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. 1D AGO

    The Hookup Culture Myth: Why College Sex Isn’t What You Think

    We’re unpacking the myths about college sex and relationships—what’s really happening, what’s exaggerated, and why everyone assumes the worst. Drawing on decades of research, surveys, and real conversations with students, we break down the facts, the media hype, and the social pressures that shape how young adults navigate sex, relationships, and their own values. We also explore the role of fear, expectations, and social norms, and why these misconceptions keep popping up across generations. Along the way, we share practical tips for parents on talking about consent, boundaries, and healthy relationships without shame or judgment. From understanding emotional connections to navigating tricky social situations, this episode offers honest, eye-opening insights and a fresh perspective on casual sex, helping us separate myth from reality and rethink the stories we hear about young adults’ sexual lives. 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

    52 min

  2. MAR 25

    From Swipes to Scams: Online Dating and Digital Safety

    Online dating can be thrilling—but it comes with new risks in a world full of apps, smart devices, and AI tricks. In this episode of Unzipping Taboos, we break down practical ways to stay safe while navigating the digital dating scene, from your first swipe to meeting someone in person. We dive into the evolving landscape of digital risks, including catfishing, scams, oversharing on dating apps, and the emerging threat of AI voice spoofing. Through real stories and practical examples, we share how to set boundaries, recognize red flags, and trust your instincts—so you can date confidently without letting fear take over. Along the way, we explore how technology is changing the way we connect, why awareness matters more than ever, and how simple habits and smart precautions can make online dating safer, more enjoyable, and more empowering. Whether you’re messaging, planning a date, or just curious about staying secure in the digital world, this episode gives you the tools to interact safely, confidently, and thoughtfully in today’s dating landscape. 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 6m

  3. MAR 18

    Podcasthon 2026: SisterSong and the Reproductive Justice Movement

    Reproductive justice isn’t just about pregnancy. It’s about power, policy, and the conditions that shape people’s lives. This week, Unzipping Taboos is proud to participate in Podcasthon, a global movement uniting podcasts to spotlight organizations creating meaningful change. This year, we are honored to highlight SisterSong and their decades of leadership advancing reproductive justice. We talk with Shanti Moore, Birth Justice Training and Curriculum Coordinator at SisterSong, for a wide-ranging conversation about what reproductive justice truly means. Rooted in a framework developed by women of color, reproductive justice goes beyond healthcare — it examines how overlapping systems of oppression impact bodily autonomy, community safety, environmental conditions, voting access, and more. We discuss SisterSong’s RJ101 training, the evolution of their work since 1997, and the birth justice initiatives addressing disparities in maternal health outcomes for Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities. We also explore the vulnerability of pregnancy and postpartum care, the role of faith communities, and why implementing reproductive justice is a lifelong commitment grounded in education, grace, and collective action. As part of this year’s Podcasthon, we’re proud to amplify SisterSong’s mission — and we invite you to learn more, support their work, and join the ongoing effort to build systems where justice is not conditional, but guaranteed.  DONATE to SisterSong  To learn more about SisterSong, check out these links: SisterSong.net SisterSong - Become a Member  About SisterSong SisterSong RJ Training

    48 min

  4. MAR 11

    It’s More Than a Love Language: Communication Beyond Categories

    In this episode, we unzip the idea of love languages—where it came from, why it resonates with so many people, and where it falls short. We take a closer look at The 5 Love Languages, introduced by Gary Chapman, exploring both its appeal and its limitations. We talk about how the framework can offer couples a shared vocabulary, encourage self-reflection, and open the door to more intentional conversations about care and connection. At the same time, we examine the lack of scientific grounding behind the concept and the ways it can oversimplify complex emotional and relational needs. We also discuss how turning intimacy into quizzes, categories, or checklists can miss the point of real relationships—where needs shift over time, communication is ongoing, and understanding requires adaptability, not labels. From the Platinum Rule (doing unto others as they would like done unto them) to the realities of neurodivergence, aging, illness, and changing capacities for things like touch, we explore why no single framework can fully capture how humans give and receive love. This conversation isn’t about throwing love languages out entirely—it’s about putting them in their place. As a starting point, not a rulebook. A tool, not a truth. And always secondary to curiosity, listening, and the willingness to keep learning your partner—again and again. If you have a story, thoughts and/or a topic or question for Dr. Sue and Charlie please share your ideas here:  ⁠Show suggestions

    51 min

  5. MAR 4

    Curious About Ball Busting? You’re Not Alone

    In this episode, we unzip ball busting—a kink Dr. Sue gets asked about regularly through Hey Dr. Sue, and one that’s often surrounded by judgment, confusion, assumptions, and quiet shame. We talk plainly about what ball busting is and why having accurate language can make these conversations feel less awkward and a lot more human.  We focus on what actually matters when it comes to any consensual kink—communication, consent, and safety—covering boundaries, safe words, check-ins, and aftercare, while also clearing up common misconceptions about fetishes along the way. Above all, if you’re curious about or enjoy ball busting, there’s nothing wrong with you. This episode is about answering real questions with care and without judgment. It’s about making space for curiosity, normalizing honest conversations, and reminding listeners that kink—like all aspects of sexuality—can be explored responsibly, safely, and without shame. 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

    51 min

  6. FEB 25

    Bodies Aren’t Calendars: Periods, Pregnancy, and Protection

    In this episode, we unzip how the menstrual cycle actually works, what influences the likelihood of pregnancy, and why real bodies don’t operate on neat, predictable timelines. We explore how stress, medication, and everyday life can affect cycle timing, while clarifying common misconceptions about ovulation, fertilization, pre-ejaculate, and STI risk. We also talk about emergency contraception, breaking down what options exist, how and when they work best, and why effectiveness can vary from person to person. Along the way, we highlight the importance of access, accurate information, and autonomy when making time-sensitive reproductive health decisions. Our conversation addresses the very real issue of period poverty, highlighting it as a systemic issue connected to education, infrastructure, and dignity—and underscoring why comprehensive menstrual health education matters at every stage of life. This episode offers clarity where there’s often confusion, replacing silence and stigma with practical knowledge and compassion. 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

    55 min

  7. FEB 18

    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

  8. 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
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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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