Savage Lovecast

Dan Savage

Dan Savage, America's only advice columnist, answers your sex questions and yaps about politics. To record a question for Dan to be answered in a later podcast, record your question and send it to Q@Savage.Love, or call 206-302-2064. For a much longer version of the show, with no ads, visit savage.love and get yourself a subscription. read less

Our Editor's Take

Sex expert Dan Savage shares weekly wisdom on the Savage Lovecast podcast. Listeners may know Dan from his long-time advice column, Savage Love. In the podcast, he talks about love, relationships, and what happens in and out of bed.

Since 1991, the podcast host has been on a mission to improve sex and strengthen relationships. Dan has published many books, including The Kid. This hilarious, heartfelt account of gay adoption shows how to survive relationship challenges. He published his book, Savage Love from A-Z: Advice on Sex and Relationships, Dating and Mating, Exes and Extras, in 2021. The New York Times says the book helps to "redefine commitment." The It Gets Better Project is one of Dan's most notable efforts. He founded the project with his husband in 2010. The project's goal is to help prevent teen suicides among LGBTQ youth.

With the Savage Lovecast, Dan answers listeners' sex questions. He may have a lot of NSFW content on the show, but in some ways, he is the modern Ann Landers. (He even owns her old desk!) On this podcast, Dan offers his signature wry and practical advice. He explores getting into details and answering callers' questions about whatever they ask.

After over a decade of podcasting, Dan has heard it all. But the world keeps changing, and sex and relationships change with it. Dan keeps up with the latest news and politics in the LGBTQ community and elsewhere. These are things that affect how people love, communicate, and relate to each other. In an episode, he tells a new divorcee whether bringing lots of new men to her house is safe. In another episode, a young woman wants to know what to do when her new boyfriend isn't interested in sex. Another episode shares how a couple wants to know how to navigate their changing desires. In each show, Dan shares his best tips for happiness and fulfillment in bed and life. Savage Lovecast listeners can send in their questions to get advice from the best.

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Health & FitnessHealth & Fitness
Society & CultureSociety & Culture
SexualitySexuality
RelationshipsRelationships

