Sexistential U

Janis and Rachel reflect on the process of creating Season 2 of Sexistential U, including how we heal and practice self-care through experiences of sexualization and power, and how we understand our roles as educators and therapists with humility.

Rachel and Janis talk about intimate partner violence, the warning signs, why it's hard to leave, who gets left out of the conversation about IPV (the invisible victim/survivors), the idea that "hurt people hurt people," and where to look for help. 

Janis and Rachel talk about dynamics of sexualization and power inherent in incest and rape both from an intellectual/fantasy perspective and in the context of real life power dynamics and harm. 

Rachel and Janis discuss sexual harassment both IRL and online.

Rachel and Janis talk about the complicated phenomenon of withholding sex to get what you want in a relationship and the gender norms it operates along.

Janis and Rachel introduce the Circle of Sexuality that covers Sexualization & Power. Janis bemoans the fact that talking about sexual violence is such a norm that it's just another day ending in Y, and the two reflect on their flirting game, and what comes to mind when they hear the word "seduction." 

The identified elements of the sexualization & power circle are:

Quote: 

"The quality of Game is much more about being honest and being yourself than being smooth. It's not about small talk, filling the space, or easing the awkwardness. It's letting true desire and curiosity come to the forefront of an interaction." - Adrienne Maree Brown, Pleasure Activism

Quote:

"Seducers are people who understand the tremendous power..."

- Robert Greene, The Concise Art of Seduction

Love Languages

Zahira Kelly-Cabrera

Relationship Anarchy Manifesto

Pick Up Artists and Rape Culture

The Jeremy (That one is just for fun lol)

Why Men Need Platonic Touch

The Lack of Gentle Platonic Touch in Men's Lives is a Killer

Q to the audience: What are some of your experiences with seduction and/or flirting?

Rachel and Janis talk about what they've learned so far from Pleasure Activism, and critique the absence of pleasure in mainstream sex ed curricula.

Quote: Adrienne Maree Brown

“I am having the best sex of my life, and it isn’t an accident.”

Janis talks to Danielle aka @thesexpottherapist (she/her/That Bitch) about sex and spirituality, cannabis and meditation, sex ed, sex work, and our shared values about authenticity and self-disclosure as therapists which Danielle declares perfectly as "Human First, Therapist Second."

You can find Danielle online at: