Holistic Sex Ed Radio: Recent Episodes
Robin LaCross
It is often said that sex is one of the most challenging topics for couples to discuss effectively. If this is true, then how can we EVER hope to feel comfortable when it comes to talking to our kids about sex? We feature a wide variety of topics to help parents have meaningful conversations with their kids about growing up, teen sex, healthy relationships and staying safe in our rapidly changing world. Each episode is full of practical information you can implement right away. Our guests give you food for thought, things to consider and strategies to help you get the results you want. You’ll feel more prepared and less stressed for the conversations that matter most. Kids need your help to successfully navigate these taboo topics so that they can acquire the tools and skills they need to create healthy relationships and lay a solid foundation for a life of their dreams. Follow Holistic Sex Ed Radio on your favorite podcasting platform.
Where can you start when it comes to figuring out period problems? Lots of us grew up believing that birth control pills are the silver bullet to fix your period. Unfortunately, by preventing ovulation, hormonal birth control only masks the underlying issue, potentially delaying the diagnosis of serious conditions. On top of that, whether you want to get pregnant or not, consistent ovulation is important for hormone production, which is critical for so many areas of our health from cognitive function to heart health, sleep regulation, and more.
The period fixer, Nicole Jardim, wants us to understand that our body speaks to us through our symptoms and that’s why it’s important for us to dig deeper. We talk about why parents need to empower teenagers to understand their menstrual cycles and fertility, what a healthy period looks like, the long-term health effects of hormonal birth control, ovulation as a vital bodily function, and why tracking your cycle is important for all menstruators.
When a teenage girl decides to have sex, it’s only a matter of time before she actually has sex. The desire to have sex is a normal and natural part of growing up. Our job as adults is to make sure she has good information so that she can make wise decisions about her health and safely satisfy her curiosity about sex. It’s also our responsibility to make sure she has access to condoms and contraception so that she can explore sex safely. This episode is dedicated to all the girls who are thinking about having sex for the first time. You’ll find questions to ask both yourself and your partner to help make the experience a positive one, plus practical information on everything from peeing after sex to prevent bladder infections to how to have an orgasm during sex. We explore the nature of youthful relationships and discuss ways to keep yourself safe while exploring your sexuality. If you want to be good at sex, or have great sex, start by educating yourself about it in a responsible way.
Why is pleasure associated with guilt? All too often we are made to feel bad when we’re feeling oh so good. Whether it’s delighting in sexual pleasures, enjoying a delicious meal, or simply having a good time, too much pleasure is often thought of as sinful. What’s particularly fascinating is how difficult it is for us to talk about pleasure. It’s hard for us to talk to our lovers about it and even more uncomfortable to discuss with our children. As a result of our reluctance to speak of pleasure, we limit the depth of our sexual and pleasurable experiences, we hinder our lover’s ability to please us and shortchange our kids on their future pleasure and enjoyment not only of sex but life in general. Pleasure is about more than just sex. We don’t have good role models when it comes to giving, receiving, or discussing pleasure. In this episode, learn easy ways to bring more pleasure into our lives, how to talk to girls and boys about sexual pleasure, and why people suck at sex.
“Good girls don’t do that!” Whether it's that little voice in your head or someone saying it out loud, there are many things that get in the way of a woman fully accessing and realizing the full range of her pleasure without guilt or shame. In this conversation with Joanna Shakti, you are invited to explore your conditioning and limiting beliefs, look at the ways you have not honored yourself and work through your blocks so that you can experience what she describes as “Full Being Pleasure”. Joanna describes a vision of the pure expression of love, and how our sexuality is a treasure, our bodies are sacred. It is a privilege to touch and interact with them. The Yoni is a sacred space. We honor her and ourselves when we treat ourselves this way. Joanna shows us how to create heart-space safety for men and sexual-space safety for women that can open the door to greater connection, intimacy, and pleasure. Join us as Joanna shows us how to tap into the ecstasy of life, love and lovemaking.
Why is pleasure associated with guilt? All too often we are made to feel bad when we’re feeling oh so good. Whether it’s delighting in sexual pleasures, enjoying a delicious meal, or simply having a good time, too much pleasure is often thought of as sinful. What’s particularly fascinating is how difficult it is for us to talk about pleasure. It’s hard for us to talk to our lovers about it and even more uncomfortable to discuss with our children. As a result of our reluctance to speak of pleasure, we limit the depth of our sexual and pleasurable experiences, we hinder our lover’s ability to please us and shortchange our kids on their future pleasure and enjoyment not only of sex but life in general. Pleasure is about more than just sex. We don’t have good role models when it comes to giving, receiving, or discussing pleasure. In this episode, learn easy ways to bring more pleasure into our lives, how to talk to girls and boys about sexual pleasure, and why people suck at sex.
Do your relationships bring you pleasure? Since covid changed the world, many of us have spent time reflecting on our mortality, how we spend our time and if what we are doing is satisfying and in some cases, satisfying enough to risk our lives on. Who we spend our time with is of particular importance. Our relationships. Work. Family. Friends. Lovers. It’s all about connection. Humans crave connection. We’re being asked to socially distance during the holidays, upending generations of family tradition. How do you stay connected during a time when it’s not safe for us to come together to celebrate? Robin’s guest, Dr. Gary Salyer shares practical suggestions on how to stay connected when it’s not safe to come together like we normally would during the holidays. How to date safely during covid and how couples experiencing too much togetherness can create space and more intimacy at the same time. Plus, how we can find pleasure and delight in the giving of ourselves to others.
Did you know that one out of every ten women has never had an orgasm? Or that for many women there is no sure pathway to achieve orgasm? As a result, many women feel like they are broken and their lovers feel inadequate all because orgasm remains elusive. It’s not surprising when our cultural sexual education lacks information on how to give or receive pleasure. We lack role models, so we are left to figure it out on our own with varying degrees of success. It's the difference between playing Row Your Boat on the piano and Mozart. In this conversation with Sheri Winston, Author of Women’s Anatomy of Arousal, we discover what the anatomy books are missing, why it can be challenging for women to achieve orgasm, and why pleasure can be so uncomfortable to talk about. She invites us into the playpen, a safe place outside of our normal sexy time for us to develop learning games with our partner to help us improve communication, try new things, and fine-tune the things we find pleasurable.