Episodes

Savage Lovecast Episode 944
Today
Savage Lovecast Episode 944
"That's so gay!" So said a 10 year-old boy and got himself punished by the teacher who overheard him. The boy's father is calling for advice on how to explain why saying "That's so gay" as a pejorative is hurtful.  A man with a big ole wiener sees his long distance girlfriend once per month. When they see each other they go at it, with a frequency and intensity that will make many of you blush. The problem? It's causing her a lot of pain. Is there a way to make love, not lacerations?  Speaking of pain, Dan brings on Leigh Cowart, science journalist and author of "Hurts So Good: The Science and Culture of Pain on Purpose" They talk about masochism, how the experience of pain can be transmogrified into pleasure, how every masochist has a sadist's imagination, and finally- how to safely kick a man in the nuts. Cowart is such a superb thinker, and a delight to listen to. A little is on the Micro and the whole thing is on the Magnum. And, in one of our all time weirdest calls, a married man with kids thinks he's having a psychic connection with someone he's met. The synchronicities are off the charts! Is he having some kind of profound spiritual flowering, or is it just garden variety mid-life crisis?  You decide.  Q@Savage.Love     206-302-2064 This episode is brought to you by Helix Sleep. Right now, Helix is offering 20% off all mattress orders + 2 FREE Dream Pillows! Go to HelixSleep.com/Savage. With Helix, better sleep starts now.  This episode is brought to you by Dipsea: an app full of hundreds of short, sexy audio stories designed by women for women. Get an extended 30 day free trial when you go to dipseastories.com/savage.  This episode is brought to you by Talkspace- online therapy that makes it easy to get extra mental health support. For $80 off your first month, go to Talkspace.com/Savage, and use the offer code Space80.
Savage Lovecast Episode 943
1w ago
Savage Lovecast Episode 943
A straight man confesses to lurking on Discord and masturbating to the pretty female voices he hears there. Nobody knows he is doing this (except all of us now.) Must he stop?  With a new hostile regime about to take power, it's more important than ever for queer and trans folks to get their papers in order. Our very favorite lawyer, Diana Adams from the Chosen Family Law Center, is on to talk about these issues, and to advise a married gay couple on how to find a surrogate mother in unconventional ways.  On the Magnum Dan welcomes comedian Bonnie Klopfer to talk about their shared hatred of gin. Like, they both really really hate gin. (Hey, in this day and age, whatever can bring people together is A-OK.) They also answer a question about an ex taking on the hobbies and interests of the caller after they broke up. Bonnie rules and you will love her.  And, a gay couple together for 7 years have brought in a lucky third. But the third is already becoming jealous and possessive. ("My couple! Mine!") How can they gently explain to the dude that they will need to move slowly, and might see other people?  Q@Savage.Love  206-302-2064 This episode is brought to you by Liberator: makers of pillows, shapes and furniture for new exciting sex. Just for Black Friday, they’re offering an additional 10% off site-wide; exclusively for our listeners! Stack that on top of their incredible Black Friday deals for the best savings of the year. Go to Liberator.com, and use promo code ‘SAVAGE.’ This episode is brought to you by Squarespace. They make it easy to build a website or blog. Give it a whirl at Squarespace.com/Savage and if you want to buy it, use the code Savage for a 10% off your first purchase. This episode is brought to you by Talkspace- online therapy that makes it easy to get extra mental health support. For $80 off your first month, go to Talkspace.com/Savage, and use the offer code Space80.
Savage Lovecast Episode 942
19-11-2024
Savage Lovecast Episode 942
We open with a somewhat disturbing call from a woman whose white boyfriend visits "wack shacks" when he travels. He hires Asian sex workers to submit to race play and degradation. She approves of him indulging his various kinks outside of their relationship, but this?  It's the classic conundrum: the caller has a big wiener and his boyfriend has a small one. A dildo is not quite a penis. What can they do? Our guest is the fiery, foul-mouthed, anti-cheating avenger Tracy Schorn a.k.a Chump Lady. The hideous experience with her ex-husband set her on a crusade against deceit. She and Dan spar over cheating, and divorce. A rival neologist, she calls Dan's word "tolyamory" "Orwellian dipshitery." Dan has finally met his match, and the polite but spirited debate calls for a big ole bowl of popcorn. A little on the Micro, the whole thing on the Magnum. See you there.  And, a woman mulls over the rancorous end of her previous relationship, when she asked her girlfriend's family to quiet down during a noisy 3am party. Her girlfriend's brother lit into her, and an all-family brawl ended the relationship. Now, years alter, the ex wants to apologize and reconnect. Was the caller wrong to speak up at that fateful holiday gathering?  Christmas is going to be SO wack this year.  Q@Savage.Love           206-302-2064 This episode is brought to you by Liberator: makers of pillows, shapes and furniture for new exciting sex. Just for Black Friday, they’re offering an additional 10% off site-wide; exclusively for our listeners! Stack that on top of their incredible Black Friday deals for the best savings of the year. Go to Liberator.com, and use promo code ‘SAVAGE.’ This episode is brought to you by Helix Sleep. Right now, Helix is offering 25% off all mattress orders + 2 FREE Dream Pillows! Go to HelixSleep.com/Savage. With Helix, better sleep starts now.  Foria is an all natural health & sexual wellness company with product lines using the power of plant actives & CBD to effectively enhance intimacy, sexual pleasure, daily wellbeing, and relief from discomfort. Get 20% off your first order by visiting ForiaWellness.com/Savage
