About Sex Podcast with Angela Skurtu

Today I'm chatting with Kristopher Lovestone, author of Conscious Cock. His book distills his teachings into a radical, practical and easy to follow system that helps heterosexual men rise to meet the post #metoo world through authenticity & transparency, integrity, modern sex education, understanding women, functional communication tools & the anatomy of arousal.   Connect: ConsciousCock.com   About Us: www.aboutsexpodcast.com  Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. She is author of the books "Pre-Marital Counseling: A Guide for Clinicians," and "Helping Couples Overcome Infidelity." Her second book released in 2018.  Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed. at: www.therapistinstlouis.com   This episode is sponsored by Let'sGetChecked.

David Singer has more than a decade experience working with people on the sexual frontier.  He is experienced in ethical non-monogamy, as well as working with kinky people, sex workers, and just about everyone who prefers to not always color within the lines.   Connect: LAKinkShrink.com Facebook LA Kink Shrink   About Us: www.aboutsexpodcast.com  Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. She is author of the books "Pre-Marital Counseling: A Guide for Clinicians," and "Helping Couples Overcome Infidelity." Her second book released in 2018.  Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed. at: www.therapistinstlouis.com   This episode is sponsored by Let'sGetChecked.

My conversation today is with Dr. Lexx Brown-James, LMFT, CSE, CSES. She says, "I’m the coolest nerd you’ll ever meet. Being a full time momprenuer raising toddlers with #shamefreesexed and being the #CouplesClinician is the perfect cyclone of dopeness for me."   Connect:  lexxsexdoc.com Instagram @lexxsexdoc Facebook Lexx Sex Doc     About Us: www.aboutsexpodcast.com  Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. She is author of the books "Pre-Marital Counseling: A Guide for Clinicians," and "Helping Couples Overcome Infidelity." Her second book released in 2018.  Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed. at: www.therapistinstlouis.com   This episode is sponsored by Let'sGetChecked.

Dr. Tom Murray, an international trainer, educator, and couples and sex therapist, is a widely sought-after expert in the fields of sexuality and intimate relationships. For nearly 20 years, Murray has worked with everyday folks to embrace their weirdness, shed labels and shame, lean into anxiety, and build better and stronger relationships. Murray’s appeared in numerous venues, including the Huffington Post and The Daily Mail, as well as radio, television and podcasts, including The Practice of Being Seen and Shrink Rap Radio. Murray directs a group practice in Greensboro, NC, and holds a faculty appointment at Northwestern University’s Family Institute.   Connect: Email: info@drtommurray.com     About Us: www.aboutsexpodcast.com  Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. She is author of the books "Pre-Marital Counseling: A Guide for Clinicians," and "Helping Couples Overcome Infidelity." Her second book released in 2018.  Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed. at: www.therapistinstlouis.com   This episode is sponsored by Let'sGetChecked.

Today I talk with Kristin Casey. She says, "I work in the field of sexuality counseling as a dating & intimacy coach and surrogate partner. What sets my work apart from standard counseling and talk therapy is that my methods are highly experiential—meaning 'hands-on'—which for some clients is the only way they’re going to overcome their issues or develop the necessary skills & awareness to get where they need to go—meaning capable of genuine emotional intimacy and a fulfilling, satisfying sex life."   Connect: www.KristinCasey.com Surrogate Partner Amazon Facebook  Twitter Instagram LinkedIn   YouTube Channel     About Us: www.aboutsexpodcast.com  Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. She is author of the books "Pre-Marital Counseling: A Guide for Clinicians," and "Helping Couples Overcome Infidelity." Her second book released in 2018.  Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed. at: www.therapistinstlouis.com   This episode is sponsored by Let'sGetChecked.

In this episode, I share my perspective as a sex therapist about infidelity - the causes and effects, the therapy process, and some of the ways that relationships can begin to be healed after an affair.   About Us: www.aboutsexpodcast.com  Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. She is author of the books "Pre-Marital Counseling: A Guide for Clinicians," and "Helping Couples Overcome Infidelity." Her second book released in 2018.  Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed. at: www.therapistinstlouis.com   This episode is sponsored by Let'sGetChecked.

Tom LaPonti spent the earlier part of his life walking the fence between a creative career and a professional one as a project manager in technology. As a creative he was recognized for various accolades in film, television and stage as a writer, director, producer. As a project manager he won praise for developing people into successful, productive units that completed projects on time and under budget. Everything came to a halt in 2013 with the sudden death of his father to Stage 4 lung cancer. He re-evaluated where he was and what was important to him and decided to pivot toward a more fulfilling life interviewing people on their sleep disorders and documenting his journey as he explores the world of sleep.   Connect: www.deepsleepglobal.com https://linktr.ee/TheSleepGuy YouTube - TheSleepGuy   About Us: www.aboutsexpodcast.com  Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. She is author of the books "Pre-Marital Counseling: A Guide for Clinicians," and "Helping Couples Overcome Infidelity." Her second book released in 2018.  Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed. at: www.therapistinstlouis.com   This episode is sponsored by Let'sGetChecked.

It's good to be back after a brief hiatus from podcasting. Thank you to new listeners as well as longtime listeners of the show for being with me today! Today I talk with Dr. Becky Lynn. Dr. Lynn is a gynecologist and women's health specialist who specializes in sexual function and is a trained sexual counselor. She is known for her research looking at the effects of cannabis on the sexual experience in women.  She is a local expert in persistent genital arousal disorder and has helped many women bring happiness to their bedroom. We touch on all of those topics and more during our fascinating conversation.   Connect: www.evorabydrbeckylynn.com Instagram @BeckyLynnMD Instagram @EvoraWomensHealth Facebook - Evora Women's Health Twitter @beckylynn YouTube - BeckyLynnMD   About Us: www.aboutsexpodcast.com  Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. She is author of the books "Pre-Marital Counseling: A Guide for Clinicians," and "Helping Couples Overcome Infidelity." Her second book released in 2018.  Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed. at: www.therapistinstlouis.com   This episode is sponsored by Let'sGetChecked.

Diana Indries and her husband Robert have created Better Topics, which is a card game that more love, joy and connection by way of deeper conversations for couples. Connect: www.BetterTopics.com Kickstarter YouTube   About Us: www.aboutsexpodcast.com  Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. She is author of the books "Pre-Marital Counseling: A Guide for Clinicians," and "Helping Couples Overcome Infidelity." Her second book released in 2018.  Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed. at: www.therapistinstlouis.com   This episode is sponsored by Let'sGetChecked.

Joining me all the way from South Korea is Elliott Davis,  a relationship coach who says, "My stories, failures, and triumphs in love—along with my passion for listening and learning—make me a an excellent partner in relationship conversations! I genuinely enjoy helping improve their relationships, inside and outside the bedroom, with humor, tough love and understanding." After a brief discussion about how his experience of living with Coronavirus in South Korea differs from the experience in the USA, we move on to topics around love and relationships, communicating with your partner about sex, finding your rhythm, getting through sexual blocks, marriage sex, and more.   Connect: elliottdaviscoaching.com Instagram   About Us: www.aboutsexpodcast.com  Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. She is author of the books "Pre-Marital Counseling: A Guide for Clinicians," and "Helping Couples Overcome Infidelity." Her second book released in 2018.  Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed. at: www.therapistinstlouis.com   This episode is sponsored by Let'sGetChecked.

Today my discussion is with Masked Therapist. We have a very wide-ranging discussion about social justice, BLM, policing and police reform, and opportunities for positive permanent change. Here are some show notes for topics mentioned during our conversation: - Adam Zaborowski fired at police with AK-47 after arguing over mask rules, police said - The Washington Post https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2020/08/03/mask-mandatory-pennsylvania-shooting-police/?outputType=amp - People shot to death by U.S. police, by race 2020 | Statista https://www.statista.com/statistics/585152/people-shot-to-death-by-us-police-by-race/- Why I'm No Longer Talking To White People About Race    https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/what-it-will-take-to-reduce-deadly-shootings-by-police/2018/01/19/003df822-f65e-11e7-a9e3-ab18ce41436a_story.html   About Us: www.aboutsexpodcast.com  Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. She is author of the books "Pre-Marital Counseling: A Guide for Clinicians," and "Helping Couples Overcome Infidelity." Her second book released in 2018.  Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed. at: www.therapistinstlouis.com   This episode is sponsored by Let'sGetChecked.

My guest today is Paul A. Brotherton, a self-described "Strong Educated African American". Our conversation ranges from discussion about the social unrest and uprising in his home city of Chicago during the taping of this episode, to Black Lives Matter, to managing relationships during quarantine and other challenging times, and much more.   About Us: www.aboutsexpodcast.com  Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. She is author of the books "Pre-Marital Counseling: A Guide for Clinicians," and "Helping Couples Overcome Infidelity." Her second book released in 2018.  Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed. at: www.therapistinstlouis.com   This episode is sponsored by Let'sGetChecked.

Today's guest is Susan Bratton. From her website: "Susan Bratton is a champion and advocate for all who desire passionate relationships. Considered the “Dear Abby of Sex,” Susan’s fresh approach and original ideas have helped millions of people of all ages and across the gender spectrum transform sex into passion.   We talk about orgasms, "using the whole banana", exploring new sexual territory, and much more.     Connect:   susanbratton.com Facebook Twitter LinkedIn betterlover.com Instagram   About Us: www.aboutsexpodcast.com  Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. She is author of the books "Pre-Marital Counseling: A Guide for Clinicians," and "Helping Couples Overcome Infidelity." Her second book released in 2018.  Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed. at: www.therapistinstlouis.com   This episode is sponsored by Let'sGetChecked.

My guest today is Jenelle Marie Pierce, who is the Executive Director of The STI Project, an Adjunct Professor in Asheville, NC, a Spokeperson for PositiveSingles.com, and a wonderful person and interviewee. Our conversation focuses on living and dating with an STI as well as overcoming shame and stigma to find empowerment in our lives.   Connect:   www.TheSTIProject.com www.PositiveSingles.com Instagram Facebook Twitter YouTube LinkedIn Tumblr Pinterest     About Us: www.aboutsexpodcast.com  Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. She is author of the books "Pre-Marital Counseling: A Guide for Clinicians," and "Helping Couples Overcome Infidelity." Her second book released in 2018.  Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed. at: www.therapistinstlouis.com   This episode is sponsored by Let'sGetChecked.

Lena Elkhatib is "a relationship and sex therapist practicing at Essentia Therapy, my private practice in Chicago, Illinois. But the reality is, I bring many other identities into my work: Career changer, creative, partner, parent, Arab-American, Muslim woman, 3rd culture kid, Unicorn and Dragon Aficionado. All the aspects of who I am shape my mission: To work with people through curiosity, compassion and creativity to explore, challenge and REWRITE the sexual scripts that they have inherited that don’t quite mesh with who they are and what they want." Connect: www.essentiatherapy.com Instagram   About Us: www.aboutsexpodcast.com  Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. She is author of the books "Pre-Marital Counseling: A Guide for Clinicians," and "Helping Couples Overcome Infidelity." Her second book released in 2018.  Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed. at: www.therapistinstlouis.com   This episode is sponsored by Let'sGetChecked.

Today's conversation is with Karen Washington, LMFT. She's the primary sex therapist at a group practice in Chicago. Our discussion revolves around improving the sex lives of couples, but we cover a lot more ground as well. Connect: www.relationshipreality312.com   About Us: www.aboutsexpodcast.com  Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. She is author of the books "Pre-Marital Counseling: A Guide for Clinicians," and "Helping Couples Overcome Infidelity." Her second book released in 2018.  Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed. at: www.therapistinstlouis.com   This episode is sponsored by Let'sGetChecked.

Today's conversation is with Luka and Esther of SQSH, an organization that provides free, confidential, and identity-affirming emotional support and resource referrals, by and for the St. Louis LGBTQIA+ community. Luka (they/them), a queer non-binary Singaporean immigrant, founded the St. Louis Queer+ Support Helpline using a $5,000 grant and their prior experience working on a sexual assault helpline and volunteering at The Trevor Project. Born and raised in Singapore, a highly homophobic and transphobic country, Luka hopes to be able to immigrate to the United States. Esther: (she/her) is a trans woman, social work student and future gender therapist who’s lived in seven states and two countries and has no intention of halting her quest for learning and discovery anytime soon. Connect:   Website: http://thesqsh.org/ Facebook: http://facebook.com/thesqsh Twitter: http://twitter.com/thesqsh Instagram: http://instagram.com/thesqsh Mailing List: http://tinyurl.com/SQSHList Venmo: http://venmo.com/TheSQSH    About Us: www.aboutsexpodcast.com  Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. She is author of the books "Pre-Marital Counseling: A Guide for Clinicians," and "Helping Couples Overcome Infidelity." Her second book released in 2018.  Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed. at: www.therapistinstlouis.com   This episode is sponsored by Let'sGetChecked.

