The Sexology Lab

sexologylab
  • 3.7 (42)
  • Health & Fitness
  • Updated Weekly

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. 1d ago

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. Sep 3

    Trauma Doesn't Stay Outside the Bedroom | Amanda Jepson | Episode 27

    Trauma doesn't stay neatly contained in the past—and it doesn't stay outside the bedroom. In this episode of The Sexology Lab, we sit down with Amanda Jepson, SHA-certified and AASECT-certified sex therapist and trauma specialist, to explore how trauma can shape desire, pleasure, trust, touch, attachment, communication, and relational safety. Amanda explains why trauma-informed sex therapy often requires slowing down, building safety first, and helping clients reconnect with their bodies and sexuality at their own pace. We also talk about affirming care for erotic minorities, the risks of clinician bias, how Amanda chooses between modalities like EMDR, CPT, narrative therapy, CBT, and DBT, and what good care actually looks like for queer, kinky, non-monogamous, disabled, larger-bodied, and otherwise marginalized clients. Plus, Amanda shares how current political realities are showing up in the therapy room—and why community, supervision, curiosity, and ethical self-reflection matter more than ever. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Trauma can affect sexuality even when the trauma itself wasn't sexual. Trust, nervous-system regulation, desire, touch, vulnerability, attachment, and orgasm can all be impacted.Trauma-informed sex therapy moves at the client's pace. Safety and stabilization come first, followed by trauma processing and then deeper reconnection with pleasure, sexuality, and relationships.Clinicians have to examine their own bias. Erotic minorities can be harmed when professionals pathologize, judge, minimize, or over-romanticize identities and behaviors based on their own beliefs instead of listening to the client.SHOW SUMMARY: 00:00 Trauma & Sexuality 00:42 Erotic Minorities 01:54 Origin Story 04:00 Fluid Labels 04:32 Sensate Focus 05:48 Overcoming Bias 06:58 Clinical Gaps: OCSB 08:26 Taboo Porn & Guilt 12:35 EMDR, CPT & CBT 18:12 Safety & Stabilization 20:21 Fight or Flight vs. Orgasm 23:54 Somatic Coping 25:38 Ready for Reconnection 28:28 Kink, BDSM & CNM Trauma 31:52 Polyamory Affirming Care 36:56 Therapist Humility 38:22 LGBTQ+ Across Politics 45:28 Ethics: Community & Military 46:53 Post-Traumatic Growth 47:54 Rapid Fire Myths & Skills 49:45 SHA Experience 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 sexual wellness: Explore the Community: https://sexualhealthalliance.com/Certifications: https://sexualhealthalliance.com/get-certified-allcertificationsJoin Us at AMPLIFY this October 2026! Modern intimacy is evolving. 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 and concepts discussed in this episode include: Amanda Jepson: https://colorfullifetherapy.com/ Sexual Health Alliance: https://sexualhealthalliance.com/ EMDR: https://www.emdria.org/ Tell Me What You Want by Dr. Justin Lehmiller: https://www.sexandpsychology.com/books/ SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW: If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps us reach more people with thoughtful, evidence-informed conversations about sex, relationships, trauma, and human behavior. 🎙 Thanks for tuning in to The Sexology Lab. See you next week! https://www.sexologylab.com/

    Trauma Doesn't Stay Outside the Bedroom | Amanda Jepson | Episode 27

  5. Aug 27

    Why You're Not in the Mood (And There's Nothing Wrong With You) | Dr. Nazanin Moali | Episode 26

