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“Why do we write? A chorus erupts. Because we cannot simply live.”
Patti Smith
Devotion (2017:93)
I am always looking for opportunities to collaborate with and contribute to on- and offline publications that reflect my vision for a more equitable and meaningful world. In the spirit of this, I am excited to announce my newest initiatives:
Published author and a contributing writer
for The Conversation, The Chorus and Be-Yourself
The Society for the Philosophy of Sex and Love
accepted as a member
Latest Online Publications and Features
America's Relationship Revolution: Women in midlife and beyond are a thing. Here’s why.
November 16, 2023
I wrote an article with Dr. Wednesday Martin on the cultural revolution, where women in midlife challenge ageist stereotypes by engaging in relationships with younger men, signalling a shift in societal perceptions of age, desire, and empowerment.
Creating Safe Spaces with Dr. Treena Orchard
November 6, 2023
Heather Stark continues our discussion on creating safe spaces in this article.
Stark Conversation with Dr. Treena Orchard- The Subjectivity of Safe
November 1, 2023
Heather Stark and I discuss my recently published paper that explores the subjectivity of safety on one college campus on her podcast.
Cat Person, 'charity sex' and why women sleep with men they don’t want to
October 27, 2023
I was featured in a Cosmopolitan article! The article discusses the topic of 'charity sex, ' as portrayed in the movie Cat Person.
Are We Dating The Same Guy? Online groups toe the line between protecting women and defaming men
October 4, 2023
I wrote an article with Western University Law Professor and Dean, Erika Chamberlain, sharing insights on the defamation lawsuit against the Facebook group, "Are We Dating the same Guy?"
The Sexy Times: Professor Treena Orchard—anthropologist, author and activist—talks digital dating.
September 21, 2023
I was a feature guest on Melanie Chambers’s podcast called The Sexy Times, where we discussed digital dating, swipe culture, and modern romance.
Cunnilingus
September 1, 2023
I was featured in an article by Lauren Katulka, discussing the origins and history of Cunnilingus.
SEX FILES: What is breadcrumbing? Experts speak out
August 27, 2023
I was featured in an interview by Simone Paget, Sex & Relationship Columnist for the Toronto Sun about online dating practices.
How safe and successful are dating apps in 2023?
August 21, 2023
I was interviewed by Devon Peacock on AM 980 about the Facebook group “Are WeDating the Same Guy, London, Ontario.
Defamation case underscores how reality is hard to discern in online dating, says anthropologist
August 18, 2023
I was interviewed by Colin Butler and featured in a CBC story about a lawsuit against the administrators of the popular Facebook group, “Are we dating the same guy? London, Ontario.”
New book highlights the dark side of dating apps
August 17, 2023
I was interviewed by Allison Devereaux of CBC London about the Facebook group “Are WeDating the Same Guy, London, Ontario”, where we talked about dating apps, safety, and my forthcoming book.
A Conversation with Dr. Wednesday Martin
June 13, 2023
Here’s an exciting IGTV I did with NYT-Best Selling Author Dr. Wednesday Martin. We talked about swipe culture, age hypogamy (older women, younger men relationships), dating, Jonah Hill, non-monogamy, and more!
As a recently single Toronto millennial, I dreaded finding love online. So I went speed dating.
April 15, 2023
In this article, I touch on the benefits of speed dating compared to using dating apps, which have run its course for a lot of people.
The 21 best second date ideas, according to relationship experts
March 30, 2023
Against all odds, you had a good first date, but now what? Here are some second date ideas from me and other relationship experts.
‘It’s not you, it’s the apps’: Western prof talks nuances digital dating
February 26, 2023
In this article, I talk about the nuances of dating in the world of academia.
Sexual Wellness Is Self-care: What Experts Want You to Know About It
February 24, 2023
Here’s a feature interview about sexual wellness, with Dr. Lori Brotto (Author, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of British Columbia, Executive Director of the Women’s Health Research Institute), for The Kit.
PAGET: The month of love brings on a plethora of pleasure
February 20, 2023
Here’s a feature interview by Simone Paget, Sex & Relationship Columnist for the Toronto Sun about sexual wellness for the story.