Savage Lovecast Episode 941
12-11-2024
Savage Lovecast Episode 941
First off, we hear from a neglected third in a poorly executed threeway hook-up. He failed to advocate for himself, and the other two guys weren't asking if he was ok, sitting on the couch, looking at his phone. How could this have gone better? And how can he get over the waves of insecurity he feels when he connects with these same guys again?  A woman in an open relationship with a nine year-old daughter wonders how to explain daddy's frequent absences.  Our guest this week is the soothing, clever and cussing Jeff Guenther a.k.a Therapy Jeff. Somehow Dan convinced him to come on the show and give him (and all of us really,) some free therapy around the grief we are all feeling. Self care? Sign us up! And of course Jeff sticks around to answer sex questions too. A little is on the Micro and the whole thing is on the Magnum.  And, listen in as a woman goes over the details of why her friendship is coming to an end.  It really must end.  Q@Savage.Love 206-302-2064  This episode is brought to you by Hims, providing affordable access to ED treatment, online. Start your free online visit today at Hims.com/Savage. This episode is brought to you by Dipsea: an app full of hundreds of short, sexy audio stories designed by women for women. Get an extended 30 day free trial when you go to dipseastories.com/savage.  This episode is brought to you by True Nutrition. Protein powders and supplements to match your fitness goals. Get 15% OFF your order at TrueNutrition.com with the promo code Savage.
Savage Lovecast Episode 940
05-11-2024
Savage Lovecast Episode 940
We're giving you a break from whatever stressful stuff is going on this week to bring you some of the more...interesting calls we've collected.  A man's girlfriend wants to try saline injections on her breasts for a "24 hour boob job." The question is, can he safely do the injecting?  A woman's cat is grieving the loss of her longtime companion, a small dog. Now the kinky feline is demanding unspeakable rough treatment and her "owner" is neither G, G, nor G and does NOT consent.  Happy Soft Cock Week to all who celebrate! Our guest is "professional cuddler" Michelle Renee who is helping to launch a worldwide celebration of the penis in repose. She offers a kind and loving perspective on a topic that really needn't cause so much anxiety.  On the Magnum, Dan chats with Paul Rosenberg- founder and manager of Rain City Jacks, a private, non-profit jack-off club in Seattle. As we speak, men are gathering to masturbate together. Dan and Paul talk about the 20 year history of the club, how a whopping 10% of the patrons are straight, and how communal masturbation brings people together in the best way. Also, what happens to all the jiz?  And, in the darker corners of Salt Lake City, there are kinky parties going on with bizarre contraptions meant to deliver a world of forbidden pleasure. Unfortunately, it just made the caller puke her guts out.  You ok SLC? Q@Savage.Love       206-302-2064 This episode is brought to you by Helix Sleep. Right now, Helix is offering 25% off all mattress orders + 2 FREE Dream Pillows! Go to HelixSleep.com/Savage. With Helix, better sleep starts now.  This episode is brought to you by Talkspace- online therapy that makes it easy to get extra mental health support. For $80 off your first month, go to Talkspace.com/Savage, and use the offer code Space80. This episode is brought to you by Squarespace. They make it easy to build a website or blog. Give it a whirl at Squarespace.com/Savage and if you want to buy it, use the code Savage for a 10% off your first purchase.
Savage Lovecast Episode 938
22-10-2024
Savage Lovecast Episode 938
A woman has been dating a man from Ghana for 4 months. She just learned that he has a wife and kid back home, that he married out of familial/cultural obligation. Should the caller hold out to see if he chooses her over his overseas family?  A married woman has a one year-old kid. She and her husband are monogamous, but she's getting into performing burlesque at local bars and it's making her want to try...other things. How far will she go? How much will her husband allow?  Our guest is Irish comedian Des Bishop. He and Dan get into some straight guy topics: like straight guys into butt sex, straight guys into dicks, and how to surprise your straight guy with an awesome sex move. The (very gay) Dan Savage and the (very straight) Des Bishop got along like a house on fire. Some of this conversation is on the Micro, and all of it is on the Magnum.  And, we can't phrase this delicately: She smells. A woman's girlfriend is so very beloved to her. But lately, she's been letting her hygiene slip and it's getting dire. How can the caller tell her sweetheart that she kind of stinks?  Q@Savage.Love 206-302-2064 Des Bishop's special Of All People, is out now, here. This episode is brought to you by Feeld, a dating app where the open-minded can meet the like-minded. Download Feeld on the App Store or Google Play. This episode is brought to you by Helix Sleep. Right now, Helix is offering 25% off all mattress orders! Go to HelixSleep.com/Savage. With Helix, better sleep starts now.
