Unzipping Taboos: Candid Conversations about Sex

Dr Sue and Charlie
  • 4.4 (7)
  • SEXUALITY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Join hosts Dr Sue & Charlie on "Unzipping Taboos" as they delve into the intricate & often challenging landscape of sex, & all things related to it. Each episode will be an open conversation on a different topic. Through their engaging discussions, listeners will gain insight into the complexities of sex, & how to talk about this deeply personal subject. Whether you're a seasoned advocate for sexual liberation or someone who finds the topic daunting, "Unzipping Taboos" offers a safe space to explore the nuances of human sexuality, challenge preconceptions, & help make the subject less taboo

  1. 2D AGO

    What We’re Told About Men and Sex: Myths and Misunderstandings

    In this episode, we focus on the myths about men’s sexual health and sex, from the idea that men always want sex to assumptions about performance, size, and desire. We unzip male sexual health myths around STI testing, HPV vaccination for men, and why being asymptomatic doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. We also talk about breast health in men, masturbation, “blue balls,” orgasm versus ejaculation, and the belief that certain sexual behaviors define sexual orientation. Along the way, we challenge cultural scripts that say men don’t need seduction, shouldn’t struggle with arousal, and must always initiate sex. No macho myths, no scare tactics—just candid conversation, myth-busting, and permission to let men be full humans with bodies, boundaries, and needs. If you have a story, thoughts and/or a topic or question for Dr. Sue and Charlie please share your ideas here:  ⁠Show suggestions If you want to ask Dr Sue a sex question for the weekly Q&A you can submit it here: Ask a question

    1h 7m

  2. FEB 11

    Taking a Beat: Self Care in the Middle of Hard News

    In this episode, we pause. In response to recent current events, we made the intentional choice to set aside what we had planned and instead focus on care for anyone feeling heavy, activated, or emotionally overwhelmed right now. This is a conversation about how moments like this can land in our bodies, not just our thoughts. We talk about why repeated exposure to stories of sexual violence can be destabilizing, and why being compassionate doesn’t require taking in every detail. We discuss the importance of boundaries—around media, around sharing personal experiences, and around the quiet pressure survivors often feel to explain themselves. Protecting your mental health isn’t avoidance; it’s an act of care. We also sit with the anger and grief that can surface when harm feels ongoing and unresolved. Rather than trying to fix or rush past those feelings, we talk about how to make space for them without being consumed—through limits, support, and gentleness with ourselves. This episode isn’t about analysis or answers. It’s about slowing down, breathing, and remembering that you’re allowed to step back, ask for help, and take care of yourself. If you’re struggling, you’re not broken. You don’t have to carry it alone. If you need someone to talk to, RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline is available 24/7 by chat and phone 24/7. If you’re looking for an online support group, try some of the resources from the National Sexual Violence Resource Center. If you have a story, thoughts and/or a topic or question for Dr. Sue and Charlie please share your ideas here:  ⁠Show suggestions

    33 min

  3. FEB 4

    Wait, That’s Not True? Common Sex Myths We’re Still Believing

    In this episode, we unpack some of the most common myths you’ve probably heard—and maybe even believed—about sex and sexual health. From not being able to get pregnant on your period, to sperm surviving in hot tubs, we unzip many of these ideas to get to the truth of the matter. We talk about misconceptions around condoms, withdrawal, lubrication, oral sex, and STI testing, and explore how myths can lead to confusion, awkward conversations, and risky assumptions. We also challenge familiar narratives about gendered sex drives, virginity and hymens, and the idea that having an STI makes someone undesirable. No scare tactics, no shame—just candid conversation, shared responsibility, and the space and permission to ask better questions. If you’ve ever wondered whether what you were taught about sex is myth or fact, this episode invites you to laugh, rethink a few things, and keep unzipping those taboos. If you have a story, thoughts and/or a topic or question for Dr. Sue and Charlie please share your ideas here:  ⁠Show suggestions

    1 hr

  4. JAN 28

    Unzipping AI: Sex, Critical Thinking, and the Limits of Technology

    What happens when we start asking AI our most vulnerable questions about sex, sexuality, and sexual health? In this episode of Unzipping Taboos, we talk candidly about why so many people turn to tools like ChatGPT for answers they’re too embarrassed—or too afraid—to ask out loud, and why that makes digital literacy more important than ever. From biased or incomplete information to the loss of nuance, tone, and human context, we unpack where AI can help and where it falls short—especially around sensitive topics like sexual orientation, reproductive anatomy, and sexual health. We also explore why “trust but verify” needs to be the baseline when using AI for anything related to our bodies. Along the way, we look at real examples of inaccurate AI-generated anatomy, discuss why stigma drives people toward anonymous tech solutions, and share safer, more reliable ways to get accurate sex education. This episode isn’t anti-technology—but it is pro-critical thinking, pro-privacy, and firmly rooted in the belief that AI should supplement human expertise, not replace it. If you’ve ever wondered whether AI is a safe or reliable place to learn about sex, this conversation is for you. If you have a story, thoughts and/or a topic or question for Dr. Sue and Charlie please share your ideas here:  ⁠Show suggestions If you want to ask Dr Sue a sex question for the weekly Q&A you can submit it here: Ask a question

