How does obsessive compulsive disorder manifest in sex and relationships? In so many ways, but treatment is possible and effective. Karen talks with sex therapist Laura Federico about the root issue in OCD, ramifications, and solutions. The shame of minor attraction and getting help is included. They also discuss Laura’s new book The Cycle Book, about the effect of menstrual hormones on the body and mind. On this episode: Psychologist and sex therapist Laura Federico Host Karen Yates &n...

Therapist and author Dr Lyne Piché talks with Karen about ADHD and tools individuals and couples can use to promote more intimacy and better sex lives. They discuss her new ADHD workbook in this far-ranging and lively conversation. Our seventh anniversary show is in Chicago, October 12, 6pm at Lincoln Lodge. Get tickets! Main show sponsor Rowan Tree Counseling. On the show: Psychologist and sex therapist Dr. Lyne Piché Host and certified sex educator Karen Yates ADHD and Sex: A Wor...

Season 9 on neurodiversity and sex begins with a deep dive into autism. Therapist Elmo Painter-Edington, herself autistic, gives us a primer on this unique brain difference and its interplay with sex, kink, and polyamory. Plus! Don't miss our Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025, 6pm, SEVENTH ANNIVERSARY SHOW in Chicago. Get tix and more info here! Main show sponsor: Rowan Tree Counseling. In this episode: Neurodiversity-affirming therapist and coach Elmo Painter-Edington, LPC, SEP, ASDI Host Karen Yat...

Want to try some kinky stuff with your partner, but have no idea where to begin? Panelists offer tips for those curious about experimenting with power play, sensation play, and beyond. Plus! Don't miss our Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025, 6pm, SEVENTH ANNIVERSARY SHOW in Chicago. Get tix and more info here! In this episode: Cassie Porter - Somatic sex educator & sexological bodyworkerJason Best - Kink-aware therapist & founder of Best TherapiesPeter Navarro - Sex-positive and somatic-oriented t...

From our June 2025 live Chicago show, Archy Jamjun, R.C. Riley, Amy Sumpter and Joe Mellen bring the laughs. Plus audiences answer the q, "What's your go-to fantasy?" Joe Mellen, storyteller Amy Sumpter, comic and rapper R.C. Riley, writer and performer Archy Jamjun, storyteller and comic Karen Yates, certified somatic sex educator and energy worker Leave a tip for our work--we'd love $5 or $10 (or more!) to support the monthly costs of our podcast! Or join our monthly Pat...

Send us a text Somatic Experiencing focuses on resolving trauma and stress by addressing the body’s responses and nervous system. In this in-depth episode, somatic therapist Meggie Twible discusses this gentle and powerful method and how it can work with sexual trauma and also its effects in polycules. In this episode: Meggie Twible, somatic therapistHomecoming Therapies on InstagramTwible’s online eventsSomatic Experiencing official websiteTRE–somatic methodThe Safe and Sound Audio Pro...

Send us a text What happens when kink meets therapy? In this lively conversation, Dr Yulinda Renee Rahman, creator of Therapeutic BDSM™, explains how trauma can be healed when a kink professional, therapist, and client work together. In this episode: Therapist Dr. Yulinda Renee Rahman, creator of Therapeutic BDSM™ and founder of KPSAKink Professionals Standards Alliance (KPSA) Summit, October 25-26Books by Dr. Rahman on AmazonKaren Yates – sex educator and healerWild & SublimeWa...

Send us a text What exactly does a surrogate partner do? For our Healing from Sexual Trauma series, we’re rebroadcasting a powerful 2022 episode where two professional surrogates talk about the intimate work of redressing trauma, dismantling unhealthy assumptions about sex, and helping clients move toward the relationships they want. In this episode: River Roaring - Surrogate partner, private coach & workshop facilitatorBrian Gibney - Surrogate partner and intimacy coach More resourc...

Send us a text Remi Newman, editor of Hands On, a book collection of personal essays by sexuality workers, and Mehdi, a somatic sex and trauma therapist, talk with Karen about the complexities of sex work and the potential for deep healing through hands-on modalities. In this episode: Hands On: Stories of Sexuality Work, Intimacy and Healing Remi Newman - editor, Hands On; surrogate partner; and sexuality educator Mehdi - somatic sex and trauma therapist Karen Yates - dual-certified so...

Send us a text In the first episode of our Healing from Sexual Trauma season, sexological bodyworker and healer Rahi Chun describes how genital de-armoring can help people move through held and often painful trauma patterns lodged in the pelvis. This fascinating conversation is a must-listen. Don't miss our Wed. June 25, 7pm, show in Chicago! Info and tix In this episode: Rahi Chun - dual-certified somatic sex educator and sexological bodyworker Karen Yates - dual-certified somatic sex e...

