What actually happens when actors film a sex scene—and who makes sure intimacy is choreographed, communicated, and consensual?

In this episode of The Sexology Lab, intimacy coordinator Jamie Monahan takes us behind the scenes of intimate storytelling in film, television, theater, and audio erotica. Jamie shares what the job really involves day-to-day, why actors often struggle more with voicing intimacy in audio than performing it on camera, and how confidentiality, clear communication, and aftercare help build crucial trust on set.

We also dive into Jamie's perspective on why intimacy coordination goes beyond just stopping harm, how actors can detach from heavy emotional roles, why younger generations aren't anti-sex on screen but want authentic representation, and how media serves as real-world sex education.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Audio Intimacy vs. On-Camera Intimacy: Actors are often more confident physically acting out a scene of intimacy than voicing it.
• A Day in the Life of an Intimacy Coordinator: The job starts long before filming,
• Confidentiality Builds Safety: Actors often share private details or anxieties. I
• Intimacy Coordination Is Artistry, Not Policing: A common myth is that intimacy coordinators exist to police sets.
• Younger Audiences Want Better Representation: Gen Z isn't uninterested in intimacy in media; rather, they reject formulaic scenes that lack purpose.

SHOW SUMMARY:

00:00 – Audio Drama Intimacy vs. Film and TV

00:27 – Meet Jamie Monahan & Introduction

01:11 – Aftercare, Mental Health, and Leaving the Role on Set

03:52 – What Intimacy Coordinators Actually Look For on the Monitors

05:18 – A Day in the Life of an Intimacy Coordinator: From Prep to Set

08:04 – Choreographing the Scene: On-the-Fly Adjustments and Script Writing

11:05 – Why Voicing Intimacy in Audio Is Harder Than Acting It on Camera

13:44 – The Vocal Technique of Sensual Sound and Lower Registers

14:28 – LIGHTNING ROUND: Awkward Props, Myths, and On-Set Signals

16:39 – Humor vs. Vulnerability During Intimate Filming

17:41 – The Power of Confidentiality and Trust with Actors

20:38 – Media as Sex Education and the Future of Authentic Human Connection

RESOURCES MENTIONED THIS EPISODE:

The Sexology Lab is powered by Sexual Health Alliance, the premier global hub for accredited sexology certifications, evidence-based continuing education (CE/CEU), and an expansive international network of therapists, healthcare providers, educators, and sexuality professionals.Learn directly from industry pioneers and leading voices in modern sexual wellness:

• Explore the Community: ⁠https://sexualhealthalliance.com/⁠

• Certifications: https://sexualhealthalliance.com/get-certified-allcertifications⁠

Join Us at AMPLIFY this October 2026!

As millions turn to digital media, social platforms, and modern culture for guidance on sex, relationships, and identity, clinicians and educators must shape conversations that are inclusive, evidence-based, and representative.

• Secure your conference pass: ⁠https://www.sexologylab.com/amplify⁠

Resources, people, and projects discussed in this episode:

• Jamie Monahan: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5536708/ 

• Ember and Ice: https://www.tryquinn.com/series/ember-and-ice 

• Heated Rivalry: https://www.instagram.com/heatedrivalrycrave/?hl=en 

• Chala Hunter: https://www.chalahunter.com/ 

• Intimacy Directors and Coordinators (IDC): https://www.idcprofessionals.com/ 

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps us continue bringing thoughtful conversations about sexuality, relationships, culture, media, and human behavior to listeners around the world.

🎙 Thanks for tuning in to The Sexology Lab. See you next week! https://www.sexologylab.com/ 

What actually happens when actors film a sex scene—and who makes sure intimacy is choreographed, communicated, and consensual?

In this episode of The Sexology Lab, intimacy coordinator and intimacy director Jamie Monahan takes us behind the scenes of intimate storytelling in film, television, theater, and audio. Jamie shares how her background as an actor and director led her into intimacy coordination, what the job really involves, and why the role is about much more than preventing something from going wrong.

We also dive into Jamie’s work with Quinn Audio on Ember and Ice, featuring Heated Rivalry actors Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams. Jamie explores how intimacy can reveal character, why consent and aftercare matter on and off screen, how audio erotica creates new opportunities for immersive storytelling, and why better representations of intimacy in media can shape the way audiences understand sex itself.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Filming intimacy is far more technical than it looks.

