154: Pleasure, Psychedelics for Queer BIPOC + Connecting to Ancestral Guides with Courtney Watson

Clinical pharmacologist, Stephanie Karzon Abrams joins me to share how ketamine can support our hormonal health. Stephanie walks us through the science + research behind why these compounds and psychedelics can help us towards finding balance when our hormones get out of whack. We dive into treating conditions such as PMDD, menopause symptoms, and the hormonal disturbances caused by autoimmune diseases. In this episode: [01:48] Intro [02:28] Psychedelics' Dance with Hormones and Libido [09:46] Psilocybin and its Potential for Women's Cycles [14:39] Ketamine: A New Hope for Hormone Disorders [29:15] Legal Plant Medicines for Intimacy and Connection [36:36] Microdosing for Creativity, Mood, and Relationships [41:45] Ibogaine Therapy's Promise for Traumatic Brain Injuries THE SKINNY ON OUR SEXY GUEST Stephanie is a clinical pharmacologist, community maker, and entrepreneur in the psychedelic space. Through her consultancy, Beyond the Bench, she provides comprehensive guidance and expert advice, offers open-access education, conducts research, and supports initiatives seeking to make a positive impact, in order to redefine the landscape of healthcare and support access to psychedelics and plant medicines.  LINKS Article about TBI in relationships: https://www.beyondthebench.life/eleusinian-echoes/relationships-after-traumatic-brain-injury-tbi Exhale: Femme Ketamine Retreat: https://learn.sexloveyoga.com/exhale --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sexlovepsychedelics/message

Psychedelics + ketamine therapies are powerful ways to support the opening of the mind. But is there a thing such as being TOO OPEN? Nate Klemp, PhD, is a writer, philosopher, and entrepreneur. He joins me to share how to live with an Expansive Mind in a Distracted World. In this episode, you’ll hear: The impact of cancel culture on our cultural mindset and resilience The key differences between experiencing life with a closed vs. open mindset How digital distractions affect openness in relationships and intimacy Strategies for cultivating intentional relationships Nate’s personal journey towards embracing openness and writing his book, "Open" Understand the closed state by spending three days binging on screens and political outrage Fostering openness in romantic partnerships and understanding its significance Personality traits of openness and closeness according to the BIG FIVE inventory Scientific research of how personality traits can shift over time Insights from a skeptic's two-year journey in psychedelic-assisted therapy The varying experiences and effects of ketamine therapy Ketamine's antidepressant properties and its impact on neural plasticity Utilizing open awareness meditation for integrating psychedelic experiences Exploring the "80/80 marriage" concept for strengthening relationships Understanding the dynamics of the "sexual great depression" and vulnerability Patterns of trying to regulate our partner through sex Techniques for skillfully closing and upholding healthy boundaries THE SKINNY ON OUR SEXY GUESTS Nate Klemp, PhD, is a writer, philosopher, and entrepreneur. He is the author of the new book OPEN: Living With an Expansive Mind in a Distracted World. Nate is also the coauthor of the New York Times Editors’ Choice The 80/80 Marriage: A New Model for a Happier, Stronger Marriage and the New York Times Bestseller Start Here: Master the Lifelong Habit of Wellbeing. Nate cofounded the mindfulness training company Life Cross Training and holds a B.A. and M.A. in philosophy from Stanford University and a PhD from Princeton University. MORE LINKS Exhale Femme Retreat: ⁠⁠https://learn.sexloveyoga.com/exhale⁠ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sexlovepsychedelics/message