My interview today with Daphne Walker-Thoth is another in a series of conversations I've recorded with people of color about their experiences. You'll notice that during this conversation I sometimes have difficulty even knowing how to ask some questions. I've chosen to leave the interview unedited so that my listeners can hear what it sounds like to have raw - and sometimes messy - conversations. Daphne is a retired substance abuse counselor emeritus. Before recently retiring, she devoted more than 20 years to helping awaken faith organizations to the anguish and despair of social injustice. Twelve years ago, she spoke at the White House as a panelist on the role of faith organizations in addressing social service issues.   About Us: www.aboutsexpodcast.com  Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. She is author of the books "Pre-Marital Counseling: A Guide for Clinicians," and "Helping Couples Overcome Infidelity." Her second book released in 2018.  Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed. at: www.therapistinstlouis.com   This episode is sponsored by Let'sGetChecked.

Today I have a frank conversation about the experience of being a person of color in the U.S. with fellow podcasters. This episode is for people who want to learn and grow. It's not always easy to sit in the feelings of discomfort that this topic can cause, but it is important. Thank you for being here with me. Connect: Marcus O. Boston is "a 30-something, single black male, that has had his fair share of wins and losses on the battlefield of love. However, he reigns as one that is true to himself." He's the host of the Cognac Corner podcast. Cognac Corner Instagram Cognac Corner Twitter Cognac Corner Facebook Shawn Giles is the curator of The Sdot Experience, LLC. She says, "What makes me awesome is that I live my life through my passions and work via my talents." The SDot Experience LLC Instagram. TheSDotExperience.com   About Us: www.aboutsexpodcast.com  Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. She is author of the books "Pre-Marital Counseling: A Guide for Clinicians," and "Helping Couples Overcome Infidelity." Her second book released in 2018.  Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed. at: www.therapistinstlouis.com   This episode is sponsored by Let'sGetChecked.

Today's episode is a follow up to the last one! Cliterally Speaking The Podcast was generous to ask me to be a guest on their show as well, so today I'm in the interviewee chair. We have a lot of fun talking about (and drinking) wine, our relationships, sex, therapy, and lots more.   Connect: cliterallyspeakingpodcast.com Facebook Instagram Twitter SoundCloud    About Us: www.aboutsexpodcast.com  Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. She is author of the books "Pre-Marital Counseling: A Guide for Clinicians," and "Helping Couples Overcome Infidelity." Her second book released in 2018.  Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed. at: www.therapistinstlouis.com   This episode is sponsored by Let'sGetChecked.

My guests today are the hosts of the popular show "Cliterally Speaking The Podcast". Cliterally Speaking The Podcast features honest, vulnerable, unapologetic (and funny) conversations over a bottle of wine. Connect: cliterallyspeakingpodcast.com Facebook Instagram Twitter SoundCloud    About Us: www.aboutsexpodcast.com  Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. She is author of the books "Pre-Marital Counseling: A Guide for Clinicians," and "Helping Couples Overcome Infidelity." Her second book released in 2018.  Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed. at: www.therapistinstlouis.com

Author Barry McCarthy joins us again to talk about the differences and similarities between male and female sexuality, how couples can build mutually satisfying intimate relationships, and more.   Connect: Email - barrymccarthy43@gmail.comWeb - Purchase Barry's Books   About Us: www.aboutsexpodcast.com  Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. She is author of the books "Pre-Marital Counseling: A Guide for Clinicians," and "Helping Couples Overcome Infidelity." Her second book released in 2018.  Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed. at: www.therapistinstlouis.com   This episode is sponsored by Let'sGetChecked.

Eden Adele is committed to creating practical ways to encourage dynamic women over 40 to create, maintain, and enjoy lavish love from the inside out. Connect: www.edenadele.comFacebookYouTube About Us: www.aboutsexpodcast.com  Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. She is author of the books "Pre-Marital Counseling: A Guide for Clinicians," and "Helping Couples Overcome Infidelity." Her second book released in 2018.  Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed. at: www.therapistinstlouis.com   This episode is sponsored by Let'sGetChecked.

Today's guest is Worner Leland. We cover a lot of ground in this episode, touching on topics such as sexual tools and sex toys as therapeutic devices, sex ed and harm reduction, kink and harm reduction, sex ed and harm reduction for neurodivergent clients, and trans-affirming research and education. Worner is a queer, nonbinary human that spends their time on LGBTQIA affirming research and on sex education. They are a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with Empowered: A Center for Sexuality in St. Louis, MO and with Upswing Advocates in Chicago, IL. They are the current Research and Dissemination Liaison of the Sexual Behavior: Research and Practice SIG of ABAI, a leader of Sex Positive St. Louis, and a cofounder of the St. Louis Non-Monogamy Connection. Worner specializes in transgender health education, harm reduction based sex education for adults with and without disabilities, atypical sexual behaviors, kink behaviors, and atypical relationship styles. Connect: www.upswingadvocates.orgwww.empoweredcenter.comwww.sbrpsig.org   About Us: www.aboutsexpodcast.com  Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. She is author of the books "Pre-Marital Counseling: A Guide for Clinicians," and "Helping Couples Overcome Infidelity." Her second book released in 2018.  Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed. at: www.therapistinstlouis.com   This episode is sponsored by Let'sGetChecked.

Today I'm joined remotely with Dr. Angie Schubert and Dr. David Ley. This is a fun and funny chat about their professional careers and our favorite topic: sex! Dr. Schubert is an assistant professor at Central Methodist University and lead clinician at Brightside Counseling. She is a free-spirited counselor and counselor educator who advocates for the sexual agency of all and who loves to talk about sex. Connect: Website - www.brightsidecounseling.net Journal - digitalcommons.unf.edu/jcssw/ Podcast - Let's Get Uncomfortable   Dr. Ley is a world-renowned clinical psychologist, known for bringing scientifically-accurate and clinically sound information to discussions about modern sexuality. He serves on the board of the Sexual Health Alliance as an expert advisor and is an internationally-recognized expert on issues related to sexuality, pornography and mental health. Connect: Website: www.davidleyphd.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrDavidLey Instagram: www.instagram.com/davidleyphd/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/david.leyphd YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCZ2MWaJa3yof_95v5-God1w   About Us: www.aboutsexpodcast.com  Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. She is author of the books "Pre-Marital Counseling: A Guide for Clinicians," and "Helping Couples Overcome Infidelity." Her second book released in 2018.  Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed. at: www.therapistinstlouis.com

Today's guest is Barb Gross, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and an AASECT Certified Sexuality Educator. We talk about her work with adolescents and adults with autism and related disabilities, and we have an enlightening conversation around pornography literacy. Connect: Website - www.empoweredcenter.com   About Us: www.aboutsexpodcast.com  Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. She is author of the books "Pre-Marital Counseling: A Guide for Clinicians," and "Helping Couples Overcome Infidelity." Her second book released in 2018.  Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed. at: www.therapistinstlouis.com

awn* works within the broader healthcare system. On today's episode, she joins me remotely to offer some insight about how to handle our Coronavirus concerns, best practices for staying safe and healthy, and her predictions for what to expect in the future. *"Dawn" is a pseudonym. Dawn has asked us not to use her real identity for privacy reasons. Below is a list of resources that Dawn referenced in the conversation (or you can find the same information here).     About Us: www.aboutsexpodcast.com  Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. She is author of the books "Pre-Marital Counseling: A Guide for Clinicians," and "Helping Couples Overcome Infidelity." Her second book released in 2018.  Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed. at: www.therapistinstlouis.com

Nicholas Maio-Aether, MSPSY, BCBA, LBA is a Licensed Behavior Analyst, Practicum Supervisor, and Sex Therapist at Empowered: A Center for Sexuality LLC. Today, we talk about how the current pandemic can affect relationships. Connect: Email: nicholas.maio@empoweredcenter.com Twitter: @AetherianN FB: www.facebook.com/empoweredcenterstl Web: www.empoweredcenter.com About Us: www.aboutsexpodcast.com  Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. She is author of the books "Pre-Marital Counseling: A Guide for Clinicians," and "Helping Couples Overcome Infidelity." Her second book released in 2018.  Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed. at: www.therapistinstlouis.com

Today I speak with Marcus O. Boston. Marcus is a man-about-town and the hilarious host of the Cognac Corner Podcast. Our conversation spans the high of podcasting, strategies for dating and making friends, and Marcus' social experiences living in the Soulard neighborhood of St. Louis. Connect: Instagram - @cognac_cornerTwitter - @CognacCornerFacebook - CognacCornerWebsite - www.cognaccorner.com   About Us: www.aboutsexpodcast.com  Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. She is author of the books "Pre-Marital Counseling: A Guide for Clinicians," and "Helping Couples Overcome Infidelity." Her second book released in 2018.  Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed. at: www.therapistinstlouis.com

Courtney Brame is the Founder and Podcast Host of Something Positive for Positive People, a podcast that started as a suicide prevention resource for people navigating a herpes diagnosis. Now it's a sex-positive nonprofit organization that helps connect people navigating stigma heal through the experiences of people with similar experiences. He is also a Spokesperson for Dating.com. Connect: - Online - www.spfpp.org- Instagram/Twitter/Tumblr/Reddit: @HOnMyChest (Pronounced "H On My Chest")- Facebook: Something Positive for Positive People- Podcast available on all podcast platforms and at www.spfpp.org/podcast About Us: www.aboutsexpodcast.com  Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. She is author of the books "Pre-Marital Counseling: A Guide for Clinicians," and "Helping Couples Overcome Infidelity." Her second book released in 2018.  Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed. at: www.therapistinstlouis.com

Janna Denton-Howes is a Marriage Coach who specializes in helping married women want and enjoy sex more.   Connect: www.jannadentonhowes.com   About Us: www.aboutsexpodcast.com  Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. She is author of the books "Pre-Marital Counseling: A Guide for Clinicians," and "Helping Couples Overcome Infidelity." Her second book released in 2018.  Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed. at: www.therapistinstlouis.com

April Porter is "an uber-confident bad-ass with a mission and purpose to help as many people as possible become confident bad-asses". She joins us to talk about strategies for improving health and happiness, and to discuss her experiences in her journey as the franchise owner of several 9Round locations as well as secrtSOS.   Connect: 9round.com/stl secrtSOS.com   About Us: www.aboutsexpodcast.com  Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. She is author of the books "Pre-Marital Counseling: A Guide for Clinicians," and "Helping Couples Overcome Infidelity." Her second book released in 2018.  Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed. at: www.therapistinstlouis.com

Stan Strembicki has been a practicing artist for the past 42 years and has had an interest in the representation of the human form throughout his career. He has work in museums and collections both here in the USA and his work can be found on all seven continents. He has also taught full time at the university level for 42 years. Today, he joins us to talk about his ongoing work of taking nude portraits of subjects of all different ages, shapes and sizes.   Connect: stan@strembicki.com Instagram @FakeStanStrembicki www.strembicki.com   About Us: www.aboutsexpodcast.com  Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. She is author of the books "Pre-Marital Counseling: A Guide for Clinicians," and "Helping Couples Overcome Infidelity." Her second book released in 2018.  Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed. at: www.therapistinstlouis.com

Author Shirley Melis joins me to discuss her recently-released book, Banged-Up Heart: Dancing with Love and Loss. Shirley has been widowed twice in four years, and now married for the third time, she is resilient, courageous and not afraid of telling her truth. Her book is available as a paperback, an e-book and more recently, an audiobook on Amazon and Audible. Connect:   www.shirleymelis.com Twitter @ShirleyMelis Facebook   About Us: www.aboutsexpodcast.com  Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. She is author of the books "Pre-Marital Counseling: A Guide for Clinicians," and "Helping Couples Overcome Infidelity." Her second book released in 2018.  Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed. at: www.therapistinstlouis.com

Ms. Jaimie Hileman is the Executive Director of Trans Education Service. She is an educational consultant for Trans and LGBTQ cultural competency, diversity, and inclusion. This is officially our 100th episode. We want to thank Jaimie for being there to interview. Her knowledge and humor make the show a blast! Connect: transedservice.com Facebook LinkedIn   About Us: www.aboutsexpodcast.com  Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. She is author of the books "Pre-Marital Counseling: A Guide for Clinicians," and "Helping Couples Overcome Infidelity." Her second book released in 2018.  Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed. at: www.therapistinstlouis.com

Chris Scarberry is a therapist in private practice who specializes in working with HIV affected clients and the LGBTQ population who also is skilled at cooking, playing the musical saw, has 4 cats and is in a long-term relationship with another therapist. Website: scarberrytherapy.com   About Us: www.aboutsexpodcast.com  Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. She is author of the books "Pre-Marital Counseling: A Guide for Clinicians," and "Helping Couples Overcome Infidelity." Her second book released in 2018.  Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed. at: www.therapistinstlouis.com

After 15 years in the investment business, Rob Bertman decided to help parents where they need the most financial help, their budget.  Through 1-on-2 consults, workshops, and speaking engagements, Rob helps couples find the money they need to pay back debt, invest for future and reach their financial goals even if they don’t see eye-to-eye on money and kids are breaking the bank.   Connect:  familybudgetexpert.com   About Us: www.aboutsexpodcast.com  Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. She is author of the books "Pre-Marital Counseling: A Guide for Clinicians," and "Helping Couples Overcome Infidelity." Her second book released in 2018.  Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed. at: www.therapistinstlouis.com

