Sexology

Welcome to Episode 473 of the Sexology Podcast! Today I am excited to be joined by Dr. Nicole Thompson, who speaks to me about psychedelic-informed sexuality, chemsex, and harm reduction in erotic spaces.

A quick note for my single listeners in California, if you're craving intentional, psychologically grounded ways to meet people. We have a beautiful offering coming up through LALOVELAB.com; a company I co-created with my colleague Dr. Richard Espinoza. Our next matchmaking event is Saturday February 7th at 4:00pm hosted at the Craft Contemporary Museum in LA. It's thoughtfully curated experience designed by us to help you connect with intention, not apps.

In this episode, we discuss how psychedelics intersect with sexuality, pleasure, and relationships, beginning with a reframe of what we even mean by “drugs” and altered states. We also talk about how substances such as MDMA, psilocybin, and ketamine can act as non-specific amplifiers, and why intention, set, and setting matter so deeply when people are exploring erotic connection in altered states. 

Dr. Nicole Thompson is a queer sex and relationship psychotherapist providing psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, researcher, and host of the top-5% global podcast Modern Anarchy. As the founder of The Pleasure Practice, she supports individuals in crafting expansive sex lives and intimate relationships grounded in desire, freedom, and authenticity. Her work weaves together psychology and embodiment, exploring how pleasure, psychedelics, and relational healing open pathways to liberation.

In this episode, you will hear:

·      Psychedelics And Erotic States

·      Chemsex And Harm Reduction

·      Set, Setting, And Intention

·      Consent In Altered States

·      Managing Jealousy And Activation

·      Grounding And Co-Regulation Tools

·      Comparing MDMA, Psilocybin, And Ketamine

·      Safety, Dosing, And Preparation

·      Integration After Psychedelic Sex

·      Sober Psychedelic Sex Practices

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Podcast Produced by Vaudeo Productions

Welcome to Episode 472 of the Sexology Podcast! Today I am excited to be joined by Anya Laeta, August McLaughlin, Bel Di Lorenzo, Dr. Elliot Justin, Dr. Evan Goldstein, Dr. Maria Sophocles, Nicoletta Heidegger and Suzannah Weiss as part of this special episode on setting goals for sexual health in 2026. 

As we move into the new year, I want to slow things down a bit and move away from rigid resolutions that are often rooted in pressure, shame, or performance. In this episode, I’m bringing together voices you already know and trust to help reframe sexual health goals as supportive practices rather than benchmarks to pass or fail.

Throughout this episode, we discuss your capacity for pleasure, enhancing communication, and letting go of narrow definitions of what sex is supposed to look like. We also look at nervous system safety, pelvic floor health, pleasure practices, sex technology, and intimacy in midlife. This episode aims to remind you that great sex isn’t about fixing yourself; it's about developing skills, remaining connected to your body, and allowing yourself the freedom to grow at your own pace.

In this episode, you will hear:

·      Setting Shame Free Sexual Intentions

·      Using Your Voice In Intimacy

·      Expanding Pleasure Capacity

·      Building Nervous System Safety

·      Body Acceptance And Arousal

·      Pelvic Floor Health And Pleasure

·      Pleasure Over Performance

·      Normalizing Change Across Life Stages

·      Creating Sustainable Pleasure Practices

·      Redefining What Counts As Sex

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Podcast Produced by Vaudeo Productions

Welcome to Episode 471 of the Sexology Podcast! Today I am excited to be joined by Ita O’Brien, who speaks to me about intimacy coordination, embodied consent, and creating safety and authenticity in intimate storytelling.

In this episode, I sit down with Ita to discuss what an intimacy coordinator actually does and why this role has become so essential in film, television, and theatre. We talk about how intimacy coordination brings structure, clarity, and care to intimate scenes, not only to protect performers, but to serve the story, the characters, and the creative vision. 