• An intimacy coordinator is both a creative collaborator and an advocate.

• Intimate scenes can tell us something important about characters.

• Consent on screen matters off screen, too.

• Intimacy coordination isn't only about stopping harm.

SHOW SUMMARY:

00:00 – Why an Actor May Still Need an Intimacy Coordinator

00:27 – Meet Jamie Monahan

01:20 – Jamie's Most Unexpected Fun Fact

01:45 – What Filming a Sex Scene Really Looks Like

03:00 – What Is Quinn Audio?

04:00 – Behind Ember and Ice

04:40 – Romance, War, and the Intimacy Arc

06:05 – When Romance Fandom Crosses Into Audio Erotica

06:55 – Are We in a "Smut Renaissance"?

08:20 – Sex Scenes Should Tell Us Something

09:20 – What Heated Rivalry Does Differently

10:30 – Consent as Character Development

11:35 – Media Is Sex Education, Whether We Like It or Not

13:10 – From Actor and Director to Intimacy Coordinator

14:00 – The Sexual Assault Scene That Changed Her Career

14:40 – "Your Body Doesn't Know the Difference"

15:00 – Discovering a Brand-New Profession

16:20 – Following Curiosity Into a Career

17:30 – What Does an Intimacy Coordinator Actually Do?

18:40 – Why This Role Became Necessary

19:20 – No More Surprise Nudity on Set

20:00 – You Can't Remove Power Dynamics

20:45 – What If an Actor Doesn't Want an Intimacy Coordinator?

21:05 – One Bad Experience Doesn't Define an Entire Profession

22:00 – When the Bigger Star Says, "I Don't Need One"

23:00 – "I Know He's Not a Creep" Misses the Point

24:00 – Making Intimacy Coordination Standard Practice

RESOURCES MENTIONED THIS EPISODE:

The Sexology Lab is powered by Sexual Health Alliance, the premier global hub for sexology certifications, evidence-based continuing education (CE/CEU), and an expansive international network of therapists, healthcare providers, educators, and sexuality professionals.Learn directly from industry pioneers and leading voices in modern s//xual wellness:

• Explore the Community: ⁠https://sexualhealthalliance.com/⁠

• Certifications: https://sexualhealthalliance.com/get-certified-allcertifications⁠

Join Us at AMPLIFY this October 2026!

As millions turn to digital media, social platforms, and modern culture for guidance on sex, relationships, and identity, clinicians and educators must shape conversations that are inclusive, evidence-based, and representative.

• Secure your conference pass: ⁠https://www.sexologylab.com/amplify⁠

Resources, people, and projects discussed in this episode

• Jamie Monahan: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5536708/ 
• Ember and Ice: https://www.tryquinn.com/series/ember-and-ice 
• Heated Rivalry: https://www.instagram.com/heatedrivalrycrave/?hl=en 
• Chala Hunter: https://www.chalahunter.com/ 

• Intimacy Directors and Coordinators (IDC): https://www.idcprofessionals.com/ 
  

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review!

🎙 Thanks for tuning in to The Sexology Lab. See you next week! https://www.sexologylab.com/

Trauma doesn't stay neatly contained in the past—and it doesn't stay outside the bedroom.

In this episode of The Sexology Lab, we sit down with Amanda Jepson, SHA-certified and AASECT-certified sex therapist and trauma specialist, to explore how trauma can shape desire, pleasure, trust, touch, attachment, communication, and relational safety. Amanda explains why trauma-informed sex therapy often requires slowing down, building safety first, and helping clients reconnect with their bodies and sexuality at their own pace.

We also talk about affirming care for erotic minorities, the risks of clinician bias, how Amanda chooses between modalities like EMDR, CPT, narrative therapy, CBT, and DBT, and what good care actually looks like for queer, kinky, non-monogamous, disabled, larger-bodied, and otherwise marginalized clients. Plus, Amanda shares how current political realities are showing up in the therapy room—and why community, supervision, curiosity, and ethical self-reflection matter more than ever.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Trauma can affect sexuality even when the trauma itself wasn't sexual. Trust, nervous-system regulation, desire, touch, vulnerability, attachment, and orgasm can all be impacted.

