We live in a world where people are more digitally connected than ever, yet loneliness remains incredibly common. Most of us move through daily life surrounded by strangers while following an unspoken rule: don’t engage. In this episode, we’re exploring why humans are so socially cautious, but also why even brief conversations with strangers can meaningfully improve our happiness, health, and sense of connection.

My guest is Nicholas Epley [https://www.nicholasepley.com/],  the John Templeton Keller Distinguished Service Professor of Behavior Science, and Director of the Roman Family Center for Decision Research, at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. He is the author of Mindwise: How We Understand What Others Think, Believe, Feel, and Want [https://amzn.to/49hCHv9]. His latest book is A Little More Social: How Small Choices Create Unexpected Happiness, Health, and Connection. [https://amzn.to/49QIxUo]

Some of the specific topics we explore in this episode include:

 * Why are conversations with strangers usually better than we expect?
 * Do people really want to be left alone in public?
 * Why do small moments of connection matter so much?
 * How has technology changed everyday social interaction?
 * For people who want to be a little more social, what’s a good starting point?

You can visit Nicholas’ website [https://www.nicholasepley.com/] to learn more about his work.

Got a sex question? Send me a podcast voicemail to have it answered on a future episode at speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology. [http://speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology]

***

Thank you to our sponsors! 

This spring, give yourself the kind of comfort that lives with you all day — not just the moment you get home. Head to cozyearth.com [https://cozyearth.com] and use my code JUSTIN for an exclusive 20% off. 

If you’re looking for a dating experience where you can explore on your own terms, check out Feeld, a dating app for the curious. Go to feeld.co [https://feeld.co] or download Feeld on the App Store or Google Play.

***

Want to learn more about Sex and Psychology? Click here  [https://www.sexandpsychology.com/blog/]for previous articles or follow the blog on Facebook [http://www.facebook.com/psychologyofsex], Twitter [https://twitter.com/JustinLehmiller], or Bluesky [https://bsky.app/profile/justinlehmiller.bsky.social] to receive updates. You can also follow Dr. Lehmiller on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm8JQt7it3re8SypKf-mT2Q] and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/justinjlehmiller/].

Listen and stream all episodes on Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sex-and-psychology-podcast/id1505460817], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/6DCIGjOUaenoKdY71N7NqI], or Amazon [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/13619d2a-d69f-4d05-949b-5c1f19eb1995/Sex-and-Psychology-Podcast]. Subscribe to automatically receive new episodes and please rate and review the podcast!

Credits: 

Episode 504: Why We Avoid Connection (Even When We Crave It)

A lot of couples struggle to talk about sex because those conversations can feel incredibly vulnerable. And if the topic comes up at all, it’s often only when there’s a problem in the bedroom, which makes every discussion feel loaded with pressure, shame, defensiveness, or fear of rejection. In today’s episode, we’ll discuss how couples can communicate about intimacy in healthier and more productive ways.

I am joined once again by Michelle Fischler [https://www.michellefischler.ca/], an ASTO Certified Sex Therapist with over a decade of clinical experience. She is also the founder of GETSOME [https://getsome.ca/], a platform and podcast dedicated to dissolving sexual shame. Her new book is titled Coming Soon: The Unshaming Guide to Early Ejaculation and Lasting Longer [https://amzn.to/4tDUlAF].

Some of the specific topics we explore include:

 * Why do conversations about sex feel so vulnerable?
 * How can couples make talking about sex feel less high-stakes?
 * How does shame complicate sexual communication?
 * What mistakes do couples make when discussing intimacy problems?
 * What helps partners feel safer talking about sex?

You can check out Michelle’s website [https://www.michellefischler.ca/] to learn more about her work and follow her on the socials at @getsome_podcast [https://www.instagram.com/getsome_podcast/]

Got a sex question? Send me a podcast voicemail to have it answered on a future episode at speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology. [http://speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology]

***

Thank you to our sponsors! 

