Key Points:
Introduction to Brian Sloan and Autoblow
Brian Sloan introduces himself as the creator of the Autoblow brand of male pleasure products. He discusses how he got into this industry, starting with selling latex fetishwear and then realizing there was a need for better male toys. He has been working on developing the Autoblow and VacuGlide products for over 16 years.
Passion for Male Pleasure
Brian explains that his initial interest in this industry was more of a business decision, but over time he developed a genuine passion for helping men find pleasure and addressing the imbalance in the pleasure products industry being more focused on women. He believes men have different needs and desires that were not being met.
Autoblow and VacuGlide Product Details
Brian provides an overview of the Autoblow AI Ultra and VacuGlide products, including how they work, their key features, and the different use cases and target customers for each product. He discusses how the VacuGlide in particular caters to men who may have difficulty achieving or maintaining erections.
Online Communities and Customer Feedback
Brian discusses the online communities that have formed around the Autoblow products, including an active subreddit where customers provide feedback and suggestions. He explains how this feedback has been valuable in improving the products over time.
Concerns About AI-Powered Toys
Brian shares his personal concerns about the potential risks of AI-powered toys, particularly the VR integration, and how the immersive experience could become addictive for some users. He believes there needs to be more awareness and education around the potential downsides of this technology.
Balancing Risks and Benefits of Tech
Cam and Brian have a thoughtful discussion about balancing the potential benefits of tech, like helping disabled users or providing educational/training tools, with the risks of addiction or unhealthy reliance. They explore ideas around data privacy, transparency, and empowering users to make informed choices.
Closing Thoughts
Brian acknowledges the validity of Cam's concerns about the potential risks of AI-powered toys, and says the industry needs to recognize and address these issues, even if they don't change their core business practices. Cam expresses excitement to see if and how the industry evolves in response to these emerging challenges.
Relevant Links:
Brian's Website: https://www.vieci.com/
Key Points:
Introductions and Zari's background
Zari introduces himself as an artist, illustrator, and traveler who is currently exploring the topic of authentic connection and pleasure. He shares his passion for travel, authentic connections, and finding new ways to cultivate presence and embodied experiences.
Challenges with modern connection and performance
Zari discusses the issues he sees with modern connection and intimacy, including the pressure to perform, the influence of social media and media portrayals, and the tendency to get caught up in playing roles rather than being authentic. He emphasizes the importance of slowing down, being curious, and focusing on the embodied experience rather than external expectations.
Unpacking body image and performance anxiety
Cam shares his observations about the body image and performance anxiety issues he sees in many of the men he works with, including comparing themselves to idealized male physiques on social media and in media, as well as anxiety around size and performance. They discuss how these pressures and scripts can lead men to develop unhealthy habits and get stuck in their heads during intimate experiences.
Suggestions for more playful, embodied intimacy
Zari and Cam discuss practical ways to create more playful, embodied, and pressure-free intimate experiences, such as sensual touch and exploration games, writing down fantasies, and being creative and spontaneous in the moment when things don't go as planned. They emphasize the importance of communication, vulnerability, and a willingness to experiment and learn together.
Zari's upcoming book "Play With Me"
Zari shares details about his upcoming book "Play With Me", which will be a visually-rich, illustrated guide to intimate games and practices. He discusses his goal of creating a movement and community around this work, and invites Cam to support the Kickstarter campaign launching next week.
Relevant Links:
Zari's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zari.plays/
Zari's Twitter: https://x.com/ZariPlays
Key Points:
Defining love and its many facets
Triss and Cam discuss the concept of love, its various meanings and expressions, and how it can be experienced on emotional, physical, and spiritual levels. They explore the limitations of language in capturing the full essence of love, and the importance of acknowledging the diversity of love's manifestations.
Navigating masculinity and gender norms
Cam shares his personal experiences and reflections on the societal narratives and prescriptive ideas around masculinity, and how they can create barriers for men to engage in self-love, intimacy, and vulnerability. They discuss the polarizing rhetoric from some masculinity influencers and the need to move beyond rigid definitions of what it means to be a "real man."
Embodying love and connection
Triss explains his approach to facilitating workshops and retreats focused on cultivating self-love, interpersonal connection, and a deeper understanding of one's authentic self, beyond societal labels and expectations. He emphasizes the importance of engaging the whole being - mind, body, emotions, and spirit - in this transformative process.
