In this episode of Sex, Bodies, and Cinema, Jason and Ashley are joined by special guest Garland Jarmon, a sex and intimacy coach from Seattle, Washington, to dive into the surreal and provocative world of Yorgos Lanthimos’ Poor Things (2023). Starring Emma Stone, Mark Ruffalo, and Willem Dafoe, this bold film follows Bella Baxter’s extraordinary journey of self-discovery, autonomy, and embodiment after her unconventional resurrection by a brilliant yet unorthodox scientist.

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses themes of sexuality, autonomy, and body experimentation, which may be sensitive for some listeners.

Hosts

Jason Goode is Somatic Sex Educator and Somatic Performance Coach. Learn more about his work and offerings at somarelating.ca.

Ashley Rose is a Sexological Bodyworker & intimacy coach who specializes in internal pelvic care. Visit her website at ashleyelisabethrose.ca for resources, workshops, and private coaching.

Our guest is Garland Jarmon, a Sex and Intimacy Coach, based in Seattle. Visit his website at spiritualeros.com. Garland helps individuals explore their bodies and sexuality through somatic education, free from shame, guilt, and judgment.

Explore Your Relationship Patterns

Take Jason’s Hidden Relationship Patterns Quiz. Uncover subconscious patterns that influence how you show up in your relationships. Get started with the quiz at https://somarelatingquiz.scoreapp.com/.

Transform Your Relationships

Jason also offers The Authentic Intimacy Course as a follow up to the quiz, designed to help you bring clarity, confidence, and authenticity to your relationships. It’s only $59 and you can use promo code CINEMA25 to get 25% off. www.somarelating.ca

Topics Discussed

[00:17] Welcome and introductions. Exploring the intersection of sex, embodiment, and film.
[01:05] Film overview: Poor Things as a tale of evolution, freedom, and self-discovery.
[10:00] The use of lenses and cinematography to reflect Bella’s inner world.
[24:45] Bella’s sexual awakening and the significance of “happiness.”
[35:00] Experiments in Lisbon: Pleasure, freedom, and sensory discovery.
[45:00] Bella’s loss of innocence in Alexandria: Seeing suffering and evil for the first time.
[50:00] Paris and the brothel: Bella’s exploration of boundaries and consent.
[56:45] Wisdom through experience: The impact of Madam Swinney’s teachings.
[1:05:00] The return to London: Bella’s confrontation with Godwin, Felicity, and her past.
[1:13:44] The confrontation with Alfie: Power, consent, and self-possession.
[1:20:00] The ending: Bella as a triumphant, embodied figure stepping into her power.

Additional Resources

The Wheel of Consent by Betty Martin: https://bettymartin.org/
A foundational framework for understanding giving, receiving, and consent. She has many resourceful videos on her YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BettyMartin

Dive deep into the Wheel of Consent at the School of Consent: https://www.schoolofconsent.org/

Jaiya's Erotic Blueprint – Discover your erotic blueprint and learn about the healing power of pleasure.

About the Podcast

Sex, Bodies, and Cinema explores films that tackle taboo subjects of sex, embodiment, and intimacy. Co-hosts Jason Goode and Ashley Rose bring their expertise in somatic sex education and filmmaking to spark thought-provoking conversations.

Produced by Jason Goode
Editing and Mixing by Taqi
Music from #Uppbeat
https://uppbeat.io/t/infraction/ultraviolet
License code: D1XMKMHAULTCPFSC

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