The Sex and Self Podcast

Let's Talk About Diagnosing Desire

We have Dr. Alyson K. Spurgas on today to talk about her latest book: Diagnosing Desire Biopolitics and Femininity into the Twenty-First Century. Felicia picks her brain and they discuss the main ideas put forward in professor Spurgas' first book. Issues like how young female socialization play a role in their sexual satisfaction later in life. Or how often female identifying people's sexuality is thought of and treated of as being reactive and passive. You can find more information on about Dr. Spurgas on her faculty profile, her twitter @alysonkspurgas, and website alysonkspurgas.com. Diagnosing Desire Biopolitics and Femininity into the Twenty-First Century can be found at all major online book sellers, if purchased directly from the publisher a discount of 30% can be applied at checkout with code: DIAGNOSING.

Let's Talk About Herpes

Today's episode is all about the big H: herpes! Our host Felicia gets into the weeds about the often unjustly stigmatized herpes virus with Sarah from the Positively Positive Podcast. Sarah and Felicia play myth busters and try to combat the bevy of false information surrounding herpes and STIs in general. We learn that it does get better, and that people can live normal, and sexual, lives after a diagnosis. Sarah can be found @positivelypositivepodcast on Instagram and the pod is available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Let's Talk About Colm!

Today on the pod we've hit a milestone with our first cis-heterosexual male ID guest! Felicia sits down for a talk about sex education in a Catholic school environment with childhood friend Colm Heath. The conversation develops into a discussion about pronouns and their use in society. We get to hear both sides and have a fruitful episode that sheds a little light on the cisgender perspective and the conversations that cis-gender folks typically avoid having.

Let's Talk About Sexual Violence @ McGill

Trigger warning: this episode deals with sexual assault subject matter.

This week's episode has Ava Rutgers, a final year McGill student, giving an inspiring account of her surviving an episode of sexual assault as a teenager. She walks us through one of the most difficult times of her life and discusses the latest bout of sexual violence right here on McGill's campus. Ava and Felicia talk about the relative lack of progress that institutions have made regarding punishing perpetuators of sexual assault.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual assault in McGill or the Montreal community do not hesitate to inquire about services offered by OSVRSE and SACOMSS: https://www.sacomss.org/wp/osverse/

Let's Talk About Transgender Day of Remembrance

This week, Felicia sits down with Addison Rose Vincent (@intersexrec), Executive Director of the Non-Binary and Intersex Recognition Project. Join the two as they discuss why Transgender Day of Remembrance should be thoughtfully celebrated, and the recognition we need to acknowledge to the trans community who have fought for equal rights as well as being victim of heinous systems that reinforce global oppression. Together we learn from Addison about what we can do to support, and how we can incorporate this type of activism into our daily lives and our practices towards gender inclusivity. 

Let's Talk About Sexuality and Disability

This week Felicia speaks with Bethany Stevens, the two discussed the intersections of sexuality and disability. Bethany is a PHD candidate focusing on disability sexuality, specifically pleasure, they focus on breaking down barriers and dismantling social constructs that limits individuals who are disabled. Bethany speaks to Felicia about how to positively discuss sex within the community, and how she's been working through the pandemic to help share the word with likeminded individuals to develop and share ideas regarding disability and sexuality. The two discuss topics such as language and transability, helping to work langauge we might not be familiar with into our everyday vocabulary. Make sure to check out Bethany's YouTube channel, and blog for more about Bethany! 

Let's Talk About Pelvic Floor Health

This week Felicia sits down with Pelvic Floor Specialist Laura Meihoffer from @laurameihofer. Laura takes us through how to seek the help we need, how to know if we need assistance with strengthening and looking after our pelvic floors, and what session of physical therapy for pelvic floor concerns might look like. Laura shows us a few exercises to practice at home and shares resources for those looking to advocate for their pelvic floor health. Laura has a wonderful website with information on pelvic floor services, education tools and videos on all things plevic floor! You can check it out at https://www.laurameihofer.com/

Let's Talk About Sex Toys with Amy

This week, Felicia speaks with Amy from the Shameless Sex Podcast about all things Sex toys. The ladies breakdown the most accessible and widely know toys from vibrators, dildos, butt plugs and yoni eggs following with information on how individuals can use them! Amy discusses her first experience with a vibrator and the dangers of using low quality sex toys. Amy emphasises the importance of keeping your toys clean and some basic sex toy hygiene practices. This is the perfect episode for all the sex toy newbies and super relevant for everyone practicing safe solo sex during the pandemic!

 

Let's Talk About Intersexuality

This week, for Intersex Awarness Day, Felicia speaks with Mel Thompson, who works for the Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity as an advocate for intersex awareness. Mel will share the experience of intersex individuals at different stages of life, and address medical prejudices against intersex people, who have to deal with the ignorant attitude of medical professionals ongoingly viewing intersexuality as an issue that needs fixed. Resources for intersex individuals are shared, as well as advice for how to speak to your health professionals should any issues arise - but most importantly, Mel shares with us their positive experience as an intersex individual.

Let's Talk About Puberty

This week Felicia talks to the brilliant paediatrician, Dr. Tessa, about puberty and all the myths and uncomfortable discussions that go alongside it. The ladies discuss common misconceptions about puberty, the misinformation surrounding it and the repercussions it can lead to. Dr Tessa talks about the importance of a proper sexual education system and tells us how she uses her social media platforms to spread teen body awareness and acceptance and have real conversations about self love and safe six with adolescents who need to hear it.