Head South Radio

This episode delves into the critical topic of high school sex education, focusing on a pleasure-centered approach and the challenges posed by social media censorship.

Tara Michaela's Youth Sexpert Program serves as a beacon of hope for comprehensive and honest sex education for young people. The discussion with Cat sheds light on the future of sex education and the ongoing struggle to provide accurate, inclusive, and empowering information in a digital age.

Cat and Tara discuss the future of sex education, focusing on the importance of providing students with a comprehensive and inclusive education that addresses their needs. They talk about the evolving landscape of sex education and the challenges of integrating pleasure-based approaches in traditional curricula. Tara shares her vision for expanding the TYSP program and making pleasure-centered sex education more widely accessible to young people.

The conversation shifts to the topic of social media censorship, with a focus on the challenges that sex educators face when sharing educational content online. Tara discusses the impact of censorship on sex education and the need for more transparency and open dialogue on these platforms. Cat and Tara explore the importance of advocating for accurate, science-based information on social media.

In this episode, we discuss the following:

• Tara's background

• Peer-to-Peer Sex Education 

• Parents' role in Sex Ed

• Empowering High School students with accurate, comprehensive, and inclusive Sex Ed 

• Social Media Censorship 

• The future of the Youth Sexpert Program

You can find Tara here: @theyouths3xpertprogram | @yourexgirlfriendtara

Girl Knew York x Head South T-Shirt:A portion of the proceeds from this T-Shirt will be donated to The Youth Sexpert Program. Supporting LGBTQ+, reproductive rights, and sexual education non-profits is a deeply held value for Head South. We believe that as a brand, we have a responsibility to do more than just profit; we must also contribute positively to the world around us.

Please support Tara's foundation of choice: The Youth Sexpert Program is a semester-long, virtual training program for high school-enrolled youth ages 14-18. Weekly Zoom sessions range in topics from anatomy to consent to self-pleasure to STI destigmatization to porn literacy. The program is fundamentally pleasure-centered and radically honest, as opposed to fear-driven.

This week, Cat speaks with Danielle Bezalel, MPH, aka DB (she/her/hers), the Creator, Executive Producer, and Host of the Sex Ed with DB podcast, a feminist podcast bringing you all the sex ed you never got, centering LGBTQ+ and BIPOC experts. Danielle earned a Master of Public Health with expertise in sexuality, sexual, and reproductive health from Columbia University.

• How porn shapes people's perceptions of pleasure and sexuality

• Porn as a tool for self-discovery and exploring desires and preferences

• Ethical porn 

• How porn can enhance intimate relationships

• Misconceptions and stereotypes about pleasure

• Before, During and Aftercare 

• Solo Play

• Toys and Lube

You can find Danielle here:

Instagram: @sexedwithdbpodcast | TikTok: @sexedwithdb | YouTube | sexedwithdb.com

Please support Danielle's foundation of choice: S.W.A.N. of Orlando aims to provide patients safe access to critical medical and abortion care. As clinic escorts, we volunteer to protect patients from the harassment of nasty, misogynistic, and sometimes violent protestors as they seek family planning services with the support of their doctor

This episode is slightly different as it's an interview with our host and founder Cat Meyer and her friend and former colleague at Hairstory, Gina Schiappacasse. This episode serves as a backstory, shedding light on how Cat's journey progressed from a dream about lubes to the launch of a sexual wellness product line in under two years.

Cat and Gina discuss the origins of Head South, reflecting on their time at Hairstory and paying tribute to their mentor, Michael Gordon. His influence has been a guiding light in shaping Cat's approach to everything related to Head South as a business. They also discuss Cat's anxieties and aspirations as the founder and her vision for the future of Head South.

In this episode, we discuss the following:

• Head South's origin story
• Head South products
• Cat's philosophies on business and the lessons she's learned 
• Prioritizing pleasure and sexual education
• Erotic Intelligence 
• Cat's vision for the future of Head South 

About our guest host Gina Schiappacasse:Gina is a digital marketer by day and an illustrator/designer by night. She previously worked with Cat Meyer at the brand Hairstory, running the company's social media, and continues to work in the beauty/haircare industry. She has moonlighted as an illustrator for many years and recently illustrated and self-published a tarot deck called The Heroine Tarot.

