American Sex Sunny Megatron & Ken Melvoin-Berg | Pleasure Podcasts

 
Dr. Candice Nicole Hargons joins us for a conversation about the ways racial inequity hurts the sex lives of BIPOC folks. Although many view sex as an escape from the stresses of real-world issues and a common experience we all share -- it’s not that simple. Orgasms are not the great equalizer. Political, cultural, and systemic societal forces have everything to do with the ways we experience pleasure. Some of what we unpack in this episode: 
 
How the belief that only men who have money deserve sex impacts BIPOC communities The importance of distinguishing between pleasure worthiness & entitlement Why sex ed in schools & adult pleasure education are key Tips for navigating cultural pressures in relationships while prioritizing pleasure, boundaries & survival Why good sex can be an act of revolution & resistance How race, capitalism, and sex intersect in complex ways What we can do as allies & PoC to shift the culture, subvert systems & more  
Guest Bio – Dr. Candice Nicole Hargons
Dr. Candice Nicole Hargons is an award-winning associate professor of counseling psychology at the University of Kentucky, where she studies sexual wellness and liberation. She is the host of F*ck the System: A Sexual Liberation Podcast and How to Love a Human, a liberation podcast that asks people with multiple marginalized identities what the world would be like if it loved them. She has published over 50 research articles and has been featured in the Huffington Post, the APA Monitor, Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, Blavity, Cosmopolitan, and the New York Times.
 
Episode 201 Helpful Links & Resources
Dr. Candice Nicole Hargons Website www.DrCandiceNicole.com  Dr. Candice Nicole Hargons Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dr.candicenicole  Dr. Candice Nicole Hargons Facebook https://www.facebook.com/drcandicenicole/  Dr. Candice Nicole Hargons Twitter https://twitter.com/drcandicenicole  F*ck the System: A Sexual Liberation Podcast https://m.youtube.com/@dr.candicenicole  FTS Podcast on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@fts_podcast  How to Love A Human Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-love-a-human/id1198383806  Women Of Color Sexual Health Network https://www.wocshn.org/  Sex Positive Families https://www.instagram.com/sexpositive_families Sunny’s Free Kink Negotiation & Scene Planning Mini-Workbook https://sunnymegatron.gumroad.com/l/negotiationwb Sunny Megatron TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@sunnymegatron American Sex Podcast Discord Community http://bit.ly/discordasp American Sex Podcast Patreon http://patreon.com/americansex  
Episode 201 Sponsor & Affiliate Discount Codes/Links
*by using our links & codes you can help support our work while saving a few bucks too—win/win!
30-day free trial of Dipsea Stories when you use code SUNNY at http://dipseastories.com/sunny Build your credit score with http://Kikoff.com Bawdy Storytelling Podcast - https://bawdystorytelling.com/podcast  CockTales Dirty Discussions - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNHSfJ_42WUGw8vBD5vC7Iw  Pleasure Podcasts Network https://www.pleasurepodcasts.com/ Sunny’s On-Demand BDSM Classes & Coaching:  https://sunnymegatron.gumroad.com/ 15% off most items from Stockroom https://bit.ly/sunnystockroom15 with code SUNNY  –To support American Sex Podcast/Sunny Megatron & help offset the cost of providing no-charge education: http://patreon.com/americansex   

 
Veronika Kestrel joins us for a conversation about creating safe & inclusive kink spaces for everyone across the gender spectrum. Despite the BDSM subculture's roots in the queer community & emphasis on inclusivity, many communities remain steeped in heteronormativity, leading to the fetishization and othering of gender non-conforming and trans people. Some of what we touch on: 
Why gender bias exists in kink The commodification & politicization of GNC & trans kinksters Tips for vetting communities & individuals The responsibilities of allies & accomplices Issues with sissy play & cuckolding Commonalities between marginalized groups in BDSM & more   Guest Bio – Veronika Kestrel
Veronika Kestrel (She/Her) is a Professional Dominatrix and kink lifestyle educator affiliated with the Los Angeles Sanctuary. A 15-year veteran of the kink lifestyle, she began her kink journey in the Denver community and relocated to Southern California in 2018, where she helped facilitate trans-focused events in the Orange County scene. Since then, she has conducted clinics for the LA Sanctuary, CancerPhase Productions, and at numerous private venues. She was a panelist at DomCon 2022, and has appeared on "Your Kinky Friends", "Pink Kink Podcast", and, of course, "American Sex Podcast"! She prides herself in her efforts to make Kink a friendlier, more ethical, and inclusive community in any way she can. She can be often found helping facilitate newbie-focused events in her local community and hosting the Kestrel Industries Monthly Doll Play munch in Anaheim, CA. 
Episode 200 Helpful Links & Resources
Veronika Kestrel Tiktok http://tiktok.com/@switchvero Veronika Kestrel OnlyFans https://onlyfans.com/vkestrel Veronika Kestrel Instagram https://www.instagram.com/veronikakestrel/ Veronika Kestrel Twitter https://twitter.com/VeronikaKestrel Veronika Kestrel FetLife https://fetlife.com/users/13001382 Ep 176 Dollification with Veronika Kestrel https://sunnymegatron.com/dollification-doll-play-kink/  The Dom/sub Virtual Summit on demand VIP Package $99 http://bit.ly.sunnydssummit 94 Nonbinary BDSM Titles & Honorifics https://zippermagazine.com/non-binary-bdsm-names-dom-sub/ Sunny’s Free Kink Negotiation & Scene Planning Mini-Workbook https://sunnymegatron.gumroad.com/l/negotiationwb Sunny Megatron TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@sunnymegatron American Sex Podcast Discord Community http://bit.ly/discordasp American Sex Podcast Patreon http://patreon.com/americansex Episode 200 Sponsor & Affiliate Discount Codes/Links
*by using our links & codes you can help support our work while saving a few bucks too—win/win!
Build your credit score with http://Kikoff.com Pleasure Podcasts Network https://www.pleasurepodcasts.com/ Sunny’s on Demand recorded BDSM classes:  https://sunnymegatron.gumroad.com/ 15% off most items from Stockroom https://bit.ly/sunnystockroom15 with code SUNNY  –To support American Sex Podcast/Sunny Megatron & help offset the cost of providing no-charge education: http://patreon.com/americansex   

