The first incarnation of this blog and podcast, Poiesis Studio, was actually a practice group for actors and filmmakers. We used to meet at the Democracy Center in Harvard Square, Cambridge. It was there that I first met, Nicole Mazzeo. Her educational organization Pleasure Pie was sponsoring an ongoing discussion group called Sex Positive Boston. Curious to see what they were about, I eventually ventured into one of the meetings. A bit nervous, I was pleasantly surprised to find myself welcomed into a meeting space of very diverse folks talking with one another openly and honestly about their sexuality. I was struck how genuine and sincere people were, and how much they seemed to get out of having this space to share their thoughts and feelings on sex and relationships. As someone who leads therapy groups, I felt keenly aware of the presence and skill with which the facilitator, Nicole led this group. Nicole thinks outside of the box, and brings a boon of wisdom in this episode. Enjoy!

 

Links from the show Pleasure Pie Bitch Magazine Sex Positive Boston Center for Sexual Pleasure and HealthPervocracy Weebly Shamble Meditation Center Brookline Occupy Boston Her Towel Head

People mentioned Megan Andelloux Nina Hartley

Show notes 

• Nicole talks about sex eduction and what the term Sex Positive means [4:39]
• The beginnings of Nicole’s journey toward becoming a sex educator. [7:37]
• Nicole talks about early challenges around sexuality. [10:12  ]
• Feminism, Bitch Magazine, and Sex positivity. [11:58  ]
• Zine making and the origins of Pleasure Pie. [14:51]
• The ups and downs of teaching teenagers about consent. [16:53]
• Slut and prude shaming. [23:08  ]   
• Nicole’s approach to leading discussion groups. [27:54]
• Some of Nicole’s inspirations. [32:38]
• Response to some random questions. [35:20 ]
• Nicole’s final provocative question for listeners. [43:07]