PODCAST · health
Unzipping Taboos: Candid Conversations about Sex
by Dr Sue and Charlie
Join hosts Dr Sue & Charlie on "Unzipping Taboos" as they delve into the intricate & often challenging landscape of sex, & all things related to it. Each episode will be an open conversation on a different topic. Through their engaging discussions, listeners will gain insight into the complexities of sex, & how to talk about this deeply personal subject.Whether you're a seasoned advocate for sexual liberation or someone who finds the topic daunting, "Unzipping Taboos" offers a safe space to explore the nuances of human sexuality, challenge preconceptions, & help make the subject less taboo
Episodes
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More Than a Plus: Ace, Aro, and the Spectrum of Attraction
In this episode, we unzip asexual (ace) and aromantic (aro) orientations and explore the identities that are part of the “plus” in LGBTQIA+. We talk about what these terms mean, why they matter, and how understanding them helps create space for the many different ways people experience attraction...
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Women Don’t Expire: Aging, Menopause, and Cultural Myths - Part 2
In Part 2 of our conversation on perimenopause and menopause, we move beyond biology and into the healthcare experiences, cultural messages, and societal expectations that shape how women experience aging. We break down the differences between Pap smears and pelvic exams, talk about changing...
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Women Don’t Expire: Aging, Menopause, and Cultural Myths - Part 1
In this episode of Unzipping Taboos, we unzip a topic too many women are expected to navigate without enough information: perimenopause and menopause. We break down what perimenopause and menopause actually mean, why symptoms can show up long before periods stop completely, and why this…
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Clarity, Not Whispers: Sexual Wellness Procedures Unzipped
In this episode, we unzip treatments like O-Shots®, G-Shots®, and MonaLisa Touch®—procedures that often enter conversations through television, social media, friends, and word of mouth. We talk about how conversations around sexual wellness are evolving, and why many people find themselves...
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They’re Listening to You: Why Parents Matter in Sex Ed
In this episode, we unzip one of the most important—and often most avoided—roles we can play as parents and caregivers: being a trusted source of sex education. Instead of relying on awkward, one-time “talks,” we explore what it means to create an ongoing, open dialogue with kids and teens....
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Pulling the Thread: The Real Impact of the Mifepristone Ruling
In this episode, we unzip the recent Fifth Circuit Appeals Court ruling impacting access to mifepristone through telehealth and mail delivery, and why this fight is about so much more than one medication. We walk through what the ruling—and the drug maker’s appeal—means for people living under…
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Private, Not Taboo: Masturbation Unzipped
In this episode, we unzip masturbation without the awkwardness, the myths, or the shame. In honor of International Masturbation Month, we take a candid look at one of the most common, and most misunderstood, forms of sexual expression. We talk about what masturbation actually is, why it shows up...
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Don’t Make It Weird: It’s Just Lube
Lube is one of the most normal parts of sex play—and one of the least talked about. In this episode of Unzipping Taboos, we get practical about what actually matters when it comes to lubricants. We break down the three main types—water-based, silicone-based, and oil-based—and how to choose the...
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Masculinity & Medicine: Men, Sex, and Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men—and one of the easiest to ignore. In this episode of Unzipping Taboos, we sit down with Dr. Arthur Burnett—Professor of Urology at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Patrick C. Walsh Professor of Urology, and Director of the Male...
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Violence Against Women: It’s Not Random, It’s Reinforced
Violence against women is shaped by the systems, language, and narratives we see every day. In this episode of Unzipping Taboos, we unpack how normalization happens in plain sight—through headlines that center victims instead of perpetrators, media that desensitize us to harm, and the silence…
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Consent Isn’t Optional - Even When It’s Clickable
In this episode of Unzipping Taboos, we step into a messy, very public story to ask a much bigger question: what happens when someone’s private sexual expression is exposed without their consent? We’re not here for the headlines—we’re here for the ethics. Using the recent coverage surrounding…
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The Hookup Culture Myth: Why College Sex Isn’t What You Think
We’re unpacking the myths about college sex and relationships—what’s really happening, what’s exaggerated, and why everyone assumes the worst. Drawing on decades of research, surveys, and real conversations with students, we break down the facts, the media hype, and the social pressures that…
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From Swipes to Scams: Online Dating and Digital Safety
Online dating can be thrilling—but it comes with new risks in a world full of apps, smart devices, and AI tricks. In this episode of Unzipping Taboos, we break down practical ways to stay safe while navigating the digital dating scene, from your first swipe to meeting someone in person. We dive...
