The Erotic Liberation Podcast

What happens when a beloved school moves from survival mode into greater stability while continuing to champion pleasure, healing, and transformation? Craig Cullinane sits down with Tom Kovach and Suzanne Blackburn for a candid reflection on Body Electric’s recent history, its nonprofit transition, and the choices shaping its future.Tom, the school’s current director, shares what it took to navigate COVID, financial uncertainty, and the decision to grow again. Suzanne, a longtime teacher and former board president, reflects on building trust, keeping the school’s mission alive, and the personal meaning of service.In this conversation, they explore:

• Body Electric’s transition to nonprofit status
• The challenges of financial uncertainty and rebuilding trust
• Why fair, timely pay became an important commitment
• How the school is growing without losing sight of its mission
• The role of new programming, returning teachers, and future generations

Craig, Tom, and Suzanne also reflect on what makes the work meaningful: the joy of seeing lives change, the connections built through service, and the belief that pleasure and embodied transformation matter.Looking ahead, they imagine a future with broader access, diverse programming, international reach, and a world where shame gives way to a deeper appreciation of the body and pleasure.A thoughtful conversation about leadership, sustainability, and the future of erotic liberation.

The advice about erotic liberation is backwards. Real freedom starts when you get permission to be as alive as you want to be — and Alex Jade has spent decades helping people do exactly that. Alex and host Craig Cullinane trace a wildly rich path through Body Electric School, queer embodiment, tantra, consent, and the kind of erotic education that doesn't just teach skills — it changes how you live in your body. From early AIDS-era support groups and the first women’s CBE trainings to “cunt class,” “outside the boxes,” and the new Queer Bloom offering, this conversation is a living history of how erotic work has evolved. You’ll discover:

• How Alex found Body Electric through grief, caregiving, and the urgent need for aliveness
• Why “decolonizing bodies” is about peeling back the layers that keep sensation, pleasure, and agency shut down
• What it means to treat the body as a laboratory for transformation
• How Tantra, consent, and circle technology shape Alex’s teaching now
• Why queer, gender-expansive people need spaces where they can simply be, explore, and not be fixed

Alex also shares the story behind the Aerosomatic Arts Collective, an intentionally multiracial, multigendered, multicultural collaboration of queer erotic educators, artists, and practitioners exploring erotic energy as power, healing, and creative force. Along the way, Craig and Alex talk about body basics, “tissues of arousal,” anal breathing, and why slowing down enough to hear the voice of the body is its own radical act.If you’re curious about queer erotic education, body-based liberation, decolonizing pleasure, or what it looks like to build containers where people can follow their own energy with real permission, this episode is for you. Craig and Alex leave you with a simple but profound invitation: liberation begins when aliveness is allowed.

Alex Jade is a somatic sex therapist, educator, and longtime Body Electric School contributor whose work spans experiential erotic education, somatic psychotherapy, and decolonizing embodied pleasure. They are also a Tantra student, collaborator, and co-creator within the Aerosomatic Arts Collective. You can learn more about Craig Cullinane at http://www.craigcullinane.com/. Learn more about Alex and the EroSomatic Arts Collective at: https://erosomatics.com/.

Unlock the transformative power of pleasure, authenticity, and compassion in this riveting conversation between two passionate facilitators. Roxy Manning, a renowned clinical psychologist and anti-racism educator, shares her profound journey through body acceptance, racial justice, and erotic liberation—revealing how embodied practices like Body Electric dismantle shame and expand our capacity for joy.

Discover how liberating it can be to embrace your erotic self regardless of societal messages, and how nonviolent communication opens a pathway to real connection both within and beyond ourselves. We break down specific tools for safe, inclusive facilitation—covering how to honor diverse bodies and identities, handle microaggressions with compassion, and foster space for true authenticity. Roxy’s stories of vulnerability, love, and community demonstrate the incredible potential of linking social justice with eros, creating spaces where everyone belongs and flourishes.

Learn more about Roxy's work at https://roxannemanning.com/. Learn more about Craig Cullinane's work at http://www.craigcullinane.com/

Unlock the transformative power of Eros—not just as sexual energy but as a profound force for social change and personal liberation. Robin Parker, director of Liberating Structures and a seasoned advocate for anti-oppression work, shares how embracing erotic energy can dissolve societal boundaries, foster deep connection, and inspire racial, gender, and systemic justice. This episode reveals how the Erotic Liberation Podcast delves into the untapped potential of Eros as a catalyst for healing oppression, cultivating vulnerability, and igniting collective imagination.
This episode is essential listening for anyone committed to social justice, personal growth, or exploring the radical potential of desire. If you believe that Eros can heal wounds, spark change, and connect us more authentically—this conversation will inspire and challenge your perspective of what liberation truly means.