When you hear the word “pleasure” what is your immediate thought or reaction? Your first response is a window into your relationship with pleasure. Did your mind go straight to sexual pleasure? There are actually three types of pleasure and most often pleasure is associated with sex. No surprise, sex feels good. Once someone learns how to achieve orgasm, they often stick to the tried-and-true pathway to orgasm. Surprisingly, by doing this we limit our opportunities for orgasmic experiences. We short-change ourselves on the full range of experiences that we could be having. In this conversation with Gaia Morrissette, we explore what it might look like if orgasm was not the goal of our sexy time. If instead, orgasm was a happy byproduct of pleasure… our new focus. Shifting our mindset can open the door to more exploration and fun! Gaia shares her five aspects of sexual wellness and gives us some easy exercises to build arousal and strengthen your pleasure-seeking muscle. Plus lots more!
When a woman is in her power, when she is feeling good about herself, feels good in her own skin, and confident in who she is, there’s a certain energy that she exudes that can turn every head in the room. Unfortunately, as girls we are encouraged to stay small, to avoid being “too much” and so it can feel uncomfortable to let ourselves fully shine. Robin’s special guest, Nicole Buratti, shares a method she developed for women to reclaim their power, mend their relationships, and fully explore their sexuality. In this fascinating conversation all about sex, you’ll discover aphrodisiac foods to boost libido, mindful masturbation techniques, and how a healthy pelvic floor can increase sexual pleasure. You’ll learn more about the orgasm response, sexual tension, and what it means to relax into an orgasm. Plus Nicole shares three of her favorite oral techniques! Hint: They might not be what you think.
Have you ever asked someone what they wanted or liked only to have them say “I don’t know”? Why is it that we either don’t know what we desire or are too afraid or embarrassed to say it out loud? There’s a lot of stigma around pleasure, especially when it comes to a woman’s pleasure. Our culture encourages us to disconnect from our bodies and to feel shame about things that are pleasurable. In this first of a series of conversations about pleasure, Robin’s special guest, Amanda Testa shares tips on how to discover what is pleasurable to you. You’ll learn how sensual self-care practices can help regulate the nervous system and help you to feel more grounded, resilient, and energized. She shows us how to tune into the body’s wisdom for an energetic yes or no. You’ll learn how to talk to your partner and explore pleasure together even if you feel embarrassed. Amanda shares two simple pleasure practices you can do anywhere. Plus, we cover how to talk to your daughter about pleasure.
When looking for love, are you setting yourself up for failure? You’ve heard the saying, finding your “other half” completes you. Suggesting that if you’re single, there’s something wrong with you. What if you find someone you like? In today’s hook-up culture, there’s a lot of pressure to sleep with someone and if you like that person, it can ruin your chances of creating a relationship with them. How many girls have hooked up with a guy only to be disappointed when he doesn’t text or call. Exploring sexuality in our modern-day and age is challenging in all sorts of new ways. In this interesting conversation, Robin’s guest, Dr. Nancy Lee shares how to navigate the challenges of dating, how to lay the foundation for a healthy relationship, how to recognize when you are being disrespected and what to do about it, and how parents can help their teens avoid some of the bad habits we tend to pick up around dating, relationships and sex when we first start exploring our sexuality.
Imagine the most amazing place you have ever personally experienced. Remember how it made you feel. In your mind’s eye, travel back to that place and drink in the awe and the wonder, the emotions you felt. What made that place special? Most would agree it’s something about the energy or the vibration of the place. Whether it’s a place of beauty or significance, or a church, temple, or other sacred place, we often pause to catch our breath or bow our head upon entering. What if we were to treat our own bodies with such reverence? To acknowledge that our bodies are sacred and a source of divine inspiration and practical information. If only we were to slow down and take the time to understand the messages our body sends, to normalize and honor natural functions such as menstruation. In my conversation with Sophia Wise One, we explore the magic of time and attention, pleasure, and how we can shift our own narrative by verbalizing what feels good and feeding our pleasure responses.
Have great sexual chemistry with your partner? Take it to the next level as a Sexual Alchemist. Research has shown that sex is good for your health, but sexual positions for ailments? Sexual reflexology? Yes. Taoist sexual practices are not just for better sex, they are a way to greater health and deeper connections to self, partner, and the divine. Help for sexual pain, weak erections, hormonal imbalance, and lost libido? Taoist sexual practices can provide a path for healing, healing through pleasure. By tuning in to our own life force energy and learning to move it in our own body, we can use it to clear stagnation, increase circulation, and raise our energetic vibration. When we join with a partner and learn to circulate these energies together, we become Sexual Alchemists, mixing Sex, Love, and the Divine for a physical, emotional, and spiritual connection, unlike anything we’ve experienced before. Robin’s special guest, Lee Holden, shares exactly what to do to get started.
How much sensuality do you have in your life? When is the last time you had a passionate erotic kiss? Most couples fall into routine sex. It’s not exciting or passionate but it gets the job done. It’s common for one or both partners to WISH to do something new or different but cannot muster the courage to bring it up or ask for it. What if your lover says “No” or laughs? Can you feel your cheeks burn with shame? Robin’s special guest, David Essel shares that when couples open up and get honest with each other about what they really want in the bedroom, it is relationship changing. How by adopting a lifestyle that fits with their natural tendencies to be dominant or submissive in the bedroom, couples can ramp up the passion, ecstasy, and intimacy not only during lovemaking but in every aspect of the relationship. Step outside of the vanilla world of bland and boring sex and into the realm of monogamous erotic love. It may change your life!
Since ancient times, women have used plants to regulate menstruation, this information was transmitted from mother to daughter and held by midwives and wise women. There is a rich history surrounding herbs that were used in antiquity to avoid and prevent pregnancy. They found their way into poetry and plays. Their value cannot be denied when their images were stamped onto coins. Their legend and lore endure to today, yet we wonder… Did they really work? Medical historian, John Riddle was confronted by this question when asked by a student many years ago. While a valid question, it was not one usually addressed by historians. John decided the question deserved a response and thus began a lifetime of research. He went back to the ancient texts, some of which had not been touched in centuries to discover what the ancients really knew. John’s work led him to follow the clues back in time to connect the dots. Check out this fascinating conversation all about ancient birth control.
