Politics of Pleasure

About Politics of Pleasure

What makes pleasure political? Well it’s simple, pleasure is revolutionary. Strap in (or strap on) as hosts Nia Abram and Desiree Jaha bridge the gap between the political and the personal, exploring topics of race, sexuality, gender, body, spirituality, and more. In a society determined to spread dominance and oppression, this show provides us with one antidote: pleasure. Tune in biweekly for moisturized conversations, pleasure-centered postulations, and the revelation of having a good time.

Publisher

Politics of Pleasure

Category

health & fitness

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

21 Oct 2021

Latest episode

21 May 2022

Latest episodes

15 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   21 May 2022

   Facts v. Feelings

   If there were ever an occasion to talk about Audre Lorde’s “Uses of the Erotic” it’s now. In a highly political episode, we address the recent leaked Supreme Court opinion that threatens to overturn Roe v. Wade. This moment in history reminds us that our access to pleasure is intimately linked to the way that the State regulates our bodies. Audre Lorde shows us that erotic power is a source for change, and at a time when we’re searching for the energy to fight for liberation, her wisdom is power. Resources Roe v. Wade explained: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/what-is-roe-v-wade (https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/what-is-roe-v-wade) Read Handbook for a Post-Roe America by Robin Marty Donate to a local abortion fund in your state: https://www.thecut.com/article/donate-abortion-fund-roe-v-wade-how-to-help.html (https://www.thecut.com/article/donate-abortion-fund-roe-v-wade-how-to-help.html) Read Sister Outsider by Audre Lorde, which contains “Uses of the Erotic: The Erotic as Power” Listen to Audre Lorde read “Uses of the Erotic”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWmq9gw4Rq0 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWmq9gw4Rq0) Follow @empressonyxx on TikTok Follow @allie_202_ on TikTok Pleasure Center: 1:38:11 Support Us Support our show with a one-time payment or a small monthly donation to help us continue making impactful, transformative content. https://linktr.ee/politicsofpleasurepod (https://linktr.ee/politicsofpleasurepod) Support Desiree Jaha directly: https://www.desireejaha.com/ (https://www.desireejaha.com/)

2. 

   12 May 2022

   Pleasure for One

   We continue our conversation on sex and talk about the foundation for our sexual selves: masturbation. We also discuss the first Amazon union, Elon Musk buying Twitter, and Tufts University’s new Black Maternal Health Research Center. Resources Interview with the organizers of the Amazon Union: https://jacobinmag.com/2022/04/amazon-union-staten-island-alu-chris-smalls-bernie-sanders-interview (https://jacobinmag.com/2022/04/amazon-union-staten-island-alu-chris-smalls-bernie-sanders-interview) Tufts Black Maternal Health Research Center: https://now.tufts.edu/2022/04/08/tufts-launches-center-black-maternal-health-and-reproductive-justice (https://now.tufts.edu/2022/04/08/tufts-launches-center-black-maternal-health-and-reproductive-justice) Who to Follow: @kahlilgreene on TikTok Pleasure Center Starts: 1:21:07 Pleasure Mapping by Dr. Sakshi Tickoo: https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.sexloveandot.com/amp/pleasure-mapping (https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.sexloveandot.com/amp/pleasure-mapping) Learn more about Niki Franco (@venusroots): https://www.venusroots.com/ (https://www.venusroots.com/) Erotic Blue Print Quiz: https://missjaiya.com/ (https://missjaiya.com/) Pleasure Activism: https://www.akpress.org/pleasure-activism.html (https://www.akpress.org/pleasure-activism.html) Support Us Support our show with a one-time payment or a small monthly donation to help us continue making impactful, transformative content. https://linktr.ee/politicsofpleasurepod (https://linktr.ee/politicsofpleasurepod) Support Desiree Jaha directly: https://www.desireejaha.com/ (https://www.desireejaha.com/)

3. 

