Welcome to Episode 429 of the Sexology Podcast! Today, I’m excited to be joined by Ariel Anderssen, who shares her incredible journey from growing up in a strict religious community to becoming a BDSM model and advocate. We explore the origins of kink, whether it’s something we’re born with or develop over time, along with the role of trust, communication, and appreciation in BDSM relationships.

Ariel opens up about her early fascination with power dynamics, how she discovered the BDSM community, and how modeling helped her embrace her sexuality. We also discuss the impact of growing up in a restrictive religious environment, the misconceptions surrounding BDSM, and why trust and mutual respect are at the core of these dynamics.

Ariel Anderssen is a BDSM model and author with a lifetime's interest in submission and masochism. She released her first book, playing to lose, in 2023, where she charts her journey from a strict religious upbringing to becoming a shame-free, widely recognised BDSM performer. She's currently writing her second book.

In this episode, you will hear:

· How Early Fantasies Can Shape Adult Sexuality

· Nature vs. Nurture: Are We Born Kinky?

· Ariel’s Transition from a Religious Upbringing to the BDSM Scene

· The Role of Trust and Communication in BDSM Dynamics

· How Nude Modeling Helped Ariel Heal Her Relationship with Her Body

· Breaking Free from Shame and Embracing Kink

· Misconceptions About BDSM in Popular Media

· Tips for Dominants to Create a More Fulfilling Experience for Their Partners

· The Importance of Aftercare and Emotional Connection in BDSM

· Where to Find Resources for Exploring Kink Safely

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Podcast Produced by Pete Bailey

Welcome to Episode 428 of the Sexology Podcast! Today, I’m excited to be joined by Dr. Alexandria Saunders, who speaks to me about the transformative practice of Yoni massage within Tantra. We explore how this sacred technique can deepen intimacy, heal past trauma, and help individuals reconnect with their bodies in a more profound and holistic way.

In this episode, Dr. Alexandria shares how her journey into Tantra began through yoga and how she seamlessly integrates spiritual and sexual wellness into her work. We discuss the misconceptions surrounding Tantra, emphasizing that it’s more than just sexual positions - it's a philosophy that celebrates the body and pleasure as pathways to deeper awareness.

Dr. Alexandria Saunders is a sexologist, tantra coach, and pleasure activist dedicated to cultivating spaces of safety. With a doctorate in sexology and countless clinical and spiritual trainings and certifications, Alexandria allows her wisdom to guide her toward offering the medicine of her heart, which is to help others heal trauma and reintegrate their sexuality so they can wholly embody pleasure. As a medicine woman, Alexandria walks with people as they discover the depths of bliss hidden behind their scars. Healing trauma, reintegrating sexuality, and embodying pleasure are all guideposts of her work.

In this episode, you will hear:

· Understanding Yoni Massage And Its Role In Tantra

· The Connection Between Sexuality, Spirituality, And Healing

· How Trauma And Cultural Conditioning Affect Our Relationship With Pleasure

· Practical Steps To Incorporate Yoni Massage Into Solo And Partnered Practices

· The Importance Of Presence, Breathwork, And Energy Awareness

· How To Navigate Vulnerability And Emotional Releases During The Practice

· Addressing Body Shame And Cultivating Self-Acceptance

· Why Removing Goal-Oriented Thinking Enhances The Experience

· Tips For Givers On Maintaining Presence And Intuition In Touch

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Podcast Produced by Pete Bailey

Welcome to Episode 427 of the Sexology Podcast! Today, I’m excited to be joined by Catherine Auman, a marriage and family therapist with extensive expertise in Tantra. We look into the fascinating world of Tantra and its role in deepening intimacy, exploring how couples can move beyond routine interactions to cultivate more sensual and spiritual connections.

In this episode, Catherine shares her personal journey into Tantra, how she integrates it into couples therapy, and why it’s a transformative tool for fostering intimacy. We discuss the importance of embodiment, the challenge of transitioning from daily responsibilities into a sensual mindset, and practical beginner-friendly meditation techniques.

Catherine Auman, LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist) is a spiritual psychotherapist and the Director of The Transpersonal Center in Los Angeles, California. She has advanced training in traditional psychology as well as the wisdom traditions. Catherine lived for a year at the Osho ashram in India – a full-time immersion in tantra and meditation – and she has studied and practiced tantra, love, sex, intimacy, and seduction with numerous teachers.