Learn more about Robin's work at http://www.libsys.llc/. Learn more about Craig Cullinane's work at http://www.craigcullinane.com/

Discover how the work of Body Electric ignited Andre’s own awakening—fostering trust, surrender, and profound connection across race, gender, and cultural boundaries.
You'll learn about the radical importance of decolonizing eroticism—questioning societal narratives that fetishize, objectify, or shame desire—and explore how pleasure is inherently sacred and our birthright. Andre emphasizes the significance of creating safe, inclusive spaces where marginalized bodies—especially BIPOC folk—can truly inhabit their erotic power without intrusion or code-switching. Through stories of facilitating workshops for men of color and his evolving role as an African-American teacher in the school, he exemplifies how confronting systemic trauma and embracing vulnerability can heal and deepen our collective erotic consciousness.

Why does unchecked shame and systemic suppression keep us from fully experiencing eros? What steps can you take to reclaim joy, trust, and sovereignty in your erotic journey? Andre’s insights inspire resilience, authenticity, and the courage to reimagine sacred intimacy as an act of political resistance, personal liberation, and spiritual awakening.

To connect with Andre, email andre@bodyelectric.org. To learn more about Craig Cullinane's work, go to http://www.craigcullinane.com/.

Unlock the transformative power of erotic embodiment as Mark Fleming, a pioneering sacred intimate and (about to retire) Body Electric teacher, reveals how tantra, consent, and decolonizing sexuality can lead to deep healing and liberation. In this intimate conversation, Mark shares how his journey from HIV support work to embodied spirituality opened him to a radical new understanding of pleasure, power, and authentic connection—especially for Black and queer folks seeking to reclaim their erotic selves.

This episode intensely explores the ways systemic structures—white supremacy, capitalism, and religious shame—shape our perceptions of desire, pleasure, and worth. Mark champions radical honesty, courage, and the act of simply saying "yes" to yourself, inviting listeners to embody their erotic sovereignty as an act of resistance and love. Whether you're an experienced sacred intimate, curious beginner, or heart-centered explorer, this conversation offers deep insight and practical wisdom to awaken your erotic power, heal internal wounds, and build community rooted in authenticity and sacredness.

To connect with Mark, email mark.fleming@bodyelectric.org. To learn more about Craig Cullinane's work, go to http://www.craigcullinane.com/.

In this episode of the Erotic Liberation Podcast, Dr. Sonia Wright, a renowned midlife sex coach, joins us to discuss her transformative journey from a medical professional to an advocate for women's sexual empowerment. Dr. Sonia delves into the myths surrounding midlife sexuality and the importance of reclaiming pleasure as a birthright. She shares her insights on the “Pleasure Plan,” a method designed to help women identify and advocate for their desires, and explores the concepts of spontaneous versus responsive desire. The conversation highlights the significance of creating a “zone of sexual safety” and the role of communication and vulnerability in fostering intimacy. Dr. Sonia emphasizes the need for understanding one's body and its changing needs as a catalyst for sustained pleasure and self-love. She concludes with her vision of erotic liberation as embracing one's sexual sovereignty at any age.

Learn more about Dr. Sonia's work at http://www.soniawrightmd.com/.
Learn more about ELP host Craig Cullinane and his coaching work at http://www.craigcullinane.com/
Learn more about Reno Johnston at http://www.itjustgotreno.com/.

In this episode of the Erotic Liberation Podcast, Liz Randall and JoJo Bear delve into the transformative power of intimacy and eros in relationships. They discuss their innovative workshop, The Space Between, which supports couples in exploring erotic nourishment and authentic intimacy. Liz and JoJo share practical tools like the Wheel of Consent and emphasize the importance of mindful touch and clear communication. The conversation highlights the creation of a third space for couples to reconnect and the role of embodied practices in fostering resilience and self-awareness. Liz and JoJo define erotic liberation as embracing the full spectrum of erotic expression and cultivating presence in relationships.

