It’s Frisky February, more formally known as Sexual Health Awareness Month, when the importance of overall sexual health takes center stage (though it should always be important!). Sexual health encompasses different aspects of well-being as it has a great influence on a person overall. Despite its importance, sexual health isn’t spoken of as much as it should be due to the negative lens societal norms place on sex. But sex isn’t a bad word, nor should it be seen as something awkward or taboo! Sexual health is very important for people of all ethnic backgrounds, gender expressions and sexual orientations. In honor of Frisky February, the Peer Educators Encouraging Healthy Relationships and Sexuality (PEEHRS) put together a list of podcast recommendations that highlight the importance of sexual health!
“Better in Bed”
The first podcast that makes the list is called “Better In Bed | A Sex and Sexuality Podcast,” hosted by Sara Tang and co-hosted by Jye Smith. Tang talks about different topics societal norms deem uncomfortable or TMI in the hopes of promoting a positive sexual health environment and promoting the exploration of sex education. “Better in Bed” is a great introduction to help yourself feel more comfortable hearing and using sexual language, as well as understanding different methods of pleasure that are not frequently spoken about.
“Doing It!”
“Doing It!” is hosted by Hannah Witton and frequently features guest speakers who give their input on different aspects of sexual health. This podcast is very informative as it gives real-life experiences of individuals going through certain scenarios pertaining to sexual wellness that aren’t frequently discussed, like living with herpes and how to navigate life after diagnosis. Witton uses this platform to talk about different ways the LGBTQIA+ community can be included in sexual health, pleasure and all aspects of life that affect them both directly and indirectly. When sex is talked about in society, it’s typically discussed from a heteronormative point of view, excluding individuals of different sexual orientations and/or gender expressions. “Doing It!” takes care to be inclusive of all individuals, as Witton creates a space for all listeners to learn and feel safe in exploring different outlets of self-discovery and acceptance on a sexual level.
“Sexology”
In our final podcast recommendation, “Sexology” host Dr. Nazanin Moali takes an explanatory perspective in discussing the different ways psychology can be connected to sexual experiences and sex in general, such as the connection between sexual trauma and psychology, and how this can affect people in their daily lives. Dr. Moali covers a number of different topics, ranging from what happens to the body after losing your virginity, to the relationship between dominance and psychology. She frequently invites psychologists, researchers and mental health practitioners to the podcast as guest hosts so they can provide their own professional perspectives on different subjects.
If you’re interested in improving your sex education, learning more about the importance of sexual health or just wanting to feel more comfortable with the concept of sex, consider checking out one of these podcasts! And if you’re interested in learning more about the sexual health resources available to you on campus, be sure to check out the Barnes Center at The Arch website.
Written By Lorelai Mejia ’24, College of Arts and Sciences, PEEHRS Peer Educator