Craving erotic stories and audio POV boyfriends who will tell you what a good girl you’ve been? Dipsea is a people-powered story studio that produces a wide range of erotic, female-focused audio content. Co-founder of Dipsea, Gina Gutierrez joins me to share about their work. In this episode, you’ll hear: The evolution of the erotic audio industry and Gina's journey of co-founding Dipsea Popular themes within erotic fantasies Establishing emotional bonds with characters The creative process behind crafting erotic narratives and insights into production The impact of unrealistic expectations perpetuated by erotic content on real-life relationships Common “ick” factors that hinder reader engagement + building tension in storytelling The real-life effects of erotic fantasy on dating, relationships, and sexuality Embracing consent as a desirable element of sex Assessing the ethicality of porn or audio erotica Distinguishing Dipsea's storytelling approach amongst others in the industry Exploring hedonism as a positive and empowering facet of women's sexual liberation Envisioning the future of women's sexuality and the roles of platforms like Dipsea and AI technology The influence of sexual expression amid the pandemic THE SKINNY ON OUR SEXY GUESTS Meet Gina Gutierrez, an empathy-driven entrepreneur with her sights set on reimagining and prioritizing female pleasure. As the co-founder and Chief Creative Officer at Dipsea, a people-powered story studio that produces a wide range of erotic, female-focused audio content, she’s passionate about demonstrating why sexual wellness is essential, and how storytelling and imagination are powerful tools that can help women unlock liberating connections with their bodies. Armed with a psychology degree from Duke and a desire to break the stigma that fantasy should be stifled, she’s ready to help women everywhere tap into their sexual powers.  MORE LINKS Exhale Femme Retreat: ⁠https://learn.sexloveyoga.com/exhale Free 30 Day Trial to Dipseahttps://www.dipseastories.com/SEXLOVEYOGA --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sexlovepsychedelics/message

Dr Ido Cohen is here with me today to talk about the power of integration, why people struggle with it, and what golden nuggets you can extract. So you can support yourself with actual lasting change.  In this episode, you’ll hear: The various expressions of eros energy and the role of sensuality Integration: An ongoing process to create long term sustainable change Psychedelic integration using archetypes and the collective unconscious  Why we project archetypal and shadow traits in relationships The personal vs collective archetypal energies + indigenous learnings Holding the tension of opposites within the psychedelic experience The power of self regulation and holding your own container  Bypassing with psychedelics - Ensuring you’re available for real transformation The grief that comes from positive change + transformation  Tantric perspective of processing grief on a somatic level How archetypes evolve in unexpected ways  Neurotic suffering versus authentic suffering Village model of learning, psychedelic journeys and storytelling Facilitator abuse and misuse  THE SKINNY ON OUR SEXY GUEST Dr. Ido Cohen, Psy.D – serves individuals, couples and groups in San Francisco. He received his Psy.D from the California Institute of integral studies and trained at the Jung Institute In San Francisco. He works with a diverse range of challenges childhood trauma, inner critic, relational issues, lack of fulfillment, psychospiritual growth as well as psychedelic integration and preparation sessions with individuals and groups. His doctoral study researched the integration process of Ayahuasca ceremonies, while applying Jungian psychology to better understand how to support individuals in their process of change and transformation. He is the founder of “The Integration Circle” and facilitates workshops on the different dimensions of integration and the intersection of mental health, spiritual health and the entheogenic experience. Ido believes that the intersection of our psychological, emotional, somatic and spiritual dimensions can develop our relationships with our inner and outer worlds and create the changes we want to see in our life. Ido is passionate in supporting individuals to create long term, sustainable change leading to vibrant, authentic, expressive and love filled lives. MORE LINKS Vetting Your Practitioners: ⁠https://learn.sexloveyoga.com/Vetting%20Your%20Guide⁠ Exhale Femme Retreat: https://learn.sexloveyoga.com/exhale --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sexlovepsychedelics/message

World renowned meditation teacher, Emily Fletcher joins me to explore how to create a life from the seat of pleasure + desire. Emily is the podcast host of the Why Isn't Everyone Doing This? https://link.chtbl.com/whythis, the founder of Ziva,  bestselling author, + alchemical teacher teaching her practice the Sacred Secret. In this episode, you’ll hear: Manifestation Rituals and the Complexities of Emotional Experience Creating Safe Spaces for Authentic Expression and Emotional Alchemy Balancing Masculine Energy and Nurturing Inner Growth The Growth Edges that come with Publicly Owning your Pleasure Integrating Sexuality into Branding: Understanding Audience Dynamics Making Esoteric Concepts Accessible: Bridging the Gap to Mainstream Understanding Effective Manifestation Practices and Overcoming Common Obstacles Understanding the Influence of Consciousness on Manifestation Exploring Pleasure Science: Nervous System Health and Well-being Manifesting Through Orgasmic States of Consciousness Navigating Skepticism and Misconceptions Surrounding Manifestation Ancient Fertility Rituals Confronting Judgment and Stigma: The Intersection of Spirituality and Experience Exploring AI Influence and its Connection to Natural Networks THE SKINNY ON OUR SEXY GUESTS Emily Fletcher is the founder of Ziva and host of the “Why Isn’t Everyone Doing This?” podcast. She’s an international speaker whose superpower is making esoteric tools accessible to a mainstream audience, teaching over 50k people meditation and manifesting. Emily has spent the past three years creating Sacred Secret, a new movement informed by ancient wisdom and modern science to help you get exactly what you want in life, all by harnessing Embodied Manifesting tools and Emotional Alchemy. Free masterclass on the science of Ziva Meditation: ⁠https://zivameditation.com/podcast⁠ Follow Ziva on Instagram: ⁠instagram.com/zivameditation⁠ Follow Emily Fletcher on Instagram: ⁠instagram.com/emilystellafletcher⁠ MORE LINKS Emily Fletcher's Podcast:  https://link.chtbl.com/whythis Femme Ketamine Retreat: ⁠https://learn.sexloveyoga.com/exhale⁠ Vetting Your Practitioners: ⁠https://learn.sexloveyoga.com/Vetting%20Your%20Guide --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sexlovepsychedelics/message