Learn more about Lizz Randall's work at http://www.lizzrandall.com/. Learn more about JoJo Bear's work at http://www./http://somaticguide4men.com/. Learn more about ELP host Craig Cullinane and his coaching work at http://www.craigcullinane.com/

In this episode of the Erotic Liberation Podcast, Craig Cullinane speaks with Amara Charles, an internationally recognized teacher of intimacy and author, about her journey of erotic awakening and the importance of listening to one's inner wisdom. They explore the connection between creativity and erotic energy, the Kadoshka tradition, and the balance of masculine and feminine energies. Amara shares insights on the impact of collective fear, the power of saying no, and the significance of setting boundaries with love. The conversation emphasizes the role of spiritual practices in personal growth and the importance of supporting others in their erotic journeys. Amara concludes with her definition of erotic liberation as living in the ground of being and allowing what arises to arise.

Learn more about Amara at www.amaracharles.com.

Learn more about ELP host Craig Cullinane and his coaching work at www.craigcullinane.com

In this episode of the Erotic Liberation Podcast, host Craig Cullinane engages with Hannah Borababy and James Bethune, two practitioners of somatic healing and intimacy education. They explore the intersection of storytelling, personal narratives, and the healing journey, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability and imagination in the process. The conversation delves into their personal stories, the significance of community, and the transformative power of experiences like Reiki and music. They also discuss their shared vision for The Glowing Hearth, a sanctuary for healing and connection, and reflect on the essence of erotic liberation as a pathway to self-discovery and healing.

Learn more about Hanna at http://www.enchantederos.com/. Learn more about James at http://www.rootedradiancenc.com/

Learn more about host Craig Cullinane and his coaching work at http://www.craigcullinane.com/

In this episode of the Erotic Liberation podcast, host Craig Cullinane welcomes Darshana Avila, a trauma-informed somatic educator and international speaker. They explore Darshana's journey from a conventional life to embracing her erotic self, the importance of yoga in her transformation, and the reclamation of erotic innocence. The conversation delves into the complexities of trauma, the four stages of erotic wholeness, and the interconnection between eroticism and activism. Darshana emphasizes that erotic liberation is essential for personal and collective empowerment, urging listeners to embrace their desires and creativity as a means of healing and social change.

Learn more about Darshana at http://www.darshanaavila.com/

Learn more about host Craig Cullinane and his coaching work at http://www.craigcullinane.com/

In this episode of the Erotic Liberation Podcast, hosts Craig Cullinane and Reno Johnston welcome Rob Dorgan, co-author of "Awakening the Mystic: A Novel of Cosmic Love and Healing." The conversation begins with light-hearted banter about personal pleasures, such as enjoying the rare sunshine in Vancouver and the benefits of a sugar-free lifestyle. As the discussion unfolds, Rob shares his transformative journey from academia to spirituality, detailing how an astrological reading catalyzed a significant life change. He recounts his experiences with yoga, tantra, and the Body Electric community, emphasizing the importance of embracing both pleasure and pain in the spiritual journey.

Rob delves into the mystical experience that inspired his novel, describing a vision he had while chanting the Gayatri Mantra. This vision led him to write a story that intertwines his life experiences with themes of love, healing, and the exploration of sexuality. Throughout the episode, the trio discusses the intersection of mysticism and sexuality, the importance of intuition, and the potential for personal transformation through spiritual practices. The conversation culminates in a reflection on the power of saying 'yes' to life's opportunities, even when they challenge us, and the idea that everyone has the capacity for mystical experiences.

Connect with Rob Dorgan and find out more about the book, check out https://robandsteve.co and https://awakeningthemystic.net

Learn more about Craig Cullinane at http://www.craigcullinane.com. You can learn more about Reno Johnston at http://www.itjustgotreno.com.

In this episode of the Erotic Liberation Podcast, hosts Craig Cullinane and Reno Johnston welcome Matt Sturm, a sex educator and transformational guide, to discuss the evolving landscape of masculinity and its implications for personal growth and societal change. Matt shares his journey into the world of tantra and sacred sexuality, highlighting how his experiences have shaped his understanding of masculinity and spirituality. He emphasizes the importance of creating a healthier, more compassionate version of masculinity that transcends traditional norms and embraces a more holistic approach to gender identity.

The conversation delves into the complexities of masculinity, touching on the challenges faced by men in today's society, including the pressures of toxic masculinity and the need for emotional vulnerability. Matt articulates the significance of rites of passage and initiatory experiences in helping men connect with their authentic selves. The discussion also explores the intersection of masculinity with broader societal issues, such as patriarchy and systemic oppression, and the potential for transformative change through personal and collective healing.

Learn more about Matt's work at http://www.mattsturm.com.

Learn more about Craig Cullinane at http://www.craigcullinane.com. You can learn more about Reno Johnston at http://www.itjustgotreno.com.

