Turn Me On

Welcome back to another edition of Carnal Knowledge! A weekly rendezvous between sex and science. This week, Anna delivers some interesting research on the impacts that virtual reality erotica can make on feelings of presence, arousal, and sexual desire for women viewers. Could this be a new frontier of sexual exploration of desires and preferences? The study illuminates differences in effectiveness between VR and 2D viewing, as well as first-person POV vs a more voyeruistic third-person experience. Closing the orgasm gap, one erotic story at a time!Link to Study: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0747563217303898?casa_token=HAk1Qsqy6AcAAAAA:1ngfqQ9WoEiFE3hJu43BiSpRQUsVt7qvnX-9XFsAzTZs8yiWzB2x6jh401DBiNU8KbritIaXrQ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When life gives you lemons, sometimes it also gives you endometriosis. April Maria (aka Venus Libido) shares her transformative journey from patient to advocate to sex educator highlighting the labyrinthine path to a proper diagnosis and the frustrating lack of awareness surrounding endometriosis. Delving into the impact on sexual pleasure and intimacy, April underscores the importance of breaking the silence around this often misunderstood condition. She explains the ins and outs of endometriosis, from painful symptoms to the challenges of induced menopause. Through candid discussion, April explores how pelvic pain can derail mental health and daily life, while championing holistic wellness and self-care as vital tools for managing chronic pain. With her expertise as a sex educator, she empowers her followers to take charge of their health and seek support. Follow April:InstagramWebsiteLinktree Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you cliterate or a cliteridiot? Dr. Laurie Mintz is an author, therapist, speaker and Emeritus Professor at the University of Florida, where she teaches the Psychology of Human Sexuality to hundreds of undergraduate students each year. Bryde and Jeremie chat with Dr. Mintz about the evolution of her course and the challenges of teaching in this field. She shares insights on the changing landscape of gender identity, the impact of new research on teaching, and the intersection of sexual pleasure with body image and self-consciousness. And don’t miss it - keep your ears open for the one takeaway that has all the apiarists abuzz!Keywordshuman sexuality, gender identity, teaching challenges, inclusive language, debunking myths, personal stories, sexuality, gender, language, education, cultural norms, sexual pleasure, orgasm gap, gender inclusivity, body image, self-consciousness, cultural impact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're back with another edition of Carnal Knowledge! A weekly rendezvous between sex and science.This time around Anna explores the findings of a study on women's experiences with genital touching, sexual pleasure, and orgasm. The study reveals that there is a wide range of preferences and techniques when it comes to pleasurable stimulation (duh). Some key findings include the importance of clitoral stimulation during intercourse, the preference for light to medium pressure on the vulva, and the various styles and patterns of touch that women enjoy. But guess what else is important? Emotional intimacy and communication with a partner! Pleasure isn't a one size fits all folks!Link to studyCitation:Herbenick, D., Fu, T. C. (Jane), Arter, J., Sanders, S. A., & Dodge, B. (2018). Women’s Experiences With Genital Touching, Sexual Pleasure, and Orgasm: Results From a U.S. Probability Sample of Women Ages 18 to 94. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, 44(2), 201–212. https://doi.org/10.1080/0092623X.2017.1346530

Know what isn't a big deal? Herpes. Don't take it from us. Cassie Black, also known as Safe Slut, joins the conversation to discuss her experience with genital herpes and the stigma surrounding sexually transmitted infections. She shares her journey of advocacy, sex positivity, and the evolution of her brand, Safe Slut. Cassie dives into topics such as safe sex, communication, and the normalization of STI testing and disclosure. Cassie's life isn't just about advocacy though. She is also a porn star! Cassie lays out her evolution from Safe Slut to Cassie Black, the challenges of branding and marketing in the adult industry, the transition from OnlyFans to mainstream porn, and the censorship and stigma surrounding sexually transmitted infections and diseases on social media platforms.KeywordsSTIs, sexually transmitted infections, herpes, sex positivity, advocacy, safe sex, communication, stigma, disclosure, sex education, Safe Slut, Cassie Black, branding, marketing, adult industry, OnlyFans, mainstream porn,