Relationship & Intimacy Coach Starielle Hope joins me to explore relationships as their own arena for growth. We share practices that you as an individual or you and your beloved can do to recognize + take accountability for your patterns around love. In this episode, you’ll hear: Common mistakes people make in relationships + how to solve them Reprogramming “the happy ever after” fantasy Cultivating high-level relational skills to create soul-fulfilling connections Taking self-responsibility for our own patterning and programming Strategies to access your unconscious mind and create new belief systems Using breath, sound, movement to regulate your nervous system and create healthy attachment patterns Unconscious Power dynamics in a relationship -- How to identify them, how to resolve them Reciprocity and dynamic polarity in committed relationship Sex as a ceremony for transformation, healing + elevation of consciousness Starielle’s personal journey of listening to her body to discern aligned relationships Somatics/language of the physical body plus parts work to access the unconscious and bring into conscious awareness for behavioral shifts Moving sexual energy through the body without penetration or sensation How psychedelics can be helpful for couples -- especially for men not conditioned in this society to have a relationship with their emotions.  Navigating grief while in a relationship -- new or long term. MORE LINKS Femme Ketamine Retreat: https://learn.sexloveyoga.com/exhale Vetting Your Practitioners: https://learn.sexloveyoga.com/Vetting%20Your%20Guide THE SKINNY ON OUR SEXY GUEST Starielle is a Relationship & Intimacy Coach who specializes in working with people who have been successful in their careers but have struggled to find that same level of success in their romantic and personal relationships. She guides them in clearing blocks to intimacy, revealing subconscious patterns that are keeping them from the sex & connections they want to experience, and develop the skills that will enable them to attract world-class partners. She also teaches Emotional Intelligence based Leadership to executive teams to help them work more efficiently and unlock maximum creative and productivity potential. She has a decade of experience studying somatic modalities, Internal Family Systems, sexuality, evolutionary psychology, communication techniques, masculine/feminine energy dynamics and tantra. She holistically teaches skills for deeper intimacy by addressing the emotional, physical, sexual, and spiritual planes to empower her clients to experience new depths of connection in their romantic relationships and broader communities. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sexlovepsychedelics/message

Named The Corporate Shaman by Forbes Magazine, Flor Bollini is regarded as one of the trailblazers in the plant medicine world. Flor joins me to share her Shamanic perspective in the work of psychedelics + sexuality and how we can discern for our own selves what feels right for us. In this episode, you’ll hear:  The convergence of ancient cultures in relation to psychedelics and sexuality Flor's personal journey highlighting the symbiotic relationship between sexuality and psychedelics The significance of understanding your sexual energy as a vital life force for overall well-being Exploring the shadow aspects of sex and psychedelics, and the consequences of suppressing sexual energy Contrasting underground movements with the current Psychedelic Renaissance, empowering individuals to connect with the divine The synergy between chemical compounds and the soul of entheogens Clinical ketamine therapy infused with ritualistic elements Advocating for safety and approaching complex compounds with reverence Embracing the role of being your own shaman and embarking on your hero's journey Integrating psychedelic experiences and recognizing the potency of microdosing Empowering women in the realm of medicine and honoring the Tradition of Priestesses Serving others while on the healing path Developing the ability to discern between intuition and fear through accessible techniques to enhance intuition THE SKINNY ON OUR SEXY GUEST Flor Bollini. Pioneer, entrepreneur and medicine woman. Named The Corporate Shaman by Forbes Magazine, Flor is regarded as one of the trailblazers in the plant medicine world. With over a decade of experience pioneering her empathetic, feminine approach to serving and integrating psychoactive medicines, her methods have been adopted by the leaders in the space and have made Flor one of the most respected psycho-spiritual entrepreneurs in the world. Flor is the founder and CEO of NANA Health, first foundational platform for Psychedelic-Initiated Transformative Medicine. She’s also the co-founder of ReWire Therapeutics LTD, a UK biotechnology company that provides the first time released combination drug products in the psychedelic industry. MORE LINKS: Vetting your practitioners for psychedelics: https://learn.sexloveyoga.com/Vetting%20Your%20Guide --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sexlovepsychedelics/message