    1 hr

  5. JAN 21

    Consent Isn’t Just for Sex: It's Bigger than the Bedroom

    In this episode of Unzipping Taboos, we talk about consent as something that lives far beyond sex—and how often it gets missed in everyday interactions. We explore what consent looks like in friendships, workplaces, classrooms, healthcare settings, and long-term relationships, especially in moments where it’s easy to assume instead of ask. From scrolling through someone’s, to sharing private conversations, to touching someone casually, or continuing an argument when the other person is pulling away—we unpack how often boundaries are crossed without anyone naming it. We talk about implied consent, power dynamics, and why “I didn’t mean harm” isn’t the same thing as having consent. We dig into non-verbal cues, withdrawal, and the importance of taking a beat when someone goes quiet, steps back, or needs space—even when that feels uncomfortable. We also discuss consent in healthcare and elder care, where autonomy and privacy are often overlooked, and why consent still matters even when there’s a baseline duty of care. This conversation is about noticing patterns, unlearning habits, and practicing consent as an ongoing process—not a one-time checkbox. As we say, this isn’t about shame or judgement. It’s about awareness, responsibility, and learning how to respect boundaries in meaningful ways that build trust and connection. If you have a story, thoughts and/or a topic or question for Dr. Sue and Charlie please share your ideas here:  ⁠Show suggestions If you want to ask Dr Sue a sex question for the weekly Q&A you can submit it here: Ask a question

    1h 3m

  6. JAN 14

    The Mating Crisis Revisited: What’s Changed—and Why It Matters

    In this episode of Unzipping Taboos, we revisit the “male loneliness epidemic” and the so-called “mating crisis.” Since we first talked about it, something important has shifted: women are finding a voice in this conversation and… men are having a reaction. We talk about women naming their worth, setting clearer boundaries, and no longer organizing their lives around being chosen. We explore how that clarity is reshaping the landscape of relationships and exposing expectations that were long treated as invisible or inevitable. This isn’t an episode about dating tips or diagnosing loneliness. It’s about what happens when long-standing scripts start to break: women stop shrinking, expectations are named clearly, and men need to adapt to a changing landscape rather than be centered by it. If you have a story, thoughts and/or a topic or question for Dr. Sue and Charlie please share your ideas here:  ⁠Show suggestions If you want to ask Dr Sue a sex question for the weekly Q&A you can submit it here: Ask a question

    53 min

  7. JAN 7

    Beyond Eggs and Dolls in Sex Education: a conversation with UN|HUSHED’s Dr. Karen Rayne

    In this episode of Unzipping Taboos, we’re joined by Dr. Karen Rayne, co-founder and Director of Education at UN|HUSHED, to unpack the realities of teaching sex ed without consistent standards or modern resources. We talk about why so many programs still lean on the classic “parenting” simulations (like caring for an egg, a bag of flour, or a crying doll) and how those exercises focus on logistics while missing the emotional, mental, and relational realities of parenting. We also get into what inclusive sex education really means, why accurate language matters, and how sex ed has slowly been pushed out of the home. Karen shares why parents — and other trusted adults — don’t need to be experts to advocate for better education or have meaningful conversations with kids. This conversation is about taking sex education seriously — not as a one-time unit or a box to check, but as real preparation for real life. It’s about moving past stand-ins and silence, and building education that actually reflects the emotional, relational, and human realities young people are navigating every day. Learn more about UN|HUSHED and the resources available for caregivers and professionals. To see your state policies around sex ed, check out the Guttmacher Institute. If you have a story, thoughts and/or a topic or question for Dr. Sue and Charlie please share your ideas here:  ⁠Show suggestions If you want to ask Dr Sue a sex question for the weekly Q&A you can submit it here: Ask a question

    1h 8m

  8. 12/31/2025

    2025 Zipped: One Year In, Just Getting Started

    In this New Year’s Eve episode of Unzipping Taboos, we take a moment to look back on our first full calendar year of podcasting—and everything that’s shifted along the way. Highlighting how Unzipping Taboos has evolved into a show that meets the moment, engages with current events, and stays rooted in real-world experiences. We dig into what our Spotify Wrapped data actually tells us (and what it doesn’t), reflecting on why episodes like The Truth About Body Count, Sex and Aging, and our pelvic floor conversations continue to resonate and get shared. For us, the numbers matter less than what they represent: a growing audience that’s hungry for honest, accessible conversations about sexual health—without shame, sensationalism, or clickbait. We also talk openly about our own journeys into sex education and advocacy—why we do this work, how curiosity and resistance shape the show, and what it’s meant to stay authentic while tackling topics like men’s health, pelvic floor health, sexual trauma recovery, consent, and agency. Along the way, we reflect on how modeling boundaries, communication, and the power of consent has become part of the podcast itself. As we close out the year, we share our gratitude—for our listeners, our guests, our partners (including JackandJillAdult.com), and everyone who’s helped make this first year possible. We also look ahead to what’s coming next: continuing to use this space as one of learning, activism, and connection. Thank you for being part of our first year. We’re just getting started! If you have a story, thoughts and/or a topic or question for Dr. Sue and Charlie please share your ideas here:  ⁠Show suggestions

    1h 5m
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Ratings & Reviews

4.4
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Join hosts Dr Sue & Charlie on "Unzipping Taboos" as they delve into the intricate & often challenging landscape of sex, & all things related to it. Each episode will be an open conversation on a different topic. Through their engaging discussions, listeners will gain insight into the complexities of sex, & how to talk about this deeply personal subject. Whether you're a seasoned advocate for sexual liberation or someone who finds the topic daunting, "Unzipping Taboos" offers a safe space to explore the nuances of human sexuality, challenge preconceptions, & help make the subject less taboo

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