As a grade-school homeschooler raised in a Christian household, my sex-ed consisted of the unhelpful “Don’t do it, it’s sinful,” (so sayeth Dr. James Dobson of Focus On The Family), and the nearly-as-bad “What’s wrong, babydoll?” and “Break up with him/her,” (Adam Carolla and Dr. Drew on the late-night call-in relationship/sex advice radio show Loveline).
As I entered my late-teens, I discovered Dan Savage and the Savage Lovecast, which was far more helpful but often centered on politics, which can sometimes be difficult or overwhelming to auditorially slog through for the sake of hearing Dan’s sex & relationship advice.
And now, in the past few years of my late twenties, I happened upon Birna on Instagram, where she uses her position as a sex educator to take in and answer questions. It’s a much quicker, balanced format; easy to digest, always available, very approachable. With the evolution of Birna’s Instagram stories into this podcast comes that very personal aspect of a conversation that only vocal inflection and tone can achieve, and achieve it she does here in Beyond The Bedroom.
It’s refreshing finding someone so giving of herself and her knowledge, to an audience seeking answers but who may not know where to turn or what to search for on the internet — a space where any theory can be reinforced. Birna comes through with gentle but informed perspective, and sound advice on topics ranging from body-image to polyamory.
Clarisse Thorn, Dan Savage, look out! And thank you Birna for allowing yourself to be so approachable — I’m enjoying learning so much from you and your audience.
