Sex and Psychology Podcast

Dr. Justin Lehmiller

The Sex and Psychology Podcast is the sex ed you never got in school—and won’t find anywhere else. Kinsey Institute researcher Dr. Justin Lehmiller takes you on a journey through the psychology of sex and relationships, offering practical tips along the way that can help you take your intimate life to the next level. Learn more on Dr. Lehmiller’s blog at sexandpsychology.com

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  1. 2d ago

    Episode 552: What People Get Wrong About Dominance and Submission

    BDSM has become increasingly visible in popular culture, but how much do people really understand about dominance and submission? Being dominant doesn't necessarily mean being aggressive or controlling, just as being submissive doesn't mean being weak or powerless. In fact, healthy power exchange often looks very different from what we see in the media. In this episode, we're separating fact from fiction and exploring the real psychology of kink. My guest is Shelby Devlin, a sex and intimacy coach, educator, and author specializing in BDSM, kink, and fetish. With over twenty years of experience in the BDSM community, she blends academic expertise with hands-on practice as a coach and instructor at the Somatica Institute. She is author of the new book The Pleasure Protocol: A Contemporary Guide to BDSM. Some of the specific topics we cover include: What does popular culture get wrong about kink?What separates a skilled dominant from someone who simply wants control?Why might highly independent people find sexual submission appealing?How can kink provide a space for exploring gender identity and roles?What are the warning signs that someone is using BDSM as a cover for abuse?You can check out Shelby's website to learn more. Got a sex question? Send me a podcast voicemail to have it answered on a future episode at speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology. *** Thank you to our sponsors!  For a limited time, get 20% off your entire order at loveunlimited.com/justin with code JUSTIN. 90 day love it guarantee on every order. Unspeakable Things is an adult card game designed for couples who already have a great sex life, but are looking to turn up the heat and explore new territory together. Ready to find out just how adventurous you and your partner can get? Head to https://playunspeakablethings.com/justin and use code JUSTIN for 10% off your order. If you're looking to gain a broad understanding of human sexuality or refresh your knowledge, check out the upcoming Human Sexuality Intensive courses at the Kinsey Institute: https://kinseyinstitute.org/learning/human-sexuality-intensive.html  *** Want to learn more about Sex and Psychology? Click here for previous articles or follow the blog on Facebook, Twitter, or Bluesky to receive updates. You can also follow Dr. Lehmiller on YouTube and Instagram. Listen and stream all episodes on Apple, Spotify, or Amazon. Subscribe to automatically receive new episodes and please rate and review the podcast! Credits: Precision Podcasting (Podcast editing) and Shutterstock/Florian (Music). Image created with Canva; photos used with permission of guest (credit: Alyssa Keys).