   17 Apr 2022

   Bumping Energies

   Over here we don’t bump uglies, we bump energies. We’re breaking down how our culture defines sex. What is it? How do we name it? And how do our articulations of sex affect the type of sex we have? We also talk about the infamous Oscar slap, Jerrod Carmichael’s “Rothaniel” special, and the newest season of Atlanta. Support Us Support our show with a one-time payment or a small monthly donation to help us continue making impactful, transformative content. https://linktr.ee/politicsofpleasurepod (https://linktr.ee/politicsofpleasurepod) Support Desiree Jaha directly: https://linktr.ee/desireejaha (https://linktr.ee/desireejaha) Resources Watch the Chris Rock, Ricky Gervais, Seinfield, Louis C.K. clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=il1sgQUtYs8 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=il1sgQUtYs8) Follow along with the Gender Unicorn: https://www.transhealthsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/The-Gender-Unicorn.pdf (https://www.transhealthsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/The-Gender-Unicorn.pdf) Follow Basit on IG: @basitcom Follow Basit’s production collective Legacy on IG: @legacy.bqpc Donate to Trans Student Educational Resources (TSER): https://transstudent.org/donate/ (https://transstudent.org/donate/) Adrienne Maree Brown’s Spell Casting Exercise (Irresistible Podcast ): https://open.spotify.com/episode/2FTEtK7u98pRsQPc0FlSzd?si=2d10ab8c644142fd (https://open.spotify.com/episode/2FTEtK7u98pRsQPc0FlSzd?si=2d10ab8c644142fd) Pleasure Center Starts at: 1:27:55

4. 

   26 Mar 2022

   Interlude: Resist the Urge to Rush

   It’s Spring Break! This mini-episode is a loving reminder to slow down. You are deserving of rest. Support Us Support our show with a one-time payment or a small monthly donation to help us continue making impactful, transformative content. https://linktr.ee/politicsofpleasurepod (https://linktr.ee/politicsofpleasurepod) Support Desiree Jaha directly: https://linktr.ee/desireejaha (https://linktr.ee/desireejaha)

5. 

   10 Mar 2022

   Poly is as Poly Does

   We’re talking about non-monogamy and polyamory this week! It’s time to decolonize our relationships and start thinking outside the box of monogamy created by Western imperialism. We reference the brilliant work of Indigenous scholar Dr. Kim TallBear to guide our conversation. There’s also a lot going on in the political world this week sooo…*sucks teeth, rolls eyes* we have to address the crusty white men that run our planet or whatever, but don’t worry we still get some good laughs in. Pleasure Center Starts at 1:34:34 Support Us Support our show with a one-time payment or a small monthly donation to help us continue making impactful, transformative content. https://linktr.ee/politicsofpleasurepod (https://linktr.ee/politicsofpleasurepod) Support Desiree Jaha directly: https://linktr.ee/desireejaha (https://linktr.ee/desireejaha) Resources Listen to the Decolonizing Sex episode of the All My Relations podcast, found wherever you listen to podcasts. Read more of Dr. Kim TallBear’s work: http://www.criticalpolyamorist.com/ (http://www.criticalpolyamorist.com/) Follow @bygabriellesmith on IG for more on ethical non-monogamy Follow @chasestrangio on Twitter for updates on anti-trans legislation Follow @abbiesr on IG for more on TikTok misinformation Follow the creator of the iconic Earth is Ghetto theme song on IG @nikkialiah Read Maslow’s Whitewashing of Indigenous Knowledge: https://shanesafir.com/2020/12/before-maslows-hierarchy-the-whitewashing-of-indigenous-knowledge/ (https://shanesafir.com/2020/12/before-maslows-hierarchy-the-whitewashing-of-indigenous-knowledge/)

6. 

   24 Feb 2022

   Misogyn*ggas Pt. 2

   We continue our conversation on misogynoir, this time delving into how it has impacted our sex and dating lives. May this episode be an offering of love and healing to each and every Black woman who has experienced misogyny and racism in their relationships. We deserve and will receive better. We also discuss the Super Bowl halftime show, Black capitalism, and Black futures as Black History Month comes to a close. Enjoy! Pleasure Center Starts at: 1:26:26 Support Us Support our show with a one-time payment or a small monthly donation to help us continue making impactful, transformative content. https://linktr.ee/politicsofpleasurepod (https://linktr.ee/politicsofpleasurepod) Support Desiree Jaha directly: https://linktr.ee/desireejaha (https://linktr.ee/desireejaha) Resources Our resources this week are our personal experiences. Just a lovely reminder that living and feeling are valid ways of knowing. Follow: @samorapinderhughes Washington Post Article on High Functioning Depression: https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2022/02/17/high-functioning-depression-meaning-symptoms/ (https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2022/02/17/high-functioning-depression-meaning-symptoms/)

7. 

