Unzipping Taboos: Candid Conversations about Sex

In this episode, we unzip asexual (ace) and aromantic (aro) orientations and explore the identities that are part of the “plus” in LGBTQIA+. We talk about what these terms mean, why they matter, and how understanding them helps create space for the many different ways people experience attraction and connection. What’s the difference between sexual attraction and romantic attraction? Why aren’t or...

In Part 2 of our conversation on perimenopause and menopause, we move beyond biology and into the healthcare experiences, cultural messages, and societal expectations that shape how women experience aging. We break down the differences between Pap smears and pelvic exams, talk about changing screening recommendations, and discuss why regular healthcare conversations remain important throughout adu...

In this episode of Unzipping Taboos , we unzip a topic too many women are expected to navigate without enough information: perimenopause and menopause. We break down what perimenopause and menopause actually mean, why symptoms can show up long before periods stop completely, and why this transition can feel confusing, unpredictable, and surprisingly isolating. From sleep disruption and mood change...

In this episode, we unzip treatments like O-Shots®, G-Shots®, and MonaLisa Touch®—procedures that often enter conversations through television, social media, friends, and word of mouth. We talk about how conversations around sexual wellness are evolving, and why many people find themselves searching for answers about options they may not hear discussed during routine healthcare visits. We talk abo...

In this episode, we unzip one of the most important—and often most avoided—roles we can play as parents and caregivers: being a trusted source of sex education. Instead of relying on awkward, one-time “talks,” we explore what it means to create an ongoing, open dialogue with kids and teens. School-based sex ed is often inconsistent or incomplete, which leaves a gap—and an opportunity—for us to ste...

In this episode, we unzip the recent Fifth Circuit Appeals Court ruling impacting access to mifepristone through telehealth and mail delivery, and why this fight is about so much more than one medication. We walk through what the ruling—and the drug maker’s appeal—means for people living under the Fifth Circuit and beyond. We emphasize why telehealth access matters, and how decisions like this rip...

In this episode, we unzip masturbation without the awkwardness, the myths, or the shame. In honor of International Masturbation Month, we take a candid look at one of the most common, and most misunderstood, forms of sexual expression. We talk about what masturbation actually is, why it shows up differently for everyone, and how it can be a powerful tool for stress relief, self-discovery, and conn...

Lube is one of the most normal parts of sex play—and one of the least talked about. In this episode of Unzipping Taboos , we get practical about what actually matters when it comes to lubricants. We break down the three main types—water-based, silicone-based, and oil-based—and how to choose the right one based on your body, your needs, and the kind of sex you’re having. From pH balance and vaginal...

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men—and one of the easiest to ignore. In this episode of Unzipping Taboos, we sit down with Dr. Arthur Burnett—Professor of Urology at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Patrick C. Walsh Professor of Urology, and Director of the Male Consultation Clinic at Johns Hopkins Hospital—to unpack what men’s health conversations too often avoid. From...

Violence against women is shaped by the systems, language, and narratives we see every day. In this episode of Unzipping Taboos , we unpack how normalization happens in plain sight—through headlines that center victims instead of perpetrators, media that desensitize us to harm, and the silence that allows it all to continue. We examine how language shapes accountability, and how easily society shi...

In this episode of Unzipping Taboos , we step into a messy, very public story to ask a much bigger question: what happens when someone’s private sexual expression is exposed without their consent? We’re not here for the headlines—we’re here for the ethics. Using the recent coverage surrounding Bryon Noem as a starting point, we unpack the tension between privacy and public curiosity in a digital w...

We’re unpacking the myths about college sex and relationships—what’s really happening, what’s exaggerated, and why everyone assumes the worst. Drawing on decades of research, surveys, and real conversations with students, we break down the facts, the media hype, and the social pressures that shape how young adults navigate sex, relationships, and their own values. We also explore the role of fear,...

Online dating can be thrilling—but it comes with new risks in a world full of apps, smart devices, and AI tricks. In this episode of Unzipping Taboos , we break down practical ways to stay safe while navigating the digital dating scene, from your first swipe to meeting someone in person. We dive into the evolving landscape of digital risks, including catfishing, scams, oversharing on dating apps,...