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Podcasthon 2026: SisterSong and the Reproductive Justice Movement
Reproductive justice isn’t just about pregnancy. It’s about power, policy, and the conditions that shape people’s lives. This week, Unzipping Taboos is proud to participate in Podcasthon, a global movement uniting podcasts to spotlight organizations creating meaningful change. This year, we are...
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It’s More Than a Love Language: Communication Beyond Categories
In this episode, we unzip the idea of love languages—where it came from, why it resonates with so many people, and where it falls short. We take a closer look at The 5 Love Languages, introduced by Gary Chapman, exploring both its appeal and its limitations. We talk about how the framework can...
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Curious About Ball Busting? You’re Not Alone
In this episode, we unzip ball busting—a kink Dr. Sue gets asked about regularly through Hey Dr. Sue, and one that’s often surrounded by judgment, confusion, assumptions, and quiet shame. We talk plainly about what ball busting is and why having accurate language can make these conversations feel...
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Bodies Aren’t Calendars: Periods, Pregnancy, and Protection
In this episode, we unzip how the menstrual cycle actually works, what influences the likelihood of pregnancy, and why real bodies don’t operate on neat, predictable timelines. We explore how stress, medication, and everyday life can affect cycle timing, while clarifying common misconceptions…
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What We’re Told About Men and Sex: Myths and Misunderstandings
In this episode, we focus on the myths about men’s sexual health and sex, from the idea that men always want sex to assumptions about performance, size, and desire. We unzip male sexual health myths around STI testing, HPV vaccination for men, and why being asymptomatic doesn’t mean you’re in the...
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Taking a Beat: Self Care in the Middle of Hard News
In this episode, we pause. In response to recent current events, we made the intentional choice to set aside what we had planned and instead focus on care for anyone feeling heavy, activated, or emotionally overwhelmed right now. This is a conversation about how moments like this can land in our...
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Wait, That’s Not True? Common Sex Myths We’re Still Believing
In this episode, we unpack some of the most common myths you’ve probably heard—and maybe even believed—about sex and sexual health. From not being able to get pregnant on your period, to sperm surviving in hot tubs, we unzip many of these ideas to get to the truth of the matter. We talk about...
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Unzipping AI: Sex, Critical Thinking, and the Limits of Technology
What happens when we start asking AI our most vulnerable questions about sex, sexuality, and sexual health? In this episode of Unzipping Taboos, we talk candidly about why so many people turn to tools like ChatGPT for answers they’re too embarrassed—or too afraid—to ask out loud, and why that…
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Consent Isn’t Just for Sex: It's Bigger than the Bedroom
In this episode of Unzipping Taboos, we talk about consent as something that lives far beyond sex—and how often it gets missed in everyday interactions. We explore what consent looks like in friendships, workplaces, classrooms, healthcare settings, and long-term relationships, especially in…
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The Mating Crisis Revisited: What’s Changed—and Why It Matters
In this episode of Unzipping Taboos, we revisit the “male loneliness epidemic” and the so-called “mating crisis.” Since we first talked about it, something important has shifted: women are finding a voice in this conversation and… men are having a reaction. We talk about women naming their worth,...
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Beyond Eggs and Dolls in Sex Education: a conversation with UN|HUSHED’s Dr. Karen Rayne
In this episode of Unzipping Taboos, we’re joined by Dr. Karen Rayne, co-founder and Director of Education at UN|HUSHED, to unpack the realities of teaching sex ed without consistent standards or modern resources. We talk about why so many programs still lean on the classic “parenting”…
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2025 Zipped: One Year In, Just Getting Started
In this New Year’s Eve episode of Unzipping Taboos, we take a moment to look back on our first full calendar year of podcasting—and everything that’s shifted along the way. Highlighting how Unzipping Taboos has evolved into a show that meets the moment, engages with current events, and stays…
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Unzipping Romance: Breaking the Mold of Unrealistic Expectations
In this episode of Unzipping Taboos, we dive into the pressures of modern romance—like pickup lines, “the spark,” and all the ways we’re told it’s supposed to go. Spoiler alert: these expectations usually lead to awkward moments, not magical connections. We talk about why being yourself (instead…
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Digital Intimidation: How Shame Becomes the Perfect Weapon
In this episode of Unzipping Taboos, we’re digging into the world of digital intimidation — sextortion, deepfakes, and the non-consensual sharing of intimate content — and the sexual shame that allows these threats to take hold. We each share our own encounters with sextortion attempts and unpack...
