#SEXHAPPENS
Helse#SEXHAPPENS is a sex-positive space for stories, conversations, and advocacy around de-stigmatizing sex and STDs. #SEXHAPPENS is the podcast where sexuality meets reality.
Siste episoder av #SEXHAPPENS podcast
- Real Talk: My Boyfriend and I Rebuild After Infidelity (01:07:59)
About a year and a half ago, Lucas shared with me that he had broken the agreements we set during our time apart—a period we had intentionally created to find balance and gain clarity about the future of our relationship.This episode is an honest reflection on where we are now (recorded on May 3rd, 2025). We’ve anticipated sharing this conversation for a long time. We even tried recording it last September, but at the time, the topic was still too raw—filled with emotional triggers and uncertainty.One of the reasons we recorded this is to unpack the layers of shame that surfaced throughout the process—shame that felt like a Pandora’s box once opened. Another reason is to mark our growth, forgiveness, and the healing that’s taken root since.This episode isn’t a step-by-step guide to healing after infidelity. If you or someone you know is navigating something similar, I strongly encourage you to build a supportive network—friends, family, therapy, and other resources—to help hold you through the journey toward sustainable healing and growth.
- Decolonizing Shame: The Paradox of Healing Intergenerational Trauma (00:35:30)
In this episode, Danielle Herrera, LMFT, shares her personal and professional journey of decolonizing mental health. We are initiated into the intergenerational wisdom and trauma of our ancestors. Healing multiple generations of trauma is the duality of returning what's not ours, and allowing ourselves to be held in the relational and collective space of of something bigger - divinity, nature, and ancestry. Danielle speaks about an Arabic phrase from Islam, أَسْتَغْفِرُ ٱللَّٰهَ (Astaghfirullah) which signifies "seeking forgiveness from god;" A process of releasing and returning trauma to a higher power, which we may experience through the "initiation" of our ancestral trauma.
- "When You Have Sex and Experience God" - A Journey toward Sacred Sexuality (00:31:53)
In this episode Dr. John Elfers shares his story of religious devotion and the difficulty he experienced in reconciling sexuality with spirituality. If sex is one of the most powerful connections we can make with the divine, why is it so common that our spirituality and religion leaves us feeling shameful, sinful, and impure? Dr. Elfers talks about his experience as a sex educator highlighting some of the challenges and misalignments we experience in adulthood which prevent the passing on of healthy beliefs and attitudes about sex to children.
- Sexual Health Without the Stigma: A Chat with TBD Health (00:28:59)
Stephanie Estey, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of TBD Health shares her insight and journey to launching a sexual health clinic. "STD Testing without Judgment" is an accurate description of the people, the place, the services, and the vision for TBD Health. Operating in two physical clinics (Las Vegas, NV, and Denver, CO) and online in almost all 50 states, TBD Health offers safe, accurate, and discreet testing services for all folks. Stephanie shares her personal vision for the clinic as well as poignant examples of how destigmatizing sexual healthcare is critical. Check out TBD Health at TBD.health
- Surviving Secrecy: The Lifelong Journey of Healing Sexual Abuse (00:42:15)
Our special guest shares a very intimate story of early childhood sexual abuse. The episode contains themes of sexual abuse, physical violence, addiction, and infidelity. Our guest reflects on the continuous journey of healing that has brought her so much strength as a reclamation of her own power. She overcomes the hold of secrecy to seek therapy and support, ultimately becoming a therapist herself and inspiring others' healing along the way. Her story is one of resilience. If you or someone you know is experiencing intimate partner violence, we encourage you to seek support safely. The National Domestic Violence Hotline can be accessed at 1-800-799-7233, or by texting "BEGIN" to 88788.
- Dr. Viviana Coles on Sex, Intimacy, Relationships and Lasting Love (00:31:03)
Dr. Viviana Coles is a celebrity matchmaker, Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy, Author, Speaker, and Intimacy Expert. In this episode Dr. Viviana addresses the important aspects of intimacy and sex, how they differ, and where we see successes and failures when navigating love and intimacy with others. Dr. Viviana shares about her own life, what lead her to sex and relationship therapy, and how lasting love is a lot of work, but worth it! Learn more about Dr. Viviana at www.doctorviviana.com where you can find her latest book, The Four Intimacy Styles.