• Trauma-informed sex therapy moves at the client's pace. Safety and stabilization come first, followed by trauma processing and then deeper reconnection with pleasure, sexuality, and relationships.

• Clinicians have to examine their own bias. Erotic minorities can be harmed when professionals pathologize, judge, minimize, or over-romanticize identities and behaviors based on their own beliefs instead of listening to the client.

SHOW SUMMARY:

00:00 Trauma & Sexuality

00:42 Erotic Minorities

01:54 Origin Story

04:00 Fluid Labels

04:32 Sensate Focus

05:48 Overcoming Bias

06:58 Clinical Gaps: OCSB

08:26 Taboo Porn & Guilt

12:35 EMDR, CPT & CBT

18:12 Safety & Stabilization

20:21 Fight or Flight vs. Orgasm

23:54 Somatic Coping

25:38 Ready for Reconnection

28:28 Kink, BDSM & CNM Trauma

31:52 Polyamory Affirming Care

36:56 Therapist Humility

38:22 LGBTQ+ Across Politics

45:28 Ethics: Community & Military

46:53 Post-Traumatic Growth

47:54 Rapid Fire Myths & Skills

49:45 SHA Experience

RESOURCES MENTIONED THIS EPISODE:

The Sexology Lab is powered by Sexual Health Alliance, the premier global hub for sexology certifications, evidence-based continuing education (CE/CEU), and an expansive international network of therapists, healthcare providers, educators, and sexuality professionals.Learn directly from industry pioneers and leading voices in modern sexual wellness:

• Explore the Community: https://sexualhealthalliance.com/
• Certifications: https://sexualhealthalliance.com/get-certified-allcertifications

Join Us at AMPLIFY this October 2026!

Modern intimacy is evolving. As millions turn to digital media, social platforms, and modern culture for guidance on sex, relationships, and identity, clinicians and educators must shape conversations that are inclusive, evidence-based, and representative.

• Secure your conference pass: https://www.sexologylab.com/amplify

Resources and concepts discussed in this episode include:

• Amanda Jepson: https://colorfullifetherapy.com/ 

• Sexual Health Alliance: https://sexualhealthalliance.com/ 

• EMDR: https://www.emdria.org/ 

• Tell Me What You Want by Dr. Justin Lehmiller: https://www.sexandpsychology.com/books/

SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW:

If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps us reach more people with thoughtful, evidence-informed conversations about sex, relationships, trauma, and human behavior.

🎙 Thanks for tuning in to The Sexology Lab. See you next week! https://www.sexologylab.com/

Today in The Lab, we sit down with Dr. Nazanin Moali, licensed clinical psychologist, certified sex therapist, and host of the Sexology Podcast, to unpack one of the most common concerns in modern relationships: low desire. Dr. Moali explains why so many people mistakenly believe something is "wrong" with them when they aren't spontaneously in the mood, and how understanding responsive desire can completely change the way we think about intimacy.

We also explore the hidden factors that quietly erode desire—including chronic stress, nervous system dysregulation, emotional safety, body image, mental load, relationship dynamics, and the myth that great sex should always happen effortlessly. Plus, Dr. Moali shares practical strategies couples can use to reconnect, communicate about sex, and cultivate desire over time instead of waiting for it to magically appear.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Most people experience responsive desire, meaning desire often follows arousal—not the other way around—and there's nothing broken about that.

• Stress, emotional safety, mental load, and disconnection have a profound impact on desire, often more than libido itself.

• Great sex isn't effortless—it requires communication, curiosity, and intentionally creating the conditions where desire can thrive.