Ita O’Brien is an intimacy coordinator and movement director for film, television, and theater. For more than a decade, she has been developing “intimacy on set” guidelines: best practices for working on scenes with sexual content and nudity in film, TV, and theater. O’Brien pioneered the role of intimacy coordinator, which is used in production companies including HBO and Netflix. Her work has been featured in publications such as The Guardian, The New York Times, and NBC. She’s contributed to the intimate content praised in shows such as Normal People, Sex Education, and I May Destroy You.

In this episode, you will hear:

·      What An Intimacy Coordinator Does

·      Creating Safety On Set

·      Consent As A Creative Foundation

·      Embodiment And Somatic Awareness

·      Choreographing Intimate Scenes

·      Anatomy And Authentic Storytelling

·      Power Dynamics And Character Choice

·      Training And Professional Standards

·      Emotional Safety In Long Term Relationships

·      Bringing Intimacy Practices Into Daily Life

Thank you to our sponsor Filthy Milfs! Your podcast lineup is about to get filthy. Get ready for a completely uncensored, outspoken, dirty-minded, and eye-opening look from the most adventurous milfs on the block, Ellen Ancui and Sophie Levine. They're filthy. They're milfy. And they’re waiting for you on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you catch your favorite podcasts.

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Book an Appointment with Dr. Moali

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Podcast Produced by Vaudeo Productions

Welcome to Episode 470 of the Sexology Podcast! Today I am excited to be joined by Margeaux Feldman, who speaks to me about trauma, chronic illness, intimacy, and pleasure, inspired by their book Touch Me. I’m Sick.

In this episode, we discuss the personal and academic journey that led them to write Touch Me. I’m Sick., which began as a PhD dissertation and evolved into a deeply human book about sickness, trauma, disability, and love. Margeaux shares how their own experience with chronic illness shifted their work away from purely academic analysis and toward something more accessible, relational, and rooted in lived experience. 

Margeaux Feldman is a writer, a public educator, and an artist. They hold an MFA in Creative Writing from CalArts and a PhD in English Literature and Sexual Diversity Studies from the University of Toronto. Margeaux's first book Touch Me, I'm Sick: A Memoir in Essays was just published with Beacon Press. They also created the popular meme account @softcore_trauma on Instagram, where they share memes and writing that testifies to their experiences living with trauma and chronic illness.

In this episode, you will hear:

·      The Origin Story Of Touch Me. I’m Sick.

·      Chronic Illness And Trauma Connections

·      Redefining Intimacy And Care

·      Independence, Codependence, And Interdependence

·      Wellness Culture And Performativity

·      Trauma, Pleasure, And Ambivalence

·      Dissociation As A Survival Strategy

·      “Ugly Sex” And Sexual Healing

·      Somatic Therapy And Embodiment

·      Pleasure As A Political Act

Thank you to our sponsor Filthy Milfs! Your podcast lineup is about to get filthy. Get ready for a completely uncensored, outspoken, dirty-minded, and eye-opening look from the most adventurous milfs on the block, Ellen Ancui and Sophie Levine. They're filthy. They're milfy. And they’re waiting for you on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you catch your favorite podcasts.

Get your FREE Sex Bucket List

Book an Appointment with Dr. Moali

Spice Up Your Social Media Feed AND Your Sex Life: Follow Us On Instagram

Podcast Produced by Vaudeo Productions

Welcome to Episode 469 of the Sexology Podcast! Today I am excited to be joined by Laura Federico and Morgan Miller who speak to me about cycle tracking, hormones, and the mind body connection in sexuality and health.

In this episode, we discuss what inspired Laura and Morgan to write their book “The Cycle Book” and how their personal and professional experiences shaped their approach. We talk about the profound gaps in education around hormones, menstruating bodies, and sexual health, and how this lack of information often leaves people feeling confused, dismissed, or disconnected from their own bodies.

Laura Federico is a psychotherapist and AASECT-certified sex and relationship therapist in private practice, and Morgan Miller is a certified professional midwife, lactation consultant, activist, and birth center founder in private practice.