Welcome back to Carnal Knowledge! A weekly rendezvous between sex and science. This week Anna take Jer and Bryde down a deep dark rabbit hole exploring the mating psychology of incels (involuntarily celibate individuals) and challenges some common misconceptions about them. This study explores the three big M's when it comes to incels; Misfortunes, Misperceptions, and Misrepresentations. A conversation that emphasizes the importance of compassion when talking about a group who's beliefs and behaviours stems from deep rooted issues and trauma. Link to studyCitation:Costello, W., Rolon, V., Thomas, A. G., & Schmitt, D. P. (2023). The Mating Psychology of Incels (Involuntary Celibates): Misfortunes, Misperceptions, and Misrepresentations. The Journal of Sex Research, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1080/00224499.2023.2248096 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Purity pledges are a thing of the past, right? Portia Brown is a sex coach and educator, and a purity culture drop out. Hailing from the Midwest, Portia knew from an early age that anything she wanted to understand about sex she was going to have to read about at the library. A religious upbringing paired with abstinence only sex ed didn’t stop Portia from becoming the teenager who was thrilled to be handing out condoms at her college fresh week. This week Jeremie and Bryde chat with Portia about purity culture and its impact on society and reproductive rights, evident in the overturning of Roe v Wade, the rise of modesty influencers, and the increase in conservative ideologies. They discuss how the Covid pandemic may have pushed society even further in this direction. Jeremie learns about Father Daughter Balls, or, Purity Balls, commonplace in some conservative a Christian groups in the US.Portia's Links:InstagramTwitterTiktokWebsite Keywordssex coach, purity culture, religious beliefs, oppression, women, LG

Turn Me On presents: Carnal Knowledge! Our new weekly rendezvous between sex and science. In this conversation, TMO's resident sex researcher, Anna, discusses a paper titled 'Does Clitoral Knowledge Translate Into Orgasm? The Interplay Between Clitoral Knowledge, Gendered Sexual Scripts, and Orgasm Experience.'The paper explores the inequality in orgasm rates and sexual pleasure between heterosexual women and men. Do women have more clitoral knowledge than men? Does gendered sexual scripts impact sexual pleasure? What is more important for the optimal orgasm experience; a knowledge of our genital anatomy or our ability to advocate for the pleasure that we desire? Science is sexy, folks.Chapters00:00Introduction and Setting the Stage05:19The Clitoral Knowledge Quiz26:03The Role of Clitoral Knowledge in Orgasm Experience34:53Conclusion and Call to ActionLink to studyCitation:Dienberg, M. F., Oschatz, T., Kosman, E., & Klein, V. (2023). Does Clitoral Knowledge Translate into Orgasm? The Interplay Between Cli

If masturbation needs anything, it’s some fresh new idioms. Welcome to Season 5 of Turn Me On, a season where hosts Bryde and Jeremie are excited to dive even deeper into their mutual love for words, science, and perspective shifting conversations in the name of bettering the sex and love lives of all. Welcome, Anna! A fabulous addition to this season, Anna is a passionate graduate student from Columbia University who is excited to share the latest in sex research every week in a brand new segment. Fans of Turn Me On, get ready for a second episode every week to help you keep that pilot light lit. In this host episode, Bryde presents Jeremie with some unasked questions about common masturbation habits, and tests him with some hard hitting trivia including how and when masturbation shows up in humans and non-human animals, and which famous person said what on the subject of autoeroticism. TakeawaysMasturbation is a common and healthy behavior in humans and animals.Masturbation can have mental health benefit

What’s a bigger turn off than feeling like sex might shred your vagina? Deb Porteus found new love right along the same time she started perimenopause, and the kicker is that "new relationship energy" sex combined with vaginal dryness for folks who are going through “the change”, it fucking hurts. They tried the standards and explored at length, but firecracker Deb and her lover Brian were determined to make something better than what they could find, and The Pleasure Pods were born. Longtime friends from teaching yoga together, Deb, Bryde and Jeremie chat about what The Pleasure Pods are made of, what they look, feel, smell, and taste like, and the many ways they can be used to enhance your pleasure. No, this is not an ad! Deb has a spirit that will light you up and inspire you, and you will enjoy her story of how she went about getting into lube development and becoming a “friggin’ awesome squirter”.Pleasure Pods Links:InstagramFacebookYoutubewww.thepleasurepods.comTakeawaysPleasure Pods are small, solid lu