 
Adult grooming is often misunderstood -- from what it looks like, to who is most vulnerable, what types of people groom, and why -- most assume it can’t happen to them. The fact is, grooming comes in many forms and can happen in any type of relationship - including BDSM dynamics. And because kink often involves power imbalances, it can be especially difficult to recognize in this context.  
Whether you're new to kink or a seasoned veteran, episode 199 of American Sex will give you the tools to spot unhealthy power dynamics in BDSM and deconstruct preconceived notions of what manipulative abuse looks like, who can do it, and why. You'll also learn:
How the 6 stages of grooming apply to D/s dynamics  How to recognize coercive abuse in BDSM relationships How pop culture kink stereotypes fuel grooming within BDSM The reasons groomers manipulate & who they are  How my breakable rules analysis can help you spot unhealthy kink & more  p.s. Don‘t forget to grab your FREE ticket to the Dom/sub Virtual Summit 2/20-24 where I'll be teaching my "No B.S. Approach to Consent & Safe Words." http://bit.ly.sunnydssummit
Guest Bio – Sunny Megatron
Sunny Megatron is an award-winning Sexologist, BDSM & Certified Sexuality Educator, and media personality. She’s the host & executive producer of the Showtime original series, Sex with Sunny Megatron, co-hosts AASECT Award-winning American Sex Podcast and Open Deeply Podcast, and was 2021's XBIZ Sexpert of the Year. Currently, she’s the Editor-in-Chief of kink-focused Zipper Magazine.   
 Known for her one-of-a-kind, build-your-own-adventure approach to sex, kink & relationships, Sunny coined the BDSM community catchphrase, Kink is Customizable™. In her sell-out workshops, her unique brand of “edutainment” seamlessly combines her humorous teaching style, interactive exercises, and the latest sexuality research. Sunny’s passion is helping others overcome shame and find their power through play and pleasure. Currently, she’s working on her first book, “Customizable Kink: A Strategic Guide to Adult Play.”
 Episode 199 Helpful Links & Resources
Sunny Megatron website https://sunnymegatron.com/
Sunny Megatron TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@sunnymegatron?
Sunny Megatron Twitter https://twitter.com/sunnymegatron
Sunny Megatron Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sunnymegatron/
The Dom/sub Virtual Summit 2/20-24 http://bit.ly.sunnydssummit
Everything You Need to Know About Safewords by Sunny Megatron https://zippermagazine.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-safewords/
What's the Difference Between a Tradwife & Domestic Service Submissive? https://zippermagazine.com/tradwife-vs-domestic-service-sub/
BDSM Test American Sex Podcast episode https://sunnymegatron.com/the-bdsm-test/  
193 - Safewords episode part 1 https://sunnymegatron.com/safewords-consent-kink-is-customizable/  
194 - Safewords episode part 2 https://sunnymegatron.com/kink-nuance-podcast/
Kink Academy Online BDSM Learning Library http://bit.ly/kinkacademy 
Sunny’s Free Kink Negotiation & Scene Planning Mini-Workbook https://sunnymegatron.gumroad.com/l/negotiationwb
How to Tell if Your BDSM Relationship is Abusive https://www.vice.com/en/article/panjbz/how-to-tell-if-your-bdsm-relationship-is-abusive
The 6 stages of grooming https://www.skillsplatform.org/blog/6-stages-of-grooming-adults-and-teens-spotting-the-red-flags/
Sunny Megatron TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@sunnymegatron
American Sex Podcast Discord Community http://bit.ly/discordasp
American Sex Podcast Patreon http://patreon.com/americansex
 Episode 199 Sponsor & Affiliate Discount Codes/Links
*by using our links & codes you can help support our work while saving a few bucks too—win/win!
30-day free trial of Dipsea Stories when you use code SUNNY at http://dipseastories.com/sunny
Go to http://GreenChef.com/sunny60 and use code sunny60 to get 60% of

Here’s the quickie bonus episode link you’re looking for! http://bit.ly/sunnydssummit
Want a recap? Read on … 
The Dom/sub Dynamic Virtual Summit was designed to help you improve your D/s relationship & navigate the BDSM lifestyle. The Summit features 5 jam-packed days of classes from 15+ educators covering topics ranging from confidence in the bedroom to dealing with chronic illness, and everything in between.
Get your free ticket to The D/s Dynamics Virtual Summit here: http://bit.ly/sunnydssummit
You also have options! Attend each day during the scheduled stream with the speaker or watch the replay any time you’d like within 24 hours. You also get access to the private virtual group to talk with other attendees plus you'll get a few more free perks too. 
The All-Access-Pass purchase grants attendees lifetime access to the classes/materials plus a bunch of additional free education from the instructors like worksheets, passes to their paid digital classes, etc (I’m surprised at how much stuff is offered, TBH -- and I’m not easily impressed, lol!).  
Thanks & hope to see you there! 
p.s. Keep an eye on my socials for my All-Access-Pass giveaway too! 
And here’s the link to my @SunnyMegatron social media posts about the D/s Dynamics Virtual Summit if you'd like to share or read what others have to say: TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook 
 

Midori joins us to discuss Japanese BDSM & why recognizing fundamental differences in various cultures around the world is the key to understanding the how & why behind kink. 
We talk about differences in consent & safety, how differing social norms & hierarchies influence our collective play styles, and how these insights can enhance our own relationships.
Most of us aren’t great at recognizing our way isn’t the only way. But even if you plan on never venturing outside your local BDSM community, a global perspective can broaden your understanding of the psychology behind what we all do, no matter where we do it.    
Guest Bio – Midori
“Your Fairy God-Auntie of Kink. Exploding Expectations. Challenging Conventions.”
Trailblazing educator, sexologist, artist, and irritant to banality, Midori founded Rope Dojo and ForteFemme: Women’s Dominance Intensive. She penned the first English instruction book on Shibari, “Seductive Art of Japanese Bondage” in 2001, paving the way for the popularity of rope. Dan Savage calls her the “Super Nova of Kink,” while others affectionately call her Auntie Midori for her cool, tell-it-like-it-is, funny, reality-based teaching. She is also the author of “Wild Side Sex,” “Master Han’s Daughter,” and “Silk Threads.”
Education, Coaching, Private Learning & Art: https://planetmidori.com. Special membership perks! Learn, laugh, and enjoy her special online classes, events, and art at www.patreon.com/PlanetMidori  where she is working on her next shibari book!
Episode 198 Helpful Links & Resources
Midori Twitter https://twitter.com/PlanetMidori Midori Instagram https://www.instagram.com/planetmidori/ Midori Newsletter https://www.fhp-inc.com/newsletter Midori class/event calendar http://www.FHP-Inc.com/classes Midori’s Patreon https://www.patreon.com/PlanetMidori/ What's the Difference Between a Tradwife & Domestic Service Submissive? https://zippermagazine.com/tradwife-vs-domestic-service-sub/ Dear Gen Z Tradwives: Have You Considered Kink Instead? https://zippermagazine.com/gen-z-tradwives-have-you-considered-kink/ Caning Fetish & the Surprising Reason Behind Its Popularity https://zippermagazine.com/caning-fetish-popularity-miss-ruby-marks/ Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Santa Fetish https://zippermagazine.com/what-is-santa-fetish/ 20 Christmas Roleplay Ideas https://zippermagazine.com/christmas-kink-scene-role-play-ideas/ Kink Academy Online BDSM Learning Library http://bit.ly/kinkacademy Sunny’s Free Kink Negotiation & Scene Planning Mini-Workbook https://sunnymegatron.gumroad.com/l/negotiationwb Zipper Magazine Instagram https://www.instagram.com/zippermagdotcom/ Zipper Magazine Twitter https://twitter.com/ZipperMagDotcom Zipper Magazine Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Zipper-Magazine-113123824749292 Zipper Magazine Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxFDRtDhukxyQ_9t-Xfo2-w Sunny Megatron TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@sunnymegatron American Sex Podcast Discord Community http://bit.ly/discordasp American Sex Podcast Patreon http://patreon.com/americansex Kink Academy Online BDSM Learning Library http://bit.ly/kinkacademy Episode 198 Sponsor & Affiliate Discount Codes/Links
*by using our links & codes you can help support our work while saving a few bucks too—win/win!
30-day free trial of Dipsea Stories when you use code SUNNY at http://dipseastories.com/sunny Good Moms Bad Choices Podcast https://www.goodmomsbadchoices.com/  Private Parts Unknown Podcast https://privatepartsunknown.com/  Hot & Healthy Erotic Humiliation recorded class https://gum.co/humiliationclass Prostate Play for Beginners (recorded class) from Sugar Baltimore https://www.sugartheshop.com/prostate-milking-for-beginners.html Sunny & Ken’s classes on Kink Academy http://bit.ly/kinkacademyelectric& http://bit.ly/kinkacademyhumiliation 10% off American Sex Podcast & Sunny Megatron merch with code SUNNY (t-shirts, mugs, phone cases & more) http

