Wild & Sublime

Want to up your sexy skills? Plan a visit to Kinky Kollege! Bruce, the event director, explains the broad selection of classes, culture of consent, and sexual community spirit at this inclusive twice-yearly event.  In this episode: Kinky Kollege - learn more about the event Expanding Your Sexual Horizons - article by Bruce on our website Work with host Karen Yates in Zoom groups and one-on-one as...

"My long-term partner stopped wanting sex a few years ago. I bring it up from time to time, but nothing happens... Suggestions?" Our panel of sexperts tackles this tough question from a supporter as part of our exclusive monthly Q&A for Patreon members. Plus, Karen’s Sermon on the Pubic Mound on vulnerability and change. In this episode: Brandon Hunter-Haydon - psychotherapist &...

How many meds — from specialized to common — come with sexual side effects? You’d be surprised. Will your doctor tell you this, and if not, how can you ask? A sex educator and a cancer survivor talk through what docs often don’t tell you, or don’t know how to talk about, and what you can do. In this episode: Ren Grabert - sex educator Sex, Drugs, & Side Effects - Ren’s May 20 webinar at CSPH G...

Want to cuddle? Platonic touch practitioner and coach Shawn Coleman talks about making safe spaces to practice nonsexual touch, owning your “no,” and learning to ask for the kind of physical contact you want. In this episode: Shawn Coleman - platonic touch practitioner & coach October 2018 - our first live show October 2019 - our first birthday show Shawn’s YouTube channel Get more Wild &...

What can kink teach us about community, energy work, and trauma? In this erotic biography episode, somatic psychotherapist Elmo Painter talks about her history as a professional dominatrix, and how working with the body and energy then directly informs her therapeutic practice today. Karen shares about her own energy work in sound healing and her background in Tantra. Work with host Karen Yates in...

What would happen if you gave yourself permission to celebrate your body, no matter its size or shape? Burlesque artists Carina Shero and Jezebelly of the Femme FATales discuss burlesque performance, being fat and fabulous, the censorship impact of FOSTA-SESTA, and intersectionality through period costumes. In this episode: Carina Shero - Fat community maker, model & performer Jezebelly aka Ir...

Do you swipe left so much you give yourself tendonitis as you look for the perfect person? Or do you date a lot, but no one meets your needs? Sexperts discuss relationship expectations and how to get better at dating. Plus a Sermon on the Pubic Mound on resentments. In this episode: Tazima Parris - Sex coach & pleasure mentor  Matthew Amador - Psychotherapist for love, sex, and gender rebels P...

Has your porn use ever felt like a problem? Where’s the line between “often” and “addiction”? Learn to differentiate between the two in this ep as Karen speaks with a sex therapist and a somatic sex educator. They talk about shame, pathologized behaviors, and compassion toward ourselves when we feel out of control.  In this episode: Corinne Diachuk - Yoga therapist & somatic sex educator Helen...

A listener asks, “It's hard for me to communicate during a kink scene … Suggestions?” Our sexperts discuss kink communication — before, during, and after. Plus, a steamy story from the Pride Parade that’s sure to make you sweat. In this episode: Mksthingshappin - kink and relationship coach  Diane Long - self-defense instructor & somatic bodyworker Matthew Amador - sex-positive psychother...

How do we discover what turns us on? Does the erotic come from taboo, longing, surprise? How can we get more of it to juice our relationships and fantasies? Panelists offer tips to cultivate more eroticism in our lives. Plus host Karen Yates' Sermon on the Pubic Mound on sex positivity. In this episode: Jera Brown - sex writer  Mksthingshappin - kink and relationship coach Elmo Painter - sex-...

Afraid of putting a desire out there? A newbie kinkster question leads to a surprising answer from our sexpert panel. Plus Karen’s Sermon on the Pubic Mound on vulnerability and asking for help. Join The Afterglow for bonus creator notes, monthly Q&As, and more! Or make a one-time donation to support our sex-forward content. In this episode: Tazima Parris — sex & intimacy coach Jason Best...

Pup play, leather, kink, sobriety, and the search for intimacy: In this erotic biography episode, one man shares his journey from Iowa musical theater kid (with a girlfriend) to out-and-proud L.A. leatherman — how he moved out of shame and hiding, and into making the deep relationships he was looking for. History of ‘The Eagle’ leather bars More about Leather Culture Join The Afterglow , our month...