Most people don’t realize that the menstrual cycle is actually controlled by the brain. Puberty. Ovulation. Menstruation. All start in the brain. It’s a hormonal dance that keeps us cycling from menarche to menopause. But what about when the cycle doesn’t flow smoothly? Many women have irregular cycles and may struggle with infertility. It’s said that menstruation is an indicator of health, so what does it mean when a woman isn’t ovulating consistently and menstruation is absent? Robin’s guest, Kela Smith goes deep into the brain chemistry behind menstruation and ovulation. She shares how imbalances in the HPA axis can disrupt the whole fertility cycle. You’ll learn how stress shuts down ovulation and interferes with normal brain chemistry. Once you understand how it all works, it makes perfect sense. Kela shares simple steps anyone can take to help balance hormones and brain chemistry, promote healthy cycling, and restore ovulation in those experiencing anovulatory cycles.
The birth control pill sparked a revolution for women in many ways giving us the freedom to engage sexually without fear of pregnancy and the ability to focus on careers by making it easier to choose if and when to have a baby. The Pill has been liberating in many ways yet there’s also a dark side. When menstruation is troublesome, birth control pills are frequently used to suppress symptoms. It’s important to realize that the pill won’t fix your period and could make things worse in the long term. Robin’s special guest, naturopathic doctor Cassandra Wilder, believes that women should have all the facts before using the pill. Discover why a natural solution may be the answer to underlying hormonal imbalances causing weight gain, PMS, heavy bleeding, acne, and other symptoms. In this important conversation, you’ll learn about the infradian rhythm, the four phases of the cycle, and how to reclaim menstruation as sacred.
What’s your relationship with your period like? As girls, we get a lot of negative messaging around menstruation. It’s this life-changing event that happens suddenly, without warning. There’s an expectation that “The Curse”, will make everything harder or worse. Yet, we’re taught to hide menstruation and pretend that everything is just like any other day. It can be difficult to keep it all bottled up inside. Girls have a lot of anxiety around their period. It can be traumatizing when menstruation starts unexpectedly and instead of female classmates showing compassion and helping out, more often they are a source of shame and ridicule. Why is that? In this important episode, Robin decodes the vulva, teaches listeners how to create a yoni map, and invites you to explore the relationship you have with your period. She shares what a healthy cycle looks like, how to make cycles predictable, her favorite remedy for a late period and plus lots more to help shift attitudes around menstruation.
There’s a certain danger that comes with dismissing a young girl's complaints around menstruation. It’s hurtful to be disbelieved and it’s frustrating when you know something is not normal yet the doctors don’t find anything wrong and tell you it’s all “in your head”. Sweeping the problem under the rug leads to trouble down the road. Years later, some like Robin’s special guest, Eva Vennari are diagnosed with underlying chronic health conditions. It can be very discouraging to be diagnosed with a condition that doctors tell you that you will have to learn to live with for the rest of your life. Diagnosed with infertility at the age of 22, Eva grew frustrated with her doctors and started searching for solutions. After a 16 year journey, she was able to solve her health problems, regain her fertility and have three healthy children. In this episode, Eva shares what parents can do to help identify fertility issues while their girls are still young and help them to balance their hormones.
Are you creating a culture of silence within your household? You may be doing this without realizing it and may miss out on a wealth of information as a result. How you address menstruation with your daughter will set the tone and how open she is with you about sensitive topics. Most don’t realize that menstruation can give you important clues about the health of the female body. In this fascinating conversation with De’Nicea Hilton, you’ll discover how menstruation is a “messenger” that can tell us a great deal about our overall health. She shares how diet plays a role and how educating girls about the connection can lead to healthier eating habits. We know menstruation can be awkward to talk about so De’Nicea shares how to lighten the conversation to make it easier to talk to your son or daughter about this taboo topic. What? Talk to your son about menstruation? You bet! Tune in to this fun and engaging conversation to learn how to reframe the whole conversation around menstruation.
Society values extroverted energy, action, and getting things done. Society teaches women to pretend that menstruation doesn’t exist, that it’s like any other day. When the reality is that a woman’s energy goes in cycles just like her feminine cycle does. During her moon time, it’s normal and natural to want to retreat from the world. How do we give ourselves permission to do this when our culture doesn’t give us the time to pause. In today’s episode, we examine long held beliefs and attitudes around menstruation so that we can “clean house” and get rid of those that no longer serve us. Kids don’t need a lecture or talk about menstruation, they’ll benefit more from seeing how to live a lifestyle that honors your body. When we cherish our own bodies, our girls will pick this up by osmosis. A leader in the Red Tent Movement, DeAnna L’am shares how to heal menstrual wounds, reclaim your Inner Maiden and teach your kids about menstruation in a completely different way.
In ancient times, in certain cultures, women had a sacred place they could go during menstruation. Inside the Moonlodge, women of all ages would come together to support menstruating women. Crones, those who no longer bled, were there to share their wisdom, while the younger girls went out to carry water, gather herbs, and collect firewood. It’s a sacred place where women came together as a community to support each other, tell stories, and retreat from the bustle of the world during menstruation. In a world where menstruation is taboo and hidden from view while we pretend it’s just like any other day. Many women experience discomfort during menstruation. Robin’s special guest, Susun Weed suggests that it’s the body’s way of inviting us to slow down, tune in, and take time out from the world. Susun shares stories of the Moonlodge, White Buffalo Calf Woman, and woven throughout her stories are nuggets of wisdom girls and women can use to ease menstruation and celebrate her moon time.
When you were young, did the women in your life speak to you about menstruation? Where did your information come from? Health class? Tampon commercials? Your parents? Did you know what to expect or what it might be like? Did the information arrive soon enough to prepare you? Or were you sitting alone in the bathroom terrified you were dying? When it comes to being taught about menstruation, it seems most girls get the basics of what to do when the bleeding starts but no real information about what to expect, why and how it happens, or the power women can tap into during menstruation. When girls are given a greater understanding of their body and cycle, magic happens. It can shift their perspective and outlook on their body, cycle, and life as a whole. Join Robin for a deep dive into how to talk to girls about menstruation, the how’s and why’s of menstruation, herbal remedies girls can use to help ease menstrual symptoms, and more. You’ll feel more confident having these conversations.
