As many as 1 in 5 adults have visited an erotic camsite. However, the appeal of these sites goes far beyond sexual gratification. A new study of camsite users finds that they are often looking for emotional connection and fulfillment, too. But are they actually finding it? In today’s show, we’re diving into the data and exploring whether intimacy is really an experience that can be commodified.

I’m joined once again by Ellen Kaufman [https://www.amandagesselman.com/vibes-research-team], a Senior Research Associate at the Kinsey Institute. Her research focuses on the intersection of sexuality and technology, exploring how our relationships and overall sexual and emotional wellbeing are shaped by new modalities of connection.

Some of the specific topics we explore include:

 * How is a camsite different from a traditional porn site?
 * Who are the primary visitors of camsites?
 * To what extent do users feel emotional bonds with cam models?
 * Can we develop authentic intimacy in a transactional setting?

You can check out the website for the VIBES research team [https://www.amandagesselman.com/vibes-research-team] to learn more about Ellen’s 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! 

A bad mattress can ruin your intimate life. If you want to upgrade your sleep, check out Brooklyn Bedding, where you can try a 120-night comfort trial. Go to brooklynbedding.com [https://brooklynbedding.com/] and use my promo code JUSTIN at checkout to get 30% off sitewide. 

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/] and use code JUSTIN for 10% off.

***

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], Google [https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubGVobWlsbGVyLmNvbS9wb2RjYXN0P2Zvcm1hdD1yc3M?hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiomerUw8vrAhXvAJ0JHb06CjgQ4aUDegQIARAC], 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 421: Digital Intimacy and the Rise of Erotic Camsites

Everyone is talking about how artificial intelligence (AI) is going to fundamentally change almost every aspect of our lives, and that includes our intimate lives. So in today’s show, we’re going to explore the impact that AI is already having on the world of dating and relationships and whether it’s helping or hurting our chances of finding lasting love.

I am joined by Ellen Kaufman [https://www.amandagesselman.com/vibes-research-team], a Senior Research Associate at the Kinsey Institute. Her research focuses on the intersection of sexuality and technology, exploring how our relationships and overall sexual and emotional wellbeing are shaped by new modalities of connection.

Some of the specific topics we explore include:

 * How many singles are currently using AI to boost their dating odds?
 * In what ways are people using AI to help them date?
 * Is AI going to ruin dating or make it better?
 * How many people have sought an AI romantic companion?
 * What’s the appeal of an AI companion? Can AI actually provide emotional fulfillment?

You can check out the website for the VIBES research team [https://www.amandagesselman.com/vibes-research-team] to learn more about Ellen’s 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 libido supplement that’s effective and that you can feel confident about, it’s time to check out Drive Boost by VB Health. Visit vb.health [https://vb.health/] and use code JUSTIN for 10% off.

A bad mattress can be bad for your intimate life. If you want to upgrade your sleep, check out Brooklyn Bedding, where you can try a 120-night comfort trial. Go to brooklynbedding.com [https://brooklynbedding.com/] and use my promo code JUSTIN at checkout to get 30% off sitewide. 

***

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], Google [https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubGVobWlsbGVyLmNvbS9wb2RjYXN0P2Zvcm1hdD1yc3M?hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiomerUw8vrAhXvAJ0JHb06CjgQ4aUDegQIARAC], 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 420: How AI is Changing Dating

A lot of the advice we hear about setting boundaries is just plain wrong. So in today’s show, we’re going to explore what you need to know about setting healthy boundaries. We’re also going to discuss why boundaries aren’t just important in our romantic and sexual relationships, but in all of the other relationships we have in our lives, too.

I am joined once again by KC Davis [https://www.strugglecare.com/about], the bestselling author of How to Keep House While Drowning [https://amzn.to/40CoBjJ]. A licensed therapist, she is the creator of the popular Struggle Care website [https://www.strugglecare.com/] and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/strugglecare/?hl=en], and the Domestic Blisters TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@domesticblisters?lang=en]. Her latest book is titled Who Deserves Your Love: How To Create Boundaries to Start, Strengthen, or End Any Relationship. [https://amzn.to/4lKUOh3]

Some of the specific topics we explore include:

 * What do people often get wrong about setting boundaries?
 * How can you establish and communicate about your boundaries more effectively?
 * How do we navigate feelings of hurt when it comes to boundary setting?
 * What’s the problem with being a people-pleaser?
 * How can we maintain boundaried relationships with someone who’s underfunctioning?

