211 - Talking About Sex Shouldn’t Be Taboo – A Global Perspective with Sangeeth Sebastian

In this special episode of The Penis Project Podcast, the tables are turned — and Melissa Hadley Barrett is the one being interviewed! Joining her is Sangeeth Sebastian, a journalist and sexuality writer from Kerala, India, and the founder of VVOX — a groundbreaking platform with a mission to make accurate, science-based sexual and mental health knowledge accessible to everyone and end sexual shame.  With nearly two decades in journalism, Sangeeth brings empathy and investigative depth to the conversation as he and Melissa explore everything from erectile dysfunction and Peyronies disease to libido, body image, and the silence surrounding sexual pain. Together they unpack why shame remains one of the biggest barriers to intimacy, how open communication can transform relationships, and what it means to create a culture of curiosity over judgment.  In This Episode, We Cover:  Sangeeth’s journey from award-winning journalist in Kerala to sexuality educator and founder of VVOX  Why he launched VVOX and how its helping people unlearn sexual shame  Melissa’s insights into men’s sexual health — erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, Peyronie’s disease, and post-cancer recovery  The social and cultural roots of shame around sex  How misinformation affects both men’s and women’s confidence and pleasure  The importance of empathy, language, and education in sexual healing  What it takes to build a healthier, shame-free global conversation around sex  Key Takeaways:  Shame is cultural — but it can be unlearned through education and open dialogue.  Science and compassion together heal more than medicine alone.  Sexual health is human health: it affects confidence, connection, and quality of life.  True intimacy grows from honesty, curiosity, and mutual respect.  Access to accurate information is the foundation of sexual freedom.  About Sangeeth Sebastian:  Hailing from Kerala, India, Sangeeth Sebastian is the founder of VVOX (pronounced we-vox), a platform dedicated to ending sexual shame by making reliable, evidence-based education about sexuality and mental health available to everyone. With nearly 20 years of experience as a journalist, he has worked with major Indian media houses including The Hindu, Hindustan Times, and India Today Group. An award-winning sexuality writer and DAAD researcher, his work has been recognised internationally and featured in outlets such as BBC, The Guardian, AFP, Channel 4 UK, and The Daily Mail. Sangeeth also received the Likho Award for Excellence from the Humsafar Trust for fair and inclusive LGBTQ+ representation in media.  Learn more about VVOX:   https://www.youtube.com/@vvoxIndia  www.vvox.in  Resources & Links:  Book a telehealth consult with our sexual health nurse practitioners at Restorative Health Clinic  For more information check out our websites www.rshealth.com.au , www.makehardeasy.com.au and www.melissahadleybarrett.com  Listen & Subscribe  If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast! Your feedback helps us continue bringing important conversations to light. Search for The Penis Project Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite podcast app.  Connect With Us   We love hearing from real people, navigating penile health. If you’d like to share your journey or ask a question, get in touch. Email: admin@rshealth.com.au   Websites:  https://rshealth.com.au/  All genders  https://makehardeasy.com.au   https://melissahadleybarrett.com   Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/melissahadleybarrett/  https://www.instagram.com/restorativehealth.clinic/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@melissahadleybarrett   TikTok: @melissahadleybarrett  Facebook:  https://m.facebook.com/p/Melissa-Hadley-Barrett-100085237672685/  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085146627814  Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-hadley-barrett/   TEDX:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjHj1YTmLoA