Dr. Ellen Ranney has been a Marriage and Family Therapist in St Louis since 1991. She is a specialist in Trauma recovery, working with Complex PTSD and Dissociative Disorders, and author of the book, "Unkind Gifts: An Insider’s Guide to Recovery from Trauma and Loss," (2016). In this episode, Ellen describes trauma and its impacts on the body. She describes her therapeutic process for unlocking triggers and the importance of looking at greater systems at play in client lives. We also discuss medical trauma, her experience with cancer and her book. Her websites:  Unkindgifts.com stlcounselors.com Connect: unkindgifts@gmail.com   About Us: www.aboutsexpodcast.com  Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. She is author of the books "Pre-Marital Counseling: A Guide for Clinicians," and "Helping Couples Overcome Infidelity." Her second book released in 2018.  Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed. at: www.therapistinstlouis.com

"Lynette" is a newly-minted sex therapist who shares her experiences of starting a therapy career in middle age, being an intern, having a husband in the military with PTSD, and more.   About Us: www.aboutsexpodcast.com  Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. Her second book released in 2018. Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed. at: www.therapistinstlouis.com

Standup comedian and improviser Alexander Carnes is the host of the Not So Sexy Podcast, "the podcast that makes it easy to talk about sex". Connect: Instagram: @NotSoSexyPodastTwitter: @WeKnowItsGrossApple Podcasts: Not So Sexy Podcast    About Us: www.aboutsexpodcast.com  Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. Her second book released in 2018. Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed. at: www.therapistinstlouis.com

Nicholas Maio-Aether MSPSY, BCBA, LBA is "one of the most versatile sex geeks out there, working with many populations, including LGBTQIA, HIV+, Autism, and Down Syndrome". Website: empoweredcenter.comFacebook: facebook.com/empoweredcenterstl   About Us: www.aboutsexpodcast.com  Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. Her second book released in 2018. Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed. at: www.therapistinstlouis.com

At age 75, Joan Price has been talking out loud about senior sex—partnered or solo—for 14 years, in speeches, workshops, webinars, and her zesty blog, NakedAtOurAge.com, which includes senior sex news, views, and sex toy reviews from a senior perspective. Website: joanprice.comBlog: NakedAtOurAge.comTwitter: @joanpriceNaked at Our Age Facebook page: facebook.com/JoanPriceAuthorNewsletter subscription link: eepurl.com/cx2NabWatch Joan’s free webinar, Safer Sex for Seniors: youtu.be/efGXHzf19Bs About Us: www.aboutsexpodcast.com  Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. Her second book released in 2018. Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed. at: www.therapistinstlouis.com

Michelle and Andy Mueller are co-owners of Shameless Grounds Coffee Shop and describe themselves as "Always caffeinated, usually sarcastic, and occasionally irreverent". Web: www.Shamelessgrounds.comFacebook: Shameless Grounds, LLCInstagram: shamelessgroundsTwitter: @ShamelessGrnds (yes, that’s correct)Patreon: patreon.com/shamelessgrounds   About Us: www.aboutsexpodcast.com  Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. Her second book released in 2018. Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed. at: www.therapistinstlouis.com

Today's guest is Donald Wildgrube. He doesn't use a title but is an ordained Pagan Priest, ordained in 1973 by the Church of All Worlds. He is 80 years old and has been in the Poly movement since before the word was coined by Morning Glory Zell. He has talked to many groups, given talks at our Pagan Picnic, on subjects ranging from Paganism, Witchcraft, Herbalism, Ancient Egypt and related subjects. Donald can be reached at dwildgrube@earthlink.net About Us: www.aboutsexpodcast.com  Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. Her second book released in 2018. Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed. at: www.therapistinstlouis.com

O. John Groebl, aka, The Tattooed Gentleman has been collecting his personal ink for nearly 30 years. His bodysuit is the work of several talented artists in San Francisco, St. Louis, Memphis and Jacksonville. As an entertainer and educator, he is playful and uninhibited, the Gentleman aims to amuse and confuse, but leaves you with something to think about.   About Us: www.aboutsexpodcast.com  Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. Her second book released in February. Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed. at: www.therapistinstlouis.com

Kendra Holiday and David Wraith co-founded Sex Positive St. Louis. This group helps individuals around St. Louis find each other for events and education about sexual and relationship health.   Links to Find Sex Positive St. Louis: https://plus.google.com/+SexPositiveSTL @SexPositiveSTL on Twitter Links to Find Kendra: www.beopenandhonest.com www.thebeautifulkind.com @TBK365 on Twitter Links to Find David: https://davidwraith.com/ @DavidWraith on Twitter   About Us: www.aboutsexpodcast.com  Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. Her second book released in February. Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed. at: www.therapistinstlouis.com

Emily is a queer bisexual feminist, a holistic mental health therapist specialized in treating trauma, a sex educator, a lady arm wrestler, a writer and she is passionate about making space for truth telling. Website: EmilyKotheCounseling.comwww.SexSTL.comInstagram @EmilyKothe_Counseling   About Us: www.aboutsexpodcast.com  Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. Her second book released in February. Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed. at: www.therapistinstlouis.com

Meet Me St. Louis brings authors & artists to St. Louis to speak about their newly released/published works and creates exciting & innovative presentations with a portion of proceeds from each event going to a different area charity. Marcia Evers Levy is creative; she deals with difficult situations with humor (usually), and always tries to make partnerships that will better a community, a business, and/or a relationship. Website: http://www.meetmestlouis.org Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/meetmestlouis    About Us: www.aboutsexpodcast.com  Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. Her second book released in February. Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed. at: www.therapistinstlouis.com

Nikki Leigh is an award winning author who passionately shares her knowledge about coaching and relationships to help other people gain the life and love they deserve through her books, coaching and her radio show. She is a love coach and host of Ready for Love Radio. Links to Reach Nikki: http://www.readyforloveradio.com http://www.lovecoachjourney.com https://www.facebook.com/AreYouReadyForLove   About Us: www.aboutsexpodcast.com  Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. Her second book released in February. Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed. at: www.therapistinstlouis.com

In today's episode, Christina Meneses joins us. She is a representative from the YWCA and we cover how sexual health and disability intersect. In her work, she advocates for people with disabilities to have happy, healthy sex lives.   Christina has worked in the field of abuse prevention for more than 20 years. She spent much of that time doing traditional abuse prevention presentations in the St. Louis area. In the last 5 years with SHADE she has provided relationship and sexuality education to individuals with disabilities, agencies that they might encounter, and parents and guardians.   Website URL:  www.ywcastlouis.org   Facebook URL: YWCA Metro St. Louis   This is www.aboutsexpodcast.com. To visit Angela Skurtu as a Therapist, you can go to www.therapistinstlouis.com. Thank you for listening.

Today, we discuss sex education with Jessica Naslund. She works with clients who are disabled and neurologically atypical. We cover how education and even consent can change based on a person's capabilities mentally and physically. Enjoy! About our Guest: Jessica Naslund is a licensed clinical Social Worker and AASECT certified Sexuality Educator who teaches and provides therapy for all individuals. She is an Adjunct professor in the UMSL SUCCEED program teaching healthy relationships and sexuality and is in private practices as the President of Empowered: A Center For Sexuality. Website URL www.empoweredcenter.com   Facebook URL Empowered: A Center For Sexuality   About Us: www.aboutsexpodcast.com  Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. Her second book released in February. Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed. at: www.therapistinstlouis.com

Enjoy the new episode with Dr. Stacy Friedman. The epsiode is very informative and riveting. We hope you can listen in. In other news: Going forward, Joshua Skurtu is no longer a part of the podcast. He's still awesome, and if you wanted to keep up with his endeavors, feel free to check out his new blog at www.androidslavery.com The Android's Guide to Enslaving the Human Race. His blog will soon feature a new podcast as well, so stay tuned. You can also follow him on: facebook at https://www.facebook.com/joshua.skurtu and twitter @JoshuaSkurtu    I want to thank him for all he did for the podcast and wish him the best in all his future endeavors.   -Angela Skurtu     About our Guest: Dr. Stacy Friedman-Clinical Sexologist & CertifiedSex Coach   Dr. Stacy is a ClinicalSexologist/Certified Sex Coach and is the founder of CreatingIntimacy Coach, Inc. She got involved in the field of ClinicalSexology because of her passion for helping people learn toexperience the best sexual intimacy with themselves and with theirpartner(s). She holds a Doctorate degree in Human Sexuality, aMasters in Clinical Sexology and is a Certified Sex Coach. Dr. Stacyis a member of World Association of Sex Coaches, and of theAmerican College of Sexologists, which shows she has earned topcredentials in her field. She also has a BA in Psychology and has beena Registered Diagnostic Medical and Vascular Sonographer for over25 years. Additionally, since 2006, Dr. Stacy has been a consultantselling adult novelties and has coached and educated many people in afun, positive approach to love, romance and in all aspects of sexuality.Her education and personal, spiritual and sexual journey, includinglife experience uniquely enables her to help people to face thechallenges that may lie ahead and to achieve their goals.   Website URL www.DrStacy.org For the free e-copy of my bookthe site is www.DrStacyBook.com Facebook URL facebook.com/drstacyfriedman   About Us: www.aboutsexpodcast.com  Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. Her second book released in February. Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed. at: www.therapistinstlouis.com   Facebook: About Sex Podcast Facebook Page // Angela Skurtu LMFT, M. Ed, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist

This week, we welcome Dr. Laurie Betito to the show. We were very excited to have her on, as she is the Director of the Pornhub Sexual Wellness Center, an initiative to provide free sexual health information to the masses. We'd heard about the initiative before and couldn't wait to hear more about it. We also talk about her new book on sex and aging and sexuality in autism. Very informative and well worth a listen. Enjoy!   Dr. Laurie is a clinical psychologist with a specialty in sex therapy. For the last 27 years she has been doing radio and television, dispensing sex and relationship advice. She is the host of a nightly Canadian syndicated call in show called Passion, where she discusses issues related to sexuality with her listeners. She is the author of The Sex Bible for People Over 50. She is also the Director of the Pornhub Sexual Wellness Center, an online sexual health information platform. Dr. Laurie has also done two TEDx talks on the subject of sexuality   About Us: www.aboutsexpodcast.com  Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. Her second book released in February. Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed. at: www.therapistinstlouis.com Check out Josh's new autobiographical blog, The Android's Guide to Enslaving the Human Race, at www.androidslavery.com. Facebook: About Sex Podcast Facebook Page // Angela Skurtu LMFT, M. Ed, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist

This week's guest is Joe, but that's not his real name. He is a male sex worker that provides erotic massage and happy endings for women. Enjoy!   About Us: www.aboutsexpodcast.com  Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. Her second book released in February. Joshua is not a therapist. He is a writer and podcaster and brings a sense of humor along with an inquisitive mind to the show. Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed. at: www.therapistinstlouis.com Facebook: About Sex Podcast Facebook Page // Angela Skurtu LMFT, M. Ed, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist

Our guest this week is Linda Weiner, a sex therapist and researcher. Her newest book is called Sensate Focus in Sex Therapy: The Illustrated Manual. We talk to her about sensate focus, treatments for women in sex therapy, working with Masters and Johnson, and more. Enjoy!   About Our Guest: Linda Weiner, MSW, LCSW   Linda is Co-Director of the Institute for Sexual & RelationshipTherapy & Training and was an Adjunct Professor at BrownSchool, Washington University in St. Louis. From 2008-2017. Sheis a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, a Diplomate in Clinical SocialWork, a Certified Diplomate in Sexology (American Board ofSexology), and is certified by the American Association ofSexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists as a SexTherapist, Supervisor, and CE provider. Weiner has co-authorednumerous articles, chapters, and most recently a book on thehistory and application of Sensate Focus techniques, Sensate Focusin Sex Therapy: An Illustrated Manual. Prior to beginning a privatepractice, Weiner was a Clinical & Research Associate at Masters & Johnson Institute in St. Louis and has been providing individualand couples relationship and sex therapy and training for the past30 years. Her current research interest is on mindfulness andsomatic therapy.   Website URL www.isrtt.orgISRTT BLOG: www.isrtt.org/blog/ISRTT FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/institutesrtt/ https://twitter.com/SensFocusISRTT   About Us: www.aboutsexpodcast.com  Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. Her second book released in February. Joshua is not a therapist. He is a writer and podcaster and brings a sense of humor along with an inquisitive mind to the show. Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed. at: www.therapistinstlouis.com Facebook: About Sex Podcast Facebook Page // Angela Skurtu LMFT, M. Ed, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist

Our next guest identifies as "Powerful Eric." His name is Eric and after twenty years of going through 12 step programs he no longer identifies as a sex / porn addict.  He feels the label itself was a problem. While there is no clinical diagnosis for sex addiction, some people stil feel out of control when it comes to their sexual compulsions and seek help. Many people go into twelve step programs, which are known to have high rates of failure. Eric talks to us about his own journey through dozens of twelve step programs, how they didn't help at all, and how he has found mindfullness techniques that help him with his issues.   Our Guest:   Find him at: http://www.powerfuleric.com/   About Us: www.aboutsexpodcast.com  Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. Her second book released in February. Joshua is not a therapist. He is a writer and podcaster and brings a sense of humor along with an inquisitive mind to the show. Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed. at: www.therapistinstlouis.com Facebook: About Sex Podcast Facebook Page // Angela Skurtu LMFT, M. Ed, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist // Joshua Skurtu