SHOW SUMMARY:

00:00 - 00:44 – Debunking the Myth of Spontaneous Libido vs. Responsive Desire

01:48 – Dr. Nazanin Moali on Clinical Sex Therapy and Modern Intimacy

04:16 – Hollywood Misconceptions: Understanding Responsive Desire in Relationships

06:16 – Nervous System Dysregulation, Burnout, and Low Sexual Drive

08:45 – Polyvagal Theory, Somatic Movement, and Regulating Stress for Pleasure

11:21 – Building Emotional Safety, Healing Trauma, and Overcoming Bodily Disconnection

12:48 – Overcoming Long-Term Relationship Predictability with Erotic Novelty

13:56 – Mapping Your Erotic Template and Using an Erotic Journal

16:56 – Cortisol Overload, Body Image Issues, and Navigating Sexual Shame

17:59 – Libido Killers: Antidepressant Side Effects and Perimenopause Hormonal Shifts

18:43 – Practical Insights from the Sexology Practice Guide

19:43 – Managing Desire Discrepancies and the Myth of Effortless Intimacy

21:18 – Sexual Communication Strategies: Sexy Happy Hour and Intimacy Menus

22:24 – Domestics Resentment: Chore Inequity and the Parent-Child Relationship Dynamic

27:12 – Rebalancing the Mental Load and Sensory Overload for Caregivers and Moms

27:42 – Dr. Nazanin Moali’s Journey Founding the Sexology Podcast

31:16 – De-stigmatizing Taboo Intimacy Topics, Kink, Pegging, and Sexual Education

32:45 – Content Creation Tips for Aspiring Sexual Health Podcasters

34:11 – Why Sex Feels Like a Chore: Shifting from Goal to Experience

RESOURCES MENTIONED THIS EPISODE:

The Sexology Lab is powered by Sexual Health Alliance, the premier global hub for sexology certifications, evidence-based continuing education (CE/CEU), and an expansive international network of therapists, healthcare providers, educators, and sexuality professionals.

• Explore the Community: https://sexualhealthalliance.com/

• Certifications: https://sexualhealthalliance.com/get-certified-allcertifications

Join Us at AMPLIFY this October 2026

Modern intimacy is evolving. As millions turn to digital media, social platforms, and modern culture for guidance on sex, relationships, and identity, clinicians and educators must shape conversations that are inclusive, evidence-based, and representative.

• Secure your conference pass: https://www.sexologylab.com/amplify

More from this episode's guest at:

• Dr. Nazanin Moali: https://oasis2care.com/

• Sexology Podcast: https://sexologypodcast.com/

• The Erotic Mind by Jack Morin

SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW:

If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps us reach more people who need these insights.🎙 Thanks for tuning in to The Sexology Lab. See you next week! www.sexologylab.com

What kind of relationship actually works for you—and how much of that answer comes from what you genuinely want versus what you've been taught a relationship is supposed to look like?In this two-part conversation, we sit down with Dr. Eli Sheff, sociologist, certified sexuality educator, longtime researcher of consensual non-monogamy, and Director of Sexual Health Alliance's Advanced Certification in Consensual Non-Monogamy. Drawing on more than 25 years of research, Dr. Sheff takes us beyond the stereotypes surrounding polyamory and into what people's relationships and families actually look like.

In Part 2, we turn to Dr. Sheff's groundbreaking longitudinal research on polyamorous families with children. After decades of following these families, her findings challenge one of the biggest assumptions about consensual non-monogamy: that unconventional relationship structures inherently create instability for children. Instead, her research highlights resilience, emotional intelligence, strong support networks, and the importance of what she calls polyaffective relationships

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Dr. Sheff's long-term research challenges assumptions that children raised in polyamorous families are inherently confused or unstable; the families in her research demonstrate significant stability, resilience, emotional connection, and social support.

• Strong polyamorous families often rely on polyaffective relationships—lasting emotional bonds that can remain important even when sexual or romantic relationships change.

• The quality of relationships, communication, consent, and support may tell us far more about a family's well-being than whether its structure fits conventional expectations.

