The Sexology Lab

sexologylab

The conversation on human potential is incomplete without erotic intelligence. The Sexology Lab is where intimacy meets science, and where curiosity replaces shame. Each week, we step inside The Lab with the most compelling minds in modern sexology: pioneering researchers, visionary clinicians, sextech innovators, cultural disruptors, and leading educators. Together, we explore the questions shaping the future of desire, connection, and human wellness. This isn’t a podcast about the physical act. It’s a podcast about being human. Subscribe and join us as redefine wellness.

  1. 23h ago

    What's It Like to Be a Sex Coach in Hong Kong? | Irene Cheung | Episode 35

    What does it take to become a sex coach in a culture where talking about sex is still considered taboo? In this episode of The Sexology Lab, Michelle sits down with Irene Cheung, a Sexual Health Alliance Certified Sex Coach based in Hong Kong and creator of Playtime Talk, to explore the cultural barriers, misconceptions, and opportunities shaping sexual-health education in Asia. Irene shares how her own struggles with partnered orgasms inspired her to pursue sex coaching and why she left a career in business and brand management to help others explore intimacy and pleasure. After hearing clients at her former beauty salon open up about their sexual concerns, she realized just how few opportunities people in Hong Kong had to discuss sexuality without judgment. Together, Michelle and Irene explore the influence of traditional Chinese family values, gender expectations, and pornography on sexual attitudes. They discuss why women often struggle to advocate for their pleasure, why men feel pressured to perform, and how shame prevents couples from having honest conversations about sex. Irene also takes us behind the scenes of building a sex coaching business in Hong Kong, from social media censorship and podcasting to certification, financial sustainability, and creating a professional community. KEY TAKEAWAYS:  Sexual shame and gender expectations are creating barriers to pleasure.Pornography is not a substitute for sex education.Building a sex coaching career requires education, community, and a sustainable business model.SHOW SUMMARY: 03:02 – Hong Kong Sexual Taboos & Demand 05:00 – Cultural Stigma & Media Portrayal 07:36 – Pornography & Male Performance Misconceptions 08:47 – Client Shame & Safe Coaching Spaces 09:47 – Normalizing Erectile Dysfunction & Pressure 11:46 – Building a Niche Coaching Practice 13:29 – Social Media & YouTube Marketing 13:42 – Female Pleasure & Autonomy 15:08 – Body Shame & Slut-Shaming Recovery 17:03 – Female Orgasm Myths & Realities 18:41 – Consent, Communication, & Faking Orgasms 21:39 – Sensual Exploration & Body Appreciation 23:31 – Passion & Purpose in Sexual Wellness 24:10 – Future of Sex Education in Hong Kong 26:23 – Online Harassment & Parental Support RESOURCES MENTIONED THIS EPISODE: Playtime Talk — Irene's podcast and video platform exploring sexual-health education, intimacy, taboos, and common misconceptions in Hong Kong.Sexual Health Alliance — Professional sexual-health education and certification programs.SHA Sex Coach/Sexologist Certification — The professional certification pathway Irene discusses completing.ABOUT SEXUAL HEALTH ALLIANCE: This episode of The Sexology Lab is sponsored by Sexual Health Alliance (SHA), a global leader in professional sexual-health education since 2015. SHA offers certification programs in sex therapy, sex coaching, sexuality counseling, sex education, and sexology. Through education from leading experts, immersive learning experiences, and an international professional community, SHA helps people develop the knowledge and connections needed to build meaningful careers in sexual health. Irene Cheung completed SHA's Sex Coach/Sexologist Certification and shares how the program's research-based curriculum, expert educators, and professional community helped prepare her to establish her practice in Hong Kong. She also discusses the impact of attending SHA's Annual Sexological Conference in Denver, where she connected with leading researchers, educators, and other sexual-health professionals. Explore Sexual Health Alliance's certification programs and learn more about becoming a sexual-health professional.Thanks for tuning in to The Sexology Lab. See you next week! SexologyLab.com⁠. The content shared by the Sexology Lab and its speakers is for educational, informational, and professional development purposes only. Always consult with a qualified professional regarding personal health or clinical situations.