Load Boost is a supplement designed to improve the taste, volume, and overall health of your semen. If you want to elevate your sexual performance, check out Load Boost from VB Health. Visit vb.health [https://vb.health/discount/Justin?utm_source=sexandpsychology] to learn more and save 10% with code JUSTIN.

The Kinsey Institute is where the world turns to understand sex and relationships. You can help continue its expert-led research by donating to the Kinsey Institute Research Fund. Learn more and make a donation here: https://give.myiu.org/centers-institutes/I380010749.html  [https://give.myiu.org/centers-institutes/I380010749.html]

***

Want to learn more about Sex and Psychology? Click here  [https://www.sexandpsychology.com/blog/]for previous articles or follow the blog on Facebook [http://www.facebook.com/psychologyofsex], Twitter [https://twitter.com/JustinLehmiller], or Bluesky [https://bsky.app/profile/justinlehmiller.bsky.social] to receive updates. You can also follow Dr. Lehmiller on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm8JQt7it3re8SypKf-mT2Q] and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/justinjlehmiller/].

Listen and stream all episodes on Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sex-and-psychology-podcast/id1505460817], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/6DCIGjOUaenoKdY71N7NqI], or Amazon [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/13619d2a-d69f-4d05-949b-5c1f19eb1995/Sex-and-Psychology-Podcast]. Subscribe to automatically receive new episod

Episode 503: Why Sexual Communication Feels So Hard

When people talk about premature ejaculation, the conversation is usually framed around performance: lasting longer, gaining control, or somehow “fixing” the problem. But what if we’ve been thinking about this issue all wrong? In today’s episode, we explore a different way of understanding early ejaculation that’s less rooted less in performance and more in the nervous system, anxiety, shame, and body awareness.

My guest is Michelle Fischler, [https://www.michellefischler.ca/] an ASTO Certified Sex Therapist with over a decade of clinical experience. She is also the founder of GETSOME [https://getsome.ca/], a platform and podcast dedicated to dissolving sexual shame. Her new book is titled Coming Soon: The Unshaming Guide to Early Ejaculation and Lasting Longer [https://amzn.to/4tDUlAF].

Some of the specific topics we explore in this episode include:

 * What counts as early ejaculation?
 * Why isn’t early ejaculation just a performance problem?
 * How can breath help regulate arousal?
 * What can solo practice teach us about arousal and pleasure?
 * How can couples approach early ejaculation as a team?

You can check out Michelle’s website [https://www.michellefischler.ca/] to learn more about her work and follow her on the socials at @getsome_podcast [https://www.instagram.com/getsome_podcast/]

Got a sex question? Send me a podcast voicemail to have it answered on a future episode at speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology. [http://speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology]

***

Thank you to our sponsors! 

If you’re looking for a dating experience where you can explore on your own terms, check out Feeld, a dating app for the curious. Go to feeld.co [https://feeld.co] or download Feeld on the App Store or Google Play.

Load Boost is a supplement designed to improve the taste, volume, and overall health of your semen. If you want to elevate your sexual performance, check out Load Boost from VB Health. Visit vb.health [https://vb.health/discount/Justin?utm_source=sexandpsychology] to learn more and save 10% with code JUSTIN.

Passionate about building a career in sexuality? Check out the Sexual Health Alliance. With SHA, you’ll connect with world-class experts and join an engaged community of sexuality professionals from around the world. Visit SexualHealthAlliance.com [http://sexualhealthalliance.com/] and start building the sexuality career of your dreams today.

***

Want to learn more about Sex and Psychology? Click here  [https://www.sexandpsychology.com/blog/]for previous articles or follow the blog on Facebook [http://www.facebook.com/psychologyofsex], Twitter [https://twitter.com/JustinLehmiller], or Bluesky [https://bsky.app/profile/justinlehmiller.bsky.social] to receive updates. You can also follow Dr. Lehmiller on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm8JQt7it3re8SypKf-mT2Q] and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/justinjlehmiller/].