You can check out KC’s website [https://www.strugglecare.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! 

Boost your sexual confidence and performance with Popstar Delay Spray. Save 20% off your first order by using “Justin” as the discount code at popstarlabs.com/justin [https://www.popstarlabs.com/?utm_source=influencers&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=justin]. 

The Kinsey Institute at Indiana University has been a trusted source for scientific knowledge and research on critical issues in sexuality, gender, and reproduction for over 75 years. Be sure to register for the Sex and Aging Symposium [https://events.iu.edu/kinsey/event/2025-kisis-sex-and-aging], [https://events.iu.edu/kinsey/event/the-new-science-of-sexual-fantasies] which will take place on October 4, 2025.

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 419: How To Set Boundaries In Relationships

Are good relationships supposed to be easy or hard? Is codependency inherently bad? Do you really need to love yourself before you can accept love from others? In today’s show, we’re talking about common things that people get wrong about romantic relationships.

I am joined by KC Davis [https://www.strugglecare.com/about], the bestselling author of How to Keep House While Drowning [https://amzn.to/40CoBjJ]. A licensed therapist, she is the creator of the popular Struggle Care website [https://www.strugglecare.com/] and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/strugglecare/?hl=en], and the Domestic Blisters TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@domesticblisters?lang=en]. Her latest book is titled Who Deserves Your Love: How To Create Boundaries to Start, Strengthen, or End Any Relationship. [https://amzn.to/4lKUOh3]

Some of the specific topics we explore include:

 * Why do we need to think differently about codependency?
 * Are romantic relationships really more valuable than non-romantic ones?
 * How do we walk the tightrope of not demanding too much, but not asking for too little in our relationships?
 * In relationships, how can you tell the difference between screw-ups, mistreatment, and abuse?
 * Why do people often take good relationship advice and apply it incorrectly?

You can check out KC’s website [https://www.strugglecare.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! 

Expand your sexual horizons with Beducated [https://beducate.me/hot-summer]! Featuring more than 100 online courses taught by the experts, Beducated brings pleasure-based sex ed directly into your bedroom. Enjoy a free trial today and get 60% off their yearly pass by using LEHMILLER as the coupon code. To redeem this offer, visit: https://beducate.me/hot-summer

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], Google [https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubGVobWlsbGVyLmNvbS9wb2RjYXN0P2Zvcm1hdD1yc3M?hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiomerUw8vrAhXvAJ0JHb06CjgQ4aUDegQIARAC], or 

Episode 418: Common Relationship Myths, Debunked

In today’s show, we’re exploring how kink and BDSM can potentially be therapeutic to persons with ADHD. Research finds that kink can help provide a supportive dynamic to people with ADHD through addressing sensory integration needs and cultivating an environment that reduces distractions and enhances attentional focus.

I am joined once again by Dr. Leann Borneman [https://www.bornemancoaching.com/about-me], a licensed clinical social worker, AASECT certified sex therapist, professor, and clinical sexology researcher. She specializes in the intersection of ADHD, relationships, and sexuality. Leann runs the podcast ADHD Realities [https://www.bornemancoaching.com/podcast] and is currently writing a book on ADHD and low sexual desire.

Some of the specific topics we explore include:

 * In what ways can kink enhance sex for persons with ADHD?
 * How can BDSM help people who might have sensory sensitivities?
 * In what ways can scene negotiation help people with ADHD in terms of attention management?
 * Why is there a link between neurodivergence and kinky interests more broadly?
 * What can all of us learn from kinksters in terms of having better sex?

You can check out Leann’s website [https://www.bornemancoaching.com/] to learn more.

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! 

Boost your sexual confidence and performance with Popstar Delay Spray. Save 20% off your first order by using “Justin” as the discount code at popstarlabs.com/justin [https://www.popstarlabs.com/?utm_source=influencers&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=justin]. 

Join leading researchers and experts for insightful presentations and discussions on the evolving landscape of sex and aging at the Kinsey Institute Sex and Aging Symposium [https://events.iu.edu/kinsey/event/2025-kisis-sex-and-aging] on October 4. Both online and in-person attendance options are available. 