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Rural Roots, Queer Truths: Finding Yourself in a World That Looks Away
In this episode of Unzipping Taboos, we had the honor of welcoming our friend and longtime listener, Timothy — a non-binary, queer human from rural Appalachia — for a deeply personal conversation about identity, belonging, and courage. They share what it was like to grow up in a small, deeply...
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Brain Under Construction: Peers, Pressure, and the Myths About “Bad Decisions”
In this episode, we’re unzipping the wild, confusing, and often misunderstood world of the adolescent brain — and what that can mean for risk-taking and decision-making between the ages of 13 and 25. Dr. Sue shares what decades of teaching teens, college students, and future educators have…
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Sex, Power, and Control: When Freedom Becomes a Threat
This week on Unzipping Taboos, we unzip the myths around the so-called “sexual revolution.” When one hears “sexual revolution” they tend to picture flower crowns, free love, and a big cultural exhale—but underneath all that was a much deeper fight for bodily autonomy, women’s rights, and freedom...
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Beyond Stranger Danger: Teaching Kids Consent, Trust, and Awareness
“Stranger danger” has long been the go-to phrase for teaching kids about safety—but it’s outdated and misleading in many ways. In this episode of Unzipping Taboos, we talk about what really protects children—teaching them consent, trust, and situational awareness. We talk about why giving…
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Holding Onto Hope: Turning Celebration into Change
In this post-election episode, we take a breath—and a moment to celebrate. After the November elections, we found ourselves feeling something we hadn’t in a while: optimism. In this episode, we talk about what it means to hold onto that feeling and how to turn it into action. We talk about the...
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Unzipping Sex Ed at Home: Building Trust, Curiosity, and Respect
Not every parent or guardian has a Dr. Sue in their back pocket when questions about sex or sex health. And yet, kids are curious, their questions are valid, and the way adults respond can shape how they understand bodies, consent, and relationships for years to come. In this episode of Unzipping...
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Planned Sex: Busting the Myth That Spontaneous Is Better
We’ve all seen it on TV, in movies or porn: two people lock eyes, clothes fly off, and somehow it’s perfect. But here’s the truth—spontaneous sex might make for great entertainment, yet for most people (especially in long-term relationships), it’s not the everyday reality. In this episode, we…
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Unzipping Tradition: Chivalry, Consent, and True Respect
In this episode of Unzipping Taboos, we dive into the intersection of respect, chivalry, and consent in our everyday interactions. We unpack how cultural expectations shape our understanding of respect, particularly through common gestures like holding doors open and using titles like "ma'am". We...
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Stealthing: Not a Mistake, Not a Misunderstanding, But a Violation
Stealthing—it sounds like something out of a spy movie, but in reality, it’s a serious violation of consent. In this episode, we unzip what stealthing really is: when someone removes a condom during sex without their partner’s knowledge or consent. It’s a practice that crosses every ethical line,...
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The Reality of “Reality” Love: The Problem with Gamifying Sex and Love
From Love Island to The Bachelor to Are You My First?, these types of reality shows turn love and sex into a competition. But what does that say about how we see relationships—and ourselves? In this episode of Unzipping Taboos, we dive into the “gamification” of sex and relationships on reality…
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Why People Cheat: Beyond the Myths and Excuses
Why do people cheat? In this episode of Unzipping Taboos, we unzip the messy realities of infidelity. From unmet needs and boredom to revenge, immaturity, or even unresolved trauma, we unpack the many reasons someone might stray — including situations where cheating happens despite a seemingly...
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Unzipping Birth Control: Contraception, Abortion, and the Language That Divides Us
In this episode of Unzipping Taboos, we unzip the tangled narratives around birth control, emergency contraception, and abortion. Too often, political headlines and misinformation blur these terms together — leaving people confused, misinformed, or even shamed for making decisions about their own...
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Fertility Rates ≠ Infertility: Reproductive Choices Aren’t a Crisis
“U.S. fertility rate hits an all-time low — less than 1.6 kids per woman…” Sounds like an emergency that women are solely responsible for, right? Not so fast. In this episode, we unzip the nuance behind those sensationalist headlines, breaking down the difference between infertility and national...
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Unzipping Pronouns: More Than a Trend, It’s Respect
Pronouns are more than grammar—they’re about respect, identity, and creating safer spaces for everyone. In this episode of Unzipping Taboos, we unzip the power of pronouns in conversations about sex, gender, and relationships. From understanding what they are (and aren’t), to why they matter so...