Listen and stream all episodes on Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sex-and-psychology-podcast/id1505460817], 

Episode 502: Rethinking Premature Ejaculation

To celebrate Masturbation Month, we’re sharing a compilation of clips about self-pleasure. Masturbation Month traces back to 1995, when U.S. Surgeon General Joycelyn Elders stated that masturbation is a natural part of human sexuality and should perhaps be included in sex education. The political backlash ultimately led to her firing, and May 14 was later declared National Masturbation Day in her honor—a movement that eventually expanded into Masturbation Month.

In this episode, we’re exploring the history and science of self-pleasure. Featured guests include Dr. Eric Sprankle [https://www.sexandpsychology.com/blog/podcast/episode-96-the-wonderfully-weird-history-and-science-of-masturbation/], Marie Aoyama [https://www.sexandpsychology.com/blog/podcast/episode-36-the-magic-of-masturbation/] from TENGA, professor Carole Hooven [https://www.sexandpsychology.com/blog/podcast/episode-47-the-truth-about-testosterone/], urologist Joshua Gonzalez [https://www.sexandpsychology.com/blog/podcast/episode-61-no-nut-november-and-the-science-of-masturbation/], sleep researcher Michele Lastella [https://www.sexandpsychology.com/blog/podcast/episode-101-want-better-sex-get-better-sleep/], and sex therapist Emily Jamea [https://www.sexandpsychology.com/blog/podcast/episode-93-tips-for-having-the-best-sex-ever/].

Some of the specific topics we address include:

 * How have attitudes toward masturbation changed over time?
 * What do people fantasize about during masturbation?
 * Does avoiding sex and masturbation boost athletic performance?
 * How can we build a healthier relationship with self-pleasure?
 * Can masturbation help you fall asleep faster?

Got a sex question? Send me a podcast voicemail to have it answered on a future episode at speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology. [http://speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology]

***

Thank you to our sponsors! 

Level-up your bedroom skills with Beducated [https://beduc.at/pd2620-lehmiller]. Featuring more than 150 online courses taught by the experts, Beducated brings pleasure-based sex ed directly into your bedroom. Kick off your journey by taking Beducated’s Quiz to get your personalized roadmap to sexual happiness at https://beduc.at/pd2620-lehmiller

Why do we love who we love? Why do some relationships thrive while others fall apart? In The Intimate Animal [https://amzn.to/3Mrx8Cg], Dr. Justin Garcia explores the science of attraction, intimacy, and love by blending cutting-edge research with real-world insight. 

***

Want to learn more about Sex and Psychology? Click here  [https://www.sexandpsychology.com/blog/]for previous articles or follow the blog on Facebook [http://www.facebook.com/psychologyofsex], Twitter [https://twitter.com/JustinLehmiller], or Bluesky [https://bsky.app/profile/justinlehmiller.bsky.social] to receive updates. You can also follow Dr. Lehmiller on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm8JQt7it3re8SypKf-mT2Q] and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/justinjlehmiller/].

Listen and stream all episodes on 

Episode 501: Masturbation Myths and the Science of Self-Pleasure

Most of us know the basics of sex, but having truly great sex is another story. Today, we’re revisiting one of my favorite conversations from the archives about increasing sexual pleasure, deepening intimacy, and making sex more satisfying for everyone involved.

My guest is Dr. Emily Jamea [https://emilyjamea.com/?srsltid=AfmBOop8Xj1RyR7Mx7i_8vyzkdS-A8iY83gzDx0f8G7NOSw-6f7F3b_7], an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist and author of the book Anatomy of Desire: 5 Secrets to Lasting Intimacy. [https://amzn.to/4tprgbN]

Some of the topics we explore include:

 * How can changing up your masturbation routine enhance pleasure and partnered sex?
 * What are some tips for better oral sex?
 * How can you make intercourse and anal sex more pleasurable?
 * What increases the odds of mutual orgasm?
 * Why is it important to step outside your sexual comfort zone sometimes?