What’s the state of dating during COVID now? Get the lowdown. We follow up with hashtag open's Sarah Sloane on dating and hookups a year into the pandemic and get tips you can use. Plus, Karen’s Sermon on the Pubic Mound on staying steady in hard times. In this episode: #open - dating app for nonmonogamous people and their partners Tazima Parris , sex coach Wild & Sublime: Episode 1 - COV...

Andropause: Is it real? Sexperts chat about testosterone and sex drive as we age and offer surefire suggestions for upping your mojo. We also tackle desire discrepancy in relationships. And a storyteller recounts losing his virginity in the height of a Texas heat wave. Therapists Korey McWilliams and Jason Best, and sex coach and pleasure mentor Tazima Parris respond to a listener’s question about...

It’s Carnival next week, and we’re diving into the eroticism of this major festival. Sexologist and theatre artist Onika Henry joins Karen for a deep talk on the community, sexual freedom, and the roots of resistance that can be seen in the Carnival of Trinidad and Tobago. Onika Henry   Onika’s Tedx talk A Valentine’s treat at The Afterglow! Sign up for our monthly membership program on Patreon in...

Snowed in? How about some spicy reading material to keep you warm and cozy? Karen interviews therapist Meg Weber on her new memoir about a BDSM relationship, and publisher Sienna Saint-Cyr speaks about creating the consent-based erotica they always wanted to read. Plus Karen’s Sermon on the Pubic Mound on following your hunches. Therapist and writer Meg Weber reads from and discusses A Year of Mr....

If you’re not in your body, where are you? Panelists respond to a listener who asks whether checking out during sex might be a sign of trauma. And a somatic therapist leads a guided visualization to bring pleasure into daily experiences.  A sneak peek of a recent Q&A from The Afterglow, our monthly membership club. Somatic educator, body worker, and empowerment self-defense teacher Diane Long;...

Are you saying what you really feel and want in the sexual arena? Panelists offer strategies on communication — before, during, and after sex. Plus Karen’s Sermon on the Pubic Mound on anxiety and what it takes to move forward. Sex and intimacy coach Tazima Parris, sex-positive psychotherapist Brandon Hunter-Haydon, and kinkster and coach Mksthingshappin discuss strategies for communicating with p...

What kind of relationships do you want to make? In this deep long-form conversation for ALL relational styles, ethical nonmonogamists discuss relationship structures, communication skills, trust, jealousy, and the all-important work of getting to know ourselves. Plus Karen’s Sermon on the Pubic Mound.  A discussion on ethical nonmonogamy and what people in monogamous relationships can learn from E...

What would you do if you had complete body confidence in sexual situations? Our audience responds. Panelists offer strategies for getting out of your head and leading with pleasure. Plus Karen’s Sermon on the Pubic Mound.  Panelists discuss the roots of body shame and techniques to get out of it. Featuring psychotherapist Niquie Dworkin, sex-positive psychologist Pat Cochran, and Matthew Amador, a...

When it comes to sex, who are you… really? In this cabaret-style episode, Sarah Sloane defines demisexual, aromantic, and asexual — and why labels are good as we understand more deeply who we are. Panelists offer tips to avoid projecting old experiences onto new relationships. And a storyteller shares how becoming a Domme helped her discover her true self. What’s Up with That?: Sarah Sloane of #op...

"It's dress-up, it's try-on, it's 'let's see,' it's what else, who else am I?" Karen interviews somatic sex educator captain snowdon on developing a mindful erotic practice that centers pleasure and embodiment. Plus, a joyful poem for Karen’s Sermon on the Pubic Mound. Tis the season… to join The Afterglow! Come visit our members-only virtual afterparty...

Monogamous, polyam, kinky or solo — we all get into sex ruts! Our panel discusses how to climb on out and bring a sense of play back into your sex life. The audience asks questions. Plus Karen's Sermon on the Pubic Mound on confronting trauma when trying new things. In this episode: sex-positive therapist Jason Best sex and intimacy coach Tazima Parris sex educator Heather Rider Mating in Cap...

What’s it like to embark on a new sexual lifestyle in middle age? Or to figure out—after unfulfilling long-term relationships—what kind of sexual being you want to become? Two real people tell their stories. Plus, Karen’s Sermon on the Pubic Mound about the possibility of change. In this episode: Check out our monthly membership perks in The Afterglow , starting at $5/month. Or make a one-time con...

Thinking of opening up your relationship? Planning a three-way? Or just chatting with new people at a virtual party? All great and highly recommended, but… what happens when jealousy enters the room? Our panel offers strategies for talking down the green-eyed monster. Plus, a storyteller’s forays into nudity on the internet, and Karen’s Sermon on the Pubic Mound on sex-positive community. Wild &am...