Listen: 'Sex Postpartum' on the Mamas in Training Podcast

I was delighted to join Jessica Lorion on the Mamas in Training Podcast for a two-part series on all things Sex, Pregnancy and Postpartum.

We discuss the realities of the fourth trimester, that go far beyond the infamous 6-week mark! I encourage moms not to jump into sexual activity they do not feel ready for physically or emotionally and to remember that sex should not be painful.

One topic we talk about:

What does it mean to be touched out?

Here’s a clip from the show notes: “Especially in postpartum, our bodies can feel like baby machines. They have just been put through a major trauma and now they are being used to feed, soothe and nurture a human. It is very challenging to expect our bodies and our minds to then flip a switch and become sexual beings. Cindy shares with us the importance of “changing hats.” It is important that we take off our mother hat and give ourselves time to not be touched, so then we can put on the hat of wife/partner who wants to be desired and is desirable.” 

One of my favorite podcast interviews to date. Give it a listen via the links below.

Listen: 'How to Navigate Sex During Pregnancy' on the Mamas in Training Podcast

I was delighted to join Jessica Lorion on the Mamas in Training Podcast for a two-part series on all things Sex, Pregnancy and Postpartum.

This rich conversation goes far beyond whether sex during pregnancy is safe. I encourage listeners to rethink desire, intimacy, and sexual activity in new and different ways.

One frequently asked question I address in this episode:

What if I don’t desire sex or my partner doesn’t desire sex during pregnancy?

Here’s a clip from the show notes: “We often think about sex in a very narrow way and Cindy shows us how to shift our mindset and communicate with our partners. Oftentimes during pregnancy and postpartum, our bodies can feel like a machine, or it can begin to feel foreign to us, so how do we check back in and find that sexual desire again? Your relationship doesn’t have to suffer during this time and there are ways to navigate this tricky subject that Cindy gives us in this episode.”

This was one of my favorite podcast interviews to date. Give it a listen via the links below.

Listen: 'Survival Guide for Talking to Your Kids About Sex'

I recently had the pleasure of being a guest on the 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐨𝐦 𝗪𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐞 Podcast, where I share lots of 𝐭𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐞𝐬 for parents with Kristen Wheeler.
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"Cindy gives us a survival guide for how to talk to our kids about this subject that can feel scary, overwhelming, and awkward...⁣
She helps us be prepared for the 𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 that will come,⁣
how to 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐝 not to shy away from them, and⁣
the HUGE favor we can do for our daughters by 𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐬𝐞𝐱 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞."⁣
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Find it at the links below:

Listen: 'The value of sex education' on The Good is in the Details podcast

I had a conversation chock-full of solid sex education with Gwendolyn Dolske and Konstantin Hatcher on the Good is in the Details Podcast. We talked about how we can better understand female pleasure, the lack of ownership women feel over their bodies, and the importance of a woman’s sexual relationship with herself. There is also good discussion about desire styles, painful sex and how to talk with a partner about sex. Lots of tips for parents on this episode as well - talking with your child about sex, how to use role play and why it’s important for a child to know the names for their genitals. A rich discussion worth your time.

Give it a listen at the links below

Gwendolyn Dolske and Konstantin Hatcher talk with sex educator, Cindy Scharkey.  What is good sex education?  How can we better understand female pleasure?  What are desire styles?  How can parents talk to their children about sex?

Listen: 'Cultivating Your Sensuality & Erotic Energy' on the Smart Sex podcast

I was back as a guest with sex therapist Leslie Gustafson on the Smart Sex Podcast, with a nourishing conversation for women of all ages on cultivating your sensuality and erotic energy.

We define and highlight ways in which women can embrace these vital elements of sexuality individually, as well as in relationships. Our discussion addresses the potential barriers to sensuality & eroticism, and highlights strategies for using your senses, voice, touch, movement and mind to journey into more freedom and fullness of healthy sexuality.

Join the conversation via the links below.

(Links to our previous episodes: Her Body, Her Pleasure HERE and Foreplay & Arousal HERE)

Listen: 'Let's expand foreplay & Increase arousal' on the Smart Sex podcast

I was delighted to be invited back for another conversation with Leslie Gustafson on the Smart Sex Podcast! (Listen to our first conversation here).

This episode, #13, is a deep dive into what foreplay really is - in and out of the bedroom.

We discuss expanding your idea of foreplay, by dispelling the myth that foreplay is simply “pre-gaming.'‘

This conversation includes tips for using your senses, the differences between male and female arousal and ideas to help couples enhance their intimate relationship and sex life.

Listen via the links below.

Let’s keep opening these kinds of healthy conversations about sex!

Listen: 'Her Body, Her Pleasure' On The Smart Sex Podcast

I was delighted to be invited for a conversation with Leslie Gustafson on the Smart Sex Podcast!

This episode ‘Her Body, Her Pleasure’ includes all things solid sex education! We talk about female anatomy, cliteracy, permission for pleasure, and dispelling the myths that inhibit women from embracing and enjoying their sexuality.

Listen via the links below.

Let’s keep opening these kinds of healthy conversations about sex!

Put your sex geek on & let's get "cliterate"! Leslie is joined in this episode by her colleague and peer Cindy Scharkey, BSN, RN, Speaker and passionate Educator to talk about women's sexuality, and in depth about the clitoris- the primary sexual pleasure center for women.

5 Podcasts (and a TED Talk) Worth Listening To (2018)

I listen to MANY podcasts, interviews, and talks on sex and sexuality - looking for great resources to share with my community of learners. As 2018 wraps up, I have gathered up a few of the best for you!

1. “Am I 'Normal?’ and Other Questions with Sex Educator Emily Nagoski” | Bad Yogi Podcast 

This interview has something for ALL ages and seasons of life. Definitely worth your time! If you want to know more about Nagoski's book Come As You Are, you can read my book review here.

2. Physical Therapy + Peeing During Sex | Girl Boner Radio

Host August McLaughlin interviews Heather Jeffcoat, DPT about pelvic floor health, sexual pain conditions, urinary leaking, menopause, postpartum, urinating during sex and how physical therapy can help transgender individuals post genital reconstruction surgery -- just to name a few. Especially good information about painful sex.

3. Sunscreen Lessons (Ep. 26) | Whine Down with Jana Kramer

This podcast features therapist and intimacy expert Dr. Leslie Gustafson and her therapist husband Doug. This conversation was like listening in on a therapy session. Thought provoking, honest and delving into relationship sex dynamics in an unscripted session. Worth a listen.

4. More Sex, Less Pain with Heather Jeffcoat | Sex with Emily on Sirius XM

To learn more about pelvic floor health, listen to this Q&A by physical therapist and author of "Sex without Pain" Heather Jeffcoat on the Sex with Emily podcast. Ladies, our pelvic floor is made up of 12 muscles and pelvic floor physical therapy is literally changing women's lives for the better. I wrote a blog about pain and sex you can read here.

5. Leaning Into The Squirm: How to Talk to Your Kids About Bodies, Sex and Sexuality (Ep. 99) | Sorta Awesome

Listen to a great discussion with counselor Leann Gardner about “Leaning Into The Squirm: How to Talk to Your Kids About Bodies, Sex and Sexuality” on the Sorta Awesome podcast. I want parents to feel confident to be their child's primary sex educator!

BONUS: "What young women believe about their own sexual pleasure" TED talk by Peggy Orenstein

I read Peggy Orenstein’s book, Girls & Sex this year and found her TED talk to be a good representation of her interviews and findings. I especially recommend this for parents/grandparents of girls in middle school through college. Good insight into why comprehensive sex education is crucial.