    What's It Like to Be a Sex Coach in Hong Kong? | Irene Cheung | Episode 35
  2. Oct 22

    The Science of Better Orgasms: What 500,000 Data Points Reveal | Anna Lee | Episode 34

    What can data and engineering teach us about orgasms, arousal, and women's sexual health? In this conversation, the host sits down with Anna Lee, co-founder and CEO of Lioness, to discuss how her transition from an Amazon mechanical engineer to a sex tech innovator led to building one of the world's largest physiological datasets on female sexual function. What started as an effort to build a better vibrator evolved into a mission to bridge the immense research gap in female pleasure and empower individuals through body literacy. Anna shares insights on what pelvic floor contractions reveal about orgasms, the surprising trends hidden within hundreds of thousands of sessions, and how factors like edging, THC, caffeine, and alcohol impact pleasure. The discussion also covers the systemic challenges of building a business in the tabood sex tech industry, navigating investor biases, overcoming cultural stigma, and the future role of AI in sexual wellness. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Knowledge is pleasure.Orgasm data fills a massive scientific gapOvercoming industry taboo requires direct communication.SHOW SUMMARY: 00:00 – The "Magic Pill" for Better Orgasms 01:36 – Meet Anna Lee, CEO of Lioness 02:02 – From Amazon Mechanical Engineer to Sex Tech Pioneer 05:36 – What is Lioness? 06:12 – The Science of Measuring Orgasms 07:01 – Closing the Research Gap on Female Pleasure 08:43 – Surprising Trends from 500,000+ Orgasm Sessions 11:48 – What Factors Impact Orgasm Quality? 14:08 – Could Orgasms Be a "Canary in the Coal Mine" for Health? 17:15 – Empowering Relationships Through Body Literacy 20:22 – The Role of AI in the Future of Sex Tech 22:37 – The Challenges of Building a Sex Tech Business 24:48 – Pitching Orgasm Data to Investors 26:50 – Becoming a Public Face for Asian-American Sexual Wellness 28:16 – Lightning Round: Desk Trinkets, Mechanical Keyboards, and Industry Favorites RESOURCES MENTIONED THIS EPISODE: Anna Lee — Mechanical engineer, co-founder, and CEO of Lioness. https://www.instagram.com/annaisaverage/?hl=en Lioness — The biofeedback vibrator tracking arousal and orgasm data. https://lioness.io/ SEXUAL HEALTH ALLIANCE: Sexual Health Alliance is the sponsor of The Sexology Lab and a global leader in education for sex therapy, coaching, counseling, sex education, and sexology. Explore the Community: https://sexualhealthalliance.com/ Certifications: ⁠https://sexualhealthalliance.com/get-certified-allcertifications SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW: If you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe to The Sexology Lab on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen. And if something in this episode challenged what you thought you knew about menopause, pleasure, or sexuality and aging, share it with someone who needs to hear it 🎙 Thanks for tuning in to The Sexology Lab. See you next week! The content shared by SHA and its speakers is for educational, informational, and professional development purposes only. Always consult with a qualified professional regarding personal health or clinical situations.

    The Science of Better Orgasms: What 500,000 Data Points Reveal | Anna Lee | Episode 34
  3. Oct 15

    Dominatrix Secrets to Setting Boundaries & Getting Ahead | Lindsay Goldwert | Episode 33

