Dr. Jenn Gunsaullus, sociologist and sexologist, writes her sex advice and gender commentary blog. The sex blog includes relationship advice, free sex education videos, sex tips, sex-positive mindfulness, and podcast interviews.
Kat Forsythe, author of Sexperienced, talks with Dr. Jenn about the concerns older women may have around sexuality. She shares insights from her "Sex on the Porch" workshops.
SPECIAL GUEST
Katherine Anne Forsythe, Sex Educator & Coach
SEXUAL FUN FACT
Do non-human animals have a similar decline in sexual functioning as many humans?
Colbert's brilliant commentary on complaints against President Obama's new health care plan for women's health.
Quotes not to miss: 1) "A woman's health decisions are a private matter between her priest and her husband." and 2) "You know women - they're always on the edge of nymphomaniacal orgiastic abandon."
The topic of empathy comes up quite a bit in my counseling work. Which makes a lot of sense. If we want to better understand our partners, connect deeper with others, or even have compassion for ourselves, expanding our practice of empathy is vital.
Empathy means putting yourself in someone else's shoes. It's about recognizing that we are all vulnerable and that we all are so much alike as humans. I think there's an important distinction between sympathy, which can have a condescending feel, and empathy, which is literally feeling like another (as much as possible). They often both involve compassion, but empathy is on an equal footing, and sympathy can be hierarchical. Although we might have different innate abilities around empathy, it is something that can be taught and learned.
A university in the Midwest recently chose six students to participate in a non-credit project called the Empathy Experiment. Research has shown a dramatic decrease in empathy in college students, particularly in the past 10 years. In an attempt to build greater understanding of the working poor, the students were progressively exposed to more challenging circumstances, including a night without eating and spending a night in a homeless shelter. It seems that the goal of students' challenging assumptions and better understanding the perspective of others was realized. To read more about this, visit the Empathy Experiment.
Dr. Jenn interviews Dr. Neil about sadomasochism and kink, and learns how BDSM is misunderstood and important to address. Session #134 of In the Den with Dr. Jenn.
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Dr. Neil Cannon, Sex Therapist
I don't have a lot of value to write here - I just really wanted to post this photo of flamingos getting it on. I've learned quite a bit in the past few months watching the flamingoes at the San Diego Zoo move through their mating season, building nests, laying eggs, and raising their adorable little grey fuzzballs. I'm often surprised by how entertaining many species of birds are at the zoo!
Dr. Jenn interviews Mark Schoen, AASECT member and founder of Sex Smart Films, about the value of film for sex education, and how the United States is behind the times.
SPECIAL GUEST
Mark Schoen, PhD
Founder of SexSmartFilms.com
SEXUAL FUN FACT
What "sexual" words does the FCC frown upon?
Dr. Jenn is a sociologist and relationship & sexuality speaker who challenges our cultural beliefs around sex, sexual consent, gender roles, and health intimacy, with a mindfulness and compassionate approach. Her site includes a sex blog, free sex education videos, sexuality speaking information, and mindfulness resources.
