Sleeping Around

In this episode, Alayna chats with Dr. Yuthika Girme about redefining singlehood. They tackle societal pressures, the myth that relationships equal happiness, and how to be single and happy. From working on your attachment style to the stigma around relationship status, this episode offers fresh insights into finding fulfillment on your own terms. Yuthika U. Girme is an Associate Professor [https://www.sfu.ca/psychology/about/people/current-faculty/ygirme.html] in the Department of Psychology at Simon Fraser University. Dr. Girme is the Director of the S.E.C.U.R.E. Laboratory [https://secureresearchlab.com/] researching Singlehood Experiences and Complexities Underlying Relationships. Dr. Girme has developed distinct research programs investigating singlehood and relationship process that have important practical implications, including social support, attachment insecurities, emotion regulation, and social stigma. Dr. Girme regularly publishes in top social psychology journals and her research has been recognized by numerous early career research awards, including the Society of Personality and Social Psychology: Relationship Research Interest Group Graduate Student Paper Award, Society of Experimental and Social Psychology Dissertation Award, and Association of Psychological Science Rising Star Award, and Caryl Rusbult Early Career Award.  Check out The Secure Lab on IG: https://www.instagram.com/securelab.sfu/ Listen to Dr. Girme's Podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/show/0zVmLb4nBiRSAAjdkifTZw Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

What are the five key conversations every couple should have to improve their relationship? In this episode of Sleeping Around, we dive into this question with New York Times bestselling authors Vanessa and Xander Marin. Together, they explore the challenges of how to navigate communication hurdles in relationships, and some surprising truths about intimacy.  Meet Vanessa and Xander Marin. She’s a sex therapist with 20 years of experience, he’s a regular guy, and together they wrote Sex Talks: The Five Conversations That Will Transform Your Love Life [http://www.sextalksbook.com/]. They’re the shockingly open, slightly nerdy, and seriously funny couple you’ll be calling your new besties in no time. They share the ups and downs in their relationship while giving you step-by-step techniques for improving yours. Follow them on Instagram @vanessaandxander [https://www.instagram.com/vanessaandxander/], and tune in to their podcast, Pillow Talks [https://vmtherapy.com/pillow-talks/], for totally do-able sex tips, practical relationship advice, hilarious and honest stories of what really goes on behind closed bedroom doors, and so much more. It’s the sex education you WISH you’d had! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Get all extended episodes and your holiday card here!: https://www.patreon.com/c/AlaynaJoy Go to https://surfshark.com/alayna [https://surfshark.com/alayna] for 4 extra months of Surfshark at an unbeatable price! Today Alayna welcomes Dr. Devon Price, a social psychologist and acclaimed author, to explore the intersections of neurodivergence, queerness, and authentic self-expression. Together they delve into masking, the challenges of navigating relationships as a neurodivergent person, and ways to overcome societal expectations. Dr. Price offers advice on building meaningful connections and embracing your individuality.  This episode answers questions like: * What is masking, and how can we undo this process? * How do sensory needs influence intimacy, and how can they be honored in relationships? * Why is community so vital for self-discovery and healing? * How can neurodivergent people approach dating and connection? Devon Price is a social psychologist, professor, and the author of several books, including Unmasking Autism: Discovering the New Faces of Neurodiversity and the forthcoming Unmasking for Life: The Autistic Person's Guide to Connecting, Loving, and Living Authentically, which comes out in March 2025. He writes regularly about neurodiversity, radical mental health, queer sexuality, and culture for free at drdevonprice.substack.com [http://drdevonprice.substack.com/]. He lives in Chicago with his chinchilla Dump Truck and his cat Loqi.  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdevonprice/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/drdevonprice/?hl=en] Buy His Books: https://www.amazon.ca/stores/author/B08F5CGTTN [https://www.amazon.ca/stores/author/B08F5CGTTN] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

In this episode of Sleeping Around, Alayna sits down with Dr. Eric FitzMedrud, a therapist specializing in helping men redefine masculinity, consent, and intimacy. They dive into complex topics like male vulnerability, emotional regulation, and unpacking harmful aspects of the "manosphere." Dr. FitzMedrud shares insights into consent, the importance of emotional connection, and advice on fostering authentic relationships. Whether you identify as a man or not, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on masculinity today. We answer essential questions like: - How can men learn to express vulnerability in a way that feels safe and authentic? - What role does emotional regulation play in building stronger relationships? - How does the "manosphere" impact men’s perceptions of masculinity and intimacy? - What does genuine consent look like, and how can it enhance mutual pleasure in relationships? Eric FitzMedrud is a therapist specializing in relationship and sexual issues in the San Francisco Bay Area. His specialty is helping men improve their sex lives by learning to regulate their emotions, removing sexual entitlement, and honing their sexual consent and negotiation skills. FitzMedrud is a member of the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists. He’s the award-winning author of “The Better Man: A Guide to Consent, Stronger Relationships, and Hotter Sex” and he’s been published in academic books, and an academic journal. He’s spoken at multiple conferences, trained therapists, and taught many graduate courses in psychology. FitzMedrud has a PhD in Clinical Psychology. He is polyamorous and bisexual, and lives with his wife of twenty-four years and his life partner of seven years in San Francisco’s East Bay area. Connect with @DrEricFitz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drericfitz [https://www.instagram.com/drericfitz]  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drericfitz [https://www.facebook.com/drericfitz]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drericfitz [https://www.linkedin.com/in/drericfitz]  Threads: https://www.threads.net/@drericfitz [https://www.threads.net/@drericfitz]  Read The Better Man by Eric FitzMedrud Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Better-Man-Consent-Stronger-Relationships/dp/1637560354 [https://www.amazon.com/Better-Man-Consent-Stronger-Relationships/dp/1637560354]  Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-better-man-eric-fitzmedrud/1143136034?ean=9781637560358 [https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-better-man-eric-fitzmedrud/1143136034?ean=9781637560358]  Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-better-man-a-guide-to-consent-stronger-relationships-and-hotter-sex-eric-fitzmedrud/19810038?ean=9781637560358 [https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-better-man-a-guide-to-consent-stronger-relationships-and-hotter-sex-eric-fitzmedrud/19810038?ean=9781637560358] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

We dive into the world of asexuality in this week’s episode of Sleeping Around, with journalist and author Angela Chen. Angela's book, Ace: What Asexuality Reveals About Desire, Society, and the Meaning of Sex, sheds light on this often-misunderstood identity. Angela and Alayna explore questions like: * How can someone recognize a lack of sexual attraction if they've never felt it? * Can asexual individuals still enjoy intimacy and sex? * How can ace and allo partners create fulfilling relationships together? * What does asexuality actually mean, and how is it different from celibacy? This episode isn’t just for those identifying on the ace spectrum but for anyone seeking to understand and broaden their perspectives on sexuality, desire, and the ways we connect with one another. Join us for an eye-opening conversation that challenges conventional ideas and highlights the importance of inclusivity in understanding diverse experiences. Angela Chen is a journalist and the author of Ace: What Asexuality Reveals About Desire, Society, and the Meaning of Sex, named one of the best books of 2020 by NPR. Her reporting and essays have also appeared in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic, Paris Review, and more.  Buy Ace: What Asexuality Reveals About Desire, Society, and the Meaning of Sex: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=B088H9X9Z1&i=digital-text&_encoding=UTF8&shoppingPortalEnabled=true [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=B088H9X9Z1&i=digital-text&_encoding=UTF8&shoppingPortalEnabled=true] Website: https://www.angelachen.org/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]