SHOW SUMMARY:

00:00 - 02:56 - Common Mistakes in Consensual Non-Monogamy & Navigating the Unicorn Hunters Phenomenon

02:56 - Unpacking Threesome Dynamics: Deconstructing Male Fantasies and Pornography Expectations

06:13 - The Evolution of Consensual Non-Monogamy in Academic Research and Psychology

11:00 - Debunking Myths About Polyamorous Families: Resilience, Emotional Intelligence, and Child Support Networks

16:50 - How Children Form Relationships with Parental Partners in Polyamorous Homes

20:05 - Overcoming Societal Stigma and Understanding Boundaries in Polyamorous Parenting

23:53 - Lightning Round: Media Representation, Pop Culture Portrayals, and the Reality of Non-Monogamous Lifestyles

27:51 - A Message for the Next Generation: Releasing Shame and Embracing Sexual Health and Relationship Diversity

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

The Sexology Lab is powered by Sexual Health Alliance, the premier global hub for sexology certifications, evidence-based continuing education (CE/CEU), and an expansive international network of therapists, healthcare providers, educators, and sexuality professionals. Learn directly from industry pioneers and leading voices in modern sexual wellness:

• Explore the Community: www.sexualHealthAlliance.com
• Certifications: www. sexualhealthalliance.com/get-certified-allcertifications


Join Us at AMPLIFY this October 2026!

Modern intimacy is evolving. As millions turn to digital media, social platforms, and modern culture for guidance on sex, relationships, and identity, clinicians and educators must shape conversations that are inclusive, evidence-based, and representative.

• Secure your conference pass: https://sexualhealthalliance.com/sha-annual-conference-2026

More from this episode's guest and topics discussed:

• Dr. Eli Sheff: https://elisabethsheff.com/
• The Bonding Project: https://www.bondingproject.com/
• Sexual Health Alliance Advanced Certification in Consensual Non-Monogamy: https://sexualhealthalliance.com/consensual-non-monogamy-certification

SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW:

If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps us reach more people who need these insights.🎙 Thanks for tuning in to The Sexology Lab. See you next week! ⁠www.sexologylab.com⁠

What kind of relationship actually works for you—and how much of that answer comes from what you genuinely want versus what you've been taught a relationship is supposed to look like?

In this two-part conversation, we sit down with Dr. Eli Sheff, sociologist, certified sexuality educator, longtime researcher of consensual non-monogamy, and Director of Sexual Health Alliance's Advanced Certification in Consensual Non-Monogamy. Drawing on more than 25 years of research, Dr. Sheff takes us beyond the stereotypes surrounding polyamory and into what people's relationships and families actually look like.
In Part 1, we explore the many ways people build relationships, from monogamy and polyamory to swinging and other forms of consensual non-monogamy. Dr. Sheff introduces the Bonding Project, explains how to determine which relationship structure might work for you, breaks down common mistakes people make when opening relationships, and tackles everything from unicorn hunting to couples privilege.

• There is no single relationship structure that works for everyone. Monogamy, polyamory, swinging, and other relationship styles come with different expectations around emotional intimacy, exclusivity, autonomy, and commitment.

• Before trying consensual non-monogamy, it's important to consider not only how you feel about having additional partners, but how you would feel about your partner having those same opportunities.

SHOW SUMMARY:

00:00 – Non-traditional Relationship Models and Cornerstone Needs

00:21 – Introduction to Dr. Eli Sheff and Consensual Non-Monogamy

01:14 – Guest Icebreaker: Dr. Eli Sheff's Background in African Dance

01:54 – Overview of The Bonding Project Relationship Test

03:56 – Audience Compatibility and Romantic Bonding Archetypes

05:59 – Inspiration and History Behind Creating The Bonding Project

08:10 – Relationship Diversity, Stigma, and Fluid Expectations

09:58 – Paid Results Expansion and Managing Polycule Expectations

11:49 – Sponsor Segment: Sexology Practice Guide Promotion

12:28 – Defining Consensual Non-Monogamy, Open Relationships, and Polyamory

13:47 – Emotional Intimacy vs. Couple's Privilege in Polyamory and Swinging

16:12 – Identifying Personal Alignment with Monogamy vs. Polyamory

19:07 – Structuring Relationship Boundaries, Open Arrangements, and Alone Time

21:33 – Sociological Differences Between Polyamory, Polygamy, and Polygyny

22:56 – Socioeconomic Requirements of Polyamory and Women's Autonomy

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

The Sexology Lab is powered by Sexual Health Alliance, a global hub for world-class certifications, cutting-edge education, and a thriving community of professionals. Many of the show's guests also share their expertise at their events.

