Sex Video Podcast Returns - with Live Audience!

Last night I was back in the Box Line Box production studio for a podcast shoot of my sex talk video series after almost two years. But there was a new energy to the show - a live audience! I felt a little rusty at first, and was a bit thrown off by the live reactions, but once we got rolling (we shot four video episodes) I enjoyed the interaction and excitement. We are keeping a lot of the old format that we loved from the first 108 shows, but we've added some new dimensions. I'm thrilled to be on video again talking about my passions - sexuality, healthy relationships, & sex education.

Here's what some audience members had to say:

"We had such a great time at the show! Thanks for inviting us along."

"So wonderful to be a part of the new podcast show! You are amazing as always:)"

"Great shoot tonight, Dr. Jenn! As always, very informative, thought provoking and fun!"

"Thank you so much for including me in your first ever live den audience!! Loved it! You are so amazing...I can't even believe that I know someone as cool as you!"

"Great shoot last night! I think the new format with live audience works very well."

Be on the look out in a few weeks for Episode #109, the start of this new vision of In the Den with Dr. Jenn!

Jennifer Gunsaullus, Ph.D.

Sex Therapy & Relationship Counseling in San Diego

Why We Need Touch

We are wired to need touch to thrive. Our skin is actually our largest organ and our receptors allow us to identify objects AND to emotionally connect with others. Have you ever given yourself a foot massage and noticed that it doesn't feel as good as when someone else does it? This is because when someone else touches us, it makes us feel reassured and connected. (And also because the unpredictable nature of being touched by another is more pleasurable.) There are chemical changes in the brain that make us feel good from touch, including the big feel-good players like dopamine, endorphins, and oxytocin. Being touched has been shown to reduce stress, improve immune functioning, and calm agitation.

With all these proven positive physical and emotional benefits of touch, it behooves us to be more touchy-feely (where appropriate, of course!) If you and your partner haven't touched in a while, create a calm evening of gentle hand and foot massages. Visit a massage therapist for a professional healing session. Even between friends you can sit in a circle and take turns massaging a part of someone else's body. Be conscious of how you can bring more comforting caresses into your daily interactions.

Jennifer Gunsaullus, Ph.D.

Sex Therapy & Relationship Counseling in San Diego

5 Ways to Enjoy Your Summer AND Excite Your Erotic Side

1. Pretend you are a tourist in your own town. Even if you don't live in a tourist hot spot like San Diego, walking around your downtown area, licking an ice cream cone, and people watching can create a powerful bonding afternoon or evening. Add in a little role-playing by making up fake "tourist names."

2. Go to your local Farmer's Market and buy fresh vegetables and fruits. The veggies are nutritious and high in fiber - both important parts of keeping you working smoothly in the sexual realm. And the fruits are sensual and a tasty treat to eat alone or share with a sexy partner.

3. Listen to outdoor live music and make a picnic of the event. Entertain all 5 of your senses at once!

4. Watch a beautiful sunset with your lover and if you live by the Pacific ocean, even better! Use it as a time for calm reflection and deep appreciation.

5. View the night time sky on August 12 for the yearly Perseids Meteor Shower. Make time for some smooching between shooting stars! Visit this astronomy site for more information.

Jennifer Gunsaullus, Ph.D.

Sex Therapy & Relationship Counseling in San Diego

Cougar: Sex Fiend or Friendly Pussy

Dr. Jenn has a heated discussion with Spicy Suzy and Jane about the term Cougar to determine if cougar is offensive, the social interpretation of cougar, and whether our society can handle a woman in charge of her sexuality.

SPECIAL GUESTS:
Spicy Suzy& Plain Jane

THE DEN RECOMMEND:
The Return of Desire, by Gina Ogden

Focus on What's Working

Complain. Bitch. Moan.

It’s easy to do this when we’ve been in a relationship for a while. We may take the positive things for granted and just expect them to be there. We are programed as animals to notice what is not working because this keeps our focus on survival. But how many of us just want to be surviving our relationships?

It feels a lot better to be focused on thriving. And when we focus on what’s working, it also gives us hope.

Try focusing on what is working instead of what is not working. This strengths-based approach lets you see what you’re already good at and realize that there is a lot of foundation to build on. Do an activity with your partner where you both choose several strengths (a minimum of three) that you have in life and/or in your relationship. Such strengths could include clear communicator, humor, honesty, creativity, or perseverance. Now think about how you can each expand your strengths to other areas that you may be struggling in. Often what works well in some areas will work well in others, if you can creatively expand it. Also, being positive instead of negative has been found in research to expand our capacity for inventive solutions. This is a powerful tool to break through feeling stuck in your relationship and move to thriving.

Jennifer Gunsaullus, Ph.D.

Sex Therapy & Relationship Counseling in San Diego

The 10 Commandments of Sex & Food

In preparation for this evening's "Cooking Up Seduction" presentation with Chef Jenn, I created this list of tips and ideas for mindful eating for a healthy sex life.

Ten Commandments of Sex & Food

1. Many fresh fruits are sensual and nutritious; choose 5 of different colors and create a fruit plate of foreplay.
2. Eating small amounts of dark chocolate is not only pleasing to your taste buds, it also raises your body’s endorphins.
3. Double the amount of time you usually spend eating a meal and chew each bite longer to truly experience the food.
4. Pay attention to all five senses when you’re in the bedroom and be present to the pleasant sensations in the moment.
5. Create your own aphrodisiacs – take turns once a week preparing or buying a meal or special food item that is all about pleasing your partner.
6. Eat a rainbow of fresh vegetables regularly for the high fiber and vitamins and minerals. A healthy you can lead to a healthy sex drive.
7. Spend 20 minutes eating an orange, alone or with a partner; be mindful of what it is like to make love to that orange.
8. If you are going to indulge in foods that you think are guilty pleasures, don’t feel guilty and just enjoy the experience (and the pleasures).
9. Never put sweet items in your vagina because the sugar can increase the chance of a bacterial infection.
10. Avoid foods that make you feel bloated and sluggish (e.g., fried foods, refined carbohydrates, rich cream sauces, saturated fats, or excessive sugar) – it doesn’t feel sexy!

Jennifer Gunsaullus, Ph.D.

Sex Therapy & Relationship Counseling in San Diego