A woman’s fertility cycle is a rhythm of nature, like the moon and seasons. It allows her to feel connected to something eternal and meaningful, this can help women and girls find ways to work with her cycle instead of fighting against it by medicating it, hiding it and pretending it’s just any other day. When women tap into the energy of their monthly cycle it gives them access to a huge source of power, helping them to be comfortable with their bodies, and allowing them to anticipate their changing needs form week to week instead of doing their best to ignore them! In this episode, Barbara Hanalore helps moms prepare for their daughters’ coming of age, offers many suggestions for moms themselves including ways of looking at their own relationship with their cycle and to examine their own coming of age experiences. Tune in to discover new ways to help make the conversation around menstruation easier for all involved!
As children, we often believe what we are told without question. As we grow older, some of us start to question those beliefs; while others never give them a second thought. Often they are passed down from our caregivers, mentors, religious leaders, media sources and others who we give our time and attention. In childhood, we are taught not to be selfish, to share and to give selflessly. Is it any surprise that this often leads to discomfort with saying “No”? Or that some of us give until our cup runs dry? How do you protect yourself from energy vampires who would drain your energy dry? How do you teach your kids to take care of themselves in a meaningful way that promotes resilience? Plus a great way to gift your child words of wisdom they will appreciate for decades to come. Join Robin and her guests Jani “Red” Roberts and Sabrina Ursaner for all of this and more!
Are you someone who spends a little too much time snacking, especially at night? Do you find yourself overeating and binging on foods you love even though you know you know you’re not making healthy choices? Why is it so easy to give into temptation when it comes to food? How can we eat healthy when the cards are stacked against us? Foods are loaded with sugar and fats that pack on the pounds. Many of our foods are even designed to make us want to eat more! Many feel like they gain weight just by looking at food. How frustrating it is to try and lose weight only to just keep gaining more. We all know dieting doesn’t work. So how do we eat in a way that causes us to drop weight and stay healthy. In this episode, Robin and her special guest Kevin Burciaga explore the psychology behind binge eating and ways to shift unhealthy eating patterns and beliefs so that you can achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
Are you a perfectionist? Are you able to keep your relationships running smoothly when tensions are high and life happens? Do you know the best way to support your partner or child when they are having a bad day? What does any of this have to do with leadership? Robin’s special guest, comedian and author, James Robilotta shows us how leading imperfectly puts us in a position of strength. When we lead from a place of compassion we’re able to move mountains. Leaders are often faced with difficult situations and may not have a clear map of how to navigate to the other side. Parents sometimes find themselves in that position every day! What do you do when you have no idea what to do and everyone is looking at you for guidance? Fake it until you make it? James shares powerful stories and uses humor to get his point across. He gives listeners some of his best leadership tips that anyone can use to become a more effective leader at home and in the community.
Were you taught to be a good lover? Most of us had to figure out sex on our own because we didn’t get a very good sex education. Once we discovered the basics most of us never really went any deeper. Porn taught men that good sex means you jack-hammer away and women learned to fake orgasms to end the ordeal. We yearn for great sex but in order to have great sex we need to be good at it. It means we have to figure out what we like and communicate that effectively to our partner. We need to be open to receiving instruction and actively foster greater intimacy and deeper connections with our partner. The ancient people knew there was something special about sex. There are books like the Kamasutra and ancient practices like Tantra to help guide us. We’ve only scratched the surface of what our bodies are capable of experiencing. Since June is adult sex education month, it’s the perfect time to learn more, continue your sexual education and share that information with your children.
When we hear a soldier has PTSD we often assume it was from a war, yet often PTSD is actually caused by traumatic events from childhood such as molestation, domestic or community violence, and other frightening events. Robin’s guest, Ryan Matthews shares subtle examples of how PTSD related to childhood events can be triggered by normal everyday activities in adulthood. He shares how after serving in the war it was difficult to adapt to civilian life and the new ways PTSD manifested. It was challenging to have relationships when it felt like people were not safe. Looking back he realized many of his reactions were coming from a place of fear. Now years into his post-traumatic growth phase, he shares techniques he found helpful on his healing journey. Ryan is a dog-trainer with 18 years of experience. He shares life lessons he’s learned from his canine companions and how these lessons apply to family life and can help kids cope with the stresses of upsetting events and times.
What do you do when a family member is abusing drugs or alcohol? What about when they are lying and stealing from you? How do you protect yourself? Do you standby and watch as they spiral towards rock bottom? Is there anything can you do or say that will get through to them? How do you cope when you dread every phone call fearing the worst? Robin’s special guest, Jennifer Maneely shares her story of the sheltered daughter who goes off to college and down a slippery slope into drug addiction. In the years since getting her life back together, she’s been helping families develop strategies to help loved ones caught up in addiction and trauma related substance abuse. She shares what her family did that made the biggest difference for her as she struggled to find her way back to sobriety. She offers words of wisdom drawn from her own gut-wrenching journey through addiction to families desperate to get their teen and adult children into treatment. Don’t miss this important conversation!
It’s easy to make financial mistakes when you don’t know any better. Most of us didn’t get much of a financial education. We learned how to count money, balance a checkbook and that money comes from doing work but not how to make money work for us. Many of us live from paycheck to paycheck and carry too much debt. Poor money habits and unexamined beliefs about money sabotage our long term financial success. It doesn’t have to be this way. In this fascinating interview, Robin’s guest, Victoria Lowell shares how to talk to your kids about finances. In the process, she educates adults who may not know how to invest in the stock market, get out of debt, or identify beliefs that get in the way of financial success. This down to earth conversation will help you get started on building your own financial wealth, while you teach your children about money, finances and building their own wealth. Imagine where you’d be today if you had started investing in your future at 8 years old.
Most people don’t knowingly sign up for an abusive relationship. Yet many of us find ourselves in relationships that become more toxic over time. How does this happen? Is it because we ignore warning signs? Were we manipulated? Is it because we grew up with abuse? Are we naive or blind to what’s in front of us? Are we so desperate for love that we will tolerate a certain level of abuse? In this moving conversation, Robin and her guest, Lana Wolfe, explore how a seemingly good relationship went bad, what warning signs were missed or ignored, and how one fateful night she nearly lost her life. She shares painful lessons learned and how to spot red flags any one of us could miss. Do you know the early signs of abusive behavior? Could you advise your teen on how to avoid abusive relationships? If you answered “No” to either of those questions, you won’t want to miss this important conversation about domestic abuse, teen dating violence, mental health and how to talk to your teen about it.
