Recovering from a sex and porn addiction with Erica Garza and Daria Kuss
- S1E3
- 1:08:42
- February 24th 2022
On this week’s podcast episode we’re turning to the seldom-discussed topic of sex and porn addiction.
Joining Emma-Louise is journalist and author Erica Garza, whose debut memoir ‘Getting Off’ explores her experience of overcoming a sex and porn addiction and the shame that still surrounds it.
“At 30 , at 24, even at 12,” Erica writes at the start of the book, “it was impossible for me to think about sexual pleasure without immediately feeling shame. I felt bad about the type of porn I watched. I felt bad sleeping with people I didn’t like. I felt bad because of the thoughts I feasted on when I was having sex with people I genuinely loved.
"For as far back as I remember this is just the way it was. My sexual habits were sick and shameful. My thoughts were sick and shameful. I was sick and shameful. But nothing would stop me from getting off.”
To shed some expert insight on this less-understood topic (particularly as it concerns women) is Dr Daria Kuss, a Chartered Psychologist, Chartered Scientist and Associate Professor in Psychology at Nottingham Trent University whose work has largely focused on exploring addictive behaviours.
Talking Taboos With Daye
Talking Taboos with Daye is a new podcast series focused on busting myths and opening up frank discussions on topics typically deemed taboo.
At Daye, we are on a mission to close the gender pain gap and create innovative solutions to women’s healthcare needs.
As we create the sorts of products we think women should have had access to a long time ago - like our CBD-infused tampons which are the world’s first and only targeted solution for cramps - we find ourselves talking constantly about taboo topics. From periods to contraception to issues around orgasm, no issue is off bounds to us when it comes to discussing women’s health and well-being.
Yet we are all too aware of the shame and stigma that still surrounds so many of these topics. It’s something we’re determined to change. If you can’t talk about an issue openly, how are you meant to tackle the problems that surround it?
So, we thought it was about time we started a podcast - somewhere we can explore, unpack and upturn all of the issues around which we feel a little more honest conversation is needed.
The series is presented by journalist Emma-Louise Boynton, aka the co-founder of women’s media platform Her Hustle, and will delve into topics ranging from addiction to eating disorders to abortion.
On each episode, we'll interview someone who has personally experienced that week’s taboo topic, before turning to an expert in the field who can shed some professional insight on the issue at hand.
Enjoy the show.