    What can dominatrixes teach us about confidence, negotiation, boundaries, and getting what we want in life? More than you might think. In this conversation, Michelle sits down with Lindsay Goldwert, journalist, author, and podcast host, to explore the surprising lessons she learned while researching her book Bow Down: Lessons from Dominatrixes on How to Get Everything You Want. What began as an unconventional idea for a book about money and professional success became a much bigger exploration of power, self-advocacy, consent, communication, and personal transformation. Lindsay shares how meeting professional dominatrixes challenged her assumptions about authority and helped her recognize the importance of knowing what you want, asking for it, and refusing to make yourself smaller. The conversation also examines the financial discrimination and censorship experienced by sex workers, and why their experiences deserve greater attention. Lindsay and Michelle also explore changing sexuality in midlife, perimenopause, relationship expectations, and the pressure to maintain a particular kind of sex life. From redefining pleasure to replacing obligatory sex with meaningful intimacy, this conversation challenges the idea that confidence, desire, and personal reinvention belong only to the young. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Power begins with knowing what you want and communicating it.Sexuality and identity can evolve throughout adulthood. Intimacy doesn't have to mean intercourse.SHOW SUMMARY: 00:00 – Lindsay Goldwert & Self-Advocacy in Midlife 01:48 – Inspiration Behind Writing About Sex, Kink & Relationships 02:43 – Writing Bow Down: Financial Literacy meets BDSM Philosophy 05:03 – Sex Work, Financial Censorship & Early Warnings 06:38 – Key Takeaway: Creating Your Personal "Ten Commandments" 08:53 – The Midlife Plot Twist: Rethinking Perimenopause & Aging 12:24 – Evolutionary Stress & Modern Sex Lives 14:38 – Sex Playlists & Reclaiming Your Essential Self 15:15 – Lightning Round: Writing Advice & Inspiration 18:55 – Sensuality in Daily Life & Desk Essentials 20:19 – Future Guest Recommendations for Sexology Lab 21:08 – Standout Experience with Sexual Health Alliance (SHA) RESOURCES MENTIONED THIS EPISODE: Lindsay Goldwert — Journalist, author, and podcast host. https://www.lindsaygoldwert.com/  Bow Down: Lessons from Dominatrixes on How to Get Everything You Want — Lindsay's book exploring confidence, power, consent, and negotiation. SEXUAL HEALTH ALLIANCE: Sexual Health Alliance is the sponsor of The Sexology Lab and a global leader in education for sex therapy, coaching, counseling, sex education, and sexology. Explore the Community: ⁠⁠https://sexualhealthalliance.com/⁠⁠Certifications: ⁠https://sexualhealthalliance.com/get-certified-allcertifications⁠⁠Join Us at AMPLIFY this October 2026! As millions turn to digital media, social platforms, and modern culture for guidance on sex, relationships, and identity, clinicians and educators must shape conversations that are inclusive, evidence-based, and representative. Secure your conference pass: ⁠⁠https://www.sexologylab.com/amplify⁠⁠SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW: If you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe to The Sexology Lab on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen. And if something in this episode challenged what you thought you knew about menopause, pleasure, or sexuality and aging, share it with someone who needs to hear it. 🎙 Thanks for tuning in to The Sexology Lab. See you next week! ⁠https://www.sexologylab.com/⁠ The content shared by SHA and its speakers is for educational, informational, and professional development purposes only. Always consult with a qualified professional regarding personal health or clinical situations.

    Dominatrix Secrets to Setting Boundaries & Getting Ahead | Lindsay Goldwert | Episode 33
  4. Oct 8

    Why Powerful Men Secretly Struggle with Intimacy | Coral Osborne | Episode 32

    What if the traits that make a man incredibly successful at work are the same ones making intimacy harder? Coral Osborne joins The Sexology Lab to explore what she has learned about high-achieving men through her experiences as a former escort, sexologist, coach, and someone who has spent years studying the intersection of sexuality, psychology, relationships, and masculinity. Coral says she repeatedly encountered successful men who could lead companies, negotiate deals, and maintain control professionally—but struggled when relationships demanded vulnerability, uncertainty, emotional honesty, and the possibility of rejection. This conversation goes far beyond the bedroom. Coral and Michelle explore "nice guy syndrome," shame-based achievement, the manosphere and red pill spaces, modern masculinity, male loneliness, vulnerability, infidelity, sexual shame, pattern recognition, and why sexuality can reveal much more about us than what we like sexually. Coral also shares how being doxxed as a sex worker ultimately led her to sexology, the coaching methodology she developed from her own experience, what she has learned from working with men, and why Sexual Health Alliance became one of the first places she felt fully accepted. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Professional success and relational success require different skills.Vulnerability isn't forced disclosure or "trauma dumping."Sexual concerns can be an entry point into something much deeper.SHOW SUMMARY: 00:00 - Masculine Approval Dynamics & Introduction of Coral Osborne 01:31 - Origin Story: Sex Work, Doxing, & Sexology Discovery 02:37 - Men's Struggle with Intimacy & Relationship Disconnect 05:12 - Dark Motivation & Challenges Facing High-Performing Men 08:04 - Nice Guy Syndrome & Blind Spots in Men's Intimacy 09:11 - Defining Healthy Masculinity 11:13 - Masculinity & Vulnerability Misconceptions 12:08 - Coaching Model & Shame Release Methodology 13:59 - Pattern Recognition, Desires, & Fear Excavation 16:08 - Fieldwork, Micro-Truths, & Support Ecosystems 20:03 - The Next Man Up Podcast Origin & Dynamic 22:25 - Impact of Sexology on Relationship Understanding 24:23 - Psychological Bodywork & SHA Conference Presentations 27:37 - Lightning Round: Success, Books, & Guest Recommendations RESOURCES MENTIONED THIS EPISODE: Coral Osborne: https://coralosborne.com/ The Next Man Up podcast: https://coralosborne.com/pod Dr. David Ley: https://www.sexologylab.com/episodes/forensic-sexuality-bias-sex-laws-david-ley Dr. Chris Donaghue: https://www.sexologylab.com/episodes/sexual-bypassing-myth-of-normal-dr-chris-donaghue SEXUAL HEALTH ALLIANCE: Sexual Health Alliance is the sponsor of The Sexology Lab and a global leader in education for sex therapy, coaching, counseling, sex education, and sexology. Explore the Community: ⁠⁠https://sexualhealthalliance.com/⁠⁠Certifications: ⁠https://sexualhealthalliance.com/get-certified-allcertifications⁠⁠Join Us at AMPLIFY this October 2026! As millions turn to digital media, social platforms, and modern culture for guidance on sex, relationships, and identity, clinicians and educators must shape conversations that are inclusive, evidence-based, and representative. Secure your conference pass: ⁠⁠https://www.sexologylab.com/amplify⁠⁠SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW: If you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe to The Sexology Lab on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen. And if something in this episode challenged what you thought you knew about menopause, pleasure, or sexuality and aging, share it with someone who needs to hear it. 🎙 Thanks for tuning in to The Sexology Lab. See you next week! ⁠https://www.sexologylab.com/⁠ The content shared by SHA and its speakers is for educational, informational, and professional development purposes only. Always consult with a qualified professional regarding personal health or clinical situations.

