Wild & Sublime

Voted by the Chicago Reader as  “Best Standup of the Year for 2022” in Chicago, standup Deanna Ortiz talks about her day job doing social media in the adult entertainment industry, the philosophy of sleeping over after sex, her podcast “Crushes," and dating on the apps v.  in the wild. We're part of the Lincoln Lodge Podcast Network. Check out the video of this interview. Get tickets for...

New format! In Season 5 we're having sex with comedians. Standup and storyteller Archy Jamjun talks with Karen about polyamory, the Grindr hookup app, his Thai grandfather's "arrangement," frottage, Archy's LGBTQ+ storytelling series, and racism in the gay community. We're part of the Lincoln Lodge Podcast Network. Check out the video of this interview. Leave a tip fo...

Our Pride Edition show part two features guest host Matthew Amador interviewing sex and gender therapist Rae McDaniel on their new book “Gender Magic,” plus recurring storyteller Lily Be’s comedic story on experiencing her asexuality as a teen. Includes Karen Yates’ Sermon on the Pubic Mound. Recorded at Hungry Brain in Chicago. Live show sponsor: Rowan Tree Counseling FIFTH ANNIVERSARY SHOW! Octo...

The first half of our Pride Edition show features a panel on how to live authentically and fearlessly as a LGBTQ+ person in these challenging times, plus a comedy set with Chicago standup musician Manny Petty. Guest host Matthew Amador. Recorded at Hungry Brain in Chicago. Leave a tip for our work or join our monthly Patreon members’ club , the Afterglow, for discounts and other goodies! Help us c...

Panelists discuss "stonewalling" — when one partner checks out physically or emotionally during intense moments, refusing to talk things through — and what you can do if it's happening in your relationship. Plus Karen's Sermon on the Pubic Mound. In this episode: Jason Best - Sex-positive & kink-aware therapist Tazima Parris - Sex coach & pleasure mentor Korey McWilliam...

You want to explore kink but aren’t ready to engage a partner. What to do? Our panel of sexperts discuss options and how to slowly move out into the wider kinky world. In this episode: Elmo Painter-Edington - Somatic therapist and empowerment coach  Diane Long - sex positive empowerment self defense teacher Clark Hazel - nonbinary trans therapist licensed in OR and IL  Get tix to our Chicago June...

In this insightful panel conversation we examine the impossible and shame-based standards the fitness industry sets and how this impacts our sex lives. A co-production with Comfy Fitness. In this episode: Comfy Fitness --online fitness studio  Kira Macoun - Comfy Fitness founder Carrie Drapac - Comfy Fitness founder Caitlin V - sex coach  Tazima Parris - Sex coach and pleasure mentor JoJo Bear - s...

Our panel discusses new relationship energy–the fantastic feeling when you’re just starting to date and getting to know someone. What happens when it fades? Can it be addictive? We cover all the bases. Don't miss our Chicago live show and podcast recording, Thursday, June 15. Wild & Sublime--The Pride Edition . Help us continue to spread the message of sex-positivity! Leave a tip for our...

In this lively interview with bisexual mega influencer and Men’s Health columnist Zachary Zane, he discusses Boyslut , his new book chronicling his sexual journey, as well as how to live a more shame-free, sex-positive life. Help us continue to spread the message of sex-positivity! Leave a tip for our work or join our monthly Patreon members’ club ! In this episode: Zachary Zane - author and sex c...

Summary: Learn essential intimacy and communication skills when dating transgender and gender nonconforming people in this lively interview with sex and gender therapist Rae McDaniel. Help us continue to spread the message of sex-positivity! Leave a tip for our work or join our monthly Patreon members’ club ! In this episode: Rae McDaniel - sex and gender therapist and coach  Gender Magic, the boo...

Fifty years since it began, surrogate partner work is being embraced again as a cutting-edge somatic therapeutic modality to help people hands-on with intimacy issues, and more people are choosing it as a career. Recurring guest Brandon Hunter-Haydon talks about his own journey and what it takes to do the work successfully. Leave a tip for our work or join our monthly Patreon members’ club ! In th...

Panelists answer a Patreon listener question about how to trust your intuition and avoid old patterns with new partners after leaving an abusive relationship. Leave a tip for our work or join our monthly Patreon members’ club ! In this episode: Elmo Painter-Edington - Somatic therapist and empowerment coach Clark Hazel - Individual and couples therapist at Best Therapies Diane Long - Empowerment s...