   10 Feb 2022

   Misogyn*ggas Pt. 1

   If taking the red pill means waking up to a nightmare created by cishet Black men with podcasts, then we can stay sleep. Give us the blue pill. In a long-overdue conversation, we trace a throughline of misogynoir from past to present. This week’s episode is about naming and understanding America’s long-held violence for Black women so that we can release it, and make space inside ourselves for something new. Tune in to our most vulnerable and cathartic episode yet. Pleasure Center Starts at 1:42:26 Mental Health Hotlines: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1 - 800 - 273 - TALK (8255) Crisis Text Line: Text HELP to “741 - 741” SAMHSA Substance Abuse Hotline: 1 - 800 - 663 - HELP (4357) RAINN National Sexual Assualt Hotline: 1 - 800 - 656 - HOPE (4673) Mental Health Resources: Therapy for Black Girls Inclusive Therapists Black Mental Wellness Ethel’s Club The AAKOMA Project Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation Support Us Support our show with a one-time payment or a small monthly donation to help us continue making impactful, transformative content. https://linktr.ee/politicsofpleasurepod (https://linktr.ee/politicsofpleasurepod) Support Desiree Jaha directly: https://linktr.ee/desireejaha (https://linktr.ee/desireejaha) Resources Read Moya Bailey and Trudy’s conversation on misogynoir: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14680777.2018.1447395?casa_token=IQHQ7CLKekgAAAAA%3A36ait_jOOENaXpZ_uGt5ctKXKNRTfTgNQ9bg2ki-ohkcU96w8EHkbM-wizeEbnUGuMe-6J-rpeRN5w (https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14680777.2018.1447395?casa_token=IQHQ7CLKekgAAAAA%3A36ait_jOOENaXpZ_uGt5ctKXKNRTfTgNQ9bg2ki-ohkcU96w8EHkbM-wizeEbnUGuMe-6J-rpeRN5w) Access academic articles for free on Sci-Hub https://sci-hubtw.hkvisa.net/ (https://sci-hubtw.hkvisa.net/) On Lauren Smith-Fields case: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/27/nyregion/lauren-smith-fields-bumble-date-investigation.html (https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/27/nyregion/lauren-smith-fields-bumble-date-investigation.html) Nicole Young’s article: https://www.elle.com/life-love/a38819237/black-manosphere-online-dating/ (https://www.elle.com/life-love/a38819237/black-manosphere-online-dating/) On Mammy, Jezebel, and Sapphire: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2teqoyPe3TU (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2teqoyPe3TU)

8. 

   27 Jan 2022

   Loose Blacks, Glitter, and Trauma

   We’re kicking off Aquarius szn with a conversation about compulsory heterosexuality and the chokehold it has on our society. We also discuss the limitations of comphet as a concept and how it excludes many Black, fat, trans, disabled folks in the queer community by centering those who occupy “default” womanhood. Pleasure Center starts at 1:28:54 Support Us Support our show with a one-time payment or a small monthly donation to help us continue making impactful, transformative content. https://linktr.ee/politicsofpleasurepod (https://linktr.ee/politicsofpleasurepod) Support Desiree Jaha directly: https://linktr.ee/desireejaha (https://linktr.ee/desireejaha) References and Resources Adrienne Rich’s article that popularized the term compulsory heterosexuality: http://users.uoa.gr/~cdokou/RichCompulsoryHeterosexuality.pdf (http://users.uoa.gr/~cdokou/RichCompulsoryHeterosexuality.pdf) Cosmo article on comphet: https://www.cosmopolitan.com/sexopedia/a37224259/comphet/ (https://www.cosmopolitan.com/sexopedia/a37224259/comphet/) American Survey Center on friendships in the pandemic: https://www.americansurveycenter.org/research/the-state-of-american-friendship-change-challenges-and-loss/ (https://www.americansurveycenter.org/research/the-state-of-american-friendship-change-challenges-and-loss/) Follow @crutches_and_spice on TikTok

9. 