Developed by Laura & Morgan, The Cycle Book helps you find clarity, the right treatment, and real relief, so you can finally feel like yourself again. We’re in the midst of a hormonal health awakening. For too long, those navigating PCOS, perimenopause, endometriosis, PMDD, and other hormonal symptoms have been dismissed and left without real support. The Cycle Book’s effective and trusted approach helps decode your body’s patterns. Rooted in science and beautifully crafted, this 12-month undated workbook blends expert insight with clean, functional design.

In this episode, you will hear:

·      What Cycle Tracking Really Means

·      Hormones And The Mind Body Connection

·      Personal Journeys Into Cycle Awareness

·      Endometriosis And Medical Dismissal

·      Tracking Desire And Sexual Arousal

·      Understanding Vaginal Dryness And Lubrication

·      Perimenopause And Hormonal Shifts

·      Tracking What Feels Good Not Just Pain

·      Using Data To Advocate In Healthcare

·      Why Analog Tracking Can Be Powerful

Thank you to our sponsor Filthy Milfs! Your podcast lineup is about to get filthy. Get ready for a completely uncensored, outspoken, dirty-minded, and eye-opening look from the most adventurous milfs on the block, Ellen Ancui and Sophie Levine. They're filthy. They're milfy. And they’re waiting for you on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you catch your favorite podcasts.

A Woman's Guide to Reviving Sex Drive 

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Podcast Produced by Vaudeo Productions

Welcome to Episode 468 of the Sexology Podcast! Today I am excited to be joined by Dr. Alyssa Yee, who speaks to me about the realities of vulvar and vaginal pain, the challenges of diagnosis, and how partners can offer meaningful support.

In this conversation, we discuss the wide range of painful symptoms many vulva owners experience, from burning and sharp stinging at the vestibule to deeper pelvic discomfort that can appear during or after sexual activity. Dr. Yee helps clarify how conditions such as vestibulodynia, hormonal disruptions, pelvic venous disorders, and endometriosis often go unrecognized or are dismissed in medical settings, leaving patients feeling isolated and unsure where to turn for help.

Dr. Alyssa Yee is a Sexual Medicine Physician and Reconstructive Urologist who completed her clinical fellowship at San Diego Sexual Medicine in 2021-2022 under the mentorship of Dr. Irwin Goldstein. In her fellowship, she was awarded the SMSNA Foundation Research grant to investigate the pathophysiology of neuroproliferative vestibulodynia–a painful sexual condition of the vulva. Drawing from her research, Dr. Yee innovated the first sub-epithelial complete vestibulectomy surgery, allowing for decreased blood loss and post-operative pain with excellent response.

In this episode, you will hear:

·      Understanding Vulvar And Vaginal Pain

·      Why Pain During Sex Is Often Normalized

·      Common Symptoms Of Vestibulodynia

·      How Hormones Influence Genital Pain

·      Inflammation And Nerve Related Causes

·      Endometriosis Symptoms And Misdiagnosis

·      Why Patients Feel Gaslighted In Medical Settings

·      How Partners Can Offer Support And Validation

·      Effective Treatment Options And Hormonal Therapies

·      Resources For Finding Knowledgeable Providers

Thank you to our sponsor Filthy Milfs! Your podcast lineup is about to get filthy. Get ready for a completely uncensored, outspoken, dirty-minded, and eye-opening look from the most adventurous milfs on the block, Ellen Ancui and Sophie Levine. They're filthy. They're milfy. And they’re waiting for you on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you catch your favorite podcasts.

Book an Appointment with Dr. Moali

Spice Up Your Social Media Feed AND Your Sex Life: Follow Us On Instagram

Podcast Produced by Vaudeo Productions

Welcome to Episode 467 of the Sexology Podcast! Today I am excited to be joined by Suzannah Weiss who speaks to me about understanding and addressing the orgasm gap in long term relationships.

In this conversation, we look at why orgasm inequality persists even among couples who consider themselves progressive, communicative, and sexually informed. We discuss how cultural narratives, media scripts, and outdated beliefs continue to shape expectations around women’s pleasure, often leaving vulva owners feeling inadequate or unseen in intimate relationships. 