    Today in The Lab, we sit down with Dr. Nazanin Moali, licensed clinical psychologist, certified sex therapist, and host of the Sexology Podcast, to unpack one of the most common concerns in modern relationships: low desire. Dr. Moali explains why so many people mistakenly believe something is "wrong" with them when they aren't spontaneously in the mood, and how understanding responsive desire can completely change the way we think about intimacy. We also explore the hidden factors that quietly erode desire—including chronic stress, nervous system dysregulation, emotional safety, body image, mental load, relationship dynamics, and the myth that great sex should always happen effortlessly. Plus, Dr. Moali shares practical strategies couples can use to reconnect, communicate about sex, and cultivate desire over time instead of waiting for it to magically appear. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Most people experience responsive desire, meaning desire often follows arousal—not the other way around—and there's nothing broken about that.Stress, emotional safety, mental load, and disconnection have a profound impact on desire, often more than libido itself.Great sex isn't effortless—it requires communication, curiosity, and intentionally creating the conditions where desire can thrive.SHOW SUMMARY: 00:00 - 00:44 – Debunking the Myth of Spontaneous Libido vs. Responsive Desire 01:48 – Dr. Nazanin Moali on Clinical Sex Therapy and Modern Intimacy 04:16 – Hollywood Misconceptions: Understanding Responsive Desire in Relationships 06:16 – Nervous System Dysregulation, Burnout, and Low Sexual Drive 08:45 – Polyvagal Theory, Somatic Movement, and Regulating Stress for Pleasure 11:21 – Building Emotional Safety, Healing Trauma, and Overcoming Bodily Disconnection 12:48 – Overcoming Long-Term Relationship Predictability with Erotic Novelty 13:56 – Mapping Your Erotic Template and Using an Erotic Journal 16:56 – Cortisol Overload, Body Image Issues, and Navigating Sexual Shame 17:59 – Libido Killers: Antidepressant Side Effects and Perimenopause Hormonal Shifts 18:43 – Practical Insights from the Sexology Practice Guide 19:43 – Managing Desire Discrepancies and the Myth of Effortless Intimacy 21:18 – Sexual Communication Strategies: Sexy Happy Hour and Intimacy Menus 22:24 – Domestics Resentment: Chore Inequity and the Parent-Child Relationship Dynamic 27:12 – Rebalancing the Mental Load and Sensory Overload for Caregivers and Moms 27:42 – Dr. Nazanin Moali’s Journey Founding the Sexology Podcast 31:16 – De-stigmatizing Taboo Intimacy Topics, Kink, Pegging, and Sexual Education 32:45 – Content Creation Tips for Aspiring Sexual Health Podcasters 34:11 – Why Sex Feels Like a Chore: Shifting from Goal to Experience 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. Explore the Community: https://sexualhealthalliance.com/Certifications: https://sexualhealthalliance.com/get-certified-allcertificationsJoin Us at AMPLIFY this October 2026 Modern intimacy is evolving. 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/amplifyMore from this episode's guest at: Dr. Nazanin Moali: https://oasis2care.com/Sexology Podcast: https://sexologypodcast.com/The Erotic Mind by Jack MorinSUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW: If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps us reach more people who need these insights.🎙 Thanks for tuning in to The Sexology Lab. See you next week! www.sexologylab.com

    Why You're Not in the Mood (And There's Nothing Wrong With You) | Dr. Nazanin Moali | Episode 26

  6. Aug 20

    The Kids Are Alright: Dr. Eli Sheff on 25+ Years of Polyamorous Family Research | Episode 25

    What kind of relationship actually works for you—and how much of that answer comes from what you genuinely want versus what you've been taught a relationship is supposed to look like?In this two-part conversation, we sit down with Dr. Eli Sheff, sociologist, certified sexuality educator, longtime researcher of consensual non-monogamy, and Director of Sexual Health Alliance's Advanced Certification in Consensual Non-Monogamy. Drawing on more than 25 years of research, Dr. Sheff takes us beyond the stereotypes surrounding polyamory and into what people's relationships and families actually look like. In Part 2, we turn to Dr. Sheff's groundbreaking longitudinal research on polyamorous families with children. After decades of following these families, her findings challenge one of the biggest assumptions about consensual non-monogamy: that unconventional relationship structures inherently create instability for children. Instead, her research highlights resilience, emotional intelligence, strong support networks, and the importance of what she calls polyaffective relationships KEY TAKEAWAYS: Dr. Sheff's long-term research challenges assumptions that children raised in polyamorous families are inherently confused or unstable; the families in her research demonstrate significant stability, resilience, emotional connection, and social support.Strong polyamorous families often rely on polyaffective relationships—lasting emotional bonds that can remain important even when sexual or romantic relationships change. The quality of relationships, communication, consent, and support may tell us far more about a family's well-being than whether its structure fits conventional expectations.SHOW SUMMARY: 00:00 - 02:56 - Common Mistakes in Consensual Non-Monogamy & Navigating the Unicorn Hunters Phenomenon 02:56 - Unpacking Threesome Dynamics: Deconstructing Male Fantasies and Pornography Expectations 06:13 - The Evolution of Consensual Non-Monogamy in Academic Research and Psychology 11:00 - Debunking Myths About Polyamorous Families: Resilience, Emotional Intelligence, and Child Support Networks 16:50 - How Children Form Relationships with Parental Partners in Polyamorous Homes 20:05 - Overcoming Societal Stigma and Understanding Boundaries in Polyamorous Parenting 23:53 - Lightning Round: Media Representation, Pop Culture Portrayals, and the Reality of Non-Monogamous Lifestyles 27:51 - A Message for the Next Generation: Releasing Shame and Embracing Sexual Health and Relationship Diversity RESOURCES MENTIONED IN 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 sexual wellness: Explore the Community: www.sexualHealthAlliance.com Certifications: www. sexualhealthalliance.com/get-certified-allcertifications
Join Us at AMPLIFY this October 2026! Modern intimacy is evolving. 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://sexualhealthalliance.com/sha-annual-conference-2026More from this episode's guest and topics discussed: Dr. Eli Sheff: https://elisabethsheff.com/ The Bonding Project: https://www.bondingproject.com/ Sexual Health Alliance Advanced Certification in Consensual Non-Monogamy: https://sexualhealthalliance.com/consensual-non-monogamy-certification SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW: If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps us reach more people who need these insights.🎙 Thanks for tuning in to The Sexology Lab. See you next week! ⁠www.sexologylab.com⁠

