Why Relationship Problems Start in Childhood | Imago Therapy with Dr. Joe Kort | Episode 9

Why We Get Jealous: Dr. Justin Mogilski on Pair Bonding, Competition, and Communication | Episode 13

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Justin Mogilski, an evolutionary psychologist and associate professor leading an international research team studying consensually non-monogamous (CNM) relationships. From jealousy and attraction disclosure to parenting and evolutionary biology, this conversation explores what science actually tells us about how people make non-monogamy work. Dr. Mogilski breaks down common myths about CNM, including the idea that only exceptionally intelligent or emotionally detached people can successfully navigate these relationships. We also dive into evolutionary psychology, animal behavior, pair bonding, and the relationship maintenance practices that predict healthier and more satisfying CNM dynamics. KEY TAKEAWAYS: * Communication about jealousy and attraction is one of the strongest predictors of relationship satisfaction in CNM relationships * Consensually non-monogamous people often define infidelity around deception and broken agreements rather than specific sexual acts * Evolutionary psychology helps explain why jealousy, competition, and attachment still show up in non-monogamous relationships SHOW SUMMARY: 00:00 – Attraction Disclosure and Reducing Relationship Anxiety 01:32 – Differences in Information Sharing Between CNM and Monogamous Couples 03:32 – Dr. Justin Mogilski’s Origin Story and Background in Evolutionary Psychology 04:48 – Current Exciting Trends: STI Communication and Sex Tech 05:55 – Dispelling the Myth: Intelligence and Impulse Control in CNM 08:52 – Advice for Professionals: Focusing on Recurrent Challenges over Prescriptive Advice 11:11 – Evolution, Pair Bonding, and the Role of Jealousy 13:16 – Using Evolutionary Theory to Predict Challenges in Non-Monogamy 15:40 – Zero-Sum vs. Positive-Sum Worldviews in Relationships 17:21 – International Research Project on CNM Relationship Maintenance 20:50 – Emotional Regulation: Prevention vs. Promotion Focus 22:01 – Key Findings: Communication of Jealousy and Attraction Disclosure 23:34 – Polyamorous Parenting and Willingness to Care for Children 25:49 – Navigating Hierarchy vs. Non-Hierarchy in CNM 28:10 – Comparison of Safer Sex Practices Across Different CNM Populations 30:45 – Lightning Round: Myths About Jealousy 32:01 – Differences in How Infidelity is Defined 32:44 – The Need for Large-Scale Data on CNM Parenting 33:45 – Message to Future Generations: Building Durable, Committed Relationships RESOURCES MENTIONED THIS EPISODE: The Sexology Lab is powered by Sexual Health Alliance, a global hub for world-class certifications, cutting-edge education, and a thriving community of professionals. Many of the show’s guests also share their expertise at their events. Join them at: SexualHealthAlliance.com (http://sexualhealthalliance.com/ [http://sexualhealthalliance.com/]) More from this episode’s guest at: https://sc.edu/about/system_and_campuses/salkehatchie/faculty-staff/mogilski_justin.php [https://sc.edu/about/system_and_campuses/salkehatchie/faculty-staff/mogilski_justin.php] ABOUT THE GUEST: DR. JUSTIN MOGILSKI Dr. Justin Mogilski is an Associate Professor of Psychology and a globally recognized researcher in evolutionary psychology and relationship science. His pioneering research maps out how human evolution influences decision-making, conflict resolution, and intimacy within modern partnerships. Dr. Mogilski currently leads an international team of scientists tracking relationship maintenance strategies, partner attraction, and jealousy management across various relationship structures. He specializes closely in the behavioral dynamics of consensual non-monogamy (CNM), polyamory, and open relationships. As a co-editor of The Oxford Handbook of Evolutionary Psychology and Romantic Relationships, his work translates complex biological data into practical frameworks that help coaches and therapists support diverse relationship configurations without stigma. SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps us reach more people who need these insights. https://www.sexologylab.com/ [https://www.sexologylab.com/]

Education Forgot the Fun Part: Amy Baldwin and April Lampert on Pleasure, Shame, and What We’re Missing | Episode 12

