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

Energy Drainers vs Energy Gainers: Restoring Connection to Pleasure with Dr. Shannon Chavez | Episode 14

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Shannon Chavez, a licensed clinical psychologist and AASECT-certified sex therapist who blends evidence-based psychology, attachment theory, sexual medicine, and holistic wellness practices to help people create healthier relationships with themselves and their partners. From nervous system regulation and desire to trauma healing, emotional safety, and multicultural approaches to sexuality, Dr. Chavez explains why many sexual concerns are not problems to be fixed, but signals to better understand. She also shares practical strategies for managing overwhelm, improving intimacy, and cultivating deeper connection in relationships. KEY TAKEAWAYS: * Low desire is often connected to nervous system overload, disconnection, and depleted energy rather than a lack of attraction or relationship problems * Emotional safety is one of the strongest predictors of intimacy, sexual satisfaction, and relationship resilience * Effective sexual health care requires an integrative approach that considers the mind, body, relationships, culture, and lived experience SHOW SUMMARY: 00:00 – Understanding Nervous System Overload and Low Desire 01:14 – Modern Culture’s Impact on Libido and Life Force 01:57 – Dr. Shannon Chavez’s Origin Story: Finding The Joy of Sex 03:08 – Benefits of an Integrative Med Spa Model for Sexual Health 04:28 – Essential Personal Work and Multicultural Training for Professionals 05:05 – Connecting Body Disconnection, Grief, and Transitions to Desire 07:08 – Identifying Energy Drainers vs. Energy Gainers 08:14 – Mindset Shifts: Permission for Imperfection and Balance 09:51 – Mindfulness Through Play and Presence in Daily Activities 11:50 – Reframing Hormones and Physical Changes as Body Signals 13:44 – Distinguishing Between Individual Nervous System Dysregulation and Relational Issues 15:46 – The Role of Eye Contact and Emotional Resonance in Healing 17:53 – How Attachment Styles Influence Love and Pleasure in the Bedroom 19:16 – Biological Necessity of Emotional Safety for Intimacy 20:12 – Somatic Techniques for Building Emotional Intimacy and Safety 22:04 – Reconnecting Trauma Survivors with Body Trust and Pleasure 23:57 – Common Pitfalls in Sex Therapy When Addressing Trauma 25:01 – Holistic Integration: Moving Beyond the "Cookie Cutter" Psychology Model 27:21 – Global Perspectives: Cultural Lineage and Its Impact on the Nervous System 28:41 – The Importance of Language and Cultural Assessments in Therapy 30:15 – Identifying and Redefining Sexual Values and Beliefs 32:45 – Strengthing Sexual Communication: Giving "Permission to be Awkward" 34:43 – Using Humor to Break Barriers and Protect the Erotic 35:14 – Lightning Round: Favorite Resources, Self-Care, and Krav Maga 37:06 – Insights from the Sexual Health Alliance (SHA) Conference 38:08 – Final Message for Gen Z and Alpha: Reclaiming Your Narrative 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 More from this episode’s guest at: https://drshannonchavez.com/ [https://drshannonchavez.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! https://www.sexologylab.com/ [https://www.sexologylab.com/]

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!