• Join them at: www.SexualHealthAlliance.com 

More from this episode's guest and topics discussed:

• Dr. Eli Sheff: https://elisabethsheff.com/ 

• The Bonding Project: https://www.bondingproject.com/ 

• Sexual Health Alliance Advanced Certification in Consensual Non-Monogamy: https://sexualhealthalliance.com/consensual-non-monogamy-certification 

SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW:

If you loved these episodes, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps us reach more people who need these insights.

🎙 Thanks for tuning in to The Sexology Lab. See you next week!

https://www.sexologylab.com/ 

Today in The Sexology Lab, we sit down with Midori—sexologist, educator, author, artist, and one of the pioneering voices in modern kink education. Best known for writing the first English-language instructional book on Japanese rope bondage and for leading Sexual Health Alliance's Kink Informed Certification Program, Midori shares the remarkable story behind the educator so many professionals know today.

From growing up in Japan and immigrating to the United States at 14 without speaking English, to serving in the U.S. Army, discovering San Francisco's underground sex-positive movement, and helping shape modern kink education, Midori explains how questioning cultural norms became the foundation of her life's work. She also explores how attitudes toward sexuality differ between Japan and North America, why the BDSM community developed many of today's consent practices, and what professionals still get wrong when working with kinky clients.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Curiosity—not certainty—has driven Midori's career. Constantly questioning assumptions has allowed her to challenge outdated ideas about sexuality and kink.

• Modern BDSM education wasn't built overnight. Many of today's best practices around consent, negotiation, and safety were developed through decades of community learning and activism.

• Professionals can unintentionally harm kinky clients through bias, assumptions, or lack of education. Becoming kink-informed starts with curiosity, humility, and examining our own blind spots.

SHOW SUMMARY:

00:00 Introducing Kink Pioneer Midori

01:23 Midori’s Origin & Early Background

01:45 Cultural Views on Sex: Japan vs. US

03:43 Questioning Norms & "Coming Out" Kinky

05:15 Contextual Shame in Japanese Culture

07:28 Sensory Sensuality & Eroguro in Japan

10:34 Negotiation & Communication Gaps in Japan

12:54 Bringing Consent & Negotiation to Japan

13:14 Promo: The Sexy Practice Guide

14:13 Common Mistakes Therapists Make with Kink

15:56 Trauma Assumptions & Pathologizing Kink

16:51 Consensual Non-Consent vs. Non-Consensual Kink

18:33 The Spectrum of Non-Consensual Kink

20:20 How Therapists Can Signal Kink-Inclusivity

22:02 Networking & Outing Yourself to Doctors

23:56 How the DSM-5 Shifted Kink Stigma

26:26 Lightning Round with Midori

26:27 BDSM Prevalence & Big Misconceptions

26:40 Overcoming Biases as Sex Professionals

27:43 The Book That Shaped Midori’s View on Desire

28:23 Empathy & Slowing Down for Relationship Safety

28:51 Why Kink-Informed Certification Matters

29:46 The Future of Sex Education & Gatekeeping

RESOURCES MENTIONED THIS EPISODE:

The Sexology Lab is powered by Sexual Health Alliance, a global hub for world-class certifications, cutting-edge education, and a thriving community of professionals. Many of the show's guests also share their expertise at SHA events and educational programs.

Learn more at:

• Sexual Health Alliance: https://sexualhealthalliance.com/ 

• Midori: https://planetmidori.com/ 

• Sexual Health Alliance Kink Informed Certification: https://sexualhealthalliance.com/kink-informed-certification-program 

• The Seductive Art of Japanese Bondage by Midori: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/seductive-art-of-japanese-bondage-midori/1004747883 

• San Francisco Sex Information (SFSI): https://www.sfsi.org/ 

• The Kinsey Institute: https://kinseyinstitute.org/index.html 

• Leather Archives & Museum: https://leatherarchives.org/ 

• Carol Queen: https://carolqueen.com/ 

• Annie Sprinkle: https://anniesprinkle.org/ 

• Patrick Califia: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/contributor/patrick-califia/ 

SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW:

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps us continue bringing thoughtful conversations about sexuality, relationships, and human behavior to listeners around the world.

