Not a Purse!

After many heartfelt conversations and countless shared stories, Jo and Larissa wrap up this chapter of Not a Purse! with love and gratitude. In this final episode, they look back on how it all started, what the podcast has meant to them, and the unexpected ways it shaped their journey. It's a celebration of growth, connection, and daring to speak about the things that are often left unsaid. T...

In this honest and grounding episode, Larissa and Jo sit down with Kieran, a grief and trauma coach, to talk about the realities of child loss—a topic so often wrapped in silence. From the heartbreak of losing her firstborn to the everyday work of weaving his memory into family life, Kieran shares her story with deep vulnerability. Together, they explore the isolation of grief, the discomfort arou...

In this raw and heartfelt episode, Larissa and Jo sit down with Annalisa to talk about the postpartum experience and the multifaceted journey of early parenthood. Together, they peel back the layers of expectation, exhaustion, and transformation that often go unspoken. From birth recovery and shifting identities to the emotional rollercoaster of caring for a newborn, Annalisa shares her personal s...

Why do we learn so little about periods beyond reproduction? In this episode, Larissa and Jo sit down with Rhiana and Vanessa to unpack the gaps in sex education and the societal norms that fail to accommodate the hormonal cycle. They share first period stories, reflect on the ways menstrual health is typically overlooked, and challenge the widely accepted world structures centered around male bio...

In this thought-provoking episode, Larissa and Jo sit down with PhD student in global health, Landry Kalembo, to unravel the complexities of touch as a basic human need. Why is physical contact widely encouraged for newborns but increasingly restricted as we age? Together, they discuss the undeniable benefits of touch and examine the cultural, social, and environmental factors that shape our comfo...

In this episode, Jo and Larissa delve into the fascinating and mysterious practices of Gukuna and Kunyaza in Rwandan culture, uncovering their true meaning beyond Western misconceptions. They also explore the Kama Sutra as more than a guide to intimacy—showing how it embraces a holistic approach to love and life. Inspired by works like "L'eau sacrée" and "Zirara Zubakwa," they discuss the powerful...

In this riveting episode, Larissa and Jo are joined by sex educator Rae to tackle the evolving landscape of sex education head-on. From dismantling stigma around STIs to exploring relationship fluidity and kink, they leave no taboo unturned. Rae shares invaluable perspectives on sex and relationships from her many years of educating youth and adults on the topic. Together, they challenge tradition...

In this episode, Jo and Larissa are joined by guests Agnes and Guiomar to uncover the often-hidden aspects of menopause. They share heartfelt recommendations and resources to help navigate this life stage, while highlighting the positive changes menopause can bring. They also delve into how capitalism shapes the medical industry and its impact on women's health. Agnes and Guiomar emphasize the imp...

In this episode, Jo and Larissa tackle the fascinating topic of male contraception, starting with the history of condoms and their cultural significance across the globe. They explore why condoms became a staple during the HIV pandemic and discuss the ongoing need for more non-hormonal methods of contraception. The conversation also delves into what male contraception could learn from female contr...

In this episode, Jo and Larissa are joined by Frances for a candid conversation about early sexual exploration and pleasure. They discuss the importance of social acceptance and openness around masturbation, sharing personal experiences and reflections on parental guidance. They also explore children's natural curiosity and the need to create safe spaces for these inevitable discussions to occ...

In this episode, Jo and Larissa dive deep into the murky concept of pleasure. They explore the intricate relationship between pleasure and emotions, discussing why sexual pleasure remains a taboo subject in society. The conversation touches on the intensity of pleasure and draws fascinating parallels between the experiences of sex and dance. The co-hosts also tackle the challenge of societal norms...

In this episode, Jo and Larissa welcome new guest Julia to discuss the unexpected power of the fertility awareness method. Julia introduces the benefits of tracking your cycle that go beyond contraception, highlighting how observing hormonal effects on mood and feelings can enhance self-awareness. The conversation delves into the shared responsibility of natural contraception, fostering intimacy a...

