Wild & Sublime

Do you find yourself attracted to people who don’t fit into your usual gender of choice? Or do you go back and forth? Mark Cusack, author of Fluid: A Guide for People with Flexible Sexuality explains how attraction works and how by expanding our understanding of sexuality we can find greater ease. In this episode: Author, coach, speaker Mark Cusack . On Instagram @notdefining Fluid: A Guide for Pe...

Podcaster and standup Kaytlin Bailey of The Oldest Profession chats about decriminalizing sex work, the real agenda with harmful legislation, how she came to escorting, and her live show that’s touring the US in 2026. On the show: Kaytlin Bailey , podcaster and comedian Karen Yates , host and producer of Wild & Sublime, writer, and energy worker Mentioned on the show: The Oldest Profession liv...

Mistress Sophia gives us the details on how to rent a private dungeon and the assistance she can provide in this fun and illuminating interview. Plus comedy from standup Manny Petty. From our February 2026 show. The main show sponsor of our Feb 8, 2026, live show was Rowan Tree Counseling  Sophia Chase, owner of Chicago Dungeon Rentals   Manny Petty - standup comedian  Host Karen Yates - certified...

Our sexperts give insights into how to best make our deepest fantasies come true in this thoughtful and funny episode. Plus audience Q&As and Karen’s Sermon on the Pubic Mound about dating and fascism. The main show sponsor of our Feb 8, 2026, live show was Rowan Tree Counseling . Guests: Jake Penrod - licensed marriage and family therapist  Goddess Erica - Orgasmic birth and life coach  Sarah...

Panelists give tips on how to increase pleasure when you’re super stressed. Host Karen Yates delivers her Sermon on the Pubic Mound on getting grounded. And the audience tells us the weirdest places they’ve had sex. From our Seventh Anniversary show October 12, 2025.  The October live show’s main show sponsor was Rowan Tree Counseling.   On this episode: Matthew Amador , therapist Dr. Jennifer Lit...

Kink 101: What is a munch? Plus Alan Colorado needs our pervy help! Newbie kinksters can learn all about the kinky social event known as the munch. And storyteller Alan Colorado needs the wisdom of the audience to expand his sexual repertoire. From our Seventh Anniversary show October 12, 2025.  The October live show’s main show sponsor was Rowan Tree Counseling.   On the episode: FetLife  Galleri...

Relationship Anarchy rejects rules and expectations in how we relate to each other. It’s mentioned more and more in the media, but what is it exactly? In this lively conversation, therapist Nicole Thompson explains that while RA can turn our relationships on their heads, it can also bring freedom.  Don't miss our next live show: Valentine’s Kick-Off – Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, 6-7:30pm at Lincoln...

Autism consultant and author Robyn Steward discusses the state of being young and autistic, and how clear neutral guidance that helps tweens and teens with periods and relationships is crucial. Karen talks with Steward, herself autistic, about her insightful books. Robyn Steward - Autism author and consultant  Karen Yates - certified sex educator, writer, energy worker Books by Robyn Steward The A...

How does obsessive compulsive disorder manifest in sex and relationships? In so many ways, but treatment is possible and effective. Karen talks with sex therapist Laura Federico about the root issue in OCD, ramifications, and solutions. The shame of minor attraction and getting help is included. They also discuss Laura’s new book The Cycle Book , about the effect of menstrual hormones on the body...

Therapist and author Dr Lyne Piché talks with Karen about ADHD and tools individuals and couples can use to promote more intimacy and better sex lives. They discuss her new ADHD workbook in this far-ranging and lively conversation. Our seventh anniversary show is in Chicago, October 12, 6pm at Lincoln Lodge. Get tickets! Main show sponsor Rowan Tree Counseling. On the show: Psychologist and sex th...

Season 9 on neurodiversity and sex begins with a deep dive into autism. Therapist Elmo Painter-Edington, herself autistic, gives us a primer on this unique brain difference and its interplay with sex, kink, and polyamory. Plus! Don't miss our Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025, 6pm, SEVENTH ANNIVERSARY SHOW in Chicago. Get tix and more info here!  Main show sponsor: Rowan Tree Counseling. In this episode:...

Want to try some kinky stuff with your partner, but have no idea where to begin? Panelists offer tips for those curious about experimenting with power play, sensation play, and beyond. Plus! Don't miss our Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025, 6pm, SEVENTH ANNIVERSARY SHOW in Chicago. Get tix and more info here! In this episode: Cassie Porter - Somatic sex educator & sexological bodyworker Jason Best -...