Dr. Treena Orchard discusses self-love and sexual wellness on The Morning Zoom with Sam & Jane
February 14, 2023
On The Morning Zoom with Sam & Jane, I spoke about the importance of self-love and why everyone should prioritize not only their partner, but also themselves.
Hour 3 – Valentine’s Day Edition: The Draft | Sex Wellness for Women | Wright or Wrong
February 14, 2023
Catch me on iHeart Radio’s Newstalk 1010 podcast where I talk about a study that shows Ontario women need to prioritize sexual wellness.
The Social – How Sexual Wellness Boosts our Health
February 3, 2023
It was thrilling to be a featured guest on Canada’s Top Lifestyle Television show The Social’s IGTV segment about promoting sexual wellness to reduce sexual stigma and help Canadian women have happier, healthier lives.
We’re All Strangers Until We Meet
Jan 26, 2023
I had so much fun with Simone Paget talking about relationships, men, sex, and the strangeness of modern courtship compared to the golden days of analog dating. Check it out!!
8 Real Stories From People Who Found Love Online After 40
January 22, 2023
Online dating over 40 can be a challenge, but it’s possible! Take it from me and 8 other people who have who have succeeded in finding love.
How to Take a Good Dick Pic, According to Experts
December 22, 2022
Bathroom selfies? No thank you. Check out some of my tips for a good dick pic, featured in Men’s Health!
5 Ways to Show Appreciation for Your Partner During the Holiday Season
December 7, 2022
Some tips to help your relationship all year round. Check out some ideas from me and other experts.
7 Ways to Show Gratitude for Your Partner This Thanksgiving
November 3, 2022
A little appreciation goes a long way, so check out some ideas from me and other experts
How Much Should You Tip Your Tattoo Artist? We’ve Got Answers For Ya
November 24, 2022
I was featured in an article on Cosmopolitan! If you’re looking to get a tattoo and want to learn about tipping etiquette, give it a read.
Letter to the Editor: Do labour negotiations have to be so painful?
November 21, 2022
Here’s a short piece that gets to the heart of what it felt like to live under the cloud of impending and stressful contract negotiations this term.
How to Be Happy and Enjoy Being Single (According to 9 Experts)
November, 2022
In this article, I along with 8 other experts share our insights and expertise on being happy and single.
2022 Best Female Scientists Ranking Highlights the Work of 1000 Spectacular Women
October 20, 2022
Research.com, the number one research portal for science rankings, just published a story about the contributions of women in science, including issues related to the gender gap. I’m honoured to take part in this important conversation.
Bumble to Tinder, how the world sees powerful women leading dating apps
October 17, 2022
My article on the patronizing portrayal of female CEOs got picked up by a few news sources, including The Print, The Free Press, Global Dating Insights, The Tolerance Webzine, Flipboard, Western News and News24!
Powerful women heading up dating apps are framed as young and sexy
October 17, 2022
Did you know that two women were running the biggest dating apps in the industry for a year? If you said no, you’re not alone. News agencies were covering these CEOs, but instead of leadership issues they focused on the women’s age, appearance, and “scandalous” pasts. Read our story to find out more!!
When did tracking a woman’s ‘body count’ become such a thing?
September 4, 2022
I was interviewed by Stylist on the sexist notion of ‘body counts.’
The Routledge Companion to Gender, Sexuality and Culture
September 2, 2022
Fresh off the presses, this cutting-edge collection of scholarship about gender, sexuality, and culture features a chapter written by me! It explored different aspects of my experiences using the Bumble dating app, including how platforms like these are flipping our sexual scripts and selling us dreams they may not always be able to follow through on. Curious, read more here!
Exploring the links between slang and sexual and gender-based violence among university students in a Canadian city
Aug 3, 2022
The first paper from my study about sexual cultures and sexual and gender-based violence among undergrads at Western University is out!
Older women and younger men, you say?
August 4, 2022
YES, I say. Check out my first academic publication about my dating app experiences, which is the only known example of using the divine feminine as a way to unpack ageism and intimacy within these unique relationship structures.
“We Cause a Ruckus”: Exploring How Indigenous Youth Navigate the Challenges of Community Engagement and Leadership
August 3, 2022
An article I co-wrote on a research project about mental health and community engagement with Indigenous youth in Kasabonika Lake First Nation.
