Breaking the Silence: Men’s Sexuality, Shame, and Mental Health

In this powerful episode, Ruth Ramsay, a sex educator, coach, TEDx speaker, and former striptease artist, discusses the hidden struggles men face around sexuality, shame, and self-esteem. She highlights how addressing sexual shame can transform men's mental health and relationships—especially during Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month.Key Topics:• The societal myths about masculinity and sexuality men are taught to believe• The silent burden of sexual shame and its impact on mental health• How past experiences and cultural expectations shape male sexual confidence• The importance of safe spaces and open communication about sex• Practical tools to start conversations about intimacy and desire• The role of education in breaking down myths and misconceptions• The significance of touch, physical connection, and emotional vulnerability• The differences between therapy and coaching for sexual concerns• How unresolved sexual issues can harm relationships and emotional wellbeing• Resources: Ruth Ramsay’s workshops, TEDx talk, and coaching programsTimestamps:00:00 Breaking the Silence on Men's Mental Health03:20 Ruth Ramsay's Journey to Sex Coaching09:18 Understanding Men's Fears and Insecurities13:35 The Link Between Sexuality and Mental Health18:52 The Role of Education in Sexual Confidence25:02 The Myths of Masculinity and Sexuality26:33 The Weight of Masculinity and Sexual Expectations28:54 The Impact of Shame and Guilt on Relationships30:42 The Importance of Touch and Connection38:14 Understanding Desire and Sexual Education42:37 Breaking the Silence on Sexual Conversations49:47 Exploring Fantasies and Finding CommunityImportant Takeaways:Sexual confidence isn’t limited to the bedroom—it's about self-worth, emotional health, and honest communication. Ruth emphasizes creating safe spaces and promoting open dialogue to help men overcome shame and embrace their sexuality fully. The journey to mental health and stronger relationships starts with courageous conversations.If this episode resonated, share it to help break the silence around men's mental health and sexuality. Remember: happiness is something we create, one honest conversation at a time.Episode Resources:About your host:Leann Herron is a Certified Life and Holistic Health Coach who is a passionate advocate for women’s health and empowerment, devoted to helping midlife women break free from cycles of over-giving and the stories that keep them stuck. Leann guides women to release stress, reclaim their energy, and create lives that truly fulfill them—body, mind, and spirit.Connect with Leann:Finding Resilience with LeannWebsiteLinkedInAbout Ruth:Ruth is an adult sex educator, sex coach, TEDx speaker and writer. Her talk, Revamp Your Sex Life in Six Minutes, has nearly 3.5 million views.The belief men should be ever-ready, performance-focused, need no education about their bodies or desires (or that of their partners) leaves otherwise-successful men struggling in bed – and feeling there is nowhere to turn for help. That is where Ruth steps in, with online workshops and coaching. Before she qualified as a coach in 2019, Ruth spent years as a striptease artist, having over 10,000 hours of candid conversation with men about their desires. This gave her a deep appreciation of how individual and complex men are sexually.Ruth’s coaching work is action-focused and mindset-led. She works primarily with high-achieving men in midlife who feel worry and shame over their disappointing or non-existent sex life. Connect with Ruth: WebsitePrograms:'Better Sex For Men' and 'How To Please A Woman In Bed' package of workshops Use code HAPPINESS for 10 per cent offRuth's TEDx talk 'Revamp Your Sex Life In Six Minutes'LinkedInInstagram#mensmentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #menswellness #personalgrowth