Evolution of Intimacy

Embodiment, sounds good- what is it? Delve into the concept of embodiment with Jacqui Ward of 'Ways of the Wild Womb'. Jacqui has worked in the healing arts for 24 years and shares her love of human touch & connection through Somatic Therapy, Sensual Embodied Dance, Womb and Fertility massage and much more. We talk about why 'being in your body' is important, about dissociation and why this happens and some simple embodiment practices for you to try straight away. 

How do you feel about your body? What a loaded question right?! Most of us, at some point in our lives will feel self conscious about our bodies. Obviously the diet and wellness industries have been harnessing our insecurities to sell products that promote this sense of needing to look a certain way. We hope you enjoy this dynamic conversation with Laura Lee about body image, sex, and how to overcome challenging thoughts about our bodies. Find out more about Laura here; https://www.bluespacepsychology.com.au/about

Dissociation is something people who have experienced trauma are often very good at. It helps people get on with daily living and have relationships. Often the ability to dissociate is what allowed them to survive difficult childhoods or past experiences. However it can become habitual and prevent people from living a present and connected life. During sex, many people find it hard to stay present in their body and with their experience, but of course- present in your body is the only place you can experience sexual pleasure. We hope you enjoy this wonderful chat about dissociation during sex with Dr Bianca Sebben, find out more about Bianca here; https://www.consciousinsights.com.au/

Not everyone can orgasm easily or at all. This wonderful talk with Sexologist Stacey Micallef discusses all things anorgasmia. The discussion has a focus on women and people with vulvas / vaginas, for a discussion of male and penis owner difficulty with orgasm, go to episode one of this podcast. 

Deb is a trauma informed educator/counsellor, skilled in the areas of sexuality education, coaching, production management, diverse teaching areas, general counselling and theatre skills. Deb delivers the fabulous 'Dateability' training for neurodiverse people and shares lots of tips and insight about dating, sex and relationships.

Sexual Challenges are super common, it's just not something people advertise or talk to their mates about much, for obvious reasons. Join this encouraging chat with Sex Coach Cam Fraser- who specialises in supporting straight / cis men to work through challenges related to sex and relationships. Learn more about Cam here; https://cam-fraser.com/

Many people struggle with what they call 'sex addiction' such as watching a lot of porn or having lots of sex outside of a relationship. Silva Neves challenges the idea of addiction in relation to sexual behaviours. He says that disorders of sexual compulsivity are quite rare, and that people who think they are 'sex addicts' often have only a couple of traits of sexual compulsive disorder. Hear Silva explore what he believes is going on when someone is using sex compulsively, and why stopping the behaviours straight away is not advised. Find out more about Silva here;  https://www.silvaneves.co.uk/ 

Dr. Jae West, PhD is a certified Erotic Blueprint™ Coach. An Erotic Blueprint is a language that helps us to communicate who we are erotically. It describes what turns us on, what challenges we may face when it comes to our sexuality and how we are wired in our arousal. Jae lists the Blueprints, and helps the audience understand which Blueprint they might align with (at least today), the superpower of each as well as the shadow aspects. If you would like to know more about Jae go here; https://www.jaewest.com/ 

Rod's message is particularly for men who are in relationships with women. He says; My gift is to guide men in discovering their own unique path of becoming a man. I want men to know they can be a deeply spiritual, free, and awake man who is also engaged with life. A life that includes meditation, a thriving career they love, making love with their woman, making a contribution in the world, whilst also going fishing, surfing, motorbike riding, 4WDriving or any other interest you may have. And a man who knows how to evoke the full range of love in his woman. Find out more about Rod here; https://martinahughes.com/pages/about-us 

Skye of Evolved Lovers teaches the erotic art of rope tying, known as Shibari, which she discusses in this interview. Skye has an unapologetic, sexually positive approach and makes it her mission to grant others the knowledge of how they too may feel raw passion by abandoning their fears and embracing their innermost desires. Find out more about Skye here: https://evolvedlovers.com/about-skye/ 

Orgasms feel wonderful, and have many physical and mental health benefits. However for many women and people with vulvas- they are not available during partnered sex. Learn how to gain orgasmic confidence International orgasm expert, pleasure nerd and embodiment queen, Mangala Holland. Learn more about Mangala here; https://mangalaholland.com/ 

Sacred Intimacy coach Martina Hughes says 'So many people today struggle with not feeling seen, heard and felt by their intimate partners. Many people are challenged by not knowing how to connect with the quality of partner they wish for.' In this inspiring interview, Martina describes Sacred Intimacy, and provides some tips on how to get started on the path. Find out more about Martina here; https://martinahughes.com/ 