What is the most common question an online sex educator finds in her DMs? Danielle Bezalel, aka DB, is an executive producer and creator of Sex Ed with DB. She has a Master of Public Health with a focus on sexuality and reproductive health. In this conversation, she talks to Bryde and Jeremie about public health and its role with sex education, highlighting the need for age-appropriate and medically accurate sex education that covers topics such as boundaries, consent, puberty, menstruation, STIs, and contraception, and statistics relating to abstinence only sex ed. DB breaks down the benefits of masturbation, including effects on stress levels, mood, and confidence, and details on her own masturbation science project and the findings. Jeremie offers a brief history lesson on the Magic Wand. Other topics of conversation include the challenges of being a sexual health influencer on social media plus a workshop to help folks who are establishing their sex health brands online. DB also addresses questions about

What's it like to make a decision in favour of your sexual and mental well-being that costs you everything you know and sometimes everyone you love? Julia and Jeremiah Postema are certified sex therapists who grew up in different religious communities, and from their experiences they speak to singles and couples who are on their own healing path from shame, disillusionment, and allegiance to the church. Jeremie and Bryde chat with today's guests about the restrictive gendered messages around relationships and sexuality that exist within evangelical, Mormon, and Pentecostal communities. They also talk about the challenges of existing in both religious and philosophical spaces and the grief that can come with leaving a religious community. They highlight the importance of expanding options for healthy relationships and sexuality, at a pace that is appropriate for those in treatment.TakeawaysGrowing up in religious communities can impact our approaches to intimacy and sexuality.The concept of the 'trad wife' rei

Have you ever wondered why your mother/daughter is such a bitch? Dr. Debra Mandel, nationally renowned psychologist and author of 4 books including the bestselling "Dump That Chump," joins Bryde and Jeremie for a conversation about Dr. Debra’s latest release, “Sassy & Rude, Her New Attitude: A Tough Love Guide for Moms on How to Bring Back The Sugar and Spice in Their Not-so-Nice Adult Daughters”. This conversation centers on the relationship between adult mothers and adult daughters, and this information is for you if you are either of those or anyone who knows and loves a mother daughter duo. The three talk through personal anecdotes and professional insights on themes of shame, power dynamics, shifts in relationship, independence, boundaries, expectations, body image, and more. Dr. Debra provides insights and advice on fostering healthy communication, addressing conflicts, and supporting each other's growth.Dr. Debra brings over 30 years working clinically with individuals, couples, and families with a

It’s time for a revolution in the sheets and the streets, as we sit down with Cindy Gallop, the genius at the forefront of the Social Sex Revolution. Cindy, the visionary behind MakeLoveNotPorn, shares the serendipitous inception of her platform and how it's challenging and reshaping societal norms around sex. But that's just the first layer. Delving deeper, Cindy unravels the complex web of gender bias in AI, advocating for a seismic shift towards inclusivity and safety in tech through the lens of female innovation. Imagine a world where AI not only serves us but enhances our creativity and nurtures ethical, consensual relationships in the digital age—Cindy believes it's not just possible; it's imperative. From the gritty challenges of entrepreneurship to the soaring potential of AI in the arts and sex tech, this conversation is a masterclass in disruption, diversity, and daring to dream.Key TakeawaysMake Love Not Porn has had a significant impact on changing the conversation around sex and challenging socie

This week we’re passing the vibe check with VibeSlut, AKA Abby Jensen! Abby is the comedic force behind the Rat Girls podcast who joins us to blow the lid off women's health and sexuality. With a blend of humour and hard truths, she takes us on a wild ride through the often hushed world of orgasms, face-sitting tutorials, and the art of taking the perfect nude. It's a beginner's guide to the taboo. From the debate of beard versus stubble in intimate moments to navigating the murky waters of social media censorship, Abbyl doesn't shy away from anything. She even dishes out advice on keeping the flame alive in long-term relationships with a mix of flirting and open conversation about sex. This episode is a candid exploration of the challenges and triumphs in talking openly about sexuality.Key TakeawaysPodcasts provide a platform for candid conversations about women's health and sexuality.Women often lack access to open and honest discussions about topics considered taboo.Comedy can be an effective tool for disc