This week, our guest is David Wraith, the co-founder of Sex Positive St. Louis. We have had him on before. In this episode, he talks with us a little bit about the death of his wife last year and the support he found in the polyamorous community. We also talk about #metoo, BDSM, mommy issues, pissing (water sports), male chastity, sex work, and the beautiful older women he has sexual relationships with. In one story, he tells us about his sexual relationship with Betty Dodson, an 89 year old woman. She is well known among sex educators for manually teaching women to orgasm that had never experienced it. We hope you enjoy this week's episode.   David Wraith is a street walking cheetah with a heart full of napalm, he is "The Do You Guru," and "The Hardest Working Man in Ho Business." He is co-founder of Sex Positive St. Louis and the HNIC at Planet Wraith    Website URL davidwraith.com, sexstl.com,  Blog URL davidwraith.com Facebook URL https://www.facebook.com/planetwraith/,  https://www.facebook.com/davidwraith Twitter Name @davidwraith   About Us: www.aboutsexpodcast.com  Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. Her second book released in February. Joshua is not a therapist. He is an author and writer and brings a sense of humor along with an inquisitive mind. Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed. at: www.therapistinstlouis.com Facebook: About Sex Podcast Facebook Page // Angela Skurtu LMFT, M. Ed, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist // Joshua Skurtu

About our Guest: Our guest today is Barry McCarthy, PhD. A presenter at professional workshops and professor at American University, McCarthy is the author of fourteen books, including Coping with Erectile Dysfunction: How to Regain Confidence and Enjoy Great Sex and Coping with Premature Ejaculation: How to Overcome PE, Please Your Partner & Have Great Sex. We talk about Erectile Dysfunction, the Good Enough Sex model, Rekindling Desire, Sexual Styles, and much more.   About Us: www.aboutsexpodcast.com  Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. Her second book released in February. Joshua is not a therapist. He is an author and writer and brings a sense of humor along with an inquisitive mind. Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed. at: www.therapistinstlouis.com Facebook: About Sex Podcast Facebook Page // Angela Skurtu LMFT, M. Ed, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist // Joshua Skurtu

Join me today for an interview with author Angela Skurtu. Angela is a licensed marriage therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. She is also the co-host of the About Sex Podcast! I knew she sounded familiar. Today, we discuss her book, Helping Couples Overcome Infidelity: A Therapist's Manual. In it, she shares all the trade secrets of how she guides people through the theraputic process. We also discuss how an infidelity can sometimes save a failing marriage. Yes, really. A common side-effect of a betrayal is a revitalization of your sex life by forcing the conflict out in the open, making a couple deal with their problems. This can create a territorial sexual response. Angela does not suggest infidelity as a fix to a failing marriage or sex life, but gives some great alternatives in our interview. I also ask her if she ever cheated on her husband. Yes, I actually asked that. I am so incorrigible... Tune in to find out her answer and get all the salacious details! -Josh     About Us: www.aboutsexpodcast.com  Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. Her second book released in February. Joshua is not a therapist. He is an author and writer and brings a sense of humor along with an inquisitive mind. Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed. at: www.therapistinstlouis.com Facebook: About Sex Podcast Facebook Page // Angela Skurtu LMFT, M. Ed, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist // Joshua Skurtu

Join us this episode with our guest, author Leona Stucky. About Leona Stucky www.leonastucky.comDr. Stucky first received a degree in psychology and philosophy from Boston College, graduating summa cum laude, before plunging into seminary, first at Andover Newton Theological School and then at Eden Theological Seminary. She earned a doctorate from Southern Methodist University with honors, and a Diplomate certificate from the American Association of Pastoral Counselors—their highest credential—for teaching, supervising, and offering therapy services. She currently has standing as a Unitarian Universalist community minister.About her Memoir: The Fog ofFaith The Fog of Faith is a suspenseful and morally unflinching drama of shame and survival, as well as usable and unusual wisdom. Leona is cast into a bewildering life of disgrace and poverty—with a baby, a violent husband, and battered faith. Through a series of page-turning events, she hacks through the bones of her naïveté to confront harsh realities and to probe the veracity of the religious claims she'd grown up with in her Mennonite community in rural Kansas. Each step of the gripping story grounds itself in nuanced networks of passion, relational complexities, cultural and religious dilemmas, circumscribed choices bound by woman’s poverty, persistent violence, and an untamable resilient desire to redeem herself.    About Us: www.aboutsexpodcast.com  Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. Her second book released in February. Joshua is not a therapist, but brings a sense of humor along with an inquisitive mind. Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed. at: www.therapistinstlouis.com Facebook: About Sex Podcast Facebook Page // Angela Skurtu LMFT, M. Ed, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist // Joshua Skurtu

Disclaimer: Yes, we're going to talk about religion today with Sally Hunt, who was recently featured on Fox News. We respect everyone's right to their own beliefs and values, but Angela and I feel it important that a government for the people, by the people, represent all of the people, no matter their creed, gender, or belief system. We do talk about sex for a lot of the episode, but if you wish to skip most of the religious topics, skip ahead to around the 30 minute mark.   Our guest today is Sally Buxbaum Hunt, also known as the Passionate Atheist. She was recently featured on Fox News to discuss the separation of church and state. We ask her about that experience, from what happened at the Wentzville City hall to her interview with Laura Ingraham on Fox. We also discuss consent and sex education in public schools. This is actually Sally's second appearance on our show. In her first appearance, we focused mostly on sex education in public schools. You can find that interview here. We hope you enjoy listening to the episode as much as we enjoyed making it.          About our guest: Sally Hunt, also known as ‘The Passionate Atheist,’ is an activist who advocates for comprehensive sex education, sex-positivity, and the separation of church and state. Sally founded the group, Expose Thrive, which successfully got Thrive’s “Best Choice” abstinence-only, shame-based & fear-based program removed from 16 local public school districts. Sally is also known for recently speaking in opposition to a large ‘In God We Trust’ display at city hall in Wentzville, Missouri, and then being thrown out of the meeting by the mayor due to her comments. Sally has gotten a great deal of media attention for her opposition to the 'In God We Trust' display, including an appearance on the Fox News show, The Ingraham Angle. The ACLU has filed a lawsuit against the city of Wentzville on Sally’s behalf. Sally has a master’s in counseling, 6 years’ experience as a school counselor, and will be entering the counseling PhD program in the fall. Facebook URL facebook.com/passionateatheist Twitter Name @sallybhunt About Us: www.aboutsexpodcast.com  Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. Her second book released in February. Joshua is not a therapist, but brings a sense of humor along with an inquisitive mind. Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed. at: www.therapistinstlouis.com Facebook: About Sex Podcast Facebook Page // Angela Skurtu LMFT, M. Ed, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist // Joshua Skurtu

Our guest today is Hector Rivera. He runs a website and podcast that highlight happy lifestyles for people over 40 years of age. Did you know people over 40 still have sex? You learn something new every day! Hector talks about his own journey with becoming comfortable with sexuality and much more.   Check out Hector's website and podcast at: www.happyandhealthyover40.com    About Us: www.aboutsexpodcast.com  Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. Her second book released in February. Joshua is not a therapist, but brings a sense of humor along with an inquisitive mind. Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed. at: www.therapistinstlouis.com Facebook: About Sex Podcast Facebook Page // Angela Skurtu LMFT, M. Ed, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist // Joshua Skurtu

This episode we have a phone interview with author Shirley Melis to discuss her book "Banged-Up Heart."   Shirley Melis is a longtime business writer, travel writer, and newspaper columnist who traveled the world interviewing everyone from busboys to heads of international organizations before launching a career in public relations in Washington, D.C. With Banged-Up Heart, she now takes her writing in a new direction, delving deeply into her own personal story of finding love late, losing it early, and discovering the strength to choose to love again. A graduate of Vassar, Shirley Melis has created an intimate memoir bearing eloquent witness to the kind of wild trust that can grow in the heart of an ordinary woman thrust into circumstances that few others must face. Now retired, she lives in Galisteo, New Mexico.   Her Website: www.shirleymelis.com   About Us: www.aboutsexpodcast.com  Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. Her second book released in February. Joshua is not a therapist, but brings a sense of humor along with an inquisitive mind. Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed. at: www.therapistinstlouis.com Facebook: About Sex Podcast Facebook Page // Angela Skurtu LMFT, M. Ed, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist // Joshua Skurtu

Today, Kendra Holliday joins us to discuss the dark side (BDSM) and light side (tantra) of creative sexuality, responsive vs spontaneous desire, and many more topics. She was actually one of our first guests and one of our favorites. We are excited to have her back and hope you enjoy the episode. I promise I never once on this episode try to flail a vibrator around like a light saber.      About our guest: Kendra Holliday is one of the leaders of Sex Positive St. Louis and runs a blog and consulting website for relationship coaching and sex surrogacy. Check her out at the links below. http://www.sexstl.com http://www.thebeautifulkind.com/ http://www.beopenandhonest.com/   About Us: www.aboutsexpodcast.com  Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. Her second book released in February. Joshua is not a therapist, but brings a sense of humor along with an inquisitive mind. Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed. at: www.therapistinstlouis.com Facebook: About Sex Podcast Facebook Page // Angela Skurtu LMFT, M. Ed, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist // Joshua Skurtu

On this episode, we meet Rob Bertman to discuss finance and his method for saving money called Keep, Cut Back, Eliminate. His method helps people save more money without missing out on the fun and without a complicated budget. While money is not directly about sex, most of the time you need some sort of money to have a sex life. Our guest this week: Rob Bertman, CFA, CFP - Founder, Family Budget Expert www.FamilyBudgetExpert.com   About us: Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. She is a published author, with her second book released in February. Joshua Skurtu is not a therapist, but brings a sense of humor along with an inquisitive mind. About Sex now livestreams video of episode tapings on Facebook before the podcast episodes come out. // Visit us at: www.aboutsexpodcast.com // Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed., a Licensed Marriage and Sex therapist at: www.therapistinstlouis.com Facebook: About Sex Podcast Facebook Page // Angela Skurtu LMFT, M. Ed, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist // Joshua Skurtu

Sometimes you are nervous about talking to that girl at the bar. If you have autism or other social disorders, our guest might be able to assist you as wingman in such a situation. This week we talk with Nicholas Maio about autism, sex, and dating. Nicholas is an applied behavioral analyst and sex therapist and also is himself on the autism spectrum. He shares info about how he helps his clients and some of his own struggles with the dating world. People with autism sometimes struggle with social interactions, which is a pretty important part of finding an intimate partner. Join us this episode to find out more.   About our guest: Nicholas A. Maio, MSPSY, BCBA, LBA    CEO & Behavior Analyst    Sex Therapist in Practicum    Empowered: A Center for Sexuality, LLC    8000 Bonhomme Ave, Ste 201, Clayton, MO, 63105    314-932-1105 (p), 314-932-1106 (f), www.empoweredcenter.com    About us: Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. She is a published author, with her second book released in February. Joshua Skurtu is not a therapist, but brings a sense of humor along with an inquisitive mind. About Sex now livestreams video of episode tapings on Facebook before the podcast episodes come out. // Visit us at: www.aboutsexpodcast.com // Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed., a Licensed Marriage and Sex therapist at: www.therapistinstlouis.com Facebook: About Sex Podcast Facebook Page // Angela Skurtu LMFT, M. Ed, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist // Joshua Skurtu

Our anonymous guest on this episode lost the ability to sustain an erection years ago due to Erectile Dysfunction. His ED was caused by diabetic neuropathy, and in this week's episode wee discuss his journey, including treatment options, intimacy, and finding happiness. His is an interesting story and we hope you can join us for this episode.     About us: Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. She is a published author, with her second book released in February. Joshua Skurtu is not a therapist, but brings a sense of humor along with an inquisitive mind. About Sex now livestreams video of episode tapings on Facebook before the podcast episodes come out. // Visit us at: www.aboutsexpodcast.com // Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed., a Licensed Marriage and Sex therapist at: www.therapistinstlouis.com Facebook: About Sex Podcast Facebook Page // Angela Skurtu LMFT, M. Ed, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist // Joshua Skurtu

In the 1980's, an HIV diagnosis was equitable to getting a death sentence. No treatments existed and scientists knew very little about the virus. Today, with advances in education and research, it is not only a preventable disease, but treatments exist that make living with the disease much more manageable. Join us today as we also discuss Truvada, the treatment used in "pre-exposure prophylaxis".  Truvada is a pill that patients can take daily to reduce the chance of HIV infection.   Some other interesting things we discuss on this episode include how often people actually use condoms, ways that condoms can fail, dangers of lambskin condoms, latex allergies, STI transmission methods other than during penetrative sex, and much more.   About our Guest: Matthew Swango, LMSW. Program Coordinator for Saint Louis Effort for AIDS Matthew holds a Bachelors of Psychology and a Masters in Social Work. He is a Licensed Master Social Worker who also is a Board Member for Empower Missouri. Matthew tests clients for HIV and STIs, conducts risk-reduction counseling sessions, facilitates biopsychosocial programs, and provides psychotherapy.   About us: Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. She is a published author, with her second book released in February. Joshua Skurtu is not a therapist, but brings a sense of humor along with an inquisitive mind. About Sex now livestreams video of episode tapings on Facebook before the podcast episodes come out. // Visit us at: www.aboutsexpodcast.com // Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed., a Licensed Marriage and Sex therapist at: www.therapistinstlouis.com Facebook: About Sex Podcast Facebook Page // Angela Skurtu LMFT, M. Ed, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist // Joshua Skurtu

