Valid Love

Rebecca and Leah delve into the often-overlooked issue of sexual pain, discussing its prevalence and the shame that keeps many suffering in silence. They explore the critical distinction between pain being common but not normal, emphasizing that persistent sexual pain requires appropriate investigation and treatment. • Types of sexual pain including superficial versus deep pain and pain during ver...

The cultural war between parenthood and child-free living requires more nuance and understanding of both perspectives, their joys, and their challenges. • Different categories of people exist in this conversation: parents, child-free by choice, child-free not by choice, fence sitters, and even antinatalists  • Chapel Roan's controversial comments about motherhood being "hell" sparke...

Kaelin, a therapist specializing in OCD, explores relationship OCD and the destructive cycle of intrusive thoughts and compulsions that can hijack healthy relationships. • OCD operates through intrusive thoughts causing distress, followed by compulsions that temporarily relieve anxiety • Relationship OCD involves persistent doubts about one's relationship despite evidence of compatibility • C...

We discuss how media portrayals of sex create unrealistic expectations and impact our relationships, exploring everything from spontaneous versus responsive desire to the problems with hookup culture. • Media often depicts sex as spontaneous, pretty, and instantly orgasmic when reality is much messier • Casual sex is portrayed as the norm, which can be alienating for demisexual people who need emo...

In this episode we explore how media influences our perceptions of relationships and sexuality from childhood through adulthood, examining everything from Disney movies to influencer culture and book boyfriends. • Disney princess narratives set unrealistic gender-specific expectations about love and relationships from childhood • Social media and influencers present carefully curated relationship...

We are joined in this episode by Christina for a discussion on Relationship Abuse. 

In this episode we gain perspective on the personal, social, and relationship effects of being Transgender in a conversation between Rebecca, Leah, and Alice.  Show Notes Coming Soon. 

We’re Back! Returning from a three-year hiatus to unravel the complexities that have emerged in the ever-evolving landscape of relationships. We, Rebecca and Leah, are kicking off "Valid Love" with insightful reflections on our personal growth and professional strides.  Get ready for an exploration of relationship dynamics and sexual diversity that doesn't shy away from the tough qu...

In this episode we discuss the topic of online relationships. They're kind of like PenPals but more reliable than the postal service. Our tidbits this week is all about phone sex, cyber sex, VR sex. whatever the kids are doing these days. https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2022/feb/13/how-online-dating-has-changed-the-way-we-fall-in-love https://pairedlife.com/dating/online-relationship...

In this episode we continue our discussion of the Asexual Spectrum and our TitBits this week is on Non-Sexual Intimacy. Referenced in this Episode: The Invisible Orientation By Julie Sondra Decker https://www.skyhorsepublishing.com/carrel-books/9781510700642/the-invisible-orientation/ Temple Article https://news.temple.edu/news/2021-07-06/why-aromantic-and-asexual- people-belong-lgbtqia-community

In this Episode we talk Ace and our TitBits this week is all about the Kink of Sensualism. Referenced in this Episode: The Invisible Orientation By Julie Sondra Decker https://www.skyhorsepublishing.com/carrel-books/9781510700642/the-invisible-orientation/ Ace By Angela Chen https://www.angelachen.org/ace.html Absolutely No Thoughts Of Pounding During My Fun Day With This Kind T-Rex Because I&apos...

In this episode of Valid Love, we answer some common questions and attempt to breath normally. Resources: 50 shades of consent: https://www.hercampus.com/school/u-vic/50-shades-consent-intro-kink/ Guide to Getting It On by Paul Joannides: https://www.amazon.com/Guide-Getting-Paul-Joannides/dp/188553504X/ref=sr_1_1?qid=1647836254&refinements=p_27%3APaul+Joannides&s=books&sr=1-1&text...

In this episode we are down one host but have a special guest from down under.  Leah is out sick this week as we are joined by Sky to talk about their love story. 

In this episode we talk to our special guest Carrie about ADHD and how it corresponds to relationships. Our TitBits this week is all about the big O, Orgasms.  Carrie's Resources: Scattered by Dr. Gabor Mate (Title: Scattered Minds for our Non-US listeners) https://drgabormate.com/book/scattered-minds/ The ADHD Effect on Marriage by Melissa C. Orlov Married to Distraction by Edward Hallowell,...

We stand with Ukraine In this episode, we discuss an overview of Ethical Non-Monogamy. Reading referenced: Polysecure By Jessica Fern https://www.jessicafern.com TitBits: America is getting kinkier  https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hot-kink-summer----lovehoney-and-kinsey-institute-r esearchers-discovered-americans-are-kinkier-301327893.html https://theconversation.com/polyamorous-relations...

In this episode, we talk with Sarah about interracial relationships and her personal experience.  TitBits: Ethical Porn  Links referenced in this episode:  When asian women are harassed for marrying non asian men: https://www.thecut.com/2018/10/when-asian-women-are-harassed-for-marrying-non-asi an-men.html https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/ethical-porn https://www.thebody.com/article/kink-man...

In our introductory episode we discuss a bit about ourselves, our expectations of this podcast, and delve into the topic of first loves.  Links:  My fan fiction for the week:  https://archiveofourown.org/works/28588152/chapters/70064043 The study we discussed:  https://bigthink.com/neuropsych/psychological-first-love/