Advertise on podcast: 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 orientation and libido the same thing? And what about some of the most common myths the aro/ace communities encounter—like the idea that aro/ace people don’t have relationships, don’t have sex, or are somehow “broken”?As part of this conversation, we also explore the fluidity of identity and the pressure social expectations can place on people to fit a particular path. Everyone gets to decide how they describe their own experiences, and no one owes the world a label before they’re ready—or at all. Whether you’re hearing these terms for the first time, supporting someone you care about, or simply curious to learn more, this episode is an invitation to approach the conversation with openness, respect, and a little less assumption. Our conversation is a reminder that there isn't one "right" way to experience attraction, relationships, or intimacy—and that understanding starts with making room for the full spectrum of human experience. If you have a story, thoughts and/or a topic or question for Dr. Sue and Charlie please share your ideas here:  ⁠Show suggestions If you want to ask Dr Sue a sex question for the weekly Q&A you can submit it here: Ask a question

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 adulthood. Then we zoom out. Why are women so often taught that aging makes them less visible, less desirable, or less valuable? Why are menopausal experiences so often reduced to stereotypes while companies market endless products promising to “fix” what aging changes? We unzip media portrayals of menopause, body image, desirability, and the pressure women face to resist aging rather than experience it. We also talk about self-acceptance, questioning messages designed to profit from insecurity, and the growing movement of women rejecting shame and embracing aging on their own terms. Because women do not lose their value with age—and better conversations create better care, challenge outdated narratives, and make space for women to be fully seen. If you have a story, thoughts and/or a topic or question for Dr. Sue and Charlie please share your ideas here:  ⁠Show suggestions If you want to ask Dr Sue a sex question for the weekly Q&A you can submit it here: Ask a question

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 changes to hot flashes, and body changes,  we talk honestly about what women may experience—and why no two journeys look exactly alike. We also discuss the importance of finding reliable health information, advocating for yourself in medical settings, and questioning outdated narratives around menopause care and treatment options like hormone replacement therapy (HRT). This conversation became bigger than one episode, so in Part 2 we’ll continue beyond the biology—into healthcare experiences, aging, body image, cultural messages about women and desirability, and why society still has work to do in how we talk about growing older. Because aging isn’t something to fear—and women deserve information, support, and honest conversations along the way. If you have a story, thoughts and/or a topic or question for Dr. Sue and Charlie please share your ideas here:  ⁠Show suggestions If you want to ask Dr Sue a sex question for the weekly Q&A you can submit it here: Ask a question

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 about why qualified providers, safety, and informed decision-making matter when navigating procedures that can come with a lot of questions—and not always clear answers. Because sexual health conversations deserve clarity—not whispers. If you have a story, thoughts and/or a topic or question for Dr. Sue and Charlie please share your ideas here:  ⁠Show suggestions If you want to ask Dr Sue a sex question for the weekly Q&A you can submit it here: Ask a question

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 step in with accurate, values-informed conversations. From understanding what’s actually being taught (and what isn’t), to using tools like the National Sex Education Standards, we walk through how to approach these moments with curiosity rather than fear or perfectionism. Not having all the answers isn’t a failure—it can be an invitation to learn with your kids. Practical strategies matter here, too. We cover ways to build trust with teens, create “safe exit” plans for uncomfortable situations, and navigate device use, privacy, and the evolving landscape of sexual health information. Remember, modeling openness and challenging shame-based narratives can shift the entire tone of these conversations. Because even if it feels uncomfortable, most kids do want to talk to us about this—they just need to know it’s safe. You can find the National Sex Education Standards here, just know that it will download as a .pdf  If you have a story, thoughts and/or a topic or question for Dr. Sue and Charlie please share your ideas here:  ⁠Show suggestions If you want to ask Dr Sue a sex question for the weekly Q&A you can submit it here: Ask a question