Navigating uncertainty and the liminal space
Cam shares his personal experience of feeling caught in a liminal space, where he doesn't fully identify with traditional labels like "heterosexual" or "queer," and the challenges and fears that can arise from this ambiguity. Triss offers insights on embracing the unknown, integrating shadows, and finding freedom in the space beyond rigid definitions.
Closing thoughts and next steps
Triss shares his passion for working with men who are on the cusp of deeper self-discovery and a more expansive understanding of love, connection, and purpose. He invites Cam and the listeners to explore the resources and opportunities available to continue this important exploration and personal growth.
Relevant links:
Triss' website: https://trisstashi.com/
Key Points:
Mish's background and book
Mish introduces himself as a 60-something man who has shifted his health work from a focus on cancer to a broader focus on men's health and wellness. He has recently written a book about embracing and finding pleasure in a "soft " rather than fixating on erections.
The need for a new perspective on male
Mish explains that he was motivated to write the book because he realized there was a lack of resources and information available about enjoying intimacy and pleasure without a hard erection. Most existing resources focus on "fixing" erectile dysfunction rather than exploring alternative paths to fulfillment.
The emotional and psychological journey
Mish discusses the emotional and psychological challenges men face when their bodies don't perform as expected, including feelings of loss, shame, and withdrawal. He emphasizes the importance of grieving these changes and redefining one's relationship to pleasure and masculinity.
Exploring the body and sensations
Mish and Cam discuss practical strategies for exploring the body and sensations beyond just the genitals, including mapping pleasure across the body, slowing down, and being present to subtle energetic shifts and reverberations.
Redefining intimacy and "completion"
Mish shares insights on how he and his partner have redefined the end of intimacy, moving away from a focus on as the "finish line." They emphasize communication, presence, and exploring energetic connections as ways to find fulfillment and closure without relying on a hard erection.
Closing thoughts and book availability
Mish provides an overview of the book's title and content, and shares information on where readers can purchase the book, both online and through select brick-and-mortar retailers.
Relevant Links:
Mish’s Twitter: @RecoveringMan1
Mish’s website: www.recoveringman.net
Key points:
Toby's background and journey to coaching
Toby shares his background, including being an open intersex person, his diagnosis with Kleinfelter's syndrome, and his transition into the coaching and counseling space. He discusses how his own self-discovery and openness about his identity led him to want to support others in similar ways.
Toby's philosophy on self-love and whole-person approach
Toby explains his holistic, "whole person" approach to coaching, emphasizing the importance of self-love, self-acceptance, and changing one's internal narrative as the foundation for growth and fulfillment. He uses the analogy of a pilot light to describe the importance of cultivating an intrinsic sense of self-love.
Societal barriers to self-love and the impact on men
Toby and Cam discuss how Western capitalist society often encourages external validation and a lack of self-love, and how this can manifest in unhealthy behaviors, particularly for men. They explore the changing cultural narratives around masculinity and the need for men to embrace vulnerability and emotional intelligence.
Practical steps for cultivating self-love
Toby outlines specific practices he uses with clients to help them become aware of negative thought patterns, decouple their identity from those thoughts, and replace them with positive affirmations. He emphasizes the importance of daily practice and support during this process.
The relationship between self-love and the body
Toby and Cam discuss the connection between self-love and body acceptance, noting how the relationship with one's physical self is a reflection of the internal landscape. They explore how self-love practices can help individuals develop a more positive, pleasure-focused relationship with their bodies.
Recap and next steps
Toby summarizes the key points of their discussion, emphasizing that self-love is the foundation that allows other self-care and self-loving activities to be truly nourishing and impactful. He expresses excitement about continuing his coaching work and supporting more people in reaching their potential.
Relevant links: https://whole-person-relationships.com/
Key points:
Victoria's background and passion
Victoria Cullen runs an online resource called "A Touchy Subject" that helps men who have had prostate cancer treatment to thrive. She is passionate about supporting men's mental health and wellbeing, as the suicide rate for men with prostate cancer is 70% higher than the general male population.
Challenges men face after prostate cancer treatment
Men often struggle with the side effects of prostate cancer treatment, such as incontinence, erectile dysfunction, and penile shortening. This can lead to feelings of hopelessness and a sense of their quality of life being permanently diminished, which negatively impacts their mental health.