To learn more about Emily, visit her website at emilyjamea.com. [https://emilyjamea.com/]

Got a sex question? Send me a podcast voicemail to have it answered on a future episode at speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology. [http://speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology]

***

Thank you to our sponsors! 

If you’re looking for a dating experience where you can explore on your own terms, check out Feeld, a dating app for the curious. Go to feeld.co [https://feeld.co] or download Feeld on the App Store or Google Play.

This spring, give yourself the kind of comfort that lives with you all day — not just the moment you get home. Head to cozyearth.com [https://cozyearth.com] and use my code JUSTIN for an exclusive 20% off. 

Passionate about building a career in sexuality? Check out the Sexual Health Alliance. With SHA, you’ll connect with world-class experts and join an engaged community of sexuality professionals from around the world. Visit SexualHealthAlliance.com [http://sexualhealthalliance.com/] and start building the sexuality career of your dreams today.

***

Want to learn more about Sex and Psychology? Click here  [https://www.sexandpsychology.com/blog/]for previous articles or follow the blog on Facebook [http://www.facebook.com/psychologyofsex], Twitter [https://twitter.com/JustinLehmiller], or Bluesky [https://bsky.app/profile/justinlehmiller.bsky.social] to receive updates. You can also follow Dr. Lehmiller on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm8JQt7it3re8SypKf-mT2Q] and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/justinjlehmiller/].

Listen and stream all episodes on Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sex-and-psychology-podcast/id1505460817], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/6DCIGjOUaenoKdY71N7NqI], or Amazon [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/13619d2a-d69f-4d05-949b-5c1f19eb1995/Sex-and-Psychology-Podcast]. Subscribe to automatically receive new episodes and please rate and review the podcast!

Credits: Precision Podcasting [https://precisionpodcasting.com/] (Podcast editing) and Shutterstock/Florian (Music). Image created with Canva; photos used with permission of gues

Episode 500: How To Have Amazing Sex (Essential Listen)

In the last episode, we explored how trauma shapes our relationships, intimacy, and emotional patterns. But the bigger question is: what do we do with that insight, and how do we start building healthier ways of connecting? Today, we’re talking about healing, supportive partnership, and what moving forward can actually look like after trauma.

I am joined once again by Dr. Heather MacIntosh [https://www.drheathermacintosh.com/], a psychoanalyst and clinical psychologist, Associate Professor, and Director of the Couple and Family Therapy Clinic at McGill University. She is author of the books Healing Broken Bonds: A Couples Workbook for Complex Trauma [https://amzn.to/4cOULPn] and Developmental Couple Therapy for Complex Trauma: a Manual for Therapists [https://amzn.to/48AT8m2]. She also hosts the podcast Healing Broken Bonds [https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/introducing-healing-broken-bonds/id1813452083?i=1000706995111].

Some of the specific topics we explore in this episode include:

 * How can relationships become a space for healing after trauma?
 * What are the first steps to addressing trauma in a healthy way?
 * How do you talk about trauma with a partner?
 * What does it mean to truly support a partner with a trauma history?
 * How can couples rebuild safety, intimacy, and pleasure after trauma?

You can visit Heather’s website [https://www.drheathermacintosh.com/] to learn more about her work.

Got a sex question? Send me a podcast voicemail to have it answered on a future episode at speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology. [http://speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology]

***

Thank you to our sponsors! 

If you’re ready to ditch the shady stuff and choose a libido supplement that’s effective and that you can feel confident about, it’s time to check out Drive Boost. Visit vb.health [https://vb.health/discount/Justin?utm_source=sexandpsychology] and use code JUSTIN for 10% off. 

