23. "Pleasure" = to be approved? (with Sarah Diedrick)

What if the word 'pleasure' has been whispering "approve me" all along?

Today, I'm thrilled to dive deep into a word that's more complicated than it seems: pleasure. In this episode, Sarah Diedrick (writer, sex educator, yoga teacher) and I explore the multifaceted nature of pleasure and its importance in our lives.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How the definition of pleasure has evolved over time and its connection to approval
• The difference between seeking pleasure and being receptive to it
• How our nervous system impacts our ability to experience pleasure
• The cultural messages we receive about pleasure and how they shape our experiences
• The importance of communication in relationships and pleasure
• How pleasure intersects with work, rest, and daily life

Highlights from our conversation:

• Sarah shares her journey of expanding her understanding of pleasure beyond just sex
• We discuss the importance of playfulness and receptivity in experiencing pleasure
• We explore how trauma and stress can impact our ability to be open to pleasure
• We delve into the connection between pleasure and approval, and how it shapes our experiences
• Sarah explains the differences between spontaneous and responsive desire, and how understanding these can improve relationships
• We talk about the challenge of communicating our needs and desires, especially in intimate situations
• We share our thoughts on the pleasure of food and how it connects to all our senses and community

Resources mentioned:

• Emily Nagoski's book "Come As You Are"
• Judith Lasseter's teachings on perception
• Kara Lowenthal's thought work

Connect with Sarah:

• Instagram: @sarahdiedrick
• Newsletter: "Intimate Distance" on Substack

Connect with me at [email protected] And sign up for my weekly marketing prompts that don't feel gross at nicolecopy.com/prompts