We have all heard of tantric sex, but do we really know what it is? We heard that Sting can have trantic sex for tweve hours. We hear that it is a spiritual experience. I don't think most of us know what it is. Our guest today enlightens us on the topic. We hope you enjoy the episode.   About our Guest: Leianna Love, MA, DTR         My Goddess Leianna      Sacred Grounds School of Tantra   Leianna has traveled many roads and considers herself to be a multi-dimensional healer.  She brings to her work years as a Licensed therapist, dancer, yoga teacher, psychic energy healer, and a Dakini of the sensual arts. Having started many small start-ups in her past, organized many events and performed for years she sees herself as an entrepreneur wanna be. She is very excited to be among the great, curious, thriving community of St Louis.     About Us: Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. She is a published author, with her second book released in February. Joshua Skurtu is not a therapist, but brings the jokes along with an inquisitive mind. About Sex now livestreams video of episode tapings on Facebook before the podcast episodes come out. // Visit us at: www.aboutsexpodcast.com // Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed., a Licensed Marriage and Sex therapist at: www.therapistinstlouis.com Facebook: About Sex Podcast Facebook Page // Angela Skurtu LMFT, M. Ed, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist // Joshua Skurtu

Nathan Shaw joined us this episode to discuss some of his own relationships and his own unique perspectives on sex. For one, he is single and plans to stay that way. He had two previous marriages, one of which only lasted 39 days. He still sexual partners, but only classifies the relationships as "hanging out" and makes it clear to any interested partners. He told us that he estimates he has been with more than 300 different sexual partners. Topics this episode include: Dating after 40, Relationships after years of not being in one, Turn on’s in your 20’s vs turn on’s in your late 30’s and up, Nathan's 39 day marriage, Nathan's secrets of getting laid to guys that he has shared over the years on radio and more. Nathan Shaw is one of the hosts of the podcast Brothers on Whatever and a very interesting guest. We hope you can join us for this episode.   About Us: Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. She is a published author, with her second book released in February. Joshua Skurtu is not a therapist, but brings the jokes along with a breadth of knowledge. ;-) About Sex now livestreams video of episode tapings on Facebook before the podcast episodes come out. // Visit us at: www.aboutsexpodcast.com // Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed., a Licensed Marriage and Sex therapist at: www.therapistinstlouis.com Facebook: About Sex Podcast Facebook Page // Angela Skurtu LMFT, M. Ed, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist // Joshua Skurtu

If you cannot tell from the title, this episode needs a bit of a trigger warning. It contains dscussions about rape, stalking, child molestation, and PTSD. Despite the warning, it is actually a wonderful episode with a great story of survival. If you are able to hear stories about those topics, I don't suggest you miss this one. Meredith is an amazing person and we felt very honored that she was willing to share her story with us.    About our Guest: Meredith Dino I was born in St. Louis. At age two my parents divorced and I went to daycare while they worked. My sexual abuse began at age 6 at the daycare center. It continued until I was eight when my mom married and we moved to Detroit. Then the abuse stopped.       I still struggle but I continue to learn how to live with my Post Traumatic Stress Disorder through therapy, medication, and the support of my family and friends.   About Us: Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. She is a published author, with her second book released in February. About Sex now livestreams video of episode tapings on Facebook before the podcast episodes come out. // Visit us at: www.aboutsexpodcast.com // Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed., a Licensed Marriage and Sex therapist at: www.therapistinstlouis.com Also, we have facebooks and twitters and all that stuff, but if you read this far i seriously doubt you have time to read any more. Facebook: About Sex Podcast Facebook Page // Angela Skurtu LMFT, M. Ed, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist // Joshua Skurtu

Our guest this week is O. John and he is a very interesting person. His body is adorned in almost every corner with tattoos, including his chest, arms, back, legs, and his penis. Yes, I said his penis. I did not verify this, but he says he has Japanese style waves around the shaft and plans to get a rose tattooed on the head in the near future. Feel free to verify on your own time. ;-) This link has some photos of O. John in the partial nude, so you can see some of his tattoos while you listen along. Beware that the link is NSFW. The photos are not graphic, but do contain some veiled nudity. O. John lives bit of a wild life. During the day, he works a white-collared job. On the side, he has worked as a Buck Naked Handyman, been a part of a gay men's nudist group in San Francisco, and performs nude or mostly nude at parties, sometimes as a door greeter. (Not at Wal-Mart. They require more than a thong as a uniform.) Yes, a Buck Naked Handyman means he comes to your home and works around the house while wearing nothing at all. I wonder how that works out when he has to use a skill-saw. Splinters can be a bitch. He is very comfortable in his skin and very comfortable with his sexuality and joined us to share his story. We learned a lot of new terms, including what a JO show is! Listen in to find out what it is. (Don't Google it!) We hope you can join us for a fun and educational episode. About our Guest: O. John / The Tattooed Gentleman   O. John, aka, The Tattooed Gentleman has been collecting his personal ink for nearly 30 years. His bodysuit is the work of several talented artists in San Francisco, St. Louis, Memphis and Jacksonville. As an entertainer and educator, he is playful and uninhibited, the Gentleman aims to amuse and confuse, but leaves you with something to think about. The Tattooed Gentleman is a frequent performer at Opera Atlanta and a member of St. Louis’ own Beggar’s Carnivale and Naughti Gras. About us: Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. She is a published author, with her second book releasing in February. About Sex now livestreams episodes on Facebook a week before the podcast episodes come out. // Visit us at: www.aboutsexpodcast.com // Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed., a Licensed Marriage and Sex therapist at: www.therapistinstlouis.com Also, we have facebooks and twitters and all that stuff, but if you read this far i seriously doubt you have time to read any more. Facebook: About Sex Podcast Facebook Page // Angela Skurtu LMFT, M. Ed, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist // Joshua Skurtu

Every time I speak with someone that helps people recover from physical or sexual trauma, I am in awe. I ask them all the same question; How do you do it? How do you hear stories of abuse every day and still find a way to drive home and live a normal life? The answer is always something about self-care, but I have a feeling it’s also something about what kind of person they are. They are the kind of person that dedicates a big part of their life to helping people that need it the most. Something in them is able to hear those stories and still find a way to not break down, to not become disillusioned with humanity, and to not become cynical. Therapists throw around a term called compassion fatigue. It’s when a therapist hears the same stories over and over again and it does get to them. They are very empathetic people, and when their empathy has been bombarded with trauma after trauma, their brain has one solution to solve this problem: Apathy. They become apathetic, meaning they give zero forks about anyone or any problem that other people may have. It’s not because they don’t care. It’s because they cared too much and have been overwhelmed by their work. I have to assume that therapists that work with trauma victims have to be at a higher risk for compassion fatigue. Something drives them to this work. I have to assume trauma specialists simply have a lot of love to share and so they decided to find the people that needed it the most. Our guest this week, Megan Garza, is a trauma specialist that works with the YWCA. Apparently, their organization offers free counseling to those that need it the most. These are some amazing people. I hope you enjoy the episode.   About our Guest   Megan Garza is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Certified SpecialtyTrauma Care Supervisor with experience working in the mental health and violenceagainst women field since 1999. She is a graduate of Pepperdine University with aMaster’s degree in Clinical Psychology and Marriage and Family Therapy and Universityof Missouri St. Louis with a 2 nd Master’s degree in Psychology. She works as anindividual and group therapist treating sexual trauma survivors as the Lead Therapistfor the YWCA Women’s Resource Center. Megan also works for Behavioral HealthResponse as a Mobile Outreach Crisis Counselor performing suicide and homicide crisisassessments, providing stabilization support in the community, and facilitatinginpatient psychiatric hospitalization admission, when necessary. She is on the Board ofdirectors of the National Partnership to End Interpersonal Violence Across the Lifespan(NPEIV) and serves as co-chair of the Practice committee working on policies andresearch related to Trauma Informed Care. Megan is an American Association ofMarriage and Family Therapist’s (AAMFT) Board Approved Clinical Supervisor an activemember of the St. Louis chapter of Marriage and Family Therapists. Megan has spokenat National conferences on sexual trauma and PTSD and has published research in thearea of sexual trauma, weight, and sexual behaviors.  Her specialty areas include:sexual trauma, PTSD, women’s issues, crisis intervention, and children & adolescents.She is an outspoken advocate for the Endometriosis community. Megan is a long timeactive volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Humane Society of Missouri. Sheis an avid traveler and has been to 1/7th of the globe.   About Us: Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. She is a published author, with her second book releasing in February. About Sex now livestreams episodes on Facebook a week before the podcast episodes come out. // Visit us at: www.aboutsexpodcast.com // Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed., a Licensed Marriage and Sex therapist at: www.therapistinstlouis.com Also, we have facebooks and twitters and all that stuff, but if you read this far i seriously doubt you

We are back from our break and boy is this new year already off with a bang.  This morning I woke to a phone call. One missed call on screen, from my uncle. When I picked up, my mother and sister were crying and told me that a nuclear missile had been launched at Hawaii. They insisted the threat was real and they only had a few minutes left to live. Most of my family lives in Honolulu, so the news was something of a shock. I definitely freaked out with them. My entire family was going to die in less than a few minutes from an intercontinental ballistic missile sent from North Korea tipped with a nuclear payload capable of leveling the entire city of Honolulu. The idea did not sit well with me, to say the least. That's when I realized I hadn't published this week's podcast episode yet. Not really, but this week's guest Chris Scarberry, while not as memorable as a nuclear holocaust, definitely provided us with a fun episode for the week. We discussed HIV and sex and being in a romantic relationship with a therapist. We hope you enjoyed listening to this episode just as much as we enjoyed recording it.   Edit: I forgot to mention, but my family did not die from a nuclear blast in Honolulu, Hawaii, in case you were worried. It was a false alarm, and we still don't know why it happened. After the hysteria died down, I was left with a numb feeling. In the span of a half hour, I went from shock, to denial, to telling my family where to escape on the island so they could be out of the range of the explosion centered on Pearl Harbor, to crying, to anger, to finally relief. They are safe. For now. Afterwards, I told my mother, "Next time you call me screaming and crying about your imminent death by nuclear holocaust, it had better be real." I await their next call with bated breath.   About our Guest:   Chris Scarberry is a therapist in private practice in South St. Louis. Hespecializes in working with HIV+ and LGBTQ clients with a variety of presentingmental health concerns. He has worked as a therapist for 17 years, a crisiscounselor for 11 years until 2015, and has been in private practice since 2007.He has served as a member of the planning council for regional funding for HIVservices and has presented on HIV and LGBTQ counseling in a variety offormats. His main personal interests include travelling with his partner Megan,cooking, music, animals and writing. Website: www.scarberrytherapy.com   About Us: Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. She is a published author, with her second book releasing in February. About Sex now livestreams episodes on Facebook a week before the podcast episodes come out. // Visit us at: www.aboutsexpodcast.com // Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed., a Licensed Marriage and Sex therapist at: www.therapistinstlouis.com Also, we have facebooks and twitters and all that stuff, but if you read this far i seriously doubt you have time to read any more. Facebook: Angela Skurtu LMFT, M. Ed, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist // Joshua Skurtu

Sex Addiction isn't real. Sex is real. Porn is real. Some other words that are real include diversity, fetus, vulnerable, science-based, evidence-based, entitlement, and transgender. Yes, transgendered people are real. This week it seems the Trump administration decided that these seven words don’t exist and should not be used by the CDC. Whether or not this ban is real, political leaders have been doing this as long as we have had scientific research. Misinformation about reality, or the censoring of reality, can be harmful. Myths about sex can make it difficult for people to feel normal in their sexuality. If they are told that their biological urges are sinful or weird, they can feel a split between sex and themselves. They can see sex as something outside the normal human experience or even outside of their own control. If we as humans label something as uncontrollable, then we may fail to even try to have control over it. Sex addiction is not a real addiction listed in the most recent edition of the DSM, the bible of mental health diagnosis. These individual’s struggles are a failure of logic brought on by shameful views of their own thoughts, feelings, and beliefs. People who self-label as sex addicts have the same amount of sex as people who do not. People who claim to have this addiction feel the need to hold themselves to a standard beyond the normal human condition. They feel amorous, they feel love, they feel horny, and yet they deny these feelings and push them down to hide and deny their own sexuality. They not only feel uncomfortable just talking about sex in a social setting, but can sometimes feel uncomfortable even discussing these topics with their sexual partners. They can literally be having sex with their partner and feel super uncomfortable just discussing birth control and condom usage. Our guest today is clinical psychologist Dr. David J. Ley, Ph.D. and the author of the books Ethical Porn for Dicks: A Man’s Guide to Responsible Viewing Pleasure, The Myth of Sex Addiction and Insatiable Wives. I also just found out he has a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. What the hell? That's awesome. To me, he sounds like the Jason Bourne of the clinical psychology world, saving people from myths and misinformation about sex and relationships. Our discussion with him covers the myths of sex addiction, porn, the CDC’s list of banned words, and so much more.   David J. Ley PhD (@DrDavidLey) on Twitter   About Us: Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. She is a published author, with her second book releasing in February. About Sex now livestreams episodes on Facebook a week before the podcast episodes come out. Check us out at our new YouTube Channel. // Visit us at: www.aboutsexpodcast.com // Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed., a Licensed Marriage and Sex therapist at: www.therapistinstlouis.com Also, we have facebooks and twitters and all that stuff, but if you read this far i seriously doubt you have time to read any more. Facebook: Angela Skurtu LMFT, M. Ed, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist // Joshua Skurtu

The Republican party decided this year that they are okay with pedophiles representing them in the Senate. Roy Moore lost the race yesterday for the Alabama Senate seat by only 1.5%. Many of the people in Alabama that voted for Moore may see pedophiles as the worst of the worst, but they also see Democrats as somehow an even lower form of human life. Ugh, Democrats. Such a dirty thing. It brings to mind words like liberal, social justice, or *gasp* even diversity and inclusion. What depravity this world hath wrought!  The sitting President of the United States, Donald Trump, even openly supported this accused pedophile for the Alabama Senate race and directed the Republican National Party to send as much funding his way. He wanted to ensure as much as he could that this accused pedophile made it into office, no matter how many children were destroyed in Moore’s wake. Somehow, in our topsy-turvy world, the Republicans see pedophiles as a crucially important demographic that they don’t want to lose. They will do anything and everything within their will to ensure all those pedophiles stick with the Republican party, so that they don’t to lose those sweet, sweet pedophile votes to another party. After we discuss Roy Moore and the wonderful pedophile laden dystopia that is the Republican party’s vision for the future, we have a very special guest on to discuss LGBTQIA+ advocacy. Our guest this week is Jaimie Hilemann, a Trans and LGBTQIA+ advocate and educator.  For those that do not know what all those letters mean, they stand for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, and plus. The plus is a way to leave it open for inclusion of people that do not fall into these categories. We discuss education, myths about trans people, transitioning, and non-pliments (Compliments that can be insulting or off-putting). We learned a lot about transgendered individuals and hope you can join us for this week’s episode.   About Our Guest:   Jaimie Hilemann After 24 years in the corporate world, from key account sales, sales training, tosales- management, Jaimie felt the need as a Trans woman to advocate and speakout for Trans and LGBTQIA+ issues. First volunteering with MTUG (MetroTrans Umbrella Group), in St. Louis, she eventually became Board President andstill collaborates with MTUG today.Aware of rapidly changing needs in the Trans community, she began consultingas a Trans Cultural Competency Educator, including educational and trainingconsulting under contract with DAP (Diversity Awareness Partnership).Realizing the need for full-time Trans and LGBTQIA+ focused advocacy, Jaimieformally founded the Trans Education Service LLC of St. Louis (TES LLC STL)in order to expand opportunities to educate regarding issues critical to thecommunity. TES is both a Trans and LGBTQIA+ cultural competencyeducational and training consultancy, and a consulting partner for diversity andinclusion policy, planning and implementation.Jaimie is a member of WPATH, with GEI (Global Education Initiative), training,and also a professional member of AASECT, the American Association ofSexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists.     About Us: Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. She is a published author, with her second book releasing in February. About Sex now livestreams episodes on Facebook a week before the podcast episodes come out. Check us out at our new YouTube Channel. // Visit us at: www.aboutsexpodcast.com // Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed., a Licensed Marriage and Sex therapist at: www.therapistinstlouis.com Also, we have facebooks and twitters and all that stuff, but if you read this far i seriously doubt you have time to read any more. Facebook: Angela Skurtu LMFT, M. Ed, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist // Joshua Skurtu

I’m going to lay down some truth here, people. Listen closely, especially the fellas. In your life, you may find yourself in a position of power or in a situation where someone is vulnerable to your actions. When you find yourself in this position, it’s important that you remember to do one thing: Don’t rape people. I know it’s easy to forget. We live busy lives, working long hours, spending time with family, and wasting so much more time bingeing Netflix episodes of Stranger Things, or spending hours and hours refreshing our Facebook feeds, hoping to get ahold of some of those juicy thumbs up. Or is it up thumbs? But among this busy life, you must find it in you to push through those urges to rape, coerce, or exploit vulnerable individuals into sexual situations. The damage you can do to another individual in such a situation can be life altering. Recently, many prominent men in positions of celebrity or political power, including comedians such Louis C.K. and Al Franken, have been accused by large swathes of women of sexual misconduct and sexual assault. Just today, Al Franken announced his resignation from the Senate amid these sexual allegations. Come on, guys! It is important to know when you are in a position of power so that you may be more vigilant to not exploit that power. Many professions, such as prison guards, police, and medical professionals understand how much power they have over the individuals they work with and serve, and because of this knowledge they have codes of ethics and rules in their professions that give them guidelines on how NOT to exploit those individuals. Yes, we have to tell these professionals not to do it. We had to make it a rule for a reason. Comedians have very few rules of the trade and many comedians are notorious for being rulebreakers when it comes to drugs and other taboo topics, but on this topic, they need to stand up and find it in their hearts to not rape people. They also should probably not kill people as well. No one likes to die. Which brings us to this week’s main topic: Death! While we do talk about the sexual misconduct of celebrities this episode, the main topic is about death from a legal standpoint and estate planning. Our guest Martha Burhardt, a lawyer, not only explains what a trust is, but she also shares some insight on how she deals with the taboo topic of death with her clients.  Next week, Dr. David J. Ley Ph.D. will be joining us to discuss the myth of sex addiction and Ethical Porn for Dicks. We're pretty excited to have him join us. He is a clinical psychologist and has been featured on Dr. Phil As an aside, this is actually our sixtieth episode. We have been doing this podcast for over a year now. We have enjoyed having so many amazing guests and we look forward to having many more in the future. After next week's episode, we will be taking a break to rest and relax and enjoy the holidays. We hope to see you next week and again in the new year, 2018.   About Our Guest: Martha Burkhardt - Burkhardt Law Firm - www.burkhardtlaw.com/blog     Martha graduated from Dominican University and University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law. Post-graduation she proceeded to a positionwith Pension and Retirement Services. During that time she realized thatmany families and individuals need help understanding their estateplanning options and how they may impact the family’s future. Her goalhas become to fill the gap in knowledge that nearly all families findintimidating and confusing so that they may protect their future. About Us: Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. She is a published author, with her second book releasing in February. About Sex now livestreams episodes on YouTube a week before the podcast episodes come out. If you just can't wait to listen, the livestream goes out a week before the podcast releases. Check us out at our new YouTube Channel. // Visit us at: www.aboutsexpodcast.com

Have you ever wondered what it's like to have an open relationship? What the heck does that even mean and are people really doing this? According to our guest, many people are trying this and learning from each other in the process.  Kevin Patterson runs a facebook page all about open relationships. On his page, he asks fellow poly people to share their positive and their negative stories. Aparently, we are humans who are capable of making mistakes-regardless of whether we are in a monogamous or a poly relationship.  Rather than throwing the baby out with the bath water, why not learn from your mistakes or learn from the mistakes of others? Our guest this week is an amazing and interesting person that joined us via the telephone. Hopefully the sound holds up. We hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed recording it. Enjoy!   About Our Guest: Kevin Patterson of Poly Role Models Kevin is the curator of the interview series blog Poly Role Models. It’s part of an effort to fix the lack of diversity with which ethical non-monogamy is typically represented. The blog has spun into speaking engagements across the country about the intersection of race and polyamory. Kevin hopes his efforts change the landscape in regards to the creation of inclusive environments. Kevin's book "Love's Not Color Blind: Race and Representation in Polyamorous and Other Alternative Communities" releases on March 30th. He is currently trying to crowdsource funds for a book tour. http://polyrolemodels.tumblr.com https://www.facebook.com/polyrolemodels/ @PolyRoleModels About Us: Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. She is a published author, with her second book releasing in February. We are now livestreaming episodes on YouTube a week before the podcast episodes come out. If you just can't wait to listen, the livestream goes out a week before the podcast releases. Check us out at our new YouTube Channel. // Visit us at: www.aboutsexpodcast.com // Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed., a Licensed Marriage and Sex therapist at: www.therapistinstlouis.com Also, we have facebooks and twitters and all that stuff, but if you read this far i seriously doubt you have time to read any more. Facebook: Angela Skurtu LMFT, M. Ed, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist // Joshua Skurtu

I have never once seen a bird have sex with a bee, yet when I was a child, sex education heralded this fact all around the country. Birds were banging bees. Bees were banging birds. Adults made it the spearhead of any conversation about discussing sexuality with their children. I took great pains after that to follow bees and birds around to try to observe this marvel of modern sex education. Despite all my tracking, all my days spent climbing trees and watching birds, all I got was splinters. I never once saw a bee even try to land a bird.  As an adult, I think I understand it better now. The adults using this archaic metaphor harbored too much shame about sex to openly discuss it with anyone, much less their own children. We hide sex. We shut down conversations about sexuality. We label clinical terms about sex, such as masturbation or vagina, as taboo or “bad words,” things to never discuss, even around impolite company. We even lie to our own children about our own sex lives in the hopes they will not emulate any bad decisions, but this just means they aren’t able to learn anything from us, including how to avoid any pitfalls or mistakes we made in our own sex lives.               There once was a day when your good old dad and mom took a little roll in the hay, and amazingly enough so did their parents, your grandparents. Sex is a part of every adult’s life, no matter the age. Most of us grow up shielded from the sex lives of the previous generations, and this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Your children do not need to know the intimate details of your sex life, but when we hide the fact that we even have sex from the younger generations it teaches them that it is something to hide and be ashamed about in the first place. Sex is a part of normal human biology, just like breathing, eating, defecating, and childbirth.               Today we discuss aging and sexuality with our guest, sex therapist Angela Schubert. We also cover nursing homes, eating disorders, sexual trauma, and a few other topics.    About our Guest:     Angela Schubert works at Crossroads Counseling, LLC and is a full time professor and director at Central Methodist UniversityAngie Schubert has a PhD in Counselor Education and supervision and a Mastersdegree in mental health counseling from the University of Missouri St. Louis. Shealso received a gender studies certificate in 2015 from University Missouri St.Louis. And she did her undergraduate work at Illinois College and received abachelors degree in psychology. Dr. Schubert directs the clinical counselingmasters program at Central Methodist University and is a private practitioner atCrossroads Counseling. Angie served as the state chair for the American Association of sex educatorscounselors and therapist from 2007 until 2016. Her passion has always focused onaging sexual expression in nursing homes and her dissertation looked at theexperiences of older adults who resided in the nursing home and the presence ofaging sexual expression in nursing homes. About Us: Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. She is a published author, with her second book releasing in February. We are now livestreaming episodes on youtube a week before the podcast episodes come out. If you just can't wait to listen, the livestream goes out a week before the podcast releases. Check us out at our new YouTube Channel. Visit us at: www.aboutsexpodcast.com Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed, a Licensed Marriage and Sex therapist at: www.therapistinstlouis.com Also, we have facebooks and twitters and all that stuff, but if you read this far i seriously doubt you have time to read any more. Facebook: Angela Skurtu LMFT, M. Ed, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist Joshua Skurtu

You walk into the frozen custard shop and are immediately overwhelmed by the choices. There is cherry chocolate chunk. There is cherry chunky mocha. There is mocha frappe and also plain old strawberry and vanilla. But who chooses vanilla? That would be madness. Instead, you have to find a way to sort through the seventy-five taste-bud exploding flavors.  There is no real organization of the flavors, but to make a clear decision you must somehow organize them in your head. So you sort them. Flavors with chocolate. You like chocolate, so you decide to look at those flavors. They have chocolate fudge chunk, or german chocolate, or maybe even just plain old chocolate. But that's beside the point, because you just noticed a vanilla gummy bear flavor. Who puts gummy bears in their ice cream? Doesn't that make the gummy bears hard and less, well, gummy? It kind of defeats the purpose of the candy, because part of the joy of the gummy bear is the texture itself. Its texture changes when exposed to extreme temperatures. At higher temperatures, the gummy bears melt, and at lower temperatures the gummy bears harden. Such a mad, mad world we live in. Why were you here again and why is that person staring at you while holding a tiny pink spoon? Oh, that's right. Josh was desperately trying to create a metaphor that could let an audience relate to what it feels like to know absolutely nothing about childbirth and being thrust into a medical system built to extract your child from you or your partner's womb. You can walk into a hospital one day and come out with a child the next. Really, they just let you take them home. You do not know what decisions to make at the hospital. You do not know what your rights are. You do not even know if they have seventy-five flavors of frozen yogurt at this hospital. This could be a problem. Luckily there are people like Jen Jester called "Doulas". They educate and advocate and oh so much more for their clients while they are preparing for and going through the process of childbirth. About our Guest:   Jen Jester of Birth Wisely Doula Services – and in the near future, midwifery services! Jen Jester is an experienced doula that has served over 300 St. Louis families over the last 13 years. Jen is currently finishing her Bachelor of Science in Midwifery, and hopes to earn her Certified Professional Midwife credential early next year. Previously, she served families as a certified childbirth educator for 6 years. Jen understands that few experiences can be as empowering and rewarding as realizing your body's full potential to bring life into the world. Jen’s clients receive customized care, and are encouraged to make informed decisions based upon their unique labor experience in the hospital, birth center, or home. Jen believes that a birthing family, during the preparation for and process of giving birth, deserve emotional and physical support, guidance, choice, advocacy, and respect.   About Us: Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. She is a published author, with her second book releasing in February. We are now livestreaming episodes on youtube a week before the podcast episodes come out. If you just can't wait to listen, the livestream goes out a week before the podcast releases. Check us out at our new YouTube Channel. Visit us at: www.aboutsexpodcast.com Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed, a Licensed Marriage and Sex therapist at: www.therapistinstlouis.com Also, we have facebooks and twitters and all that stuff, but if you read this far i seriously doubt you have time to read any more. Facebook: Angela Skurtu LMFT, M. Ed, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist Joshua Skurtu   Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed, a Licensed Marriage and Sex therapist at: www.therapistinstlouis.com Also, we have facebooks and twitters and all that stuff,

