Podcast and Webinars

Podcast: Taking It All Off

Hosted by Bianca Tétrault, Sexual Violence Education Advisor and Charlene Lewis-Sutherland, Equity Programming: Research and Assessment Coordinator, this new Podcast, created in collaboration with the OSVRSE and the Office of the Dean of Students (ODOS), brings you informative, insightful and sometimes hilarious information about sex, sexuality, love, intimacy and identity from students and other McGill members.

All of our episodes can also be found on SoundCloud.

**Please note that the views expressed in the following episodes belong solely to the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the larger institution.

Episode 1: Dating

In our very first episode, we bring you real-life stories that address dating in university. In this segment, guest speakers explore why people choose to date or not, what makes it fun or not, and why everyone is talking about dating - even before you get to university. Hear from three McGill students as they discuss their very best dating stories - and by very best we mean awkward, highly memorable, funny, and sometimes cringe-worthy experiences. Oh and did we mention, we talk about long distance dating too! Listen to the episode here.

Guest speakers

  • Alyssa Wooster: Healthy McGill Peer Health Educator, is a 21 year old student and health advocate currently studying and working at McGill University. Alyssa is in her fourth year studying Psychology and Sociology. For the past 3 years, Alyssa has worked at Healthy McGill doing health education around mental health. Her passions are destigmatizing mental illness and facilitating conversations around mental health and mental illness.
  • Michael Mercer: U2 Social Work student and Assistant to the Residence Life Manager- Residence Life Office. In addition to work and school, Michael is also the VP Communications of SWSA (Social Worker's Student Association). During his free time, he is usually getting a coffee.
  • Ana Paula Sanchez: U1 Political Science and Philosophy, is currently working as the Arts Undergraduate Society Equity commissioner, which involves educating 200+ student executives on consent, sexual violence, equity, and accessible spaces. In addition to reviewing equity related complaints regarding Arts faculty, staff, executives, and members at large, Ana Paula also volunteers at the Sexual Assault Centre of McGill's Student Society (SACOMSS) as an outreach volunteer, giving workshops on consent, gender, and sexuality to the Montreal community. Outside of classes and extracurricular commitments, Anna Paula can usually be found reading in cafes with a cup of chai.

Resources referenced in episode:

Episode 2: Love on the brain

Ever heard someone say they were "love-struck" or that " being in-love made them do wild things"? To put a different spin on things, this episode delves deep into the world of Social and Neuroscience, bringing you information on how love impacts the brain and human functioning, and the social constructs behind love and romance. Listen to this episode to learn more about how our guest believe society values/accepts love, if everyone is allowed to love, the different kinds of love that exist, and much more. Listen to the episode here.

Guest speakers

  • Daniel Almeida: PhD Candidate in Neuroscience, is in his 4th year at McGill. His research explores the neuroepigenetic link between childhood abuse, including sexual abuse and suicide. Related to his scholarly work, Daniel teaches campus and community based workshops on understanding mental illness and suicide crisis intervention. Daniel spends his free time writing for a sexual health blog where he contributes posts on the neurobiology of sexual behaviours.
  • moizza.ulhaq [at] mail.mcgill.ca (Moizza Ul Haql): Undergraduate Student in Anatomy and Cell Biology, with a minor in GSFS and is the Wellness Facilitator in Rez.
  • Maia Klee: Undergraduate Student in Psychology
  • Katherine: Joint Honours Student U3 Sociology and International Development Studies, specializes in the study of gender, sexuality, Latin American History, and New Media. Katherine is currently in her last year of university and is finishing a thesis on online queer-polyamorous communities.

Resources referenced in episode:

Episode 3: Online world: Apps and communication

Listen to the episode here.