Savage Lovecast Episode 937
15-10-2024
Savage Lovecast Episode 937
A lesbian couple has been together for a couple years, and things are still hot between them. But they wonder if they should check out a sex club just to add a little spice. They are monogamous, and have no interest in contact with other women. Their friends say it's impossible to remain exclusive with each other at one of these spaces. Is that true? Would they be welcome?  A man with "anxious attachment style" (hot!) has been seeing a woman for 6 weeks, and things are moving fast. She told him she was going to have a drink with a friend. He asked if she had ever slept with him. At first she denied it, but then called him back and admitted that she used to have a friends-with-benefits relationship with him, but that they were just platonic now. Should he believe her? Should he be upset? Should he cling as hard as he possibly can?  On the Magnum, Dan chats with humor writer Eli McCann from the Salt Lake Tribune about "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives," and what to do when the obnoxious gatekeeper in your life is your own damn son.  And, a woman has freed herself from her abusive ex-boyfriend. But they still share one thing...the dog! Who gets custody? She had promised him that if they ever broke up, he could keep the dog. But he is in no position to care for it. Who gets the poor little pooch?  Q@Savage.Love 206-302-2064 This episode is brought to you by Hims, providing affordable access to ED treatment, online. Start your free online visit today at Hims.com/Savage. This episode is brought to you by Squarespace. They make it easy to build a website or blog. Give it a whirl at Squarespace.com/Savage and if you want to buy it, use the code Savage for a 10% off your first purchase. This episode is brought to you by Dipsea: an app full of hundreds of short, sexy audio stories designed by women for women. Get an extended 30 day free trial when you go to dipseastories.com/savage.
Savage Lovecast Episode 934
24-09-2024
Savage Lovecast Episode 934
She slept with a lad who didn't wear a condom when he said he would, came inside her and wouldn't help pay for Plan B. The hitch? He's great in bed, and she is hard up. Should she sleep with him again, if he promises to be a good boy?  A caller challenges Dan on his personal dislike of massages. "How can this possibly be?" asks the caller.   Our guest this week, is the brilliant psychotherapist and New York Times bestselling author Esther Perel. Dan and Esther talk about infidelity, how monogamous relationships can turn into police states, and the difference between sex and eroticism- among many other things. We put a chunk of this conversation on the Micro, but there's a lot more on the Magnum.  It's the classic bait n' switch. A queer man met his wife via Feeld where she claimed to be interested adventurous sex. Now that they're married, they are monogamous, vanilla and the caller is tearing his hair out. They are doing all the therapy. What they aren't doing is having amazing kinky sex.  Q@Savage.Love 206-302-2064 Check out Esther Perel at EstherPerel.com. https://www.estherperel.com/course-bundles/the-desire-bundle Get 15% the desire courses until 12/13/24 with the code: SAVAGE15 This episode is brought to you by Helix Sleep. Right now, Helix is offering 25% off all mattress orders AND two free pillows! Go to HelixSleep.com/Savage. With Helix, better sleep starts now.  This episode is brought to you by Squarespace. They make it easy to build a website or blog. Give it a whirl at Squarespace.com/Savage and if you want to buy it, use the code Savage for a 10% off your first purchase. This episode is brought to you by Dipsea: an app full of hundreds of short, sexy audio stories designed by women for women. Get an extended 30 day free trial when you go to dipseastories.com/savage.
Savage Lovecast Episode 931
03-09-2024
Savage Lovecast Episode 931
Git along little doggie! A gay man in academia has always been into cowboys. But he fights his brain, due to the inherently problematic nature of this fetish. Can (or should) he scrub these fantasies from his mind?  A woman in Berlin would like to go to Folsom Europe. But would she be welcome? Dan chats with kink educator AJ Berlin about gay male sex party spaces, and who is (and isn't) welcome.  On the Magnum, Dan chats with a true unicorn- a monogamous gay man. Don Martin is an author, podcaster and prolific THIRST TRAPPER. He's been with his husband for 18 years in a very happy exclusive relationship. They talk about accepting yourself as gay, going the distance with monogamy, escaping body dysmorphia and so much more. They had a wide-ranging conversation and you are invited to listen in.  And, are there any foot fetishists out there who are ladies? Anyone?  Call! Tell us about it!  Q@Savage.Love 206-302-2064 This episode is brought to you by Dipsea: an app full of hundreds of short, sexy audio stories designed by women for women. Get an extended 30 day free trial when you go to dipseastories.com/savage.  This episode is brought to you by Talkspace- online therapy that makes it easy to get extra mental health support. For $80 off your first month, go to Talkspace.com/Savage, and use the offer code Space80. This episode is brought to you by Squarespace. They make it easy to build a website or blog. Give it a whirl at Squarespace.com/Savage and if you want to buy it, use the code Savage for a 10% off your first purchase.