The live Valentine’s Spectacular serves up a panel chat on increasing intimacy, an interview with The Pegging Book authors, Karen’s Sermon about the gifts of an unexpected health event, and more. Recorded at Constellation in Chicago. Live show sponsor: Rowan Tree Counseling Leave a tip for our work or join our monthly Patreon members’ club ! In this episode: Matthew Amador - Psychotherapist for lo...

Has your identity shifted? Do you want to tell others about it – and if so, how? Panelists answer a listener question on the value and meaning of coming out as queer (or as anything!). In this episode: Matthew Amador - Psychotherapist for love, sex, & gender rebels Elmo Painter-Edington - Somatic Therapist & Empowerment Coach  Brandon Hunter-Haydon - Surrogate Partner & Intimacy Coach...

What is somatic healing, and how does it work? Karen shares a conversation with several somatic therapists on different techniques, and the possibilities for healing sexual trauma and getting back into your body. In this episode: Cassie Porter - Sexological bodyworker & body-centered counselor Elmo Painter-Edington - Somatic Therapist & Empowerment Coach  JoJo Bear - Somatic Sex & Inti...

The second half of October’s live show features an interview with kink educator Stranger on the hows and whys of switching, plus a performance by storyteller Archy Jamjun and Karen’s fourth-anniversary Sermon on the Pubic Mound. In this episode: Stranger - Rope enthusiast & kink educator Archy Jamjun - Storyteller Missed the first half? Oct live show part 1   I’m looking for… A Wild & Subl...

Season 4 kicks off with the first half of October’s live show, where panelists chat about porn – what’s good, how to find out what you like, and ways to think about its role in your life. Tickets on sale for our Chicago Feb 11 show! In this episode: Peter Navarro - Somatic sex therapist Goddess Erica - Tantric doula & sexual empowerment coach Caitlin V - Intimacy & relationship coach, host...

Our most popular episode of the year! Karen talks with somatic sex educator and prolific author Caffyn Jesse about somatic sex therapy as a way to heal from trauma and expand your pleasure capacity in all parts of life. We’ll be returning to the podcast Jan. 12 - see you in the new year! In this episode: Caffyn Jesse - Somatic Sex Educator Ecstatic Belonging - Caffyn’s new online course Institute...

Panelists answer a listener question on handling work-life balance when ambition and sex start to jostle for space in a relationship. In this episode: Tazima Parris - Sex Coach & Pleasure Mentor Matthew Amador - Psychotherapist for love, sex, and gender rebels Chicago backroom travel tips - Touché , Banana Video , Steamworks I’m looking for… Episodes on specific topics This episode’s transcrip...

Polyamorous therapist and author Kate Loree chats with Karen about her new comprehensive book “Open Deeply,” about consensual nonmonogamy, and how to work through the bad feelings that can damage good relationships. In this episode: Kate Loree - Sex-positive psychotherapist Open Deeply and other sex-positive book recs Open Deeply podcast - hosted by Kate Loree and Sunny Megatron I’m looking for… E...

Two panelists talk with Karen about the expansive possibilities of realizing your own gender expression and how the journey can lead to somatic release and increased joy. In this episode: Ley David Elliette Cray - Sexuality counselor, BDSM educator, trans yoga instructor  Clark Hazel - Individual and Couples therapist at Best Therapies Are you in need of a gender-affirming letter to access medical...

Karen speaks with author and Teen Vogue columnist Nona Willis Aronowitz about her new hybrid memoir, "Bad Sex," about the history of free love, feminism, and her own journeys in nonmonogamy and beyond. In this episode: Nona Willis Aronowitz Buy “Bad Sex” - Plus more recs on our Bookshop page! Essay - Against Chill Essay - On Heteropessimism I’m looking for… Episodes on specific topics Th...

Karen interviews Cale Jones, founder of The MŌN App, a new social audio app that promotes live sex conversation, exploration, and education. In this episode: The MŌN App Let’s Talk Sex Summit - Oct 10-13 I’m looking for… Episodes on specific topics This episode’s transcript A book on relationships or sexuality - Check out our recs on Bookshop ! Want to rev up your relationship and bust out of limi...

Karen interviews returning guest sex coach Caitlin V, whose new show “Good Sex” on Discovery+ helps couples looking for better sexual connection by using cameras in the bedroom to diagnose issues. In this episode: Good Sex - Streaming now on Discovery+! (Try a free trial.) More about Caitlin’s coaching practice Listen to Caitlin’s appearances on our early live shows I’m looking for… Tickets to the...

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. In this episode: Cassie Porter - Somatic sex educator & sexological bodyworker Jason Best - Kink-aware therapist & founder of Best Therapies Peter Navarro - Sex-positive and somatic-oriented therapist I’m lo...