    Why Powerful Men Secretly Struggle with Intimacy | Coral Osborne | Episode 32
  5. Oct 1

    How Regular Orgasm Can Improve Menopausal Sleep, Mood, and Brain Fog | Dr. Justin Lehmiller | Episode 31

    What happens when researchers ask women going through menopause to self-pleasure three to four times a week—for months? Dr. Justin Lehmiller joins The Sexology Lab to unpack his latest research on menopause, masturbation, orgasm, and sexual health. His team first surveyed pre-, peri-, and post-menopausal women, then designed a longitudinal study that included an abstinence period followed by regular self-pleasure. The results challenge some of our biggest assumptions about sexuality and aging. Justin explains why menopause doesn't automatically mean worse pleasure, which symptoms appeared to improve during the study, and why orgasm and better sleep may be part of the story. We also get into vibrator myths, erotic flexibility, why doctors need to become more comfortable discussing pleasure, and why expanding our definition of intimacy may become increasingly important as we age. Later, Justin shares what he's researching next, the sexual-health books he recommends, what's actually on a sex researcher's desk, and why he loves leading Sexual Health Alliance's international study abroad programs. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Menopause does not mean the end of pleasure. Regular self-pleasure was associated with improvements in menopause symptoms.Sexual health needs to be part of healthcare.SHOW SUMMARY: 00:00 - Dr. Justin Lehmiller Introduction 01:41 - Origin of the Menopause & Masturbation Study 04:07 - Why Sexual Pleasure in Aging is Taboo 04:57 - Study 1: Masturbation vs. Orgasm Frequency in Post-Menopausal Women 06:53 - Why Orgasms Can Improve After Menopause 08:42 - Generational Differences & Medical Education Gaps 11:25 - Study 2: Can Masturbation Relieve Menopause Symptoms? 14:08 - The Neurological & Physical Power of Orgasm 15:50 - Customizing Pleasure & Sex Toy Learning Curves 19:23 - Debunking Anti-Masturbation Sentiment & Clitoral Desensitization 23:20 - Integrating Self-Pleasure into Medical Menopause Care  28:11 - Perimenopause Advice & Myth-Busting Hormone Replacement Therapy 31:22 - Expanding the Definition of Sex with Age 34:57 - Rapid Fire / Lightning Round 40:26 - SHA Study Abroad & Global Sexology Communities RESOURCES MENTIONED THIS EPISODE: Dr. Justin Lehmiller, Sex and Psychology Podcast: https://www.sexandpsychology.com/ Dr. Cynthia Graham: https://genderstudies.indiana.edu/about/faculty/graham-cynthia.html Kinsey Institute: https://kinseyinstitute.org/index.html SEXUAL HEALTH ALLIANCE: Sexual Health Alliance is the sponsor of The Sexology Lab and a global leader in education for sex therapy, coaching, counseling, sex education, and sexology. Dr. Justin Lehmiller also directs SHA's international Study Abroad programs, which combine sexual-health education with immersive experiences exploring sexuality, culture, history, and research around the world. Explore the Community: ⁠https://sexualhealthalliance.com/⁠Certifications: https://sexualhealthalliance.com/get-certified-allcertifications⁠Join Us at AMPLIFY this October 2026! As millions turn to digital media, social platforms, and modern culture for guidance on sex, relationships, and identity, clinicians and educators must shape conversations that are inclusive, evidence-based, and representative. Secure your conference pass: ⁠https://www.sexologylab.com/amplify⁠SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW: If you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe to The Sexology Lab on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen. And if something in this episode challenged what you thought you knew about menopause, pleasure, or sexuality and aging, share it with someone who needs to hear it. 🎙 Thanks for tuning in to The Sexology Lab. See you next week! https://www.sexologylab.com/ The content shared by SHA and its speakers is for educational, informational, and professional development purposes only. Always consult with a qualified professional regarding personal health or clinical situations.

