Welcome to Speaking of Sex, a show that takes a fun yet unflinching look at sexuality and its important role in our lives and relationships. This podcast series features co-hosts Malika and Nathan who bring a bit of edge and enjoyment to these sometimes embarrassing and difficult-to-discuss subjects. They will be joined by expert guests and the occasional celebrity, and will at times venture out to the streets to hear what the community has to say. Each show provides current reproductive rights news and information on how to take action.
Speaking of Sex is produced twice a month, so check out our next episode in the coming weeks!
Speaking of Sex has been nominated for the NPower Innovation Award! The winner will be announced in February — wish us luck!
Formed in 1999 by a visionary group of funders and nonprofit leaders, NPower Seattle works to ensure that all nonprofits can use technology to expand the reach and impact of their services.
NPower Seattle's Nonprofit Innovation Award recognizes nonprofits whose novel approach to using technology has led to a breakthrough on traditional methods and made a measurable difference in the lives of the people they serve.
The opinions expressed in these podcasts are not necessarily those of Planned Parenthood and are not intended to substitute for professional medical care. Speaking of Sex contains frank discussions about human sexuality and is intended for mature audiences. To find sexuality information specifically designed for a teen audience, we recommend visiting http://www.teenwire.com/.
We are all about choice! You can subscribe, download, or stream our podcasts. Use the links below to subscribe and the links on the individual shows to download or stream.
We explore the connections between environmental health and sexual health. Environmental health advocates Charlotte Brody and Ted Schettler discuss the impact toxins have on health. We head to a local food co-op to hear from people on the streets.
The challenge of doing a show on the benefits of sex, masturbation, and expressing sexuality is narrowing the conversation to just three. Nathan and Malika talk with sex researcher Beverly Whipple about the connections between health and pleasure; they learn how cartoonist Ellen Forney creates sex-positive, kink-friendly cartoons; and they interview sexual healer and educator Pamela Madison about using sexual energy to empower and heal.
From speed dating to professional matchmakers, to dating websites to online social networks, there are so many new ways that people are meeting and finding love. In addition to talking about their own dating histories, Malika and Nathan explore the latest tools and technologies that have brought dating into the 21st century.
While anal sex isn’t uncommon, honest and open discussions of anal sexuality are relatively rare. In this episode of Speaking of Sex, Nathan and Malika discuss why our society has made such a big deal out of a fairly popular activity. They share some listeners’ opinions about anal sex, as well as learn from author Dr. Jack Morin about how anyone can go about improving anal pleasure and health.
You’ve heard about it in the news — Planned Parenthood is feeling serious heat from anti-choice hardliners all over the country. Right now we’re in the middle of what they are calling “40 Days for Life” which really means 40 days of picketing our health centers in nearly 80 cities across the country. So how can you show your support for Planned Parenthood? Glad you asked. Nathan and Malika have five great ways you can stand with us in this time of need.
In this episode of Speaking of Sex, Malika and Nathan go to a herpes research clinic to get the low-down on those blisters down below. They learn how herpes is (and isn't) spread, and how it can be prevented and treated. They also talk with independent filmmakers Arin Crumely and Susan Buice about a herpes infection that worked its way into the plotline of their film, Four Eyed Monsters. The podcast pair finish up with some tips for talking to your partner about herpes and other sexually transmitted infections.
In this episode of Speaking of Sex, Nathan and Malika discuss some oft-overlooked current and ongoing sex news. Topics include Sex in Second Life, Imprisoning Sexually Active Teenagers, Reasons Why People Have Sex, and Masturbation in the Prison System. Tune in for all the sex news that is fit to print — or at least podcast about.
In this episode of Speaking of Sex, Malika and Nathan recap some highlights of their summer sexuality road trip and talk about upcoming episodes. Listeners are encouraged to share their stories and comments by e-mailing us at speakingofsex@ppww.org.
For many of us, going to the doctor can be an annoying, embarrassing, or uncomfortable experience, especially when talking about sexuality and sexual behavior. Malika and Nathan share five mistakes people make when going to the doctor.
Breaking up in a relationship can feel like an unwanted end to something meaningful or a welcomed "fresh start." Whether you're feeling sad or glad about losing your sweetie, Nathan and Malika offer five tips for the newly-singled. Tune in to hear how you can handle break-ups with dignity and compassion.
Each year cervical cancer claims the lives of some 4,000 women in the United States. Caused by the Human Papilloma Virus, cervical cancer will hopefully one day be a disease of the past, thanks in large part to Gardasil, a HPV vaccine. In this episode, Nathan and Malika learn about HPV, the vaccine that prevents it, and the important implications of its widespread use.
Sex Happens! But not always for the right reasons. In this episode, Nathan and Malika address five common mistakes people make before, during, or after sex. Tune in to consider how some different assumptions, communication, or behavior could improve your sex life.
Malika and Nathan are taking a video road trip across the country. They will be stopping in big cities and small towns, talking with Planned Parenthood staff, activists, community members, celebrities, policy-makers, college students, and everyday people about the sexuality issues that matter most in their lives. In this mini-update, Malika and Nathan talk about their upcoming trip.
In this episode of Speaking of Sex, Malika and Nathan talk about ... Nathan and Malika. In an attempt to uncover the personal lives of Planned Parenthood's podcasting duo, the pair asks each other unusual questions, explains embarrassing moments, and shares their favorite resource. If you've been wondering, "who ARE these crazy people???" this show will begin to answer that question.