Please support Cat's foundation of choice:The Youth Sexpert Program is a semester-long, virtual training program for high school enrolled youth ages 14-18. Weekly Zoom sessions range in topics from anatomy to consent to self-pleasure to STI destigmatization to porn literacy. The program is fundamentally pleasure-centered and radically honest, as opposed to fear-driven.

Dirty Lola's journey in the realm of sexual education has been nothing short of extraordinary. From her dynamic live presentations to her engaging Q&A show, "Sex Ed A Go-Go," she's been on the forefront of dismantling the stigma and shame surrounding discussions about sex and sexuality. You may also recognize her from her appearances on the Netflix documentary series, "The Principles of Pleasure."

In this thought-provoking conversation, Cat and Lola explore a wide range of topics, including her personal journey into sex education, her origins as an "edutainer," and the power of peer-to-peer sex education. We delve into the expansive world of kink, the importance of body representation, and the significance of allyship and advocacy.

Lola also opens up about her transition from monogamy to polyamory, navigating the complex emotions of grief and loss following breakups, and the transformative nature of partnerships that offer validation and room for growth.

Join us as we embark on this conversation with Dirty Lola, a true trailblazer in the world of sexual education and liberation. Get ready to challenge your preconceptions and learn how to create a more inclusive and shame-free world when it comes to matters of pleasure and intimacy.

You can find Dirty Lola here:

Twitter: @DirtyLola | Instagram: @DirtyLola | DirtyLola.Co

Please support Dirty Lola's foundation of choice: The Youth Sexpert Program is a semester long, virtual training program for high school enrolled youth ages 14-18. Weekly zoom sessions range in topics from anatomy to consent to self pleasure to STI destigmatization to porn literacy. The program is fundamentally pleasure centered and radically honest, as opposed to fear driven.

Dr. Mary Tracey's journey in the world of health began during her undergraduate studies in Biology and Chemistry at Southern Connecticut State University. It was there that she realized the critical need for public education to empower individuals to take control of their health. This realization led her to pursue a career as a naturopathic doctor and traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner.

Throughout her educational journey, Dr. Tracey has gained valuable insights into the intricacies of the human body and effective methods to promote long-term well-being. Her expertise encompasses a range of topics, including women's health, pain management, and intervention for chronic diseases.

We dive into a variety of subjects with Dr. Tracey, including the fascinating rhythms and cycles of the female body, the importance of relational and inclusive sex education, and the ins and outs of perimenopause.

🎧 The rhythms and cycles of the female body 🎧 Relational and inclusive sex education 🎧 What is perimenopause 🎧 Advice for coming off of birth control 🎧 Hormone therapy

You can find Dr. Tracey here: @marytracey_nd on Instagram | Collaborative Natural Health Partners

Please support Dr. Tracey's foundation of choice: The mission of the National Vulvodynia Association, a non-profit created in 1994, is to help improve the health and quality of life of women suffering from vulvodynia, chronic vulvar pain without an identifiable cause.

Taylor Mizuno-Moore is a queer, biracial, neurodivergent psychotherapist. Informed by her work as a professional musician for over 25 years, Taylor enjoys working with artists, musicians, actors/actresses, and other folks working in a variety of creative fields. Taylor also specializes in working with the LGBTQ+ community and folks exploring polyamory and pleasure. Taylor also updated us that she has recently started her own private practice Mizuno-Moore Psychotherapy. 

We delve into several critical topics with Taylor Mizuno-Moore:

1. Sexual/Gender Identity: Taylor highlights the importance of providing a safe space for individuals to explore their sexual and gender identities. It's a journey of self-discovery and acceptance that often requires the guidance of a therapist who understands these complex aspects of identity.

2. Identity Exploration: Taylor acknowledges the significance of identity exploration in therapy. Many seek therapists who share similar experiences and identities, as this can lead to a more profound and empathetic therapeutic relationship. Identity is a central theme in Taylor's work.

