On a recent episode of The Ellen Degeneres Show, the charismatic and ever-entertaining host sat down with the renowned sex educator, Sue Johanson. The interview was full of laughs, candid conversations, and insightful revelations about Johanson’s career and personal life.
Ellen began the conversation by expressing her admiration for Johanson and her work. She even mentioned that she had seen Johanson’s show multiple times and genuinely enjoyed it. Ellen, being the genial host that she is, kick-started the discussion by asking Johanson about her name – whether it was Sue or Su Joe. Johanson explained that her real name is Sujo Hansen, but they shortened it to Su Jo, much like the famous JLo.
As the conversation flowed, Ellen encouraged Johanson to share more about her profession as a sex educator and counselor. Johanson, a registered nurse, started a birth control clinic for teenagers in the health room of a high school. However, she soon realized that the students had more knowledge and experience in the realm of sex than she did, which prompted her to dive deeper into sex education. Johanson’s passion for helping others understand the intricacies of sex and relationships quickly became evident.
One of the intriguing aspects of Johanson’s approach is her authenticity and comfort level when discussing any topic related to sex. Ellen probed her about where this confidence comes from, to which Johanson attributed her age and the fact that she is often seen as a grandmotherly figure. She emphasized her non-judgmental stance, never criticizing or pointing fingers at anyone. Johanson believes that what is right for one person may not be right for another, and it is essential for individuals to make their own decisions.
Ellen connected this perspective to Johanson’s personal life, inquiring whether constantly talking about sex ever becomes tiresome. This led to a humorous exchange about the challenges of being enthusiastic when experiencing a leg cramp. Nevertheless, Johanson stressed that even if someone is not initially in the mood, once they delve into it, they may discover newfound enjoyment and desire.
The interview took a turn as Ellen transitioned to questions from the audience. One attendee asked about the concept of losing and regaining the sexual peak and whether there is an age difference between men and women in this regard. Johanson responded with a playful jest, stating that men never lose their sexual peak, while women experience it during various life stages. She highlighted the time just after giving birth and right before menopause as periods when women may feel a temporary decline in their sexual peak. However, Johanson assured everyone in the audience that the sexual peak can come back even stronger.
Another audience member inquired about how to communicate desires to a partner without making them feel inadequate. Johanson candidly advised that partners cannot read minds and need clear communication about what feels good. She humorously suggested physically guiding their hands and head to the desired places, letting actions speak where words might fail.
Lastly, someone asked Johanson how much sex is considered healthy in a week. Johanson’s response? As much as you can get! She amusingly explained that sex burns calories, so it’s a win-win situation. She did mention that the intensity and enthusiasm play a role in the calorie-burning experience, so a little gusto goes a long way.
Before wrapping up the interview, Ellen made sure to promote Johanson’s show, “Talk Sex with Sue Johanson,” which airs on the Oxygen Network on Sundays at 11 p.m. Clearly, Johanson’s expertise and approach to sex education have made her a beloved figure in the field, and her show continues to captivate audiences.
In conclusion, the conversation between Ellen and Sue Johanson on The Ellen Degeneres Show was engaging, light-hearted, and filled with valuable insights about sex education. Johanson’s expertise and relatability shone through, leaving both the studio audience and viewers at home wanting more of her wisdom and quirky sense of humor.
Originally aired on January 15, 2004