Limitations of a narrow medical approach
The medical approach to treating erectile dysfunction often focuses narrowly on prescribing medications like , without considering the psychological, emotional, and relational aspects of male . This can leave men feeling broken and unsupported.
Educating and empowering men
Victoria's approach involves a comprehensive rehabilitation program that starts with education, then explores a variety of strategies and tools, such as vacuum devices, pelvic floor exercises, and pleasure-focused techniques. The goal is to help men regain a sense of agency and control over their health.
Incorporating partners and eroticizing the process
Victoria encourages men to involve their partners in the rehabilitation process, and to find ways to eroticize the use of devices and tools. This helps reduce shame and reframe the experience as an opportunity for playful discovery and intimacy.
Recap and resources
Victoria summarizes the key points of the discussion and encourages listeners to reach out to her if they have any questions or need support. She also mentions some additional resources, such as expert webinars and a private membership community.
Relevant links:
Victoria's website: https://atouchysubject.com/
Key points:
Aasha's background and passions
Aasha introduced herself as a certified emotional intelligence expert, shamanic practitioner, hypnotherapist, and CEO of a tech startup. She is passionate about helping people ignite their souls and authenticity, and stop hiding who they are. Aasha shared her personal journey of overcoming health challenges and trauma to find self-acceptance and empowerment.
Emotional resilience and leadership
Aasha discussed her approach to emotional resilience, emphasizing the importance of feeling emotions deeply without abandoning one's post as a leader. She shared insights from losing her home in the Pacific Palisades fire, and how it taught her the difference between "strong" and "resilient" leadership. Aasha believes resilience involves empathy, self-empathy, and transmuting emotions into personal power.
Privilege, shame, and receiving
Cam and Aasha explored the nuances of emotional resilience and how access to resources and support can impact one's ability to process grief and loss. They discussed the tendency for people, especially those with privilege, to feel guilty or ashamed for struggling emotionally. Aasha and Cam agreed that the ability to receive - whether feedback, love, or pleasure - is a universal challenge that both men and women face.
Feminine leadership and embodiment
Aasha described her experience of embodying a more feminine style of leadership after losing her home a second time. This involved being more authentic, vulnerable, and empathetic in her approach, while still maintaining a strong sense of purpose and authority. Aasha believes this blend of feminine and masculine energy is essential for effective and resilient leadership.
Closing thoughts and resources
Aasha shared information about how to connect with her on social media and access her work, which focuses on topics like feminine embodiment, emotional intelligence, and self-worth. She emphasized the importance of embracing one's authentic expression and magnetizing what one desires, while also having fun and not hiding.
Relevant links:
Aasha's website: https://beyondeqinternational.com/
Key Points:
Johnny Cole's background and passion for men's work
Johnny Cole shares his personal story and explains how his father's traumatic military experiences and rigid views on masculinity deeply impacted his own upbringing and understanding of manhood. This led him to discover the field of men's work and start his organization Hey Brother Co. to help men and boys unlearn harmful patriarchal messaging and redefine masculinity on their own terms.
The power of vulnerability and emotional leadership
Cam shares his own experiences with rigid masculinity norms growing up, and how he has seen the transformative impact of adult men modeling vulnerability and emotional openness, especially in working with young people. Johnny emphasizes the importance of men being brave enough to have uncomfortable but necessary conversations to drive positive change.
Deconstructing the "man box" and challenging gender norms
Johnny and Cam discuss the concept of the "man box" - the rigid societal expectations and pressures around masculinity that stifle boys and men. They share examples of how they've seen young people have powerful realizations about how these norms have impacted them and their relationships.
The role of sports and media in shaping masculinity
Cam notes how sports have often provided a socially acceptable outlet for young men to express intimacy and emotion. They also discuss how media portrayals of relationships and can give young people skewed and unhealthy messages about masculinity and intimacy.
The importance of platonic male intimacy and affection
Johnny emphasizes the devastating impact of boys being discouraged from physical affection and emotional vulnerability from a young age. He argues this leads many men to conflate all intimacy with , contributing to issues like erectile dysfunction and unhealthy relationships.