3. Queerness: Queerness is a central aspect of Taylor's practice. She offers support and affirmation to LGBTQ+ individuals, recognizing the unique challenges they may face in a world that isn't always accepting. Her work fosters a sense of belonging and self-acceptance within the queer community.

4. Intersectionality of Various Personal Identifiers: Taylor discusses the intersectionality of mixed-race identities and sexuality. She notes the emergence of discussions surrounding fetishization, particularly concerning Asian femmes. In therapy, Taylor helps individuals unpack and address the discomfort associated with being objectified based on certain aspects of their identity.

Throughout the episode, Taylor emphasizes the importance of safety in therapy for individuals exploring queerness and other vulnerable identities. Her work is centered on creating a supportive environment where clients can authentically explore and embrace their true selves, free from judgment or shame.

🎧 Sexual/Gender Identity 🎧 Creating Safe Spaces as a Therapist 🎧 Identity Exploration 🎧 Sex Education 🎧 Queerness 🎧 Intersectionality of various personal identifiers

You can find Taylor here: @tay_mizunomoore & @queertherapynotes on Instagram | www.mizunomoore.com

Please support Taylor's foundation of choice: The Okra Project is a mutual aid collective focused on supporting Black Trans people and alleviating the barriers that their community faces.

Join us in this eye-opening episode as we sit down with the incredible Kiana Lewis, a pleasure mentor, sexuality educator, writer, and sex work advocate. Kiana's journey from a Women and Gender Studies degree to a former erotic laborer has given them a unique perspective on sensuality, desires, eroticism, spirituality, and creativity.

With a passion for storytelling and an affinity for quoting their favorite TV shows, Kiana shares their insights into how we think about, communicate, and explore our most intimate aspects of self. From creating thought-provoking content on social media to crafting transformative courses and workbooks, Kiana's work is an inspiring blend of education and advocacy.

In this conversation, we delve into Kiana's personal journey, their Healing is ImperfecT Instagram platform, labels and healing, and their one-on-one and relational work with individuals. As Kiana helps us navigate the complexities of sensuality, they remind us that healing is a journey that's as beautiful as it is imperfect.

In this episode, we discuss the following:

🎧 What is a pleasure mentor? 🎧 Labels and Identities 🎧 Relationship styles 🎧 Transitioning from non-monogamy to monogamy 🎧 Online s3x work 🎧 Kiana's relationship to s3x, her body, and eroticism

You can find Kiana here: @healingisimperfect & @theexpansivegroup on Instagram | theexpansivegroup.com

Please support Kiana's foundation of choice: Zepp Wellness Center is a non-profit organization founded in 2019 by Raquel Savage, a Black queer sex worker and therapist, that centers the mental health and healing needs of Black queer folks, survivors and sex workers

Let's connect: @headsouth.world on Instagram | @headsouth.world on TikTok | Cat Meyer on Instagram - @kittycatmeyer

Head South Affiliate Partners: 

• Fascia Movement Method: The Floss | Use the discount code "HEADSOUTH" at checkout

• The New Way to Wash Hair: Hairstory | 1st-time customers use the link for a discount 

• Non-Hormonal Birth Control: Natural Cycles | Use the link for a discount

Gay Hendricks is no stranger to the world of relationships and personal growth. With a career spanning over four decades, he's not only a licensed therapist but also the author of numerous bestselling books on topics ranging from conscious relationships to personal development. His expertise in this realm is unmatched, making him a sought-after voice for understanding the intricate dynamics that underlie human connections.

During this interview, Cat delves into the heart of Hendricks' groundbreaking book, Conscious Loving. This book is more than just words on paper; it's a guide to transforming relationships from spaces of codependency and imbalance to realms of conscious collaboration and profound connection. Hendricks' insights resonate deeply as he shares the keys to creating relationships that foster growth, communication, and mutual respect.

🔍 A Partnership that Inspires: One of the most heartwarming aspects of the conversation is Hendricks' own relationship with his wife and collaborator, Kathlyn. Their partnership is not only a testament to the principles they advocate but also a living example of conscious loving. Together, they've co-authored books and conducted workshops that have touched countless lives, guiding couples towards deeper intimacy and self-awareness.