- Unmasking Bias: TASHRA's Quest for Kinky Equality (00:34:40)
In this episode we talk to Richard and Anna, the co-founders of The Alternative Sexualities Health Research Alliance (TASHRA) to understand the pervasive stigma and discrimination in finding health care as a kinky person. Richard and Anna share their enthusiasm for kink research as a combination of bringing a personal passion together with professional skill. TASHRA is actively recruiting research participants, and always collaborating with researchers on a global scale to help dismantle stigma and create equity and access when it comes to all things kink! You can get in touch at www.tashra.org
- Disclosure-First Dating: Dosipp App for Singles with STIs (00:30:58)
Dosipp is a dating app for people who have chronic or recurring STI's. In this episode we meet Anuk, the founder of the Dosipp dating app. Anuk shares her story of learning about her herpes diagnosis and how that inspired her to create a community where no one has to go alone through the shame and panic of receiving an STI diagnosis. To download the Dosipp app you can visit https://www.dosipp.nl/en or check it out on social media @dosipp
- Pleasure is an Inside Job: Exploring Self with Others (00:38:37)
Judith Salamander is a sexological bodyworker and a somatic sex educator living and working in Berlin. Judith shares her experience of experimenting with BDSM before there were safe places to do so and how it shaped her life and work helping others explore pleasure and sexuality. In this podcast we'll also chat about the intricate complexity of culture, identity, safety, and expression when it comes to sex and our authentic selves.
- Fit for a King: A Look Inside Royal Intimacy (00:34:00)
Neil Mehta, CEO and Founder of Royal Intimacy shares his insights into the challenge of entering the sexual wellness space and creating a healthier condom. In this episode, we'll discuss the where his idea originated, barriers to manufacturing, heavily censored marketing, and building marketshare against the industry titans. We'll also discuss the growing need for educating and empowering customers to make informed decisions about their health. You can find Royal Intimacy on instagram @royalxintimacy and purchase products at www.alwaysberoyal.com.
- We're Back! What's the Scoop on Season 2? (00:20:47)
Welcome back to the #SEXHAPPENS podcast, we're so excited to launch Season 2. In this episode we'll hear from Lisa and Candida, the founders of Cool Jane LLC and the #SH Podcast. Candida reflects on Season 1 and shares what's coming up in Season 2.
- Real Talk: My Boyfriend and I Attend Our First Sex Party (00:42:47)
This episode is the finale of Season 1 of the #SEXHAPPENS Podcast. This episode is a conversation between me (Candida/Host of #SEXHAPPENS) and my boyfriend, Lucas. One of our interviewees invited us to a sex party, and we went! This episode is a raw, honest, and vulnerable conversation about our experience. We'll discuss our expectations, communication, emotions, and ultimately how it impacted each of us and both of us as a couple.
- HIV Positive (Part 2): Staying Positive Despite the Odds (00:30:00)
This is part two of a two-part episode in which we follow the life and journey of Jean Pierre. In part one we learn about his unique background and his journey with HIV. In part two we'll go into detail about his winning battle against lymphoma. Almost overnight, Jean Pierre went from being back on the dating scene to experiencing a rapidly growing tumor on his neck. Jean Pierre shares the details of the diagnosis, the treatment, and ultimately his positive attitude that helped him to stay energetic and hopeful throughout it all. We'll also discuss a life long transformation to authenticity that is the foundation for the gratitude and positivity that helped him overcome all of these "fatal strikes."
- HIV Positive (Part 1): Life, Sex, and Love Amidst the HIV/AIDS Epidemic (00:27:26)
This is the first part of a two-part episode in which we learn about Jean Pierre's experience of growing up gay in rural Germany. Jean Pierre knew he was gay from a young age, but had very few opportunities to learn how to socialize as a gay man, and develop his sexuality until he started spending time in Munich. After the fall of the Berlin Wall, he moved to Berlin to be part of the historic unification of the city. After a surprising turn of events, Jean Pierre found out that he was HIV+ and that as a late presenter, his immune system was significantly impacted. Thanks to modern medicine, and the work of diligent health professionals, Jean Pierre was able to return to full health. Just at the end of the episode, we hear that Jean Pierre was admitted for chemotherapy. Tune in for Part 2 to learn about his journey with Lymphoma.