    How Regular Orgasm Can Improve Menopausal Sleep, Mood, and Brain Fog | Dr. Justin Lehmiller | Episode 31
  6. Sep 24

    Netflix Wanted the "Sexy Girl." She Became a Sex Educator Instead | Alyssa Ljubicich | Episode 30

    When Alyssa Ljubicich joined Netflix's The Circle, producers expected her to play a particular role: the flirty, highly sexualized "sexy girl." But Alyssa was already working in sexual health—and what interested her wasn't performing sexuality for an audience. It was helping people understand their bodies, challenge shame, and build healthier relationships with pleasure. In this episode of The Sexology Lab, Alyssa shares how reality television unexpectedly gave her a platform for a career she was just beginning to build. She talks about being sexualized because of her profession, meeting the Spice Girls, giving her TED Talk The Power in Pleasure, and why she believes sexual-health professionals need real education behind the information they share online. She also explores how movies and television shape our understanding of sexuality, why myths like the hymen as proof of virginity remain so persistent, and what she's learned building a career that combines education, coaching, social media, and brand partnerships. Being a sexual-health professional is not the same as being personally sexualized. Media shapes what we believe is "normal." Training and credibility matter more than ever. SHOW SUMMARY: 00:00 – Meet Alyssa Ljubichek 01:46 – Transitioning to Sex Education & Combating Misinformation 03:13 – Sex Coaching Career Paths & Personal Influences 05:13 – Reality TV Casting for Netflix's The Circle 07:23 – Format, Mechanics, and Experiences on The Circle 08:34 – Balancing Producer Expectations with Professional Boundaries 14:41 – Debunking Purity Culture and Virginity Myths 16:25 – TED Talk: History of Female Sexuality and Gynecological Research 21:09 – Hymen Myths and Addressing Backlash on Social Media 22:40 – Pop Culture and Media Literacy in Sexual Health 27:31 – Consulting for Playboy 28:31 – Brand Collaborations with Arya, KY, and Dame 31:55 – Creator Business Strategy and Pitching Brands 38:46 – Sexual Health Alliance (SHA) Certification & Coaching Impact 39:13 – Rapid-Fire Q&A, Routines, and Recommended Educators RESOURCES MENTIONED THIS EPISODE: Alyssa Ljubicich: https://www.instagram.com/alyssaljub/?hl=en The Power in Pleasure TED Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAd4Fix4JCU SEXUAL HEALTH ALLIANCE: Alyssa's path into professional sexual-health education began with a commitment to getting credible training behind the platform she had suddenly gained. She chose Sexual Health Alliance for her education and describes SHA's coursework, community, SAR, conferences, and ongoing access to current education as foundational to the work she does today. Sexual Health Alliance is a global leader in education for sex therapy, coaching, counseling, and sex education, supporting professionals in building meaningful careers in sexual health. Explore the Community: ⁠https://sexualhealthalliance.com/⁠Certifications: https://sexualhealthalliance.com/get-certified-allcertifications⁠Join Us at AMPLIFY this October 2026! As millions turn to digital media, social platforms, and modern culture for guidance on sex, relationships, and identity, clinicians and educators must shape conversations that are inclusive, evidence-based, and representative. Secure your conference pass: ⁠https://www.sexologylab.com/amplify⁠SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW: If you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe to The Sexology Lab on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen. 🎙 Thanks for tuning in to The Sexology Lab. See you next week!