If you’re looking to gain a broad understanding of human sexuality or refresh your knowledge, check out the upcoming Human Sexuality Intensive courses at the Kinsey Institute: https://kinseyinstitute.org/learning/human-sexuality-intensive.html  [https://kinseyinstitute.org/learning/human-sexuality-intensive.html]

***

Want to learn more about Sex and Psychology? Click here  [https://www.sexandpsychology.com/blog/]for previous articles or follow the blog on Facebook [http://www.facebook.com/psychologyofsex], Twitter [https://twitter.com/JustinLehmiller], or Bluesky [https://bsky.app/profile/justinlehmiller.bsky.social] to receive updates. You can also follow Dr. Lehmiller on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm8JQt7it3re8SypKf-mT2Q] and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/justinjlehmiller/].

Listen and stream all episodes on Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sex-and-psychology-podcast/id1505460817], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/6DCIGjOUaenoKdY71N7NqI], or

Episode 499: Navigating Love and Relationships After Trauma

“Trauma” is a word you hear everywhere today, from social media to conversations about dating and relationships. But in psychology, it has a more precise meaning, and understanding it can help explain the patterns we see in how we think, feel, and connect. In this episode, we explore how trauma shows up in our relationships and sex lives.

My guest is Dr. Heather MacIntosh [https://www.drheathermacintosh.com/], a psychoanalyst and clinical psychologist, Associate Professor, and Director of the Couple and Family Therapy Clinic at McGill University. She is author of the books Healing Broken Bonds: A Couples Workbook for Complex Trauma [https://amzn.to/4cOULPn] and Developmental Couple Therapy for Complex Trauma: a Manual for Therapists [https://amzn.to/48AT8m2]. She also hosts the podcast Healing Broken Bonds [https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/introducing-healing-broken-bonds/id1813452083?i=1000706995111].

Some of the specific topics we explore in this episode include:

 * What does trauma mean in a clinical sense?
 * What happens in the brain and body when someone experiences trauma?
 * How does trauma show up in our intimate lives and relationships?
 * Why doesn’t trauma affect everyone the same way?
 * How can trauma affect sexual arousal and desire?

You can visit Heather’s website [https://www.drheathermacintosh.com/] to learn more about her work.

Got a sex question? Send me a podcast voicemail to have it answered on a future episode at speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology. [http://speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology]

***

Thank you to our sponsors! 

If you’re looking for a dating experience where you can explore on your own terms, check out Feeld, a dating app for the curious. Go to feeld.co [https://feeld.co] or download Feeld on the App Store or Google Play.

If you’re ready to ditch the shady stuff and choose a libido supplement that’s effective and that you can feel confident about, it’s time to check out Drive Boost. Visit vb.health [https://vb.health/discount/Justin?utm_source=sexandpsychology] and use code JUSTIN for 10% off. 

Passionate about building a career in sexuality? Check out the Sexual Health Alliance. With SHA, you’ll connect with world-class experts and join an engaged community of sexuality professionals from around the world. Visit SexualHealthAlliance.com [http://sexualhealthalliance.com/] and start building the sexuality career of your dreams today.

***

Want to learn more about Sex and Psychology? Click here  [https://www.sexandpsychology.com/blog/]for previous articles or follow the blog on Facebook [http://www.facebook.com/psychologyofsex], Twitter [https://twitter.com/JustinLehmiller], or Bluesky [https://bsky.app/profile/justinlehmiller.bsky.social] to receive updates. You can also follow Dr. Lehmiller on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm8JQt7it3re8SypKf-mT2Q] and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/justinjlehmiller/].

Listen and stream all episodes on 

Episode 498: The Hidden Ways Trauma Shows Up In Relationships

More cosmetic surgeries are performed on the chest than almost anywhere else on the body, with breast implants leading the way. Not long ago, “bigger is better” defined the ideal, but we’re seeing a shift toward smaller, more natural results. So what’s driving that change? Today, we’re diving into the world of chest surgery, and what it reveals about beauty, power, and the making of the “ideal” breast.