From our June 2025 live Chicago show, Archy Jamjun, R.C. Riley, Amy Sumpter and Joe Mellen bring the laughs. Plus audiences answer the q, "What's your go-to fantasy?" Joe Mellen, storyteller  Amy Sumpter , comic and rapper  R.C. Riley , writer and performer  Archy Jamjun , storyteller and comic  Karen Yates , certified somatic sex educator and energy worker Show Sponsor: Rowan Tree...

Somatic Experiencing helps heal trauma and stress by addressing the body’s responses and its nervous system. In this in-depth episode, somatic therapist Meggie Twible discusses this gentle and powerful method and how it can work with sexual trauma and also its effects in polycules.  In this episode: Meggie Twible , somatic therapist Homecoming Therapies o n Instagram Twible’s online events Somatic...

What happens when kink meets therapy? In this lively conversation, Dr Yulinda Renee Rahman, creator of Therapeutic BDSM™, explains how trauma can be healed when a kink professional, therapist, and client work together. In this episode: Therapist Dr. Yulinda Renee Rahman , creator of Therapeutic BDSM™ and founder of KPSA Kink Professionals Standards Alliance (KPSA) Summit , October 25-26 Books by D...

What exactly does a surrogate partner do? For our Healing from Sexual Trauma series, we’re rebroadcasting a powerful 2022 episode where two professional surrogates talk about the intimate work of redressing trauma, dismantling unhealthy assumptions about sex, and helping clients move toward the relationships they want. In this episode: River Roaring - Surrogate partner, private coach & worksho...

Remi Newman, editor of Hands On , a book collection of personal essays by sexuality workers, and Mehdi, a somatic sex and trauma therapist, talk with Karen about the complexities of sex work and the potential for deep healing through hands-on modalities. In this episode: Hands On: Stories of Sexuality Work, Intimacy and Healing   Remi Newman - editor, Hands On ; surrogate partner; and sexuality ed...

In the first episode of our Healing from Sexual Trauma season, sexological bodyworker and healer Rahi Chun describes how genital de-armoring can help people move through held and often painful trauma patterns lodged in the pelvis. This fascinating conversation is a must-listen. Don't miss our Wed. June 25, 7pm, show in Chicago!   Info and tix In this episode: Rahi Chun - dual-certified somati...

How do you work through the bad feelings that can damage good relationships? Polyamorous therapist and author Kate Loree chats with Karen about her comprehensive book “Open Deeply,” about consensual nonmonogamy and deep strategies to regulate you during conflicts. In this episode: Kate Loree - Sex-positive psychotherapist Open Deeply and other sex-positive book recs Open Deeply podcast - hosted by...

In this final episode of our Polyamory in Depth season, Karen chats with David Carlson, campaign coordinator for OPEN, about how to begin legislating at the local level for nondiscrimination ordinances protecting polyamorous folks and those in diverse family structures. In this episode: OPEN - The Organization for Polyamory and Ethical Non-Monogamy OPEN’s campaign coordinator David Carson  Host, s...

Relationship Anarchy rejects rules and expectations in how we relate to each other. It’s mentioned more and more in the media, but what is it exactly? In this lively conversation, therapist Nicole Thompson explains that while RA can turn our relationships on their heads, it can also bring freedom.  In this episode: Therapist and podcaster Nicole Thompson  Host, sex educator, and energy worker Kare...

Do you dream of living in a polyamorous pod? Do you have non-nesting partners? Kids? You might need to do your homework first. As part of our Polyamory In Depth season, author Laura Boyle ( Monogamy? In this Economy? ) talks through assumptions and expectations about polyam homelife.  In this episode: Author and relationship coach Laura Boyle   Host, sex educator, and energy worker Karen Yates   M...

When relationships transition from monogamous to open, or ENM agreements change, trouble may arise. As part of our Polyamory In Depth season, author and therapist Jessica Fern ( Polywise ; Polysecure ) discusses how to navigate choppy waters. In this episode: Author and therapist Jessica Fern   Sex educator, coach, and energy worker Karen Yates   Polywise and Polysecure – buy them on Bookshop and...

Molly Roden Winter talks with Karen about her bestselling memoir More , which honestly chronicles opening up her long-term marriage while being a mother and then caregiver to her parents. Be on the lookout for our next season--"Polyamory in Depth" --starting in January! We are part of the Lincoln Lodge podcast network! Buy More through Bookshop. Help independent booksellers and Wild &amp...

Listen to steamy storytellers from our sixth anniversary live show as they heat up your earbuds. Plus the audience tells us about their oh-so-sexy breakthroughs.  In this episode: Storyteller Elizabeth Gomez tells us about college frolicking Storyteller Ashley Meyer shares a kinky goodbye Host, sex educator, and energy worker Karen Yates   Our live show was sponsored by uberlube and Rowan Tree Cou...