Podcast Summary

Rena Malik, MD Podcast

Episode: How Extreme Environments Change Your Sex Drive (The Science Is Wild)
Date: December 12, 2025
Guest: Dr. Simon Dubé – Psychologist, researcher, and founder of Space Sexology

Episode Overview

In this episode, Dr. Rena Malik delves into the science and practical realities of human sexuality and intimacy in extreme environments—specifically, in space—with Dr. Simon Dubé, a pioneer of the new scientific field, space sexology. The discussion explores not only the logistical and physiological possibilities of sex in space, but also the psycho-social challenges, the role of technology and AI companions, and the implications for mental health and crew dynamics. They also touch on broader questions about our evolving relationship with technology and its interplay with human intimacy on Earth and beyond.

Key Discussion Points

1. What Is Space Sexology? (00:32–03:52)

• Definition: The comprehensive scientific study of intimacy and sexuality beyond Earth.
• Scope: Includes impacts of isolation, confinement, extreme environments ("ICE" environments), and technology on sexual and reproductive health—plus the broader questions about forming intimate relationships and reproduction in space.
• Quote:

  “Space sexology is the comprehensive scientific study of intimacy and sexuality beyond Earth.”
  — Dr. Simon Dubé (03:15)

2. Importance and Implications of Sexology Research in Space (04:00–06:51)

• Why Study This?:
  • Sexuality is a fundamental part of human well-being.
  • Managing risk (stress, mental health, reproductive risks, crew dynamics) and facilitating benefits (stress relief, morale, bonding).
• Realities for Space Missions:
  • Prolonged confinement with small crews makes sexuality and relationships major considerations for health and mission success.
• Quote:

  “We need to enable human sexuality for bonding, intimate relationships, reproduction in outer space ... we want to make sure that all of this doesn’t jeopardize the sexual and reproductive well-being of people who are going to live in space.”
  — Dr. Simon Dubé (04:03–05:44)

3. The Facts and Logistics: Can You Have Sex in Space? (08:12–15:54)

• Physical Possibility: Mechanically and physically possible for both solo and partnered sex—though challenging due to zero gravity, need for privacy, and hygiene protocols.

• Challenges:

  • Managing bodily fluids, lack of privacy, hygiene, need for special equipment (garments, straps, private pods).
  • Medical Risks: Radiation, dangers of pregnancy (highly discouraged), reproductive risks (ectopic pregnancy likely), negative findings from animal studies.

• Memorable Moments:

  “We have even the famous Mike Mullen, who admitted to having very intense erections aboard ... what some have called and coined ‘space Viagra.’”
  — Dr. Simon Dubé (08:36)

  “You don’t want semen to be flying around the crew.”
  — Dr. Simon Dubé (13:33)

4. Social and Psychological Realities (10:24–14:48)

• Attraction & Dynamics: Small, close-knit crews in stressful, high-stakes environments are ripe for attraction, crushes, and potentially jealousy or power dynamics.
• Mission Planning: Need to integrate intimacy management, relationship counseling, and contingency plans for potential interpersonal issues.
• Quote:

  “You’re putting together a recipe for people to be attracted to one another. These people have to work and live together in these very difficult environments.”
  — Dr. Simon Dubé (10:48–11:06)

5. Research in “Space Analogs”: Earth-Based Simulations (19:04–32:43)

• Space Analogs: Simulated missions in deserts, underwater habitats, and extreme environments help study crew dynamics, stress, sexual behavior, and adaptation.
• Preview of First Major Study: Dubé’s team coordinated with 200 scientists across 25 countries; findings will soon be published.
• Findings (Preview):
  • High stress and increased interpersonal tension over the mission duration.
  • Sexuality/desire is not suppressed, even in analog environments—people continue to engage in sexual behaviors.
• Quote:

  “People have desires, they engage in sexual behaviors alone in these environments ... it is going to be [an] historical first.”
  — Dr. Simon Dubé (22:28)

6. Technology and the Future of Human Intimacy (Aerobotics & Sextech) (32:43–38:10)

• Aerobotics: Study of human-machine erotic interactions (includes sex robots, chatbots, AI companions).
• Trends:
  • Growing interest in artificial partners—replika, character.AI, ChatGPT, etc.
  • Discussion about benefits and risks, including the need for responsible corporate development and ethical safeguards.
• Quote:

  “People are already developing intimate and sexual relationships with artificial partners.”
  — Dr. Simon Dubé (33:59–34:06)

7. Risks, Barriers, and Societal Change: AI Companions & Deepfakes (36:10–54:06)

• Potential Risks:

  • For most, artificial companions won’t replace real relationships, but for a vulnerable minority, there is risk of problematic behavior or addiction.
  • Companies developing these tools prioritize engagement and profit over user well-being.
  • Deepfake technology poses serious risks, including non-consensual sexual material and identity theft.