In this episode with Courtney Watson, we talk about how psychedelics can be a powerful tool for personal exploration in identity, pleasure, + resilience. She shares about her work with Queer BiPOC , as well as, practices + rituals to access inspiration from ancestral wisdom. In this episode, you’ll hear: Building resilience strategies amidst complex trauma Navigating the repercussions of the pandemic and reclaiming a connection to pleasure Courtney's impactful work with Queer BiPOC  How to create a sex-positive environment and educate children about pleasure The significance of intersectionality in therapy, addressing unique challenges in sexual expression and healing Empowering individuals to explore their sexual identities for greater self-acceptance Broadening understanding about bisexuality and queerness beyond societal norms The role of psychedelic therapy, particularly ketamine-assisted therapy, in sex therapy, with a focus on Queer + BIPOC Unpacking the concept of energetic sex and embracing our fullest sexual selves through pleasure Practices for connecting with ancestral guides and the wisdom they offer Tapping into ancestral guidance to navigate sexuality and learn from familial patterns for healing and releasing shame. THE SKINNY ON OUR SEXY GUESTS The dynamic founder of Doorway Therapeutic Services, Courtney, is not just a highly qualified therapist but a passionate advocate for those she serves. Her love for her work is deeply intertwined with her dedication to serving marginalized communities, particularly Black, Indigenous, People of Color, Queer Folx, trans/gnc/non-binary/2 spirit Folx, those exploring non-traditional relationships, and sex workers. Courtney’s passion lies in her service to her community and has led her to transform her solo practice into a group practice of predominantly Queer, BIPOC and TGNC providers offering their therapeutic expertise as a beacon of understanding and guidance to the community. Her goal is not just to help but to champion the healing journey of her clients and the professional development of her employees. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist, she utilizes her rich educational background to work in tandem with breadth of knowledge that her lived experience provides. Academically speaking, she has a B.S. in Psychology from Xavier University of Louisiana (an HBCU), an M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy from UNLV, and an M.Ed. in Human Sexuality from Widener University and might finally be finishing her PhD studies in Human Sexuality this fall! Additionally she has trained with MAPS to provide MDMA Assisted Psychotherapy, CIIS to provide Psychedelic Assisted Therapy and Polaris Insight Center to provide Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy. As these medicines are rescheduled by the FDA and available to the public, Doorways will offer psychedelic therapy in addition to the current Ketamine offering now. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sexlovepsychedelics/message

