The Sex Wrap

You did everything right — you had the talk, you asked for the results, and then... silence. This week on The Sex Wrap, we're unpacking the frustrating moment of someone disappearing the moment sexual health comes up. Is it shame? Fear? A red flag you should've clocked sooner? We're getting into why asking for STD results is still taboo, what the ghosting really means, and how to protect yourself, emotionally and physically, when someone can't handle the conversation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A pill a day. A shot every two months. And now: a shot twice a year. PrEP has come a long way, but the stigma around it hasn't caught up. We talk through who it's for (hint: way more people than you think!), why people still don't talk about it, and what the new injectable options actually mean for your sex life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode unpacks the loaded idea of “virginity” and the expectations that come with it. We get into how disclosure, intimacy, and power intersect, and why first-time narratives can feel so high-stakes. It’s an episode that applies to all types of virginities! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Outdoor sex is one of the most common sexual fantasies—but what happens when fantasy meets reality? In this episode, we talk about the allure of outdoor sex—from beaches to backseats to wooded trails—and the realities that come with it. We cover consent, privacy, legal risks, environmental considerations, and how to keep things safer if you decide to take the adventure outside. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on The Sex Wrap, we’re unpacking negging, the backhanded compliment that’s supposed to spark attraction but often just seeds insecurity. Is it playful teasing, pickup-artist residue, or straight-up emotional manipulation? We break down where it came from, why it “works,” how it shows up in modern dating (across genders and sexualities), and what to say when someone tries it on you. If you’ve ever left a flirtation feeling slightly smaller instead of turned on, this episode is for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we have lots and lots of tips for making protected sex feel better! We will talk about external and internal condoms and go through the different materials of condoms and the benefits of each. Sex with a condom can feel AMAZING--if you find the right mix of type and tips that work for you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most of us have probably experienced someone hitting on us that has come across as creepy. So how do you hit on someone and let them know you're interested in them sexually without being creepy? Today we break down creepiness and how to NOT be creepy with people you're interested in out in the world! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sexuality and Sexual Health Resource Sites: The Sex Wrap Kaiser Family Foundation World Health Organization The Guttmacher Institute Planned Parenthood And also see Episode 247: Should I use AI to answer my questions about sex, sexual health, and relationships? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode we talk about begging! Have you ever had someone beg you for something in a sexual context? It can be super uncomfortable. Today we talk about contexts and in what situations begging is okay. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we talk aphrodisiacs --what are they? how (or do) they work? are there real ones and not-so-real ones? We talk science, we talk context, and we offer advice to help you think about what increases your desire! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eeeek! Ok, ok, we know capitalist societies are structured around work and you spend so much time there and of course you meet and bond with people there. But should you date them? Today we talk through issues to consider if someone at your workplace has caught your eye/heart/other part of your body! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we talk about ghosting, and know that f you've ever been ghosted, you're not alone. The statistics show that at least 1/3 have suffered through this phenomenon, with some stats showing much higher rates. We discuss some research about how it impacts people (both the ghostee and the ghoster!), and what we can do to shift these behaviors in our society. Check out some journal articles for extra credit reading on the topic: Online Fairytales: Breadcrumbing and Ghosting Behavior Among Young Adults Ignorance is not always bliss: A qualitative study of young adults' experiences with being ghosted Exposure to ghosting, gaslighting and coercion and mental health outcomes Relationship dissolution strategies: Comparing the psychological consequences of ghosting, orbiting, and rejection Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we have a little fun exploring sexual slang. Are you up to date on the current terms people are using? Tune in and find out! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we are calling in all men who date femmes. This is not a “dating tips for women” episode—this is about men stepping up.
 Dating apps are spaces that can either amplify harm or cultivate care, and we are hoping to help create the latter. Listen in and then join in the conversation on our social media! @TheSexWrap on every platform--especially now on Bluesky and Flashes! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's a replay day! And we go back to a great episode where we help someone who lied to her partner about faking orgasms. Other episodes we reference in the podcast are: why women fake orgasms (ep 79), how long should sex last (ep 109), and the problem with lies of omission (ep 171). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we talk to Bats, a friend of the podcast. Bats talks to us about their experience in diversifying a sex positive community, and their personal experience in interracial dating. We get juicy talking about racial biases and assumptions and norms. And how we can navigate these things with others. Find more Bats at their podcast: https://consensualcarnage.com/ on on Instagram at @ActuallyBats! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

