I actually think sexuality and sexual stimulation can be important for general health.

I worked in health psych and did behavioral medicine practice and all of those assessments

for people who had sleep problems. Don't ask about sex. Don't suggest sex. I was like,

but why? Why would we not use sexuality in a way that enhances our general health? I think

that more important argument is to say this is actually a part of improving health broadly.

That might be sleep, that might be pain, that could be other mental disorders or concerns.

And if we keep looking at it only in its own little box and say, well, we study sex to improve sex,

fine gold to have in life, but maybe not going to move us as far forward or making that argument

for its importance in life broadly if we don't think about it as integrated with these other

health concerns, which I think it absolutely is and should be.

So have you ever wondered what sexual drive or desire or what researchers call sexual motivation

has to do with living a good life? What even is sexual desire anyway? And why should we care about

it? And the question that tends to follow, is it changeable? Not in some smarmy underhanded

or self-serving way, but in a validated, science-based and genuinely relationship-building way.

And if so, why would we want to change it and who is to benefit?

My guest today, neuroscience-long-time researcher and clinical practitioner,

and founder of the Libros Research Center, Nicole Pressy, she's been studying everything from

sexual desire to the physiology of orgasm and how it can impact not just physical but also

mental health for years now. And these are all universal experiences and topics that affect us

both individually and in relationship. They tie into our ability to be healthier and build and

sustain deeply rewarding personal relationships to help us live good lives. But we rarely have ever

talked about them. Let alone seek genuine science-guided advice on them, which is why we've been on a

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