In this episode of The Shame Free Zone research scientist, Zanna Clay, also gives us her perspective on sex and violence in apes and how sex may serve to reduce violence in Bonobo culture. And finally, we are treated to a special interview with President and Co-Founder of Bonobo Conservation Initiative (BCI), Sally Cox, who not only updates us on the humanitarian and environmental efforts of BCI but shares her heart-warming stories about rescuing and parenting orphaned baby bonobos.

For those who know the destructive power of shame, especially sexual shame, it can be tempting to conclude that there is no such thing as sex addiction. After all, we have seen the phrases used to shame all sorts of sexual diversity. But what of those who are caught in sexual obsessions which are literally destroying their lives? What about men and even some women who cannot live normal, happy lives because they feel chained to masturbating to online porn? It is possible to define sex addiction without resorting to sexual shame? And if we are able to define sex addiction in a non-shaming manner, is there help for those who suffer from this obsession? Join me in a lively, enlightening and hope-filled conversation with Greg Woodhill from the Center for Healthy Sex. You will undoubtedly be surprised by the answers to these and other questions regarding sexual shame and sex addiction.

Greg Woodhill co-facilitates Sex Addiction Treatment Groups for Men, as well as works with individuals at Center for Healthy Sex. He strongly believes that true psychological and spiritual growth can only occur in a safe environment, which he provides for all of his clients. He holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of Santa Monica. Greg knows that true emotional growth requires the development of love and understanding toward one’s self, as well as a strong commitment to making lasting, positive changes in our lives. Greg has supplemented his knowledge through the following advanced coursework and workshops: Interpersonal Neurobiology and Attachment Theory in Irvine, Attachment Theory in Los Angeles, Sex Addiction training in Los Angeles, Memphis, TN and San Diego, CAMFT Couples Therapy in Los Angeles, CA. MFT Intern #61047

Mark Olson, Ph.D.,LMT has an M.A. in Educational Psychology and a Ph.D. in Neuroscience, specializing in Cognitive and Behavioral Neuropsychology and Neuroanatomy from the University of Illinois where he taught neuroanatomy for graduate and medical students and studied recognition memory for complex scenes (doctoral thesis) and aesthetic preferences for outdoor scenes using eye movement technology, 3-D attention with EEG, volitional control systems (master’s thesis), and the effects of pheromones on relaxation and aesthetic preferences for faces.

Erotic photographer and author, David Steinberg is also quite passionate about eliminating the shame and stigma which surround the sexuality of people with disability. His amazing gift for capturing people’s spirits and deeper emotions with his camera communicates the human dimensions of sex which are common to all of us regardless of health or ability. His online art gallery is one of a kind.

Do you expect the love of your life to read your mind? Are you fantasizing during sex? How can you find the courage to tell your partner what you really crave in bed? And what if you or your partner has been unfaithful? Can the trust be restored? Dr. Tammy Nelson, a featured expert in Glamour Magazine, Cosmopolitan and Men’s Health, has a brand new book, The New Monogamy; Redefining Your Relationship After Infidelity, which explores the inventive ways couples are recapturing their romance and sexual verve after one or both of them has strayed. We will also explore the techniques and concepts Dr. Nelson details in her previous book, Getting the Sex You Want; Shed Your Inhibitions and Reach New Heights of Passion Together. Be sure to listen for inspiring insights into the two paths to pleasure at the very end of this program!

While “womb” may not seem like a sexual word (what with the vulva hogging all the attention!) the truth of the matter is: The womb is not just for reproductive proposes–it’s a deep-seated pleasure zone, and a source for awakening your spiritual center.

AsRa MaEl, a nationally recognized healing professional and doctor with over 13 years of experience, and his wife, AnRa, have been working on having a “sacred relationship” for the past 10 years.  But how did this dynamic, sexually aware, couple meet?  Was it an instant attraction or did it develop over time?