- "The Fungus From Down Under": Herpes isn't a big deal. (00:25:56)
In this episode, I speak to my good friend Sam who shares about his genital herpes diagnosis. We start with his first experience with a sexual health concern, where he had to investigate a mysterious rash on his penis, and finish with a funny and light-hearted discussion about the importance of reducing stigma and how not-a-big-deal herpes is. In this episode we discuss a perceived statistic about Australia having the highest number of STIs, however this is NOT accurate according to the most recent health data. The metrics for measuring this information are much more complicated, and more information can be found here: https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/std-rates-by-country.
- Affective Responsibility: A Values-Based Decision to take PrEP (00:27:19)
In this week's episode we'll speak to Arto. Arto shares a story starting with the type of sex education he received growing up in the nordic countries of Finland and Sweden. As Arto's sexual exploration continues, he explains how he chooses to navigate risk, trust, communication, and affective responsibility - taking into account the well being of others when making decisions. Arto ultimately decides to get on PrEP, a medication used to significantly reduce the transmission of HIV, and describes his experience in Berlin.
- The Power of Disclosure: Building Community & Support through HPV (00:29:51)
In this week's episode we speak to Cristina, a Spanish woman whose HPV diagnosis changed her relationship to her body and empowered her to build community and speak openly in order to de-stigmatize STIs. Cristina found out she had HPV in 2018 after a period of enjoying and exploring her sex life as a single woman. During a routine gyno exam she was presented with an HPV diagnosis. She shares the highs and lows of the process of healing, and advocates for more communication and conversation about STIs. The problem with sex education is that we don't talk about sex. References in this episode include: Ali Wong - Baby Cobra Netflix Special (specific disclosure scene: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owUcrYcCYPc).
- Kink, Sex Parties, Open Relationships, and Sex Education (00:36:42)
This episode is a playful and extremely informative discussion of all things sex and exploration! A french woman who is active in the kinky scene in Berlin discusses all aspects of navigating risk, safety, emotions, and exploration when it comes to all things sex and relationships. She shares how her lifestyle is a product of awareness, communication, community and of course, pleasure! The resources shared in this episode include a reference to RACK - Risk Aware Consensual Kink; The books: Opening Up by Tristan Taormino and The Ethical Slut by Dossie Easton & Janet Hardy
- More Love, More Disclosure, More Protection (00:22:48)
Julian is an polyamorous, ethical slut who lives in Berlin. During a regular STI check he learns he has chlamydia and gonorrhea in his throat. On the podcast we discuss his surprise around oral transmission, his experience disclosing to multiple partners, and how to make protection more safe and comfortable for everyone. We also touch on navigating some of the stigmas and uncomfortable emotions that creep up around receiving an STI diagnosis. Despite the initial setback of changing plans and managing health, Julian agrees that #sexhappens!
- Self Worth vs. Genital Warts (00:26:13)
Our guest in this episode talks a lot about the limiting beliefs that made dealing with HPV and genital warts so difficult. She felt ashamed of herself to the extent that she suffered in secrecy during the most difficult parts of uncertainty, diagnosis and treatment. She eventually disclosed to a friend and was met with grace and acceptance, and has great advice to share with those who may be struggling with a similar thing. It's one thing to have to manage an STI, but it's another to do it alone and maintain a strong sense of self-worth and confidence. Sometimes the worst STI we can give another person is shame.
- Who's Cool Jane? What is #SEXHAPPENS? (00:23:10)
Welcome to the new sex positive podcast #SEXHAPPENS! We're here to share stories and laughs about all things sex and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). In the first episode you'll get to meet the co-founders of Cool Jane and #SEXHAPPENS. We will discuss the movement to destigmatize sex and STIs and have some fun while doing so! CEO & Co-Founder, Candida, shares her own personal story about herpes and how it led her to starting this company and this podcast. Find us online at www.cooljane.org