I am joined once again by Sarah Thornton [https://www.sarah-thornton.com/], a sociologist, non-fiction writer, and author of four critically acclaimed books. Thornton’s most widely read book is Seven Days in the Art World [https://amzn.to/4n1E86v], which is translated into over 20 languages. Her latest is titled, Tits Up: The Top Half of Women’s Liberation [https://amzn.to/4mRfoOh], which explores the significance of breasts across radically different social worlds.

Some of the specific topics we explore include:

 * How common are breast implants today?
 * How have aesthetic goals shifted over time?
 * What shapes patient preferences in augmentation?
 * Are there cross-cultural differences in breast augmentation?
 * How do augmentation, reconstruction, and reduction differ in purpose and meaning?

Check out Sarah’s website [https://www.sarah-thornton.com/] to learn more about her work.

Got a sex question? Send me a podcast voicemail to have it answered on a future episode at speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology. [http://speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology]

***

Thank you to our sponsors! 

If you’re looking to gain a broad understanding of human sexuality or refresh your knowledge, check out the upcoming Human Sexuality Intensive courses at the Kinsey Institute: https://kinseyinstitute.org/learning/human-sexuality-intensive.html  [https://kinseyinstitute.org/learning/human-sexuality-intensive.html]

***

Want to learn more about Sex and Psychology? Click here  [https://www.sexandpsychology.com/blog/]for previous articles or follow the blog on Facebook [http://www.facebook.com/psychologyofsex], Twitter [https://twitter.com/JustinLehmiller], or Bluesky [https://bsky.app/profile/justinlehmiller.bsky.social] to receive updates. You can also follow Dr. Lehmiller on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm8JQt7it3re8SypKf-mT2Q] and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/justinjlehmiller/].

Listen and stream all episodes on Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sex-and-psychology-podcast/id1505460817], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/6DCIGjOUaenoKdY71N7NqI], or Amazon [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/13619d2a-d69f-4d05-949b-5c1f19eb1995/Sex-and-Psychology-Podcast]. Subscribe to automatically receive new episodes and please rate and review the podcast!

Credits: Precision Podcasting [https://precisionpodcasting.com/] (Podcast editing) and Shutterstock/Florian (Music). Image created with Canva; photos used with permission of guest.

Episode 497: Inside The World Of Breast Implants And Chest Surgery

You might think that breasts are inherently sexual and that humans have always eroticized them. Historically, however, breasts haven’t always been seen this way, and even today, breasts are barely sexualized in some cultures. In today’s episode, we’re looking at the fascinating story behind how breasts became eroticized, and how the cultural meaning of breasts has changed over time.

My guest is Sarah Thornton [https://www.sarah-thornton.com/], a sociologist, non-fiction writer, and author of four critically acclaimed books. Thornton’s most widely read book is Seven Days in the Art World [https://amzn.to/4n1E86v], which is translated into over 20 languages. Her latest is titled, Tits Up: The Top Half of Women’s Liberation [https://amzn.to/4mRfoOh], which explores the significance of breasts across radically different social worlds.

Some of the specific topics we explore include:

 * How did decoupling breasts from feeding make them more erotic?
 * What role did infant formula play in that shift?
 * Historically, was breast sexualization partly a privilege of wealth?
 * How do culture and concealment shape what we eroticize?
 * Why is the nipple where we draw the line?

Check out Sarah’s website [https://www.sarah-thornton.com/] to learn more about her work.

Got a sex question? Send me a podcast voicemail to have it answered on a future episode at speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology. [http://speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology]

***

Thank you to our sponsors! 

Let this Mother’s Day be a reminder that she deserves care, too. Discover how Cozy Earth turns everyday routines into moments of softness and ease. Head to cozyearth.com [https://cozyearth.com] and use my code JUSTIN for an exclusive 20% off. 