Today in The Lab, we sit down with Amy Baldwin and April Lampert, the co-hosts of the wildly popular Shameless Sex Podcast, to explore what happens when sexual education leaves out pleasure, curiosity, and emotional safety. From shame and compliance to sex toys and consent, this conversation dives into the real-world gaps in how we talk about sexuality. Amy and April share their journey from working in the sex toy industry to building one of the most recognized sexuality podcasts online. They also unpack why “healing shame” may be one of the most important responsibilities for therapists, educators, and coaches working in sexual health today. April Lampert is a proud Sexual Health Alliance Certified Sex Educator. KEY TAKEAWAYS * Most sex education focuses on prevention and fear while ignoring pleasure, communication, and connection * Sexual health professionals are not just educators—they are often helping people heal shame * Giving people permission to explore consensual sexuality without judgment can be deeply transformative SHOW SUMMARY 00:00 – Redefining Shamelessness and Working with Shame 01:36 – Guest Introductions and the Origin of Shameless Sex 02:49 – Overview of the "Shameless Sex" Book and Pleasure Philosophy 05:16 – Influential Guests and Learning Modalities like Erotic Blueprints 06:51 – Current Industry Trends: Sexual Wellness Tourism and Sex Toy Normalization 08:47 – Key Insight: Sexual Health as Holistic Well-being and Empowerment 10:50 – Personal Reflections on Traditional vs. Pleasure-Based Sex Education 16:42 – Essential Advice for Professionals: Becoming a "Healer of Shame” 19:43 – Empowering Messages for Gen Z and Gen Alpha on Sexual Autonomy 22:29 – Pop Culture Review: Analyzing the "Nobody Wants This" Podcasting Portrayal RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE The Sexology Lab is powered by Sexual Health Alliance, a global hub for world-class certifications, cutting-edge education, and a thriving community of professionals. Many of the show’s guests also share their expertise at their events. Join them at: SexualHealthAlliance.com (http://sexualhealthalliance.com/ [http://sexualhealthalliance.com/]) More from this episode’s guests at: Shameless Sex Podcast: https://www.shamelesssex.com/ SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps us reach more people who need these insights. 🎙 Thanks for tuning in to The Sexology Lab. See you next week!

Reversing Pain, Dryness, & ED Without Medication | Dr. Soum Rakshit | Episode 11

Joining us in The Lab is Dr. Soum Rakshit, founder and CEO of MysteryVibe and MV Health, to explore the rapidly evolving world of sex tech and medical-grade sexual wellness devices. With a background in biomedical engineering, Dr. Rakshit is at the forefront of bridging pleasure, healthcare, and innovation—especially for people navigating sexual health after major life events. This conversation dives into the science behind vibration therapy, how medical devices are developed and validated, and why accessibility remains one of the biggest challenges in sexual healthcare. We also explore the real-world impact of MV Health’s devices, from pelvic pain to erectile dysfunction, and what the future holds for personalized sexual medicine. KEY TAKEAWAYS: * Sexual health solutions are often missing for people after major life events like childbirth, surgery, or aging * Vibration therapy has over a century of clinical evidence supporting its role in improving blood flow, arousal, and pain relief * Accessibility—not innovation—is the biggest barrier in sexual health, from education to reimbursement to care delivery SHOW SUMMARY: 01:24 – The Mission of Mystery Vibe and MV Health 02:22 – The Origin Story and Collaborative Research 03:02 – Future Trends: Personalized Medicine and Hormone Monitoring 04:15 – Applying Engineering to Sexual Medicine Problems 06:19 – Challenges in Medical Device Development 08:21 – Education and Accessibility as Barriers to Care 09:43 – Outreach, Clinical Education, and Independent Research 11:53 – The Science and History of Vibration Therapy 14:42 – Vibration Therapy as a Complement to Medication 18:06 – Product Deep Dive: Crescendo 2 20:36 – Product Deep Dive: Poco 22:03 – Product Deep Dive: Legato 23:50 – Product Deep Dive: Molto 26:45 – Product Deep Dive: Tenuto 2 and Tenuto Mini 31:53 – Navigating Global Regulatory Approvals and Markets 32:26 – Future Expansion: Period and Breast Pain Solutions 33:50 – Lightning Round: Misconceptions and Achievements 35:41 – The Potential for Diagnostic Sensors 36:32 – Advice for Sexual Health Tech Founders 37:07 – Advice for Younger Generations on Human Connection RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: The Sexology Lab is powered by Sexual Health Alliance, a global hub for world-class certifications, cutting-edge education, and a thriving community of professionals. Many of the show’s guests also share their expertise at their events.  Join them at: http://sexualhealthalliance.com/ [http://sexualhealthalliance.com/] More from this episode’s guest at: https://mv.health/ [https://mv.health/] SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW: If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps us reach more people who need these insights. 🎙 Thanks for tuning in to The Sexology Lab. See you next week!