Rachna Goel works with the Jane Doe  Advocacy Center that provides legal services for victims of sexual trauma. Listen in to find out more. :) About our Guest: Rachna Goel Jane Doe Advocacy Center   Facebook Rachna has focused her career on working with children and families. She holds a passion for helping individuals attain justice through the legal system. Her experience includes work at a university health law clinic, multiple Legal Aid offices, and the prosecutor’s office. Rachna has also worked with private attorneys at solo practices and large firms on issues related to family law including divorce, child custody and visitation, and estate planning. During the course of her career, Rachna noticed the lack of legal and general advocacy services focused on non-domestic sexual violence. She crafted Jane Doe Advocacy Center as a source of long-term legal services focused on safety and recovery for survivors of sexual violence. Rachna provides a unique line of services at Jane Doe including interdisciplinary collaboration and holistic services for clients of all ages regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, or income level. Through such comprehensive services, Rachna provides compassionate, valuable service to her clients and the community at large.   From Rachna: "Something we do that people don’t expect from lawyers is our coaching program. For clients who don’t necessarily need a lawyer with them in court, we teach them how to represent themselves and how to handle their case on their own. That way, they have the preparation of a lawyer while still maintaining complete control over their case. It works really well with short proceedings, like orders of protection, because legal fees can add up really quickly there. It also works well with longer cases, like divorce and child custody, where people have the time and ability to do their own legwork and just need some guidance along the way." About Us: Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. She is a published author, with her second book releasing in February. We are now livestreaming episodes on youtube a week before the podcast episodes come out. If you just can't wait to listen, the livestream goes out a week before the podcast releases. Check us out at our new YouTube Channel. Visit us at: www.aboutsexpodcast.com Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed, a Licensed Marriage and Sex therapist at: www.therapistinstlouis.com Also, we have facebooks and twitters and all that stuff, but if you read this far i seriously doubt you have time to read any more. Facebook: Angela Skurtu LMFT, M. Ed, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist Joshua Skurtu

Imagine if you will, a world in which you wake up and find yourself in the body of the opposite sex. You were born a man, and have always felt a man, but you now find yourself equipped with a different set of parts. Instead of hard lines and muscles, you have soft curves and breasts. Instead of male genetalia, you now have female genetalia. This would throw most people off of their game. You would feel like you are living in someone else's skin. You would maybe even feel you own body to be something alien to you.   Transgendered people deal with this every day, and the distress it causes is called gender dysphoria. Our anonymous guest today, Sara, was born male, but identifies as a woman. Join us to hear her story and learn with us.   About Us: Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. She is a published author, with her second book releasing in February. We are now livestreaming episodes on youtube a week before the podcast episodes come out. If you just can't wait to listen, the livestream goes out a week before the podcast releases. Check us out at our new YouTube Channel. Visit us at: www.aboutsexpodcast.com Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed, a Licensed Marriage and Sex therapist at: www.therapistinstlouis.com Also, we have facebooks and twitters and all that stuff, but if you read this far i seriously doubt you have time to read any more. Facebook: Angela Skurtu LMFT, M. Ed, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist Joshua Skurtu

New, from the makers of Puberty: Adulthood. "Live life as if you constantly have other stuff to get done." Warning: Side effects may include depression, bipolar disorder, frequent urination, a calm feeling that is immediately interrupted by a crying baby, grief, love, loss, a sense of disillusionment with the world of competitive poker, a constant need to argue about politics, dancing, laughter, dissociative choreography, spending long nights talking while cuddled in bed, that one skin disease that turns you orange, phantom income syndrome, a glimmer of hope on the horizon, with a sense that life can and will get better, and dry, flaky scalp. Our guest on this episode, Lisa, wished to remain anonymous, and we really loved having her share her story. She lives with bipolar disorder and has struggled to be faithful to her partner and was willing to share a very intimate part of her life with us. These are some heavy topics, but we felt really priveliged to be able to share her story. We hope you enjoy it.    xoxo, Josh and Angela Skurtu :-)     About Us: Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. She is a published author, with her second book releasing in February. We are now livestreaming episodes on youtube a week before the podcast episodes come out. If you just can't wait to listen, the livestream goes out a week before the podcast releases. Check us out at our new YouTube Channel. Visit us at: www.aboutsexpodcast.com Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed, a Licensed Marriage and Sex therapist at: www.therapistinstlouis.com Also, we have facebooks and twitters and all that stuff, but if you read this far i seriously doubt you have time to read any more. Facebook: Angela Skurtu LMFT, M. Ed, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist Joshua Skurtu

Everyone wants to feel sexy. Everyone wants to be admired and fawned over. Everyone wants to be the object of their lover's obsession, and sometimes we all just want to curl up into a ball and cry while we deal with our existential crisis of the week. But while some of us may be busy with the whole crying ball thing, others have found new confidence and power in something called burlesque. Women and men who learn how to dance on stage while showing a little more ankle than usual. Lots of glitter is involved.   Hot Pockets joined us to discuss her journey of learning amateur burlesque. Hot Pockets is not her given name, as she prefers to remain anonymous. We hope you can join us.   About Us: Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. She is a published author, with her second book releasing in February. We are now livestreaming episodes on youtube a week before the podcast episodes come out. If you just can't wait to listen, the livestream goes out a week before the podcast releases. Check us out at our new YouTube Channel. Visit us at: www.aboutsexpodcast.com Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed, a Licensed Marriage and Sex therapist at: www.therapistinstlouis.com Also, we have facebooks and twitters and all that stuff, but if you read this far i seriously doubt you have time to read any more. Facebook: Angela Skurtu LMFT, M. Ed, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist Joshua Skurtu

Sex feels great. Your body hums with energy, your mind reels with pleasure, and you feel bliss in its purest form. But what if it hurts? You probably won't be as excited to get back in the ring if you know it will only lead to pain. Many women suffer from pain during intercourse, known as Dyspareunia, and this can make women avoid, reduce the frequency, or outright stop having sex. Luckily, there are people that can help. Some physical therapists help you get your shoulder back in working order. Our guest in this episode works with women to revitalize their sex life by reducing pain with exercises and other therapies.   About our guest: Dr. Brooke Kalisiak PT, DPT, WCS Legacy Physical Therapy   Brooke Kalisiak is the owner of of Legacy Physical Therapy LLC. She is a boardcertified women's health physical therapist with a passion for treating pelvic issues suchas pelvic pain, bladder leakage, painful intercourse, and bowel dysfunction. She createdLegacy Physical Therapy to provide compassionate care and hope for women and menwith pelvic issue. She has a Doctorate of Physical Therapy and a Master of Science inPhysical Therapy from Washington University in Saint Louis. She completed herundergraduate degree at Princeton University in New Jersey, where she also playedNCAA Division I basketball. Besides treating patients, Brooke also enjoys mentoring thenext generation of physical therapy students at Washington University. When notworking she enjoys spending time with her husband and 11 year old son hiking, bikeriding, or doing taekwondo. Website URLwww.legacytherapystl.comBlog URLwww.legacytherapystl.com/blogFacebook URLwww.facebook.com/legacyphysicaltherapystl   We are now livestreaming episodes on youtube a week before the podcast episodes come out. If you just can't wait to listen, check us out at our new YouTube Channel. Visit us at: www.aboutsexpodcast.com Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed, a Licensed Marriage and Sex therapist. You can talk to her about sex or other therapy needs at: www.therapistinstlouis.com Also, we have facebooks and twitters and all that stuff, but if you read this far i seriously doubt you have time to read any more. Facebook: Angela Skurtu LMFT, M. Ed, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist Joshua Skurtu

What is good sex? Is it passionate lovemaking on the beach, followed up with passionate lovemaking in the hotel, followed by a short bathroom break, a call to your mom to remind her to pick up your laundry, followed once again with passionate lovemaking again in the hotel, but this time you are a bit lazy and just kinda grind on each other while wearing fluffy bathrobes. Is that good sex? If so, I am totally doing it right! Angela seems to think we need to define what good sex means. What does good sex mean to you? Bad sex can include perfomance anxiety, lack of orgasms, or worse. Listen in to find out how to redefine what "good sex" means.      About us: We are now livestreaming episodes on youtube a week before the podcast episodes come out. If you just can't wait to listen, check us out at our new YouTube Channel. Visit us at: www.aboutsexpodcast.com Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed, a Licensed Marriage and Sex therapist. You can talk to her about sex or other therapy needs at: www.therapistinstlouis.com Also, we have facebooks and twitters and all that stuff, but if you read this far i seriously doubt you have time to read any more. Facebook: Angela Skurtu LMFT, M. Ed, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist Joshua Skurtu

What was once forbidden through all the ages of man has finally been... bidden. Two forces attracting and pushing each other apart incessantly. To fight for that sacred bond, told about in tales of yore. Oh, that they might one day unite as one. A podcast with dancing! Dancing, on a podcast? Whaaat? I'm such a rebel, right? Trust me, it totally works. ;-)'   About our guest:   Jennifer Kasper of Sacred Movement: "At Sacred Movement, our mission is to hold space for women to remember their wild feminine nature, to facilitate self healing through sacred movement and to build an empowered and conscious community of women and girls. Sacred Movement offers a variety of feminine movement classes to mindfully move your body and deeply connect you with your intuition. It is more than a fitness center, it’s a community of women that move, play, laugh, cry, grow and heal together." www.sacredmovementstudio.com http://www.sacredmovementstudio.com/blog/ https://www.facebook.com/sacredmovementstudio/   About us: We are now livestreaming episodes on youtube a week before the podcast episodes come out. If you just can't wait to listen, check us out at our new YouTube Channel. Visit us at: www.aboutsexpodcast.com Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed, a Licensed Marriage and Sex therapist. You can talk to her about sex or other therapy needs at: www.therapistinstlouis.com Also, we have facebooks and twitters and all that stuff, but if you read this far i seriously doubt you have time to read any more. Facebook: Angela Skurtu LMFT, M. Ed, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist Joshua Skurtu

Sex Education brings up fond memories for most of us. Long days of sitting in class, staring down the barrel of the copious photos of mangled and infected genitals. Countless hours of practicing how to avoid talking to girls by staring at our feet. An endless journey of blushing and uncomfortable giggles every time your instructor says "penis". Ahh, memories...   What could make that even better? Maybe Cheeze-It's induced shame after spitting mouthfulls of crackers into a cup of water as a metaphor for unprotected sex... Wait, what? Did they really pass a cup around and have the students all spit into? You just have to listen to learn more about religious groups like Thrive that teach for "Free" in public schools. Our guest Sally Hunt has all the details.    About our Guest:   Sally Hunt is a sex-positive activist and organizer who advocates for public school sex ed based in unbiased medical facts. Sally founded the political action committee and the Facebook group, Expose Thrive, designed to raise awareness about and fight against Thrive. Expose Thrive was founded in January, and they have successfully gotten Thrive “Best Choice” removed from 13 public school districts since then. There are 7 more to go. Sally speaks out about the need for a sex-positive revolution, so we can end the shame, judgment, and fear associated with sex and sexuality. Thrive "Best Choice" Slides Website: exposethrive.com Facebook: facebook.com/exposethrive, facebook.com/sexpositiverevolution Twitter Name: sallybhunt About us: We are now livestreaming episodes on youtube a week before the podcast episodes come out. If you just can't wait to listen, check us out at our new YouTube Channel. Visit us at: www.aboutsexpodcast.com Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed, a Licensed Marriage and Sex therapist. You can talk to her about sex or other therapy needs at: www.therapistinstlouis.com Also, we have facebooks and twitters and all that stuff, but if you read this far i seriously doubt you have time to read any more. Facebook: Angela Skurtu LMFT, M. Ed, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist Joshua Skurtu