Enter a realm where play parties become immersive experiences. In this episode, Michael Hollice, founder of The Play, walks the hosts through the creation of something special on the play party scene.Inspired by what he found lacking in his initial forays into the play parties and backed with organizational experience in elevating artistic events, Michael was impassioned to shift the culture. Jeremie and Bryde hear about what to expect between the hours of 8 pm - 4 am at The Play, including special guidelines for socializing, expressive art as foreplay, and the four pillars behind this growing community that guide every event.Key Takeaways:Artful Atmosphere: Immerse yourself in play parties that elevate the experience with artistry and production value, creating a uniquely captivating atmosphere.Curated Connections: The Play’s curated experience involves a meticulous application process, ensuring compatibility and safety for attendees through thorough interviews.Stigma Shakeup: Break the mold with The Play—re

Ever thought of hiring a travel agent for your love life? Let Ally Iseman, the creator of Passport 2 Pleasure be your guide to alternative relationships. Ally shares her story with the hosts, emphasizing the importance of personal growth, understanding boundaries, and the transformative power of compersion in relationships. Ally challenges monogamous norms, spotlighting divorce rates and advocating for diverse relationship frameworks. Tune in for a conversation that offers insights applicable to all relationship types. Visit Ally's hub passport2pleasure.com for resources, featuring courses, retreats, and a couple of great prompts for self-discovery.Key Takeaways:Personal growth and self-reflection are essential in navigating healthy non-monogamy.Understanding and communicating boundaries is crucial for personal growth and relationship success.Compersion, the feeling of joy and excitement when a partner experiences pleasure with someone else, can enhance relationships.Relationship agreements, outlining bo

Quick, honey. Grab the lube! This week the hosts explore the transformative world of sexual wellness with another conversation with Jeff Abraham, CEO of Promescent. Jeff takes us through his inspiring journey toward revolutionizing the sexual wellness industry, emphasizing the critical role of medical certification and science-backed products. His narrative delves into the challenges of bringing Promescent to the forefront, highlighting the broader need for comprehensive sexual education and the obstacles encountered in advertising sexual wellness products. Throughout the conversation, Jeff addresses the societal stigmas and restrictions that often hinder the marketing efforts within the sexual wellness space, advocating for the recognition of sex as an essential activity of daily living. Jeff also shares insights into the expansion of Promescent’s product line, focusing on inclusivity and the importance of addressing common sexual health issues, such as premature ejaculation and the pleasure gap. Interested

The Turn Me On family is growing, and Jeremie and Bryde are excited to be introducing a new team member, Anna, who has come on board to bring her incredible support and help us delve deeper into the fascinating world of sexuality research. Anna's arrival marks a new chapter for the podcast, infusing the show with fresh energy and enthusiasm. After some Anna love bombs, the hosts dive into the sex lives of bugs. Digging into insect mating rituals, covering everything from seductive mating calls to the exchange of spermatophores (yum). Bryde and Jeremie explore the peculiar practices of feeding during mating, and even the ultimate sacrifice some insects make for reproduction.Key Takeaways:The addition of Anna to the podcast team has brought new energy and support to the show.The hosts plan to focus more on the research side of sexuality in future episodes.Bug sex is a fascinating topic, with insects using various strategies for mating and reproduction.Valentine's Day controversies, such as naming exes in cat li

Who knew a plateful of nutrition could be your ally in the bedroom and beyond? Dive into the vital connection between nutrition and fertility with Lisa Hendrickson-Jack in this episode of Turn Me On. Celebrating her new book, Real Food for Fertility, Lisa emphasizes the power of diet in preparing for pregnancy and boosting fertility. She explores the importance of tracking the menstrual cycle for natural birth control, conception, and gauging overall health, highlighting the critical role of micronutrients in hormone production and building a healthy foundation for your baby. The conversation also covers navigating the transition off of birth control, the impact on fertility, and delves into sperm and egg quality. Learn about the significance of striving for optimal fertility markers, influenced by factors like age, diet, and lifestyle, and discover practical strategies to enhance fertility. Whether you're planning for pregnancy or are keen on reproductive health, this episode offers invaluable insights and a