Embracing boyhood and avoiding the rush to manhood
Johnny passionately argues against the tendency to vilify boyhood and pressure boys to rapidly transition into a rigid, prescriptive version of manhood. He believes this contributes to many social issues, and advocates for allowing boys to simply be boys without shame or judgment.
Relevant Links:
Johnny Cole's website: https://www.heybrotherco.com/
Key Points:
Exploring identity and authenticity
Ann and Cam discuss the importance of understanding and embracing one's authentic identity, whether related to gender, , spirituality, or other aspects of the self. They emphasize the need to move beyond prescriptive societal norms and labels, and instead focus on self-discovery and self-acceptance.
Unpacking religious trauma and shame
Ann explains her work helping clients who have experienced religious trauma, particularly from high-control religious groups. She discusses how this can lead to anxiety, depression, and shame around and relationships. Cam shares his own experiences with Buddhist monasticism and the control and shame he witnessed.
Navigating masculinity and gender expression
Cam and Ann explore the complexities of masculinity, including societal pressures and expectations. They discuss the importance of allowing men to define masculinity for themselves, rather than prescribing a singular version. They also address the stigma and fear around exploring different aspects of gender and .
Challenging assumptions and biases
Ann and Cam emphasize the need to examine one's own assumptions and biases, particularly around identity, , and spirituality. They encourage listeners to approach these topics with curiosity, empathy, and a willingness to learn and grow, rather than judgment or defensiveness.
Closing and resources
Ann provides information about her therapy practice and upcoming book, and invites listeners to reach out if they would like to continue the conversation. Cam and Ann emphasize the importance of seeking support from professionals who specialize in these areas.
Relevant links:
Ann Russo's website: https://www.amrtherapy.com/about-us/#about-us
Key Points:
Introductions and Passions
Cam asks Justin to introduce himself, share what he does, and discuss his passions. Justin describes his journey of shedding societal programming to embrace radical authenticity, including his work as a certified nutritional therapist and influencer. He is passionate about human biology, communication, healing trauma through intimacy, and exploring the limits of human potential.
Letting Go of Societal Narratives
Justin shares how he had to let go of the societal narrative that being an exceptional musician would lead to love and validation. He describes his 15-year music career, which left him feeling empty and disconnected, leading him to seek therapy and unpack his lack of true intimacy.
Reclaiming Authentic Self
After leaving the music industry, Justin embarked on a journey of self-discovery to figure out who he truly is beyond the performer persona. This involved stripping away external validation and reconnecting with his passions like martial arts and fitness, but without the need to prove himself.
Emotional Expression and Vulnerability
Justin discusses his current approach to music and martial arts, focusing on doing them for the joy and experience rather than external validation. He emphasizes the importance of being able to express emotions without judgment or the need to perform.
Masculine vs. Feminine Energy
Cam and Justin explore the concepts of "king" and "prince" energy, with the king being secure in himself and able to vulnerably express emotions, while the prince seeks external validation. They discuss strategies for men to lean into emotional expression and self-care.
Navigating Conflict and Relationships
Justin and Cam discuss how even those in a "king" state can still slip back into "prince" behaviors, especially during times of stress. They emphasize the importance of quick apologies, taking responsibility, and creating safety and unconditional love in relationships.
Unconditional Love vs. Commitment
Justin emphasizes that unconditional love does not mean unconditional commitment. He advises that people should be willing to walk away from relationships that are not safe or serving them, while still holding love and compassion for those individuals.
Relevant Links:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/justinnaultofficial
Key Points:
Introductions and background
Laura introduces herself as a psychologist and sexologist who works at the intersection of mental health and relationships. She shares her passion for art, the outdoors, and living near the ocean. Cam and Laura also discuss their astrological signs and the esoteric symbolism of water.
The importance of communication in relationships
Cam and Laura discuss the importance of communication in relationships, especially when it comes to topics like desire and satisfaction. They note that while communication is often cited as important, people often struggle with how to actually have those conversations.
Defining and distinguishing communication
Laura explains that communication refers to the verbal and non-verbal ways partners communicate about their preferences, desires, fantasies, and limits. She distinguishes this from general relationship communication, noting that communication is often seen as a "black spot" that is avoided or not handled well.