How is being stuck at home impacting your teen? We all know how important friends and social interaction is during the teenage years. Like many of us, teens are struggling to adapt and may feel isolated, depressed or even suicidal during this time. How do you recognize the signs and reach out so that they don’t feel so alone? It can be difficult for teens to open up about what’s really going on inside and may resist sharing with a parent. Robin’s special guest, Kelly Hall specializes in working with teens on their mindset. In this fascinating conversation, she offers parents some tips on how to monitor their teen’s mood, ways to inspire them for the future and suggestions to help them cope with social distancing from their friends. Kelly’s insights and suggestions will help parents and teens thrive during the pandemic.
Kids are home and spending a lot of time on the computer and cell phones. How do you keep them safe when they get bored with their schoolwork and start wandering online when they’re smarter than you when it comes to techy stuff? It’s not possible for you to watch them every second. Robin and her special guest, Tova Garr share how to keep up with the latest social media apps your kids are using, how to identify signs of screen addiction, and how to talk about the dangers of sharing nude photos. By age 11 most kids have seen graphic porn and many feel traumatized by what they’ve seen. Tova shares how to protect your child from what can’t be unseen. You’ll also discover how to find out what your child is doing online without spying or prying. With all this time at home, it’s a perfect time to have some of these important conversations that will keep your child safe while online. You won’t want to miss this highly informative conversation to get you started!
Being pregnant when you don’t want to be is an upsetting situation to find yourself in even in the best of times. On average half of all pregnancies in the US are not planned. In a time where there is so much uncertainty, it calls into question whether or not we want to allow conception to occur right now. The Zika virus showed us how devastating a virus can be on a babe in the womb. It’s the first time this coronavirus has infected humans & there is evidence it can cross the placenta. We simply don’t know what the impact will be. In the absence of modern contraceptives, most of us don’t know how to avoid getting pregnant. It’s no surprise since most of us were not taught how to tell when we are fertile or how to use that information to avoid conception. In this episode, Robin shares how to use simple tools found in any household to monitor fertility and use that information to successfully avoid conception. Imagine a day when every young woman receives this education from her mother.
Eons ago our grandmothers knew which plants to take to discourage implantation and encourage menstruation. Most of that knowledge was lost to time yet there are tantalizing clues, rumors and stories of plants that allowed women more control over their fertility. In this fascinating conversation between Robin and her special guest, Robin Rose Bennett you’ll discover a modern day plant that is used by some as a form of contraception. While this method of contraception isn’t for everyone, Robin shares who can use it safely, who should avoid it and how to use it to increase or decrease fertility as desired. Join us for this surprising conversation on how to use a common weed as a method of birth control.
Erectile dysfunction can undermine a man’s confidence and increase his anxiety in the bedroom. Since the 90’s erectile dysfunction diagnoses have skyrocketed with nearly half of all men being affected and young men are not immune. It’s shocking to know that even teenage boys are having difficulty “getting it up”. What’s going on? There are many reasons why erectile dysfunction is becoming so prevalent in our society. In this episode, Robin and her guest, Dr. Gary Bell explore surprising reasons men may be affected by erectile dysfunction, the impact it has on them and their relationships. Plus you’ll discover ways to address ED that can help relieve stress and pressure in the bedroom. Plus Dr Gary will share how to rewire the brain for those recovering ED caused by porn addiction. This is an important conversation for women too because it’s hard to understand what a man goes through when his manhood falters.
One thing people will be doing as the world hunkers down to contain the spread of Covid-19 is have more SEX! It might be you. It might be your teenager. Either way, it’s time to talk about birth control and what to do if you can’t get it. Now whether this is the zombie apocalypse from the Walking Dead, the inability to find supplies during Coronavirus or the GOP’s continued assault on women’s reproductive rights. This IS knowledge that every woman has a right to know and should be passed down from mother to daughter. There is a high likelihood that in nine months from now we’re going to have a bunch of babies being born. When 50% of pregnancies are not planned it brings into question at a time when finances are being stretched to the max and our healthcare system is being tested unlike ever before… Is now a good time to allow conception to occur? Tune in to learn how we protect ourselves from unintended pregnancy when we don’t have the resources available.
Childhood sexual abuse robs children of their innocence and their ability to fit in with their peers. Undisclosed abuse creates distance between the child and parent because there is a secret that must be kept. By its nature it teaches the child to lie in order to maintain the secret. It creates isolation because it’s not safe to let anyone get too close. Robin’s guest, Dr. Gary Bell points out that “the consequences of how children feel about themselves can really wreak their lives in high school” in the form of reckless behavior, unsafe sex, drug & alcohol use and other ways of acting out. Dr. Gary shares how parents can support their children after experiencing trauma so that they have the opportunity to recover without their life spiraling out of control. In this powerful conversation Dr. Gary shares his insights to help parents walk this delicate path.
How do we raise boys to be good men? Masculinity has been under the microscope with the explosion of the #metoo movement and spotlight on toxic masculinity. How do we move forward from here? How do men and women relate to each other in healthy ways? There is a growing number of men who are evolving, redefining personal power, sexuality, success and boldly defining manhood. In long overdue conversation, Robin and her guest, Destin Gerek explore a new model for masculinity where Destin shares his vision for the “Evolved Masculine” and how parents can help their boys grow up to be good men. Don’t miss this fascinating conversation.
Have you ever had a cervical orgasm? Most women don’t associate the cervix with pleasure. If anything, it’s a mysterious organ that’s often discussed in medical terms. Yet, the cervix is magical in that it can stretch wide enough for a baby to be birthed and close back up again to protect the uterus from the outside world. For many of us, the cervix is either an unfamiliar body part, or a source of anxiety due to an HPV infection. Robin’s special guest, Olivia Bryant is on a mission to reclaim the cervix as part of our pleasure anatomy. She has been holding space for women to explore their edges, awaken their cervixes and discover their orgasmic potential while healing trauma and old wounds. In the beginning many women report their cervix feels numb or nothing at all and through a process called dearmoring women are able to slowly awaken the cervix and experience the exquisite pleasure associated with cervical orgasms. Tune in to learn more.
Do you know how your subconscious mind sabotages your relationships? By the time we are one-year old our blueprint for love has been established. In the decades that follow, our relationships play out according to this subconscious “love map” gifted to us by our caretakers. In this enlightening conversation between Robin and her guest, Dr. Gary Salyer, you’ll discover how the way we bonded with our parents as babies impacts our current relationships. If you’ve ever wondered why some people seem to be lucky at love while others strike out time after time, Dr. Gary will explain why and what can be done so that even most unlucky at love can FINALLY find love that lasts. Once you find your beloved, Dr. Gary will share exactly what to do to keep your relationship strong, connected and full of love for decades to come. Anyone who is interested in love, who wants to create healthy attachments or wants to know how to create a lasting relationship full of joy will enjoy this conversation.