Send us a text How do you work through the bad feelings that can damage good relationships? Polyamorous therapist and author Kate Loree chats with Karen about her comprehensive book “Open Deeply,” about consensual nonmonogamy and deep strategies to regulate you during conflicts. In this episode: Kate Loree - Sex-positive psychotherapistOpen Deeply and other sex-positive book recsOpen Deeply podcast - hosted by Kate Loree and Sunny MegatronI’m looking for… Episodes on specific topicsThis epis...

In this final episode of our Polyamory in Depth season, Karen chats with David Carlson, campaign coordinator for OPEN, about how to begin legislating at the local level for nondiscrimination ordinances protecting polyamorous folks and those in diverse family structures. In this episode: OPEN - The Organization for Polyamory and Ethical Non-MonogamyOPEN’s campaign coordinator David Carson Host, sex educator, and energy worker Karen Yates OPEN’s Legislative ToolkitGet Say It Better in...

Relationship Anarchy rejects rules and expectations in how we relate to each other. It’s mentioned more and more in the media, but what is it exactly? In this lively conversation, therapist Nicole Thompson explains that while RA can turn our relationships on their heads, it can also bring freedom. In this episode: Therapist and podcaster Nicole Thompson Host, sex educator, and energy worker Karen Yates Relationship Anarchy ManifestoRelationship Smorgasbord Get Say It Bett...

Do you dream of living in a polyamorous pod? Do you have non-nesting partners? Kids? You might need to do your homework first. As part of our Polyamory In Depth season, author Laura Boyle (Monogamy? In this Economy?) talks through assumptions and expectations about polyam homelife. In this episode: Author and relationship coach Laura Boyle Host, sex educator, and energy worker Karen Yates Monogamy? In this Economy? – buy on Bookshop and support Wild & SublimeSix Recommende...

When relationships transition from monogamous to open, or ENM agreements change, trouble may arise. As part of our Polyamory In Depth season, author and therapist Jessica Fern (Polywise; Polysecure) discusses how to navigate choppy waters.In this episode:Author and therapist Jessica Fern Sex educator, coach, and energy worker Karen Yates Polywise and Polysecure– buy them on Bookshop and support Wild & SublimeGet Say It Better in Bed, Karen’s free guide to upping your intimacy pl...

Molly Roden Winter talks with Karen about her bestselling memoir More, which honestly chronicles opening up her long-term marriage while being a mother and then caregiver to her parents. Be on the lookout for our next season--"Polyamory in Depth" --starting in January!We are part of the Lincoln Lodge podcast network!Buy More through Bookshop. Help independent booksellers and Wild & Sublime! https://bookshop.org/shop/wildandsublimeFEATURED:Molly Roden Winter - author @mollyrwinter on...

Listen to steamy storytellers from our sixth anniversary live show as they heat up your earbuds. Plus the audience tells us about their oh-so-sexy breakthroughs. In this episode:Storyteller Elizabeth Gomez tells us about college frolickingStoryteller Ashley Meyer shares a kinky goodbyeHost, sex educator, and energy worker Karen Yates Our live show was sponsored by uberlube and Rowan Tree Counseling!Get Say It Better in Bed, Karen’s free guide to upping your intimacy pleasure. Downlo...

Where are all the cool people at? Event producer and spoken word musician Khari B. discusses his legendary twenty-year event, Thee Debauchery Ball, a kinky house music party in Chicago for melanated people. Karen and he discuss Black sexuality, creating safe spaces, and the documentary Thee Debauchery Ball. Filmmaker David Weathersby joins the conversation midway to discuss the making of the film and watching the party’s evolution.In this episode:Khari B.--event maker and spoken word musician...

What’s keeping your sex life from being more exciting? Panelists discuss limiting beliefs and tips to move past them in this dynamic conversation. Plus Karen’s Sermon on the Pubic Mound. From the October 2024 live show.Panel with: Sex coach and pleasure mentor Tazima ParrisTherapist for all things queer and kinky Jake Penrod from Live OakENM/kink coach Sarah Sloane Host, sex educator, and energy worker Karen Yates The main show sponsor of the October 2024 show was uberlüb...

Panelists discuss issues facing LGBTQ+ folx inside their respective groups and across affinities, offering skills and strategies to combat isolation and forge bonds. Plus an interview with drag artist Cindy Nèro about her art and mentorship, and Karen’s Sermon on the Pubic Mound. From the June 2024 live show.GET TIX for our sixth anniversary live show in Chicago: Oct. 11, 2024!In this episode:Interview with drag artist, mentor and storyteller Cindy NeroPanel with Channyn Lynn Park...