Savage Lovecast Episode 930
27-08-2024
Savage Lovecast Episode 930
Workplace intrigue ahoy! A gay trans man who passes completely, is out to some of his co-workers but not all. Over drinks, one of his bosses told him he was bi, but not attracted to male genitals. So was this his way of acknowledging that the caller is trans, and flirting with him? Or was it cluelessly his way of saying he *wasn't* interested? Confusing! What should the caller do?  A straight man loved giving his previous girlfriend multiple orgasms. But now that he's single and knows how good it can be, he feels pressure to give multiple orgasms every time, to all his lovers. Is this a new expectation for men? How can he have good sex without his self-critical brain ruining everything?  On the Magnum, you may recall a few weeks ago, a woman asked about cross-dressing men. She wanted to understand the difference between cross-dressers, trans women and drag queens. Nancy Rose is a cross-dresser with a very masculine side when she's in man mode and a very feminine side when she's in "Nancy mode." In this conversation they explore the mushy Venn diagram of these queer identities.  We know you're sick of hearing this question over and over, but if you are an adult baby diaper lover, and a recovering meth addict, and you've discovered that injecting meth into your penis shrinks your dick in a way you find affirming, how can you find a better, less addicting way to achieve a baby-like wiener? Ho hum.  Q@Savage.Love        206-302-2064 This episode is brought to you by Helix Sleep. Right now, Helix is offering 25% off all mattress orders AND two free pillows! Go to HelixSleep.com/Savage. With Helix, better sleep starts now.  This episode is brought to you by Hims, providing affordable access to ED treatment, online. Start your free online visit today at Hims.com/Savage.
Savage Lovecast Episode 929
20-08-2024
Savage Lovecast Episode 929
A woman is starting up a new relationship. Her previous boyfriend was a dom who introduced her to kink. She loved it but found it all too contrived. How can she take the parts of Dom/sub dynamics she likes and leave the scripted parts behind? It used to take her soooooo long to come. But then she discovered suction toys, and blam! Her husband learned how to get her off orally, but then they divorced. Now she's back to square one and worries it will take another 6 years to train new lovers to get her off. How can she give them a crash course in how her body works?  On the Magnum, a severe strain of Mpox is on the rise in Africa. Dan brings back the wise and calm Dr. Carlton to discuss this and other anal health issues. Dr. Carlton shares his handy, (if sacriligious) technique to open up for anal sex without poppers. And they spell out use of Truvada, Doxy Pep and other meds on the scene. If you use your butt for sex, you'll want to tune in. A single mother and breast cancer survivor needs a little cash. She would like to set up an OnlyFans account, but worries that the scars from her mastectomy will hinder her chances or attract unwanted fetishists. Should she do this?  206-302-2064     Q@Savage.Love Find Dr. Carlton: Instagram, Threads and Tik Tok @DoctorCarlton X: @Doctor_Carlton Podcast: Butt Honestly with all social handles @butthonestlypod This episode is brought to you by Squarespace. They make it easy to build a website or blog. Give it a whirl at Squarespace.com/Savage and if you want to buy it, use the code Savage for a 10% off your first purchase. We’re partnering with NOCD to raise awareness about OCD. Imagine having unwanted thoughts about your relationship stuck in your head all day no matter how hard you try to make them go away. That’s OCD. Breaking the OCD cycle takes effective treatment. Go to NOCD.com/savage to learn more.
Savage Lovecast Episode 927
06-08-2024
Savage Lovecast Episode 927
We start the show with a simple question. Should she sleep with the gardener? Her marriage has become sexless, and though her husband swears he would be into a three-way, she wants to audition the hot gardener first.  Some questions require a medical opinion. Some questions are so gnarly that only the most intrepid medical experts will suffice. There is only one man who can fill this role. And that man is Doc Barak.  On the Magnum, Dan brings on your next favorite guest, Jeff Guenther a.k.a "TherapyJeff." His new book, Big Dating Energy is out now. They talk about dating apps, scheduled sex and how capitalism destroys relationships, Also, Dan self-diagnoses his attachment style, and Jeff makes a sacred promise. And, a near virgin has asked our brave caller if she would relieve him of his virginity. She thinks it could be fun and a mikvah. But is there anything she should be aware of or look out for?  Q@Savage.Love        206-302-2064 This episode is brought to you by Squarespace. They make it easy to build a website or blog. Give it a whirl at Squarespace.com/Savage and if you want to buy it, use the code Savage for a 10% off your first purchase. This episode is brought to you by Talkspace- online therapy that makes it easy to get extra mental health support. For $80 off your first month, go to Talkspace.com/Savage, and use the offer code Space80. This episode is brought to you by Hims, providing affordable access to ED treatment, online. Start your free online visit today at Hims.com/Savage.