• Safeguards Needed:

  • Stricter content controls, watermarking, privacy tools, and anti-deepfake technologies.
  • Cautions against letting moral panic lead to regressive policies restricting sexual freedom.

• Quote:

  “They’re not developing these technologies with an incentive for well-being. They’re developing these artificial partners for maximum profit.”
  — Dr. Simon Dubé (37:41–37:48)

  “I think we also need to be very mindful that ... a lot of conservative power ... are trying to use these problems ... to push a more repressive agenda.”
  — Dr. Simon Dubé (51:59–52:15)

• Personal Example:
  Dr. Malik shares real-life issues with deepfake scams using her image, underlining the pressing reality of these technological threats (50:20–51:02).

8. Human-Robot Co-Evolution and Changing Sexual Development (56:11–70:21)

• Co-Evolution:

  • Technology is shaped by our sexual preferences, and in turn, modifies how we experience intimacy, both individually and as a society.
  • “Erotic multi-gen selection” — humans and machines will increasingly influence each other’s development.

• Impact on Youth:

  • Dr. Malik expresses concern: formative sexual experiences with AI and hyper-stimulating pornography may warp expectations for real relationships.
  • Education and digital literacy are crucial but challenging, especially with underdeveloped adolescent brains and the ease of access.

• Quote:

  “I think more and more we will see both of these experiences [AI and human] have different meanings and values, but be meaningful and significant in their sexual development.”
  — Dr. Simon Dubé (69:55–70:13)

  “The problem is not porn ... the problem is that we are not giving basic sex education.”
  — Dr. Simon Dubé (65:31–65:36)

9. Positive Potentials and the “Erotic Oracle” (73:34–76:03)

• The Upside:
  • Sophisticated AI “erotic oracles” could help people better understand their own sexuality, provide guidance, destigmatize diverse desires, and facilitate healthier relationships.
• Quote:

  “We are actually creating an almost all knowing machine that could be able to predict our erotic developmental trajectory and ... help us, guide us into our choices ... That’s a tremendous power and responsibility, but it could be one that is used for good.”
  — Dr. Simon Dubé (74:18–75:13)

10. Key Takeaways & Life Lessons (76:49–80:30)

• Primary Messages:
  • Human sexuality is core to who we are and will go with us wherever we go—even to space.
  • Technology and space give us the opportunity to reimagine intimacy, provided we develop these frontiers with care, ethics, and intention.
  • Listeners: Reflect on your own ideal of intimacy/sexuality, and be proactive in shaping your experience and well-being—on Earth or beyond.
  • Quote:

    “Sexuality is a profoundly human experience, and we take it everywhere we go. ... My last takeaway is more of a question: What is your ideal intimacy and sexuality?”
    — Dr. Simon Dubé (76:49, 77:39)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Space sexology is the comprehensive scientific study of intimacy and sexuality beyond Earth.”
  (03:15 – Dr. Simon Dubé)
• “You don’t want semen to be flying around the crew.”
  (13:33 – Dr. Simon Dubé)
• “We are actually creating an almost all knowing machine that could be able to predict our erotic developmental trajectory ... that’s a tremendous power and responsibility.”
  (74:18–75:13 – Dr. Simon Dubé)
• “The problem is not porn ... the problem is that we are not giving basic sex education.”
  (65:31–65:36 – Dr. Simon Dubé)
• “Technology and space offer tremendous opportunities to rethink how we do things, how we live, and therefore innovate. It’s not something that is done to us, it’s something that we create.”
  (77:26–77:39 – Dr. Simon Dubé)
• “So there’s good reasons to think this [AI sexual experience] could happen, but we will see.”
  (70:15 – Dr. Simon Dubé on future risks of AI-only sexual development)

Additional Highlights (Timestamps of Key Segments)

• Space Sexology Definition: 00:32–03:52
• Physical Possibility of Sex in Space: 08:12–15:54
• Major Safety & Ethical Concerns: 14:48–15:54
• AI Partners & Aerobotics: 33:03–38:10
• Deepfake/Identity Threats: 48:25–53:46
• AI and Sexual Development in Youth: 57:25–70:21
• Positive Social Consequences of AI (“Erotic Oracle”): 73:34–76:03
• Key Takeaways/Ethics: 76:49–80:30

Conclusion

Dr. Simon Dubé and Dr. Rena Malik combine empirical insights, theoretical reflections, and candid explorations of an often-taboo subject: sexuality in extreme and futuristic contexts, from the International Space Station to the age of sex robots and AI companions. Listeners come away with a nuanced understanding that sex, intimacy, and the desire for connection are enduringly human, demanding thoughtful integration into every environment—whether microgravity or the metaverse.

To learn more about Dr. Dubé’s work:

• Follow Simon Dubé on LinkedIn and check out his research with the Kinsey Institute and the Advanced Space Life Research Institute.
• Explore UCAM’s Department of Sexology for more on space sexology and aerobotics.

Summary by [Podcast Summarizer AI]