Passionate about building a career in sexuality? Check out the Sexual Health Alliance. With SHA, you’ll connect with world-class experts and join an engaged community of sexuality professionals from around the world. Visit SexualHealthAlliance.com [http://sexualhealthalliance.com/] and start building the sexuality career of your dreams today.

***

Want to learn more about Sex and Psychology? Click here  [https://www.sexandpsychology.com/blog/]for previous articles or follow the blog on Facebook [http://www.facebook.com/psychologyofsex], Twitter [https://twitter.com/JustinLehmiller], or Bluesky [https://bsky.app/profile/justinlehmiller.bsky.social] to receive updates. You can also follow Dr. Lehmiller on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm8JQt7it3re8SypKf-mT2Q] and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/justinjlehmiller/].

Listen and stream all episodes on Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sex-and-psychology-podcast/id1505460817], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/6DCIGjOUaenoKdY71N7NqI], or Amazon [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/13619d2a-d69f-4d05-949b-5c1f19eb1995/Sex-and-Psychology-Podcast]. Subscribe to automatically receive new episodes and please rate and review the podcast!

Credits: Precision Podcasting [https://precisionpodcasting.com/] (Podcast edit

Episode 496: How Breasts Became Erotic – The Surprising History

A lot of people believe that if you’re in the “right” relationship, you shouldn’t fight. They think that conflict means something is wrong or that you’re incompatible. However conflict isn’t a failure—it’s inevitable. In today’s episode, we’re rethinking what conflict really means and how to navigate it in healthier, more constructive ways.

I am joined once again by Dr. Sara Nasserzadeh [https://www.sara-nasserzadeh.com/], an award-winning social psychologist, TED Speaker, and relationship expert. Her latest book, Love by Design: 6 Ingredients to Build a Lifetime of Love [https://amzn.to/4cSk8j9], introduces the Emergent Love Model, a framework born from research with hundreds of couples across 41 countries.

Some of the specific topics we explore in this episode include:

 * Is it true that happy couples don’t fight?
 * How can conflict avoidance be an even bigger problem than frequent conflict?
 * Why is it important to think about conflict as a disagreement rather than a fight?
 * How can couples navigate mismatches in their conflict style?
 * What does “healthy conflict” look like in practice?

Learn more about Dr. Sara Nasserzadeh at www.Sara-Nasserzadeh.com [http://www.sara-nasserzadeh.com/] and join her online community here [https://thecommonground.substack.com/] and follow her on Instagram here [https://www.instagram.com/dr.saranasserzadeh/?hl=en]. 

Got a sex question? Send me a podcast voicemail to have it answered on a future episode at speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology. [http://speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology]

***

Thank you to our sponsors! 

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If you’re looking to gain a broad understanding of human sexuality or refresh your knowledge, check out the upcoming Human Sexuality Intensive courses at the Kinsey Institute: https://kinseyinstitute.org/learning/human-sexuality-intensive.html  [https://kinseyinstitute.org/learning/human-sexuality-intensive.html]

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Want to learn more about Sex and Psychology? Click here  [https://www.sexandpsychology.com/blog/]for previous articles or follow the blog on Facebook [http://www.facebook.com/psychologyofsex], Twitter [https://twitter.com/JustinLehmiller], or Bluesky [https://bsky.app/profile/justinlehmiller.bsky.social] to receive updates. You can also follow Dr. Lehmiller on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm8JQt7it3re8SypKf-mT2Q] and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/justinjlehmiller/].

Listen and stream all episodes on Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sex-and-psychology-podcast/id1505460817], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/6DCIGjOUaenoKdY71N7NqI], or

Episode 495: Why Even Happy Couples Fight (And How To Do It Right)

The Sex and Psychology Podcast is the sex ed you never got in school—and won’t
find anywhere else. Kinsey Institute researcher Dr. Justin Lehmiller takes you
on a journey through the psychology of sex and relationships, offering practical
tips along the way that can help you take your intimate life to the next level.
Learn more on Dr. Lehmiller’s blog at sexandpsychology.com