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 ripple far beyond abortion care alone. Because when access to medication, providers, and healthcare delivery methods starts getting restricted, it rarely stops with just one issue. We also talk honestly about who carries the heaviest burden when healthcare becomes harder to access: women, people in rural communities, low-income families, and marginalized populations who are already navigating systems that were never built with them in mind to begin with. Throughout the conversation, we call attention to the fear-based narratives that often dominate these issues, the disconnect between policy and public opinion, and the bigger picture of bodily autonomy, healthcare access, and reproductive justice in the United States. And because staying informed matters now more than ever, we share a few ways listeners can take action—from contacting elected officials, to following reliable reporting like Jessica Valenti’s “ABORTION, EVERY DAY” to supporting organizations like The Brigid Alliance that help people access reproductive healthcare when barriers stand in the way. This is a timely, frustrated, deeply human conversation about what happens when healthcare becomes political—and why these conversations cannot stay taboo. If you have a story, thoughts and/or a topic or question for Dr. Sue and Charlie please share your ideas here:  ⁠Show suggestions If you want to ask Dr Sue a sex question for the weekly Q&A you can submit it here: Ask a question

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 connection with your own body. We break down the myths that have lingered for generations—from physical harm to relationship fears—and where those ideas actually come from. We also explore the real benefits, from improved sleep and mood to increased confidence and body awareness, along with how masturbation can play a role in relationships, healing, and self-care. Along the way, we talk about sex toys, generational shifts, and the reality that for many people, this topic still sits at the intersection of culture, religion, and personal values. At the end of the day, this isn’t about telling anyone what they should do, it’s about making space for informed, judgment-free conversations so you can decide what feels right for you. Because something this normal was never meant to be taboo in the first place. If you have a story, thoughts and/or a topic or question for Dr. Sue and Charlie please share your ideas here:  ⁠Show suggestions If you want to ask Dr Sue a sex question for the weekly Q&A you can submit it here: Ask a question

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 health to condom compatibility and allergic reactions, we unzip the details that often get overlooked—but can make all the difference in comfort and safety. We also get into the nuance—why not all lubes work the same for every body, how preferences like texture and feel play a role, and what to avoid when you’re in a pinch (because not everything in your bathroom belongs anywhere near your body). This is a candid, judgment-free conversation about making informed choices, asking better questions, and normalizing something that never needed to be taboo in the first place. If you have a story, thoughts and/or a topic or question for Dr. Sue and Charlie please share your ideas here:  ⁠Show suggestions

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 what the prostate actually does to why prostate cancer can develop silently, we get clear on what every man—and everyone who loves one—should know. We talk about the reality that “no symptoms” doesn’t mean “no risk,” and why waiting for something to feel wrong can come at a cost. Dr. Burnett walks us through screening, who’s most at risk, and why factors like family history and race—particularly for Black men—matter more than many people realize. And this conversation goes beyond the clinical. We get into what happens after diagnosis—the treatment decisions, the impact on sexual function, and the often unspoken emotional weight men carry when their sense of identity and masculinity feels tied to their bodies in new ways. From medications to devices to surgical options, we unzip what support and recovery can actually look like—and why silence and stigma only make it harder. This is a candid conversation about advocacy, awareness, and showing up for your health before something forces you to. Because when it comes to prostate cancer, what you don’t feel can still matter—and what you don’t talk about can cost you. If you have a story, thoughts and/or a topic or question for Dr. Sue and Charlie please share your ideas here: ⁠⁠Show suggestions

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 shifts responsibility away from the men who violate women’s physical, emotional, and mental safety. This conversation is grounded in the reality of violence against women—stalking, physical violence, sexual assault—and the undercurrent of disbelief, stigma, and fear that keeps so much of it unreported and unspoken. Women are conditioned from childhood to be hypervigilant about our safety—and we carry that reality with us every single day. This isn’t just about awareness—it’s about responsibility. What does it look like to interrupt these patterns? Challenge harmful behavior, rethink the messages we pass down, and refuse to accept systems that were never built with women’s safety in mind. Because change happens in what we say, what we tolerate, and what we’re willing to confront. Because silence doesn’t just protect comfort—it protects the men responsible for this violence. If you’ve been a victim of sexual violence and need someone to talk to, RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline. You can also reach out to the National Domestic Violence hotline. Both hotlines are available  24/7. Check out one of the organizations working to change the culture of violence and harassment against women:  Hassl.UK If you have a story, thoughts and/or a topic or question for Dr. Sue and Charlie please share your ideas here:  ⁠Show suggestions