Guest speakers

  • Chris Dietzel: PhD Student Department of Integrated Studies in Education, is studying rape culture in LGBTQ+ communities and on dating apps. Chris is pursuing a career in university education to create meaningful experiences for students and to advocate for safe and healthy relationships, particularly for members of LGBTQ+ communities.
  • Katherine Belisle: Joint Honours Student U3 Sociology and International Development Studies, specializes in the study of gender, sexuality, Latin American History, and New Media. Katherine is currently in her last year of university and is finishing a thesis on online queer-polyamorous communities.
  • Eve Parker Finley: Project Administrator at McGill's Social Equity and Diversity Education Office (SEDE), is a 24 year old educator, activist, and media-maker. She also co-hosts Tranzistor Radio, a monthly talk show on CKUT 90.3fm featuring local trans activists, artists, and community members discussing issues facing the community in Montreal and beyond.
  • Mitch Miller: Staff member in Student Life and Learning, is an alumnus of and staff member at McGill University. Mitch has worked in the areas of student life, leadership development, and training. He has a background in educational technology and their applications in informal learning spaces.
  • Daniel Almeida: PhD Candidate in Neuroscience, is in his 4th year at McGill. His research explores the neuroepigenetic link between childhood abuse, including sexual abuse and suicide. Related to his scholarly work, Daniel teaches campus and community based workshops on understanding mental illness and suicide crisis intervention. Daniel spends his free time writing for a sexual health blog where he contributes posts on the neurobiology of sexual behaviours.
  • Ella Hartsoe: U2 Undergraduate student in History and Gender Studies at McGill, In addition to her education, Ella works in the Rez Life Office as one of the Rez Project Coordinators, working with first year students to envision what anti-oppression can look like in residences and on campus. Off campus, she enjoys activism, writing and cooking.
  • Moizza Ul Haql: Undergraduate Student in Anatomy and Cell Biology, with a minor in GSFS and is the Wellness Facilitator in Rez.

Episode 4: Masturbation

Did you say what I think you just said? Taking it All Off is a podcast focused on creating and promoting a sex positive world. For this episode, we will be focusing on the positive aspects of masturbation, an angle that is not often discussed, to bring you informative, fun and empowering information on the benefits of being a masturbator. Hear from some of your fellow McGill members and our very own Shag Shop (where you can buy all kinds of toys and prompters to get you going!) who will discuss the history of masturbation, break down misconceptions, share tips/facts/considerations when masturbating. Listen to the episode here.

Guest speakers

  • Shanice Nicole is an (out)spoken word artist, writer, and educator. Her poetry and work explores race, mental health, sexuality, oppression, and freedom - all of which represent the many layers of her Black womanhood.
  • Eve Parker Finley: Project Administrator at McGill's Social Equity and Diversity Education Office (SEDE), and is a 24 year old educator, activist, and media-maker. She also co-hosts Tranzistor Radio, a monthly talk show on CKUT 90.3fm featuring local trans activists, artists, and community members discussing issues facing the community in Montreal and beyond.
  • Fee Mpai: Healthy McGill Peer Educator, is from Bostwana and is in her second year at McGill majoring in Psychology with a double minor in Behavioural Neuroscience and French. Fee currently works as a Peer Health Educator doing drug and alcohol education.
  • Daniel Almeida: PhD Candidate in Neuroscience, is in his 4th year at McGill. His research explores the neuroepigenetic link between childhood abuse, including sexual abuse and suicide. Related to his scholarly work, Daniel teaches campus and community based workshops on understanding mental illness and suicide crisis intervention. Daniel spends his free time writing for a sexual health blog where he contributes posts on the neurobiology of sexual behaviours.

Episode 5: Sexual violence awareness and prevention

In this episode, we will be flipping the script on the narrative surrounding sexual violence by providing audience members with alternative solutions to prevention, debunking ever-present misconceptions and challenging the concept of the “the perfect victim” and “victim-blaming”. Guest speakers, focusing on current affairs, will discuss how to create healthier communities, address campus sexual violence, and touch-upon key ways to support a survivor/victim. Listen to the episode here.