    Episode 552: What People Get Wrong About Dominance and Submission
  2. 6d ago

    Episode 551: Why It's Harder To Talk About Sex Than Have It

    For something that so many of us enjoy doing, sex can be surprisingly difficult to talk about. We might feel comfortable getting naked with a partner but struggle to tell them what we want, what we don't enjoy, or how we're really feeling. And when we avoid these conversations, it can lay the basis for misunderstanding and conflict, while also limiting opportunities for mutual pleasure. In this episode, we're exploring why sexual communication can feel so vulnerable, as well as how to become someone your partner feels safe opening up to. I am joined once again by Shafia Zaloom, a health educator, consultant, and author whose work centers on human development, community building, ethics and social justice. She is the author of Sex, Teens, and Everything in Between as well as the new book Getting Real About Sex Ed: What Today’s Students Need. Some of the specific topics we cover include: What makes talking about sex uniquely intimidating?How can we become more approachable and supportive sexual partners?Why is it important to go beyond binary, yes/no models of sexual consent?How can we become more confident sexual communicators?You can check our Shafia's website to learn more about what she's working on. Got a sex question? Send me a podcast voicemail to have it answered on a future episode at speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology. *** Thank you to our sponsors!  Your sex life deserves an upgrade. Harder. Faster. Thicker. Faster-acting. Longer-lasting. Five benefits. One dose. Head to rugiet.com/lehmiller to take the quiz and see if Rugiet Ready is right for you and use coupon code LEHMILLER for 15% off your first order. Passionate about building a career in sexuality? Check out the Sexual Health Alliance. With SHA, you’ll connect with world-class experts and join an engaged community of sexuality professionals from around the world. Visit SexualHealthAlliance.com and start building the sexuality career of your dreams today. If you're ready to ditch the shady stuff and choose a libido supplement that’s effective and that you can feel confident about, it's time to check out Drive Boost. Visit vb.health and use code JUSTIN for 10% off.  Want to learn more about Sex and Psychology? Click here for previous articles or follow the blog on Facebook, Twitter, or Bluesky to receive updates. You can also follow Dr. Lehmiller on YouTube and Instagram. Listen and stream all episodes on Apple, Spotify, or Amazon. Subscribe to automatically receive new episodes and please rate and review the podcast! Credits: Precision Podcasting (Podcast editing) and Shutterstock/Florian (Music). Image created with Canva; photos used with permission of guest.

    Episode 551: Why It's Harder To Talk About Sex Than Have It
  3. Nov 3

    Episode 550: Are We Teaching People To Be Bad Lovers?

    Most of us spend years learning about sex before we ever have it. We absorb messages from our families, friends, schools, pornography, and popular culture about what sex is supposed to look like and how we're supposed to behave. But what if some of those lessons are actually setting us up for disappointment? What if the way we're taught about sex is making it harder to have healthy, pleasurable, and satisfying relationships? My guest is Shafia Zaloom, a health educator, consultant, and author whose work centers on human development, community building, ethics and social justice. She is the author of Sex, Teens, and Everything in Between as well as the new book Getting Real About Sex Ed: What Today’s Students Need. Some of the specific topics we cover include: How do the messages we receive about sex growing up shape our sexual relationships as adults?What are some of the most influential lessons about sex we learn outside the classroom?What unrealistic expectations can pornography create about sex?How can we unlearn harmful sexual messages and develop healthier expectations?You can check our Shafia's website to learn more about what she's working on. Got a sex question? Send me a podcast voicemail to have it answered on a future episode at speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology. *** Thank you to our sponsors!  If you’re ready to make passion a priority, see what Arya can do for you. Right now, Arya is offering our listeners $10 off your first month at getarya.com/JUSTIN. This offer is only for our podcast listeners so use my link to get this discount. If you're ready to ditch the shady stuff and choose a libido supplement that’s effective and that you can feel confident about, it's time to check out Drive Boost. Visit vb.health and use code JUSTIN for 10% off.  If you're looking to gain a broad understanding of human sexuality or refresh your knowledge, check out the upcoming Human Sexuality Intensive courses at the Kinsey Institute: https://kinseyinstitute.org/learning/human-sexuality-intensive.html  *** Want to learn more about Sex and Psychology? Click here for previous articles or follow the blog on Facebook, Twitter, or Bluesky to receive updates. You can also follow Dr. Lehmiller on YouTube and Instagram. Listen and stream all episodes on Apple, Spotify, or Amazon. Subscribe to automatically receive new episodes and please rate and review the podcast! Credits: Precision Podcasting (Podcast editing) and Shutterstock/Florian (Music). Image created with Canva; photos used with permission of guest.

