Taboo Talk: Sex, Mormonism
Explicit content warning
04/05/25 • 51 min
Chronic illness impacts every aspect of our lives, including the bedroom. In this refreshingly candid conversation, we break down the walls of shame and silence surrounding sexuality when living with chronic conditions.
Ali returns from her mountain cabin retreat to share how her diagnosis completely changed her relationship with intimacy—once a proudly sexual person who even won a Thunder Down Under fake orgasm contest (with her mother cheering her on!), years of severe symptoms and medication side effects left her disinterested in physical connection. Only after prioritizing rest and health did she reconnect with that part of herself – a journey many Spoonies can relate to.
The discussion expands into how religious upbringings compound these challenges. From Catholic households to Mormon traditions, many of us received messages of fear and shame rather than education about our bodies. Jen's mother joins the conversation, offering fascinating insights into Mormon temple practices, including special garments with symbolic markings and secret names women aren't allowed to speak. Her powerful story of liberation – shouting her temple name from a mountaintop – demonstrates how breaking free from restrictive beliefs can be part of our healing journey.
Personal stories range from embarrassing (smuggling a vibrator through Middle Eastern customs) to deeply concerning (the lack of comprehensive sex education in today's schools). We examine how gender expectations shaped our understanding of roles within relationships and how breaking these generational patterns through open, honest conversations can create healthier foundations for our children.
Whether you're struggling with reclaiming your sexuality through chronic illness or want to better understand how illness impacts intimacy, this episode offers validation, laughter, and a reminder that your experiences deserve to be acknowledged without shame. Join us for this profoundly human conversation about one of the most natural yet seldom-discussed aspects of the Spoonie experience.
Are you living with a chronic illness and want to make your voice heard? Rare Patient Voice connects patients and caregivers with research opportunities—so you can share your experiences and get paid for your time! Your insights help drive real change in healthcare.
Let's Get Started - Rare Patient Voice
🎙 Living with a rare disease or chronic illness can feel isolating—but you are not alone. Find Your Rare is more than just a brand—it’s a movement. From empowering apparel to real, raw conversations, they’re here to remind you that your story matters. Because being RARE its your superpower. Explore, join & wear your rare with pride at FindYourRare.com
Support:
https://rarepatientvoice.com/Myspooniesisters/
https://www.etsy.com/shop/MySpoonieSistershttps://www.graceandable.com/?bg_ref=980:nzTyG6c9zK (Use code GAJen10)
Website:
https://myspooniesisters.com/
Discount Codes:
GIANT Microbes | Gag Gifts, Teacher Gifts, Doctor Gifts, Gifts for Girlfriends and Boyfriends code SPOONIE20 for 20% off
Chronic illness impacts every aspect of our lives, including the bedroom. In this refreshingly candid conversation, we break down the walls of shame and silence surrounding sexuality when living with chronic conditions.
Ali returns from her mountain cabin retreat to share how her diagnosis completely changed her relationship with intimacy—once a proudly sexual person who even won a Thunder Down Under fake orgasm contest (with her mother cheering her on!), years of severe symptoms and medication side effects left her disinterested in physical connection. Only after prioritizing rest and health did she reconnect with that part of herself – a journey many Spoonies can relate to.
The discussion expands into how religious upbringings compound these challenges. From Catholic households to Mormon traditions, many of us received messages of fear and shame rather than education about our bodies. Jen's mother joins the conversation, offering fascinating insights into Mormon temple practices, including special garments with symbolic markings and secret names women aren't allowed to speak. Her powerful story of liberation – shouting her temple name from a mountaintop – demonstrates how breaking free from restrictive beliefs can be part of our healing journey.
Personal stories range from embarrassing (smuggling a vibrator through Middle Eastern customs) to deeply concerning (the lack of comprehensive sex education in today's schools). We examine how gender expectations shaped our understanding of roles within relationships and how breaking these generational patterns through open, honest conversations can create healthier foundations for our children.
Whether you're struggling with reclaiming your sexuality through chronic illness or want to better understand how illness impacts intimacy, this episode offers validation, laughter, and a reminder that your experiences deserve to be acknowledged without shame. Join us for this profoundly human conversation about one of the most natural yet seldom-discussed aspects of the Spoonie experience.
Are you living with a chronic illness and want to make your voice heard? Rare Patient Voice connects patients and caregivers with research opportunities—so you can share your experiences and get paid for your time! Your insights help drive real change in healthcare.
Let's Get Started - Rare Patient Voice
🎙 Living with a rare disease or chronic illness can feel isolating—but you are not alone. Find Your Rare is more than just a brand—it’s a movement. From empowering apparel to real, raw conversations, they’re here to remind you that your story matters. Because being RARE its your superpower. Explore, join & wear your rare with pride at FindYourRare.com
Support:
https://rarepatientvoice.com/Myspooniesisters/
https://www.etsy.com/shop/MySpoonieSistershttps://www.graceandable.com/?bg_ref=980:nzTyG6c9zK (Use code GAJen10)
Website:
https://myspooniesisters.com/
Discount Codes:
GIANT Microbes | Gag Gifts, Teacher Gifts, Doctor Gifts, Gifts for Girlfriends and Boyfriends code SPOONIE20 for 20% off
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Are you living with a chronic illness and want to make your voice heard? Rare Patient Voice connects patients and caregivers with research opportunities—so you can share your experiences and get paid for your time! Your insights help drive real change in healthcare.
Let's Get Started - Rare Patient Voice
Support:
https://rarepatientvoice.com/Myspooniesisters/
https://www.etsy.com/shop/MySpoonieSistershttps://www.graceandable.com/?bg_ref=980:nzTyG6c9zK (Use code GAJen10)
Website:
https://myspooniesisters.com/
Discount Codes:
GIANT Microbes | Gag Gifts, Teacher Gifts, Doctor Gifts, Gifts for Girlfriends and Boyfriends code SPOONIE20 for 20% off
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Are you living with a chronic illness and want to make your voice heard? Rare Patient Voice connects patients and caregivers with research opportunities—so you can share your experiences and get paid for your time! Your insights help drive real change in healthcare.
Let's Get Started - Rare Patient Voice
Support:
https://rarepatientvoice.com/Myspooniesisters/
https://www.etsy.com/shop/MySpoonieSistershttps://www.graceandable.com/?bg_ref=980:nzTyG6c9zK (Use code GAJen10)
Website:
https://myspooniesisters.com/
Discount Codes:
GIANT Microbes | Gag Gifts, Teacher Gifts, Doctor Gifts, Gifts for Girlfriends and Boyfriends code SPOONIE20 for 20% off
My Spoonie Sisters - Taboo Talk: Sex, Mormonism
Transcript
Hello and welcome back to my Spoonie Sisters Podcast . It is your co-host , allie . I have been MIA for the past couple episodes and , baby , I am back , ready to chat and ready to spice things up a little bit , but I have missed you guys so much to our listeners and to our other hosts . I have missed y'all . I have been on a little retreat , if you will say . I have been i
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