When sexual boundaries are crossed during childhood it can have profound and far reaching consequences, sometimes in ways that are quite unexpected. In today’s conversation Robin’s guest, Julie Meyers shares how partnering with horses can be a powerful way to heal sexual trauma, break through limiting beliefs and release old patterns that no longer serve. Julie shares her experience of strength and hope and how horses have transformed her life, helping to release the grip sexual trauma has had over her life. You’ll learn how trauma can be stored in the body and passed down to future generations. Why some women are affected by medical conditions that often no cause can be found like fibromyalgia, pelvic pain syndromes and migraines. Julie shares an experience of trauma release that she felt all the way down to her cellular tissues. Join us for this powerful conversation and learn how horses can transform the lives of those who have experienced sexual trauma during childhood.
Do you wish for an amazing, passionate, connected romantic relationship? Are you still searching for “The One”? Once you find a great partner, how do you keep them? What about keeping the love alive as time goes by especially in our modern fast paced world? If you know deep in your bones that there’s something more, you’ll want to tune in for Robin’s interview with Emunah as they discuss how to attract a high quality partner who’s ready to meet you where you are at. You’ll learn how to consciously create your relationship, how to use the power of love and sexual connection for manifestation and what to do to keep the spark alive over the long term. Emunah will share her proven formula that will help you to attract and keep sacred love that lasts. Unfortunately, most of us don’t put the care and attention to our most important relationships and frequently take them for granted. Even the most hardy plant will die for lack of water. Tune in to discover how to create sacred love that lasts
There are a lot of reasons to wear condoms but when it comes to having the conversation to get a partner to wear a condom, things can get TRICKY. In this episode, Robin and her guest, Wendy Petties discuss how to get a new partner or one who is familiar, to wear a condom. They explore how to prepare for the conversation after making the decision, how to hold your boundary, and what to do if someone says “No”. Plus, they cover how to have this conversation with your teen so that they can protect themselves. In this powerful conversation, you’ll discover how to break down the decision making process so that the choice to use condoms makes sense, is easy to express and you can feel confident enforcing. Giving teens the skills to negotiate condom use with their partners is a gift that will serve them well by preventing sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies, plus give them ninja negotiation skills and the confidence to voice and stick their decisions. Priceless.
If you’ve ever had an abnormal Pap Smear result, you understand how distressing it is to hear you may be at risk for cervical cancer. Often this news is accompanied with a diagnosis of HPV (human papilloma virus). Depending on the severity of damage to the cervix, the approach is either to “watch & wait” to see if it gets worse, or to cut out, burn off or freeze the abnormal cells. The procedures used can put future fertility at risk and can have unexpected side effects like pain with sex. A cervical dysplasia and HPV diagnosis can fundamentally impact the relationship a woman has with her body and sexuality. In this conversation, Robin and her guest, Christina Coblish, discuss how they healed their cervixes and got rid of HPV naturally using an aggressive holistic approach. This is good news for men who face an increasing risk of oral and throat cancers caused by HPV and don’t have the same range of treatment options available. There’s lots we can do to fight back against HPV.
January is cervical health awareness month. Every year approximately 14 million women are diagnosed with HPV. For many, this comes along with an abnormal Pap Smear and concerns about pre-cancerous changes to the cervix. It’s a frightening experience. The treatments offered for cervical dysplasia are invasive and can put future fertility at risk. In this episode, Robin and her guests discuss how they addressed their abnormal Pap Smears. Courtney Miller took a natural approach to heal her cervix, while Kate Orson followed her doctor’s advice and had unexpected side effects which persist over 14 years later. Inspired by their experiences to educate other women about the risks and alternatives to standard treatments for the problems caused by HPV, each created their own Facebook group to provide a safe place to discuss HPV and heal from the stigma and shame associated with an HPV infection. Tune in to discover what doctors don’t tell you about HPV or the treatments used to address it.
Did you know that millions of women are exposed to HPV every year putting them at risk for cervical cancer? What you may not know is that HPV is a primary cause of oral and throat cancer in non-smoking men. In fact, while HPV is often thought of as a women’s problem, men are being diagnosed with HPV related cancers at a higher rate than women. You may be surprised to know that even though HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection, it is not included in standard STD testing. You may be even more surprised to know that there isn’t a test available for men to get tested for HPV. So how do you avoid the most common sexually transmitted infection when it’s not being tested for? Join Robin and her guest, Jennifer Solomon as they discuss new advances in HPV testing and how men and women can have HPV testing done with a confidential, highly accurate STD testing service allowing you to collect a sample in the privacy and comfort of your home.
“Thank goodness I have boys!” Mothers who felt they didn’t need to have conversations with boys about sex and relationships suddenly realized with the #metoo movement that their job was harder because they needed to raise good men. When boys are taught to suppress emotions and that being vulnerable makes them look weak it’s natural for them to adopt behaviors that society portrays as the measure of a man. By the time a young man enters his teen years he has learned that sexual conquest is perhaps the most important measure. The belief, fueled by porn, the hookup culture and locker room talk creates an environment where boys face a choice whether or not to embrace the most toxic aspects of masculinity. In this timely conversation, Robin and her special guest, Peggy Orenstein explore the complexities of young mens’ attitudes and experiences that shape their outlook on sex. How their lack of education around emotions, relationships and intimacy affects them and what parents can do.
Who was more trusted in America than Bill Cosby after the Cosby show? Harvey Weinstein entertained the world by producing 198 movies. McDonald’s, the world’s second largest employer is under fire for not protecting workers against sexual harassment. What do they all have in common? These incidents shed light on an epidemic of sexual harassment and assault facilitated by “systems” that enable perpetrators to abuse others with little fear of consequences, often for decades.
Robin and her guest, Julia Kline break down the steps needed to solve the #metoo crisis. They explore the role of personal responsibility and how our hands off approach to boys sociosexual education and interpersonal relationships does them a disservice. It sets the stage for the behaviors that lead to #metoo situations. By examining the systems that make it costly for victims to speak out and easy for those in power to get away with terrible crimes, we begin to understand how to solve the #metoo crisis.