   13 Jan 2022

   Scissoring is a Crime (2020)

   We’re going on a historical journey as we learn about the evolution of prison lesbians, and how this has shaped our modern perceptions of womanhood, lesbianism, sexuality, and race today. Resources and Sources Estelle B. Freedman’s “The Prison Lesbian: Race, Class, and the Construction of the Aggressive Female Homosexual, 1915-1965” https://www.jstor.org/stable/3178421?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents (https://www.jstor.org/stable/3178421?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents) WWII Call to Arms: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DJWWKJ8tDM&t=56s (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DJWWKJ8tDM&t=56s) Rosie the Riveter Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55NCElsbjeQ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55NCElsbjeQ) Cold War Propaganda: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByvXINerE_k&t=50s (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByvXINerE_k&t=50s) Lavender Scare Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZuIYssjmlv0 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZuIYssjmlv0) On Queer Villains @rainbowhistoryclass: https://www.tiktok.com/@rainbowhistoryclass/video/6955720749004885249?lang=en&is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1 (https://www.tiktok.com/@rainbowhistoryclass/video/6955720749004885249?lang=en&is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1) You can find all academic articles for free on sci-hub.se For a one-time donation to our show: Venmo: @Nia-Abram CashApp: $NiaAbram To make a recurring donation see the link below! Episode Credits Intro Music: Princess by Ramzoid Transition Music: Easy Sunday by Bad Snacks and June by Bobby Richards Editing, Creative Direction, and Production by Nia Abram

10. 

    30 Dec 2021

    “Just” Friends

    Why can’t we have friendships that blur the lines of sex, love, and romance? We’re talking about romantic friendships this week. We also chime in on the racial disputes within the lesbian community, with a much-needed conversation on problematic white queerness. Tune in for a juicy listen. Support Us Support our show with a one-time payment or a small monthly donation to help us continue making impactful, transformative content. https://linktr.ee/politicsofpleasurepod (https://linktr.ee/politicsofpleasurepod) Support Desiree Jaha directly: https://linktr.ee/desireejaha (https://linktr.ee/desireejaha) References and Resources Listen to NPR’s Invisbilia podcast, find it wherever you listen to podcasts Stepping Off the Relationship Escalator: Uncommon Love and Life by Amy Gahran https://offescalator.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/OffEsc-book-1-PREVIEW.pdf (https://offescalator.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/OffEsc-book-1-PREVIEW.pdf) Listen to Esther Perel’s therapy conversation with two friends: https://www.estherperel.com/podcasts/wswb-s5-episode1 (https://www.estherperel.com/podcasts/wswb-s5-episode1) Follow @miikaa_96 on TikTok Des's intention set exercise: 1:35:14 - 1:42:09 Cast a Spell is adrienne maree brown on Irresistible https://open.spotify.com/episode/4jz1nHBIdPBgeck9Jx4NLj?si=47a87b4af2fd4be5 (https://open.spotify.com/episode/4jz1nHBIdPBgeck9Jx4NLj?si=47a87b4af2fd4be5) Thank you to our dear friends Britt and Lou for lending their insights to this episode!

11. 

    16 Dec 2021

    Listen Up Heauxs

    Make love, make music. We’re talking about what music we’re bumping when we’re ready to get in the mood. We also get into how music shapes our ideas of sex as we discuss Jazmine Sullivan’s Heaux Tales, vibrators powered by music, and sacred sexuality. Share your sexy playlist with us, by tagging us on social media! Find us on IG: @politicsofpleasurepod Find us on Twitter: @pleasurepolitic Support Us Support our show with a one-time payment or a small monthly donation to help us continue making impactful, transformative content. https://linktr.ee/politicsofpleasurepod (https://linktr.ee/politicsofpleasurepod) Support Desiree Jaha directly: https://linktr.ee/desireejaha (https://linktr.ee/desireejaha) References and Resources More on Better Help: https://jezebel.com/the-spooky-loosely-regulated-world-of-online-therapy-1841791137 (https://jezebel.com/the-spooky-loosely-regulated-world-of-online-therapy-1841791137) Listen to the “Sacred Sexy” episode of All My Relations podcast Follow @annatheaverage on TikTok for more data collecting vibrator knowledge Take a look at the women changing the sex tech industry: https://www.buzzfeed.com/claratsacwang/sex-tech-founders-are-changing-the-world-of-sex (https://www.buzzfeed.com/claratsacwang/sex-tech-founders-are-changing-the-world-of-sex)

12. 