    Netflix Wanted the "Sexy Girl." She Became a Sex Educator Instead | Alyssa Ljubicich | Episode 30
  7. Sep 17

    What Intimacy Coordinators Really Do | Jamie Monahan Part 2 | Episode 29

    What actually happens when actors film a sex scene—and who makes sure intimacy is choreographed, communicated, and consensual? In this episode of The Sexology Lab, intimacy coordinator Jamie Monahan takes us behind the scenes of intimate storytelling in film, television, theater, and audio erotica. Jamie shares what the job really involves day-to-day, why actors often struggle more with voicing intimacy in audio than performing it on camera, and how confidentiality, clear communication, and aftercare help build crucial trust on set. We also dive into Jamie's perspective on why intimacy coordination goes beyond just stopping harm, how actors can detach from heavy emotional roles, why younger generations aren't anti-sex on screen but want authentic representation, and how media serves as real-world sex education. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Audio Intimacy vs. On-Camera Intimacy: Actors are often more confident physically acting out a scene of intimacy than voicing it.A Day in the Life of an Intimacy Coordinator: The job starts long before filming,Confidentiality Builds Safety: Actors often share private details or anxieties. IIntimacy Coordination Is Artistry, Not Policing: A common myth is that intimacy coordinators exist to police sets. Younger Audiences Want Better Representation: Gen Z isn't uninterested in intimacy in media; rather, they reject formulaic scenes that lack purpose.SHOW SUMMARY: 00:00 – Audio Drama Intimacy vs. Film and TV 00:27 – Meet Jamie Monahan & Introduction 01:11 – Aftercare, Mental Health, and Leaving the Role on Set 03:52 – What Intimacy Coordinators Actually Look For on the Monitors 05:18 – A Day in the Life of an Intimacy Coordinator: From Prep to Set 08:04 – Choreographing the Scene: On-the-Fly Adjustments and Script Writing 11:05 – Why Voicing Intimacy in Audio Is Harder Than Acting It on Camera 13:44 – The Vocal Technique of Sensual Sound and Lower Registers 14:28 – LIGHTNING ROUND: Awkward Props, Myths, and On-Set Signals 16:39 – Humor vs. Vulnerability During Intimate Filming 17:41 – The Power of Confidentiality and Trust with Actors 20:38 – Media as Sex Education and the Future of Authentic Human Connection RESOURCES MENTIONED THIS EPISODE: The Sexology Lab is powered by Sexual Health Alliance, the premier global hub for accredited sexology certifications, evidence-based continuing education (CE/CEU), and an expansive international network of therapists, healthcare providers, educators, and sexuality professionals.Learn directly from industry pioneers and leading voices in modern sexual wellness: Explore the Community: ⁠https://sexualhealthalliance.com/⁠Certifications: https://sexualhealthalliance.com/get-certified-allcertifications⁠Join Us at AMPLIFY this October 2026! As millions turn to digital media, social platforms, and modern culture for guidance on sex, relationships, and identity, clinicians and educators must shape conversations that are inclusive, evidence-based, and representative. Secure your conference pass: ⁠https://www.sexologylab.com/amplify⁠Resources, people, and projects discussed in this episode: Jamie Monahan: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5536708/  Ember and Ice: https://www.tryquinn.com/series/ember-and-ice  Heated Rivalry: https://www.instagram.com/heatedrivalrycrave/?hl=en  Chala Hunter: https://www.chalahunter.com/  Intimacy Directors and Coordinators (IDC): https://www.idcprofessionals.com/  If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps us continue bringing thoughtful conversations about sexuality, relationships, culture, media, and human behavior to listeners around the world. 🎙 Thanks for tuning in to The Sexology Lab. See you next week! https://www.sexologylab.com/

    What Intimacy Coordinators Really Do | Jamie Monahan Part 2 | Episode 29
  8. Sep 10

    What Really Happens When Actors Film Intimate Scenes? | Jamie Monahan Part 1 | Episode 28