Western University reports offer steps to address sexual violence
July 28, 2022
I’m honoured to be featured in this story about how Western University is preparing for the upcoming year in the aftermath of the alleged incidents of sexual and gender-based violence on campus last September.
Walking in each other’s shoes
June 27, 2022
A story that I wrote about gardening and getting to know my neighbours during the pandemic was published recently on the Medium publication Be Yourself.
Coping with Ghosting
June 26, 2022
I recently took part in the unique podcast that’s all about dealing with being ghosted on dating apps and other platforms, called Coping with Ghosting.
Gender, Sex and Tech
May 28, 2022
In early February of this year, I was a featured guest on the Gender, Sex and Tech. podcast hosted by Lisa Smith and Jill Fellows. Our discussion focused on my dating app research, which is featured in Sex and Tech: An Intersectional Feminist Guide to the Innovations that Shape Us, an exciting book that drops at the end of July!
Is low libido another symptom of the pandemic?
Jan. 30, 2022
Interview with Sputnik News, an international news agency, about how the pandemic is impacting people’s sex lives. Featured in the story Anyway, How is Your Sex Life? Due to Pandemic, ‘Collective Libido’ Seems to Have Plummeted.
Exploring the impacts of dating apps on mental health among adults
February 10, 2022
The folks at Gambling, Gaming and Technology Use and I got together for a webinar to speak about the impacts of digital technologies on mental health and addictions. Watch the presentation to learn more about the risks and benefits of using these apps and, specifically, how they affect the way our young people feel about themselves.
Sex & the City Reboot is more groan than groove, and misses the mark
December 21, 2021
Spoiler alert! The ladies are back and they are officially putting the “blah” in Blahnik. Read my new article in The Conversation about the epic fail of the reboot. Where’s the sex and saucy, smart dialogue? Where’s the fem-forward reflections on aging, race, and gender in the 21st century? And just like that, women need to find another show to see themselves represented in a realistic way.
Deconstructing Social Constructs: Their Origins, Their Impact & Their Solutions below.
November 27, 2021
I was proud and excited to partake in the When We Rise Conference, which featured various perspectives surrounding women’s health, gender issues and empowerment.
Chill Broad, Bitch Boi; Twink: What Sexual Slang Reveals About Gen Z'ers
Sep 5, 2021
Read my exploration into the words “kids these days” use to describe one another and the ways they interact in love, dating and sexual relationship.
Sex Files: The allure of the older woman
Oct 31, 2021
Read this fun article with the Toronto Sun’s Simone Paget where I talk about my experiences of being an “older woman” looking for love & sex on dating apps.
How To Make Your College More Equitable, Diverse, And Inclusive
Discover how to foster equity and inclusion on your campus. Over the past month, several publications have published rankings of colleges and universities, including scoring ethnic diversity and demonstrated commitment to inclusion. These rankings – and their implications – are fundamental to the success, desirability and culture of your campus. Within this Education Admin Web Advisor publication, I shed light on how you can make these crucial changes on your campus.
Leigh Cowart: Hurts So Good
November 22, 2021
On November 22, I will be joining Leigh Cowart to discuss the science behind the pleasure of pain. Learn about the temptation behind all things masochistic and magnificent.
Community conversations about rape culture on university campuses
September 2021
In light of recent events at Western University, I’ve published an article on The Conversation about the relationship between frosh week and rape culture, and what we can do to root out the toxic factors that perpetuate this form of violence. In response to my article, several news outlets reached out to chat about my views surrounding Oweek and the toxic attitudes and events that are so prevalent during the first week back on campus.
Western students decry toxic party culture following OWeek sexual assault allegations
October 7, 2021
Feature interview with Angel Xing, a journalist at The Charlatan newspaper at Carleton University, focused on The Conversation article I wrote about the link between frosh week and rape culture.
