After a few weeks abroad for the holidays, followed by an emergency with her pup in Miami (more here), and a few days at a clothing optional resort working with couples who have been happily married for 30+ years, Jess finally made it back to Toronto. And her first stop, of course, was at Global TV’s The Morning Show. She joined Carolyn and Jeff to chat about popular portrayals of two hot topics: virginity as portrayed on The Bachelor and the role of faith in relationships in light of Chris Pratt and Katherine Schwarzenegger’s engagement.

Check out the video reply and summary notes below.

1. The new bachelor, Colton is a virgin and people can’t stop talking about it. What is our obsession with virginity?

Virginity is an odd and exclusionary concept. It simply doesn’t apply to everyone because it tends to refer to one specific sex act and discount all the other pleasurable and intimate acts that are also sexual in nature.

The definition of virginity itself...

Jess and Brandon discuss how they’re feeling in light of their dog’s cancer diagnosis and talk about the role gratitude plays in their lives and relationships. They share five specific strategies for being more grateful in life and marriage.

As mentioned in this episode, check out Jess' video course: Mindful Sex: Deeper Connection, Intimacy and Pleasure 

This podcast is brought to you by Desire Resorts.

It's time to feature another Sexuality Superhero. This week, our Sexuality Superhero is: Shamyra Howard. Check out Shamyra's counselling work below, they aim to help individuals improve their sexual wellness and help overcome their issues and needs with intimacy, communication and much more. Happy reading!

How did you find yourself working in sexuality?

I began working in the sexuality field in 2004, as a peer health educator on Southern University's campus. While educating women on campus about STD's/STI's, I discovered that most of the women didn't have basic sexuality knowledge, and were most concerned with preventing pregnancy. That's when I went to work. I began doing my own research, and presenting everywhere. In 2013, I attended Widener University where I gained even more sexuality education.

Today, I work as a Sexologist in my private practice where I specialize in Sex and Relationship Therapy. I also provide sex and intimacy coaching and consulting across the world....

This piece was originally published in Post City Magazines.

In my line of work, I’m privy to an often unsolicited glimpse into the intimate lives of couples from all walks of life. From chatty Uber drivers to long-lost childhood friends, it’s not uncommon for people to open up as soon as they find out what I do for a living. One of the trends I’ve observed in these conversations over the past ten years involves an increase in consensual non-monogamy (CNM). Data from two representative samples of to 8,718 adults suggests that 21% have been in some form of a CNM relationship. And though non-monogamy has always existed in multiple forms (e.g. cheating), it seems that consensual non-monogamy may be on the rise.

Some, like Mandy from Forest Hill, say CNM is a more realistic option given the divorce, infidelity and marital dissatisfaction rates. “I didn't want to be another statistic. After watching my parents and so many of their friends and siblings, I knew there...

We are starting the new year off by showing some love to others in the field. The Sex With Dr. Jess blog will now have a Sexuality Superheros column which will feature experts, educators and influencers alike. We aim to highlight their skills and expertise, and hopefully bring a stronger recognition to their work in the sexual health field. This week, our Sexuality Superhero is: MaryEllen Reider.

How did you find yourself working in sexuality?

Before starting Yarlap^®, I was in Kosovo helping women understand financial issues so they could better help their families. It was an idea that the happier women are, the happier society is.

Reliable information is the pathway for women to make the best choices for themselves, their families, and society. I was looking to empower women, when I was asked if I would contribute my skills to help women empower themselves.

Pelvic wellness is integral to nurturing; it is about continence, posture, sexual expression and...

How can I ensure I’m the BEST he’s ever had? How do we know if we’re sexually compatible? How do I bring up hygiene before oral sex? How can I make sure our sex life is “fair”? Jess and Brandon tackle these listener questions in the first episode of 2019.

This podcast is brought to you by Desire Resorts.

Jess and Brandon talk about love languages, the holidays and their reaction to “You May Want To Marry My Husband”. They also share the dating profiles they wrote for one another and why they love this activity. This is an exercise you can try with your partner and it makes the ultimate holiday gift — it’s free and it keeps on giving!

This podcast is brought to you by Desire Resorts.

This morning, Jess joined Vicky Sparks and Carolyn Mackenzie on Global TV's The Morning Show to chat about Gary Chapman's five languages of love and how to select a meaningful gift for each of the languages. Check out her selections and video below.

1. Physical Affection

• We-Vibe's Discover Gift Box

2. Words of Affirmation

• Write your partner's dating profile. Check out "Why You Want to Marry My Husband" to get inspired!

3. Quality time

• Mindful Sex Video Course: Deeper Connection, Intimacy & Pleasure

4. Gifts

• The Karma Box Co.

5. Acts of Service

• Food for the Poor Canada

Jess and Brandon answer listener questions about how to have a happier relationship this holiday season.

This podcast is brought to you by Desire Resorts.

Rough Transcript:

This is a computer-generated rough transcript, so please excuse any typos. This podcast is an informational conversation and is not a substitute for medical, health or other professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the services of an appropriate professional should you have individual questions or concerns.

Holiday Harmony Tips

Participant #1:
You're listening to the Sex With Dr. Jess podcast. Sex and Relationship advice you can use tonight.

Participant #1:
Welcome to the Sex With Dr. Jess podcast. I'm Jessica O'Reilly. Before we get started, I want to say a big thank you to Desire Resorts for their ongoing support of this podcast. If you aren't familiar with Desire, they offer two adult playgrounds that are clothing optional couples only highly erotic resorts on the Mayan Riviera, just south...

This morning on Global TV's The Morning Show, Jess sat down with Carolyn Mackenzie and Vicky Sparks to discuss more holiday-related relationship questions. Check out what she has to say below, as these questions might help you keep your relationship flame burning long throughout the holidays.

My husband and I have recently decided to get a divorce (we don’t have kids).  This weekend I’ll be traveling to my parent’s house for our annual holiday get together.  They don’t know yet but he won’t be joining me so they will definitely think that something is up.  Is it appropriate to tell them this weekend or should I wait?  What should I tell them? - Melissa from Ajax, Ontario

Holidays come more once a year and if you’re going through a divorce, this holiday season will probably be more stressful for you than for your parents and family. My advice: look out for yourself first. If telling them will make you feel better, go ahead. If...