In this episode of the Erotic Liberation podcast, Craig Cullinane speaks with Court Vox, a certified sex and intimacy coach, about the journey into erotic exploration and the importance of creating safe spaces for intimacy. They discuss various topics including the art of rope bondage, somatic education, healthy masculinity, and the role of community in healing. Court shares his experiences and insights on how vulnerability and connection can lead to deeper understanding and liberation in one's erotic life.

To learn more or connect with Court, check out his website at www.thebodyvox.com.

To learn more or connect with Craig Cullinane, check out his website at www.craigcullinane.com.

In this episode of the Erotic Liberation Podcast, host Craig Cullinane engages in a deep conversation with Ro Rose, a somatic sex educator and erotic steward. They explore themes of identity, sovereignty, and the importance of curiosity in navigating trauma and healing. Ro shares insights on scar care, the role of play in sexuality, and the impact of gender transition on self-perception. The discussion emphasizes the significance of self-care rituals and the journey towards erotic liberation, encouraging listeners to embrace their desires and experiences without the need for redemption.

To learn more and connect with Ro Rose, check out http://www.youtube.com/@queerlyfluid or

IG @queerlyfluid

To learn more or connect with Craig Cullinane, check out his website at http://www.craigcullinane.com.

In this episode of the Erotic Liberation podcast, Craig Cullinane and Reno Johnston engage in a deep conversation with Keith Hennessy, exploring themes of erotic liberation, the impact of AIDS on sexuality, and the importance of empathy and solidarity within the LGBTQ+ community. Keith shares his journey with Body Electric, the significance of structure in workshops, and the ongoing movement towards erotic liberation. The discussion highlights the need for safe spaces for intimacy and the role of older gay experiences in fostering community connection.

You can learn more about Keith's work at http://circozero.org

You can learn more about Craig Cullinane at http://www.craigcullinane.com.

You can learn more about Reno Johnston at www.itjustgotreno.com.

In this episode of the Erotic Liberation Podcast, Craig Cullinane and Reno welcome Patricia Rich, a certified IFS therapist and sex therapist, to discuss the integration of Internal Family Systems (IFS) with sexuality. Patricia shares her journey with IFS, the development of her self-led sexuality model, and the six S's of sexual self-energy. The conversation explores the liberation of exiled parts, the impact of IFS on personal and sexual growth, and the potential for spiritual connections within the IFS framework.

You can learn more about Patty's work at www.patriciarich.com

You can learn more about Craig Cullinane at http://www.craigcullinane.com.

You can learn more about Reno Johnston at www.itjustgotreno.com.

In this episode of the Erotic Liberation podcast, host Craig Cullinane welcomes Charlie Glickman, PhD, a renowned sex and relationship coach, to discuss the intricacies of erotic liberation, shame, and somatic sex education. Charlie shares his journey from becoming a sexuality educator in the 1990s to his current work in somatic sex and relationship coaching. The conversation delves into the importance of understanding shame, the role of somatic work in healing, and the transformative power of receiving pleasure.

You can learn more about Charlie's work at www.makesexeasy.com.

You can learn more about Craig Cullinane at www.craigcullinane.com.

In this episode of the Erotic Liberation Podcast, Craig Cullinane welcomes Dr. Paul Browde, a psychiatrist and couples therapist, to discuss the transformative power of eroticism, storytelling, and connection. They explore Paul's journey with Body Electric, the importance of pleasure in therapy, and the dynamics of couples' relationships. Paul shares insights on how to navigate grief and pleasure, the role of gratitude in relationships, and the significance of being an elder in today's world. The conversation culminates in a discussion about the Four Directions of a Queer Man program through the School of Lost Borders, emphasizing the healing power of nature and personal ritual.

You can learn more about Paul at www.paulbrowde.com.

You can learn more about Craig Cullinane at www.craigcullinane.com.

In this episode of the Erotic Liberation Podcast, Craig Cullinane engages in a deep conversation with Wil Fisher, exploring themes of self-love, authenticity, and the journey of personal growth. Wil shares his experiences transitioning from a leadership role at Easton Mountain to his current work as a coach and podcaster. The discussion delves into the importance of following one's desires, cultivating self-worth, and the transformative power of community and connection. Wil also reflects on his experiences with tantra, semen retention, and the significance of morning practices in nurturing one's spirit. The episode culminates in a powerful definition of erotic liberation as a joyful and liberating expression of self.

To learn more about Wil Fischer, check out his website at http://wil-fullyliving.com/. To learn more about Craig Cullinane, go to http://www.craigcullinane.com/.