The challenges and risks of communication
Laura discusses why communication is particularly high-stakes and fraught for many people. Factors include the potential for rejection, shame, and vulnerability, as well as a lack of skills and comfort with the topic.
Strategies for effective communication
Cam and Laura explore ways to make communication more approachable, such as having smaller, more casual conversations rather than big "sit-down" talks. They also emphasize the importance of focusing on feelings and experiences rather than just acts.
The role of non-verbal communication
Laura and Cam discuss the many ways non-verbal cues like body language, tone of voice, and physical touch can communicate desire, consent, and interest. They highlight the value of observing these cues both in and out of the bedroom.
Using third-party tools to facilitate communication
Cam and Laura share ideas for using activities, games, and other resources as a "third party" to help initiate and guide communication in a more playful, low-stakes way. This can help build curiosity and connection.
Recap and key takeaways
In closing, Laura emphasizes that effective communication has a protective function, helping maintain desire and satisfaction in a relationship. She encourages listeners to embrace the awkwardness and invest in developing these communication skills.
Relevant links:
Laura Lee's Website: www.lauralee.com.au
Key Points:
George's background and services
George introduces himself as a 52-year-old male escort who provides a "sensual and caring" connection for women, often those who have not had intimacy for a long time. He explains that his services go beyond just physical intimacy, and that he aims to provide tenderness, affection, and a safe space for his clients.
Addressing the loneliness epidemic
Cam notes that George's services seem to address a significant need, as many women experience loneliness, especially those living alone. George agrees, stating that his clients often crave basic human touch and connection that they are missing in their daily lives.
Debunking misconceptions about escort work
Cam acknowledges that there are many misconceptions about what escort work entails, with the assumption that it is purely transactional. George emphasizes that for him, the emotional and companionship aspects are far more important than the physical, and that he aims to provide a truly caring and nurturing experience for his clients.
Navigating boundaries and authenticity
George discusses how he maintains boundaries and authenticity in his work, noting that while he uses a pseudonym, he is largely the same person in his personal life as he is with clients. He explains the importance of understanding each client's needs and desires in order to provide the best possible experience.
Destigmatizing women seeking male escort services
George believes that the key to destigmatizing women seeking male escort services is for women to feel empowered to acknowledge and embrace their desires, without shame or judgment. He advocates for more open and honest conversations around intimacy and human connection.
Closing thoughts on kindness and curiosity
In closing, George emphasizes the importance of being kind, curious, and attentive in relationships, both personal and professional. He believes that these qualities are the foundation for meaningful connections and fulfilling experiences.
Relevant links
George Goulburn's Website:
https://www.georgegoulburn.com/
Key Points:
Dr. Frankie's background and passion
Dr. Frankie introduced herself as a clinical psychologist, board-certified therapist, and the CEO and founder of Little Gay Book and Little Black Book matchmaking services. She shared that her passion is helping people have healthier, happier relationships with themselves and others, and being a conduit to bring people together.
Challenges with dating apps
Dr. Frankie discussed common themes she sees with her clients using dating apps, including feeling stuck in a "hamster wheel" of swiping without making real connections, misrepresenting themselves to appear a certain way, and experiencing disappointment when dates don't match their online profiles. She emphasized the importance of authenticity and setting boundaries when using dating apps.
Navigating dating app dynamics
Dr. Frankie and Cam discussed strategies for using dating apps more effectively, such as setting time limits, doing video calls before in-person dates, and moving quickly to meet up rather than prolonging messaging. They also explored the psychology behind the addictive nature of dating apps and the need to be mindful of how they are designed to keep users engaged.
Advice for in-person dating
Cam and Dr. Frankie provided advice for meeting people in person, including the benefits of doing activities you already enjoy, giving thoughtful compliments, and having an "exit strategy" to gracefully end conversations. They also discussed navigating the transition from a romantic connection to a platonic friendship.
Recap and closing thoughts
Dr. Frankie expressed appreciation for Cam's work and the practical, real-life dating advice they discussed. She encouraged people to get out there and make in-person connections, despite any fears or self-consciousness, as most people are hungry for that type of human interaction.
Relevant links:
Dr. Frankie's website: https://www.littleblackbookmatchmaking.com
On this episode of Men, Sex & Pleasure, I chat with Tim Fisk from Complete Men.