    The Kids Are Alright: Dr. Eli Sheff on 25+ Years of Polyamorous Family Research | Episode 25

  7. Aug 13

    Monogamy, Polyamory, or Something Else? Finding Your Relationship Style with Dr. Eli Sheff Part 1 | Episode 24

    What kind of relationship actually works for you—and how much of that answer comes from what you genuinely want versus what you've been taught a relationship is supposed to look like? In this two-part conversation, we sit down with Dr. Eli Sheff, sociologist, certified sexuality educator, longtime researcher of consensual non-monogamy, and Director of Sexual Health Alliance's Advanced Certification in Consensual Non-Monogamy. Drawing on more than 25 years of research, Dr. Sheff takes us beyond the stereotypes surrounding polyamory and into what people's relationships and families actually look like.In Part 1, we explore the many ways people build relationships, from monogamy and polyamory to swinging and other forms of consensual non-monogamy. Dr. Sheff introduces the Bonding Project, explains how to determine which relationship structure might work for you, breaks down common mistakes people make when opening relationships, and tackles everything from unicorn hunting to couples privilege. There is no single relationship structure that works for everyone. Monogamy, polyamory, swinging, and other relationship styles come with different expectations around emotional intimacy, exclusivity, autonomy, and commitment.Before trying consensual non-monogamy, it's important to consider not only how you feel about having additional partners, but how you would feel about your partner having those same opportunities.SHOW SUMMARY: 00:00 – Non-traditional Relationship Models and Cornerstone Needs 00:21 – Introduction to Dr. Eli Sheff and Consensual Non-Monogamy 01:14 – Guest Icebreaker: Dr. Eli Sheff's Background in African Dance 01:54 – Overview of The Bonding Project Relationship Test 03:56 – Audience Compatibility and Romantic Bonding Archetypes 05:59 – Inspiration and History Behind Creating The Bonding Project 08:10 – Relationship Diversity, Stigma, and Fluid Expectations 09:58 – Paid Results Expansion and Managing Polycule Expectations 11:49 – Sponsor Segment: Sexology Practice Guide Promotion 12:28 – Defining Consensual Non-Monogamy, Open Relationships, and Polyamory 13:47 – Emotional Intimacy vs. Couple's Privilege in Polyamory and Swinging 16:12 – Identifying Personal Alignment with Monogamy vs. Polyamory 19:07 – Structuring Relationship Boundaries, Open Arrangements, and Alone Time 21:33 – Sociological Differences Between Polyamory, Polygamy, and Polygyny 22:56 – Socioeconomic Requirements of Polyamory and Women's Autonomy RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: The Sexology Lab is powered by Sexual Health Alliance, a global hub for world-class certifications, cutting-edge education, and a thriving community of professionals. Many of the show's guests also share their expertise at their events. Join them at: www.SexualHealthAlliance.com More from this episode's guest and topics discussed: Dr. Eli Sheff: https://elisabethsheff.com/ The Bonding Project: https://www.bondingproject.com/ Sexual Health Alliance Advanced Certification in Consensual Non-Monogamy: https://sexualhealthalliance.com/consensual-non-monogamy-certification SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW: If you loved these episodes, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps us reach more people who need these insights. 🎙 Thanks for tuning in to The Sexology Lab. See you next week! https://www.sexologylab.com/

    Monogamy, Polyamory, or Something Else? Finding Your Relationship Style with Dr. Eli Sheff Part 1 | Episode 24

  8. Aug 6

    Question Everything: How Japan, the Military, and Kink Shaped Midori | Episode 23

    Today in The Sexology Lab, we sit down with Midori—sexologist, educator, author, artist, and one of the pioneering voices in modern kink education. Best known for writing the first English-language instructional book on Japanese rope bondage and for leading Sexual Health Alliance's Kink Informed Certification Program, Midori shares the remarkable story behind the educator so many professionals know today. From growing up in Japan and immigrating to the United States at 14 without speaking English, to serving in the U.S. Army, discovering San Francisco's underground sex-positive movement, and helping shape modern kink education, Midori explains how questioning cultural norms became the foundation of her life's work. She also explores how attitudes toward sexuality differ between Japan and North America, why the BDSM community developed many of today's consent practices, and what professionals still get wrong when working with kinky clients. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Curiosity—not certainty—has driven Midori's career. Constantly questioning assumptions has allowed her to challenge outdated ideas about sexuality and kink.Modern BDSM education wasn't built overnight. Many of today's best practices around consent, negotiation, and safety were developed through decades of community learning and activism.Professionals can unintentionally harm kinky clients through bias, assumptions, or lack of education. Becoming kink-informed starts with curiosity, humility, and examining our own blind spots.SHOW SUMMARY: 00:00 Introducing Kink Pioneer Midori 01:23 Midori’s Origin & Early Background 01:45 Cultural Views on Sex: Japan vs. US 03:43 Questioning Norms & "Coming Out" Kinky 05:15 Contextual Shame in Japanese Culture 07:28 Sensory Sensuality & Eroguro in Japan 10:34 Negotiation & Communication Gaps in Japan 12:54 Bringing Consent & Negotiation to Japan 13:14 Promo: The Sexy Practice Guide 14:13 Common Mistakes Therapists Make with Kink 15:56 Trauma Assumptions & Pathologizing Kink 16:51 Consensual Non-Consent vs. Non-Consensual Kink 18:33 The Spectrum of Non-Consensual Kink 20:20 How Therapists Can Signal Kink-Inclusivity 22:02 Networking & Outing Yourself to Doctors 23:56 How the DSM-5 Shifted Kink Stigma 26:26 Lightning Round with Midori 26:27 BDSM Prevalence & Big Misconceptions 26:40 Overcoming Biases as Sex Professionals 27:43 The Book That Shaped Midori’s View on Desire 28:23 Empathy & Slowing Down for Relationship Safety 28:51 Why Kink-Informed Certification Matters 29:46 The Future of Sex Education & Gatekeeping RESOURCES MENTIONED THIS EPISODE: The Sexology Lab is powered by Sexual Health Alliance, a global hub for world-class certifications, cutting-edge education, and a thriving community of professionals. Many of the show's guests also share their expertise at SHA events and educational programs. Learn more at: Sexual Health Alliance: https://sexualhealthalliance.com/ Midori: https://planetmidori.com/ Sexual Health Alliance Kink Informed Certification: https://sexualhealthalliance.com/kink-informed-certification-program The Seductive Art of Japanese Bondage by Midori: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/seductive-art-of-japanese-bondage-midori/1004747883 San Francisco Sex Information (SFSI): https://www.sfsi.org/ The Kinsey Institute: https://kinseyinstitute.org/index.html Leather Archives & Museum: https://leatherarchives.org/ Carol Queen: https://carolqueen.com/ Annie Sprinkle: https://anniesprinkle.org/ Patrick Califia: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/contributor/patrick-califia/ SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW: If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps us continue bringing thoughtful conversations about sexuality, relationships, and human behavior to listeners around the world. 🎙️ Thanks for listening to The Sexology Lab. We'll see you next week. https://www.sexologylab.com/

    Question Everything: How Japan, the Military, and Kink Shaped Midori | Episode 23
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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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  • Creator
    sexologylab
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    31
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © sexologylab
  • Show Website
    The Sexology Lab