In this episode, Jo and Larissa sit down with Julz to delve into her deeply personal and insightful journey through ovarian cancer and menopause. Julz shares her experiences with diagnosis and surgeries, shedding light on the physical and emotional challenges she faced afterward. The conversation covers the importance of comprehensive support and resources for menopause, as well as the societal ex...

In this episode, Jo and Larissa are joined by brand-new guest Jillian and Not a Purse veteran Elvis as they tackle the complex and often controversial topic of pornography. Together, they question society’s attitudes and the stigmatization surrounding porn. They also discuss the role of porn in sexual education and how it shapes everyday perceptions and expectations of sex. The conversation delves...

In this episode, Jo and Larissa dive into the fascinating world of sex toys, exploring their ultimate purpose in society and the often-taboo nature surrounding them. From the first vibrator and its connection to hysteria to the advancements in sex toy technology today, the conversation highlights how sex toys have evolved, particularly in catering to women's pleasure and their significant role...

In the Season 2 finale, Larissa and Jo - with a blend of humour - unravel the linguistic tapestry woven around menstruation. From "Aunt Flow" to "Strawberryweek" and beyond, the hosts explore the colourful array of euphemisms used across cultures and languages to describe this natural bodily function. They delve into how these euphemisms influence societal perceptions and attit...

In this episode, Larissa & Jo are taking another look at the world of parenting. In a candid discussion with Miro -a father of two girls and one boy- they explore the intricate dynamics of virginity. Delving into societal expectations surrounding first sexual experiences, the hosts unravel the shaping of girls' outlooks and the prevailing double standards for boys/men and girls/women. The...

Larissa and Jo embark on an insightful journey with guest Steph, a dancer, science lover, and mother of a 13-year-old boy. Together, the trio unravels the diverse cultural and generational perspectives on taboo genitalia topics. From nudity acceptance to body positivity, period management myths and challenges, and the global lack of awareness, they confront the subtleties of these conversations.

In this heartwarming episode, Larissa and Jo welcome a special guest, Sarah, a mother of three. Sarah shares her experiences and challenges in raising children to have a healthy relationship with their bodies. As they discuss the delicate balance between openness about nudity and adhering to societal norms, the hosts and their guest delve into the intricate web of boundaries. They explore some fac...

In this out-of-the-ordinary episode, Larissa & Jo step into the realm of vulnerability. Welcoming the insightful Ji as their guest, the trio delves deep into the intricacies of open and honest conversations. Sharing personal experiences, they highlight the transformative power of 'being seen' and 'seeing others' in fostering genuine connections. Ji, with his magic touch for cre...

Larissa and Jo tackle the often silenced and weighty topic of sexual assault in this episode. They delve into how language, through terms like 'date rape' and 'marital rape,' can soften the gravity of these acts. The hosts shed light on unsettling truths about sexual assault, including how much more prevalent it is than commonly believed, underscoring the importance of open discuss...

In this episode, hosts Larissa & Jo, along with Kizomba and Urban Kiz instructor Elvis and fellow dancer Guy-Thierry, delve into the transformative realm of partner dance and its influence on body perception. From the art of interpretation to navigating involuntary erections on the dance floor, the hosts and their guests share personal stories and practical tips for impromptu situations. Dive...

Join Larissa and Jo in an unexpected conversation that challenges the way we perceive and sexualize certain body parts. In this episode, the hosts delve into the concept of a "sexualized body part" and how everyday actions can give certain body parts a special status. They explore society's multifaceted perception of breasts and, through their engaging discussion, come to a realizati...

In this episode, Larissa and Jo, accompanied by first-time guest Pascal, embark on a deep and insightful journey into the world of circumcisions. Together, they unravel the layers surrounding this practice, exploring its essence, the myriad of reasons behind its performance, and the profound consequences it can have. As they delve into the topic, the trio seeks to unveil the lesser-known facets of...

In this season's inaugural episode, Larissa and Jo uncover lesser-known facts about the contraceptive pill, drawing inspiration from the thought-provoking documentary, "The Business of Birth Control." From the surprising secrets being withheld from the general public to the dangerous downplaying of risks associated with the pill as we know it, this season of Not a Purse! Podcast begi...