Everyday Ecstasy

Ellen Heed is a somatic sex educator and the creator of STREAM (Scar Treatment, Remediation, Education and management). In this episode, Sam and Ellen discuss the role of altered states in the integration of physiological and existential aspects in somatic sex education. Ellen emphasizes the importance of safety and presence in altered states, particularly when dealing with regression and emotional material. Ellen describes three layers of touch: basic nervous system regulation, deep provocation, and scar tissue remediation and offers the language of somatic time for the felt sense of a shared altered state experience in session. She highlights the role of meaning-making in integrating experiences and the significance of neurodivergence in altered states. Ellen also shares her personal journey and the transformative impact of somatic practices on her clients' lives, underscoring the potential for profound personal growth and healing.Find out more about Ellen's work at https://ellenheed.com/ or read her writing on her substack Find out more about Sam and their work at www.integratingintimacy.comThe Interactive Erotic Educator Training is now taking enrolments for 2026. Find out more at www.intereros.comHave an experience of somatic sex education in the comfort of your own home by signing up for queer erotic embodiment classes at www.queereroticembodiment.com

What a delectable conversation! Caffyn and Sam discuss the integration of ecstatic states in somatic sex education and their personal experiences with ecstatic states. Together they explore the rhythm of ecstasy and equilibrium as a way of understanding how to move from edge to integration, sharing moments of embodied noticing. Caffyn offers us relational mapping as a tool for understanding our own, and our clients support structures for coming back into the world community from universal consciousness. Caffyn and Sam also explore the intersection of somatic sex education with psychedelics, noting the need for ethical guidelines and community oversight.Caffyn and all they offer can be found at https://ecstaticbelonging.com/Find out more about Sam and their work at www.integratingintimacy.comThe Interactive Erotic Educator Training is now taking enrolments for 2026. Find out more at www.intereros.comHave an experience of somatic sex education in the comfort of your own home by signing up for queer erotic embodiment classes at www.queereroticembodiment.com

In this episode, Sam chats with Betty Martin, creator of the Wheel of Consent. Betty and Sam discussed Betty's work in somatic sex education, focusing on altered states. Betty shares her journey from peer counselling to sacred intimacy and how her own experience of altered states in Celebrating the Body Electric informed her path.  Sam and Betty chat about focused sensory awareness as a non-ordinary state, with particular attention to the quality of surrender and absorption in the taking and allowing quadrants. They also chat about plant medicine and somatic sex education, the potential in potentiating new pathways to pleasure and the potential pitfalls. Find out more about Betty at https://www.wheelofconsent.org/Find out more about Sam and their work at www.integratingintimacy.comThe Interactive Erotic Educator Training is now taking enrolments for 2026. Find out more at www.intereros.comHave an experience of somatic sex education in the comfort of your own home by signing up for queer erotic embodiment classes at www.queereroticembodiment.com

Sam chats to Deej Juventin about altered states in somatic sex education. This conversation was forms part of a research project about altered states in somatic sex education. This discussion explores the concept of altered states in somatic sex education, emphasising the integration of neuroscience and somatic practices. Deej Juventin, a director at the Institute of Somatic Sexology, highlights the evolution of somatic work over 20 years, delving into the importance of presence, awareness, and consent in altered state experiences, noting the role of neuroplasticity and neurogenesis. Deej stresses the significance of practitioners' personal journeys and intention practices with all kinds of states in developing their capacity to effectively guide clients. To learn more about the Institute of Somatic Sexology and the trainings they offer, head to https://instituteofsomaticsexology.com/Find out more about Sam and their work at www.integratingintimacy.comThe Interactive Erotic Educator Training is now taking enrolments for 2026. Find out more at www.intereros.comHave an experience of somatic sex education in the comfort of your own home by signing up for queer erotic embodiment classes at www.queereroticembodiment.com

In the first episode Sam chats to Uma Furman about altered states in somatic sex education. This conversation forms part of a research project about altered states in somatic sex education.Uma, a renowned somatic sex educator, emphasises the importance of grounding and presence in sexual practices, contrasting the "right hand path" (slow, grounded methods) with the "left hand path" (fast, intense methods). They explore the benefits of pleasure saturation, a prolonged state of arousal, and its impact on neuroplasticity and pain management. Uma highlights the need for responsible practices, especially in group settings, to avoid potential harm, as well as discussing the ethical considerations of guiding clients and partners through altered states, ensuring consent and safety.Find out more about Sam and their work at www.integratingintimacy.comThe Interactive Erotic Educator Training is now taking enrolments for 2026. Find out more at www.intereros.comHave an experience of somatic sex education in the comfort of your own home by signing up for queer erotic embodiment classes at www.queereroticembodiment.com