If you're interested in supporting our men's mental health initiative Men, Mates and Mentors, check out the following links:
Website | Feb 24 Showcase | March 22 Event
Key points:
Tim's background and passion for men's work
Tim introduces himself as a 66-year-old man living on the Gold Coast, and shares how he became involved in the Complete Man Foundation and the Rights of Passage program, which focuses on supporting teenage boys and their families through rites of passage experiences. Tim is passionate about this work as it allows him to heal his own younger self and model healthy masculine behaviors.
The value of rites of passage and community support
Tim explains how the rites of passage program takes fathers and sons into the bush for several days, removing them from everyday distractions. This immersive experience allows the boys and fathers to bond, communicate openly, and learn from each other. The program also includes ongoing community support and check-ins after the retreat, which Tim sees as crucial for helping the participants integrate the insights and changes from the experience.
Tim's personal journey and the importance of men's groups
Tim shares his own struggles with suicidal thoughts and the importance of being able to open up and share vulnerably in men's groups. He contrasts this with unhelpful responses he received when reaching out for help in the past. Tim emphasizes the value of men's groups in providing a sense of belonging, lifelong friendships, and tools for personal growth and healing.
The Men, Mates and Mentors initiative
Tim discusses the upcoming Men, Mates and Mentors event, which aims to introduce men to various men's support organizations and programs in the local community. The goal is to provide men with exposure to different approaches to personal development and growth, while also ensuring they know where to turn if they need support in the future, even if they don't engage right away.
Closing thoughts and next steps
Tim and Cam wrap up the conversation, with Tim inviting Cam to volunteer with the rites of passage program. They discuss the vision for expanding the Men's Mates and Mentors initiative to other communities beyond the Gold Coast.
From episode #84 with Andrew Gurza. More from that episode:
- Andrew introduces himself
- Ableism and creating spaces for learning
- The sexual stigma of disability
- Disability representation in porn
- Considerations for sex with a disabled person
- The depth of “yes”
- Andrew’s relationship with care
- Using social media to raise awareness
- Playing with identity, femininity and masculinity
- Assumptions about people with a disability
On this episode of #mensexpleasure, I chat with Milla Impola. Milla is a Senior Size Specialist at Global Protection. She excels in educating about sexual health and promoting body positivity. Milla's work with the FDA approval for anal-safe condoms, which was featured in The New York Times, highlights her knack for bringing significant changes to public health conversations.
Key points:
Milla's background and passion for condom education
Milla Impola is the Marketing Director at Global Protection, the parent company of One Condoms. She is passionate about condom education and has a background in peer health counseling and working in the LGBTQ+ health space. She is particularly interested in addressing the shortcomings of abstinence-only education.
Condom sizing and the importance of fit
Milla explains that One Condoms offers 52 different condom sizes to accommodate a wide range of anatomical differences. She emphasizes the importance of proper fit to ensure comfort and effectiveness, and discusses the challenges of overcoming the historical regulatory barriers to offering more size options. Milla also shares insights on how to properly measure length and girth for condom sizing.
Innovations in condom materials and design
Milla discusses One Condoms' use of innovative materials like graphene to create thinner, more sensitive condoms. She also talks about their "Flex" condom line and the company's efforts to make condoms more comfortable and pleasurable to use.
Promoting condom usage through creative campaigns
Milla describes One Condoms' various initiatives to raise awareness and normalize conversations around condoms, such as condom wrapper design contests, condom fashion shows, and partnerships with musicians and artists. She emphasizes the importance of making condom discussions fun and engaging.
Addressing the needs of the LGBTQ+ community
Milla discusses One Condoms' efforts to get their products approved for use, including working with Emory University on a study to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of their condoms for this purpose. She also talks about their "Butt Stuff Approved" campaign and the importance of normalizing condom use for all activities.
Conclusion and next steps
Milla and Cam wrap up the conversation, discussing opportunities for further collaboration and Cam's interest in trying out some of One Condoms' products. Milla encourages Cam to reach out if he or his audience are interested in participating in future product testing or research initiatives.
