, which is why she developed her own consulting method to support each person in discovering their unique path to fulfillment. Amanda’s work as The Kink Consultant is rooted in the path she took to embrace her own sexuality. Understanding the source of

Welcome to Episode 497 of the Sexology Podcast! Today I am excited to be joined by Shoshanna Blanca who speaks to me about bridging sexuality and spirituality, healing sexual shame, and reclaiming the body as sacred.In this episode, I speak with Shoshanna about her provocative and deeply personal project, Jesus Christ Pornstar, and the spiritual journey that inspired it. She shares how psychedelic experiences helped her reimagine the relationship between the body, pleasure, faith, and divinity. Together, we also discuss how sexuality and spirituality do not have to exist in opposition, especially for people who have grown up with shame-based messages about desire, pleasure, and the body.Shoshanna Blanca is a feminist writer, sex educator, performance artist and model who deconstructs shame-based narratives around sexuality through body liberation, spirituality and visual storytelling. Through her work, she inspires audiences to reject limiting ideas of beauty, modesty and self-expression and reclaim confidenc

Welcome to Episode 496 of the Sexology Podcast! Today I am excited to be joined by David Chambers, who speaks to me about male sexual performance anxiety and creating more connected sexual experiences.In this episode, David and I talk about the pressure many men feel to perform during sex. We discuss how focusing on erections, penis size, orgasm and technique can disconnect men from their bodies and partners, turning intimacy into something they must successfully deliver.David Chambers, known as The Authentic Man, is a UK-based dating, relationship and intimacy coach for men. With more than a decade of experience, he helps men build deeper relationships, develop healthier masculinity and create more fulfilling sexual lives. His approach centres on self-awareness, emotional intelligence, authenticity and self-leadership.In this episode, you will hear:The Pressure To Perform During SexWhy Sex Is Not A CompetitionAnxiety Around Penis SizeHow Shame Affects Male ConfidenceOvercoming The Fear Of Losing An ErectionC

Welcome to Episode 495 of the Sexology Podcast! Today I am excited to be joined by Dr. Debra Durst who speaks to me about biohacking sexual health, hormone optimization, and libido after 40.In this episode, Dr. Durst and I talk about how sexual health can shift during perimenopause, menopause, and midlife, but why that does not mean people have to simply accept a decline in desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasmic strength, or overall sexual satisfaction. We also discuss how hormone changes, low testosterone, stress, burnout, medication, childbirth, and aging tissue can all play a role in sexual concerns, and why many women are often left without enough clear answers from traditional healthcare settings.Dr. Debra Durst, MD is a nationally recognized physician, entrepreneur, and thought leader in sexual wellness, hormone optimization, regenerative medicine, and longevity care. She is frequently featured across television, podcasts, YouTube, print, and digital media for her bold, science-based approach to modern

Welcome to Episode 494 of the Sexology Podcast! Today I am excited to be joined by Amanda McCracken, who speaks to me about breaking the cycle of infatuation, limerence, perfectionism, and longing for emotionally unavailable love.In this episode, Amanda shares the deeply personal story behind her book When Longing Becomes Your Lover and how writing the book helped her understand the dating patterns that kept pulling her toward unavailable partners. We speak to the difference between real love and the emotional intensity that often pretends to be love, particularly when anxiety and fear and the chase become familiar aspects of attraction.Amanda McCracken is an award-winning journalist passionate about experiences that highlight the intersection of wellness, travel, and relationships. Her work has appeared in the New York Times, Washington Post, Guardian, Vogue, National Geographic, NPR, Elle, Outside, Self, Runner's World, ESPN, and many others. She published her first essay about longing in 2013 which led

Welcome to episode 493 of the Sexology Podcast! Today I am excited to be joined by Rosa Campbell, who speaks to me about Shere Hite, The Hite Report, and the ongoing struggle to centre women’s sexual pleasure.In this episode, Rosa introduces us to Shere Hite’s groundbreaking 1976 book, The Hite Report, which gathered women’s honest experiences of sex, orgasm, desire, and dissatisfaction at a time when their voices were rarely included in sexology research. We discuss how Hite challenged the assumption that penetration should define sex, revealing how many women felt trapped inside sexual scripts that prioritised male pleasure over their own.Rosa Campbell is a writer and historian based in London. She works on the global history of feminism and is a Leverhulme Early Career Fellow at King's College London and holds a PhD from the University of Cambridge. Beyond academia, she writes often for a public audience. She is the author of the The Book that Taught the World to Orgasm and then Disappeared: Shere Hite