In this episode, you will hear:

● Catherine’s Journey into Tantra and Marriage & Family Therapy

● Understanding Tantra as a Path to Deepened Intimacy

● The Role of Embodiment in Sensual Awareness

● How Modern Culture Disconnects Us from Our Bodies

● Simple Tantric Practices to Bring Consciousness into the Body

● The Importance of Tuning Into Sensations Rather Than Focusing on Orgasm

● Yab-Yum: A Powerful Position for Heart-Centered Connection

● The Concept of Holding Space Without Performance Anxiety

● How Rituals Can Transform Intimate Experiences

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Podcast Produced by Pete Bailey

Welcome to Episode 426 of the Sexology Podcast! Today, I'm excited to be joined by Pauline Ryeland, an expert in Tantra, intimacy coaching, and libido work. Pauline shares her deep knowledge of Tantra as a way of life, explaining how we can use practices like eye gazing and breathwork to strengthen emotional and physical intimacy with our partners.

Pauline Ryeland, Intimacy Whisperer ® has been working as an Intimacy, Sex & Libido Coach & Educator for over 13 years. She is certified as a Somatic Sexological Body Worker, Tantra Teacher & Facilitator and a Master Trainer & Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and a Havening Techniques™ Trauma Specialist.

Pauline recently wrote a book titled, Empowered Conscious Sexuality - From Prude to Pleasure and works as a Transformational Coach and Leader, having worked with thousands of individuals and couples around challenges they may be experiencing with intimacy, sex, libido, relationships and everything in between. She is passionate about educating people in the bedroom and leading people to living their best lives.

In this episode, you will hear:

● The Power Of Eye Gazing In Creating Deeper Connection

● How Breathwork Can Enhance Intimacy And Arousal

● The Undressing Ceremony As A Sensual Prelude To Connection

● Overcoming The Initial Awkwardness Of Tantric Practices

● Using Tantric Breathing To Transition From Stress To Sensuality

● Rituals For Awakening Sexual Energy And Desire

● How To Address Low Libido Through Mindset And Practice

● Breaking Out Of Routine To Reignite Passion In Relationships

● Healing Emotional Blocks That Impact Sexual Intimacy

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Podcast Produced by Pete Bailey

Welcome to Episode 425 of the Sexology Podcast! Today I’m excited to be speaking with Julie Krafchick & Yue Xu, co-hosts of the Dateable Podcast, to dive into the complexities of modern dating. We explore how dating has evolved over the years, why many people struggle to transition from endless texting to real dates, and how societal shifts have changed what we look for in a partner. With more choices than ever, dating can feel overwhelming, but Julie and Yue share insights on how to navigate this landscape with clarity and confidence.

Julie Krafchick & Yue Xu are active daters turned dating insiders, and top influential voices of modern dating, relationships, and connection in the digital world. They’re the authors of How To Be Dateable: The Essential Guide to Finding Your Person and Falling in Love and the co-hosts of the hit podcast Dateable, which has been named one of the top podcasts about modern dating and relationships by the New York Times, The Huffington Post, Oprah Daily, and more. They’re also the hosts and executive producers of the dating experiment show Exit Interview.

Julie brings her background in human-centered design and qualitative research, while Yue shares her experience as a dating coach.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Why Modern Dating Feels Harder Than Ever
• The Paralysis Of Choice In The Age Of Dating Apps
• How To Break Free From Endless Texting Without Meeting
• Why Ghosting Happens And How To Emotionally Detach From It
• The Importance Of Vulnerability In Building Genuine Connections
• Understanding Your Dating Archetype And How It Impacts Your Love Life
• How To Navigate Online Dating Without Feeling Burnt Out
• When And Why Taking A Break From Dating Can Be Beneficial
• Practical Tips For Making Dating Apps Work For You

Join Us February 15th: It’s A Match, LA Love Lab

Welcome to Episode 424 of the Sexology Podcast! Today I’m excited to be speaking with Evan Marc Katz, a dating coach with over two decades of experience helping smart, successful women find lasting love. In this episode, we dive deep into the complexities of modern dating, exploring how attraction, chemistry, and long-term compatibility play a role in finding the right partner.