Relevant links:
ONE Condoms website: https://au.onecondoms.com/
From episode #84 with Tim Lagman. More from that episode:
- Tim shares about his escorting journey
- From escort to sex educator
- Masturbation vs Self-Pleasure
- Multi-orgasmic experiences
- Anal play, rimming and personal hygiene
- Edging techniques and strategies
- Stereotypes about Asian men
- The intersection of being Asian and gay
On this episode of #mensexpleasure, I chat with Avalon Lust, the provocative name behind scorching hot erotica that ignites passion and desire. With a focus on short, tantalizing reads, Lust's stories are crafted to arouse and captivate, perfect for those seeking to spice up their intimate moments. But beware, these tales come with a trigger warning, ensuring readers are prepared for the steamy journey ahead. So, whether you're indulging alone or with a partner, dive into Lust's world and let your imagination run wild.
Key points:
Avalon's background and writing journey
Avalon introduces herself as an erotica writer who started writing after the pandemic, shifting from longer romance novels to shorter, more direct erotica. She discusses how her husband's frequent travel led her to seek out erotica over romance novels, as the erotica could be read when he was home. Avalon also shares that she draws inspiration from her own experiences, conversations with friends, and research to craft her stories.
Exploring themes and characters in Avalon's erotica
Avalon explains that her erotica primarily explores women's fantasies, though she has a sizable male readership as well. She covers a range of themes including group dynamics, role play, and elements of dominance. Avalon also discusses how she approaches describing physical attributes and intimate scenes, balancing realism with idealization.
The benefits of reading erotica
Avalon shares how reading and writing erotica has helped reignite the romance and intimacy in her own marriage. She also discusses the positive feedback she has received from readers, including one review where a husband thanked her for a "wonderful night" after his wife read her work.
Avalon's writing process and future plans
Avalon describes her current writing projects, including a holiday-themed anthology she is working on. She discusses the occasional writer's block she faces and how she overcomes it by stepping away from a project for a while. Avalon expresses a desire to be able to support herself financially through her erotica writing, though she sees it primarily as a passion project.
Recap and closing thoughts
Avalon and Cam discuss the benefits of reading erotica together as a couple, using it as a way to open up conversations about desires and fantasies. Avalon shares that her husband does read her completed works, providing support for her writing. Cam emphasizes the value of erotica as a creative outlet, especially for men exploring and expressing their .
Relevant links:
Avalon's latest book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D9KRGKW9
From episode #83 with Luna Agneya. More from that episode:
- Luna shares some of her story
- Integrating spirituality and sexuality
- Strategies for beginning shadow work
- Cultural vs personal shadows
- Integrating your shadow
- Generational trauma
- Shadow aspects of pornography
- Advice for people interested in shadow work
On this episode of #mensexpleasure, I chat with Jenna Switzer. Jenna is a Holistic Sex Coach who helps you rediscover intimacy, playfulness, and sensuality in long-term relationships. With a unique blend of science, energetic practices, and real-life advice, she makes connection more fun and exciting. Jenna’s approach empowers couples to embrace deeper intimacy and rekindle passion in ways that feel authentic and enjoyable, both in and out of the bedroom. When she’s not supporting her clients, you’ll find her cuddling her Frenchie or chasing her next outdoor adventure.
Key points:
Introductions and background
Cam and Jenna introduce themselves and discuss their backgrounds. Jenna shares that she is a holistic coach focused on integrating all aspects of a person's life, not just intimate moments. Cam emphasizes the importance of curiosity as a foundation for his work.
Clients and common themes
Jenna explains that many of her clients struggle with a disconnect or shame around their pelvic/genital area, often stemming from trauma or conservative upbringings. Cam shares his dislike of the term "dysfunction" and preference for more nuanced language around experiences.
Reframing pleasure and intimacy
Cam and Jenna discuss the need to broaden the definition of pleasure beyond just /genital experiences. They emphasize the importance of curiosity, presence, and exploring the whole body rather than just focusing on performance or outcomes.
Practical strategies
Jenna shares a practice of creating a "non-sexual pleasures" list to help clients become more aware of and intentional about experiencing pleasure in daily life. Cam describes a "pleasure mapping" exercise to help clients explore sensations across their entire body.
Closing and resources
Jenna shares information about her online community "Behind Closed Doors" and a free downloadable resource on her website called "Simple Pleasures." Cam and Jenna express their shared passion for helping people live more pleasurable lives.
Relevant links:
Jenna's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenna_switzer/
Jenna's website: https://www.jennaswitzer.com/