    2 Dec 2021

    The Health Benefits of Nutting

    Anyone else tired of white mediocrity? We’re talking about how we like to get nasty, featuring the original Nasty Girl, Janet Jackson. We also get into the white nonsense at the AMAs, Black female sexuality in the media, how we like to f*ck as Black femmes, and more. Support Us Support our show with a one-time payment or a small monthly donation to help us continue making impactful, transformative content. https://linktr.ee/politicsofpleasurepod (https://linktr.ee/politicsofpleasurepod) Support Desiree Jaha directly: https://linktr.ee/desireejaha (https://linktr.ee/desireejaha) References and Resources Take the Erotic Blueprint quiz: https://missjaiya.com/ (https://missjaiya.com/) Listen to Marsha’s Plate podcast and follow them on IG @marshasplate Follow Diamond Stylz on IG @diamondstylz Kat Blaque’s reaction to Dave Chappelle’s The Closer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=voiivxS3X3I (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=voiivxS3X3I) Responsive vs. Spontaneous desire: https://getcoral.app/journal/3932/spontaneous-versus-responsive-desire/ (https://getcoral.app/journal/3932/spontaneous-versus-responsive-desire/) On dopamine loops and the brain: https://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2018/dopamine-smartphones-battle-time/ (https://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2018/dopamine-smartphones-battle-time/)

13. 

    18 Nov 2021

    The Love We Witness

    Where do our impressions of love come from? What are our models for loving? We take a look at current representations of love in television and film across genres, keeping bell hooks’ definition of love in mind. Support Us Support our show with a one-time payment or a small monthly donation to help us continue making impactful, transformative content. https://linktr.ee/politicsofpleasurepod (https://linktr.ee/politicsofpleasurepod) Support Desiree Jaha directly: https://linktr.ee/desireejaha (https://linktr.ee/desireejaha) References and Resources To learn more about Better Help and the AstroWorld scandal take a look at @therpyden on TikTok More on the James Webb Space Telescope: https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-59201590 (https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-59201590) The 100 Best Shows of 21st Century: https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20211015-the-100-greatest-tv-series-of-the-21st-century (https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20211015-the-100-greatest-tv-series-of-the-21st-century) More on homonormativity: http://www.jprstudies.org/2016/07/first-comes-love-then-comes-marriage-homonormalizing-romance-on-american-televisionby-bridget-kies/ (http://www.jprstudies.org/2016/07/first-comes-love-then-comes-marriage-homonormalizing-romance-on-american-televisionby-bridget-kies/) Follow @honeydewedhideaway on TikTok

14. 

    4 Nov 2021

    Love is Accountability. Period.

    This week we talk about accountability, community, capitalism, and living with love at the center of our lives. Listen as we unpack bell hooks’ All About Love in conversation with current news regarding the Facebook whistleblower, PornHub, Dave Chapelle’s comedy special, and more. PS - We faked ya'll out, apparently every episode is going to be the length of an Avengers movie. Support Us Support our show with a one-time payment or a small monthly donation to help us continue making impactful, transformative content. https://linktr.ee/politicsofpleasurepod (https://linktr.ee/politicsofpleasurepod) Support Des Jaha directly: https://linktr.ee/desireejaha (https://linktr.ee/desireejaha) References and Resources Read All About Love by bell hooks: https://wtf.tw/ref/hooks.pdf (https://wtf.tw/ref/hooks.pdf) On PornHub’s recent lobbying efforts: https://www.politico.com/news/2021/09/22/porn-industry-lobbying-513487 (https://www.politico.com/news/2021/09/22/porn-industry-lobbying-513487) Take the Erotic Blueprint Quiz: https://missjaiya.com/ (https://missjaiya.com/) Follow @ashleighchubbybunny on IG

15. 

    21 Oct 2021

    The Christening

    Welcome to season two! We’re switching things up with a new co-host, a fresh brand, and a different vibe. Get to know the new and improved Politics of Pleasure, and get to know our new co-host Des Jaha in the process. P.S. - We promise every episode won’t be the length of an Avengers movie, stick with us. Support Us Support Des Jaha directly: https://linktr.ee/desireejaha (https://linktr.ee/desireejaha) Support our show with a one-time payment or a small monthly donation to help us continue making impactful, transformative content. https://linktr.ee/politicsofpleasurepod (https://linktr.ee/politicsofpleasurepod) References and Resources Follow @tara.raani2 on TikTok Follow @ajamonet and her project @visforvoices on Instagram Listen to Code Switch’s episode on BBL’s: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/code-switch/id1112190608?i=1000536999286 (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/code-switch/id1112190608?i=1000536999286)

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

9 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

8 ratings

Contact Politics of Pleasure

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.