💬 Unpacking Codependency: No conversation with Gay Hendricks is complete without addressing the elephant in the room: codependency. The interview delves into the intricacies of this common yet often misunderstood phenomenon. With his unique blend of wisdom and experience, Hendricks offers insights into recognizing codependent patterns, breaking free from their grasp, and fostering healthier, more empowered relationships.

🌟 Couples Therapy and Beyond: As pioneers in the field of couples therapy, Hendricks and his wife Kathlyn have brought their transformative insights to workshops and seminars worldwide. The interview explores the power of couples therapy and how it can provide a safe space for partners to unpack their challenges, grow together, and embrace the beauty of their connection.

🎧 Codependent relationships 

🎧 Communication skills

🎧 Accountability

You can find Gay here: hendricks.gay on IG | @GayHendricks on Twitter | hendricks.com | Youtube

Mariah is a Latine sex educator and advocate who is dedicated to promoting inclusivity and equity in sexual health education. She is also the creator of the Sex Ed Files on TikTok and Instagram, where she shares her knowledge and answers anonymous sex-ed questions. Mariah holds a degree in Psychology and has worked with a variety of organizations to provide comprehensive sexual health education to individuals of all ages and backgrounds. She believes that everyone deserves access to accurate, shame-free sexual health information, and is committed to breaking down the barriers that prevent individuals from accessing this critical education.

What to expect:

🔍 Insights from a Sex Educator: Mariah brings her wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, shedding light on the current state of sex education and its challenges.

💬 Conversations that Matter: We discuss the importance of inclusive and comprehensive sex education, its impact on individuals and society, and how we can all contribute to creating a more informed and open environment.

🌟 Unveiling "Sex Ed Files": Learn more about Mariah's TikTok journey and how she's using social media to dismantle misconceptions and engage with a wider audience on critical sexual health topics.

In this episode, we discuss the following:

• Comprehensive and Inclusive sex education
• The Holistic approach to comprehensive sex education
• The Sex Ed Files
• Educational content creation

You can find Mariah here: @sexedfiles (IG and TikTok)

Please support Mariah's foundation of choice: The Trevor Project is an American nonprofit organization focused on suicide prevention efforts among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning youth. They offer a toll-free telephone number where confidential assistance is provided by trained counselors.

• Head South Instagram @headsouth.world
• TikTok - @headsouth.world
• Cat Meyer Instagram - @kittycatmeyer 

• Fascia Movement Method: The Floss | Use the discount code "HEADSOUTH" at checkout
• The New Way to Wash Hair: Hairstory | 1st-time customers use the link for a discount 
• Non-Hormonal Birth Control: Natural Cycles | Use the link for a discount

Head South products are launching soon! Join our waitlist at headsouth.world to get 15% off when we launch.

In our Season 1 finale we have Kyle Freeman, an artist, a spiritual and energetic creative based in Lisbon and New York City. She has over fifteen years of experience refining her intuitive skills and developing an in-depth understanding of both the built environment and the individual's physical, psychological, and spiritual relationship to their body and their spaces. She guides her clients in weaving spirit and persona together to create worlds from the vibrancy of their full being.

Cat and Kyle talk about a few topics in this episode but a primary theme was dismantling a home when you are moving out of a space once shared with a partner. They also dive into conversations around casual sex, the energetics of intimacy, and a listener's question regarding moving into your partners' apartment and how to blend a space already occupied and her advice on removing stale, negative, or old energy from objects or spaces.

In this episode, we discuss the following:

• Cohabitation

• Breaking up

• Building a home together

• Unraveling a home and a relationship

• Energetics of intimacy and objects

• Casual sex and emotional intelligence

You can find Kyle here: @nkylefreeman | nathaliekylefreeman.com

Please support Kyle's foundation of choice: The Yellowhammer Fund is an abortion advocacy and reproductive justice organization serving Alabama, Mississippi, and the Deep South.

Head South Partners: 

• Fascia Movement Method The Floss- Use the discount code "HEADSOUTH" at checkout

• The New Way to Wash Hair - Hairstory- 1st-time customers use the link for discount 

• Non-Hormonal Birth Control- Natural Cycles- Use the link for discount