What does it take to be a good friend? What are the qualities that make a great friend? How do we help our children not only pick good friends but also BE a good friend? At the core, relationships are centered around trust. Can I trust you? Do you have my back? It’s primal. As an infant we learn whether or not we can depend on our caregivers to meet our needs. In this thought provoking conversation, Robin and her special guest, Samantha Barkley discuss the importance of building and maintaining trust with your child. How consistency in parenting and discipline help to build feelings of safety, security and trust. How this primary relationship sets the foundation for all future relationships. You’ll discover how micro-violations of trust and seemingly innocent untruths we tell our children can undermine their confidence in everything we say after they learn the truth. Be sure to tune in to learn how to build trust, develop strong friendships and help your kids do the same.
Discovering sacred sexuality at 16 changed Tatianna’s life by showing her that there was much more to sex than her peers were aware of at their tender age. While we may want to deny the sexual urges of teens, the powerful impact of hormones during the major hormonal transitions of puberty, pregnancy and menopause is undeniable. Tatianna shares how pregnancy changed her experience of orgasm and how a difficult birth left her feeling ashamed about her body and impacted her sex life. She shares how radical honesty and therapeutic lovemaking helped her to heal. “Can you keep a secret?” Many women will suffer in silence or avoid sex rather than tell their partner that sex is painful. While keeping a secret can be centered on trust, when important information is hidden it creates distance within the relationship. Join Robin and her guest Tatiana Berindei, as they explore these topics and others including how to address and heal shame. Don’t miss this fascinating conversation!
We have a serious parenting problem. We have to stop thinking that talking to kids about sex is going to hurt them, ruin them or encourage them to have sex. Research shows the opposite is true. The average age teens have sex for the first time is 17. They’re going to have it whether or not you approve. You have a choice. Are you going to give them the information they need to successfully navigate their sexuality? Are you going to let your teen have sex without knowing how to avoid pregnancy and STDs? Do you want them to know that sex is about connection, communication and mutual pleasure? Or are you going to let them figure it out on their own and hope for the best? Do you want your kids learning about sex through trial and error or on the internet? In this eye opening conversation Amy Lang shares how to talk to kids of all ages about sex. You’ll discover how to talk to your 5 year old and how to start the conversation with your teen if you put it off until now.
Did you know the ideal age to start talking to your child about sex is five years old? If you missed the boat on that one, it’s not too late. In this episode, Anya Manes shares how parents can catch up on the “Sex Talk” and will guide you on what to say and when. One of the most essential conversations is around porn, but how do you deliver the message in a way that your pre-teen will see the wisdom of your words and opt not to engage? Anya will show you how. As a high school science teacher, Anya had the opportunity to see where the gaps were in children’s sex education and where parents and school systems fell short as pregnant girls dropped out of school. Her mission is to support parents to have a more comfortable, engaged, and ongoing dialog with their kids on the many topics of sex. By helping parents teach their kids to set and enforce boundaries, they protect them from sexual abuse and those who don’t have their best interest at heart. Don’t miss this important conversation!
Do you know people who are good at making their dreams come true? It’s almost like a super power, but it’s not, there’s a science to it and a step by step process. Join Robin and her special guest, Kathleen Gonzalez as they celebrate the phenomenal success of the 13 week pilot of Holistic Sex Ed Radio. Robin gives a shout out to her growing global audience and reflects on how the show is making a difference in the world. In this engaging conversation, they discuss favorite episodes and reinforce powerful messages from guests. After reviewing previous episodes, they look ahead to the new season. To kick things off, Robin reveals upcoming themes for the new year and events you can participate in such as product giveaways. Plus you’ll learn about her upcoming 2020 Vision workshop, Seize the Moment, It’s Your Life where she shares a powerful tool you can use to make your dreams a reality. So, grab your favorite beverage and tune in to discover what’s next for Holistic Sex Ed Radio!
Is your sex life stuck in a rut? Are you bored with the same old routines and positions? Maybe you are just tired, stressed out or too busy to make time for pleasing yourself or a partner. In this episode, sexologist, endocrinologist and Chinese medicine doctor, Willow Brown shares how Taoist sexual practices can be used to revitalize intimacy and deepen connection with your partner. You’ll learn how Taoist sexual techniques can be applied to help men last longer and teach both women and men how to have more powerful and longer lasting orgasms. Willow also shares how to use orgasms to break chronic stress patterns and sexual energy to heal the body. Plus she discusses Jade Egg practice and how it can be used to relieve tension in the pelvic floor and strengthen the pelvic muscles to address urinary incontinence. Don’t miss this episode to learn how Taoist sexual practices can improve your health and your sex life!
Have you ever laid down the ground rules with a date before you started fooling around only to have them push the limits of what you agreed to? Suddenly you’re in the awkward position of saying “NO”. Or going along with something you clearly stated was a line you didn’t want to cross. Dr Jennifer Gunsaullus shares a story of “consent violation” and explores how social expectations for men and women have created an unhealthy sexual dynamic in our society. In this episode, Robin and Dr Jenn examine the phenomenon of how girls grow up knowing they are “empowered” yet this doesn’t translate into the realm of sexuality. Most young women are unsure how to handle sexual situations in which they sometimes find themselves. She discusses why talking to kids about pleasure is so hard and how to make this conversation easier. By exploring the three aspects of Mindful Sex, Dr Jenn shares how to lovingly unpack our stories around sex and avoid passing unconscious messages onto the next generation.
Did you know that everyone has experienced sexual wounding? Everyone. Whether you were touched inappropriately, had sex when you didn’t want to, or were humiliated in some way. Maybe you experienced something more traumatic. These experiences color our view of sexuality and impact our lives in many ways. According to Amrita Grace, “The best way for parents to pave the way for their kids to grow up with healthy sexuality is to do their own sexual healing work.” It is important to realize how unhealthy beliefs about sexuality are unknowingly passed on.
Unhealed family trauma can set the next generation up to repeat patterns of abuse and dysfunction. How can we break the cycle? What happens when years of therapy fail to reconnect you to your sexuality and give you the healing and wholeness you crave? Amrita shares her personal story of how she healed sexual trauma and sex addiction to come to a place of “sexual sobriety” and create a beautiful relationship with her husband of 11 years.