    Episode 550: Are We Teaching People To Be Bad Lovers?
  4. Oct 30

    Episode 549: How Men Can Have Better Sex

    A lot of men feel pressure to perform in the bedroom. They worry about getting and maintaining erections, lasting long enough, and satisfying their partners. But these concerns can sometimes get in the way of the very thing they're trying to achieve, which is a pleasurable and satisfying sex life. So what does it actually mean to be good at sex? In this episode, we're going to explore practical, science-based strategies for maintaining an active and satisfying sex life as you age. I am joined once again by Dr. Rena Malik, a board-certified urologist, pelvic surgeon, and sexual health expert whose educational videos have received over half a billion views. She is author of the new book, The Hard Truth, which answers the questions men are often too embarrassed to ask in the doctor’s office when it comes to improving their health and sex lives.   Some of the specific topics we cover include: What are the most common causes of erectile difficulties at different ages?What are the most effective treatment options for men who are struggling with ED?What can you do if you feel like you don't last long enough in bed?How can a man tell whether he has low testosterone?How can men maintain and improve sexual functioning as they get older?You can check out Rena's Linktree to find out more about her work. Got a sex question? Send me a podcast voicemail to have it answered on a future episode at speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology. *** Thank you to our sponsors!  Level-up your bedroom skills with Beducated. Featuring more than 150 online courses taught by the experts, Beducated brings pleasure-based sex ed directly into your bedroom. Kick off your journey by taking Beducated’s Quiz to get your personalized roadmap to sexual happiness at https://beducate.me/lehmiller For a limited time, get 20% off your entire order at loveunlimited.com/justin with code JUSTIN. 90 day love it guarantee on every order. Passionate about building a career in sexuality? Check out the Sexual Health Alliance. With SHA, you’ll connect with world-class experts and join an engaged community of sexuality professionals from around the world. Visit SexualHealthAlliance.com and start building the sexuality career of your dreams today. *** Want to learn more about Sex and Psychology? Click here for previous articles or follow the blog on Facebook, Twitter, or Bluesky to receive updates. You can also follow Dr. Lehmiller on YouTube and Instagram. Listen and stream all episodes on Apple, Spotify, or Amazon. Subscribe to automatically receive new episodes and please rate and review the podcast! Credits: Precision Podcasting (Podcast editing) and Shutterstock/Florian (Music). Image created with Canva; photos used with permission of guest.

    Episode 549: How Men Can Have Better Sex
  5. Oct 27

    Episode 548: What Every Man Needs To Know For Better Sexual Health

    When we talk about men's sexual health, the conversation often revolves around things like erections, testosterone, and sexual performance. But there's so much more to sexual health than what happens in the bedroom. In this episode, we're going to explore the science of men's sexual health and the essential habits that can help support a healthier, more satisfying sex life. My guest is Dr. Rena Malik, a board-certified urologist, pelvic surgeon, and sexual health expert whose educational videos have received over half a billion views. She is author of the new book, The Hard Truth, which answers the questions men are often too embarrassed to ask in the doctor’s office when it comes to improving their health and sex lives.   Some of the specific topics we cover include: How does diet affect men's sexual health?How much exercise do men need to optimize their sexual health?What role does the pelvic floor play in male sexual function?Can endocrine disruptors negatively affect men's sexual health?Are masturbation and pornography actually harmful to men's sexual health?You can check out Rena's Linktree to find out more about her work. Got a sex question? Send me a podcast voicemail to have it answered on a future episode at speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology. *** Thank you to our sponsors!  If you’re ready to make passion a priority, see what Arya can do for you. Right now, Arya is offering our listeners $10 off your first month at getarya.com/JUSTIN. This offer is only for our podcast listeners so use my link to get this discount. For a limited time, get 20% off your entire order at loveunlimited.com/justin with code JUSTIN. 90 day love it guarantee on every order. The Kinsey Institute is where the world turns to understand sex and relationships. You can help continue its expert-led research by donating to the Kinsey Institute Research Fund. Learn more and make a donation here: https://give.myiu.org/centers-institutes/I380010749.html  *** Want to learn more about Sex and Psychology? Click here for previous articles or follow the blog on Facebook, Twitter, or Bluesky to receive updates. You can also follow Dr. Lehmiller on YouTube and Instagram. Listen and stream all episodes on Apple, Spotify, or Amazon. Subscribe to automatically receive new episodes and please rate and review the podcast! Credits: Precision Podcasting (Podcast editing) and Shutterstock/Florian (Music). Image created with Canva; photos used with permission of guest.