As long as people have been having sex there have been myths about sex and bodies. Nathan and Malika are joined by Tim the Educator, and with his help, they bust down some common myths like “Two condoms are better than one,” “You can’t get pregnant on your period,” and “Men are more sexually active than women.” Plus N&M tackle sincere questions from listeners who are in need of a bit more information.
In this episode, Nathan and Malika discuss male sexual anatomy, head to the streets to ask the age old question, ‘Does size matter,” and debate penis-sensitive topics like circumcision, penis names, and male underwear. They take a field trip to a local piercing parlor to learn about the ways that some men adorn their penises and testicles. Tune in for good penis health tips and a whole lot of penis fun.
In the first episode of a two-part series, we talk about the vagina — its pet names, its functions, its strengths, and its vulnerabilities. The show is loaded with vaginal facts and de-bunked fictions. We hit the street to ask people "what's special about the vagina," visit a waxing salon to learn how some people decorate their vulvas, and wonder ... "if your vagina could speak, what would it say."
Sex Toys: you might think they're great, you might think they're gross, you might never have thought about them at all. Whatever your thoughts, these gadgets and gizmos of pleasure could be a way to bring some excitement and fun into your sex life. Malika and Nathan visit a sex toy store and talk with an educator about the ins and outs of sex toys. They share five tips for using sex toys and end with sex toy stories submitted by our listeners. Tune in to hear what all the buzz is about.
When they strike, sexual problems can take the "zing" out of your sex life. In this episode of Speaking of Sex, Nathan and Malika discuss what happens when sex stops working the way you want it to and what a person or a couple can do to deal with it. They share five tips to bring the spark back into your sex life and end with some resources for people to get more information and support.
In their second show on abortion, Malika and Nathan interview three amazing activists about the pro-choice perspective. They speak with Jennifer Allen, a Planned Parenthood public affairs representative, about what being pro-choice actually means. They also speak with author Jennifer Baumgardner about the diversity of beliefs within the reproductive justice movement. Lastly, Nathan and Malika have a conversation with filmmaker Penny Lane about her film, The Abortion Diaries, and the effect it has had on reducing stigma and shame around abortion. As with each episode of Speaking of Sex, be sure to tune in for the latest in sexual health news, resources, and ways to get more involved.
In recognition of World AIDS Day, Speaking of Sex recognizes the millions of people in the world currently affected by this devastating disease. This episode focuses on three prevention efforts currently being researched: HIV vaccines, microbicides, and male circumcision. Nathan and Malika explore what these are, their potential effectiveness, and how folks can get involved. Tune in to hear about the amazing advances in medical research in the fight against HIV/AIDS and how you can take part!
Each year in America, more than one million women choose to end a pregnancy. In this show, our first in a two-part series, we focus on the medical and legal aspects of abortion. Nathan and Malika speak with a Planned Parenthood clinician to get information about the two most common procedures: aspiration abortion and medication abortion. They also speak with Chris Charbonneau, CEO of Planned Parenthood of Western Washington, about many of the unnecessary legal restrictions that hinder people’s ability to get access to safe and affordable reproductive health services throughout the country.
In this episode, Nathan and Malika discuss the role of media in telling the stories of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community. Our co-hosts speak with actor Chad Allen about the challenges and rewards of coming out in today’s Hollywood. They also interview a librarian in Alaska about the controversy surrounding a children’s book that discusses homosexuality, and they wrap up the show with a list of helpful LGBTQ resources.
Getting a sexually transmitted infection (STI) can be embarrassing, scary, or even painful. In this episode, Malika and Nathan separate fact from fiction as they travel to a Planned Parenthood health center to speak with a clinician about symptoms, treatments, and prevention. They also share five tips for starting a conversation with your partner about STIs.
On August 24, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Plan B emergency contraception for over-the-counter sales to people 18 and older. In this mini-update, Malaika and Nathan speak with Vanesa Cullins, M.D., vice president for medical affairs at Planned Parenthood Federation of America, about what this decision means for women and men who want to prevent an unintended pregnancy. They also preview some exciting upcoming shows and end with a request for listeners' stories.
Also known as Plan B, emergency contraception has become another wedge issue on the American political landscape. Just what is Plan B? Where can you get it? And why are people arguing about it? This edition of Speaking of Sex sheds light on these questions with the help from Dr. Susan Wood, the former director of the Office of Women's Health for the FDA who resigned over the agency's decision to delay the approval of Plan B for over-the-counter sales.
Relationships are powerful! Defining moments of our lives often occur within the context of a relationship. Looking into a partner's eyes and realizing for the first time that you are completely, hopeless in love; struggling with grief and loss after a relationship ends unexpectedly — these moments of transition create opportunities for reflection, affirmation, and growth, molding us (for better or worse) into the people we are today. Our second podcast is a collection of relationship stories. We hope that by listening to other peoples' stories, you are entertained and enlightened about the dynamic power relationships have on your own life.
In our first podcast, Malika and Nathan take a sex quiz from Tim, a Planned Parenthood of Western Washington educator. What method of contraception works best for you? It's a grab bag of information! People on the street say what the word "protection" means to them. This is a great show for people that need updated information about the most current methods available.
