The Open Nesters

The Strap On: We Discuss (S5 | E202)
Buckle Up and Strap On (S5 | E202) Two Sex Educators, One Goal – Give Us All The Opportunity to Expand Our Sexual Horizons
In this episode of The Open Nesters Podcast, Amir and Tessa introduce the concept of “open nesting,” redefining the experience of becoming an empty nester as an opportunity to embrace new adventures, relationships, and passions in the third act of life. They dive deep into the topic of sexuality and personal growth, bringing back an exciting encore from Season 2 featuring sex educators Reed Mahalko and Allison Moon. This episode is distinctly aimed at adults, marked by its frank and humorous take on topics often laden with societal stigma.
Reed and Allison bring their expertise in sexual education to the conversation, shedding light on the notion that sex is a normal part of life, rather than something to be shamed or hidden. Their approach intertwines humor and education as they share insights into kink, submission, and other facets of sexuality. The duo’s dynamic interaction paints a vivid picture of their partnership, which works to break down barriers and normalize conversations around sexual exploration, especially for those in their later years.
EPISODE TIME CODE 1:16 A Humorous Encore Episode 2:25 Exploring Sexuality and Relationships 8:16 Workshops and Presentations 10:16 Understanding Pegging 15:38 Evolving Sexual Desires 29:44 Embracing the Journey of Growth Allison Moon, AuthorAllison Moon is the author of five books including the critically acclaimed sexual education guide Girl Sex 101 (Goldie Award for Nonfiction, Rainbow Award), Getting It: A Guide to Hot, Healthy Hookups and Shame-Free Sex, and the erotic memoir Bad Dyke (Publisher’s Weekly Starred Book). Allison is a popular sex educator, leading workshops on sexual pleasure and technique, polyamory, LGBTQ+ issues, and more. She has been quoted in Cosmopolitan, New York magazine, and the Washington Post. Her other writing includes articles for Bustle, and stories for the RISK! podcast, Bawdy Storytelling, and various anthologies.
Allison was a 2011 Lambda Literary Emerging LGBT Authors Fellow. She has a degree in Neuroscience from Oberlin College. Allison has presented her workshops — on strap-on sex, polyamory, sexual self-expression, erotica writing, and more — to thousands of people around the US and Canada.
Reid MihalkoReid Mihalko (He/Him) of ReidAboutSex.com, Relationship10x.com, and Sex10xOnline.com helps adults and college students create more self-esteem, self-confidence and greater health and satisfaction in and out of the bedroom using an inspiring mixture of humor, keen insight, and comprehensive sexual health information.
Using humor, insight and solid information, Reid appeals to audiences of all orientations, backgrounds, ages, and identities. He speaks pragmatically to nearly all areas of sexual self-expression, intimacy, dating and relating. Reid’s mission is to give men and women new tools to transform their love lives into fulfilling, satisfying, and sustainable expressions of self.
The episode explores personal stories and experiences, with both Reed and Allison sharing their journeys into the realms of sex and relationships. Reed recounts how his upbringing shaped his views on intimacy and communication. Meanwhile, Allison discusses her early days in sex education, targeting queer women and navigating her own evolving identity and desires. Both emphasize the importance of finding pleasure in exploration and learning without the pressure to conform to societal expectations.
Listeners are encouraged to engage in difficult conversations about their desires, especially those that arise as they enter new stages of life. The hosts emphasize that it’s perfectly okay to explore and question established norms. They advocate for an understanding that sexual pleasure does not have to be limited by age or by past experiences. Both Reed and Allison emphasize the beauty of the “beginner’s mind,” urging listeners to see the value in being new to experiences, especially later in life.
The episode also tackles the complexities faced by monogamous couples who wish to delve into polyamory or kink. Reed and Allison provide practical advice on navigating these waters while ensuring both partners feel safe and respected. They point out that it’s essential for individuals to understand their own boundaries and preferences, which may shift over time.
Listeners are left with tools and strategies to empower them in their journeys, whether in the context of romance, sexuality, or self-discovery. The conversation flows with laughter, warmth, and an openness that inspires listeners to embrace their own journeys without shame. As the episode wraps, both Reed and Allison highlight that it’s never too late to explore sexuality and connection, encouraging everyone to find joy in their evolving selves.
This episode is an invitation for those entering the open nesting phase to reclaim their vitality, explore their desires, and engage in meaningful conversations that can lead to newfound pleasures and deeper connections. Resources for You We want to provide you with support and many many resources for your own Open Nesting Journey. Our resource page has so much to offer as does our private discussion group on Facebook about queerness and other topics of interest:
The Open Nesters Private Facebook Group
- ask to join and we’ll let you in