Suzannah Weiss is a writer, sexologist, and psychotherapist in Los Angeles. She is the author of Eve's Blessing: Uncovering the Lost Pleasure Behind Female Pain and Subjectified: Becoming a Sexual Subject. She runs a psychotherapy practice focused on sex and couples' therapy and neurodiversity. She is also a certified sex educator, sexual assault counselor, and birth doula.

In this episode, you will hear:

·      Understanding the Origins of the Orgasm Gap

·      Cultural Versus Biological Explanations

·      How Porn Shapes Early Sexual Scripts

·      Prioritizing Clitoral Stimulation

·      Working With Vibrators and Sexual Aids

·      Techniques for Sharing Pleasure Preferences

·      The Role of Fantasy in Partnered Sex

·      Mindfulness and Embodiment Practices

·      Reducing Performance Pressure for Both Partners

·      Building Relaxation and Trust Before Sex

Thank you to our sponsor Filthy Milfs! Your podcast lineup is about to get filthy. Get ready for a completely uncensored, outspoken, dirty-minded, and eye-opening look from the most adventurous milfs on the block, Ellen Ancui and Sophie Levine. From ways to spice up your sex life at any age, to insightful wellness tips to keep you feeling happy, healthy, and hot in and out of the bedroom, they have got you covered. They're filthy. They're milfy. And they’re waiting for you on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you catch your favorite podcasts.

Get your FREE Woman's Guide to Reviving Your Sex Drive

Book an Appointment with Dr. Moali

Spice Up Your Social Media Feed AND Your Sex Life: Follow Us On Instagram

Podcast Produced by Vaudeo Productions

Welcome to Episode 466 of the Sexology Podcast! Today I am excited to be joined by Jessica Fern who speaks to me about consensual non-monogamy, secure attachment, and the inner work required to build healthy open relationships.

In this conversation, Jessica shares her personal journey into non-monogamy and the ways her clinical work pushed her to explore the topic more deeply. We talk about emotional exclusivity, the origins of Polysecure, and how people can distinguish between personal triggers, relational dynamics, and the messages they have absorbed from society. Jessica offers thoughtful insights on insecurity, jealousy, and the importance of intentional repair when conflict arises.

Jessica Fern holds a Master’s degree in Conflict Resolution, is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, a trained Internal Family Systems (IFS) practitioner, and an integrative therapist drawing on 25 years of experience in somatic, narrative, psychotherapeutic, and spiritual healing modalities. She is the internationally recognized author of Polysecure: Attachment, Trauma, and Nonmonogamy, The Polysecure Workbook, and Polywise: A Deeper Dive Into Navigating Open Relationships. 

In this episode, you will hear:

• Jessica’s Early Exploration Of Non Monogamy

• Unconscious Beginnings And Identity Formation

• How Clinical Work Sparked Conscious Alignment

• Emotional Exclusivity And Realistic Expectations

• Origins And Meaning Of The Term Polysecure

• Hearts Model For Secure Attachment

• Differentiating Me We Or Society

• Conflict Repair And Nervous System Regulation

• Assessing Readiness For Opening Relationships

• Misconceptions Around Jealousy And Compersion

Thank you to our sponsor Hily! Hily is a dating app that connects singles with new people while supporting them in remaining authentic. Short for “Hey, I Like You,” it encourages users to be themselves, focusing on real connections over competition. With features like Icks&Clicks compatibility check and Consent Guard, Hily supports more genuine and safer interactions. Launched in 2017, it ranks among the top 10 US dating apps, with over 40 million users globally.

Book an Appointment with Dr. Moali

Spice Up Your Social Media Feed AND Your Sex Life: Follow Us On Instagram

Podcast Produced by Vaudeo Productions

Welcome to Episode 465 of the Sexology Podcast! Today I’m excited to be joined by Jessica Baum, who speaks to me about how attachment styles shape our sexual connection and intimacy within long-term relationships.