***

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], Google [https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubGVobWlsbGVyLmNvbS9wb2RjYXN0P2Zvcm1hdD1yc3M?hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiomerUw8vrAhXvAJ0JHb06CjgQ4aUDegQIARAC], 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 417: The Connection Between ADHD And Kink

How does ADHD affect women’s sexual and romantic relationships? In this episode, we’ll explore some of the most common issues that come up in the bedroom for women with ADHD, the problem with only relying on medication to help, as well as what women with ADHD and their partners need to know about cultivating supportive environments that are more conducive to pleasure.

I am joined by Dr. Leann Borneman [https://www.bornemancoaching.com/about-me], a licensed clinical social worker, AASECT certified sex therapist, professor, and clinical sexology researcher. She specializes in the intersection of ADHD, relationships, and sexuality. Leann runs the podcast ADHD Realities [https://www.bornemancoaching.com/podcast] and is currently writing a book on ADHD and low sexual desire.

Some of the specific topics we explore include:

 * How common is it for women to have ADHD?
 * Why is ADHD typically diagnosed so much later in women than men?
 * What are the most common sex problems that women with ADHD experience?
 * What is “executive dysfunction” and how does it contribute to low desire?
 * What are some ways women with ADHD can approach sex so that it works with their brains, and not against them?

You can check out Leann’s website [https://www.bornemancoaching.com/] to learn more about her.

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! 

Expand your sexual horizons with Beducated [https://beducate.me/july-justin]! Featuring more than 100 online courses taught by the experts, Beducated brings pleasure-based sex ed directly into your bedroom. Enjoy a free trial today and get 50% off their yearly pass by using LEHMILLER as the coupon code. To redeem this offer, visit: https://beducate.me/july-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.

Practice love every day with Paired, the #1 app for couples. Download the app at paired.com/justin [https://www.paired.com/partners/justin?utm_source=influencers&utm_medium=paid_influencer&utm_campaign=justin&utm_term=podcast] to get a 7-day free trial and 25% off if you sign up for a subscription.

***

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], 

Episode 416: How ADHD Affects Women In The Bedroom

Let’s talk about dick pics. A lot of guys send these without even asking. In today’s show, we’re going to dive into the data and explore how many men have ever sent an unsolicited dick pic and why, how these photos are perceived by recipients, as well as what you need to know about sexting if you really want to connect with someone.

My guests today are Dr. Cory Pederson and Amanda Champion. Cory [https://www.orgasmresearchlab.com/dr-cory-pedersen] is the Lab Director and Principal Investigator of the ORGASM Lab [https://www.orgasmresearchlab.com/]. She also teaches human sexuality courses at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU). Amanda [https://www.orgasmresearchlab.com/amanda-champion] is a doctoral student in the school of criminology at Simon Fraser University and a faculty member in the Department of Psychology at KPU. Cory and Amanda have studied the science of dick pics and are going to be discussing the details of a new study they completed in collaboration with MANSCAPED® [https://manscaped.com/].

Some of the specific topics we explore include:

 * How many people have ever received an unsolicited dick pic?
 * What kind of reaction are people who send unsolicited dick pics hoping for?
 * What platforms are men typically sending these photos on?
 * How often are these photos perceived positively versus negatively?
 * If you’re thinking about sending a dick pic to someone, what do you need to know?

You can check out the work of the ORGASM Lab on their website [https://www.orgasmresearchlab.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]

***

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], Google [https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubGVobWlsbGVyLmNvbS9wb2RjYXN0P2Zvcm1hdD1yc3M?hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiomerUw8vrAhXvAJ0JHb06CjgQ4aUDegQIARAC], 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 415: The Science Of Dick Pics

The view that porn is inherently harmful seems to be growing. Porn is increasingly described as “addictive” and as a threat to public health. But is this actually true? In today’s show, we’re revisiting an important conversation from the archives in which we explore the truth about how porn affects people.

My guest is Dr. Nicole Prause, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nprause/] a licensed psychologist and sex researcher who founded the sexual biotechnology company Liberos. She is a former Kinsey Institute trainee and has published an extensive body of research on the neuroscience and psychophysiology of sex. She is currently a scientist at the University of California, Los Angeles in the Department of Medicine.