During the first years of our lives, our most important task is to bond with our primary caregiver, in order to ensure we are cared for and looked after. Many parents however were abusive, neglectful or were unable to consistently show up for their kids for whatever reason. These children adapt, and learn how to survive and get by in these environments, but grow into adults that repeat similar patterns in their own relationships. Chris Pye is a Relationship Counsellor and very experienced therapist who shares insight into attachment injuries, and discusses ways to heal from the past in order to have healthy and secure relationships. Find out more about Chris here; https://www.asinglestep.com.au/ 

Neo Tantra is the modern interpretation of an ancient tradition. It focuses on sacred sexuality and pleasure. Suriya Nitschke, a female intimacy coach and yoga therapist is an expert in this field and discusses how to unblock numbness and reduce pain in the Yoni (Tantric word for vulva / vagina) to enable more pleasure to flow through the body. A wonderful introduction and lots of tips to try at home. Find out more about Suriya here; linkedin.com/in/suriya-nikko

Sexual Health literacy is the ability to understand and also apply health information related to sexual and reproductive health. Vijay Ramanathan is a Sexual Health Lecturer at the University of Sydney, and provides insight into what sexual health literacy is, and why it is so important. Find out more about Vijay below; https://societyaustraliansexologists.org.au/Sys/PublicProfile/51143254/5948828 

Couples can overcome affairs, once the shock and hurt has subsided, if they truly want to work on things and rebuild trust. In this interview, Accredited Sex Therapist and Couple Counsellor Stephanie Azri discusses this taboo topic, and provides ideas for people wanting to overcome what has happened. Find out more about Stephanie here: https://stephanieazri.com/ 

What should you do if your partner wants a whole lot more or less sex than you do? This is an extremely common concern that sex therapists work with everyday. Sandra Pertot is a Clinical Psychologist and Accredited Sex Therapist, and she shares over 20 years of wisdom on this topic. Find out more about Sandra here; linkedin.com/in/sandra-pertot-65182341

Gender Diversity is becoming well understood in many spaces of Australian Community. If you want to understand more, and learn how to be a good ally to gender diverse people, then listen along!  Pablo Navarro is a kink and LGBTIQA+ friendly sex therapist, accredited with the Society of Australian Sexologists, who enjoys working with concerns related to sex and sexual dysfunction, sexual and gender identity affirmation, depression, anxiety and adjustment.

When couples are trying to get pregnant, often their  relationship towards sex changes. When fertility treatments take place such as IVF, these changes are compounded. Monica shares her wisdom regarding navigating sex and fertility in this informative interview.  Monica is accredited with the Society of Australian Sexologists as a sex therapist, and specialises in fertility awareness education. Find out more about Monica here; www.reconceived.com.au

What is the field of sexology all about anyway? Learn about forensic sexology, consent, concerns about unqualified 'sex coaches' and lots more with Forensic Sexologist Laura Dangerfield. 

Kristen Campbell talks about 'Perpetual Problems'. These are the things couples fight about on repeat. It doesn't matter how many times it's discussed, it comes up again and again and never gets resolved. Kristen is a Society of Australian Sexologists Accredited Sex Therapist & Social Worker, and gives some great insight for people stuck in this painful cycle. Find out more about Kristen here: www.kristencampbell.com.au

The only thing we can know for sure about our sexual experiences and our relationship with sex, is that it will change over our lifetime. As with any change, a feeling of loss and sadness is natural. Karen Triggs is an Accredited PsychoSexual therapist with the Society of Australian Sexologists, and shares with us her compassionate and encouraging insights on loss and sadness in the realm of human sexuality. Learn more about Karen here; https://www.karentriggs.com.au/ 

Sexual Energy is more than feeling lustful. It's our life energy, and the more we become aware of it, the more bliss we can experience in day to day life. Simone Dowding learnt Tantric Buddhist practices directly from the Tibetan Monks, and will inspire you to try some very simple practices to experience for yourself. Simone is a counsellor and hypnotherapist who utilises Buddhist Psychotherapy NLP CBT neuroplasticity and neuroscience in working with her clients. Find out more here; https://simonedowding.com/meet-simone/ 

Power exists in all relationships. Even couples who divide their lives up equally will have moments where one is leading more, and the other is following, or areas where one person usually takes charge. In this candid interview, Victoria explains what it is like to live intentionally in Power Dynamic Relationship, and how she hands over power to her husband to lead and make choices for her. Even those not interested in BDSM will find this interview interesting, and perhaps you will even reflect on some things you have previously taken for granted. 

What happens to your sex life and sexual relationship when you have a serious illness? Healthcare professionals understandably focus on saving lives and keeping people well, which unfortunately means that often sexual difficulties due to illness are not given a lot of thought and people experiencing these challenges are not provided with many options for support. This wonderful chat with Sherry Robbins is her personal story. The outcome of where her journey took her will blow your mind. Bring tissues.  Sherry is a musician, and has a wonderful mobile catering business in Central NSW. facebook.com/rusticstreetfood

Sex and Ageing. Yes these things go together and it's time to start talking about and celebrating sex right through the lifespan, for those people who want to stay sexual active. Richelle Menzies of Sensual Potential is a sex educator and counsellor and shares her delightful insights and stories with listeners on this week's episode. 

For people with vulvas and those who love them! This wonderful episode focuses on getting to know your vulva and vagina, as well as changes that come with childbirth. Mumma Mae shares her wisdom on 'Yoni Mapping' a form of sacred touch, and Kassy (Sexual Health Researcher & Educator) discussed sex after childbirth in particular. Learn more about Mae here; facebook.com/hellomummamaeYMT and follow Kassy here; instagram.com/thattalksexology/ Recorded and Produced at the Studios of Cairns FM 89.1

According to Endometriosis Australia, 1 in 9 Women and those assigned female at birth experience Endometriosis. Listen on Cairns FM 89.1 Radio this Friday at 8pm to a wonderful interview with Cairns Local Kirsty Nancarrow, of EMotion Media about her experiences and journey with Endo. 

Kids in Australia are seeing porn for the first time from around age 8yrs to 13yrs. It's something parents probably don't feel ready to address with their children and young people. Is porn dangerous for children to view? What should we be aware of regarding this contentious issue? Giselle Woodley is a Sex and Pornography researcher, PhD candidate, Sex and Relationship Ed advocate, Photographer and all round fantastic person! Learn more about her here; https://twitter.com/Zosogis?

My wonderful guest for this episode is Anisa Varasteh. She is a Clinical Sexologist, the Director of Relate Sexology and the President of the Society of Australian Sexologists (SA/NT branch). Anisa articulates beautifully the different types of multi-partnered relationships that are transparent and ethical, from 3somes, swinging, hierarchical poly to relationship anarchy. She also shares some wonderful insight into jealousy and insecurity that will be helpful to all listeners, regardless of the types of relationship they are in. 

Sexual Difficulties and challenges are common in all genders, ages, sexualities and bodies. In this informative interview, Madalena shares some of her wisdom related particularly to female sexual difficulties. We chat about desire discrepancy, pain and about what happens when the way someone experiences sex changes. Madalena has a Doctorate in Psychology, Lectures at Edith Cowan University teaching counselling and psychotherapy and is particularly interested in the field of sexuality. This interview was produced and recorded at Cairns FM 89.1. To find out more about Madalena go to www.womensexualityaustralia.com.au  To follow Ella and listen to past shows go to www.ellashannon.com 

Sexologist Kate Campbell speaks to us about Genital Herpes. SO many people carry this virus, which is a version of the common coldsore, yet there seems to be so much more stigma! (Of course there is- it's related to sex). Learn why it's not something to stress too much about, and what to do if you contract it or carry it.

Episode 3 is all about Kink. Amy Hannon shares a peek into the world of Kink. Ever wondered what people get up to beyond the world of vanilla sex and why? Or maybe you're a little kinky yourself and would value hearing our sex positive and informative chat. Recorded & Produced at the studios of Cairns FM 89.1. Airing every Friday at 8-9pm Queensland time. 

Episode 2 of the Evolution of Intimacy Podcast is a juicy interview with Steph, she gives us a peek into her work as a luxury companion. If you were ever curious about this work and want to hear about the joys and challenges from someone who has made it their vocation, please have a listen to the latest show. You can follow Steph via @stephyraw or @the.amber.gold

In the first episode of the Evolution of Intimacy, your host Ella Shannon interviews Sexologist Alana Shapiro of 'Bare Intimacy' about her work and research regarding Delayed Ejaculation. DE is one of the least studied sexual challenges, yet many penis owners struggle with reaching ejaculation at least some of the time. Societal myths say that 'men should last as long as possible' - but real world experiences for the person who has challenges reaching orgasm / ejaculation and for the people they have sex with- this isn't always something to be celebrated.