Sex Savvy

“My Penis is a Battering Ram” - One Man’s Sexual Story

In this episode Kimberly interviews a longstanding client about his sexless relationship and his ambivalence regarding his masculinity and sexual energy. He explains why he believes masculinity is inherently aggressive and predatory; and how his lifelong ambivalence about his masculinity made it difficult for him to express his erotic interests/needs in his relationship. He further explains how expectations (sexual and otherwise) feel burdensome to him. He recalls a story from his youth when a girl gave him ‘love notes’ at school and it made him angry and embarrassed because she ‘expected’ something from him that he could not (and did not want to) deliver. He candidly describes his ongoing struggles with intimacy and commitment. In her own special way, Kimberly facilitates an honest, compelling, and therapeutic dialogue that allows her client to share his sexual story with authenticity and humor.

I'm Not Broken: Sex, Illness & Disability

In this episode, Kimberly interviews fellow sex therapist Dr. Shannon Chavez. They discuss how chronic illness (such as Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Thyroid Disease, and pelvic pain) and acute illness (such as Cancer) impact the phases of sexual response and affect emotional intimacy in a relationship. They also discuss how Autism, physical disability, and Aging bring their own unique set of sexual challenges; and how stigmas about each of these special populations may affect sexual health and satisfaction. Finally, they explore how early messages and beliefs from religion can undermine one’s sexual comfort and expression. Dr. Chavez calls this ‘spiritual trauma’ and describes how she approaches this in therapy with her clients.

Trends and Topics in Sex Therapy

In this episode, Kimberly interviews Dr. Hernando Chaves about his progressive approach to sex therapy and sexual health. The two certified sex therapists share some of their favorite interventions and describe trends in each of their practices. They discuss the impact of keeping secrets, different manifestations of consensual non-monogamy, and how understanding a partner’s love language can decrease resentment and improve communication and empathy. In addition to the interview. Kimberly also gives a Sex IQ Quiz on the neurochemicals Dopamine, Serotonin, Oxytocin, and Adrenaline.

The Birds and the Bees: A Lifelong Conversation

In this episode, Kimberly discusses child and adolescent sexual development. She describes normative, predictable behaviors based on age and gender; and outlines red flags that could be signs of sexual abuse. She highlights how important it is for parents to begin a lifelong conversation about sex with their children to reduce the intergenerational shame and guilt that keep sex taboo in our culture. She shares personal anecdotes about raising her three sons and introducing them to biological, reproductive, and sexual concepts at developmentally appropriate ages. She encourages parents to use books (she recommends her favorites) to help them determine what to share and teach about sex at different stages. She encourages parents to use proper names for body parts and avoid cutesy or silly nicknames for genitals. She discusses the benefits of preparing kids for puberty and how their bodies will change. She also emphasizes the importance of discussing consent, contraception, sexually transmitted infections, and boundaries with tweeners and teens.

Penile Transplants, Plasma Therapy, and Human Tissue Engineering

In this episode, Kimberly highlights how biomedical engineering can improve sexual functioning and reproduction. She discusses innovations in penile and uterine transplants and how these surgeries can restore fertility and function in men and women. Kimberly describes a soon-to-be released contraception for men called Vasalgel, which is a long-acting, non-hormonal product with a significant advantage over vasectomy because it is easily reversable. This contraceptive is not FDA-approved or available, but is currently undergoing clinical trials overseas. Her guest is sexual medicine physician Joshua Gonzalez, M.D. They discuss the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to treat erectile dysfunction in men and the use of lasers to treat pelvic pain and post-menopausal pain in women. Kimberly completes the episode with an email from a listener seeking guidance regarding her gay son’s colo-rectal health.

Sex Robots: Mechanical Paradise?

In this episode, Kimberly takes a deep dive into the world of sex robots. She starts out by referencing certain female archetypes in mythology, literature, and film. She describes the latest and greatest technological innovations; and how artificial intelligence is now being used to make sexbots seem as human as possible. She shares examples of customization options, price, popularity, and demographic info on the typical robot owner (who is white, heterosexual, middle aged, employed male). She discusses movements for and against the use of sex robots and some of the ethical considerations. She highlights the most comprehensive study to date on the reasons why men purchase sex robots and the role that these bots play in their lives.

Sex & The Mind-Body Connection

In this episode, Kimberly interviews sexological body worker Steve Oskard and they discuss the mind-body connection as it relates to sexual expression. He explains the types of issues that can be improved by this type of somatic work and describes the differences between Sexological Body Work and Sexual Surrogacy. Kimberly discusses the physical reactions that some of her patients describe when approached for sexual contact; and how these reactions decrease their (and often their partner’s) sexual function and satisfaction.

ABDL Part 2

This is part two of a two-part episode on Paraphilic Infantilism, also known as Adult Baby Syndrome. Kimberly shares some of the feedback she received from listeners about the interview with an Adult Baby Diaper Lover (ABDL) in Part 1. She reads from a famous ABDL’s personal memoir about the “moment” he discovered his attraction to diapers. Kimberly also interviews a ‘professional Mommy’ who describes her ABDL-friendly salon where clients can engage in ‘age play,’ regress to very young childhood, and live out their infantile fantasies.

Adult Baby Diaper Lovers - Part 1

This is part one of a two-part episode on Paraphilic Infantilism, also known as Adult Baby Syndrome. Kimberly describes behaviors associated with this rare fetish, as well as theories, the typical profile, history of the fetish, and resources available. She interviews an Adult Baby Diaper Lover (ABDL) who shares his story and describes the role of the fetish in his life.

Condoms, Couples & Conversations

In this episode, Kimberly highlights and discusses three recently published sexual health studies. The first study highlights variables that determine the number of sexual partners in individuals over age 50. The second study discusses condom negotiation strategies in adults age 18-25. The third study discusses how people who engage in Consensual Non-Monogamy (CNM) experience barriers to healthcare. After a chock-full “Sex IQ Quiz,” Kimberly interviews sex researcher, educator and therapist Dr. Bridget Finn about her newly published book, “Inspired Vagina, Capable Penis.” Kimberly and Bridget also discuss trends in their respective sex therapy practices.