    What actually happens when actors film a sex scene—and who makes sure intimacy is choreographed, communicated, and consensual? In this episode of The Sexology Lab, intimacy coordinator and intimacy director Jamie Monahan takes us behind the scenes of intimate storytelling in film, television, theater, and audio. Jamie shares how her background as an actor and director led her into intimacy coordination, what the job really involves, and why the role is about much more than preventing something from going wrong. We also dive into Jamie’s work with Quinn Audio on Ember and Ice, featuring Heated Rivalry actors Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams. Jamie explores how intimacy can reveal character, why consent and aftercare matter on and off screen, how audio erotica creates new opportunities for immersive storytelling, and why better representations of intimacy in media can shape the way audiences understand sex itself. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Filming intimacy is far more technical than it looks. An intimacy coordinator is both a creative collaborator and an advocate. Intimate scenes can tell us something important about characters. Consent on screen matters off screen, too. Intimacy coordination isn't only about stopping harm.SHOW SUMMARY: 00:00 – Why an Actor May Still Need an Intimacy Coordinator 00:27 – Meet Jamie Monahan 01:20 – Jamie's Most Unexpected Fun Fact 01:45 – What Filming a Sex Scene Really Looks Like 03:00 – What Is Quinn Audio? 04:00 – Behind Ember and Ice 04:40 – Romance, War, and the Intimacy Arc 06:05 – When Romance Fandom Crosses Into Audio Erotica 06:55 – Are We in a "Smut Renaissance"? 08:20 – Sex Scenes Should Tell Us Something 09:20 – What Heated Rivalry Does Differently 10:30 – Consent as Character Development 11:35 – Media Is Sex Education, Whether We Like It or Not 13:10 – From Actor and Director to Intimacy Coordinator 14:00 – The Sexual Assault Scene That Changed Her Career 14:40 – "Your Body Doesn't Know the Difference" 15:00 – Discovering a Brand-New Profession 16:20 – Following Curiosity Into a Career 17:30 – What Does an Intimacy Coordinator Actually Do? 18:40 – Why This Role Became Necessary 19:20 – No More Surprise Nudity on Set 20:00 – You Can't Remove Power Dynamics 20:45 – What If an Actor Doesn't Want an Intimacy Coordinator? 21:05 – One Bad Experience Doesn't Define an Entire Profession 22:00 – When the Bigger Star Says, "I Don't Need One" 23:00 – "I Know He's Not a Creep" Misses the Point 24:00 – Making Intimacy Coordination Standard Practice RESOURCES MENTIONED THIS EPISODE: The Sexology Lab is powered by Sexual Health Alliance, the premier global hub for sexology certifications, evidence-based continuing education (CE/CEU), and an expansive international network of therapists, healthcare providers, educators, and sexuality professionals.Learn directly from industry pioneers and leading voices in modern s//xual wellness: Explore the Community: ⁠https://sexualhealthalliance.com/⁠Certifications: https://sexualhealthalliance.com/get-certified-allcertifications⁠Join Us at AMPLIFY this October 2026! As millions turn to digital media, social platforms, and modern culture for guidance on sex, relationships, and identity, clinicians and educators must shape conversations that are inclusive, evidence-based, and representative. Secure your conference pass: ⁠https://www.sexologylab.com/amplify⁠Resources, people, and projects discussed in this episode Jamie Monahan: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5536708/ Ember and Ice: https://www.tryquinn.com/series/ember-and-ice Heated Rivalry: https://www.instagram.com/heatedrivalrycrave/?hl=en Chala Hunter: https://www.chalahunter.com/ Intimacy Directors and Coordinators (IDC): https://www.idcprofessionals.com/  If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review! 🎙 Thanks for tuning in to The Sexology Lab. See you next week! https://www.sexologylab.com/

    What Really Happens When Actors Film Intimate Scenes? | Jamie Monahan Part 1 | Episode 28
3.8
out of 5
44 Ratings

About

The conversation on human potential is incomplete without erotic intelligence. The Sexology Lab is where intimacy meets science, and where curiosity replaces shame. Each week, we step inside The Lab with the most compelling minds in modern sexology: pioneering researchers, visionary clinicians, sextech innovators, cultural disruptors, and leading educators. Together, we explore the questions shaping the future of desire, connection, and human wellness. This isn’t a podcast about the physical act. It’s a podcast about being human. Subscribe and join us as redefine wellness.

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