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What is Narcissism? It’s not ego or self-love; it’s self-loathing, envy, insecurity. Ross Rosenberg helped us unravel narcissism and closely related behaviors. He is considered an international expert in Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), and codependency. His book The Human Magnet Syndrome (www.HumanMagnetSyndrome.com) has sold over 30,000 copies – and his second book The Codependency Cure is to be published next year (a “how to” to the “why” of his first book). Dr. Diana and Ross discussed typical features of NPD: grandiosity, entitlement, fantasies of unlimited success/power, lacking empathy and compassion. Donald Trump became a part of this discussion. Covert and malignant narcissism were compared . We also discussed living with a narcissist, what you can change, and should you stay or should you go. Tune in for a most informative program!

Click below to listen to the interview (approx. one hour):

What Do Men Really Want? There’s the stereotype, and there’s the reality. But the reality about what men want in women and from women is getting more complex by the minute. Men and their motives are evolving! Brad Coates is especially evolved – and the author of “DIVORCE with DECENCY” 4th Edition – (www.CoatesandFrey.com). Brad and Dr. Diana, friends for some 17 years – discussed the physical and emotional make-up of a man, the economics and careers, and men’s passages through the life cycle. The differences in men’s and women’s brains plays an important role, of course. Both men and women want love and sex … tune-in to hear about the complexities involved. Part 2, on August 2, 2016, will explore how men fare in relationships, romance, and sexuality.

Click below to listen to the interview (approx. one hour):

Dr. Diana’s good friend and famous columnist April Masini (www.AskApril.com – where 26,000 questions have been answered) had a very interactive discussion. This time they mixed it up: April interviewed Diana. She had done this recently for a collaborative article – http://www.askmen.com/dating/vanessa_100/126_love_secrets.html . Diana’s fiancé Bryan called in  because he also contributed to the piece – especially  the “Synch Up” idea. This is where a skilled lover plugs into a woman’s breath and pelvic thrusts, following her lead. Listening to her vocalizations can be helpful because there may be a pattern. Bryan added that paying real attention to the woman’s pleasure pays off. His philosophy: Worship your woman and the Goddess will reward you! April asked Dr. Diana how she coaches guys who want more high-desire women. Women often need time to decompress (and feel safe) – so giving a massage first really works. It’ll be a turn-on for him to see her naked, and his caresses will release oxytocin. Later, put on some music and dance! Show appreciation: saying what you really value and appreciate about her. Also, paying attention works while actively listening. Pure, non-distracted attention is so seductive and very affirming! April also asked about ways to spice things up, avoiding the same-old, same-old. Engage all your senses – smell, hearing, touch, taste and sight. Light scented candles, play pulsating music, put fresh sheets on the bed, feed each other sensual foods, watch erotic films, wear sexy lingerie, dance, and smell your partner. Sensual sex can extend your pleasure! There’s lots more: tune-in for a most stimulating program, and read the article linked above.

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The dirty little secret of many long-term relationships is that intimacy is great, but sex is a chore. The program’s topic: SEXUALITY and AGING was explored by Dr. Diana and her guest Lou Paget (www.LouPaget.com). Lou is a Certified Sex Educator, an international bestselling author of five books, and has been called “…a one-woman sexual revival.” Recent research in the field of aging and sexuality is sparse. Even Dr. Diana’s research in this area with Walter Bortz, MD was in the early 90’s – later published in two medical journals. In this era of 40 million Americans, of all ages, being in sexless marriages, rampant low sexual desire and dysfunctions, it is time to better integrate sensual touch. The true indicator of a healthy long-term relationship is not how often your partner touches you, but how often your partner touches you in response to your touch. The stronger the reciprocity, the more likely someone is to report emotional intimacy. But, many older folks don’t have a partner. Lou and Diana talked about touch hunger. Many older retirement residences need to accommodate late-in-life romances with more privacy. And, therapeutic massage can be healing and pleasurable! As for intercourse, sex can be satisfying without it, and many learn to appreciate the rich range of experiences sex has to offer. There’s more, of course.  Tune in!

Click below to listen to the interview (approx. one hour):

Sex after sexual abuse. Is recovery possible? Absolutely! This show’s focus was on men reclaiming healthy sexuality – but there are many cross-overs for women. Sexual abuse is harmful regardless of the gender of the perpetrator or of the victim.  Marc Gilmartin – www.MarcGilmartin.com – is a licensed mental health counselor, a certified sex therapist and group psychotherapist with a private practice in Bellevue, Washington. For boys, non-consensual sex is about one in six. One faulty path arrived at is the belief that if any part of it was pleasurable, it wasn’t really abuse. The body is hardwired for pleasure; thus, the victim may believe his body betrayed him. Beginning to get therapy, one male sexual survivor said, “I want to put up a sign that says ‘closed for repairs’.” Marc also spoke about the Kinsey Institute’s dual control model of sexual response: excitability and inhibition. The program is filled with helpful information! There is individual, and group counseling available. Here are two excellent book resources: “Victims No Longer” by Mike Lew, and “The Courage to Heal” by Ellen Bass. Marc Gilmartin illuminated a number of pathways toward healing!

Click below to listen to the interview (approx. one hour):