Fact: The BDSM world has a race problem. Queer, Black, kink educator, Phrygian Monk joins us to talk about it. This conversation stemmed from one of their no-nuance November observations: “Kinktok is heavily segregated and pretty racist – like 1950s level.”  They bring all the nuance and then some.  We discuss why it’s essential for everyone to consider how different forms of play relate to POC kinksters, why we should take a pause before condemning all forms of race play, why many kinksters of color never feel fully safe playing with white folks, what those in the community can do to foster genuine inclusivity and be actively anti-racist, and more.
Guest Bio – Phrygian Monk
Phrygian Monk (They/Them) is a BDSM presenter and educator who is bringing diversity and a new outlook to kink education. With a 5-plus year background engaging in the kink and leather communities, Monk has decided to take the education that they have received, and pass that on to their fellow peers. With classes in subjects such as vetting, negotiation, and various forms of play, Monk hopes to connect with fellow younger kinksters and provide a space for peer learning and education. Also an activist in the kinky world, Monk uses their experiences and knowledge as a black queer individual to share about and fight for a more inclusive and safer community for all people. Having hosted and participated in various talks, discussion groups, and panels on the subject of race, racism, and how they impact the kink community, Monk hopes to see change, growth, and diversity flourish in local communities and individuals as they introspect, grow, and become active participants in fighting for a community that is for everyone.
 
Episode 197 Helpful Links & Resources
Phrygian Monk TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@phrygian_monk No Nut November https://zippermagazine.com/whats-the-fuss-about-no-nut-november/  Race & Kink Series with Marla Renee Stewart & Luna Matatas https://www.eventbrite.com/e/race-kink-a-discussion-series-tickets-244730093297 Loladex, Dirty Lola’s list of marginalized pleasure educators https://twitter.com/i/lists/1028473897627385856 Challenge at the Intersection of Race and Kink: Racial Discrimination, Fetishization, and Inclusivity Within the BDSM (Bondage‑Discipline, Dominance‑Submission, and Sadism‑Masochism) Community https://www.dropbox.com/s/hj0yzhzcv401eue/Erickson%2C%20Slayton%2C%20Petersen%2C%20Hyams%2C%20Howard%2C%20Sharp%2C%20%26%20Sagarin%20%282022%29%20Challenge%20at%20the%20Intersection%20of%20Race%20and%20Kink.pdf?dl=0 Kink Academy Online BDSM Learning Library http://bit.ly/kinkacademy  Sunny’s Free Kink Negotiation & Scene Planning Mini-Workbook https://sunnymegatron.gumroad.com/l/negotiationwb Zipper Magazine website https://zippermagazine.com/ Zipper Magazine Instagram https://www.instagram.com/zippermagdotcom/ Zipper Magazine Twitter https://twitter.com/ZipperMagDotcom Zipper Magazine Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Zipper-Magazine-113123824749292 Zipper Magazine Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxFDRtDhukxyQ_9t-Xfo2-w Sunny Megatron TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@sunnymegatron American Sex Podcast Discord Community http://bit.ly/discordasp American Sex Podcast Patreon http://patreon.com/americansex Kink Academy Online BDSM Learning Library http://bit.ly/kinkacademy  
Episode 197 Sponsor & Affiliate Discount Codes/Links
*by using our links & codes you can help support our work while saving a few bucks too—win/win!
30-day free trial of Dipsea Stories when you use code SUNNY at http://dipseastories.com/sunny Hot & Healthy Erotic Humiliation recorded class https://gum.co/humiliationclass Prostate Play for Beginners (recorded class) from Sugar Baltimore https://www.sugartheshop.com/prostate-milking-for-beginners.html Sunny & Ken’s classes on Kink Academy http://bit.ly/kinkacademyelectric& http://bit.ly/kinkacademyhumiliation 10% off American Sex Podcast & Sun