“We both saw relationships as a distraction from personal development,” says AsRa MaEl of he and his wife’s initial attitude toward intimate relationships.  How did he and AnRa get past this?  And has their relationship actually increased their “soul development” over time?  (Hint: Yes, it has! And how!!)

“The way to a man’s heart is through his sex and the way to a woman’s sex is through her heart,” laughs AsRa, further explaining that, for men, intimacy is more passion-related while his wife AnRa interjects that, for women, that same intimacy is based more in love and commitment.  But why?  Their answers may surprise you!

“The womb has been forgotten. It’s been distorted,” says AnRa.  How could something so connected to our sexuality as humans be tossed aside so easily?  You won’t want to miss a minute of Veronica Monet’s intriguing interview with these fascinating guests.  Get reconnected with your womb (even if you’re a man!) and your inner pleasures today!

*Supplementary material pertaining to this topic can also be found in Veronica Monet’s monthly column for SexIs Magazine.  Both the column and this podcast feature key quotes from the author of Womb Wisdom, Padma Aon Prakasha, and the amazing John Robbins.

Not a lot of people in the sex-positive industry are comfortable talking about sex and children in the same breath.  Not so for guest, Susie Bright.  As a mother herself and a revolutionary in the sexual world, Susie is more than happy to open up, shamelessly, to The Shame Free Zone‘s listeners.

While many of us are comfortable with our sex lives and talking about sexual experiences, emotions, and technicalities with our partners–traditionally, these topics are sheltered from our children.  Children are often taught that sex is “icky yucky,” something disgusting and disease-ridden, that they have to be “kept safe from until grad school.” (Raise your hand if this was your experience with “The Talk” growing up!).  But why…?

Veronica and Susie start off the episode describing their own upbringings, including what they admired in their parents’ approach (Veronica’s mother has some orgasm wisdom you won’t want to miss!) and what absolutely, positively, needed to stop for the next generation (Susie opens up about her childhood experiences with abuse and anger).

“I don’t believe that you wake up one day and give your child a sex talk,” says Susie Bright.  Throughout the interview, Susie shares how you can share your views on sex with your children in a non-violent, positive way.  You’ll hear how to give your child privacy (and get much-needed privacy for yourself!) and know that everything will be okay–even if they’re “exploring” their sexuality (either with themselves or with others).  After all, as Susie and Veronica joke, it’s far more likely that your teenager will get in a fender-bender and skyrocket their insurance rates than it is that they’ll get raped.

You’re listening to The Shame Free Zone.  Wouldn’t it be great if your children could grow up to be shame free too?  Tune in!

“Cheating is considered monogamy. Divorce is considered monogamy. But having more than one partner that you’re honest with and committed to is considered infidelity…isn’t that strange?” says Deborah Anapol of relationships.  “The problem with monogamy is that it’s the default–you can easily go unconscious.“  How can a polyamorous relationship–even for a trial basis–make your relationship more “alive?”  What’s the definition of polyamory?  What’s the difference between polyamory and an “open” relationship?

“When you let love lead, a lot of things can happen,” says Anapol.  Is it possible to have a “closed” group in a polyamorous relationship?  What sort of understanding/rules/contract does an open couple need to have to keep things from falling apart?

“It’s called polyamory meaning many loves, not many sex partners,” explains Deborah Anapol, addressing a few of the more “taboo” misconceptions.  How is a poly relationship any different from dating, having promiscuous sex, or having an affair?  Deborah’s answers may surprise you!  (And Veronica has a few things of her own to add!)

“A lot of people want to deny their jealousy,” says Anapol.  Are there different types of jealousy?  How can you recognize an emotion as jealousy?  Is jealousy ever okay…?

Tune in to learn more about a relationship lifestyle based in trust, honesty, and deep-rooted friendships!  You’ll hear not only the pros and cons of polyamory, but the do’s and don’t's as well!  Throughout the episode you’ll hear detailed descriptions of love, sex, and the poly lifestyle like you’ve never heard it before.  Things may get controversial at times, but that’s okay–You’re in The No Shame Zone!