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Beyond the Man Box (Part 2): Body Image, Masculinity, and Mental Health
We’re back for Part 2 of our dive into men’s health — and this time, we’re going deeper into the quiet, often invisible pressures that men face around body image, masculinity, and emotional wellbeing. We continue to explore how the “man box” not only limits expression but also distorts how men…
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When You Don’t Have a Dr. Sue: Googling Your Way Through Sex & Health
What do you do when you don’t have access to someone like Dr. Sue? For many people, the answer is: Dr. Google. In this episode, we’re unzipping the pros and cons of turning to online searches, AI tools, and social media for answers to sex and health questions. We unzip why people turn to the...
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Truth, Taboos, and Tenacity: Unzipping Our First 50
We made it to 50 episodes—and for the first time ever, you can watch us talk about sex (and all the things that come with it). That’s right: Unzipping Taboos is officially a video podcast! Whether you're tuning in on Spotify or YouTube, welcome to our faces. In this milestone episode, we reflect…
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Beyond The Man Box: Why Men’s Health Isn’t a Punchline (Part 1)
In Part 1 of this 2 part conversation, we begin to unzip the disconnect between what we know about men’s health and what actually gets talked about (or acted on). We look at how the cultural expectations of masculinity shape how men see their bodies, their emotions, and their healthcare…
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Maternal Mortality: The Crisis We Keep Ignoring
Why is the United States—one of the wealthiest nations in the world—leading in maternal deaths among high-income countries? And why are Black women three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women? In this episode, we unzip the urgent and often-overlooked crisis of...
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Pelvic Floor 101: From Leaks to Libido
Pelvic floor therapy isn't just about Kegels—and it isn’t just for women. In this follow-up episode with pelvic health physical therapist Dr. Cara, we go deeper into what it really means to treat the whole person through the pelvic floor. From bowel issues to sexual pain to emotional trauma, this...
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The Silent Muscle Group: How Pelvic Health Shapes Sex and Wellness
What do leaking, libido, and lower back pain have in common? More than you might think. In this episode, we sit down with pelvic floor physical therapist Dr. Cara to talk all things pelvic health—from the muscles you didn’t know you had to the intimate connections between pain, pleasure, and…
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Policed by Positivity: The Problem with the “Sex-Positive” Label
The term sex positive is everywhere—on social media, in classrooms, even in dating profiles. But is it as inclusive and liberating as it claims to be? In this episode, we dig into the unintended consequences of a term that's often used as a shorthand for open-mindedness, but can actually create…
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Is Sex Addiction Real? A Candid Conversation featuring Annette Benedetti from "Talk Sex with Annette"
In this episode, we team up with Annette Benedetti, host of Talk Sex with Annette, to do a deep dive into the controversial notion of “sex addiction.” We unpack why sex addiction is not recognized as a legitimate diagnosis and explore how the term is often misused, perpetuating myths that can…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Join hosts Dr Sue & Charlie on "Unzipping Taboos" as they delve into the intricate & often challenging landscape of sex, & all things related to it. Each episode will be an open conversation on a different topic. Through their engaging discussions, listeners will gain insight into the complexities of sex, & how to talk about this deeply personal subject.Whether you're a seasoned advocate for sexual liberation or someone who finds the topic daunting, "Unzipping Taboos" offers a safe space to explore the nuances of human sexuality, challenge preconceptions, & help make the subject less taboo
HOSTED BY
Dr Sue and Charlie
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Unzipping Taboos: Candid Conversations about Sex have?
Unzipping Taboos: Candid Conversations about Sex currently has 93 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Unzipping Taboos: Candid Conversations about Sex about?
Join hosts Dr Sue & Charlie on "Unzipping Taboos" as they delve into the intricate & often challenging landscape of sex, & all things related to it. Each episode will be an open conversation on a different topic. Through their engaging discussions, listeners will gain insight into the complexities...
How often does Unzipping Taboos: Candid Conversations about Sex release new episodes?
Unzipping Taboos: Candid Conversations about Sex has 93 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Unzipping Taboos: Candid Conversations about Sex?
You can listen to Unzipping Taboos: Candid Conversations about Sex on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Unzipping Taboos: Candid Conversations about Sex?
Unzipping Taboos: Candid Conversations about Sex is created and hosted by Dr Sue and Charlie.
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