Beyond Erections - Hormones and Sexual Function with Dr. Amy Pearlman | Episode 10

Joining us in The Lab is Dr. Amy Perlman, a board-certified urologist specializing in hormone optimization, sexual health, and gender-affirming care. This conversation breaks down some of the most common questions people have about male sexual health, from what’s actually “normal” to when it’s time to seek medical support. Dr. Perlman brings a refreshingly honest, sex-positive perspective to topics often clouded by misinformation, including testosterone, erectile function, masturbation, orgasm quality, and prostate pleasure. She also highlights the gaps in sex education and medical training, and why expanding conversations around pleasure is essential for better outcomes. KEY TAKEAWAYS: * Many concerns about penis shape, performance, and function are normal, but knowing when to seek care is essential * Sexual health is deeply connected to hormones, lifestyle, and overall well-being—not just performance * Men’s pleasure, especially prostate pleasure, is under-researched and under-discussed in healthcare SHOW SUMMARY: 00:11 - Introduction to Dr. Amy Pearlman 01:23 - Penile Curvature and Health 04:11 - Common Penile Concerns and STI Anxiety 05:58 - Testosterone and Hormone Optimization 08:35 - Gaps in Sex Education and Penile Injury 10:10 - Maintenance of Penile Size and Daily Erections 11:21 - Masturbation Frequency and Prostate Health 14:22 - Collaborative Care and Professional Cross-Collaboration 17:41 - Proactive Health Management and Establishing a "Pit Crew" 20:21 - Sex Toys and the Shift to Prostate Pleasure 24:28 - Defining Orgasm Quality vs. Ejaculation 29:16 - Training the Body and Mind: Edging and Delayed Ejaculation 31:58 - Rapid Fire Questions 33:30 - Advice for Patients: Doctor Shopping and Foundational Knowledge RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE The Sexology Lab is powered by Sexual Health Alliance, a global hub for world-class certifications, cutting-edge education, and a thriving community of professionals. Many of the show’s guests also share their expertise at their events.  Join them at: SexualHealthAlliance.com (http://sexualhealthalliance.com/ [http://sexualhealthalliance.com/]) More from this episode’s guest at: https://pearlmanmds.com/amy-pearlman-md/ [https://pearlmanmds.com/amy-pearlman-md/]  SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps us reach more people who need these insights. 🎙 Thanks for tuning in to The Sexology Lab. See you next week!

Why Relationship Problems Start in Childhood | Imago Therapy with Dr. Joe Kort | Episode 9

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Joe Kort, a clinical sexologist and founder of the Center for Relationship and Sexual Health, to explore how therapists can better understand sexual health, trauma, and relationships. With over 40 years of experience, Dr. Kort brings a deeply nuanced, sex-positive perspective to topics often misunderstood in both clinical and cultural spaces. We dive into Imago relationship therapy, trauma healing with EMDR, and the complexities of out-of-control sexual behaviors. Dr. Kort also challenges common assumptions around sexual norms, encouraging both therapists and individuals to release shame and embrace what is authentic and consensual for them. KEY TAKEAWAYS: * There is no “right” way to have sex—sexual expression is valid as long as it is consensual and authentic * Many relationship conflicts are rooted in unresolved childhood dynamics, not present-day issue * Therapists must learn to ask better questions and challenge their own biases to effectively support clients SHOW SUMMARY: 00:00 - What is IMAGO Relationship Therapy? 01:41 - Media Analysis and Relationship Dynamics 02:37 - Dr. Joe Kort’s Professional Origin Story 03:23 - Modern Sexual Health Trends: Outercourse and "Sides" 04:35 - The Evolution of Couples Therapy Techniques 06:06 - Childhood Wounding and Historical Relationship Issues 07:45 - Mastering Mirroring and Validation in Dialogue 09:34 - Differentiation and Igniting Sexual Passion 11:18 - EMDR Therapy for Relationship Trauma Recovery 14:14 - Beyond Sex Addiction: The OCSB Model10 17:21 - Clinical Mistakes and Erotic Orientation 19:05 - IMAGO Framework for LGBTQIA+ Couples 22:03 - Facilitating Effective Intentional Dialogue 23:41 - Managing Countertransference in High-Conflict Sessions 25:07 - Professional Training and the SAR Experience 27:10 - The Benefits of Couples Therapy Intensives 31:12 - Scaling from Solo to Group Practice Management 35:11 - Generational Shifts and the Importance of Genograms 36:07 - Marketing, Social Media, and Professional Advocacy 38:32 - Lightning Round: Clinical Insights and Resources RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE The Sexology Lab is powered by Sexual Health Alliance, a global hub for world-class certifications, cutting-edge education, and a thriving community of professionals. Many of the show’s guests also share their expertise at their events.  Join them at: SexualHealthAlliance.com (http://sexualhealthalliance.com/ [http://sexualhealthalliance.com/]) More from this episode’s guest at: https://joekort.com/ SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps us reach more people who need these insights. 🎙 Thanks for tuning in to The Sexology Lab. See you next week!