Brian Bourke from 570 News in Kitchener
Check out one – or all – of my conversations about how this university tradition is creating a breeding ground for dangerous behaviours and gender-based violence:
September, 2021
Bill Kelly from Global News
London Morning with Rebecca Zandbergen (CBC News)
Western University Should Cancel Frosh Week
September 19, 2021
In light of recent events at Western University, I’ve published an article on The Conversation about the relationship between frosh week and rape culture, and what we can do to root out the toxic factors that perpetuate this form of violence.
SEX FILES: Not app-gain! The continuous disappointments of app-dating
September 6, 2021
My online dating experiences have now made an appearance within the Toronto Sun. Read about how “flat” and repetitive the user experience has become in the very strange terrain of app-based romance with an article published by my friend Simone Paget.
From Hot Girl To Gone Girl: Five Dating Takeaways From Summer 2021
September 2, 2021
When Covid-19 cases began dropping, it felt safe to imagine life on the other side of lockdown. The hot girl summer was ours, so the saucy “vaxxed and waxxed” memes said…
Read how much my tepid summer experiences differed from the promise of scorching sexy times via my new article published in Your Tango.
“It wasn’t a dramatic blow-up that almost crushed my relationship, it was…” These tips may help you survive the Covid relationship rollercoaster:
Apr 24, 2021
Slow your response time…
Don’t interpret your partner’s behaviour…
Map out your communication plan…
Despite living in a sex-obsessed society, we rarely talk about our erotic lives in ways that foster meaningful intimacy…
April 22, 2021
Read my new article via The Conversation to explore how we may establish a sense of closeness, even from a distance.
Marketing or Reality: Is Bumble a Feminist App?
April 9, 2021
Even from the safety of my own home, I have travelled to Spain!
Check out my feature interview in Ara, Spain’s leading newspaper in the Catalan language! It explores different angles of Bumble feminism, on the dating app and the boss lifestyle brand that’s made CEO Whitney Wolfe Herd the youngest self-made female billionaire.
Listen up to “Sex Work in the City“ with the fabulous podcast team at Cheating On Fear
March 31, 2021
In this new podcast, I speak to my research into sex work, the invisible labour that many woman have to endure by virtue of their gender, how the patriarchy hurts everyone, and how a common tactic of conflating something horrible with something potentially innocuous can lead to a divisive battle, even when everyone is trying to “do the right thing.”
What’s on the agenda for today? Digital Gender Dynamics via Zoom
Feb 3, 2021
My colleague, Shauna Burke, and I were invited onto tvo’s The Agenda to talk more about our research into the ways our new Zoom-dominated lives may be affecting and/or reflecting gender inequality. You can catch the entire episode here and join in the conversation via Twitter – it’s bumpin’!
Tune into & turn up my podcast with Cheating on Fear
Jan 27, 2021
During our convo, we chat about my upcoming #Bumble book, sexuality, online gender dynamics and more. Give us a listen and let me know what you think about our different perspectives and the way we put this awesome podcast to werk.
Money, Agency, and Self-Care among Cisgender and Trans People in Sex Work
December 29, 2020
Check out my new publication with three amazing colleagues who took part in a collective study about sex work, health and social services in the Kitchener-Waterloo region. It explores how cis and transgender people in sex work experience different issues in relation to money, agency and self care. This is a novel contribution to the research literature that I am proud of.
Interview: The gender dynamics that play out on Zoom
2020
My colleague, Shauna Burke, and I teamed up with 570 News to chat about the article we published regarding how men’s and women’s behaviours differ on the digital meeting platform, Zoom. In case you missed it, we’ve provided the audio below, so you can listen in and send us your thoughts about the patterns you have (not) noticed during online conversations. Click below and enjoy!
On Zoom, men don’t like feeling watched & judged, but women are used to it
December 1, 2020
In my new post via The Conversation, my colleague and I use our combined observations of hundreds of Zoom meetings and scholarly insights from the fields of anthropology and psychology to explore how gender dynamics play out on Zoom and the transformative impact of digital platforms on our work environments and identities.
Read more about why we think men use formal backgrounds more than women and what implications this interesting online trend has.
Revisiting the fears of Covid-19: What was life like six months ago?
Nov 13, 2020
Back in May, at the height of the pandemic, I penned my feelings about our drastic change in routine and the uneasiness brought with it. I chatted about privilege, Shoppers Drug Mart and the ways we’ve become totally distanced – not just physically – from one another.
