In this episode of Cultivate Talk, I sit down with Macy Dunklin, a writing center professional and doctoral candidate in Communication at Texas A&M University, whose research explores stigma, education, and the power of supportive spaces. Together, they unpack how communication shapes two surprisingly connected areas—writing and sex education—and why both are often surrounded by shame, assumptions, and silence. Macy shares insights from their work on sex toy stores as informal learning spaces, the role of community literacy, and how we can build environments where asking for help feels empowering rather than stigmatizing. Whether you’re an educator, communicator, or lifelong learner, this conversation invites you to rethink how we talk about learning, confidence, and care.