🎙️ Thanks for listening to The Sexology Lab. We'll see you next week. https://www.sexologylab.com/

Today in The Lab, we sit down with Arthur Brun, Chief Growth Officer at Erika Lust, one of the world's leading independent adult film studios. Arthur takes us behind the scenes of ethical production, cinematic storytelling, and the future of adult media, sharing how every creative decision—from who's behind the camera to how performers are supported on set—shapes the stories audiences ultimately see.

This conversation explores why Erika Lust has shifted from the label "ethical porn" to "indie adult cinema," how explicit media influences culture and sex education, and the unique challenges of building a values-driven business in one of the world's most restricted industries. Whether you're interested in filmmaking, sexuality, ethics, or media, this episode offers a fascinating look inside a world few people ever get to see.

• Every film reflects the perspective of the people creating it—who is behind the camera matters just as much as who appears on screen.

• Ethical production extends far beyond performer consent; it includes communication, collaboration, representation, and creating psychologically safe working environments.

• Building an independent adult media company requires creativity not only in filmmaking but also in marketing, technology, and community building because traditional platforms often restrict adult content.

SHOW SUMMARY:

01:35 – Arthur Brun Origin Story & Professional Background

02:48 – Industry Misconceptions & The Realities of Sex Work

03:58 – Core Principles of Erica Lust Films

05:14 – Shifting from "Ethical Porn" to an "Indie Adult Studio"

07:27 – Concrete Realities of Ethical Film Production

11:53 – Performers' Agency & Authenticity of Pleasure

13:40 – Set Dynamics & Inclusive Technical Crews

14:21 – Authenticity and Intimacy on Screen

15:24 – Ethics of Representation & The Camera's Point of View

17:58 – De-centering Heteronormative Frameworks

19:13 – Mid-Roll Break: Sexology Lab Advertisement

19:53 – Adult Media as Modern Sex Education

23:25 – Responsible Platform UX & Resisting Misogynistic SEO

26:28 – Creative Content Discoverability Without Objectification

28:07 – Leveraging Extensive Customer Surveys & Feedback

29:15 – Navigating Digital Censorship & The Return to Physical Events

32:25 – The "House of Lust" VR & Immersive Exhibition

33:44 – Global Demographics & The Strategic Power of PR

35:55 – Providing Platform Accessibility for Marginalized Groups

36:19 – Lightning Round: Success, Kindness, and Workplace Culture

37:27 – On the Desk: Previewing Erica Lust's Upcoming Memoir

38:13 – Future Guest Recommendations & Film Festival Culture

RESOURCES MENTIONED THIS EPISODE:

The Sexology Lab is powered by Sexual Health Alliance, a global hub for world-class certifications, cutting-edge education, and a thriving community of professionals. Many of the show's guests also share their expertise at their events.

• Join them at: SexualHealthAlliance.com 

More from this episode's guest at:

• Arthur Brun: https://es.linkedin.com/in/arthur-brun-barcelona 

• Erika Lust: https://es.linkedin.com/company/erikalust

• Lust by Erika Lust (forthcoming memoir): https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250472304/lust/ 

• House of Erika Lust immersive exhibition: https://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/house-of-erikalust-exhibition-first-immersive-erotic-experience-b1218464.html

SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW:

If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps us reach more people who need these insights.

🎙 Thanks for tuning in to The Sexology Lab. See you next week! https://www.sexologylab.com/

Today in The Lab, we sit down with Dr. Joshua Gonzalez, board-certified urologist, men's sexual health expert, and co-founder of Popstar Labs, to unpack the most common concerns men have about sex—and why so many suffer in silence. From erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation to fertility, testosterone, and body image, Dr. Gonzalez explains what men are actually experiencing versus what they think they should be experiencing.

This conversation explores how anxiety, pornography, social media, and unrealistic expectations shape men's sexual confidence, why communication is often the most important sexual skill, and why taking a proactive approach to sexual wellness in your twenties can have lifelong benefits. We also discuss male fertility, environmental health, supplements, and why sexual health is best approached as a collaborative effort between medical providers, therapists, and other specialists.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Most sexual performance concerns are far more common than men realize, and many stem from unrealistic expectations rather than serious medical problems.

