Sex and the Psyche

Dr. Jenni Skyler and Daniel Lebowitz sit down with the legendary couple who built the field of sexual medicine. Dr. Irwin Goldstein, first author on the original Viagra paper, founder of ISSWSH, and one of the most published voices in the field and Sue Goldstein, AASECT-certified educator and patient advocate, share how their San Diego clinic redefines bio-psycho social care, why most sexual health problems still go unaddressed, and the specific moments that changed the trajectory of the entire field.

In Part 2 of our conversation, Michele Weiner-Davis and Dr. Jenni Skyler go deeper into what real repair looks like after infidelity — including the questions betrayed partners ask that quietly prolong the pain, the unfaithful partner's essential role in healing, and what it actually takes to rebuild sexual intimacy when trust has been broken.

In this never released short Bonus Episode from The Modern Pleasure Podcast with Dr. Jenni Skyler and Kim Kaplan, Paul Joannides discusses cultural issues surrounding women's sexuality, including the restriction of abortion and birth control, and emphasizes the importance of sex education. Paul shares a story from a college newspaper about young women's negative views on masturbation. Dr. Skyler adds that these attitudes often stem from religious or cultural upbringing, and the conversation touches on the broader societal messaging around pleasure and sexuality.

In this bonus episode, Kim Kaplan, Dr. Jenni Skyler, and Natalie discuss the therapeutic use of psychedelics, particularly MDMA, for healing sexual trauma. They role-play a preparation session, illustrating the need to address ambivalence and fear.

Listen to this Bonus Episode where Kim, Jenni and Daniel discuss the hows, when and why talking about sex with your children is an important part of healthy sexual development.

This "Listen Again" episode was one of our favorites, and it deserves a re-visit! Dr. Jenni and Kim talk to Dr. Craig Heacock, an adolescent and adult psychiatrist and addiction specialist in Colorado who hosts the psychiatric storytelling podcast “Back from the Abyss.” In this conversation, we talk about psychiatric drugs and their effect on our sex drive. Dive into this fascinating conversation for the first time, or again...with Dr. Craig Heacock.

Previously on Sex and the Psyche, Dr. Jenni and Daniel interviewed a male guest named Andy (Episode 5- The Irony of Sexual Selfishness). Andy is back to report on his progress after three months, and brings along his wife for a fun surprise!

Dr. Jenni and Daniel continue their conversation on the Commodification of Sex in this Bonus Episode that provides suggestions for creating deeper connections within sexual relationships in the Gen Z era.

Jenni and Daniel read 3 listener questions from women who have male partners with low sex drive. Learn what depletes the male drive, even when testosterone is healthy or high.

Jenni and Daniel sit down with couples therapist colleague, Michelle Miscione, to discuss a case study on sexuality and neurodivergence. Michelle talks about "Eli and Marcus", who navigate ADHD and autism traits and how they successfully have made sex and intimacy work for them.

Dr. Jenni and Daniel explore delayed ejaculation, teasing out their different approaches to this topic. Listeners get to peek into real-time conversations between Jenni and Daniel, witnessing their marital converations and disagreements around sex therapy. They define the Arousal Spectrum and why it's so important to work with this in your body to build awareness for optimum sexual functioning.

Listener Question from 45 year old male in the dating scene asks about how to name his desires in the bedroom without it coming off as criticism.

Dr. Jenni and Daniel have a conversation with their guest Andy, who asks how to transition from being a silent sexual partner to creating a strong masculine presence in the bedroom.