    Episode 548: What Every Man Needs To Know For Better Sexual Health
  6. Oct 23

    Episode 547: Do Polyamorous Relationships Need Rules?

    When couples open their relationships, one of the first things they often do is establish a set of rules. But do those rules actually make non-monogamous relationships healthier and more secure? Or can they create more problems than they solve? In this episode, we’ll explore why polyamorous people create relationship rules, when those rules can become restrictive or controlling, and whether they’re even necessary in the first place. I am joined once again by Eve Rickert, the co-author of The New More Than Two: A Philosophical Reimagining of the Classic Nonmonogamy Guide. She is also author of Nonmonogamy and Betrayal, curator of the More Than Two Essentials series, the founder and publisher of Thornapple Press, and the mastermind behind the science communications firm Talk Science to Me. Some of the specific topics we cover include: What's the difference between relationship rules, agreements, and boundaries?What are the most common rules in non-monogamous relationships?How do "don't ask, don't tell" arrangements work in practice?What is a “one-penis policy,” and why can it be problematic?When can relationship rules actually be helpful?You can check out Eve's Linktree to learn about everything she's working on. Got a sex question? Send me a podcast voicemail to have it answered on a future episode at speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology. *** Thank you to our sponsors!  If you're ready to ditch the shady stuff and choose a libido supplement that’s effective and that you can feel confident about, it's time to check out Load Boost. Visit vb.health and use code JUSTIN for 10% off.  Attached Therapy offers personalized therapy for individuals and couples navigating infidelity, sexual disconnection, relationship strain, and other complex intimacy concerns. Founder Jason Powell, LMFT and AASECT Certified Sex Therapist, offers in-person sessions in Manhattan and Brooklyn Heights, as well as virtual therapy in multiple states. Learn more at https://www.attachedtherapy.com/ *** Want to learn more about Sex and Psychology? Click here for previous articles or follow the blog on Facebook, Twitter, or Bluesky to receive updates. You can also follow Dr. Lehmiller on YouTube and Instagram. Listen and stream all episodes on Apple, Spotify, or Amazon. Subscribe to automatically receive new episodes and please rate and review the podcast! Credits: Precision Podcasting (Podcast editing) and Shutterstock/Florian (Music). Image created with Canva; photos used with permission of guest.

    Episode 547: Do Polyamorous Relationships Need Rules?
  7. Oct 20

    Episode 546: When Polyamory Becomes Toxic

    Polyamory is sometimes described as a more “evolved” approach to relationships, built around radical honesty, open communication, and personal autonomy. This can create the impression that polyamorous relationships are somehow immune to the problems that plague other relationships. But the reality is that non-monogamous relationships can become unhealthy, toxic, and even abusive, just like any other relationship. And that's what we're exploring in today's episode. My guest is Eve Rickert, the co-author of The New More Than Two: A Philosophical Reimagining of the Classic Nonmonogamy Guide. She is also author of Nonmonogamy and Betrayal, curator of the More Than Two Essentials series, the founder and publisher of Thornapple Press, and the mastermind behind the science communications firm Talk Science to Me. Some of the specific topics we cover include: Does abuse look different in consensually non-monogamous relationships compared to monogamous ones?What's the difference between coercive control and toxic behavior?Can having multiple partners make it harder to recognize abuse?What are the warning signs that a relationship has become more harmful than healthy?What resources are available for people experiencing abuse in a non-monogamous relationship?You can check out Eve's Linktree to learn about everything she's working on. Got a sex question? Send me a podcast voicemail to have it answered on a future episode at speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology. *** Thank you to our sponsors!  If you’re ready to make passion a priority, see what Arya can do for you. Right now, Arya is offering our listeners $10 off your first month at getarya.com/JUSTIN. This offer is only for our podcast listeners so use my link to get this discount. If you're ready to ditch the shady stuff and choose a libido supplement that’s effective and that you can feel confident about, it's time to check out Load Boost. Visit vb.health and use code JUSTIN for 10% off.  If you're looking to gain a broad understanding of human sexuality or refresh your knowledge, check out the upcoming Human Sexuality Intensive courses at the Kinsey Institute: https://kinseyinstitute.org/learning/human-sexuality-intensive.html  *** Want to learn more about Sex and Psychology? Click here for previous articles or follow the blog on Facebook, Twitter, or Bluesky to receive updates. You can also follow Dr. Lehmiller on YouTube and Instagram. Listen and stream all episodes on Apple, Spotify, or Amazon. Subscribe to automatically receive new episodes and please rate and review the podcast! Credits: Precision Podcasting (Podcast editing) and Shutterstock/Florian (Music). Image created with Canva; photos used with permission of guest.