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 world where “private” doesn’t always stay that way. We talk about what consent really means when it comes to sharing intimate content, why outing someone—regardless of who they are—crosses a line, and how quickly media can turn personal expression into spectacle. From there, we zoom out. How do gender expectations shape the way we react to what people do in private—especially when men step outside traditional norms? Why is femininity still used as a punchline? Why are some behaviors pathologized, while others are quietly ignored? And who gets protected… versus exposed? We also take a hard look at media framing—how women are often pulled into narratives about men’s behavior, how headlines shift accountability, and how easily bias hides in plain sight. This is a conversation about privacy, power, consent, and the stories we tell about gender. No shame. No clickbait. Just a candid look at what’s underneath it all—and an invitation to start noticing it in the world around you. If you have a story, thoughts and/or a topic or question for Dr. Sue and Charlie please share your ideas here:  ⁠Show suggestions If you want to ask Dr Sue a sex question for the weekly Q&A you can submit it here: Ask a question

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, expectations, and social norms, and why these misconceptions keep popping up across generations. Along the way, we share practical tips for parents on talking about consent, boundaries, and healthy relationships without shame or judgment. From understanding emotional connections to navigating tricky social situations, this episode offers honest, eye-opening insights and a fresh perspective on casual sex, helping us separate myth from reality and rethink the stories we hear about young adults’ sexual lives. If you have a story, thoughts and/or a topic or question for Dr. Sue and Charlie please share your ideas here:  ⁠Show suggestions If you want to ask Dr Sue a sex question for the weekly Q&A you can submit it here: Ask a question

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, and the emerging threat of AI voice spoofing. Through real stories and practical examples, we share how to set boundaries, recognize red flags, and trust your instincts—so you can date confidently without letting fear take over. Along the way, we explore how technology is changing the way we connect, why awareness matters more than ever, and how simple habits and smart precautions can make online dating safer, more enjoyable, and more empowering. Whether you’re messaging, planning a date, or just curious about staying secure in the digital world, this episode gives you the tools to interact safely, confidently, and thoughtfully in today’s dating landscape. If you have a story, thoughts and/or a topic or question for Dr. Sue and Charlie please share your ideas here:  ⁠Show suggestions

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 with Shanti Moore, Birth Justice Training and Curriculum Coordinator at SisterSong, for a wide-ranging conversation about what reproductive justice truly means. Rooted in a framework developed by women of color, reproductive justice goes beyond healthcare — it examines how overlapping systems of oppression impact bodily autonomy, community safety, environmental conditions, voting access, and more. We discuss SisterSong’s RJ101 training, the evolution of their work since 1997, and the birth justice initiatives addressing disparities in maternal health outcomes for Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities. We also explore the vulnerability of pregnancy and postpartum care, the role of faith communities, and why implementing reproductive justice is a lifelong commitment grounded in education, grace, and collective action. As part of this year’s Podcasthon, we’re proud to amplify SisterSong’s mission — and we invite you to learn more, support their work, and join the ongoing effort to build systems where justice is not conditional, but guaranteed.  DONATE to SisterSong  To learn more about SisterSong, check out these links: SisterSong.net SisterSong - Become a Member  About SisterSong SisterSong RJ Training

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 conversations about care and connection. At the same time, we examine the lack of scientific grounding behind the concept and the ways it can oversimplify complex emotional and relational needs. We also discuss how turning intimacy into quizzes, categories, or checklists can miss the point of real relationships—where needs shift over time, communication is ongoing, and understanding requires adaptability, not labels. From the Platinum Rule (doing unto others as they would like done unto them) to the realities of neurodivergence, aging, illness, and changing capacities for things like touch, we explore why no single framework can fully capture how humans give and receive love. This conversation isn’t about throwing love languages out entirely—it’s about putting them in their place. As a starting point, not a rulebook. A tool, not a truth. And always secondary to curiosity, listening, and the willingness to keep learning your partner—again and again. If you have a story, thoughts and/or a topic or question for Dr. Sue and Charlie please share your ideas here:  ⁠Show suggestions