We've never had a podcast episode quick like this one! (Mature content warning)
Sex and relationship expert Dr. Tara is here to help us turn up the intimacy in our relationships, leading to better mental health and overall wellbeing. Dr. Tara is not only a tenured professor of sexual and relational communication at California State University Fullerton, she’s an author of Sexual Communication: Research in Action, an award-winning sex researcher, host of the Luvbites by Dr. Tara podcast, and resident sex expert on the popular British dating show, Celebs Go Dating.
She’s also the #1 sex educator on TikTok!
Sexual Health x Mental Health: Dr. Tara Explores Parallels Between Intimacy & Personal Wellbeing
Today she shares how to communicate your desires with your partner and how to become more sexually powerful. Our conversation helps break the stigma around women being sexually explorative, uncovers the root of why many of us feel sexually repressed, and reveals common issues people in and out of relationships face in their sex lives.
She also gifts us with specific practices and strategies for strengthening your personal sexual experience while reigniting intimacy in your long term relationship.
Dr. Tara pulls back the curtain on why it’s so important to have a healthy sex life for your mental health and what the research shows about how being sexually satisfied influences your overall happiness. We also go through some listener questions about overcoming cheating in a relationship and how to start conversations about sex with your partner. This one might make you blush but you’ll also walk away with valuable insight for improving intimacy and connection in your relationship!
This episode of The Big Silence is sponsored by Clearstem. Visit clearstemskincare.com and use code THEBIGSILENCE for 15% off your order! In doing so, 15% of your purchase will also be donated to The Big Silence Foundation to support mental health programs.
(00:02:36) Exploring Sexual Health & Empowerment
- From a restrictive upbringing to a certified sexologist
- Most common sexual issues
- The truth about orgasms (for women)
- How sexual pleasure intertwines with your physical and mental health
- How trauma impacts sexual difficulties in adulthood
- Confronting the stigma around exploring your sexuality
(00:13:31) How to Reignite Intimacy in A Long-Term Relationship
- What’s a healthy sex ratio if you’re in a long-term relationship?
- How to increase attraction and emotional intimacy
- Increasing intimacy with combination sexual activities
- Common desires and kinks people hide from their partners
- Normalizing the 7-year hump
(00:24:26) Confronting Insecurities, The Stigma Around Pleasure & Sexual Compatibility
- Practices for dealing with body image insecurities
- Pulling the curtain back on sexual meditation
- YouTube: Luvbites by Dr. Tara
- Revealing satisfaction science behind sexual compatibility
- Benefits of masturbation for your mental health and sexual confidence
(00:30:10) Dr. Tara Answers: Are You Sexually Compatible?
- What to do if your partner is moving at a different pace
- Overcoming cheating: Can you move on and how long does it take?
- How to curb the temptation of stepping out on your marriage
- Top reasons why people cheat
- The #1 tip for improving your sex life
- How to start conversations about sex with your partner
Guest Info:
- Website: luvbites.co
- Instagram: @luvbites.co
- YouTube: Luvbites by Dr. Tara
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- Therapy For All: Resources for those in need
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“The Big Silence” theme song written and performed by James Nicholas Kinney.
Producer, Bobby Goldstein.