Reproductive justice isn’t just about pregnancy. It’s about power, policy, and the conditions that shape people’s lives. This week, Unzipping Taboos is proud to participate in Podcasthon, a global movement uniting podcasts to spotlight organizations creating meaningful change. This year, we are honored to highlight SisterSong and their decades of leadership advancing reproductive justice. We talk...

In this episode, we unzip the idea of love languages—where it came from, why it resonates with so many people, and where it falls short. We take a closer look at The 5 Love Languages , introduced by Gary Chapman , exploring both its appeal and its limitations. We talk about how the framework can offer couples a shared vocabulary, encourage self-reflection, and open the door to more intentional con...

In this episode, we unzip ball busting—a kink Dr. Sue gets asked about regularly through Hey Dr. Sue , and one that’s often surrounded by judgment, confusion, assumptions, and quiet shame. We talk plainly about what ball busting is and why having accurate language can make these conversations feel less awkward and a lot more human.  We focus on what actually matters when it comes to any consensual...

In this episode, we unzip how the menstrual cycle actually works, what influences the likelihood of pregnancy, and why real bodies don’t operate on neat, predictable timelines. We explore how stress, medication, and everyday life can affect cycle timing, while clarifying common misconceptions about ovulation, fertilization, pre-ejaculate, and STI risk. We also talk about emergency contraception, b...

In this episode, we focus on the myths about men’s sexual health and sex, from the idea that men always want sex to assumptions about performance, size, and desire. We unzip male sexual health myths around STI testing, HPV vaccination for men, and why being asymptomatic doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. We also talk about breast health in men, masturbation, “blue balls,” orgasm versus ejaculation,...

In this episode, we pause. In response to recent current events, we made the intentional choice to set aside what we had planned and instead focus on care for anyone feeling heavy, activated, or emotionally overwhelmed right now. This is a conversation about how moments like this can land in our bodies, not just our thoughts. We talk about why repeated exposure to stories of sexual violence can be...

In this episode, we unpack some of the most common myths you’ve probably heard—and maybe even believed—about sex and sexual health. From not being able to get pregnant on your period, to sperm surviving in hot tubs, we unzip many of these ideas to get to the truth of the matter. We talk about misconceptions around condoms, withdrawal, lubrication, oral sex, and STI testing, and explore how myths c...

What happens when we start asking AI our most vulnerable questions about sex, sexuality, and sexual health? In this episode of Unzipping Taboos, we talk candidly about why so many people turn to tools like ChatGPT for answers they’re too embarrassed—or too afraid—to ask out loud, and why that makes digital literacy more important than ever. From biased or incomplete information to the loss of nuan...

In this episode of Unzipping Taboos , we talk about consent as something that lives far beyond sex—and how often it gets missed in everyday interactions. We explore what consent looks like in friendships, workplaces, classrooms, healthcare settings, and long-term relationships, especially in moments where it’s easy to assume instead of ask. From scrolling through someone’s, to sharing private conv...

In this episode of Unzipping Taboos , we revisit the “male loneliness epidemic” and the so-called “mating crisis.” Since we first talked about it, something important has shifted: women are finding a voice in this conversation and… men are having a reaction. We talk about women naming their worth, setting clearer boundaries, and no longer organizing their lives around being chosen. We explore how...

In this episode of Unzipping Taboos , we’re joined by Dr. Karen Rayne, co-founder and Director of Education at UN|HUSHED, to unpack the realities of teaching sex ed without consistent standards or modern resources. We talk about why so many programs still lean on the classic “parenting” simulations (like caring for an egg, a bag of flour, or a crying doll) and how those exercises focus on logistic...

In this New Year’s Eve episode of Unzipping Taboos , we take a moment to look back on our first full calendar year of podcasting—and everything that’s shifted along the way. Highlighting how Unzipping Taboos has evolved into a show that meets the moment, engages with current events, and stays rooted in real-world experiences. We dig into what our Spotify Wrapped data actually tells us (and what it...