Welcome to episode 492 of the Sexology Podcast! Today I am excited to be joined by Susanna Brisk, who shares with me her insights on reconnecting to desire, the energetic body and sexual intuition.In this episode, Susanna and I talk about how sexuality is much more than just technique. We discuss the energetic body, the unconscious agreements we bring to our relationships, and how shame, religious guilt, trauma, gender roles and cultural expectations can subtly impact desire.Susanna Brisk is a Sexual Intuitive® who teaches people how to trust what they feel, even when it contradicts what they believe. Her work centers on restoring self-trust by translating the body’s intuitive signals into clear, actionable insight. Born in Estonia and raised in Australia after emigrating through the U.N. Refugee Program, Susanna has lived a wide-ranging life—from being scouted as a model and booking national TV commercials to working as a writer, stand-up comic, actor, and solo performer. In this episode, you will hear:Under

Welcome to Episode 491 of the Sexology Podcast! Today I am excited to be joined by Alexander Giebel, who speaks to me about the history of lubricants, how to choose the right lube, and why quality is important for sexual health.In this episode, Alexander shares how his interest in sexual health started during the HIV crisis of the 1990s, when condoms became a cornerstone of safer sex education. Working on those, he became fascinated with the silicone lubricant used on condoms, and eventually helped bring silicone-based personal lubricant to the broader market.Alexander Giebel is the founder and CEO of pjur group, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of premium personal lubricants. As the inventor of the first silicone-based lubricant, he established a completely new category in sexual wellness when he founded pjur in 1995. Today, pjur products are available in over 70 countries across five continents, with the company remaining proudly founder-owned. In this episode, you will hear:The History Of Lubricant

Welcome to Episode 490 of the Sexology Podcast! Today, I am excited to be joined by Dr. Jordan Barber, who speaks to me about pain during sex.In this episode, Dr. Barber and I discuss why so many people are told that “everything looks normal” when they are experiencing very real pain during sex. He explains how standard medical testing often misses muscle and nerve function, and why painful sex is rarely caused by one single factor.Dr. Jordan Barber is a Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (DAOM) specializing in integrative pain care with a focus on pelvic floor dysfunction, chronic pelvic pain, and complex musculoskeletal conditions. His clinical work centers on advanced dry needling and neuromodulation-based acupuncture, targeting both tissue and nervous system drivers of pain. With over two decades of experience, he works at the intersection of traditional Chinese medicine and modern pain science to help patients restore function and break persistent pain patterns.In this episode, you will hear:Und

Welcome to Episode 489 of the Sexology Podcast! Today I am excited to be joined by Elana Auerbach, who speaks to me about navigating sexless marriages and reviving physical intimacy.It is incredibly common for long-term relationships to experience a decline in physical intimacy over time. Often, couples fall into a routine where life gets busy, and cultivating a sexual spark drops to the bottom of the priority list. During our conversation, we explore why this happens and how unspoken frustrations and rejections can build up over time like invisible panes of glass between partners. Elana Auerbach is a lover, mother, mentor, activator, and priestess. She spent her childhood and young adulthood on what she calls 'the conveyor belt of life,' being the good girl and doing what others expected of her. This looked like graduating Phi Beta Kappa from UCLA, working on Wall Street for a Japanese investment bank, and marrying someone with whom she felt no chemistry.It all fell apart in 2001 when Elana realized

Welcome to Episode 488 of the Sexology Podcast! Today I am excited to be joined by Dr. Arthur Burnett who speaks to me about delayed ejaculation and loss of penile sensitivity.In this episode Dr. Burnett and I discuss a topic that has been highly requested by many of our listeners and clients. We look at the complicated factors behind delayed ejaculation and the annoying loss of sensitivity some men experience. Dr. Burnett shares his urologic expertise on the role of physical health conditions such as diabetes or sensory neuropathies as well as the much-debated role of testosterone levels.Arthur L. “Bud” Burnett II, M.D., MBA, FACS, is a trail-blazing and globally recognized urologist, educator, and researcher at Johns Hopkins University, where he has worked for more than 40 years. He serves as the Patrick C. Walsh Professor of Urology, Director of the Male Consultation Clinic. As a barrier-breaking leader, he is recognized as the first Black person to have achieved milestones in the urology profession as pro

Welcome to episode 487 of the Sexology Podcast! Today, I am excited to be joined by Courtney Faye Long, who speaks to me about understanding and resolving lost desire in long-term relationships. In this episode, we talk about a common problem that many couples in long-term relationships have: the natural change and sometimes loss of sexual desire. When a partner's interest seems to fade, it's easy for our minds to jump to the worst possible conclusions. But in reality, it's often because of mismatched expectations, not a lack of attraction. Courtney and I talk about the myth of rushing through physical intimacy and why treating sex like a race often makes people feel disconnected.  Courtney Fae Long, MSW, LC, CHt, is the creator of Sex Life Makeover and TEDx speaker whose work has been featured in NBC, Forbes, MSN, and Psychology Today. She specializes in highly sexual women who feel frustrated and unfulfilled. She holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW) and certificates in Sexuality Educatio