• Sexual wellness is deeply connected to overall health, including sleep, exercise, mental health, hormone balance, and lifestyle habits.

• The best time to start thinking about sexual health isn't when something goes wrong—it's before problems begin.

00:00 – Global Fertility Trends and Joshua Gonzalez Introduction

01:25 – Misconceptions and Sexual Anxiety

03:32 – Primary Sexual Health Concerns

04:18 – Breaking the Communication Barrier

05:21 – Mind-Body Connection and Confidence

07:06 – Understanding Premature Ejaculation (PE)

08:25 – Treating PE and Lasting Longer

11:41 – The Other Extreme: Delayed Ejaculation

12:59 – Men's Health Culture and Redefining Masculinity

14:54 – Mid-Show Break: Sexology Practice Guide

15:22 – Proactive Healthcare for Younger Men

17:03 – The Impact of Sexual Confidence

17:58 – The Story Behind Pop Star

20:12 – Pop Star Product Lineup

22:27 – Collaborative Care in Fertility and Proactive Testing

27:02 – Lightning Round

28:14 – Crossover and Collaborative Medical Care

The Sexology Lab is powered by Sexual Health Alliance, a global hub for world-class certifications, cutting-edge education, and a thriving community of professionals. Many of the show's guests also share their expertise at their events.

Join them at: SexualHealthAlliance.com 

More from this episode's guest at:

• Dr. Joshua Gonzalez: https://joshuagonzalezmd.com/ 

• Popstar Labs: https://www.popstarlabs.com/ 

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If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps us reach more people who need these insights.

🎙 Thanks for tuning in to The Sexology Lab. See you next week! https://www.sexologylab.com/ 

Today in The Lab, we sit down with Dr. Nicole McNichols, clinical psychologist, professor, author of You Could Be Having Better Sex, and the instructor of one of the largest human sexuality courses in the United States. Teaching more than 4,000 students each year, Dr. McNichols has a front-row seat to how Gen Z thinks about sex, relationships, consent, and intimacy—and the trends may surprise you.

From pornography and performance anxiety to planning intimacy and understanding pleasure, this conversation explores why so many people are having less sex while feeling more pressure than ever. Dr. McNichols explains why communication—not perfection—is the key to better sex and why pleasure deserves to be treated as an essential part of overall well-being.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Gen Z is entering adulthood with less formal sex education, more exposure to pornography, and increasing pressure to perform rather than connect.

• Better sex begins with understanding your body, communicating openly, and letting go of unrealistic expectations.

• Planning intimacy, prioritizing pleasure, and building emotional connection can strengthen both sexual satisfaction and long-term relationships.

SHOW SUMMARY:

00:00 – Intro and expectations vs. reality of sex

02:00 – Modern intimacy and the gaps in modern sex education

04:15 – Diversity and guest speakers in the classroom

05:01 – Gen Z sex and relationship trends

08:26 – Emphasizing a growth mindset and normalising sexual awkwardness

10:28 – The book "You Could Be Having Better Sex" and the Hierarchy of Sexual Needs

16:44 – The myth of spontaneous sex

20:05 – Sexual satisfaction as a driver of relationship satisfaction

23:18 – Exploring different types of intimacy and the power of non-sexual touch

26:40 – Who the book "You Could Be Having Better Sex" is written for

27:58 – The book-writing process and translating sex science research

29:45 – Promoting the book and its mainstream reception

31:33 – Closing billboard message: "Own your pleasure"

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

The Sexology Lab is powered by Sexual Health Alliance, a global hub for world-class certifications, cutting-edge education, and a thriving community of professionals. Many of the show's guests also share their expertise at their events.

• Join them at: SexualHealthAlliance.com 

• S//xology Lab Practice Guide: ⁠https://www.sexologylab.com/guide⁠

More from this episode's guest at:

• Dr. Nicole McNichols:https://nicolethesexprofessor.com/about-nicole/ 

• You Could Be Having Better Sex: https://nicolethesexprofessor.com/   

• University of Washington Human Sexuality Course: https://psych.uw.edu/people/2464 

SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW:

If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps us reach more people who need these insights.

🎙 Thanks for tuning in to The Sexology Lab. See you next week!

https://www.sexologylab.com/