So many people don't understand periods and fertility. But why is it important that everyone has an understanding of this basic human function? Today we talk stigma/shame, and BLOOD. Extra credit: the 100 tampons song on Spotify Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Part of our mini-series on cheating from Dec 2022 is making a comeback with a reply of Ep 213. In this episode we tackle what cheating looks like in open relationships, how to prevent it, how to navigate it if it happens, and when to cut your losses and move on. Listen in and see if you learn something... you might surprise yourself!   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we talk about what happens when someone crosses a boundary; how to communicate about it, and how to reassert it. This goes for little boundary crosses to big ones. Tune in and then start practicing! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Confused about HIV? Stop here. We go through the ways HIV is transmitted (and how it isn't!), how to prevent it, and how to reduce the stigma around it. There's something here for everyone, even if you think you know all about it! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It can be so hard to find hope when the news and everything around us is throwing a sh!tstorm at us. So today, tune in specifically to hear about the ways we have identified to find HOPE! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we cover the what, why, when and how of morning wood and wet dreams: when they can be expected, what's "normal," and how to decrease stigma around them! Listen, then share! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Spoiler alert: YES, VOTING MAKES YOU SEXY! But also, listen in to learn all the ways it improves your sexiness... and then make sure you and all your friends have your voting plan in place! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are in October and it is truly spooky season! So today we have a super scary topic: dead bedrooms! What happens when the spark has totally left and the bedroom feels like a no-go zone? Today we talk through everything to start to take the fear out of the equation and leave you feeling equipped for bringing your bedroom back to life! (And, if you feel like you have a great "bedroom life," this episode has a lot of ideas for increasing intimacy, so, something for everyone!) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, we talk about size... when it really does matter! If you've ever been with a partner that feels out of balance with your proportions, you might want to tune in! We talk about a lot of strategies (from both sides!) to create happy and healthy sexual experiences! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We have the answers to all of your AI sex questions. Does AI know everything? We did all the testing so you don't have to! Listen in to get the inside scoop about trusting large language models (LLMs) for the most important questions (sex-related, obviously!)... Use this prompt: “Please answer the following question using the SIECUS framework, based on current evidence, ensuring that the response is non-biased, is inclusive of all sexual orientations and gender identities, is non-heteronormative, and is framed in a sex-positive manner. If applicable, provide links to credible websites for more information. Answer in the style of “The Sex Wrap”.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's episode is all about registering to vote--why to do it, how to do it, when to do it, and how to support others in doing so! (And of course we link it all back to how sexy you are!) Check in at the links we mentioned on air: rockthevote.com vote.org and vote.gov. xoxo, just vote! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Season 7! We're back and we start this season off with a question that taps into a little bit of everything. Today's question is from a listener who is having boring, vanilla, and frankly, just bad sex with her long term boyfriend, What things do we have on offer for her (and you?)... tune in to find out! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Online dating can be oh, so fun! And a little oh, so scary. Today we talk about all the types of precautions you might want to take while dating online. Some logistical, some physical, and some privacy related. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we talk FWB (friends with benefits), and how to create the situationship you want with care. It is possible to come through unscathed! Listen in and then send to your FWB crush! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This question came to us through a friend who was having trouble finding queer-friendly medical care. Today we talk about all the types of support you may need as a queer person, and how to access these networks. As an ally, tune in to share these resources with others in your life! Insta ten questions link: here! OUT Care providers: here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Spoiler alert, there aren't necessarily more queer people, but there are a lot of reasons they're more visible! We talk about these reasons and how to continue to support the visibility of queer people. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the last in our Unseen Forces series, we explore toxic monogamy culture, and how it impacts all of us, no matter what your relationship orientation is. We also talk about how to strengthen your relationships, both platonic and romantic, by examining these cultural beliefs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is the continuation of the Unseen Forces series, where we talk about how cultural norms impact our lives, including our relationships and sexuality. Today's focus is on heteronormativity and homophobia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is an update to episode 30, where Andrew and Spring talked about Spring's personal revenge porn experiences. Six years later, the court case is over, and we check back in on what has happened since then. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