In this episode, we explore how attachment theory helps us understand why so many couples struggle with maintaining desire over time. We discuss how patterns rooted in early childhood, such as anxious, avoidant, and disorganized attachment, influence not only our emotional connection but also our erotic lives. Jessica explains how couples often repeat familiar relational scripts, sometimes mistaking intensity or chaos for passion, and how real intimacy requires safety, awareness, and conscious effort.

Jessica Baum is a licensed psychotherapist whose journey began with a lifelong curiosity about the “Whys” of life, why we feel, connect, and experience the world the way we do. This passion led her to specialize in trauma, attachment theory, and interpersonal neurobiology. Jessica believes that connection to ourselves and others is at the heart of healing, and she uses a range of modalities to help individuals and couples return to wholeness. She is the founder of the Relationship Institute of Palm Beach, a private group practice, and she leads a global coaching company offering support to clients worldwide. 

In this episode, you will hear:

·      Understanding Attachment and Sexuality

·      The Link Between Love and Desire

·      How Attachment Forms in Infancy

·      Traits of Anxious and Avoidant Styles

·      Recognizing Pockets of Disorganization

·      How Childhood Shaped Adult Intimacy

·      Repairing Attachment Through Awareness

·      Creating Safety for Passionate Sex

·      Somatic Tools for Healing

·      Moving Toward Secure Attachment

Thank you to our sponsor Hily a dating app that connects singles with new people while supporting them in remaining authentic. Short for “Hey, I Like You,” it encourages users to be themselves, focusing on real connections over competition. With features like Icks&Clicks compatibility check and Consent Guard, Hily supports more genuine and safer interactions. Launched in 2017, it ranks among the top 10 US dating apps, with over 40 million users globally.

Book an Appointment with Dr. Moali 

Spice Up Your Social Media Feed AND Your Sex Life: Follow Us on Instagram

Podcast Produced by Vaudeo Productions

Welcome to Episode 464 of the Sexology Podcast! Today I’m excited to be joined by Riana Milne, who speaks to me about emotional disconnection, communication breakdowns, and their impact on sexual desire in relationships.

In this episode, Riana and I explore how emotional safety and communication are at the heart of sexual connection. We discuss why unresolved conflicts and stress responses, like fight, flight, or freeze, can suppress desire, and how couples can learn to reconnect through conscious communication and emotional regulation. 

Riana Milne MA is a Certified, Global Life and Love Trauma Recovery Coach, a Cert. Clinical Trauma & Addictions Professional, a Certified Mindfulness Coach, #1 Bestselling Author, the Host of her Podcast called Lessons in Life & Love'', an Educational Speaker, and Licensed Mental Health Counselor for over 21 years living in Palm Beach County, Florida. Riana specializes in helping those who have had past Childhood or Love Relationship Trauma to Heal, Transform & Thrive; leading them to Create the Life They Desire & to Have the Love They Deserve! She offers Coaching programs for both Straight & LGBTQ Singles & Couples globally for ages 16-76.

In this episode, you will hear:

·      Emotional Safety As The Foundation Of Desire

·      Why Communication Comes Before Sexuality

·      How The Brain Reacts To Conflict And Stress

·      Understanding Fight, Flight, And Freeze In Relationships

·      The “Tea Break” Technique For Conflict Resolution

·      Why Couples Must Approach Problems As A Team

·      The Role Of Fun And Dating In Rekindling Intimacy

·      Healing Childhood And Love Trauma Patterns

·      Balancing Household Roles To Create Partnership

·      How To Rebuild Connection After Disconnection

Thank you to our sponsor Hily a dating app that connects singles with new people while supporting them in remaining authentic. Short for “Hey, I Like You,” it encourages users to be themselves, focusing on real connections over competition. With features like Icks&Clicks compatibility check and Consent Guard, Hily supports more genuine and safer interactions. Launched in 2017, it ranks among the top 10 US dating apps, with over 40 million users globally.

Book an Appointment with Dr. Moali 

Spice Up Your Social Media Feed AND Your Sex Life: Follow Us on Instagram

Podcast Produced by Vaudeo Productions