We are exploring my favorite topic + the focus on this show: Sex and Psychedelics. Amy + April from Shameless Sex and I all play moderators as we muse on our personal explorations + discoveries in plant medicine + psychedelics.  Some of these stories are beautiful + sweet, and some of them represent the darker, harder lessons we had to identify. Each of them is profound and valuable. Hopefully this talk inspires you, and if you need more support, I’ve created a guide for you. In this episode, you’ll hear: The movement towards decriminalizing psilocybin and a focus on harm reduction Safety considerations when combining psychedelics with sexual healing A redefinition of the complexities surrounding "sex" and exploring how psychedelics can aid in this discovery The supportive role of psychedelics in experiencing self-love and surrender on a profound, embodied level Dr. Cat's personal journey as a sex therapist, integrating psychedelics into her professional practice Exploring the erotic nature of psychedelics + Dr. Cat’s model: Erosynthesis Personal Ayahuasca experiences shared by Cat, April, and Amy, along with the valuable lessons learned The destigmatization of the natural ebbs and flows of eroticism, particularly during times of grief Holistic integration of psychedelic experiences + talk therapy Guidance and suggestions for individuals curious about working with psychedelics A comprehensive look at safety considerations and tips for selecting the right facilitator for your psychedelic journey The importance of preparation, integration, and building trust with your chosen journey companions Mental health considerations that should be addressed before delving into the world of psychedelics Exploring the potential for transformative and deeply connected self-exploration during solo psychedelic experiences The differences between feminine and masculine facilitators in the psychedelic realm The crucial role of establishing and maintaining boundaries to facilitate a deeper surrender into emotional depths for profound healing. MORE LINKS Vetting Your Practitioners: https://learn.sexloveyoga.com/Vetting%20Your%20Guide Retreat Waitlist: https://learn.sexloveyoga.com/RetreatWaitlist THE SKINNY ON OUR SEXY GUEST Amy Baldwin is a sex educator and sex and relationship coach trained in both the Somatica and Hakomi Methods. Amy is also the lead educator for überlube, co-owner of a mother-daughter owned online pleasure boutique called Pure Pleasure Shop, and was voted Sexpert of the Year within the pleasure products industry. April Lampert is co-owner and chief sales and partnerships officer of Hot Octopuss, an innovative and award-winning sex toy company. She was voted Woman of the Year in the pleasure products industry and has been educating people about sexual pleasure and sex toys at a global scale since 2008. Together, Amy and April created the Shameless Sex podcast, inspiring radical self-love, sexual empowerment, and shame-free intimacy. Shameless Sex is known for its unabashed real talk about sexuality with a playful twist, and has been featured in mainstream media outlets such as Cosmopolitan, Women’s Health, Men’s Health, Huffington Post, GQ, and Maxim, among other platforms. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sexlovepsychedelics/message

Mikaela de la Myco has been a leading voice in this space connecting plant medicine for fertility, motherhood, + womb health. For new moms + moms-to-be who are curious about entheogens… This episode will be for you. We dive into how plant medicine can support women during their pregnancy journey, and the key considerations to be mindful of along the journey.  As a reminder, this is for informational purposes only. Please consult your healthcare provider before pursuing any of the products discussed. I do not believe psychedelics are for everyone, please do the preparation + work necessary to care for yourself. In this episode, you’ll hear: Microdosing Moms - How Entheogens Support Women Throughout Pregnancy Consequences of the Birth Extraction Process in Western Practices Entheogens Role within Postpartum and Mothers Systemic Trauma and the Business of Birth: A Closer Look at Perpetuating Factors Plant Medicine's Supportive Role in Pregnancy + Considerations for the Journey The Mother's Role and Family Dynamics in the Psychedelic Space Breastfeeding and Entheogens: Safety Considerations and Detection in Breast Milk Clarifying Psilocybin Toxicity + Reproductive Risks Ancestral Wisdom in MesoAmerican Traditions: Indigenous Rituals and Their Modern Relevance Mushrooms for Hormone Balancing: Entheogens in Pregnancy Considerations Mikaela's Personal Journey of a Mushroom Experience During the Third Trimester Guidance on Responsible Psychedelic Exploration: Finding Trustworthy Guides and Leaders in the Field And MORE! THE SKINNY ON OUR SEXY GUESTS Mikaela de la Myco comes from a blended ancestry.  Her peoples come from the hills of southern italy, the caribbean and the deserts and mountains of mexico.  In her everyday life, she is a mother, an entheogen educator, a womb care practitioner and acts as a community ceremony facilitator in occupied Kumeyaay & Luiseno territory, also known as San Diego, CA. She passionately serves all people in ancestral healing ways with special focus in serving creatives, families, bleeding people, folks within the birthing continuum and people navigating conscious contraception. Mikaela organizes quarterly ceremonies so people can journey through the dark amenta to uncover ancestral messages, rewrite trauma wounds and make meaning with mushroom and other earth medicines. Her platform, Mama de la Myco is a creative space at the intersection of medicine woman, psychedelic mother and sacred hoe.  Mikaela de la Myco has made the commitment to rematriate entheogens, do ma'at always and prove to the world that psychedelics are for families. Her Survey for Mamas: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdWK0FCuu0GfIrGYzWJkUzZHAhTVQDb_yn25qTiyBW73vC0Vw/viewform MORE LINKS Sensual Awakening: https://learn.sexloveyoga.com/sensual-awakening --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sexlovepsychedelics/message