Do you ever hear your inner voice telling yourself “You should have known better!” or “You blew it, again!”? We all make mistakes and have an inner voice that tells us “Look what you did, you messed up!” What happens when we hear that negative voice most of the time? The negative voices in our heads will take charge of our lives and keep us stuck often leaving us with feelings of low self-esteem, self-worth and self-confidence.
Where do these voices come from? Psychologists believe these voices are created largely from childhood experiences. While having fear-based self-protective rules probably made sense and helped us to survive when we were kids, they may not be useful in our adult lives and may have negative effects on our relationships. Luckily, we can rewire our brains to think positively. How can we do that? Join Robin and guest Jacqui Letran as they explore the topics of self-confidence, how to lose the negative voices in your head and how to raise self-confident kids.
Why do relationships fail? Why do we seem doomed to attract the same type of partner instead of learning from our mistakes so that the next one can last forever? What you may not realize is that how your parents interacted with each other and with you left an imprint on your psyche that governs how your brain responds to love. Do you worry love will leave you? Do you feel lonely in your relationship? Do you unconsciously create distance? Robin and her special guest, Dr. Gary Salyer discuss Attachment Theory and how attachment styles affect our relationships. It can be difficult to trust your heart after a difficult breakup. Dr. Gary shares ways to heal childhood wounds so that you can improve your current relationship. Or, if you are single, to be ready for your next one. These strategies can help you find your soul mate or keep the one you already have. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to feel safe enough to love fully from the deepest parts of your being – and to be loved right back?
You may not think of yourself as a leader in your daily life, but as a parent you are leader and your children look to you for guidance every day. The internet is full of articles such as; “Why Good Leaders Make Better Parents and Vice Versa” and “Eight Leadership Lessons from Mom”, but wouldn’t it be great to really learn from a Master some key leadership skills that would make your family work together like a top tier Fortune 500 team? Join Robin in this episode with her guest Annie Hyman Pratt, who is the master at developing Leaders and Teams that drive rapid and sustainable results. They discuss topics such as leadership, psychological safety, how to repair relationships, and improve communication. Plus you’ll learn how we ruin an apology and make it unsafe to share. You won’t want to miss this eye-opening and enlightening conversation!
Do you have a narcissist in your life? How do you cope with difficult people that seem to suck the energy from you? Dr. Rhoberta Shaler unlocks the secrets to dealing with those toxic people who drain your energy and ruin your day. She is on a mission to help people stop tolerating abuse. Dr. Shaler is a relationship expert with 16 books under her belt. She came up with the term Hijackals to describe this type of toxic person and offers strategies on how to deal with them. Learn how to spot a Hijackals. Find out how to help kids who have a Hijackals parent to develop emotional intelligence, meet their own emotional needs and choose healthy people to form relationships with so they can avoid repeating unhealthy family patterns.
What impact does sexual abuse have on intimacy and pleasure? Does sexual trauma make it harder to ask for what you want and talk about sex and pleasure? Join Robin and Caroline Muir, author and founder of the Divine Feminine Institute for Men and Women as they discuss how loving partners can help facilitate sexual healing through the use of Sacred Spot Massage. If you sense there’s more to sex… you’re right! Discover how the practice of Tantra and connecting to the divine leads to greater intimacy and better sex. Plus, if the idea of talking to your kids about pleasure or self-pleasure makes you squirm, Caroline has some tips to make this conversation a little easier. Don’t miss this important conversation.
How do you raise an important issue, get someone to understand your point of view and achieve a satisfactory outcome that resolves the issue? It’s a great question and easier said than done! But you can learn how to do this and do it well. There is a fine art to having a challenging conversation and in this episode Robin explores how to have those uncomfortable conversations we all want to avoid. With insights to creating relationships in which you can fully be yourself and others can do the same through better communication. As well as an in depth look at how we sabotage important conversions and actively block ourselves from learning what’s really going on and achieving a meaningful resolution.
Every day we engage in disrespectful behavior. We disrespect the people we love the most without even realizing what we are doing. In this fast paced and deeply insightful conversation, Robin and Mike Domitrz discuss the different aspects of respect in parenting, dating, and relationships. You’ll learn about the important evolution of consent and how to teach your kids or partner about it. We discuss the violence in our sexual language and the impact of this and pornography on early sexual experiences. Mike gives you scripts you can use to open the door for deeper conversation and greater intimacy. As well as tips on ways you can keep your cool when someone unexpectedly drops a bombshell. Plus, you will discover the key ingredients to creating amazing relationships with your kids and/or intimate partner. This is one conversation that will leave you hungry for more!
Are there natural ways to deal with STDs and other sexual health concerns such as low libido, vaginal dryness, mood swings, cramps, PMS and more? In this episode, Robin has an insightful conversation with wise woman, herbalist and author Susun Weed. You’ll discover Susuns favorite herb for women’s sexual health to help stimulate libido and nourish the tissues. She also shares her favorite male herbal sexual tonic. You will learn Susuns strategy for dealing with sexually transmitted diseases. Plus, Robin and Susun explore sexual health over the lifespan of the individual from childhood to the elder years including the two biggest hormonal upheavals that women face, puberty and menopause and how herbal allies can help ease the transition.
Do you feel like you are talking to a brick wall sometimes? Do your kids tell you want you want to hear and then do whatever they want? Do you wish you would get more than one word answers? Join Robin and special guest, Alison Armstrong to discover the ways you are sabotaging the conversation and shutting it down before it ever begins. Learn what you can do to repair the damage so that you can have a more open and honest relationship with your kids. After all, you want to be their go to source for trusted information.
Alison is an expert in relationships and human behavior. She sheds light on the ways we contradict ourselves and undermine our own purposes, goals, values and relationships. She offers partnership based alternatives that can improve your relationships, strengthen your family and improve your quality of life.
Did your parents talk to you about sex? Do you struggle with talking to your kids about sex? You are not alone. With 38 years of abstinence only sex education under our collective belt it’s no wonder we struggle. Most parents agree, it’s their responsibility to teach kids about sex but it’s challenging when kids don’t want to hear it and it feels like they know more than you do! In this episode, Robin introduces herself, the show and the concept of holistic sex education. She provides parents with a rundown of topics to cover with their kids and her vision for the future of sexual education. Robin believes that the way to empower children is to empower ourselves. In her candid conversations, she promises to provide parents with the knowledge, tools and skills to take their relationships and sex lives to the next level because your impact is stronger when you practice what you teach.