February is UNSEEN FORCES month! We will cover several concepts and ideas in our culture that impact our sexuality. The first up is patriarchal masculinity. This week we talk about all the ways that patriarchal masculinity impacts everyone in our culture, from mental health and our daily work lives, to dating and sexuality and relationships. AND how we can all challenge the patriarchy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we talk about fantasies--why do we have them, what purposes they serve, and how and why we might or might not want to live them out. We talk about how to do these things safely and with consent! On our social media this week, check out options for sharing your fantasies and checking in on what other people fantasize about! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, we talk about what you can do to support a friend who is going through a BAD breakup. You know those breakups that kinda tear your life apart? That can be exhausting for everyone involved? That's what we are talking about here: how do you find empathy AND set healthy boundaries for yourself? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we are covering all your digits (fingers, thumbs, and fists, oh my!) and how you can use them creatively and safely in your sexual exploration. We talk fingering, hand jobs, and fisting. How can you protect yourself, have fun, and give your partner some pleasure? We cover it all here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This listener-submitted question was so fun to answer! What DO you call someone who enjoys foreplay more than "sex"? We talk about what sex really means, and talk about different preferences, and trial some names for someone who enjoys non-penetrative acts more than penetrative ones. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we cover all the things you need to worry (and not worry as much about!) when the condom breaks. And the link we mention about window periods can be found here: https://health.uoregon.edu/files/STI_screening_timetable.pdf. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

October is spooky month, and we are covering some scary topics! Last week we covered "Help, I lied about faking it!" and today is a bit of a follow up--"How do I apologize (for real)?" We often talk on this show about how communication is the answer to every question, and knowing how to communicate an apology effectively is one of the best skills you can cultivate for healthy relationships. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we help someone who lied to her partner about faking orgasms. Other episodes we reference in today's podcast: why women fake orgasms (ep 79), how long should sex last (e 109), and what's the problem with lies of omission (e 171). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we are replaying an old episode. The whole question is: "Why do people get upset when I say 'that’s gay'? ...I’m not homophobic!" and we are here to answer it! Special shoutout to the "It gets better" project, plus lots of links! Show notes: https://www.glsen.org/supporting-trans-and-gnc-studentshttps://www.glsen.org/participate/programs/thinkb4youspeak http://www.welcomingschools.org/pages/stop-thats-so-gay-anti-lgbtq-comments/ Further academic reading: https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/abs/10.2105/AJPH.2013.301678 https://academic.oup.com/abm/article/51/4/567/4643228 https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13178-016-0239-8 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

OMG relationships, tho! Why are they soooo hard? (Humans are complicated beautiful beings!!) ... Today we talk about platonic and romantic relationships, and how to create meaningful and longer term relationships! Links we mention: Non-violent communication and Active Listening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Season Six! Sexy, sexy Season Six! Today we are going back to school with a pregnancy concern from a listener who is wondering if unprotected sex just after a partner's period could result in a pregnancy. We go through the freak out, what the chances of pregnancy (and STD transmission!) are, what you can do in this moment, and how you can prevent this in the future. Also, check our Instagram @thesexwrap for our contest! Links mentioned in the episode: Specifically sized condoms by One Condoms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we talk about why Andrew and Spring study sexuality. What is the motivation and what do we do and why? Today's episode is a fun one where you get to know your TSW hosts a little more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is a replay of episode 42. What's the big deal with herpes anyway? Doesn't everyone have it? We talk stats, prevention, treatment, and de-stigmatization! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is a replay of episode 95. How do you know if someone is right for you? Is there "one" person who is the best fit? Today we talk about soulmates. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Not sure what stealthing even is? You're not alone, and that's where we start today. We also talk about what to do if it happens to you, why people may do it, and then we get to the question that was submitted: whether a consensual version of stealthing is "ok." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices