What Does Good Sex Look Like?
The Good Sex Project is the latest release from Stuff. Image supplied
Reporter
The Good Sex Project is Stuff’s newest podcast about good sex, good relationships and how to have them, and aims to normalise conversations around sex and intimate relationships, and break down taboos.
Hosted by podcaster and columnist Melody Thomas, the series features insights and expert advice from renowned sex experts and celebrities from around the world, alongside candid conversations about sex and relationships with New Zealanders of all ages and backgrounds.
Host Melody Thomas, image by Ebony Lamb
Experts include American researcher and sex educator Emily Nagoski, Australian feminist author Clementine Ford, American sex columnist Dan Savage, and homegrown talent including psychologist Nic Beets, sexologist Sonia Walters, and comedian Alice Snedden, to name a few.
The series will help guide listeners to a deeper understanding of their own sexual and romantic lives, as well as the wider social contexts that impact their choices. It covers everything from first crushes, experimentation, hookups, dating and relationships, coming out, good sex, bad sex, kink, communication, consent, sexual health, self-worth, and the role society, media and porn culture play in shaping our attitudes towards sex.
Thomas is no stranger to talking about sex, having already hosted RNZ’s Bang! an award-winning podcast on the subject. She tells Close to the Mic that the format may be similar, but there are differences - this series for Stuff builds on the previous podcast.
“The theme is different. Instead of dipping in and out of individually themed episodes, I wanted to take people on a journey. So the whole season is dedicated to figuring out what good sex looks and feels like, what good relationships look and feel like; how to find those things, and then, how to keep them! It’s also a little different in that I know more now, though just like always, when I’m not sure, I call in the experts to guide us
She says The Good Sex Project will explore real-life sexual and romantic difficulties, and help to find the solutions.
“I've been talking to people about their sex and love lives for years, and I’m looking forward to sharing what I’ve learned with listeners,” says Thomas.
"It’s really important stuff. Too many people feel alone, embarrassed and ashamed about things that are actually very normal and common, and when we talk about them, that shame falls away. We learn that none of us are alone in what we're struggling with, or what we're into."
Host Melody Thomas (left) and co-producer Kirsten Johnston (right) are the duo behind Popsock Media. Image Ebony Lamb.
Stuff’s Chief Audio Officer Nadia Tolich said The Good Sex Project presents a unique opportunity to educate and entertain audiences in a way that delivers real social benefits.
The Good Sex Project is produced by Popsock Media and Stuff and sponsored by Hell Pizza and launches Sunday 28 May with new episodes released weekly.
The Good Sex Project was made with the support of NZ On Air.
Listeners can find the podcast on Stuff.co.nz, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms.