If someone were to ask me, I would say the primary purpose of my blog is to educate, entertain, and inform my readers.
My blog amuses me because it is pretty varied. One day you could get a post on flirting and body language, and the other maybe a post on anal sex or fellatio. It's no secret that I think all of things naturally fit together since they all belong on the sexuality spectrum, but other people may not be so convinced.
In any case, this is my collection, curated just for you, of my most favorite blog posts.
FYI, I am speechless that I was named the #6 of the Top 100 sex bloggers in the world! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
ps I update this list regularly.
Have You Met Sex Nerd Sandra Yet?
Sandra Daugherty--aka Sex Nerd Sandra--is super awesome. When you are a sex educator or someone in the community, you tend to hear a lot about people who you have never met. You may be friends with them on social media, but have never met them in person. Attending professional conferences like AASECT and SSSS are wonderful ways of putting faces to names.
I had the pleasure of meeting Sandra in person this past spring and immediately liked her. I later learned that, when we first met, she had mixed feelings about me. You know how sometimes there are just those people you meet who, for what ever reason, remind you of someone else? Well, I was one of those people for Sandra (and not in the good way). Thank goodness she acknowledged those feelings and decided to say "Hey, Catherine isn't (insert name here), so I might as well get to know her further."...continue reading
Super Awesome Free Download
About 5 years ago I met someone in person who knocked my socks off. Smart as a whip, confident, down to earth, fearless, and easy on the eyes are terms that come to mind when I think about Becca Brewer.
Quite frankly, she was the bomb. She still is....continue reading
Everyone's a Sexpert
At least it seems that way. Lately it appears that anyone who is comfortable talking about the topics of sex and sexuality deem themselves sex experts or "sexperts", and it's high time I call bullshit....continue reading
Another Big Bucket of Awesome
I wanted to write this particular blog post to express my sincere and heartfelt appreciation to everyone who enjoys my blog.
Like I've mentioned before, I really had to be talked into blogging. There were and still are so many great bloggers out there that I didn't think I had anything that is super important, new, or different to add. It definitely took a while for me to find my blogging voice, which happens to be very similar to the way I talk with other people. Many of my friends say they enjoy my blog because they can hear me saying the words as if we are in a conversation. That alone is pretty amazing....continue reading
How the Hell Do You Travel with Sex Toys (Holiday Edition)
With the holiday season upon us, I thought I would re-run this particular blog post. Unfortunately, I'm also dealing with a little writer's block. Being able to re-run my most popular blog posts is pretty freaking handy!
In any event, I wish you and your sex toys safe travels!...continue reading
In Defense of Nerds--Not Just for Making Fun of Anymore
If you are a follower of my blog (thank you!) then you are aware that I'm married to a certified nerd, and I mean that in a loving way.
But what makes him a nerd? This is what comes to my mind although the list is not inclusive...continue reading
Catherine's Holiday Sex Toy Recommendations
Have you finished your holiday shopping yet? Still at a loss for what to get that special someone? Maybe you should consider buying a sex toy (or two or four) as a gift.
Here are a few of my favorite sex toys that are perfect for gift giving!...continue reading
Fun with Cock Rings
What the hell are cock rings?
I get that question a lot in my sexuality workshops.
Cock rings, besides looking a little funny, are considered a sex toy. They are circular rings intended to inhibit blood from flowing out of the penis which results in a harder/firmer erection.
One of my sex educator tips for people who say they loose their erection while putting on condoms is to use a cock ring first, then put on the condom. Genius, right?...continue reading
Catherine's Words of Encouragement to Anyone Who Wants to Start a Sex Blog!
The reality of being picked a top sex blogger is finally setting in. My first thought was "holy crap, I'm #6, and I didn't even know about these awards a year ago!" and my next thought was "holy crap, does this mean that I have peaked?"...continue reading
My Big Sex Toy Confession!
My big sex toy confession is that I (sex educator, sex speaker, sex coach) never used a Hitachi Magic Wand. What the what? How can that be? Aren't they supposed to be super fabulous? And for the love of god, why?...continue reading
Read This Before You Get Married!
I was sad to see that the wonderfully talented and goofy ZooeyDeschanel separated from her husband of 2 years who is the lead singer for the band Death Cab for Cutie....continue reading
The Hollywood Herpes Tree--Celebrities Who Have Herpes (Allegedly)
I originally blogged about this topic back in January of 2010. I've decided to bring it back because of the recent multi-million dollar lawsuit brought against an "A list" actor who allegedly infected his sexual partner during a debauched weekend in Las Vegas. Apparently, not everything that happens in Vegas (like herpes) stays in Vegas....continue reading
Food for Thought--Advice From Catherine About Entering the Field of Sexuality
As someone who didn't really figure out what my personal path was until later in life, I can say with absolute certainty that I love my job. I'm good at it! I get rewarded for being myself! I'm also thrilled that my enthusiasm seems to be infectious in that I get multiple emails a week asking me how people can do what I do....continue reading
Catherine Answers Your Anal Sex Questions
As someone who has publicly outed myself as being completely and utterly anally focused, I love that I recently got this question. Even though I'm an anally focused individual, I am someone who personally enjoys the idea of anal much more than the reality of it.
This question about anal sex and anal douching was asked by a college student at one of my recent sexuality workshops....continue reading
Tips for Working with a Dating Coach
I like to say that going through the process of date coaching is no picnic.
Date coaching is not for everyone. However, successfully completing date coaching sessions can set you up for a much easier dating life....continue reading
More on Aston & Demi (3 somes, Open Marriages, and Condomless Sex, Oh My!)
A lot more information has come to light since the story first broke of Ashton cheating on Demi on their 6th year wedding anniversary.
Here a list of the more important details: Demi's plummeting weight, stories of Ashton cheating a month into their marriage, 3 somes and having an open marriage, and the fact that he reportedly didn't use condoms with the 22 year old Sara Leal....continue reading
Does Hollywood + Marriage = Doom?
I would first like to make a confession that I am one of those people who buys those deliciously awful tabloid magazines like US and OK. It started years ago, and after a long day of dealing with the issues facing HIV positive youth and a 90 mile commute, I really looked forward to going home and turning off my brain....continue reading
Living Together Before Engagement & Marriage: Yay or Nay
Dear Catherine,
I have a question about my relationship with my boyfriend of over 1 year. We are very committed and love each other deeply. He recently confided in someone that he wants to ask me to move in with him. This makes me very excited and worried. I am worried because I know that my parents wouldn't be ok with us moving in together without being engaged. I am also worried because I want to get married and I know that when couple move in together before marriage they get too comfortable and don't ever get married. So I don't know how to react to my boyfriend when he does ask me. Because I don't want him to feel rejected or that I don't want to move in with him and I don't want to pressure him into getting engaged?...contine reading
What Makes You Memorable?
Let's face it, the world is filled with ordinary people. The world needs people who blend into the background and never make waves, but it can also make someone kinda beige or (I'm going with a fast food reference here) John or Jane McPlain. I've been accused of being a lot of things, but plain ain't one of them....continue reading
My Big Blog Giveaway Is Here!
I was planning on running this big blog giveaway for my 2 year blogiversary in July, so my apologies for not getting this up sooner. Between you and me, I've been waiting on a few prizes. Holy moly, this is some great stuff!...continue reading
So I Freaking Turned 40
What is it with milestone birthdays that make you question your life and how far you feel you should be on your journey? 40 just seems to be so...major.
(The photos are a collection of me as a child, in my teens, 20's, 30's, and my 40th bday)...continue reading
What Up, G?
Ahh the G spot.
p.s. don't forget to check out the informative and adorable video at the bottom. Sex Nerd Sandra is a big bucket of awesome!
As a sex educator, I talk about it so much that sometimes I forget many people don't know what it is yet alone where to find it....continue reading
Tips for Becoming a Sex Educator
As a sex educator who puts myself out there, I get a lot of people asking me the same question: how I do get into the sex educator field?
For the purposes of this blog, I am not going to be talking about advanced degrees. That is a whole blog topic in and of itself. My tips are geared more towards those who are looking to get into the field out of college or perhaps wish to change careers....continue reading
Warning: Controversy Below
The topic of this blog post might take many people aback, but, really, what else do you expect from me. I'm going to be talking about how I feel about HIV positive people engaging in sexual behavior with others and not disclosing their status. If this makes you uncomfortable, I suggest you check out my other blog posts....continue reading
Boobs are Mesmerizing!
I admit it that I really love breasts! Actually, if you are one of my friends, then I have very likely copped a feel or two or four. I'm not sure where it comes from really, but I'm fairly certain some therapist would have a field day with me as their client....continue reading
Take Me to Your Taint
**Full disclosure, I am not that clever and the Pleasure Chest had the most amazing "take me to your perineum" buttons for PRIDE. I give them a tip of the tainty hat for this saying.**
For someone who is completely and utterly anally fixated like me (and remember that I blame my parents), August is one glorious month. It's a month where talking about anal sex, rectums, taints, perineums, and rectal foreign objects is a-ok. Well, that might be a stretch, and I tend to talk about all this stuff on any given month, but I'm delighted that anal health has it's own month....continue reading
The G Spot ITunes Podcast Is Up
Oh my word. Sex Nerd Sandra was spot on when she said there was a whole lot of TMI going on in this podcast! A lot! Sorry, honey!
It was a glorious night, and Sandra is the most fabulous host....continue reading
Why Over the Counter Boner Pills Don't Work
Boner pills!
Seems like they are everywhere nowadays. You get spammy emails in your email box on a daily basis, you see them hanging on the walls of gasoline stations, and if you google search the term "natural male enhancement pills" you get a whopping 1,240,00 results in .19 seconds!...continue reading
Take a Peek Inside My Sex Educator Supply Cabinet
I'm not certain about other sex educators but my home has a disproportionate number of supplies that I use in my work. At any given time, my house easily has over a hundred sex toys. My house isn't what you would call baby or even dog safe as I am almost always charging a number of sex toys either on the floor or close to the floor. As a sex educator, I'm also known to buy batteries in bulk....continue reading
Hey Am I Gay?
Ah, life as a sexuality educator!
This is one of the four questions men ask me all the time. In case you are curious, the other questions are; How to I approach someone without looking like a creep? Is the size of my penis big enough?, and Am I good enough in bed?...continue reading
What the Hell is Rule 34 When it Comes to Sex?
I've been doing sex education for close to 10 years, but it is only the rare occasion when someone alludes to "rule 34". In fact, I've probably only heard of someone mentioning it a handful of times.
But what is rule 34 when it comes to sex and sexuality?...continue reading
Never Come Between a Boy & His (Sex)Toys
Man, I really hope you knew I was talking about men and not little boys. Seriously, I'm a pervert, but that is just...wrong.
Think that women have all the fun when it comes to sex toys? Ahh, aren't you a silly person!...continue reading
How the Hell Do You Travel with Sex Toys?
I have to admit that I never really gave this matter much thought in the past. That was, however, before I began travelling to other cities for my various sexuality workshops....continue reading
ANE 2011 Awesomeness
My trip to Pasadena was a great success, and I think it's probably due to me finally meeting some iconic names in the "industry". Meeting Nina Hartley and Buck Angel were huge for me. I've admired and known of Nina for years (way before I was ever a sex educator) and became familiar with Buck Angel as I embarked on my sex educator training. In fact, I credit Buck as being the very first trans-man that I "knew", ok I didn't know him, but knew of him. Watching his videos and interviews really helped me feel comfortable with the trans community....continue reading
How the Hell Do You Become More Playful?!
I have to admit that I was momentarily stumped this week when a potential client asked me this question: "Can you give me an example of being playful?" Perhaps if you think about it, this isn't such an easy question to answer. Moreover, as someone who is extremely playful, it is a very difficult concept for me to verbalize let alone summarize into digestible points....continue reading
Now This is a Big Bucket of Awesome
Sometimes I feel like the sex gods are shining down on me. I have to temper myself though as I'm someone who tends to get overly excited about things (yeah, I kinda compare myself to an excited puppy) and can act a little spastic....continue reading
The Yeast Men Breed
Getting a yeast infection is super common amongst women. Some get them occasionally, while some have what would be considered "chronic" yeast infections. In fact, when women experience a vulva/vaginal "issue", the one culprit they often suspect is yeast. Numbers in relation to yeast infections or "vulvovaginal candidiasis" are largely unknown as they are not considered to be an STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection) whose numbers need to be reported to public health authorities....continue reading
I Can't Believe I'm Writing This Blog Post
Yes, it's true that I can hardly believe that this even requires a blog post. What I want to talk to you about today is personal hygiene. Because, apparently, people need a reminder.
Hygiene not only affects whether or not someone will flirt with you, but it can be a huge factor when it comes to sexual activity....continue reading
Say What? Men Can Ejaculate without Orgasm
I know this can be a difficult concept to grasp. Sometimes when I mention this in my workshops I look out to a sea of confused faces. But guess what, it gets even better. It's also possible for men to orgasm without ejaculation. Interesting stuff, eh?...continue reading
Why Arnold Cheated (According to Me)
When word came out that Arnold Schwarzenegger cheated, I was not surprised. When I saw the photos of who he cheated with (Patricia Baena), I was even less surprised....continue reading
Man Up, Bitches
That's right, I said it!
So I already know that this particular blog post will not be very popular with most of my male readership. How do I know? It’s because I’m talking about condoms.....continue reading
Me and My Ginormous Breasts
So sometimes I feel like a freak of nature. I'm 1/2 Japanese American (3rd generation) yet have very full g cup breasts. For those who aren't familiar with bra cup size, it begins at AA, then goes, A, B, C, D, DD (E), DDD (F), DDDD (G), all the way past M....continue reading
What the Hell Does LGBTQIQ Mean?
If you have been a follower of my blog then you know that I worked in San Francisco at a youth non profit agency from 2002 to 2008. Even though it wasn't a "gay" agency, we served HIV positive youth and a large population of our members identified as something other than heterosexual....continue reading
Stop the Insanity
Most of the time, I see things that, as a sexuality educator, I just shake my head and move on.
However, my lady parts are getting seriously pissed off at all the crazy ass marketing telling me my genitals could be so much happier if I only bought these products....continue reading
Why Am I So Anally Fixated?
Believe you me, this is a question I often ask myself.
Is it because I was potty trained too early? Was I potty trained too late? Maybe it's because growing up my father was (and still is) an Anesthesiologist and my mom was a former nurse so talking about bodily functions at the dinner table was nothing new....continue reading
I Peg Your Pardon
In case you aren't familiar with the term "pegging" it basically means that a woman penetrates her male partner's anus with a dildo or other sex toy. Many people may be familiar with the term "bend over boyfriend" since it is the name of a wildly popular porn film that was originally released back in 1998....continue reading
Awesome Sex Tip: Masturbate!
A few weeks ago I was approached by Jamie Beckman, a magazine writer who is currently working on a "Sexceprts" blog for SheKnows.com.
She asked if I would participate by providing a short sex tip. I was thrilled to be asked to be a participant, even more so after she told me the more explicit, the better.
My awesome sex tip is all about masturbation....continue reading
What Women Wish You Knew About Our Bodies
Women. We sure are complicated creatures. A while back I blogged about what men wished you knew about their bodies, and it occurred to me that I should do a similar post for women....continue reading
How To Chose A Sexuality Speaker & Educator
I absolutely adore being a sexuality speaker & educator! Seriously, ask anyone who knows me.
Sexuality education is a growing field, which means that more and more people are hanging out a "virtual wooden shingle" and calling themselves one. Many people are familiar with the amazing pioneering educators like Carol Queen, Betty Dodson, and Joani Blank. In fact, because they are so well known and loved, many newer sexuality educators perpetually feel like we have a ton of work to do if we ever wish to "catch up" with them....continue reading
Decoding Negative Body Language
Flirting is a series of verbal and non verbal actions we do when expressing interest in or attraction to another person.
Much of flirting is subconscious and greatly depends on being able to successfully display and read body language. I happen to fancy myself quite a great flirt, and am sometimes surprised at how many people miss body language that should make them run for the hills....continue reading
The Straight Scoop On Online Dating
I've been doing quite a bit of online research on the topic of online dating.
Here are some of the more interesting tid-bits (or, if you're like me, you prefer the saying dirty little secrets) I came across:...continue reading
What The Hell Is A Sex Coach?
"You're a sex coach? What exactly do you do?"
Yeah, I get this a lot. When people ask me this, I am often searching their face to see if they mean to ask me "...do you have sex with your clients?" Let me be clear here that I have absolutely no problem with sex workers and feel that they are hugely under-served and grossly misunderstood. I know many, many friends who either are doing or have done sex work....continue reading
Vajazzle This, Jennifer Dumb Hewitt
It's true that I am no fan of Jennifer Love Hewitt.
Is it because she has small corn-like teeth?
Is it because she seems to reference her friggen boobs in every interview she gives? (for the record, mine are way bigger!)
Or is it because she seems to be the poster child for a woman who is desperate-- screaming almost--for love?
While all of the above may be true, my main beef with her is that she is responsible for adding the word "vajazzle" into the American lexicon....continue reading
What Men Wish You Knew About Their Body
I'm one of those women who have always had way more male friends then female friends. This means that I often have insight into the way they think more then the average female.
Sometimes I find it funny when women seem to be so confused by men and, in particular, what to do with their pleasure anatomy....continue reading
5 Ways I Know You Are Not Coachable
For most of my professional life I have been what is called a "case manager". One of the most important aspects of being an effective case manager is completing the intake interview. For my purposes, the word intake is being used to describe an introductory meeting (can also be called intake meeting, preliminary interview, investigation, personal history, etc). This is when I would meet with a potential or new client, assess what their primary needs and potential challenges are, and recommend a therapeutic treatment plan....continue reading
How I Became A Sex Educator
If you know me, then you know that I have a varied professional background. The bulk of my post-college employment was in the criminal justice field. Criminal justice was one of the few subjects that interested me in college, and I felt lucky to even get a job considering my B.A. is in Sociology. Sociology isn't exactly the most marketable college major. And considering my future husband went directly from being a engineering undergrad to grad school for electrical engineering, there were a few times I seriously wondered what the hell was I thinking getting a sociology degree!...continue reading
This Is What I Know For Sure
Let me start by saying that I LOVE presenting sexuality workshops! It's true, I love it. I get a kick out of creating a safe and non-judgmental environment where people can come together and learn new things in a supportive place.
Even though the vast majority of my workshops are related to sex and sexuality, I do a fair bit of work that includes everything from learning how to flirt effectively to learning how you can improve your body image....continue reading
Bad Vibrations: How Some Sex Toys Are Hazardous To Your Health
Hi, my name is Catherine and I am a lover of sex toys. How's that for an opening line? Why are sex toys so wondrous? For starters they can enhance solo or partnered lovemaking, and they can also help people become more orgasmic.
Hopefully, this article will allow individuals to become comfortable bringing up the topic of sex toys, marital aids, adult toys, or whatever name you wish to call them. Why do we need to talk about sex toys? One reason is that not all sex toys are "good" sex toys, and an informed and educated shopper makes for a very happy owner!...continue reading
What Women Need To Know About Men
Men and women. A lot of fuss is made over how different we appear to be. John Gray became uber famous by coming up with the saying that men are from mars, and women are from venus.
While it's true that there are some significant differences between the way men and women communicate, we are also similar when it comes to certain relationship aspects....continue reading
3 Things Men Should Know About Women
Men, you gotta love them! This is especially true if you live in Silicon Valley, which just happens to include the city some lovingly refer to as "Man Jose". If you are living, working, and loving in Silicon Valley, then you already know that men appear to out number us women. You may also have noticed that although a man a woman may be saying the exact same thing, the intention and meaning behind the words are very different....continue reading
Probably My Most Asked Question--Where Can I Go To Meet People?
As a dating & sex coach, probably the question I most get asked is "Where do I or can I go to meet people?" I've resisted blogging about this thus far, because the answer seems so damn elementary to me. It is really weird to me that I get asked this..a lot!...continue reading
Herpes & Hollywood (Allegedly)
Herpes is one of the most prevalent and contagious viral STI (Sexually Transmitted Infections) in the world. It is caused by the herpes simplex viruses type 1 (HSV-1) or type 2 (HSV-2) infection. How many people have it? In the US alone, it is reported that at least 45 million over the age of 12 have had genital HSV infection. Genital HSV-2 is much more common in women (about 1 out of 4 women) than in men (about 1 out of 8)....continue reading
Tips For Men--How To Keep Your Wood
I've talked to A LOT of men about the type of sex they have. There are 2 issues I hear over and over again: 1) Men not being able to keep it up during the process of putting on a condom (yay for condom use!) and 2) Men suffering from premature ejaculation....continue reading
Because Some People Just Don't Get It
Ok folks I'm a little frustrated!
I don't understand why people won't just let me establish and grow my little business without wanting/asking/suggesting/needing me to do something else? As the founder of Catherine Coaches, I do many things. I am a sexuality speaker, sex educator, and a dating & sex coach. Yes, it is a little unusual, and a friend reminded me the other day that the entire field of "sex coaching" is a relatively new concept to people. On the other hand, because I'm lucky enough to be connected to the pioneering sex-positive San Francisco community, I feel a little like I am playing catch-up. San Francisco has some of the most amazing role models any sex educator could ask for, and I fully acknowledge how truly fortunate and blessed I am to know many of them!...continue reading
Please Understand Me!
For as long as I can remember, I've always been a bit unruly. Not so much an out-cast as someone who always went their own way.
For example, I have always been an un-abashed flirt. One of my earliest memories is of me being about 5 years old and chasing around Tommy, a childhood friend of mine. When I caught him, I would kiss him, and then the chasing process would start all over again. Sometimes I feel like not much about that particular aspect of my personality has changed in past 30 odd years....continue reading
Catherine's Big Porn Review--Tristan Taormino's Rough Sex
Let me just put it out there, I love porn! I've seen a lot of it too. As a sex educator, you can legitimately get away with watching tons of porn for "research purposes". In fact, one whole segment of my comprehensive sex educator training with San Fancisco Sex Information (SFSI) was sitting through a giant wall of porn--a cornocupia of diverse porn scenes going on at the same time. Talk about sensory overload! Thankfully, I had built myself up quite a porn tolerance and was able to get through it un-scathed....continue reading
A Is For August & Anal Health Month
As I mentioned in my first blog post, I have an unusual preoccupation with all things anal. Again, I am not exactly proud of this personality quirk, but it has served me well considering the line of work I am in....continue reading
Orally Remembered
I admit it, I truly love facebook (and myspace when I used to use it) because it has given me the opportunity to re-connect with friends from as far back as grade school. It's even more amazing when you speak to someone on the phone, and after 20 years have past, they sound exactly the way you remember them sounding. I have sincerely enjoyed finding out what my old classmates have been up to. I am not the least bit surprised that many of my old girlfriends are now moms, probably as much as they are not surprised to find out I am happily child free. I don't think there was ever really a time when I truly wanted children or longed to be a mom....continue reading