    Episode 546: When Polyamory Becomes Toxic
  8. Oct 16

    Episode 545: A Couples' Guide To Exploring Fetishes

    Disclosing a fetish to a partner can feel incredibly vulnerable. You might worry about being judged, rejected, or misunderstood. But keeping your desires hidden can create challenges, too. So when and how should you bring up a fetish? And what happens if your partner doesn't share your interests? In this episode, we’ll explore how to navigate fetish disclosure, respond when a partner opens up to you, and manage differences in sexual desires. I am joined once again by Niki Davis-Fainbloom, a New York- and New Orleans-based sex educator, writer, researcher, and coach. She has facilitated hundreds of sexuality education workshops, and her writing has been featured in several major media outlets. She is the author of the new book Fetish: Smash Taboos and Celebrate What Turns You On. Some of the specific topics we cover include: Why is self-acceptance important before disclosing a fetish to a partner?Is there a right time to disclose a fetish?How should you respond when a partner reveals a fetish that surprises you?Should you ever participate in a partner’s fetish if it doesn’t personally turn you on?How can partners find creative compromises when their desires don’t align?You can check out Niki's website to learn more about her work. Got a sex question? Send me a podcast voicemail to have it answered on a future episode at speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology. *** Thank you to our sponsors!  For a limited time, get 20% off your entire order at loveunlimited.com/justin with code JUSTIN. 90 day love it guarantee on every order. Born from over 10 years of longevity research, OneSkin is helping you unlock your healthiest skin now and as you age. Get 15% off OneSkin with the code JUSTIN at https://www.oneskin.co/justin Attached Therapy offers personalized therapy for individuals and couples navigating infidelity, sexual disconnection, relationship strain, and other complex intimacy concerns. Founder Jason Powell, LMFT and AASECT Certified Sex Therapist, offers in-person sessions in Manhattan and Brooklyn Heights, as well as virtual therapy in multiple states. Learn more at https://www.attachedtherapy.com/ Passionate about building a career in sexuality? Check out the Sexual Health Alliance. With SHA, you’ll connect with world-class experts and join an engaged community of sexuality professionals from around the world. Visit SexualHealthAlliance.com and start building the sexuality career of your dreams today. *** Want to learn more about Sex and Psychology? Click here for previous articles or follow the blog on Facebook, Twitter, or Bluesky to receive updates. You can also follow Dr. Lehmiller on YouTube and Instagram. Listen and stream all episodes on Apple, Spotify, or Amazon. Subscribe to automatically receive new episodes and please rate and review the podcast! Credits: Precision Podcasting (Podcast editing) and Shutterstock/Florian (Music). Image created with Canva; photos used with permission of guest.

    Episode 545: A Couples' Guide To Exploring Fetishes

About

The Sex and Psychology Podcast is the sex ed you never got in school—and won’t find anywhere else. Kinsey Institute researcher Dr. Justin Lehmiller takes you on a journey through the psychology of sex and relationships, offering practical tips along the way that can help you take your intimate life to the next level. Learn more on Dr. Lehmiller’s blog at sexandpsychology.com

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