Podcast Episode Summary

Podcast: Bawdy Storytelling
Host: Dixie De La Tour
Episode: 43: ‘Sex & Politics’ (Jessica Cohen)
Release Date: October 10, 2018

Episode Overview

This episode’s core theme is the collision of sexual chemistry and political differences, told through the frank, funny, and intimately detailed personal story of Jessica Cohen. Against the backdrop of San Francisco’s sex-positive culture, Jessica recounts a charged romance with a politically opposite OkCupid date—a relationship that navigates stellar sexual connection, heated ideological clashes, and, ultimately, the practice of empathy across the “liberal/conservative” divide.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Introduction & Context (01:22–04:46)

• Dixie De La Tour sets the stage, introducing Jessica Cohen as the daughter of renowned sex surrogate Cheryl Cohen Greene, making Jessica a “second generation Bawdy storyteller.”
  • Memorable Quote: “Imagine your brother came and listened to you tell this story... They all came together because they're open minded, they're sex positive, and it's not weird when you talk about it all the time and you talk about it openly with your kids.” — Dixie (03:58)

Jessica Cohen’s Story: Sex & Politics

The Meet Cute and Early Chemistry (04:46–07:56)

• Jessica describes connecting on OkCupid after months of lackluster dates. She’s drawn in by a sharp opening message referencing Bernard Cornwell novels—a rare shared nerdy interest.

• Their first date at Cafe La Presse is filled with witty banter and anticipation.

• Jessica intentionally schedules a two-hour “escape” for herself, demonstrating online dating savvy.

  Quote:
  “An endless possibility of time will fuck you every time.” — Jessica (06:56)

The Car Ride: Political Lightning Strike (07:57–10:16)

• Leaving the date, Jessica accepts a ride with her prospective hookup—who promptly turns on Rush Limbaugh’s radio show.
• A fiery exchange ensues:
  • Jessica voices intense discomfort (“I can't believe we're listening to this asshole... This can't be taken seriously. This is some dangerous shit.” — 09:15)
  • He’s bewildered, seeing it as “comedy gold.”
• They both lay their cards on the table about their political identities—with Jessica launching into her liberal bona fides:
  • Quote:
    “I am an artist, an art teacher, a woman, a Jew raised by sex positive parents in Berkeley, fucking California. I can milk a goat, I can pluck a chicken and I can build a fucking cabin. Yeah, I'm a liberal.” — Jessica (09:44)

The Sex is “Off the Charts” (10:17–12:17)

• Despite different worldviews, lust prevails. The next scene is a wildly passionate bedroom encounter, which Jessica rates as the best oral sex of her life.
• Vivid, comedic description of the hookup:
  • “I'm white and black and flashing colors. And then suddenly I think I made a sound that's never been made before and I hear this hysterical laughter.” (12:01)
  • She suspects she might have squirted “for the one and only time” in her life.

Relationship Rhythms, Polyamory, and Intimacy Grows (12:18–13:33)

• Jessica describes their “perfect” poly arrangement: regular, no-strings sexual encounters, likened to “Chinese takeout with a side order of orgasm.” (12:56)
• Cuddling and emotional intimacy begin to creep in despite her original intent.

Vulnerability, Family, and Compassion (13:34–15:16)

• The Republican lover confides about family struggles—his brother's schizophrenia and the financial pressures on their aging single mother.
• Jessica refrains from politicizing the moment, showing care instead:
  • “You can only love them and give as much as you have to give.” (14:20)
• He later reveals involvement in 12-step recovery and considers reconciling with his ex-wife, leading Jessica to gracefully release him:
  • “You go make yourself happy, dude. And it's been wonderful. Thank you. And I'll miss it.” (15:10)

The Election Climax — Sex & Political Dissonance (15:17–15:45)

• As Obama’s reelection approaches, Jessica sends him a playful text:
  • “Hey, standing in line to cancel out your vote. How you doing?” (15:22)
• His reply? “Fuck you. What are you doing right now?” leading to passionate “election day humpy,” described as wild and almost animalistic. (15:30)

What She Learned: Empathy Beyond Boundaries (15:46–16:34)

• Jessica closes with an unexpected takeaway:
  • Meeting this man showed her that “for the very first time, I had met a Republican who I didn't think needed to be drowned in a lake.”
  • She reflects on the need to extend compassion outward, from our immediate family to the broader world, regardless of differences:
    • Quote: “Every time I meet anybody, that I just need to push that ring out a little further.” — Jessica (16:33)

Notable Quotes and Moments

• “It’s like Chinese takeout with a side order of orgasm.” — Jessica (12:56)
• “For the very first time, I had met a Republican who I didn't think needed to be drowned in a lake.” — Jessica (16:04)
• “He taught me something. And I've been thinking ever since then...every time I meet anybody, that I just need to push that ring out a little further.” — Jessica (16:33)

Important Timestamps

• [04:46] – Jessica begins her story: OkCupid, shared literary nerdiness, first date plan.
• [07:57] – The pivotal car ride and political clash (“Rush Limbaugh incident”).
• [10:17] – The first hookup; best oral sex ever.
• [12:18] – Jessica explains their poly arrangement.
• [13:34] – Confessions and vulnerabilities: Family and 12-step work.
• [15:22] – Election day showdown with a sexual twist.
• [16:33] – Jessica’s concluding reflection on compassion beyond political lines.

Tone & Style

The episode exudes bawdy, unfiltered, and self-aware humor—brisk, witty, and occasionally sentimental. Jessica’s storytelling is honest, earthy, and filled with vivid metaphors and comic exaggeration, embodying the ethos of Bawdy Storytelling’s sex-positive, nonjudgmental community.

Concluding Takeaway

Jessica Cohen’s story is a celebration of sexual agency, the complexity of modern relationships, and the possibility of finding connection—erotic and even empathetic—across deep political divides. Both hilarious and thoughtful, it urges listeners to expand their circles of care, even (and especially) when disagreement seems insurmountable.

For the full effect—laughter, explicit detail, and that unmistakably Bawdy honesty—don’t miss the episode itself.