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

 * What counts as porn? And how do you measure porn use on surveys when different people have different definitions of it?
 * Why are there so many discrepant findings about pornography’s effects in the research?
 * Why shouldn’t we think of porn as addictive? How should we think about it instead?
 * When people identify porn as a problem in their lives, is porn per se really the issue or is there usually something else going on?
 * In what ways can porn potentially have positive effects on people?

Learn more about Nicole by following her at @NicoleRPrause [https://twitter.com/NicoleRPrause] over on X and or Bluesky [https://bsky.app/profile/nicolerprause.bsky.social].

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! 

Boost your sexual confidence and performance with Popstar Delay Spray. Save 20% off your first order by using “Justin” as the discount code at popstarlabs.com/justin [https://www.popstarlabs.com/?utm_source=influencers&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=justin]. 

I’m excited to announce a new online course I’m teaching on the topic of fantasies at the Kinsey Institute. Be sure to register for “The New Science of Sexual Fantasies” workshop, [https://events.iu.edu/kinsey/event/the-new-science-of-sexual-fantasies] which will take place on July 19th, 2025.

***

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], Google [https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubGVobWlsbGVyLmNvbS9wb2RjYXN0P2Zvcm1hdD1yc3M?hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiomerUw8vrAhXvAJ0JHb06CjgQ4aUDegQIARAC], 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 podcas

Episode 414: The Truth About Porn (Essential Listen)

In the previous episode [https://www.sexandpsychology.com/blog/podcast/episode-412-when-did-people-start-practicing-kink-and-bdsm/], we began a fascinating conversation about the long history of human interest in kink and BDSM. Today, we’re diving deeper into the subject and discussing how major cultural events have played a role in shaping kinky interests. We’re also going to talk about how kink and BDSM have been portrayed in the media and some of the controversies around how it has been presented.

I am joined once again by author, historian, and journalist Peter Tupper. He runs the History of BDSM blog [https://historyofbdsm.com] and wrote the book A Lover’s Pinch: A Cultural History of Sadomasochism [https://amzn.to/40BkxQy].

Some of the specific topics we explore include:

 * How did WWII influence BDSM practices and communities?
 * What’s the historical connection between BDSM and fascist politics?
 * How are kink and BDSM represented in popular media?
 * How do we balance making representations of minority sexualities accessible without over-relying on stereotypes?

You can check out Peter’s book here [https://amzn.to/40BkxQy].

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! 

Boost your sexual confidence and performance with Popstar Delay Spray. Save 20% off your first order by using “Justin” as the discount code at popstarlabs.com/justin [https://www.popstarlabs.com/?utm_source=influencers&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=justin]. 

I’m excited to announce a new online course I’m teaching on the topic of fantasies at the Kinsey Institute. Be sure to register for “The New Science of Sexual Fantasies” workshop, [https://events.iu.edu/kinsey/event/the-new-science-of-sexual-fantasies] which will take place on July 19th, 2025.

***

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], Google [https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubGVobWlsbGVyLmNvbS9wb2RjYXN0P2Zvcm1hdD1yc3M?hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiomerUw8vrAhXvAJ0JHb06CjgQ4aUDegQIARAC], 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 413: A Cultural History Of Kink

Ever since Fifty Shades of Grey hit the scene, it seems as though kink and BDSM have become ubiquitous in popular media. But here’s the thing: just because kink went mainstream in the last decade or so doesn’t mean that it’s new. In fact, the roots of BDSM trace back centuries. And the history behind it is fascinating, so that’s what we’re going to be talking about today.

I am joined by author, historian, and journalist Peter Tupper. He runs the History of BDSM blog [https://historyofbdsm.com] and wrote the book A Lover’s Pinch: A Cultural History of Sadomasochism [https://amzn.to/40BkxQy].

Some of the specific topics we explore include:

 * How far back in human history does interest in BDSM go?
 * When we look back through history, how do we know whether something actually reflects BDSM as we know it today?
 * What is the role of religion in the history of BDSM?
 * Where did the term “sadomasochism” come from?
 * How have views on BDSM changed over time?

You can check out Peter’s book here [https://amzn.to/40BkxQy].

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]

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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], Google [https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubGVobWlsbGVyLmNvbS9wb2RjYXN0P2Zvcm1hdD1yc3M?hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiomerUw8vrAhXvAJ0JHb06CjgQ4aUDegQIARAC], 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 412: When Did People Start Practicing Kink And BDSM?

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