Guest speakers

  • Justin Buchanan: PhD Student Counselling Psychology first year at McGill, is originally from the United States and his research focuses on male victims of sexual violence, with the hope of applying new understanding to improve support and prevent barriers to aid.
  • Chloe Garcia: PhD Candidate, Dept. Integrated Studies in Education, 6th year at McGill. Chloe's research investigates the potential of vlogs and vlogging as tools to teach about sexual consent and promote personal and social change. As one of the lead researchers for the IMPACTS project at McGill, Chloe played an instrumental role in developing the sexual violence climate surveys, and currently works with her colleagues on projects involving the development of toolkits for stakeholders researching sexual violence and the writing of publications and reports.
  • Daniel Almeida: PhD Candidate in Neuroscience, 4th year at McGill. Daniel's research explores the neuroepigenetic link between childhood abuse, including sexual abuse and suicide. Related to his scholarly work, Daniel teaches campus and community based workshops on understanding mental illness and suicide crisis intervention. Daniel spends his free time writing for a sexual health blog where he contributes posts on the neurobiology of sexual behaviours.

Episode 6: Dating, Sex, Intimacy and Disabilities

In this episode, we are joined by Rachel Desjourdy (Access & Inclusion Officer), Gift Tshuma (Access Advisor), Mark Beach (Workplace Access Assistant) from the Office for Students with Disabilities, Aliya (former McGill Undergrad) and Jasmine (former McGill Undergrad), to explore the topics of Dating, Sex, Intimacy and Disabilities. Listen to the episode here.

Episode 7: Sex and BDSM

While many of your friends might shy away from talking about BDSM and kink, our speakers do not. Hear from fellow McGill members as they delve into some of the basics of BDSM and Kink, touching upon everything from a lesson on language and terminology to possible role-play scenarios and more. We also explore how the BDSM community models some of the most consensual sex out there, debunk some of the many misconceptions surrounding kink, and the role of popular culture in shaping our views on diverse sexual actions. Follow us as we navigate the exciting, engaging, and liberating world of BDSM and kink. Listen to the episode here.

Episode 8: Online Sexual Violence Education Modules

Big news - McGill has launched it’s first ever mandatory, online sexual violence education program for all students, staff and faculty. In this series, join us as we chat with the Dean of Students, Chris Buddle and Dr. Alex Leipins, Academic Associate with Teaching and Learning Services, about how this program came to be, what it includes and how to access the training, and much more. In the coming episodes, we will chat with students and Angela Campbell, Associate Provost (Equity and Academic Policies), about the program's rollout and how teaching and academic staff are involved with the online training. Listen to the episode here.

It Takes All of Us: A mandatory online sexual violence education program for the entire McGill community is based on Concordia University’s “It Takes All of Us – Creating a Campus Community Free of Sexual Violence”, which is based upon expertise provided by Jennifer (JD) Drummond, Sexual Assault Resource Centre (SARC) Coordinator, Concordia University, and other contributors, and developed by KnowledgeOne, Concordia University’s online education service provider. © Concordia University 2019.

Visit www.mcgill.ca/sv-education for all information related to the online educational program. You can also contact sv-education [at] mcgill.ca for any additional questions. Additionally, the OSVRSE offers drop-in hours during the Fall and Winter semester on Tuesday from 1-4 p.m. and Friday 10-1 p.m. for anyone impacted by sexual violence.

Episode 9: Enhancing the Frosh Experience

In this episode we are joined by Belanna, Maya, Evren, Ilan, and Kim, who are Coordinators (Coords) for Frosh 2019. Also joining us is Chris Dietzel, who is responsible for orientation education and training through Campus Life & Engagement (CL&E).

They, along with numerous other students and staff, are responsible for effecting necessary changes to the structure and meaning of Frosh to help foster safe(r) and more inclusive experiences for Froshies (the new students participating in Frosh) during Orientation Week.

These guest speakers discuss what it means to create a culture of consent, how to live a consent-based life during Frosh, the re-design of the Frosh student leader training sessions, and the incorporation of the new online mandatory sexual violence education prevention program It Takes All of Us.

Listen to the episode here.

Episode 10: Interview with the Shag Shop

SHAG?! You got it! In this episode we are joined by Leigh, from The Shag Shop - McGill's safer sex & health boutique and your resource for sexual health information.

Follow us this week as we chat about products, the launch of shop’s physical space in the Healthy Living Annex, 3600 McTavish Room 3100, and much more!

You can also visit www.mcgill.ca/shagshop for more information.

Listen to the episode here.

