Keep Them Coming with Kristen Thomas

Ep. 134 - Parenting queer and trans teens with Erin Wallis

Friend and fellow Clinical Sexologist Erin Wallis has her hands full with 3 queer teens, including 2 that are transgender. In fact, no one in the house is straight! Her experiences in Cumming, Georgia are like something out of a novel. Have you ever had a pastor call your house to harass you? Erin was frank about the conversations and considerations about safety, playing sports, and having an exit plan. No parent should have to worry about their child's safety in the ways she does, but we are watching in real time as people are being emboldened by radical Christofacists. We both feel our fathers were radicalized by Fox News. I was very appreciative of her sharing her and her family's story (and everyone in the house gave her the green light to discuss their lives). Even if you don't have a household like the Wallis', you're sure to learn something from today's episode.

Ep. 133 - Are we breaking up?

Breaking up is never fun nor easy, no matter how long you've been together. But, sometimes it's simply necessary. You should definitely consider some things before you make a final decision. Today's episode covers when is it time to break up with someone? How do you break up with someone effectively? And what should you do to get past a breakup?

Ep. 132 - Shifting labels with Corey Green

Artist. friend, and Kinsey 6 Corey Green joined me to just kind of tell me the story of his life. I truly savor when I get the opportunity to hear someone tell me not only their coming out story, but also what was it like exploring sex, especially when you grew up where you didn't get much information about it. If you lived that small town teenage life, you will certainly appreciate Corey's tales.So, whether you have been considering how you can understand more about your proclivities for kink, understanding your queerness, and so much more, listening to this conversation can hopefully help you feel a little bit more comfortable with yourself. The answer to "am I normal?" is "yes!"

Ep. 131 - Exploring queerness outside of sexuality with Katie M

Thank you for joining me for another episode of keep them coming. Fair warning, the content of this episode is freaking amazing! However, I majorly f*cked up on my setup. I guess I didn't have it recording on my microphone. So...my apologies!Guest Katie M has several intersecting identities and it has made it challenging for them to date. Their identity can give people a lot of opportunities to make inaccurate assumptions.There's so much variety with asexuality. There almost is like no two that are truly alike. It can really just manifest in a variety of ways. So, if you've ever wondered what asexuality is like, Or you have heard of demisexuality, graysexuality, or sapiosexual and have questions, then this episode is absolutely for you. Also discussed in this episode - thoughts on pride, who are some influencers out there who are ACE or non-binary, and what have some asexual or ACE portrayals been like in movies and media. Also, what does queerness really look like and how can it be explored when it's removed from sex?You are absolutely guaranteed to learn something in this episode!

Ep. 130 - The Queen of KC Burlesque Kyra Lyn ”Petite Syrah”

I unfortunately missed going to the Kansas city Burlesque Festival this year, but I am joined by my friend, Kira who was crowned the Queen of KC Burlesque for 2022. And she didn't even tell me until the end of the episode that she has the cutest stage name - Petite Syrah. Kyra helped me learn some new things about burlesque, such as explaining different types of burlesque, she told me a few things about what it takes to get started, and a few of her favorite makers that you should also check out if you are currently a dancer or thinking about getting into it.We also talked about how through some of life's experiences, there's much to be learned about our bodies and body image, how we feel about ourselves, about relationships and our sexualities over time. Being a bisexual in a cishetero relationship doesn't negate one's bisexuality!You can find Kyra on Instagram at @kyralyn, and you can also check Downtown Underground Burlesque for more information about upcoming shows. I have an in-person workshop on Monday, June 27th. It's here in Kansas city. My dear friend of a decade. Rose Heinz and I are going to be hosting "Making Space For Intimate Self Care". So we are going to be doing a combination of things on this next new moon, including some guided meditations, journaling to help you find clarity on what it is you're looking for - either in a future partnership or in your current relationship that takes it to another level. Email me, Kristen@openthedoorscoaching.com if you are interested in tickets or you can Go to MindBody App and search for Yoga Patch (location of the event) Monday, June 27th, from 7:30 to 9 PM.

Ep. 129 - Gays In Toyland with Stan from Leather Masters

Some of you in the leather and kink community might be familiar with Leather Masters, which got hit by COVID and closed it manufacturing in Texas in 2020. Entrepreneurs Stan and his husband Clint, owners of Em City in Kansas City, are reviving the brand and relaunching in July 2022.I was very interested in hearing his entrepreneurial journey after a fateful Vegas weekend. I told the story of how we were first introduced - which had nothing to do with leather or kink. It actually had to do with sex toys! Of course as the owner of a adult entertainment store. I would expect him to have a sizable collection of sex toys, and the reason why my both surprise and educate you. We also discussed some best practices for cleaning your toys.And you may recall that I featured Stan and Em City in one of my Pitch articles earlier this year. I highly recommend that you go see them if you are in the area, but you can certainly also shop on their website emcitykc.com.

Ep. 128 - Burning love with Mark Athens

Fireplaying expert and educator Mark Athens helped me understand more about using fire for both pleasure and pain. He also discussed his journey into the leather community, along with a little history of leather at Pride. We also discussed how to spot a swinger, leather competitions, kink conferences, and much more. Find him on FetLife @SirAthens. Find Consent KC on Facebook or @_consentKC on FetLife.

Ep. 127 - Celebrating Masturbation Month with Kinkaid McMinn, CSC

My friend Kinkaid McMinn joined me again on Keep Them Coming. He's a fellow Certified Sex Coach and Clinical Sexologist who also graduated from Sex Coach U. We are ringing in National Masturbation Month 2022! Topics include male or penis-owning masturbation myths, when you might know there's an issue in your relationship, our thoughts on tantra and semen retention, Kinkaid explained jelqing, and more.

Ep. 126 - Trans enough with Tanith K.

Artist, designer, and activist Tanith K. joined me for a winding convo around gender, art, and journeys of self exploration. We discussed the purpose of labels, and the gatekeeping over what is "trans enough". You can find Tanith on Instagram or their Society 6 shop. Support local artists!

Ep. 125 - When parents neglect their partnership

So parents... let's have a frank conversation. I completely understand that once y'all had children, things change in your life. I find that there is a big difference between the couples that make sure that their relationship stays a priority versus those who put the kids first before their relationship.I don't think that you're a bad partner or spouse if you have put your kids before your spouse. It's not about good or bad. It's not about right or wrong. What this is about is recognizing reality - if you are not prioritizing your relationship you're not going to have a relationship.