Evan Marc Katz became the world’s first dating coach in 2003, specialising in helping smart, successful women create lasting love. He is the author of four books, his Love U podcast has over 2 million downloads, and he has been featured in hundreds of media outlets, including Today, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal.

It’s an unlikely career for a man - especially one who was once called a “serial dater” by CNN - yet that’s exactly what makes Katz so unique. By helping women understand men - what they think, how they act, and what they want - he encourages them to raise the bar on what they expect from relationships and never again settle for anything less than they deserve.

In this episode, you will hear:

· The Importance Of Choosing The Right Partner Over Just Chemistry

· How Attraction Can Sometimes Lead To Poor Relationship Choices

· Why Many Women Feel They "Attract The Wrong Men"

· The Role Of Childhood Patterns In Dating Decisions

· How To Identify Red Flags Early In The Dating Process

· Why Slowing Down Dating Can Lead To Better Long-Term Results

· The Difference Between Men Looking For Sex Versus Love

· How To Set Boundaries Without Losing Connection

· The Importance Of Sexual Compatibility In A Relationship

· Practical Tips For Navigating Online Dating Successfully

Join Us February 15th: It’s A Match, LA Love Lab

Welcome to Episode 423 of the Sexology Podcast! Today I’m excited to welcome back Dr. Richard Espinoza, he joins me to speak to about he complexities of modern dating, from ghosting to online matchmaking, and everything in between.

In this episode, we discuss why ghosting has become so prevalent, how attachment styles shape our approach to vulnerability, and why online dating can often feel like a rollercoaster. We also reflect on the importance of self-awareness when navigating relationships, and share tips on determining your readiness for dating.

Richard “Dr. E” Espinoza, PsyD, is a leading clinical psychologist based in Los Angeles, specializing in trauma and resilience. His practice emphasizes serving the LGBTQ+ community and its allies, striving to empower individuals from diverse backgrounds through comprehensive psychological assessments, transformative talk therapy, and dedicated activism. As an esteemed professor and captivating speaker, Dr. Espinoza shares practical insights on self-discovery and personal growth. He also creates accessible self-help resources, designed to inspire personal transformation and a deeper sense of fulfillment.

In this episode, you will hear:

• The Prevalence Of Ghosting And Its Psychological Impact
• How Attachment Styles Affect Vulnerability In Dating
• Why Many People Struggle To Build Lasting Connections Online
• Tips For Assessing Your Readiness For A Relationship
• The Importance Of Open Conversations About Sex Early In Dating
• Addressing Misconceptions About Open Relationships
• Why Matchmaking Services Can Be Helpful But Have Mixed Results
• The Value Of In-Person Events For Building Genuine Connections
• How Cultural And Personal Values Shape Relationship Expectations
• Insights Into Our Upcoming Matchmaking Event, The LA Love Lab

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Welcome to Episode 422 of the Sexology Podcast! Today I’m excited to welcome back my good friend Veronica Cisneros, who joins me to speak to about how evolving gender roles are influencing relationships and intimacy, particularly in cases where women take on the role of primary breadwinners.

Veronica sheds light on the ripple effects these changes can have - how they may foster feelings of resentment, diminish intimacy, and lead to relational obstacles like stonewalling. This discussion highlights the value of self-awareness, honest dialogue, and healing from past emotional wounds to nurture a deeper, more fulfilling connection with partners.

Listeners also learn about EmpowerX, Veronica’s program designed to help women strike a harmonious balance between career success and personal happiness. Sexology Podcast listeners can use code: THANKYOU100 and save $100

In this episode, you will hear:

· The Impact Of Shifting Gender Roles On Relationships

· Navigating Masculine Energy And Intimacy Challenges

· Resentment And Its Role In Relationship Disconnect

· How Financial Power Dynamics Affect Libido

· Addressing Stonewalling And Communication Barriers

· Reclaiming Desire Through Self-Reflection

· Balancing Professional Success And Personal Fulfilment

· EmpowerX: A Blueprint For High-Achieving Women

· Healing Past Pains To Foster Emotional Connection

· Rediscovering Pleasure And Intimacy In Relationships

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Podcast Produced by Pete Bailey