Now that the numbers are rising again, I wanted to revisit this piece and the feelings contained within in. Are we headed towards another lockdown and, with it, the exhaustive discomfort of navigating a new normal we all hate?
Why Am I Obsessed with Big Little Lies?
Oct 29, 2020
Read about female friendship, competition & the ways TV can reflect our versions of ourselves – even when they tote bleach blonde dos and murderous plots.
Equity Champion: Treena Orchard
October 2020
During the month of October 2020, Western University’s Faculty Association published their newest edition of faculty times. Within the magazine, they featured yours truly as the university’s Equity Champion, so I had the opportunity to talk about what that means to me and which role(s) it plays in my life.
Let’s chat human rights and the way our struggle to access and uphold equity (re)shapes our lives.
Learn about the “Quaranfling”
October 23, 2020
From the #socialdistancing safety of my laptop and new home, I participated in a forum discussion about dating during #covid19 and how that may influence our choices, actions and prospects.
We recorded the whole thing, so you can tag along our talking venture and provide feedback on how your #pandemic #dating is going. Take a listen and let me know what you think & if you have any tips for those looking for #love from under their masks and behind their computers.
7 Reasons Dating Younger Men is a Smart Choice
Oct 8, 2020
It’s time to throw away the tired cougar stereotypes that used to dominate narratives surrounding women who are romantically linked to a handsome, younger man (or men plural). From the sexy fun to the unique sense of confidence they exude, read about why I enjoy dating men who are 10-15 years than me.
May my new story inspire you to broaden your dating horizons, and age gap, should you be looking for love, sex or something else.
Flushing My Stresses Away: Bathrooms as Spaces of Self-Recovery & Solace During Covid
Sep 17, 2020
I transformed last week’s blog into a publication on Be-Yourself-A-Medium Magazine. This reflexive, tender piece reviews how an unassuming room- the bathroom- can be a space of solace and healing.
Thanks to Covid-19 and the need to isolate, to the level of a bubble, finding accessible places to ground ourselves is vital! Let me know how your relationships with everyday spaces has changed too. Remember, we’re all in this together…but just separately.
Women Who Roar Instagram Feature
2020
I was so excited to be featured by #forwomenwhoroar. This well-respected, fem-forward publication is amplifying the voices of women who refuse to go quietly into the night.
Valentine’s Day: Gen Z avoids committed relationships, prefers casual hookups
February 10, 2020
Read my article, “Reflections on a Date Gone Wrong,” via the wonderful website CHORUS.
Bumble article comments indicate the rise of a far-right feminist-backlash
September 30, 2019
On the Bumble Dating app, it’s the woman who decides. But are men ready for this?
Love and desire on the internet: men are not ready to be hit on by women!
August 15, 2019
On the Bumble Dating app, it’s the woman who decides. But are men ready for this?
Love, lust and digital dating: Men on the Bumble dating app aren’t ready for the Queen bee
July 28, 2019
I was invited to contribute to The Conversation Canada: Academic Rigour, Journalistic Flair.
Gen Z Hookup Culture
February 11, 2020
I was interviewed by Chris dela Torre of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation show, The Afternoon Drive
Sitting with Sallie guest Treena Orchard
June 4, 2019
Featured guest on Sittin’ with Sallie, a Shaw Cable talk show in Kenora, Ontario (Channel 10). We discussed my Bumble dating app research and forthcoming book
'Sticky, sexy, sad': Western researcher shares dating app experience
April 29, 2019
I was featured in a Front Page story by Randy Richmond of the London Free Press.
LFP LONGFORM: Is publicly naming sex buyers wise or reckless?
March 8, 2019
I was featured in story by Randy Richmond of the London Free Press by Dale Carruthers
Myth: Girls don't masturbate
February 16, 2019
I was interviewed and featured in a story by Taniya Spoila of the Western Gazette.
Exploring the STI testing stigma
November 4, 2016
I was interviewed by Grace To of the Western Gazette and featured in a story.
What it's like to be a sex worker on Valentine's Day
May 23, 2018
I was interviewed by Kristen Lee of the Western Gazette and featured in a story.