 

 

Episode 11: Queer History Month McGill

October marks the 2nd annual Queer History Month at McGill! The goal of 2SLGBTQIA+ History Month is to celebrate and highlight the history and achievements of these communities at McGill University and more broadly in Montréal, Québec and Canada.

Join us as we chat with Meyrem Benslimane, Equity Education Advisor and the founder of the month, about how the month came about, the many incredible collaborators and partners, how to get involved, and much more!

Resources mentioned in the episode include:
How students can request a name change on class lists, documents, etc. at https://www.mcgill.ca/student-records/personal-information/address
Center for Gender Advocacy: www.genderadvocacy.org/
Queer McGill: www.mcgill.ca/engage/support/queer-mcgill
Union for Gender Empowerment: www.facebook.com/UGEMcGill/
Queer Grad Club: www.facebook.com/thequeergradclub/
Subcommittee on Queer People McGill: www.mcgill.ca/queerequity/

Listen to the full podcast episode here

"What are gender pronouns?" is a short clip recorded with the founder of Queer History Month McGill. Listen to Meryem as she explains what the term means.

"The Term Non-Binary Explained in Brief" is a short clip where Meryem explains in-brief the term non-binary for our listeners.

Episode 12: Interview with Chez Stella

In this episode, we sit down with Sandra Wesley, Director General of Chez Stella. Created in 1995, Stella is a Montreal not-for-profit community organization dedicated to improving the quality of work and life for sex workers. In addition, part of their mandate includes educating the greater public on the different ways that sex work happens, as well as about the lived experiences of sex workers. We also wish to dispel the myth that sex workers are not a part of university campuses. You can visit their website for more information and access their support line at 514.285.8889.

Listen to the episode here.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Chez Stella
ConStellation magazine
ASTTEQ
Rézo Santé
Canadian Alliance for Sex Work Law Reform

**Please note that the views expressed in this episode belong solely to the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the larger institution.

 

Episode 13: McGill Students’ Nightline

In this episode, we are joined by Karter, Public Relations, of McGill Students’ Nightline. This is a free, confidential, anonymous, and non-judgmental listening service run by McGill students.

They aim to provide the community with a variety of support, which includes anything from information to crisis management and referrals. Join us as we learn about the history of Nightline, what they offer our community, and ways to get involved.

To contact Nightline call or text 514-398-6246. You can also visit their website for more information.

Listen to the episode here

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We want to hear from you!

Taking It All Off strives to be an accessible outlet for students and McGill members to share their knowledge, experiences and expertise on anything related to healthy relationships, sex positivity, love and much more. If you are interested in:

  • Taking part in one of our upcoming episodes
  • Have a question about something that was said on a show
  • Would like to submit and idea for an upcoming episode
  • Or anything else

Contact bianca.tetrault [at] mcgill.ca (Bianca Tétrault) or charlene.lewis [at] mcgill.ca (Charlene Lewis-Sutherland).

We would like to give a special thank you to CKUT for supporting us along our journey. Without them we would have been totally lost in the studio.To learn more about CKUT's services and the work that they do, visit their website here.

Webinars

Our office offers interactive webinars for students to learn about a wide variety of topics, including sexuality, safe sex, consent and healthy relationships. Webinars are offered throughout the year; upcoming and past sessions (with recordings) can be found below.

Sex and Healthy Relationships

Join us for this one-hour interactive online info session to learn more about respect and boundary setting in intimate and sexual relationships, whether these occur in person or online! In this session, the presenters will debunk myths about sex and sexuality, talk about red flags, power dynamics, and various ways in which to engage in relationships. Participants will be able to use the information to explore their own desires and boundaries and learn how to communicate and/or explore them further with their partner(s).

View webinar recording (Flash required)

Safer Sex

Join us for this one-hour interactive online info session to learn more about how to engage in diverse sexual activities in a safer way. In this session, the presenters will talk about sex toys, sexually transmitted infections and methods of protection, contraceptives, consent, and how to access the many resources on campus related to sexual health and well-being. Special focus will be placed on gendered dynamics and sexual diversity.

Presented in collaboration with the McGill Student Health Service.

View webinar recording (Flash required)

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