A man can only be measured by his works, be they art, education, service to others, or hard labor in the sun. I think you can also use a ruler, tape measure, or even use a bathtub full to the brim of water. You see, when you then add the man to the water, you can catch that water and then measure the volume of the water displaced, which is the same as his volume. It's so simple! You couldn't probably measure a man with a barometer, but I know you can measure temperature as well. Either way our guest this week is a hard working man. He is the self described "Hardest working man in Ho business", "The Do You Guru", a co-founder of Sex Positive STL, and the "HNIC" at Planet Wraith. I forgot to ask what "HNIC" meant, but I assume it means he's in charge. He actually had to pass the "Hardest working" title to someone else more recently, but I think he can reclaim that title if they wrestle or something. I'm not sure how it works, exactly. It was great meeting him and we hope you enjoy the episode. -Josh and Angela Skurtu   About our guest: David Wraith is a street walking cheetah with a heart full of napalm, he is "The Do You Guru," and "The Hardest Working Man in Ho Business." He is co-founder of Sex Positive St. Louis and the HNIC at Planet Wraith    Website URL davidwraith.com, sexstl.com,  Blog URL davidwraith.com Facebook URL https://www.facebook.com/planetwraith/,  https://www.facebook.com/davidwraith Twitter Name @davidwraith   About us: We are now livestreaming episodes on youtube a week before the podcast episodes come out. If you just can't wait to listen, check us out at our new YouTube Channel. Visit us at: www.aboutsexpodcast.com Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed, a Licensed Marriage and Sex therapist. You can talk to her about sex or other therapy needs at: www.therapistinstlouis.com Also, we have facebooks and twitters and all that crap, but if you read this far i seriously doubt you have time to read any more. Facebook: Angela Skurtu LMFT, M. Ed, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist Joshua Skurtu

It's nice to get a massage. You feel relaxed, all the stress melts away, you sometimes fall asleep on the table and they have to poke you with a stick to get you out of there. It can be a euphoric experience with your body releasing endorphins in response to the massage, leaving you dizzy and happy as a clam. Apparently, there are people that offer a "happy ending" after one such massage, which makes for an even happier clam, which involves manual or oral stimulation of the genitals. Huh. You learn something new every day, right? Our guest today performs such work and also has a lot to share about sex education, race, and polyamory.   About out guest: Chris has chosen to remain anonymous, but we were glad he could share his story with us. :) He is a sex worker and sex educator and, well, anonymous, so don't ask any more questions!   About us: We are now livestreaming episodes on youtube a week before the podcast episodes come out. If you just can't wait to listen, check us out at our new YouTube Channel. Visit us at: www.aboutsexpodcast.com Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed, a Licensed Marriage and Sex therapist. You can talk to her about sex or other therapy needs at: www.therapistinstlouis.com Also, we have facebooks and twitters and all that crap, but if you read this far i seriously doubt you have time to read any more. Facebook: Angela Skurtu LMFT, M. Ed, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist Joshua Skurtu

Being a teen can be tough. You have homework, chores, teachers, and an unstable view of reality, self identity and ultimately a dawning comprehension of life and all its futility, which eventually all ends in death, no matter how hard you try to stave off its inevitability... Also, omg, boys... amiright ladies?  Join us this week to talk to Thorn, a 17 year old who identifies as asexual, and her mother Kendra Holliday. We discuss asexuality, being raised sex positive, and any random curveball Josh throws at our guests. 😀 If you have any questions or topics you think we should cover, leave a comment or direct message us.   About our guests: You can't contact Thorn, as she has chosen to remain anonymous. 😁 (I have a feeling her given name is not thorn.) Kendra is the Editor of The Beautiful Kind, her personal blog. She is also co-founder of Sex Positive St. Louis. She has a professional consulting site Be Open and Honest, where she offers sex and relationship advice and sex surrogacy services (talking and hands on intimacy).    About us: We are now livestreaming episodes on youtube a week before the podcast episodes come out. If you just can't wait to listen, check us out at our new YouTube Channel. Visit us at: www.aboutsexpodcast.com Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed, a Licensed Marriage and Sex therapist. You can talk to her about sex or other therapy needs at: www.therapistinstlouis.com Also, we have facebooks and twitters and all that crap, but if you read this far i seriously doubt you have time to read any more. Facebook: Angela Skurtu LMFT, M. Ed, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist Joshua Skurtu

Bread! Do you know how to make bread? I have eaten bread. I have baked some. But I have never created a dutch oven over an open fire and baked bread in a village in Rwanda. Markey Culver did just that!  Find out about her story in this week's episode of the About Sex Podcast.       About our Guest: Markey Culver and The Women’s Bakery Markey is the Founder and Co-Director of The Women’s Bakery, a social enterprise that educates women and builds bakeries in East Africa. Connect with Markey: Website URL: womensbakery.com Blog URL: womensbakery.com/blog Facebook URL: facebook.com/womensbakery/ Connect with us on Facebook: Angela Skurtu LMFT, M. Ed, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist Joshua Skurtu Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed, a Licensed Marriage and Sex therapist. You can talk to her about sex or other therapy needs at: www.therapistinstlouis.com Episode 43

Video games can be a fun hobby. Most men play video games and with the addition of smartphones a lot of women also play. They can be a great escape, but you don't want to TOTALLY escape from life. You have to find a balance between work / life / and hobbies. We talk about some negative aspects of how they can affect a relationship, but we also discuss some positive ways video games can make your life and even your relationships better. Thanks for listening! Connect with us on Facebook: Angela Skurtu LMFT, M. Ed, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist Joshua Skurtu Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed, a Licensed Marriage and Sex therapist. You can talk to her about sex or other therapy needs at: www.therapistinstlouis.com Episode 43

Why do men avoid therapy? Why do men avoid going to marriage therapy or sex therapy or any kind of therapy at all? It won't work! It costs too much! It eats into my beaver damn restoration projects! We delve deep into the psyche of men to try to better understand why they just do NOT want to go to therapy, at all costs, even going so far as to getting a divorce before they step foot in a therapists office.

Some people marry for love. Some people marry for money. Some people do not marry and instead have a more fluid relationship dynamic that involves multiple sexual partners. Kendra Holliday joins us again with her partner Matthew, this time to discuss their unique relationship that involves polyamory, BDSM and oooohhh so much more. These two have a lot of interesting things to say about how they are successful as a couple. We hope you can join us for this week's episode.   About out guests: In this episode we speak with Kendra Holliday, a sexual surrogate and her partner Matthew. Kendra describes herself as a passionate bisexual sexplorer when it comes to kinks, fetishes, BDSM, swinging, sex work, and polyamory. She is also a mother, daughter, sister, friend and volunteer. Kendra is a 44 year old woman located in St. Louis, MO and is the Editor of The Beautiful Kind, her personal blog. She is also co-founder of Sex Positive St. Louis. She has a professional consulting site Be Open and Honest, where she offers sex and relationship advice and sex surrogacy services (talking and hands on intimacy). Her life experiences include monogamous marriage, divorce, sex work, parenthood, as well as being fired and sued for her sexuality. A nudist and sex-positive activist, she is in a polyamorous BDSM relationship with her long-term partner, Matthew.   Episode 41   Visit us at: www.aboutsexpodcast.com Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed, a Licensed Marriage and Sex therapist. You can talk to her about sex or other therapy needs at: www.therapistinstlouis.com Photo credited to Carrie Meyer of Insomniac Studio.

Sexual dysfunction can be very deflating. Or is it defeating? I think both work. Either way, disabilities or dysfunctions that negatively affect your sex life can be difficult to live with. Some people are able to work with their doctors or work with talk therapists to solve these problems. Others need more a more "hands on" approach. That's where sexual surrogates like Kendra Holliday can help. For someone not in a relationship, someone without a sexual partner, having a sexual dysfunction means any time they try to date or begin a relationship they might feel like they have an asterisk attached to their sex lives. Not only do these individuals have to deal with the dysfunction itself, but they also have to deal with any shame or other "feelings" humans have when it comes to sex. It's hard enough to find a mate without an asterisk.** Sexual surrogates give these individuals an outlet to work through, manage, or even cure what ails them, asterisks be damned! Surrogates like Kendra Holliday create a safe space for these people to heal. A place free of shame, judgement, and one that fosters positive views on human sexuality.    About our Guests: In this episode we speak with Kendra Holliday, a sexual surrogate and her partner Matthew. Kendra describes herself as a passionate bisexual sexplorer when it comes to kinks, fetishes, BDSM, swinging, sex work, and polyamory. She is also a mother, daughter, sister, friend and volunteer. Kendra is a 44 year old woman located in St. Louis, MO and is the Editor of The Beautiful Kind, her personal blog. She is also co-founder of Sex Positive St. Louis. She has a professional consulting site Be Open and Honest, where she offers sex and relationship advice and sex surrogacy services (talking and hands on intimacy). Her life experiences include monogamous marriage, divorce, sex work, parenthood, as well as being fired and sued for her sexuality. A nudist and sex-positive activist, she is in a polyamorous BDSM relationship with her long-term partner, Matthew.   Episode 40   Visit us at: www.aboutsexpodcast.com Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed, a Licensed Marriage and Sex therapist. You can talk to her about sex or other therapy needs at: www.therapistinstlouis.com  **Josh's note: Josh wishes no ill feelings toward any asterisks or other punctuation marks, but he is still not on speaking terms with the ampersand.

How can I love thee? Let me count the ways... Three? Is that all? I probably need to do better than that. Let me see, there is poking, rubbing, spitting. That's love, right? Luckily, I'm married to a sex therapist. I'm sure she can help. This week we talk about being married to a sex therapist and we also cover how sex therapists can help us talk about sex.   About our Guest:  Monica Houttuin, LCSW, CST at Counseling Rediscovering Connections Monica is a Couples and Intimacy Specialist, Certified Sex Therapist and Educator. She works in private practice in Union Missouri and specializes working with couples struggling with issues of sex and intimacy.  Her area of expertise is reviving sexual injury from affairs and helping couples make adaptations to their sexual connections as a results of chronic illness or just the regular effects of long term relationships and living a long life together. Monica  earned her Master's Degree From Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri with an emphasis on Family Therapy and Mental Health.  Upon completion of that degree, she earned a Certificate in Sex Therapy from the University of Michigan. Combining those credentials with many  years of experience intense Clinical Supervision, she earned her certification as a sex therapist through the American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT). She has pursued advanced training in research proven effective methods to treating couples such  approaches for couples therapy, including Crucible™ Couples Therapy and Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFT) and Gottmann Methods. Find her at:   https://www.crcmo.com/ https://jumpstartyourhearts.com  monicahouttuin.wordpress.com www.facebook.com/CounselingWithMonica/ twitter.com/monicahouttuin   Episode 38   Visit us at: www.aboutsexpodcast.com Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed, a Licensed Marriage and Sex therapist. You can talk to her about sex or other therapy needs at: www.therapistinstlouis.com   References: https://www.omgyes.com/en/how-it-works#/pricing

You let off the brake, slam it into first gear, and pop the clutch full throttle. The engine roars to life, your tires screaming into the void. There may be something out there, other people, cars, ironic t-shirts, but while you hold that wheel and feel that engine rumble to life you become one with the car. You shift to second gear, and another chorus roars to life. Third gear, you can feel the force in your chest as you accelerate. Fourth gear, the signs on the side of the road start to seem like streaks of color passing you by. When you finally hit fifth gear, the tachometer makes its final ascent and you pass into what feels like another dimension. In this episode of About Sex, we discuss how couples can shift into different gears through the five dimensions of touch. You shift through Affectionate, Sensual, Playful, Erotic, and finally Intercourse. Join us for this and much more with our special guest Monica Houttuin, who is also a sex therapist. That's right, two sex therapists in the room. What could go wrong? :)     About our Guest:  Monica Houttuin, LCSW, CST at Counseling Rediscovering Connections Monica is a Couples and Intimacy Specialist, Certified Sex Therapist and Educator. She works in private practice in Union Missouri and specializes working with couples struggling with issues of sex and intimacy.  Her area of expertise is reviving sexual injury from affairs and helping couples make adaptations to their sexual connections as a results of chronic illness or just the regular effects of long term relationships and living a long life together. Monica  earned her Master's Degree From Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri with an emphasis on Family Therapy and Mental Health.  Upon completion of that degree, she earned a Certificate in Sex Therapy from the University of Michigan. Combining those credentials with many  years of experience intense Clinical Supervision, she earned her certification as a sex therapist through the American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT). She has pursued advanced training in research proven effective methods to treating couples such  approaches for couples therapy, including Crucible™ Couples Therapy and Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFT) and Gottmann Methods. Find her at:   https://www.crcmo.com/ https://jumpstartyourhearts.com  monicahouttuin.wordpress.com www.facebook.com/CounselingWithMonica/ twitter.com/monicahouttuin   Episode 37   Visit us at: www.aboutsexpodcast.com Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed, a Licensed Marriage and Sex therapist. You can talk to her about sex or other therapy needs at: www.therapistinstlouis.com   References: McCarthy; Shifting Gears; https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/whats-your-sexual-style/201205/shifting-gears

Babies are a big turn off. They cry, they poo, and they always bring up politics when you have "that" relative over. Having children can reduce the frequency and the quality of your sex life. Children not only have to be fed EVERY day, but they also need love and attention and diapers and oh so many other things at 3 am. Finding ways to keep your sex life strong as a new parent can be a challenge. Listen in to this episode for our top five tips to keeping your sex life strong as new parents on The About Sex Podcast.   Episode 37   Visit us at: www.aboutsexpodcast.com Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed at: www.therapistinstlouis.com