Two Old Sexperts: Talking Sexuality & Disabilities

Relationships shape our well‑being, but recognizing when a relationship becomes unhealthy isn’t always straightforward — especially for people with intellectual disabilities, who often receive limited or inconsistent education on boundaries, consent, and safety. In this episode, we break down the early signs of unhealthy or unsafe relationships in a way that is accessible, practical, and empowerin...

Loneliness can feel different when you live with a disability—and it’s something we don’t often talk about openly. This episode dives into what that loneliness can look like, from social isolation and inaccessible spaces to the quiet ache of feeling misunderstood or left out. We explore how disability, identity, and community overlap, and why loneliness isn’t a personal shortcoming but often a sys...

Hello, Podcast listeners!  This is a quick update on what's happening with the two old sexperts!  We'll be back soon, answering questions and providing tips and information.  If you have any questions about the services provided by Shawn McGill Consulting or to follow our events, please visit www.shawnmcgillmsw.com for more details.  Stay tuned, Sharon and I will be back and chatting with you soon...

We are sharing questions and answers (or dialogues regarding the questions) to guide and support.  Our shared goal as "Two Old Sexperts" is to provide you, the listener, with education and resources while remaining devoted to supporting those with intellectual, developmental, and neurological differences, mainly related to sexuality, whether it involves healthy sexuality or more complicated issues...

Our nation is facing unprecedented challenges. Democracy and human rights are under attack. This affects all of us, and we need to start caring and thinking more deeply. If we are champions, allies, friends, or supporters of anyone considered a minority (yes, women; that includes you), then the time was long ago, but the urgency is now. Our futures and our lives depend on it. People want us to be...

A brief PSA on service changes in Pennsylvania and a hope for an inspirational boost! ~Shawn

It has been nearly six months since we joined to record a podcast.  This episode is about the union and journey of two friends.  Our serendipitous dinner in Scranton led to the creation of the podcast a few years ago, but, more importantly, our relationship moved from professional acquaintances to friends.  Our relationship propels and inspires us to try to teach others.  Sexuality is broad.  Huma...

In this episode, we (Shawn and Sharon) talk about autism and offense-related issues.  Through the chat, we explore and openly discuss a lot of gaps and missing components that could lead us to better solutions to prevent brushing up on the criminal justice system, at least as it relates to sexual offenses.

Sharon and I had the absolute pleasure of spending time with Dr. Michele Angello. Dr. Angello is an educator, therapist, consultant, and author who has paved the way to spotlight gender non-conformity and challenge our constructs related to gender. An issue so misunderstood and seemingly seen as so complex by many, Dr. Angello has tackled it head-on. Best said by Dr. Angello herself, "My dream is...

This brief episode notes what has been discovered while creating this podcast and why a slight shift in talks focusing on sexuality will be underway. When supporting fellow human beings, we must see the whole picture. When faced with challenges, we must be willing to evaluate ourselves and amplify any discrepancies or barriers that may be impeding progress.

The term "sex toys" seems to hold a negative connotation still. When we think about pleasuring the body or meeting physical and sexual needs, we must "think outside the box" and push our comfort zones. People with disabilities are not exempt from the very exact basic human needs. Mason Luke joins us to discuss how his two worlds, disability support and pleasure products, collide. More importantly,...

Dementia is a neurological issue any person can be subject to. This includes those we love and support who are neurodiverse. As people are living longer and the prevalence of dementia continues to rise, those of us in the service system need support and information. In this episode, we talk with you about aspects related to dementia. It covers a wide range, such as changes in personality, progress...

For decades, we have been discussing and using the terms "Positive Approaches" or "Positive Practices," but do we know what they mean and how to employ the strategies when supporting a person? In this episode, we try to take you on a journey through information and stories to help people and organizations gain a better sense of understanding but also to challenge and encourage folks to use the pra...

In this episode, Sharon and Shawn talk through the critical importance of understanding and merging the use of positive approaches when working with people on sexuality and even trauma. Positive approaches does not mean giving a person whatever they want. It means understanding and supporting people on core clinical issues while recognizing that the relationship between the person and their suppor...

In this episode, we are joined by Bev Frantz. Bev guides us through a discussion about supporting those with non-traditional communication and how we can challenge ourselves and our systems to support better and advocate. This, however, may challenge us and the systems we work in. Everyone deserves a voice, but finding their voice may look different. Everyone also deserves an opportunity to learn...

In this episode, we delve more into trauma for those with disabilities. We share stories and try to help the listener be more mindful of what to look for and how to respond when separating trauma responses from "behaviors." The most critical piece is supporting a person to move through trauma. We know none of us can forget our past, but we want to be able not to let our history continue to gain so...

In this episode, we hit our own vulnerability by talking about loneliness. In a world where anyone is prone to this basic human feeling, despite our constant connection to people and the world, understanding how loneliness may impact those with disabilities is even more vital. In turn, we try to talk you through what loneliness may or may not look like and, more importantly, what we can consider d...

In today's episode, Sharon and Shawn talk with you about neurodiversity, gender identity, and sexual identity. We share what it all means, how you can better support people with disabilities to understand and explore these areas in their own lives, and also what you can do to change how people are understood and fully supported as they walk their journeys in life.

This episode walks you through basic sex education. We explore recommended education for grades K-12. In supporting those with disabilities, little to no information is often shared, and we must work backward. Regardless of age, we have due diligence to learn and pass on basic sex education so those we love, and support can live happier and more successful lives.

This podcast episode looks at romantic feelings those with disabilities may express, including feelings toward their paid supporters. We talk in-depth about navigating these feelings and situations and how to respond best if we find ourselves in a similar situation.

During this episode, we discuss two sexual consent screening tools used to support people with disabilities; The Verbal Informed Sexual Consent Tool (VISCAT) and the YAI sexual consent screening tool created in association with David Hingsburger.

Nancy Thaler, former deputy secretary for the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP), joins us to discuss sexuality policy. Guidelines have been established, but no policy is mandated in Pennsylvania. She talks us through ways to consider outreach, education, and training to continue the momentum of change as we navigate these complex waters.

Join Shawn McGill and Sharon Potter as they illustrate "The Cookie Sutra." This little visual book uses cookies to discuss and show various sexual positions. This helps talk through an understanding of different sex acts. This way, people know more about what they may choose to engage in and what they choose to abstain from. Following the book, we talk more about the importance of talking through...

In this episode, we talk about some of the safety concerns and risks related to the Internet, and ways to provide support and education to more successfully and safely wade through these waters.

Special guest Attorney Kate Lovelace joins us to discuss aspects related to the criminal justice system. We talk about nuances to consider if someone is faced with a legal charge, and how to best support them to navigate this complicated, and often overwhelming, system.